Generated by All in One SEO Pro v5.0.1.1, this is an llms-full.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site. # Homeschool Planet Best Homeschool Planner ## Posts ### [Blog](https://homeschoolplanet.com/blog/) **Published:** December 7, 2018 **Author:** Brett --- ### [Homeschool Planet's Top 10 Planning Tips](https://homeschoolplanet.com/homeschool-planning-tips/) **Published:** July 4, 2024 **Author:** Shannan Swindler **Content:** ## Homeschool Planning Tips For A Happy Homeschool Are you considering homeschooling your child, but feeling overwhelmed by the thought of planning and organizing your family’s homeschool day? Fear not, because we’ve got you covered with these 10 helpful tips to make your homeschooling journey a success no matter where you are in your homeschool year! By following these homeschool planning tips and utilizing the resources available, you can set yourself up for a successful homeschooling experience that will benefit both you and your child… and you’ll save a lot of time so that you can refocus on the most important thing – your family. Happy homeschooling! ![homeschool planning tips](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/New-Beginnings-and-Homeschool-Milestones-18.png)\#image\_title ## Tip #1: Understand Your Homeschool Style or Method. There are different ways to teach your child at home. Each homeschool style will provide opportunities to explore the positive (and possibly negative) aspects of each specific method. It’s important to explore the different styles before choosing your homeschool curriculum and think about what will work best for your family dynamics and your child. Here’s a brief summary of each of the best-known homeschool styles. - Some might say the[ Traditional/Textbook Homeschool Method](https://homeschoolplanet.com/traditional-homeschool-method/) is like going to school at home. You have textbooks and lesson plans to follow for core subjects, just like in a regular school. It can be a good method for kids who like to have a homeschool schedule and do their work on their own, so may be best suited for high school students. - The [classical education method](https://homeschoolplanet.com/the-classical-homeschool-method/) has three stages of learning called the Trivium. In the first stage, kids learn words, facts, and ideas basic concepts. The second stage of learning is more focused on exploring, thinking, and discussing ideas and concepts in greater detail. In the Trivium’s last stage, they use what they learned to write essays, talk about important topics, and even debate complex ideas. - The [Charlotte Mason Homeschool Method](https://homeschoolplanet.com/charlotte-mason-homeschool-method/) is a way of learning that focuses on observing nature, memorizing poetry, writing in a journal, listening to classical music, and reciting scripture or poetry. With the backdrop being ample time outside to explore, deep-dive into nature study, and experience the ideas they are learning about through living books. The goal is to not only learn new things but also to become a better person by building strong character. - The [Montessori Method](https://homeschoolplanet.com/montessori-homeschool-method/) is a special way of learning that started in Italy. It helps children focus and learn better by using hands-on activities with real objects. This makes learning more fun and helps kids understand things better. This method is proving to be quite good with kids with ADH and various [learning differences](https://homeschoolplanet.com/homeschool-planet-children-with-learning-differences/). - [Unschooling ](https://homeschoolplanet.com/homeschool-planet-and-unschooling-a-perfect-pair/)is a way of homeschooling where kids get to learn at their own pace and follow their interests. There is no strict daily or weekly schedule or materials to follow, and parents let the kids take the lead in their learning. Homeschool Planet partners well with unschooling families wanting to have good record keeping of their children’s achievements. - The [Eclectic Homeschool Method](https://homeschoolplanet.com/eclectic-homeschool-method-planning/) is when parents choose different techniques to teach their kids at home. They pick the best topics and products to help their children learn in the way that works best for them. Families often find that variety in the learning keeps subjects exciting and students engaged. - The [Unit Study method](https://homeschoolplanet.com/homeschool-methods-101-exploring-the-unit-study-homeschool-method/) is a fun way to learn different subjects all together. Instead of studying them one by one, students learn about a specific topic and explore how it relates to different subjects like reading, math, and science. With Unit studies, there often is extra reading and projects to help families learn even more throughout the entire year. In homeschooling, families can choose different ways of learning that work best for everyone. The important thing is to be flexible and focus on what the child is interested in to help achieve academic goals and state or country requirements. ## Tip #2: Plan For Life’s Interruptions It’s no surprise that homeschool moms are busy. There always seem to be lots of things on the to-do list like cooking, teaching, taking care of sick kids, and so much more. Sometimes moms need a break too. Here are some tips to help moms rest and feel better while still homeschooling. If you get sick or have one of life’s inevitable interruptions that affect your homeschool routine, it’s important to be prepared. You can have a file with worksheets and activities ready for kids to do. You may also want to have a list of movies and documentaries for kids to watch and printables for them to work on. If you are uber-organized, put together busy boxes with art supplies and games, and provide writing prompts and math puzzles. Depending on the situation, it may be wise to ask a family member or friend to help out for the day. Planning ahead helps everyone get through difficult days with greater ease. ## Tip #3: Catch The Big Picture For Your Homeschool Year Homeschooling is like painting a rainbow. You start by thinking about what’s important to you and what you want to learn. Then you [work towards your goals](https://homeschoolplanet.com/seeing-the-big-picture-of-your-homeschool-year/), like reaching the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. It’s about achieving what you set out to do from the beginning. Keeping track of goals and outcomes fosters confidence and acknowledges the hard work and success of everyone involved. ## Tip #4: Plan & Organize Like A Pro… Even If Uou Are Not-So-Organized I think moms perform amazing juggling acts daily. They have to balance so many things at once, like taking care of the house, the kids, and maybe even working from home. It can be overwhelming sometimes, but we do the best we can, don’t we? The one thing that would give every mom Marie Kando-like superpowers is to have [everything organized in one place](https://homeschoolplanet.com/why-staying-organized-in-your-homeschool-is-important/). Homeschool Planet is a helpful tool that can make homeschool and family life easier and more organized with a[ clear plan](https://homeschoolplanet.com/help-im-not-a-planner-person-but-i-homeschool/) – even for crazy days. You don’t have to be super organized to use it. It can help you set goals, make to-do lists, and be flexible with your schedule. It’s a great way to save time and help you focus on what’s important – family. ## Tip #5: Consider Your Child’s Learning Needs Learning differences are common in children, with some sources saying [1 in 5 kids have challenges like ADHD or Dyslexia](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/learning-disabilities-by-the-numbers#). As homeschool parents, our job is to help our children succeed. Sometimes, kids need extra support like clear schedules or flexible learning. Homeschool Planet is a great tool that can help kids with [learning differences](https://homeschoolplanet.com/homeschool-planet-children-with-learning-differences/) become more independent as they grow. ## Tip #6: Add Some Fun With Educational Trips Homeschooling is great because we can be flexible and go on fun [field trips](https://homeschoolplanet.com/educational-field-trips-homeschoolers/) to learn in different places. We can get discounts and special access with a [homeschool ID card](https://homeschoolplanet.com/homeschool-id-card/). It helps us learn in hands-on ways and explore new things outside of the classroom. So block out some time to close the books turn off the laptop and head out for a day of learning away from home. ## Tip #7: Plan For Independent Learning With Subject Kids Love To help your kids learn on their own takes time and patience. They need to know the basics really well first and typically have an established routine. Every kid is different, so they might be ready at different times. In essence, [independent learning](https://homeschoolplanet.com/encouraging-independent-learning/) is all about teaching your kids how to learn. You can start by teaching them the basics in English, math, social studies, and science using learning styles that work best for them. Let them try things on their own a little at a time. You may find using a timer to see how long they need is helpful for you and maybe even for them. An online, digital planner is often the perfect student planner for many middle school and high school students. Others may prefer a paper planner. The good news is that Homeschool Planet has both. So the right planner for everyone in your family can be accessed or created all in one place. It’s faxl=ibility makes it the perfect homeschool lesson planner family’s to use for the many years of homeschooling ### Independent Learning Activities To Include In Your Weekly Planner - **Art & Music:** You can incorporate [music and art](https://homeschoolplanet.com/art-and-music-lesson-plans-homeschool-our-comprehensive-guide/) in many ways when you homeschool. Your children can take private lessons, go to group classes, or focus on what your child likes. Sometimes homeschool groups offer music and art classes too. There are lots of