Homeschool Planning for the New Year
While this might be the holiday season, it's also that time of the year again to plan for the next school year. Every year it seems I fall into the trap of planning all over different notebooks. I found a beautiful one from A Muslim Homeschool but the last one is for 2015-2016. I might just use the rest of the planner and change the calendar. (and hopefully stick to one planner next year). Of course there are many homeschool planners you can get out there. You can even do one yourself for something more personalised. I find that I need at least an A4 size notebook to be happy with one.
It seems overwhelming- "What? The whole year?" I planned to do this since my oldest ended his exams almost a month ago and am just starting to sit down and not get distracted by everyday things like laundry and books.
A good planner for me has to have :
1. The year at a glance calendar- Good for planning school terms, breaks and holidays. It's good if you can get a local one with the public and school holidays like this.
2. Goals page- What do I want to achieve for myself and each child
3. Resources Ledger- To record books, online and other resources I will use
4. External Classes Record- Co-ops, therapy, camps, etc
5. Budget
6. Monthly calendars- To lay out lessons, co-ops, co-curricular activities and appointments
7. Weekly calendars- To record what will be done in a particular week
8. Detailed lesson plan
9. Assessment plan & Performance Review (child)
10. Reflections (teacher)
I try to start with the lists first (1,3 & 4) before moving on to 2 & 5, after which it'll be easier to do 6-8 while 9 & 10 can be done before the start of the school year and at each quarter. I don't do more than 3 weeks usually with a break at the fourth when I plan the next 3 weeks.
You might say, this will all fall apart when school starts, but that's ok. You can pick it up again whenever you flounder, but don't give up, The planner will be useful for home visits by the Ministry and when you need to fill in any learning gaps in the school year. Most of all, it'll be beneficial for you and your children insyaAllah.
It seems overwhelming- "What? The whole year?" I planned to do this since my oldest ended his exams almost a month ago and am just starting to sit down and not get distracted by everyday things like laundry and books.
A good planner for me has to have :
1. The year at a glance calendar- Good for planning school terms, breaks and holidays. It's good if you can get a local one with the public and school holidays like this.
2. Goals page- What do I want to achieve for myself and each child
3. Resources Ledger- To record books, online and other resources I will use
4. External Classes Record- Co-ops, therapy, camps, etc
5. Budget
6. Monthly calendars- To lay out lessons, co-ops, co-curricular activities and appointments
7. Weekly calendars- To record what will be done in a particular week
8. Detailed lesson plan
9. Assessment plan & Performance Review (child)
10. Reflections (teacher)
I try to start with the lists first (1,3 & 4) before moving on to 2 & 5, after which it'll be easier to do 6-8 while 9 & 10 can be done before the start of the school year and at each quarter. I don't do more than 3 weeks usually with a break at the fourth when I plan the next 3 weeks.
You might say, this will all fall apart when school starts, but that's ok. You can pick it up again whenever you flounder, but don't give up, The planner will be useful for home visits by the Ministry and when you need to fill in any learning gaps in the school year. Most of all, it'll be beneficial for you and your children insyaAllah.
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