I remember the highlight of school starting, for me, was getting our student planners from the school. Not only were they a place where we could dictate our assignments each day, they also included important school dates for activities, try outs, concerts, dances, and games neatly printed throughout the planner. Time was taken out of each period for planner work where we copied down the assignment into each subject’s field and we even needed a parent’s signature at the end of the week to verify that we did our planner work.
My want for organization, even at such a young age, found a happy place to live within the pages of my student planner. What I felt was a quirk of mine, something to give me peace of mind, turned into being one of the most helpful tools in my toolbox as a student and as an adult. Working with a planner was my introduction to independence. I realized that I can be empowered to order my day, that I am responsible for deadlines, and I can make informed decisions on my planning and extra curriculars. It was a gift of ownership of my time and resources.
Planner work is so much more than developing To-Do lists. It is a brilliant way to work on handwriting for littles, time management responsibilities for middles and older, and can lead to developing independence in one’s own work and priorities. The struggle to stay organized as a family unit can be an unnerving task as well. Taking intentional time to work with students to organize their own schoolwork each day and for the semester develops those self-management skills and can be a huge help for busy parents.
Finding time during your school day to document, organize, and write-out the academic and extra-curricular schedules for students (and parents) can seem a daunting task. Even the best-laid plans can be demolished by the slightest change; a soccer game being rescheduled, an emergency dentist appointment, or a little extra help needed for another student in math. Utilize your erasable options when organizing (pencils, Frixion pens, and correction fluid can be your best friends). It is okay for organization and flexibility to exist together; they really are different sides of the same coin. This work develops and encourages future skills for students.
From digital, printable, customizable, leather to spiral bound, individual, or family, dated or not, there is a way to meet any students’ planner needs. Planner work is a quick way to add independent skills to your student’s toolbox and to keep momma sane (I mean organized) throughout the year.
Take a look at some of the many options we offer and remember the consultant team is a free resource for you to use M-F, 8:30-5 CST via phone at 888.841.3456, live chat, or by email consultants@rainbowresource.com. Stay organized and God Bless! ~ Rebecca
Dated Student Planners:
Academic Planners A Tool for Time Management
God’s Word in Time Scripture Planners
Undated Student Planners:
Innovate Academic Planner (Elementary)
Weird But True Daily Planner (Elementary)
Windsor Student Planner (Jr. High/High School)
