It would be unwise to go on a journey without a map (GPS). Likewise, you should not start your homeschool journey without first making a plan.
Now, there are a TON of posts and pins out there on homeschool planning and so what we are going to try to avoid is the overwhelming aspect that homeschool planning can bring. As one who has tried it all, I hope this method helps simplify things when making your homeschool plan.
I have tried a variety of calendars and planners, from bullet journal to free printables, to Happy Planner, and A Simple Plan, and there are a lot of great ones out there, but I have learned finally that if I am going to stick with something it needs to be PERSONALIZED and SIMPLE.
What I love about this method can work for anyone, and any of the above-mentioned planners can be used in conjunction with this approach. Furthermore, I am going to be a voice for all of the Type B planners out there living in a type-A planning world. I have scoured Pinterest, tried homeschool-specific planners, bullet journaling, free printables, spiral notebooks, and checklists, even digital ones, but never really felt like I had this part together.
Until this year when it hit me like a rock (pun intended) and a light bulb went on.
What I love about this method can work for anyone
The Big Rock Theory
If you are not already familiar with this concept of prioritization and time management you can read more here.
Here is how I apply it to making my homeschool plan:
Pick your BIG rocks (1 to 3 things) your highest priorities to be done daily. This is your bare minimum for a “school day” to know you have accomplished the most important things and establish habits and rhythms that will spill into the rest of your day and week. On a sick day or when life throws a curveball this is good enough.
{For us this includes Bible, Math, and our Read Aloud}
Then pick your MEDIUM rocks. I like to pick one other more time consuming subject that we can really sink our teeth into for the day. You can assign them to specific days or create a Loop
{These will be subjects that maybe you don’t need to do every day, sand may include science, art, writing, history, geography etc}
This would also be a great place for a Loop Schedule
Fill in with SMALLEST rocks, which can sometimes be combined with other subjects, they take less time, or can be done independently.
{ie. handwriting, typing, Logic, Vocab, independent reading etc}
Your homeschool plan should be simple and personalized. How you manage these “rocks” is up to you: bullet journal, planner, digitally etc. will all work.
