Homeschool Lesson Plans and Planners
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Planning Your Homeschooling Year - Getting it Organized and Making it Fun
Whether you're a newcomer or a veteran homeschooler, planning and organizing your homeschool curriculum and program for the year can certainly be a challenge. Our favorite choice for planning is The Full-Year Notebook System, a resource designed by experienced homeschool mom, Julie Anderson.Â
Read on. You'll learn more about Julie, how she came up with her practical solution to organizing her own children's curriculum, why The Full-Year Notebook System works, and how it can work for you.Â
We'll also share with you other options for planners and planning as well as more terrific resources to help make your homeschooling experience a great one, even a fun one, for both you, the parent-teacher, and your students, your own special children.
The Full-Year Notebook System
by Julie Anderson
Are you spending way too much time on lesson plans? Are you only one step ahead of your children's schoolwork? Do you ever feel like you are teetering on the edge of a home school disaster? I felt like I was constantly behind and was never going to catch up.I had unexpectedly became a single mom and the sole provider for my family. I knew that one of my highest priorities was to continue homeschooling but I was not sure this would be possible while working a full-time job. I was determined to try to find a solution. And I did.
I created notebooks for my children which contained all of their schoolwork for the entire year. I had a reference page which held the important weekly information so we could each quickly see what work was to be completed that week. Everything was self-contained. It even included library and living books that had no curriculum or instructions with it. I had figured out a way to include any resources of any type and a way to work with any home school model such as classical education, unit studies, unschooling, etc. Best of all, my children could get started with their schoolwork without needing me to tell them what to do!
Friends of mine asked me to create a class which would teach them how to make notebooks for their children. In putting together that class, I was able to produce a set of materials which anyone could use to create notebooks for their own children. This is a simple program which includes step-by-step instructions and worksheets for both analyzing your time and resources as well as worksheets to include in your children's notebooks for subjects that don't fit well into "regular" school such as field trips, music lessons, service opportunities and more.
One of its best features is that it doesn't take a semester to learn; in fact, you could download it today and be implementing it tonight. If last semester didn't go as well as you would have liked, then get started right away with The Full-Year Notebook System.
For a more detailed look at The Full-Year Notebook System, click here.
P.S. Julie is having a sale! Get 25% off the regular price of The Full-Year Notebook System when you visit today!
Shop and Compare - More Homeschool Lesson Planners
Find a planner, organizer, or calendar that fits your style.
The Ultimate Homeschool Planner: The Last Planner You Will Ever Need
The Ultimate Homeschool Plan Book is just what it sounds like--the last planner you will ever need to purchase!
Featuring ready-to-copy pages, this attractive planner can be used year after year after year. Simply choose which of the forms and sheets will be beneficial for you,make copies, and your set. And since you can photocopy and customize and change your planner from year to year, you will never have to purchase another! In addition to the every-imaginable worksheet and planning tool, THE ULTIMATE HOMESCHOOL PLAN BOOK features loads of articles to help guide you on your journey. You'll find article on how to schedule, how to balance your homeschool, organizing the home, budgeting your money and much more. After all we talked to hundreds of homeschoolers to find out what they wanted and needed in order to efficiently plan their homeschooling year. Then we created this planner to fill that need.
Amazon Price: (as of 07/11/2009) 
2008 Amy Knapp's Homeschooling Organizer Calendar
The only homeschooling organizer for this rapidly growing market. Homeschooling families are the fastest growing trend in education and are an underserved market. Over 2 million children (grades K-12) are homeschooled in the U.S. and that number is on the rise. Many homeschooling families have asked for a tool like Amy Knapp's Family Organizer to help them meet all their organizing and record-keeping needs. Includes:
-one easy source for family and homeschool organizing
-simple-to-use weekly grid for lesson planning and scheduling
-reproducible forms for homeschool monitoring
-basic guide for homeschool resources
Amazon Price: $10.19 (as of 07/11/2009)
The Scholastic Teacher Plan Book Updated
teacher-created, deluxe planner with larger planning pages, sturdy storage pockets, and helpful resource pages, including a multi-year calendar, reproducible forms, student planning pages, national standards, Bloom's Taxonomy, and much more!
Amazon Price: $9.22 (as of 07/11/2009)
Lesson Plan and Record Book
his one book has it all--weekly lesson plan pages and class record sheets that cover 7 different subjects for two 20-week semesters. The class record section is set up so that a student's record for an entire quarter of 10 weeks can be read on facing pages. Plus helpful ideas and handy reference materials.
Amazon Price: $8.79 (as of 07/11/2009)
How to Create a Homeschool Transcript
The last, and most important, step in recordkeeping.
