The Best Homeschool Planner for Multiple Students
Having a hard time lesson planning? This is the best homeschool planner for multiple students! It is simple and easy to use and can be implemented as your own planner, whether it be as an elementary school, middle school, high school planner, or even for all three! This digital download has an editable version that will make it the right planner for your family.
Table of Contents
I have been at this for a while and when I was first starting out, I searched high and low for a simple homeschool planner that made sense and was easy to use. I found a family planner that I actually liked at ALDI. The layout was perfect and I was able to write out my weekly lesson plans in a simple way. Not to mention, I am one of those that loves a paper planner! However, I found it pretty daunting to constantly rewrite the daily schedule each and every week. This led me to sorting through different options online. The different types of homeschool planners I would come across, seemed to be geared to one childs daily lessons at a time, with plenty of space for unnecessary things, and little for unique needs.
This left me creating a great printable planner, for our homeschool lessons. I developed a digital planner that had room for record keeping such as: attendance record, to-do list, weekly checklist, a book log, and possibly even weekly meal plans if I wanted!
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How to Homeschool Multiple Children at Once
I have been homeschooling my children for over 7 years now. At this point in our homeschool life I am homeschooling one that is in his high school years, a middle schooler, and one that is in elementary school. We have found the perfect ebb and flow for our homeschool days that works for us. But I will tell you that this was not always the case. It took some time to find that rhythm, and I promise if you just hang in there, you will find it too. For a more indepth look at how I teach major subjects to multiple grade levels, check out this post: Homeschooling Techniques: Teaching Major Subjects to Different Ages. Here are some tips that can help homeschool families in their curriculum planning for their homeschool year:
Understand Your Child’s Natural Rhythm
Observation and Adaptation: Each child has their own natural rhythm of high and low energy periods. Observe when your child is most alert and receptive, and schedule the more challenging subjects during these times.
Flexibility is Essential: Homeschooling allows for flexibility in scheduling. Be prepared to adjust your plan based on your child’s mood and energy levels throughout the day.
Create a Routine, Not a Strict Schedule
Establish Consistency: Children thrive on routine. Begin each day at a set time and follow a regular sequence of activities. This predictability helps children feel secure and focused.
Avoid Over-Scheduling: While routines are important, ensure there is ample time for free play and exploration, which are crucial for development.
Incorporate Different Learning Styles
Use Varied Teaching Methods: Employ a mix of instructional techniques such as reading, hands-on activities, educational videos, and online resources to accommodate different learning styles.
Include Physical Activity: Regular breaks for physical activity can enhance concentration and overall well-being, whether it’s a walk outdoors or a short exercise session.
Set Clear Goals and Objectives
Establish Daily and Weekly Goals: Begin each week by setting clear objectives. Break these down into daily goals to provide a sense of direction and achievement.
Review and Reflect: Regularly assess what has been accomplished and what requires more attention. This reflection supports ongoing improvement in the learning process.
Allocate Time for Socialization and Extracurricular Activities
Encourage Social Interaction: Plan opportunities for playdates, extracurricular classes, or meetups with other homeschooling families. Developing social skills is equally important alongside academic learning.
Explore Personal Interests: Foster your child’s hobbies and interests beyond core academics to promote a well-rounded education.
Include Practical Life Skills
Integrate Life Skills Education: Involve your child in daily chores and activities such as cooking, budgeting, gardening, and basic household repairs. These skills are valuable and can be integrated into the learning experience.
Learn from Real-World Experiences: Everyday tasks like grocery shopping can serve as valuable lessons in budgeting and nutrition, enriching the educational journey.
Conclusion
Structuring a homeschool day requires finding a balance between structure and flexibility. By understanding your child’s rhythms, establishing consistent routines, and incorporating diverse learning activities, you can create a fulfilling homeschooling experience that fosters a love for learning. Remember, the goal goes beyond completing tasks—it’s about nurturing curiosity and growth. With the right approach, homeschooling can be a rewarding journey for both you and your child.
Creating a homeschool planner for multiple students involves organizing various aspects to ensure each child’s academic progress is tracked effectively.
How do I make a homeschool plan?
Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you set up a homeschool lesson planner should you want to develop your own:
1. Cover Page
- Include the academic year or semester.
- Name of each student.
2. Introduction
- Brief overview of homeschooling goals and methods.
- Contact information.
3. Academic Calendar
- List holidays, breaks, and important dates.
- Schedule for field trips or special activities.
4. Curriculum Overview
- Include subjects for each student.
- Textbooks, online resources, or materials used.
5. Weekly Schedule
- Template showing each day of the week.
- Time slots for each subject or activity.
- Flexibility for adjustments.
6. Daily Lesson Plans
- Detailed plans for each subject.
- Objectives, activities, and resources.
- Space for notes or adjustments.
7. Attendance Tracker
- Record daily attendance for each student.
8. Progress Tracking
- Assignments completed.
- Grades or assessment results.
This is an example of how I use the schedule for homeschooling multiple grade levels.
9. Extracurricular Activities
- Sports, arts, music lessons, etc.
- Schedule and progress notes.
10. Field Trips and Outings
- Plan and document educational trips.
11. Health and Wellness
- Record physical activities.
- Health notes or concerns.
12. Evaluator-Teacher(Parent) Communication Log
- Notes on discussions with teachers or tutors.
13. Special Needs or Accommodations
- Individualized plans for each student if applicable.
14. Resource List
- Books, websites, local resources, etc.
15. Goal Setting and Review
- Long-term and short-term goals for each student.
- Review progress regularly.
Tips for a Great Planner
- Customization: Tailor the planner to fit your family’s specific needs and preferences.
- Digital Options: Consider using digital tools or apps for easier updates and sharing.
- Consistency: Establish routines and review your planner regularly to ensure goals are being met.
By structuring your homeschool planner with these elements, you can effectively manage and track the education of multiple students while providing flexibility to adapt as needed throughout the academic year.
Free Homeschool Schedule Template Printable PDF
Download your copy of the Weekly School Schedule with examples filled in here. This will allow you to fill it in on your computer. You can change any of the fields online using google sheets.
Download a blank pdf of the Weekly School Schedule to print and fill out by hand here.
Other Great Homeschooling Posts
How I Make Homeschooling Different Ages Work.
Things I Learned About The Amish Culture
Homeschooling Techniques: Teaching Major Subjects to Different Ages