There you are sitting at your desk or table, planning what you will or won’t teach your kids this year at your homeschool. You’ve got your list of books that other people recommend, what your Mother in Law thinks your kids should learn, your list of what they should learn in their given grade, and everything in between. Finally, looking at the stack in front of you, you sigh and walk away. Planning your homeschool curriculum shouldn’t be a huge chore but unfortunately for most of it, it often becomes just that. If you’re having trouble planning your own curriculum these 4 Curriculum Planning Options for the Planning Challenged might be just what you need.
4 Homeschool Curriculum Planning Options for the Planning Challenged
Homeschool Manager – If you’re the type that does well with an online system, HomeschoolManager.com or another online lesson planner might be just what you need. They usually have a calendar that is easy to edit, grade book to track grades, report cards and more. They can run around $40 or so per year usually so be sure to account for that in your homeschool budget.
One of the great things about online homeschool planners is that everything is easily accessible at a glance. From attendance to grades and curriculum, it’s all there with just a few clicks. I also like that I can access them from anywhere!
Teacher Lesson Book – Another option that isn’t quite as costly is to buy a teachers’ lesson planner. These run around $10 each and can help you keep track of what each of your kids are learning and when. These do take more time and effort to plan with though so be sure you’re up to the task.
With these, you can track curriculum, grades and attendance however they can be confusing if you’ve never used them before.
Pick a Curriculum that Plans it for you – We use the Abeka Curriculum (for now!) and I love that they have it all planned out and organized for you. They plan it by day so you just pull up what day you are on and you know what you are teaching.
Simply Don’t – While I prefer a more structured approach and my kids do as well, for some, not planning a homeschool curriculum is best. Unschooling is child led without a main curriculum to use. Be sure to do your research before you embark on an unschooling journey and that everyone in your home is fully on board with the decision.
Homeschooling is supposed to be a more fun, lighter method of teaching and learning. Don’t let yourself get weighed down by the weight of planning. Take it one step at a time and before long? You’ll be a pro at planning your own homeschool curriculum!
Victoria Wagenaar says
I am so glad to have come upon your site. I too am a wife of a former Navy sailor. I stay at home for my family too. We have 4 kids as well. We started homeschooling our 16 year old. Any advise on a high school planner. He either wants to go into the Navy or be a civilian deisel mechanic.