Fearing the high school transcript stage? I did, too. We got ours done, but I wish I had had access back then to the ebook my friend, Lee Binz, has recently published.
Lee is a homeschool consultant, owner of The HomeScholar and mom of two homeschooled sons. She learned how to convert four years of independent homeschooling into transcripts that earned both of her sons full-tuition scholarships at their first choice university! After many, many "How did you make such a great transcript?" questions, Lee has put this valuable information into a very reasonably priced ebook, available now.
I know Lee and can promise that she does top-notch, high-quality work. If you need to make a high school transcript for your homeschooled children, and you will, I would urge you to check out her book. Don't put it off; time flies so fast when you're homeschooling and you'll need this information before you know it.
Check out The Easy Truth About Homeschool Transcripts today!
The Teacher's Calendar
Like unit studies? Love to celebrate?
Here's some of what was included in the 2007-2008 edition:
September 15, Independence Day for five Central American countries--Create their flags and talk about their distinctive cultures.
January 24, 100th anniversary of the first Boy Scout troop--Explain how the ideals behind the Scout's Pledge can be used in everyday life.
February 16, 40th anniversary of the first 911 call--Make "Call 911" magnets to place by the phone.
April 30, Día de los niños, de los libros (Children's Day, Book Day)--Share a folk tale in both English and another language.
June 25, Eric Carle's birthday--Visit eric-carle.com to learn the creative processes of the master children's books illustrator.
These are just a few of the days that will inspire endless ideas for your K-8 classroom. Inside you will find hundreds of new entries, as well as 5,000 holidays and events, astronomical data, 50 Curriculum Connections and more.
The Teacher's Calendar School Year 2008-2009: The Day-by-Day Almanac of Historic Events, Holidays, Famous Birthdays and More!
Amazon Price: $15.56 (as of 07/11/2009)
For nine years, K-8 teachers, librarians, and other educators have turned to The Teacher's Calendar to capture the attention of their students. The Teacher's Calendar offers innovative classroom ideas for every day of the year, from August 1 to July 31. Each page is packed with suggestions for class activities, bulletin boards, and school calendars. Fifty sidebars highlight specific dates and provide curriculum ideas, lists of appropriate books, and related websites.
Written by the in-house staff of Chase's Calendar of Events as well as with the contributions of writers specializing in child education.
Keeping Your Family Organized
The Best 2009 Calendars for Moms and Families
Mom's Family Calendar 2009
A perennial bestseller, and my personal favorite, a calendar that looks great and is indispensable for families on the go. Mom's starts in September and runs 16 full months. Spreads feature an oversized, vertical grid with five columns across (one for each family member) and the days of the month running down the left side. With just a glance, Mom and Dad can see who is doing what, and when. Includes a new drop-down storage pocket, plus 500 stickers and a write-on, wipe-off magnetic phone list for the fridge.
Amazon Price: $12.99 (as of 07/11/2009)
Mom's Plan-it Plus 2009 Calendar: With Magnetic Hanger
A new favorite, Mom's Plan-It Magnetic Mount Wall Calendar: This best-selling organizer is the perfect 17-month planner for busy Moms. A handy storage pocket, built-in magnetic hanger, 442 stickers, and extra-large grid all make it a breeze for Mom to keep track of up to five family members. Two tabbed quick-reference contact sections keep everyone's information handy. Finally, a calendar that keeps Mom's whole world together! August 2008 through December 2009.
Amazon Price: (as of 07/11/2009)
Planning for Facts, Dates, Names, Places and More
Need information fast? Check out this great resource.
Did you ever need a quick list of names or dates and wish you had that information available quickly, in one place, easy to grab, right at your fingertips? You're not the only one, and one homeschool mom has put it all together to benefit us all.The Homeschooler's Book of Lists
by Sonya Haskins is an indispensible reference tool that every homeschool mom, teacher, or parent needs. Topics include history and government, math, religion, science, geography, great people, quotations and speeches, the arts and much more. The book contains over 250 lists including important dates in history, famous scientists, major inventions, mathematical formulas, word origins, linguistic terms, biblical timeline, and many more.Two chapters are specifically devoted to help you as a home educator better plan and organize your thinking, schoolwork, and resources. For this, there are lists on homeschool methods, reading lists for various age groups, and checklists you can use to keep track of books you have to make it easier when you go to used curriculum sales.
Using the CD that's included, you can copy lists for your own home use, family use, or even for classes you might teach in a co-op setting. It doesn't get any easier than this!
Read more about The Homeschooler's Book of Lists
and see for youself how this terrific reference book can benefit you and your children or students. (You don't have to be a homeschooler to use it!) The How, What, and Why of Choosing Curriculum for Your Homeschool
There's more to it than just picking out books.
