Homeschool Planner Anxiety!

 

When I started homeschooling a long time ago in a galaxy far away I was told go buy a teacher’s planner or just skip it. Things have changed drastically over the years. Homeschooling parent’s are no slouches when it comes to putting together planners and producing them for the public. Some are free. Some are online. Some are more traditional. Some are basically an open journal for the free form thinkers.

STOP you over productive wonderful people I am having a meltdown!

Which one…which one????

Then just to tweak my nose I have friends that make their own each year. Cute bound back schedules for each child with clip art detail.

The point is I am not too good at keeping a planner/goal book. Last year I did great. I am praying for the same success this year. I just haven’t settled on the ‘right’ one yet. Or should I go back to last year’s old faithful?

Anyone else have planner anxiety with me? Am I the only twitchy one that wants the perfect fit without a huge amount of effort?

Here is my research so far…

FREE-

I love free. After all who isn’t looking for ways to stretch the budget. Printing off planner parts and pieces would definitely get me what I needed. The biggest drawback is I don’t have a color printer and some planners just look odd in black and white when they are meant for color. Another big hurdle is the time and effort that goes into free could be a problem. Being non-stop ill, in and out of the hospital or dr’s office, has left me with very little time.

Charlotte Mason homeschool planner by thielacademy.blogspot.com

12 Absolutely Free NO Strings Attached Homeschool Planners!– A post I wrote that has 12 FREE planners you can get online.

The Handmade Home

PRINTABLE-

The Multi Taskin’ Mom Many options to buy and print off.

ONLINE-

I have never been one to rely on my computer for classes or planning but times change. Last year I jumped head first into the world of online classes and when the right subject and right teaching come together it is a great thing! A relief off my shoulders and a high quality learning experience for the kids. I am starting to wonder if an online planner might be a good thing as well given how much of our schooling and ideas I have links for rather than a paper for. However I don’t want to forget the horrible laptop death that happened this spring.

Teach Them Diligently Online Planner
This is where my tech savvy (or lack thereof gets me) I goofed up my password and username for the online planner. Then I forgot…. time passed. Now I don’t know how to get back in. sigh that one is totally my fault!
Here is a review of the planner by some bloggy friends that have tried it/used it.

Ordering My Days: A Busy Mom’s Look At Teach Them Diligently Planner

Homeschool Tracker I haven’t used this one. Another good looking option that is making me twitch.

http://benandme.com/2013/09/introducing-the-complete-blog-planner-on-sale-and-with-bonus-gifts.html

PRINTED BOOK-

Printed books are great in that they are all in one deals. You get them and all the info should be there ready for you. Sometimes that happens… sometimes that doesn’t. Out of all the options I feel most drawn to a printed planner.

I have yet to try this one but it’s in my wishlist on Amazon…hmmm

This is old faithful that worked great last year. I am using Deb’s teen planner for my younger daughter this year. Should I go back?

The Old Schoolhouse has this planner out that I bought. I am working with it right now to see if it fits our style.

Here is another planner that I have. I am using her teen planner for my oldest this year.

www.homeschoolplanbook.com

 

This is just a sliver of all the planners out there. Now do you see why I am twitchy. I would love your advice, reviews, general blogs on how it worked for your family, and suggestions. Yes, I know won’t more just drive me batty. No been there and I have a t-shirt. I land firmly on the side of life that says the more knowledge the better.

What do you think? What are you using?