ways to learn and have fun with music and art when you homeschool! - **STEM**: Summer is a great time to do fun science activities outside! You can learn about nature, write about your experiments, and have a blast getting dirty. This helps you keep learning during the summer so you don’t forget things before school starts again. So, let’s have fun and learn new things using [STEM](https://homeschoolplanet.com/5-summer-science-activities-your-kids-will-love/) during the summer or any time of year. - **Clubs & Sports:** Using Homeschool Planet’s special [online calendar](https://homeschoolplanet.com/organizing-your-family-schedules-all-in-one-place/) to keep track of appointments, game days, and daily routines for yourself and the entire family. It helps you stay organized and involved in everyone’s learning and activity schedules. You can also see their grades and attendance easily. It makes life easier. You’ll love using it! - **Electives:** High school [electives](https://homeschoolplanet.com/high-school-electives-your-kids-will-love/) are classes that help students get ready for college or their future job. They also make their college applications look good. Choosing electives that are exciting and enriching is a big step toward fulfilling high school transcript requirements. If you need help choosing electives, Homeschool Planet has some great suggestions. Enjoy this journey with your high school student! ## Tip #8: [Keep Plans & Schedules All In One Place](https://homeschoolplanet.com/organizing-your-family-schedules-all-in-one-place/) Use Homeschool Planet to help you keep track of everyone’s schedules and assignments. It even helps you communicate and share information with each other. Each child can get reminders by email or text to help them stay on track with their learning. You can also send reminders to your kids or other members of the family for chores or things to get from the store through Homeschool Planet. It helps our family stay organized and on top of things, it can help your family too! ## Tip #9: Invest In Lesson plans & Curriculum For The Entire Family Do you ever feel unsure about homeschooling your kids? Maybe your family or friends don’t support your decision. Perhaps you simply feel the need to change your homeschool routine. [Ready Made School](https://homeschoolplanet.com/simplify-with-ready-made-school/) can help you find the right curriculum and make lesson planning easier. Making the best [curriculum choices](https://captivatingcompass.com/curriculum-frustration-solved/) for your family can help make homeschooling simpler for you and fun for the kids. ## Tip #10: Use Homeschool Planet for homeschool & life management Homeschool Planet is a helpful tool that helps parents organize their children’s chores, schedules, and homeschool lessons. It makes it easy to keep track of what your child needs to do each day and can also help with homeschool record-keeping. It has features like customizable grading categories, report cards, and lesson plans to make things easier for parents. It’s a great way to keep everything organized and make homeschooling simpler for families. Simply put, Homeschool Planet helps you [calm the chaos](https://homeschoolplanet.com/how-homeschooling-and-homemaking-can-be-planned-out-more-efficiently/) and stay on top of record-keeping while enjoying time investing in what is important – family. ## The Rewards of Homeschool Planning Homeschooling can be an incredibly rewarding experience for everyone involved. By following these ten homeschool planning tips, you can set yourself up for success and make the most of your homeschooling journey. By implementing these tips and strategies, you can create a successful and fulfilling homeschooling experience for you and your family. Remember, homeschooling is a journey, and it’s okay to make adjustments along the way. Stay flexible, stay positive, and enjoy the incredible opportunity to educate your children in a way that works best for your family. Happy homeschooling! ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/273e331e1365e08aaa487fc9793da1a98403a08271f620e721c8d3df75be1b25?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Shannan Swindler Shannan shares her passion for helping others use the world as their classroom at Captivating Compass. Her home base is in Scotland, where she home educates and learns on location throughout Europe as much as possible. She teaches online and creates digital curricula that promotes a Chrisitan worldview through creative learning and family travel experiences (in person & virtually). [See Full Bio](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/shannan-swindler/) [ ](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/shannan-swindler/) **Categories:** Homeschool 101, Homeschool Planning, Choosing Curriculum, Using Homeschool Planet **Tags:** schedule, homeschool tips, homeschool planning 101, time management, routine, curriculum, homeschool, homeschool schedule, homeschool methods, Homeschool Planning --- ### [Why the Little House Books Are One of the Best Multi-Subject Studies for Your Homeschool](https://homeschoolplanet.com/why-the-little-house-books-are-one-of-the-best-multi-subject-studies-for-your-homeschool/) **Published:** July 28, 2026 **Author:** Shawna Wingert **Content:** Few book series have stood the test of time quite like Laura Ingalls Wilder’s *Little House* books. For generations, homeschool families have treasured these stories for their rich storytelling, memorable characters, and fascinating glimpse into pioneer life. The reality is that the *Little House* series offers so much more than enjoyable reading. These beloved books provide a wonderful opportunity to blend literature, American history, geography, science, life skills, and hands-on learning into one memorable homeschool experience. Instead of treating each subject separately, your children can experience history through the eyes of a young girl growing up during America’s westward expansion. If you’ve been looking for a way to make learning more connected and engaging, the *Little House* books are an excellent place to begin. ![Girl reading little house on the prairie](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Neutral-Beige-and-White-Feminine-Pinterest-Template-4-683x1024.png) ## More Than a Literature Study Reading quality literature helps children build vocabulary, improve reading comprehension, strengthen writing skills, and develop critical thinking. The *Little House* series also introduces students to rich descriptive language, character development, and timeless themes like perseverance, family, responsibility, courage, and gratitude. As your children read, they’ll naturally encounter opportunities to: - Analyze characters and their choices - Discuss themes and moral lessons - Build vocabulary from historical contexts - Practice narration and written responses - Develop deeper reading comprehension skills Great literature invites meaningful conversations, and these books are filled with opportunities for family discussion. ## Bringing American History to Life with The Little House Series History comes alive when children experience it through stories. Rather than simply memorizing dates and events, readers witness daily pioneer life firsthand through Laura’s experiences. They learn what it was like to travel west, build a home on the prairie, survive harsh winters, attend one-room schoolhouses, and depend on neighbors and family. As you read together, your children can explore topics like: - Westward Expansion - Pioneer settlements - Homesteading - Transportation before automobiles - One-room schools - Native American history and discussions about historical perspectives - Farming and frontier life - Life before electricity and modern conveniences These stories create natural opportunities to compare life then and now while helping children better understand the challenges and triumphs of early American families. ## Explore American Geography One of the most enjoyable aspects of the series is following the Ingalls family’s travels across America. Create maps together and trace each move as your children discover: - Wisconsin - Kansas - Minnesota - Iowa - South Dakota - Missouri This is a wonderful opportunity to discuss regions, climates, landforms, weather, and why families moved west during this period of history. ## Practical Life Skills In Your Homeschool One reason these books remain so beloved is because they highlight skills that many families no longer experience in everyday life. Children discover how families once: - Made butter - Grew gardens - Preserved food - Sewed clothing - Built homes - Chopped wood - Cared for livestock - Made everyday items by hand These everyday activities spark curiosity and appreciation for the hard work involved in pioneer living. ## Hands-On Activities for Extending The Learning The best homeschool learning often happens beyond the pages of a book. As your family reads, consider extending the experience with activities such as: - Making homemade butter - Baking simple pioneer recipes - Learning basic hand sewing - Creating a covered wagon model - Building a small log cabin with craft sticks - Pressing wildflowers - Keeping a nature journal - Practicing candle dipping - Learning simple weaving techniques - Growing herbs or vegetables - Playing old-fashioned games - Listening to traditional folk music These projects help children connect with the stories in memorable ways while creating lasting family memories. ## Encourage Meaningful Family Discussions The *Little House* books naturally invite thoughtful conversations about: - Gratitude - Hard work - Community - Resourcefulness - Family relationships - Perseverance - Contentment - Responsibility Parents can use these moments to help children think critically while discussing how life has changed—and how many important values remain the same. ## Make Planning Easy with Our New *Little House* Literature Studies If you’ve always wanted to teach through the *Little House* series but weren’t sure where to begin, we’ve made it easy. We’re excited to introduce [our brand-new literature studies for **every book in the** ***Little