You know you want to teach your kids at home, but what should your focus be and what curriculum should you use? While it's a bit beyond the scope of this page to discuss how to choose a homeschool curriculum, there are a number of very excellent resources that address that topic and do it much better than I could do it here.
Below are some great resources for both new and seasoned homeschoolers, those who have curriculum, are trying to decide on a homeschool curriculum, or maybe need a change or a reminder of why they're homeschooling in the first place.
If you've used and like one of these books, click on the arrow to vote it up on the list. Don't see your favorite resource? Feel free to add it here, or mention it in a comment below.
Books from my Favorite Homeschool Author
Ruth Beechick is my all-time favorite homeschool author.
You Can Teach Your Child Successfully: Grades 4-8
This was my go-to book, the book I turned to when I was discouraged or just didn't know if I was "covering enough." Ever ask yourself that question? Then you need this book. I literally wore out my copy, but I'll be keeping it forever as a reminder of the success of our homsechooling experience.
Amazon Price: $11.20 (as of 07/11/2009)
Strong Start in Language: Grades K-3 (Three R's Ser.)
Amazon Price: (as of 07/11/2009)
Heart and Mind: What the Bible Says about Learning
Amazon Price: $9.59 (as of 07/11/2009)
The Three R's
Amazon Price: $9.60 (as of 07/11/2009)
A Biblical Home Education: Building Your Homeschool on the Foundation of God's Word
Amazon Price: $11.24 (as of 07/11/2009)
Planning for Math?
When you're making your math lesson plans, include this great resource.
Got math? Then you need math worksheets. Where to get them? Why, from The Math Worksheet Site, of course!The Math Worksheet Site is not a collection of worksheets. It is a web site that creates the worksheets you want when you want them according to the criteria you specify. This way you can add the practice that your student needs to a curriculum you already like, or you can be freed from the constraints of a workbook or textbook that gives either too much or too little practice if you'd rather direct the studies yourself.
The worksheets are generated on-the-fly on the server. Each worksheet that is created will have a new arrangement of problems, or new problems altogether, depending on the type of worksheet. This ensures that students learn the concept, not simply memorize the order of the answers on the page.
From counting to quadratic equations, The Math Worksheet Site has the worksheets you need, so why not take a look?
Planning for P.E.
Get Fit and Have Fun with Homeschool Physical Education - the Chicken Fat Way!
What workout is quick and fun for the whole family, requires no equipment (though if you don't have carpet you might want an exercise mat
You'll find a selection of "Go You Chicken Fat, Go!" recordings below (they come with instructions), plus a selection of exercise mats if you need one, then scroll on down to watch YouTube videos of different groups of people use the workout.
We love this workout at our house and I'm guessing your kids will enjoy it, too!.
Chicken Fat - Audio CD
These familiar words set the stage for great music more...0 points
Chicken Fat-Youth Fitness Video - VHS
Exciting, 25-minute exercise-fun video geared to c more...0 points
Chicken Fat: The Youth Fitness - DVD
Exciting exercise-fun video geared to children 3 t more...0 points
Kids Mats - 24" x 60"
These mats are a 6 mm thick that gives ample paddi more...0 points
Drishti Extra Thick Yoga Mat
Same high quality as the Drishti Standard Mat, but more...0 points
Weider Exercise Mat
Weider has been a trusted name in strength trainin more...0 points
Valeo Foam Exercise Mat
Foam Exercise Mat by Valeo. 2'Width x 6'Length. Tw more...0 points
Go, You Chicken Fat, Go Away!
Have you resolved to get fit? To keep your kids fit?
Planning for Home Economics
Supermarket Shopping 101
As you're planning your older child's study plan, don't leave out Home Economics. It's tough to think about sometimes, but your child will eventually run a household of her own and learning to be a savvy shopper and plan excellent meals are skills that she will use for a lifetime.While the Supermarket 101 course was written with busy moms in mind, it is also excellent for an older daughter, a newly-married woman, or even a grandma, and it will make a great addition to your homeschool home economics class.
The course is specifically geared towards beginners - those who know very little about frugal shopping, but it is still beneficial to anyone who is desiring to save money on groceries. (Plus, you'll love the recipes!) Click here to read all about it.
Magazines for Homeschooling Families
When we were homeschooling I always looked forward to receiving the latest edition of my favorite homeschooling magazine. I always found something to motivate and inspire me, usually just when I needed it the most. Don't subscribe yet? Choose one and try it. You'll be glad you did.
Do You Teach Imagination?
Kids come pre-packaged with imaginations intact. Help them use it so they don't lose it!
