Smart Scheduling
Your schedule will be a guide you will follow in your efforts to meet your goals when things go as smooth as a well-oiled engine...and when the train runs off the track! Creating a workable schedule takes planning, perseverance and flexibility; but it doesn't have to be complicated.
You will find a wide variety of planners and organizers available to homeschoolers, many designed by homeschoolers themselves. We are certainly an inventive group! First decide whether you prefer a paper or computer planner. When looking over your options, make sure the planner you choose does things your way. Are you going to have to change your method to fit the planner? If so, find a new one! Other questions to ask: Is it overly complicated? Will it be a burden more than a help? Is it reusable each year? Does it fit your lifestyle? (If it fits in a binder and you prefer to carry it with you ... there's a problem!)
Homeschool planning and record-keeping software. When we first started homeschooling, there was one tried-and-true record-keeping software program. Now there are several good options available. Most of these programs combine the tasks of scheduling/planning and record keeping. Many offer demos or on-line tours so you can at least see the product before you buy. Make sure the program doesn't require you to enter information that doesn't fit your lifestyle. Most of these programs need to be compatible with the laws in all fifty states. Some of the states require keeping track of the number of hours you homeschool, for example. If that is not the case for you, make sure the program you will be using doesn't require you to enter that information.
- Edu-Track
Comes highly recommended by trusted names in the homeschool community. Demo CD $5. - Homeschool Easy Records
The granddaddy of them all. Easy and reliable. Recently released new edition. - Homeschool Tracker
Basic edition is free for download with no strings attached and no expiration date. Great way to see if the full version is for you!
Paper planners. These can range from black-line masters you copy to elaborately bound planners rivaling some of the office planners on the market. There are far too many options to list; however, here are some unique offerings that regularly receive good reviews.
Free on-line forms. If you are like most people, you'll end up doing it yourself! We are all so unique there is probably a unique planner for each of us! So if you are ready to build your own, download the free resources at these sites...then tweak!
- Homeschool Planning Forms and Helps
Extensive collection of planning and scheduling forms from Donna Young. - Teacher Planning and Organization Forms
Free planning forms from Highland Heritage.