House*** **series**,](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/classical-literature-activity-packs/) along with a convenient **bundle that includes them all**. Each study is designed to help you go beyond simply reading the books by providing engaging activities, discussion questions, comprehension exercises, and meaningful learning opportunities that connect literature with history and other subjects. Whether you choose to study one book at a time or enjoy the complete series from beginning to end, you’ll have everything you need to create a rich, memorable learning experience for your family. ## Organize Your Entire Study with Homeschool Planet Planning a literature-rich homeschool doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With Homeschool Planet, you can easily schedule your *Little House* reading assignments, literature study activities, history projects, field trips, and hands-on learning all in one place. Whether you’re studying one book or working through the complete series, your plans stay organized and flexible, making it easy to adjust as your family learns together. When your lessons, activities, and assignments are all connected, you can spend less time planning and more time enjoying great books with your children. ## Ready to Begin Your Prairie Adventure? The *Little House* books have inspired generations of readers because they tell stories that are both historically rich and deeply personal. They remind us that learning isn’t just about facts, it’s about understanding people, appreciating history, and discovering timeless lessons that still matter today. [Grab your *Little House* literature study now](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/classical-literature-activity-packs/) Whether you’re introducing the series for the first time or revisiting these classics with a new generation, our new *Little House* Literature Studies can help you turn every chapter into a meaningful homeschool adventure. ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/d3babb0046833226121ae02c4336793a9e823ce7c06de2c9b85ea50482f198ad?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Shawna Wingert Shawna Wingert is a former training and development professional turned education specialist, and has homeschooled her two children for the last ten years. Shawna has written four books about homeschooling unique learners and has been featured in homeschooling discussions on Today.com, The Mighty, Simple Homeschool, My Little Poppies and Raising Lifelong Leaners. You can find her online here at Homeschool Planet and at [DifferentByDesignLearning.com.](https://nottheformerthings.com/blog/) [See Full Bio](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/shawna-marketing/) [ ](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/shawna-marketing/) **Categories:** Homeschool Planning --- ### [How to Homeschool High School with Confidence: Credits, Transcripts, and a 4-Year Plan](https://homeschoolplanet.com/4-year-high-school-plan/) **Published:** April 11, 2026 **Author:** Shawna Wingert **Content:** Somewhere around middle school, most homeschool parents hit a wall. You’ve found your rhythm. Your curriculum works. Your kids are thriving. Then it dawns on you: *high school is next.* Transcripts. Credits. GPA. College applications. What if you miss something important? Take a breath. You are more capable than you think, and you are far from alone. Hundreds of thousands of families homeschool through high school, and their students go on to thrive at top universities, launch businesses, and build remarkable lives. The difference between families who feel overwhelmed and families who feel confident usually comes down to one thing: **a clear system.** This guide walks you through exactly that. **Equip your child for the future by preparing for the challenges ahead including this tutorial on how to create a 4-year high school plan.** ![Parent Guide to Creating a 4-Year High School Plan](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/4-Year-Plan-683x1024.png) It is important to think about high school before it happens. Being strategic, will bring both you and your student peace and confidence during these crucial years. Let’s get started. ## Why Homeschooling High School Is Actually an Advantage Traditional high schools must serve hundreds of students at once. They standardize everything, course sequences, pacing, schedules, by necessity. Your homeschool doesn’t have that constraint. You can do something no public or private school can: **build an education that fits one specific person completely.** It might mean accelerating through math because your daughter is ready. It might mean weaving in an internship, a business, or a performing arts pursuit in ways a bell schedule never could. The key is not doing *more*… it’s being **intentional and organized**. Everything else flows from that. ## Understanding Credit Requirements Before you can really plan well, you need to understand what colleges and most states generally expect to see on a transcript: SubjectTypical CreditsEnglish / Language Arts4 yearsMathematics3–4 years (through Algebra II minimum)Science3–4 years (lab sciences preferred)Social Studies / History3–4 yearsForeign Language2–3 years (same language)Electives4–6 creditsThese aren’t rigid rules, ***especially for homeschoole******r*s**. Within this framework, you have enormous freedom to personalize. For example, a future engineer can add robotics and advanced math. A future writer can go deep on literature and rhetoric. A student interested in healthcare can add anatomy and chemistry lab work. Colleges, *including highly selective ones*, don’t expect your transcript to look identical to a traditional school’s. What they do expect is clarity, rigor, and evidence of genuine intellectual engagement. > **Note:** Check your state’s specific homeschool regulations and the admissions requirements for colleges your student is considering. These can vary significantly. [HSLDA offers an easy to navigate, state by state comparison. ](https://hslda.org/legal?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21183201721&gbraid=0AAAAADv9Ad45Yo143UW8sRFHCmyBLFUhE&gclid=Cj0KCQjw2MbPBhCSARIsAP3jP9z913vUt5J7Itn0Colxzc35aNAXgC598eIPqaDexC6reyYDn_GAvbYaApoAEALw_wcB) ## Building a Four-Year Plan (Before You Need One) One of the most common mistakes homeschool families make isn’t planning too little — it’s *failing to plan far enough ahead.* Mapping out all four years before 9th grade (or as early as possible) helps you: - Ensure all required credits are covered - Avoid overloading junior or senior year - Sequence courses logically (Algebra I before Algebra II) - Spot gaps in core subjects years before they matter - Align coursework with specific college requirements - Plan standardized test prep at the right time **Involve your student in the process.** You’ll have far more success getting your child to complete the work if they helped choose it. Homeschooling’s built-in flexibility means your student might take forensic science instead of physics, or earn college credits while still in high school. These are real options worth exploring together. Here’s what a balanced four-year plan might look like for a student with strong humanities interests: YearFocusSample Courses9th GradeBuilding foundationsEnglish I, Algebra I, Biology (lab), World History, Spanish I, Art10th GradeBroadening & deepeningEnglish II, Geometry, Chemistry (lab), U.S. History, Spanish II, Logic11th GradeSpecialization beginsEnglish III/Language Arts, Algebra II, Physics, Gov/Econ, Spanish III, Rhetoric12th GradeCollege-level workEnglish IV/Literature, Statistics, Dual Enrollment, Philosophy, Senior ThesisThis is one example — your student’s plan should reflect their goals and the institutions they’re targeting. The point isn’t to copy a template; it’s to **think through the whole arc intentionally**, then revisit and adjust each year. ## High School Transcripts: Demystified The transcript is the centerpiece of your homeschool high school records. For many parents, it feels like the most intimidating piece of the puzzle. It doesn’t have to be. When you understand what goes into a transcript and track things from day one, creating one becomes a natural byproduct of your planning — not a last-minute scramble. ### What a Complete Transcript Includes - Student’s legal name and date of birth - Your homeschool’s name - Course names by year or grade level - Credits earned for each course - Letter grades or percentage grades - Cumulative and yearly GPA - Standardized test scores (if applicable) - Graduation date or expected graduation date - Parent/administrator signature As the homeschooling parent, you are the school administrator. You have the legal authority to create, maintain, and sign this document. Colleges absolutely accept homeschool transcripts — and most admissions offices have well-established processes for reviewing them. [High School Transcripts: How to Generate them in a Click with Homeschool Planet](https://homeschoolplanet.com/high-school-transcripts-how-to-generate-them-in-a-click/) ### How to Build Your Transcript **1. Name your school.** Give your homeschool an official name — something simple and professional. “The Johnson Academy” or “Ridgewood Home School” both work perfectly. **2. Assign credits consistently.** We recommend using the Carnegie Unit standard if possible: 1 credit = approximately 120–180 hours of instruction for a year-long course. A semester course is 0.5 credits. Be consistent across all subjects. **3. Establish a grading system.** Decide upfront how you’ll assign grades, through tests, projects, written work, or a combination. Document your policy. Consistency matters far more than perfection. Most families use a standard 4.0 scale. **4. Track grades throughout the year, not at the end.** Don’t wait until June to reconstruct what happened in September. You can effortlessly record grades as you go in your online planner . This is what makes transcript creation effortless at year-end. **5. Keep supporting records.