Are you like me? Color and beauty make me happy. A well-organized, common-sensible planner makes me want to plan. When both are wrapped up into one user-friendly, cheerful, full-of-extras package, I’m ready to grab my pen!
First, let’s talk about the basics. Each week has a two-page spread in the spiral-bound (lies flat) 8.5 x 11” planner. Days (Mon-Fri) are across the top (three on left-hand page; two on right-hand page). Each of these columns has five subject sections (Bible, Math, History, Science, English). Each of these sections has four lines. In other words, for each day, and each subject, you can briefly record a 2 ¼” line for each of three or four children – or use two lines for two children or four lines for one child. There are additional boxes (total of seven lines) at the bottom of each column any other subjects. Each of these lines in each column ends with a small colored box for check-offs. The remaining vertical column on the right-hand page has lined space to record weekly priorities, daily dinner menus, and weekend activities. There is also a box with one question and its accompanying answer from the Westminster Shorter Catechism. Each week includes a Bible verse on one page and a notable quote (think inspirational Facebook status posts) on the other. Also included are small mon38558thly calendars for the current and following month (with the current week highlighted).
Now for the extras – sample planner page, greeting card registry, place to insert a family picture, family budget page, weekly cleaning schedule, special projects page (monthly boxes with reminders of those easy-to-forget occasional cleaning tasks), important contacts, children chore cards (perforated and ready to tear out), teacher schedule, class plan (curriculum) and student schedules for four children, year at a glance, semester goals, monthly calendar with accompanying page to record books to read, field trips, and monthly expenses, perforated shopping lists (set of six for each month), semester accomplishments, attendance records, and grade recording sheets. A set of four perforated, cardstock report cards are in the back. Each month is inaugurated with an encouraging article and has its own color scheme – vibrant, subtle, cool, warm – each satisfying. The graphic theme (which changes each year) is lively, and frankly, delightful. An extravagant claim perhaps, but I’ll stick by it – using this planner will remind you daily that homeschooling is a wonderful calling, full of beauty and grace.