Help build character in your children by encouraging imaginary play. This lens will give you some great ideas about how to do that.-
Nurturing Imagination
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When my boys turned 7 and 4, a dear friend gave them each one of the best gifts they’ve ever received. They were capes, homemade capes made from a silky king-sized bed sheet she had picked up at a yard sale. The capes were copper-co...
Homeschoolers Living, Learning, and Having Fun
Home's cool!
I'm a "teachable moments" kind of person. When showing my small children these pictures, I would ask questions such as, "How many pictures do you see?" "How many rows of pictures?" "How many pictures in each row?" "How many pictures of girls?" "How many of boys?" "Why do you think those children are dressed in costumes?" "What do you suppose the boy in the green shirt is thinking about?"
Get the idea? Just casual conversation with your kids about the things you encounter in everyday life is so much of what learning is all about. Teach a child to observe, to think, and to process information and you'll end up with a pretty well-educated young adult, I believe.
More Homeschool Lesson Plan Sites
Need fresh ideas? Here are some resources for you to check out.
- Fun Lesson Plans dot com
- Preschool lesson plans with preschool themes for daycare, kindergarten, homeschool, or home activities.
- School Express
- Free e-newsletter with one downloadable unit study each month, worksheets, activities, and lots more.
- Lesson Planners from Donna Young
- A selection of homeschool lesson planning printables in PDF format plus lots more printables and resources from Donna Young.org.
- EdHelper.com
- Lots of activities and themes for just about any subject and every grade.
- Free Lesson Plans for Teachers
- An online directory of lesson plans for K-12 teachers.
- Amanda Bennett Unit Studies
- Amanda Bennett has been creating unit studies for years. You can find all of them here.
Homeschoolers are Blogging about Their Lesson Plans
It's always good to be able to learn from others. Here are up-to-the-minute blog posts from others who are writing about their homeschool lesson plans.
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byPlay to Learn - Help Keep Homeschooling Fun!
Shhh! Don't tell them they're learning!
Traditional textbooks and workbooks are an important part of your child's education, but play time is important, too. Just don't tell the kids they're learning while they're enjoying these educational magazines, puzzles, and toys!
Zoobooks - The #1 Kids Magazine about Animals!
Kids love animals, and they love Zoobooks magazine more...1 point
Stuff Kids Like
Melissa and Doug, Educational Insights, Kettler ca more...1 point
Digital Weather Station
Record and predict weather patterns with this digi more...1 point
Highlights for Children Magazine - Save $20 off the single-issue price!
They don't call it Fun With a Purpose for nothing! more...0 points
Get a free Moonjar (R) Savings Kit with a High Five Magazine Subscription at Highlights.com!
Now there's a Highlights magazine for preschoolers more...0 points
PuzzlesUSA.com
Jigsaw puzzles for all ages! From 12 to 24,000 pie more...0 points
Board Games USA
Find your favorite classic board games as well as more...0 points
Which Way USA Club
Discover America the fun way with coast-to-coast p more...0 points
Reflections of a Retired Homeschool Mom
We homeschooled our sons from birth through high school.
Now I blog about it.
Ah, the memories.
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byThe Question All Homeschoolers Know and Love
(You fill in the blank.) "But what about _________?"
Homeschool Alumni Socialization Blues
"Socialization Blues" by Israel Wayne, performed at the 2006 Homeschool Alumni National Reunion, July 28-30.
Runtime: 3:00
7308 views
10 Comments:
Let Everyone Know You're a Homeschooler . . .
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Homeschooling is an act of love! Tote Bag
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Reader Feedback
Homeschooler or not, we'd love to read your comments.
Maraiya wrote...
Wow, what an awesome, helpful lens for those who want to homeschool. I'm not a parent, but I am very concerned about the problems of parents and kids nowadays and I read up on it. I participate in several Q&A web sites helping people with their problems and questions, and so next time I hear a question about homeschooling, I'll definitely refer them to your lens!
Posted July 07, 2009
Homeschool_Helper wrote...
This is a great site! Lots of awesome stuff in here! Thanks for sharing it!
Posted April 14, 2009
businessblossom wrote...
I am a homeschooler who plans to homeschool . . . and the book selections you have here suggest that you are a woman of the same commitment, and for the same reasons, as my own mother. You are SO favorited, five-starred, and lensrolled -- also, there's a comprehensive curriculum you might want to check out for inclusion on this excellent site. I don't know if the Fellowship Academy of Christian Education is online yet -- they come out of Brevard, NC, and I've never been able to find a website. But they have a wonderful, comprehensive curriculum for K-12 -- I can personally vouch for them. You might want to give them a call (that is available online) and check them out.
Posted January 28, 2009
Rhonda wrote
You've done an outstanding job on this lens!
Posted January 24, 2009
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