** Your transcript is the summary; your records are the evidence. Keep course descriptions, reading lists, and even work samples if applicable. These are invaluable if a college requests more detail. ## Preparing Your Student for More Than College Admission A college-ready homeschooler isn’t just a student with strong grades. Admissions officers — especially those who regularly read homeschool applications — are looking for something more: evidence of a capable, curious, self-directed person who will contribute meaningfully to a university community. That means preparing in multiple dimensions: **Academic readiness:** Strong writing, critical thinking, independent research skills, mathematical reasoning, and the ability to self-assess and revise. **Life skills:** Time management, personal responsibility, clear communication, financial literacy, and handling deadlines independently. **Real-world experience:** Part-time work, volunteering, internships, dual enrollment courses, and independent projects. Document all of it including competitions, performances, community service hours, awards. When application season arrives, you don’t want to be trying to remember what your student did three years ago. Here’s something many homeschool families don’t realize: **a growing number of colleges actively seek out homeschool applicants.** Admissions offices have observed that homeschooled students tend to arrive more self-motivated, more resourceful, and better able to manage unstructured time than their traditionally-schooled peers. That reputation is earned, and it’s something you can intentionally build! ## The Answers to Your Biggest Worries 1. **“What if I mess up my student’s transcript?”** This fear is almost entirely unfounded when you track as you go or use our integrated planner. The vast majority of transcript problems happen to families who try to reconstruct records from memory at the last minute. With a system in place from day one, clean records accumulate naturally. 2. **“Will colleges take our homeschool seriously?”** Yes, and with growing enthusiasm. Most accredited colleges have clear admissions pathways for homeschoolers, and many have dedicated homeschool admissions contacts. A well-organized homeschool transcript is every bit as credible as one from a traditional institution. 3. **“What if I can’t teach a subject at the high school level?”** You don’t have to know everything. You do need to know how to find the right resources. Use curriculum providers, online courses, co-ops, community college classes, tutors, and subject-matter experts. Homeschooling doesn’t mean teaching everything yourself; it means taking ownership of your student’s education. 4. **“How do I know if I’m covering everything required?”** Check your state’s homeschool regulations and the admissions requirements for two or three colleges your student might consider. Then map those requirements onto your four-year plan. **Homeschool Planet make this easier – you can see your credit totals at a glance, so there’s no guessing whether you’ve covered enough science labs or foreign language years.** ## The Most Effective Way To Plan For Your High School Homeschool Tracking grades, planning four years, building transcripts – it’s a lot to manage manually, especially if you have multiple students. **Homeschool Planet** is a complete academic management system built specifically for homeschool families and works particularly well in the high school years. It handles the administrative complexity so you can focus on what actually matters – your high schooler’s education. - Track assignments and grades automatically as you plan - Generate professional transcripts directly from your planner data - Map out all four high school years - Monitor credit totals and spot gaps before they become problems - Track extracurriculars, activities, and achievements throughout high school - Print report cards, attendance records, and assignment lists [High School Transcripts: How to Generate them in a Click with Homeschool Planet](https://homeschoolplanet.com/high-school-transcripts-how-to-generate-them-in-a-click/) The most powerful feature for high school families is this: **your daily planning becomes your long-term records.** There’s no separate system to maintain, no year-end reconstruction project, no scramble before application deadlines. **Homeschool Planet has everything you need for Homeschooling High School All in One Place!** Daily Planning → Grade Tracking → Credit Records → Transcript → College Ready ## You Can Do This The families who thrive in homeschooling high school aren’t the ones who do everything perfectly. They’re the ones who [stay organized, stay consistent, and use tools that support them](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Instagram-1-1.png "Free Trial"). ## Get Your Free 4-Year Planning Guide And Start Today! Yes, I Need This! We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at anytime. [Built with ConvertKit](https://convertkit.com/features/forms?utm_campaign=poweredby&utm_content=form&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=dynamic) **The FREE *Homeschool Parent’s Guide to Creating a Strategic 4-Year High School Plan* will walk you through these pertinent questions and more!** ![Parent Guide to Creating a 4-Year High School Plan](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/4YearPlanThumbnails-1024x853.png) *The Homeschool Parent’s Guide to Creating a Strategic 4-Year High School Plan* is free to download. This tool will instruct you as you process what the final four years of your child’s education will look like. You will take into account both state standards, your personal standards, and what your child’s college course of study will require for entry. Your student may not have his or her career chosen yet, and that is perfectly natural at such a young age. We have included a career exploration mind map to help explore what career fields might fit his or her interests and skill sets currently. The best thing about creating a 4-year high school plan is that it is meant to be flexible. You are encouraged to revisit your 4-year plan annually at a minimum in order to keep your student on track or change course if necessary. The 4-year plan is meant to serve you and your child. It is not written in stone. It can change as much or as little as you need it to in order to set both you and your student up for success. ## Get Your Free 4-Year Planning Guide And Start Today! Yes, I Need This! We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at anytime. [Built with ConvertKit](https://convertkit.com/features/forms?utm_campaign=poweredby&utm_content=form&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=dynamic) ## Online Planning Tool For Homeschooling High School We created this FREE planning tool to map out all four years of high school in one place, using your state’s high school graduation requirements as a guide. [Learn More](https://homeschoolplanet.com/high-school-homeschool-planning-tool/) [![in side look at online high school planning tool ](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/new-arrival-copy-3-3-819x1024.png)](https://homeschoolplanet.com/high-school-homeschool-planning-tool/) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/d3babb0046833226121ae02c4336793a9e823ce7c06de2c9b85ea50482f198ad?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Shawna Wingert Shawna Wingert is a former training and development professional turned education specialist, and has homeschooled her two children for the last ten years. Shawna has written four books about homeschooling unique learners and has been featured in homeschooling discussions on Today.com, The Mighty, Simple Homeschool, My Little Poppies and Raising Lifelong Leaners. You can find her online here at Homeschool Planet and at [DifferentByDesignLearning.com.](https://nottheformerthings.com/blog/) [See Full Bio](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/shawna-marketing/) [ ](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/shawna-marketing/) **Categories:** Homeschool Planning, Free Printables **Tags:** high school, 4 year high school plan, planner, free download, freebie, parent guide, free printable, Homeschool Planning --- ### [Homeschool Planning 101: The Loop Scheduling Method](https://homeschoolplanet.com/loop-scheduling/) **Published:** July 12, 2026 **Author:** Lindsey Stomberg **Content:** When I first started homeschooling, I realized that my homeschool didn’t look very “standard.” In our homeschool, we didn’t adhere to rigid schedules. We enjoyed the flexibility that homeschooling offered, so when I came across the loop scheduling method of planning a homeschool day I was very intrigued! There are so many ways to schedule a homeschool day, but most require you to take the time to rework your entire schedule if you deviate from the plan. Loop scheduling is much more flexible and great for those whom planning is not their forte. ![Loop Scheduling](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Loop-Scheduling-PIN.png) ## Differences Between Loop Scheduling and Block Scheduling I want to clarify that loop scheduling is different from [block scheduling](https://homeschoolplanet.com/block-scheduling-method/). Because there are so many types of scheduling methods, many get the two confused. Think of daily block scheduling as setting aside various blocks of your time to devote to specific tasks. During those tasks you purpose not to be distracted by other things. That block of time is for that specified task only and when that block’s time is finished, you move to the next block of time and its specific tasks. If you deviate from your block’s schedule, rescheduling is a must or the material missed will not be completed. Loop scheduling on the other hand has so much more flexibility than block scheduling. Think of loop scheduling as planning your homeschool according to your family’s rhythm and routine. The loop isn’t magical, but it does remove the unnecessary guilt that comes with a change in plans. ## Creating a Loop Schedule To create a loop schedule for your homeschool, you will need to first write down a list of all the subjects you want to cover. This is not about tying your loop to a particular time or day. Creating a loop is basically rotating through a list. If you don’t finish your list, the next time you come to work you just pick up where you left off. Normally when we think of following a standard schedule, we have A, B, and C to complete each day. We always start with A and end with C. Maybe you have an appointment come up so you only complete A and B in one day. With a standard schedule you will begin again the next day at “A” on the list and the previous day’s “C’ must be rescheduled in order to not get behind. Loop scheduling takes the stress out of rescheduling and allows you to just pick up where you left off in your loop. You will follow your loop through over and over again until your work is completed. Even if your days get interrupted, at least the items are getting checked off on your list at some point even if it is not daily as you had hoped. This may allow you to get extra work completed on days you have more freedom. It also cuts the stress out of days you don’t have the time to finish your loop. With a loop, everything will come back around sooner than later. **Example Loop for a Normal Day:** - Math - Language Arts - Science - History **Interrupted Day:** - Math - Language Arts - Science - A friend calls you out of the blue for a playdate and you oblige **Next Day Pick Up Where You Left Off:** - History - Math - Language Arts - Science Check out the video tutorial below to see an example of a loop schedule in action and how to add it to your Homeschool Planet Online Planner. *New to Homeschool Planet and want to try a 30 day FREE Trial? [Click here](https://homeschoolplanet.com/welcome-to-homeschool-planet/).* ## Applying Your Loop Schedule to Your Homeschool Planet Online Planner ### Written Tutorial for Loop Scheduling **The following are step-by-step instructions for how to create a loop schedule with multiple sub-topics covered in one overall subject in your Homeschool Planet Online Planner.** *New to Homeschool Planet and want to learn more about the world’s number one online homeschool planner? [Click here](https://homeschoolplanet.com/welcome-to-homeschool-planet/).* 1\. From the Calendar view of your planner, navigate to your Lesson Plan Library at the top left of your planner by hovering over the Calendar drop-down menu and selecting “Lesson Plans” 2\. Scroll down to the bottom of the page and click the button that says “+ Create My Own Lesson Plan” 3\. Enter a Title and the frequency you choose for your loop schedule. *Example: a 5 day frequency may be preferred for a core subject, such as Language Arts, and a name for the lesson plan could be something such as “L.A. Grade 2 Loop”* 4\. In the “Assignments” tab, to the right of the entry space for the “To every class day, add this:” field you will see the “More options…” text link. Select this link to open the “Assignment Generator.” 5\. In the “Assignment Generator” window you will see several options to choose from to auto-create your assignments. Select the best option to fit your needs then click the “Next” button. *For this loop schedule, select the third option, “My assignments follow a recurring pattern (eg., Math-U-See, or 1-a, 1-b….)* 6\. In the next window, fill in the week numbers you want the assignment pattern to begin and end, and which days you wish to include in the scheduling. Then click the “Next” button. *Example: Starting week 1, ending week 36, with all 5 days of the week checked off (as selected earlier in step 3)* 7\. In the next window, you will enter the information for your assignments in the “Do this:” section. There are specific instructions for this at the top of the window, or you can create your own unique pattern!). In this section, we’ll be entering our loop schedule as we want it to occur throughout our school year, and this may look different for each loop schedule you create. ### Example Loop Scheduling ***Here is another example loop (do not enter page or other numbers at this step, but you can enter the “, pp. ” text if you wish to add page numbers later):*** - - Day 1 – “Handwriting: *Curriculum Name*, pp.” - Day 2 – “Spelling: *Curriculum Name*, List” - Day 3 – “Grammar: *Curriculum Name*, Lesson “ - Day 4 – “Vocabulary: *Curriculum Name*, List” - Day 5 – “Handwriting: *Curriculum Name*, pp.” Click “Add another day to the pattern” to enter more looped sub-topics as needed - Day 6 – “Spelling: *Curriculum Name*, List” - Day 7 – “Grammar: *Curriculum Name”* - Day 8 – “Creative Writing: “ As you can see, this is a sample 8 day pattern with each sub-topic occurring every 4 days of work, with the exception of Vocabulary and Creative Writing which alternate every 8 days of work. 8\. Once you are happy with how everything looks in the preview section, click the “OK” button in the lower right-hand of the window. After following the steps for one of the options above, the reoccurring assignments will now be in the assignments tab. At this point, you should select the “Save” button in the lower right-hand corner of the window to ensure your work will not be lost. If you were wanting to enter page numbers, or give further details about assignments (such as are needed above in our example loop, right below assignments is where you can use the “Show:” section to filter out any assignments containing the text you enter. *Example: type in “Handwriting” and select weeks 1 through 36 to show only the Handwriting assignments in your loop first. Here is where you can pull out your handwriting curriculum workbook and enter the applicable page numbers in each field after the “pp.” text in each assignment field below, working from the top result to the bottom result to work in order. You can also click the “Edit” link to the right of the filter options to open up the Find and Replace/Delete/Change Categories options which also enable the checkboxes beside the assignments shown, to further tweak your plan.* After you are done with the Handwriting assignments, you can then move to the Spelling, then Grammar, and so on, entering lesson/list/page numbers, etc. to each component of your loop as needed. We recommend periodically clicking “Save” at the bottom right of this window to save your progress as you move through each sub-topic. You can fine-tune your assignments further either while using the Assignment Generator or afterward in the Assignments tab of the lesson plan using the “More…” drop-down menu in the by adding resources, additional reminders, and more, by using the “More…” drop-down menu in the “Options:” column. to the right of your assignments. You can also add notes to your schedule on the “Notes” tab in a similar manner as creating assignments. When you are completely satisfied with your assignment set-up, click the “Save and Close” option in the lower right-hand corner of the window. When you are ready to apply your new loop schedule to a class on your calendar, you can do that following the instructions here: [Applying Lesson Plans.](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/applying-lesson-plans/) ## Frequently Asked Questions About Loop Scheduling: A Summary ### What is loop scheduling in homeschooling? Loop scheduling is a flexible way to organize your homeschool subjects and activities. Instead of assigning every subject to a specific day of the week, you create a list (or “loop”) and simply pick up where you left off each homeschool day. If life interrupts your plans, you continue with the next item in the loop rather than trying to “catch up.” ### How is loop scheduling different from a traditional homeschool schedule? A traditional schedule assigns specific subjects to specific days and times. For example, science might always be on Tuesdays and Thursdays. With loop scheduling, subjects are completed in order, regardless of the day. This flexibility helps homeschooling families adapt to appointments, field trips, illnesses, and unexpected interruptions without feeling behind. ### What subjects work best with loop scheduling? Many homeschool families use loop scheduling for subjects that don’t require daily instruction. These often include: - Science - History - Geography - Art - Music - Nature study - Handicrafts - STEM activities - Unit studies - Electives Core subjects like math and language arts are often taught daily, while enrichment subjects rotate through the loop. ### Can I use more than one loop? Absolutely! Many families create separate loops for different purposes. For example, you might have: - A morning basket loop - An enrichment subject loop - A family read-aloud loop - Independent work loops for older students - Household chores or life skills loops Using multiple loops helps keep different parts of your homeschool organized while maintaining flexibility. ### Does loop scheduling work for multiple children? Yes! In fact, many large homeschooling families find loop scheduling especially helpful. You can create family loops for subjects everyone studies together and separate loops for individual students based on age, ability, or interests. ### What happens if we miss several homeschool days? That’s one of the biggest advantages of loop scheduling—you don’t have to reshuffle your entire schedule. Simply resume with the next item in your loop when you’re ready to homeschool again. ### Will my children fall behind if we use a loop schedule? Not necessarily. Loop scheduling ensures every planned subject eventually receives attention. Instead of skipping subjects or doubling lessons to catch up, you simply continue making steady progress over time. ### Is loop scheduling good for eclectic homeschoolers? Yes! Loop scheduling is especially popular with eclectic homeschoolers because it works well with a variety of curriculum styles and allows families to easily incorporate unit studies, hands-on projects, living books, and interest-led learning. ### Can I use loop scheduling with an online homeschool planner? Absolutely. Many homeschool families use an online planner to create and manage their loops. Homeschool Planet makes it easy to organize rotating subjects, automatically reschedule unfinished work, and keep track of progress without manually rewriting lesson plans after interruptions. ### How do I start loop scheduling? Getting started is simple: 1. Decide which subjects you want to teach every day. 2. Make a list of the remaining subjects and activities. 3. Arrange them in the order you’d like to teach them. 4. Complete the next item each homeschool day. 5. Continue where you left off the following day. There’s no perfect order—your loop should fit your family’s priorities and homeschool rhythm. ### Is loop scheduling right for every homeschool family? Loop scheduling isn’t the only way to homeschool, but it’s an excellent option for families who want more flexibility and less stress. If your homeschool is frequently interrupted by appointments, extracurricular activities, travel, or simply the unpredictability of family life, loop scheduling can help you stay consistent without feeling like you’re constantly behind. [![mom and child homeschooling with computer](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Free-Trial-Instagram-3-1-819x1024.png)](https://homeschoolplanet.com/) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/0474d7793a76a3729aa48b82770cd2e6c7d70851f086377a3aeb09856a27abe2?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Lindsey Stomberg [See Full Bio](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/lindseyhomeschoolplanet-com/) [ ](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/lindseyhomeschoolplanet-com/) **Categories:** Homeschool Planning **Tags:** loop scheduling, homeschool planning 101, loop schedule --- ### [Easy Ways To Blend Chores and Learning in Your Homeschool](https://homeschoolplanet.com/chores-learning-homeschool/) **Published:** July 4, 2026 **Author:** Shawna Wingert **Content:** When most of us think about homeschooling, we picture math lessons, reading assignments, science experiments, and history projects first. Now that I’ve graduated two children from my own homeschool, I can confidently say that one of the greatest advantages of homeschooling is that learning doesn’t have to end with academics. In fact, some of the most valuable lessons happen while folding laundry, preparing dinner, caring for pets, or sweeping the kitchen floor. Homeschooling gives you the unique opportunity to educate your whole child, not just academically, but practically as well. Teaching life skills alongside traditional subjects helps prepare children for adulthood while building confidence, responsibility, and independence. ![child doing dishes](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Managing-Chores-in-Your-Homeschool-PIN-683x1024.png) ## Chores Are More Than Household Tasks It’s easy to think of chores as simply helping around the house, but they are actually rich learning opportunities. Every task teaches something valuable. When children cook a meal, they’re practicing math through measuring ingredients, reading through following recipes, science through observing how food changes while cooking, and time management by coordinating multiple steps. - Laundry introduces sorting, sequencing, organization, and responsibility. - Gardening teaches biology, patience, observation, and stewardship. - Cleaning encourages attention to detail, perseverance, and caring for shared spaces. - Pet care develops empathy, consistency, and responsibility. These aren’t “extra” lessons. They’re education in action. ## Life Skills Matter Just as Much as Academics As homeschool parents, we want our children to graduate with more than good test scores. We want them to become capable adults who know how to solve problems, contribute to their families, and confidently navigate everyday life. In my experience, life skills became some of the most appreciated lessons my children carried into adulthood. Imagine your teenager leaving home already knowing how to: - Prepare healthy meals - Manage household chores - Do their own laundry - Organize their schedule - Care for younger siblings - Maintain a clean living space - Take responsibility for daily tasks These skills don’t happen by accident. Like reading or algebra, they’re learned through consistent practice. ## The Challenge: Teaching Life Skills In The Midst Of A Busy Homeschool Most of us have the best intentions when it comes to teaching chores and life skills. But life gets busy. Between lesson planning, appointments, extracurricular activities, field trips, and everyday responsibilities, it’s easy for chore instruction to become inconsistent. One week everyone remembers to help. The next week, chores fall off the radar entirely. It’s frustrating and it’s why planning them alongside your academic schedule can make such a difference. ## Plan Chores Right Alongside Your Lessons At Homeschool Planet, we believe your homeschool planner should reflect real life. Education isn’t only about textbooks. It’s about preparing children for life. That’s why we created **Chore Planet Activity Plans** that integrate seamlessly into your Homeschool Planet planner. You simply add a chore activity plan to your planner and allow your children’s life skills become part of your homeschool routine. Whether you’re teaching younger children basic responsibilities or helping older students build independence, our chore plans make it easy to intentionally include life skills in your school day. [![Homeschool Planet -Chores & homeschool schedules all in one place](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/chores366x245.png)](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/chore-planet/) ## Why Parents Love Chore Planet Adding chore activity plans to your homeschool schedule helps you: - Build consistent daily routines - Teach responsibility one step at a time - Balance academics with practical life skills - Reduce the mental load of remembering who should do what - Encourage independence as children grow - Celebrate progress in both learning and responsibility Instead of viewing chores as interruptions to school, they become an intentional part of your educational goals. ## Make Life Skills Part of Your Homeschool Plan Your homeschool planner should help you organize more than just worksheets and assignments. It should help you plan the education that happens throughout your entire day. With [Homeschool Planet’s Chore Planet Plans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/chore-planet/ "Homeschool Planet's Chore Planet Plans"), you can easily schedule age-appropriate chores and life skills right alongside your academic lessons, making it simple to create a homeschool that prepares your children for both school and life. [![Homeschool Planet Weekly & Monthly - Core Checklists](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Chore-Checklists-Square-1024x1024.png)](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/chore-planet/) ### Chores and Homeschool Planet Add chores to your homeschool schedule quickly and easily with Chore Planet activity plans for use with your Homeschool Planet subscription. Our basics set includes four separate plans: - Bathroom Schedule - Kitchen Schedule - Morning Chores - Evening Chores. We also offer a Pet Care plan for those with furry family members. [![Pet Care Weekly Plans from Homeschool Planet](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Pet-Care-1024x1024.png)](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/chore-planet/) [Chore Planet activity plans ](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/chore-planet/)applied within your Homeschool Planet planner will helps you teach and helps your kids stay on track with chores. Because the goal isn’t just raising good students. It’s raising capable, responsible adults. ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/d3babb0046833226121ae02c4336793a9e823ce7c06de2c9b85ea50482f198ad?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Shawna Wingert Shawna Wingert is a former training and development professional turned education specialist, and has homeschooled her two children for the last ten years. Shawna has written four books about homeschooling unique learners and has been featured in homeschooling discussions on Today.com, The Mighty, Simple Homeschool, My Little Poppies and Raising Lifelong Leaners. You can find her online here at Homeschool Planet and at [DifferentByDesignLearning.com.](https://nottheformerthings.com/blog/) [See Full Bio](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/shawna-marketing/) [ ](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/shawna-marketing/) **Categories:** Homeschool Planning --- ### [5 Simple Steps To Get Started With Homeschool Planet](https://homeschoolplanet.com/get-started-with-homeschool-planet/) **Published:** August 9, 2023 **Author:** Shawna Wingert **Content:** These five easy steps will help you get your new Homeschool Planet online planner set-up and ready for all your homeschool planning needs! ![getting started with homeschool planet](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Tips-for-Getting-Started-with-Homeschool-Planet-2-683x1024.jpg) ## 5 Simple Steps To Get Started With Homeschool Planet While there are a variety of useful features available for your Homeschool Planet planner, these basic steps will allow you to get started quickly and easily. Take the guesswork out of online planning so you can get back to what matters most! ### 1. Set Up Your School Year The very first place to start is in setting up your school year calendar. This initial step lays the foundation, and will ultimately allow you to schedule classes, activities, lesson plans, and more. See step-by-step instructions in the [**Setting Up A School Year**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/setting-up-a-school-year/) portion of our user guide. ### 2. Create Family Profiles Next, you’ll add your family to the planner by creating your Family Profiles. We walk you through the instructions step by step in the [**Setting Up Family Profiles**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/step-2-setting-up-family-profiles/) section of our user guide. ### 3. Add An Integrated Lesson Plan (or Begin Adding Your Own) **You have two dynamic options for lesson planning with Homeschool Planet**. **\#1** – You can add one of our plug-in, integrated lesson plans. Plan out your entire year in just minutes with over 3,200 current plans from popular homeschool curriculum programs. New plans added to our Lesson Plan Marketplace every month. Learn how to [Add A Plug-In Lesson Plan in this section of our user guide](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/adding-a-plug-in-lesson-plan/). **\#2** – If you prefer to be a bit more eclectic in your approach, or use a curriculum not available in our marketplace, you can also easily set-up your own lesson plans in your planner! Check out our videos about how to [**Create a Lesson Plan**](https://youtu.be/1SZh9rL7jSc) and how to use our[ **Assignment Generator.** ](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/assignment-generator/) [![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/HSP-User-Guide-Create-A-Lesson-Plan-w-arrow-1024x576.png)](https://youtu.be/1SZh9rL7jSc)Or, you may choose to do a combination of the above to create a personalized, robust learning plan for your homeschool. ### 4. Customize Your Background Theme While not technically required, at this point in the set-up process, we encourage you to customize your planner to a theme and color palate that feels best for you. Get all the details on how to[**Customize Your Back Ground Theme here.**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/customizing-display-settings/) ### 5. Schedule Daily and Weekly Digests Homeschool Planet can email a list of each day’s tasks and assignments for each member of your family directly to you, your students, and another parent. Learn how easily you can schedule Digests in the [**Scheduling Daily & Weekly Digests instructions found in our user guide**. ](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/daily-weekly-digests/?seq_no=2) ## Homeschool Tracking And Reporting: Additional, Helpful Steps While not essential to begin planning your homeschool and family life, we know the reality of homeschool tracking and reporting requirements for homeschoolers. The good news is, **Homeschool Planet is also equipped to help you track attendance and learning hours so you’ll know you are meeting your state’s homeschooling statutes.** ### Attendance Tracking Attendance records can be easily tracked and printed from your Homeschool Planet account. See how straight forward it is to set up this feature in the User Guide entry titled **[Setting up Attendance Tracking](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/attendance-tracking/).** ### Tracking Class And Activity Hours Homeschool Planet can track and report class hours with a convenient clock icon that lets you see exactly which items you are tracking. To see the hours your student spends on academic work, activities (including chores!) and other events see the entry [**Getting Started Tracking Class and Activity Hours.** ](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/tracking-class-and-activity-hours/) [![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Tracking-Class-and-Activity-Hours-1024x576.png)](https://youtu.be/387iOHkWkc0) ### Creating Assignments After creating a class, you also have the flexibility to create single and reoccurring assignments. [![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/The-Assignment-Generator-1024x576.png)](https://youtu.be/nH6j9NpA5mE)## An Online Planner Designed To Meet Your Unique Family’s Needs Now that you’ve got the basic set-up taken care of, we want to encourage you to explore all Homeschool Planet has to offer. This is just the beginning and there are a myriad of ways we can support you in your homeschool journey. ### These 5 steps are just the beginning! Find out more about all the amazing features and benefits Homeschool Planet provides in [our comprehensive user guide](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/). ### Make Changes To Your School Calendar As Needed Because homeschooling happens in the reality of our day to day lives, our planner is designed to easily flex to accommodate changes in your schedule. Learn how easily you can make changes in our [**Changes To Your School Calendar instructions in our user guide**. ](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/changes-to-your-school-calendar/) [![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Changes-to-your-School-Calendar-1024x576.png)](https://youtu.be/UInTeYUJYrA?list=PLi6_prN3RNXsoVRJ37vb7LkwaAtlrAU84) **Want to see Homeschool Planet in action?** Join [Ashley from Gathered and Grounded as she plans her entire school year. ](https://youtu.be/-giKJOGLHgI) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/d3babb0046833226121ae02c4336793a9e823ce7c06de2c9b85ea50482f198ad?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Shawna Wingert Shawna Wingert is a former training and development professional turned education specialist, and has homeschooled her two children for the last ten years. Shawna has written four books about homeschooling unique learners and has been featured in homeschooling discussions on Today.com, The Mighty, Simple Homeschool, My Little Poppies and Raising Lifelong Leaners. You can find her online here at Homeschool Planet and at [DifferentByDesignLearning.com.](https://nottheformerthings.com/blog/) [See Full Bio](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/shawna-marketing/) [ ](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/shawna-marketing/) **Categories:** Homeschool Planning, Using Homeschool Planet --- ### [Homeschooling An Auditory Learner: A Parent's Guide](https://homeschoolplanet.com/auditory-learners/) **Published:** March 1, 2026 **Author:** Shannan Swindler **Content:** Discover how to identify and teach your auditory learner at home. We share practical homeschool strategies and how the Homeschool Planet planner helps you organize lessons that fit your child’s unique learning style. ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Neutral-Beige-and-White-Feminine-Pinterest-Template-3-683x1024.png) Auditory learners thrive on sound; they often remember information better when they hear it! Listening to lectures, discussions, or audiobooks can be a game-changer for their learning journey. They absorb information best through spoken words and may struggle with written instructions or purely visual materials. **For auditory learners, engaging in activities where they can listen and participate actively is key to their understanding and retention of information.** They may enjoy study groups where they can talk things through with others and bounce ideas off one another. Repeating information out loud helps solidify concepts in their minds, as auditory learners benefit from hearing themselves speak and process information verbally. This can be a useful strategy for studying and memorization, as it allows them to reinforce key concepts and subject matter through auditory reinforcement. Music or rhythm can aid memory retention for auditory learners, making learning feel like a fun challenge rather than a chore. Encouraging auditory learners to engage in storytelling can spark their creativity and enhance their understanding of new information by connecting details to real-life scenarios and experiences. ## **Understanding Auditory Learners and Their Preferred Learning Style** Auditory learners often excel in environments that cater to their preferred learning style, where they can use their listening skills to their advantage. By incorporating auditory elements into their study routines, such as listening to podcasts, discussing topics with peers, or using mnemonic devices based on sound, auditory learners can enhance their learning experience and achieve academic success. By recognizing and embracing their unique, individual [learning styles](https://homeschoolplanet.com/learning-styles-homeschool-planning/), auditory learners can harness the power of sound to deepen their understanding and retention of information. ## Homeschool Planet Lesson Plans For Your Auditory Learner - [BJU Press](https://homeschoolplanet.com/search-results/?q=BJU) - [Essentials in Writing](https://homeschoolplanet.com/search-results/?q=essentials%20in%20writing) - [Math-U-See](https://homeschoolplanet.com/search-results/?q=Math-U-See) - [Jim Hodges Audiobooks](https://homeschoolplanet.com/search-results/?q=Jim%20Hodges) - [The Nomadic Professor](https://homeschoolplanet.com/search-results/?q=nomadic%20professor) - [Rosetta Stone](https://homeschoolplanet.com/search-results/?q=rosetta%20stone) - [Great Literature](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/classic-literature-reading-plans/) - [Mystery of History](https://homeschoolplanet.com/search-results/?q=Mystery%20of%20History) - [Story of The World](https://homeschoolplanet.com/search-results/?q=Story%20of%20the%20world) - [Apologia Science](https://homeschoolplanet.com/search-results/?q=apologia) ## **Strategies for Promoting Student Success in Homeschool Environments** Incorporating [music](https://homeschoolplanet.com/music-education-ideas/) into homeschool environments can be a fun and effective way to promote student success for students with an auditory learning style. By using songs and melodies to reinforce concepts, students can better remember information through catchy tunes that make learning stick. Additionally, audio resources such as podcasts and [audiobooks](https://homeschoolplanet.com/top-10-benefits-of-audiobooks/) can engage auditory learners with diverse content, providing an alternative way for students to absorb information. Discussion time is another valuable strategy for promoting student success in homeschool environments. Encouraging group discussions or debates can stimulate verbal processing and help students develop a deep understanding of the material. By engaging in conversations with different people, students can use these different ways of learning to gain new perspectives and strengthen their communication skills. Interactive listening activities, such as storytelling sessions where students can listen and respond, can enhance comprehension through engagement. By actively participating in the storytelling process, students are more likely to retain information and make meaningful connections no matter the course materials you have chosen for your homeschool. Rhythm and rhyme can also be utilized to create fun and effective ways for students to memorize key facts. By incorporating rhymes or chants into their learning, students can make the memorization process more enjoyable and successful. ## **Creative Hands-On Activities to Support Auditory Learning** Auditory learners are a type of learner that thrives when they can engage with information through sound, making it essential to incorporate hands-on activities that cater to their main learning styles. One fun way to support auditory learning is through creating soundscapes, where learners can express their understanding creatively by producing podcasts or audio diaries. This allows them to explore topics in a new light and showcase their knowledge in a unique way. Storytelling sessions also provide a great opportunity for auditory learners to narrate stories or create podcasts on subjects they are passionate about, honing their communication skills while deepening their understanding of the content. ### Helping Auditory Learners Excel at Home Different styles of learning do well using mind maps, but auditory learners process different ideas in a unique way. Storytelling and discussion are often the best ways for them to communicate what they have learned from their homeschool lessons and weekly learning plans. You may find your teens coming up with their own learning techniques that help them master more difficult subjects like chemistry and physics. Group discussions are an effective hands-on activity that supports auditory learning by fostering collaborative learning environments. Homeschooled teens especially enjoy engaging in lively group chats or debates on topics of interest. It’s a great opportunity for auditory learners to actively participate in discussions and learn from their peers. This not only strengthens their understanding of the material but also helps them develop important communication and critical thinking skills. Role-playing activities can also be utilized to bring concepts to life in an engaging way, allowing auditory learners to immerse themselves in the content and make connections through active participation. For auditory learners who enjoy music, turning lessons into catchy songs or jingles can be a fun and effective way to make information stick. By incorporating music into the learning process, home educators can help auditory learners retain key concepts more easily and engage with the material in a way that resonates with them. Whether it’s through creating sound-based projects, participating in group discussions, or singing out lessons, there are plenty of creative hands-on activities that can support auditory learning and enhance the overall personal experience of homeschooling for these learners. ## **Incorporating Audio Books into Lesson Plans for Enhanced Engagement** Incorporating audiobooks into [lesson plans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/learning-styles-homeschool-planning/) can greatly enhance student engagement and learning of new concepts. To start, it is important to choose engaging titles that spark interest and curiosity among students. By selecting audio recordings that capture your homeschooler’s attention, you can keep them motivated and involved in the learning process. Pairing these audiobooks with activities such as discussions or creative projects can make the learning experience more dynamic and interactive, allowing students to apply what they have learned in a practical way. Setting the scene for audiobook listening is also a fun way to create a conducive learning environment. Creating a cozy space with comfortable seating and minimal distractions can help homeschoolers focus better on the content being presented. Encouraging note-taking while listening to audiobooks can promote active engagement and help students retain key information. This practice can also help students develop their critical thinking skills by jotting down interesting ideas or questions that arise during the listening session. These are just a few of the variety of ways that produce positive change and good academic habits that will lead to continued success in their adult years. Incorporating technology into the use of audiobooks can make the learning experience more convenient and accessible for students who learn well in an online environment. By utilizing apps or platforms that provide easy access to audiobooks, students can listen to them anywhere and at any time. Following up the listening session with group discussions or reflections can deepen students’ understanding of the material and help them connect ideas presented in the audiobook. This reflective process can also encourage students to think critically about the content and its implications for their own learning journey. ## **Tailoring Education: Adapting to Various Learning Styles in Your Homeschool** When tailoring your curriculum to adapt to various learning styles in your homeschool, it’s important to consider different strategies for auditory learners. These students thrive on verbal communication and auditory cues to enhance their understanding of concepts. One effective method is to practice recitation, where your child explains what they’ve learned aloud. This not only reinforces their understanding but also helps build their confidence in expressing themselves verbally. Additionally, creating sound cues or mnemonic devices that involve auditory elements can further reinforce lessons and improve recall for auditory learners. These types of solitary or group activities offer different points of learning and review throughout the homeschool week and can be done just about anywhere. Incorporating music into your lessons can be another valuable tool for engaging auditory learners. Using songs and rhythms to teach concepts can help these students remember information better when it’s set to music. This approach not only makes learning more enjoyable but also caters to the auditory preferences of these learners. Furthermore, engaging in discussions about topics can be beneficial for auditory learners, as talking things out helps them process and retain information more effectively. Encouraging verbal communication and dialogue can provide these students with the opportunity to deepen their understanding through conversation. To make learning more accessible for auditory learners, providing access to audiobooks or podcasts can be a valuable resource. These auditory mediums can make learning more engaging and enjoyable for students who prefer listening to information rather than reading it. Additionally, incorporating memorization and presentation activities, such as learning and reciting portions of famous literary works or speeches, can further cater to the learning style of auditory learners. By incorporating these strategies into your homeschool curriculum, you can create a more inclusive and effective learning environment for students with auditory preferences. ## **Homeschool Curricula for Auditory Learners** For auditory learners, incorporating audio resources into homeschool curricula can greatly enhance their learning experience. Utilize podcasts, audiobooks, and recorded lectures from online courses to make learning engaging and enjoyable. By listening to information rather than reading it, auditory learners can absorb and retain knowledge more effectively. With teens, encourage discussions with family members about what they are learning during online education. It is another great way to cater to auditory learners. Foster a collaborative environment where your child can ask questions, share their thoughts, and engage in meaningful conversations about the topics they are learning. Rhymes and songs can be powerful tools for auditory learners to reinforce concepts and make memorization fun while exercising their cognitive abilities. By leveraging music and rhythmic patterns, you can help your child retain information in a way that resonates with their mix of learning styles. Implementing storytelling into lessons can also capture interest and enhance retention of information for auditory learners. By weaving narratives into your curriculum, you can create a more engaging and memorable learning experience for your child. Setting up listening stations in your homeschool environment can help minimize distractions and encourage focused learning for auditory learners. By creating a dedicated space with headphones and audio materials, you can provide a quiet and immersive learning environment that caters to your child’s preferred learning style. By incorporating these strategies into your homeschool curricula, you can create a more effective and enjoyable learning experience for auditory learners. ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/273e331e1365e08aaa487fc9793da1a98403a08271f620e721c8d3df75be1b25?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Shannan Swindler Shannan shares her passion for helping others use the world as their classroom at Captivating Compass. Her home base is in Scotland, where she home educates and learns on location throughout Europe as much as possible. She teaches online and creates digital curricula that promotes a Chrisitan worldview through creative learning and family travel experiences (in person & virtually). [See Full Bio](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/shannan-swindler/) [ ](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/shannan-swindler/) **Categories:** Homeschool Planning, Choosing Curriculum **Tags:** auditory learner, learning style, homeschool tips, curriculum, homeschool --- ### [The Best Homeschool Lesson Planner For Customized Learning](https://homeschoolplanet.com/homeschool-lesson-planner/) **Published:** February 24, 2026 **Author:** Shawna Wingert **Content:** If you’ve ever found yourself staring at a blank lesson plan at 10 p.m., wondering where on earth to start, you are not alone. When you are trying to take a unique approach to learning, sometimes it’s easier to create your own lesson plans than try and force one that just doesn’t fit your child’s needs. That’s where Homeschool Planet becomes not just a tool, but a true partner in your homeschool journey. **We have the tools and the flexibility to help you create your own homeschool lesson plans, all at the click of a few buttons!** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/The-2-683x1024.png) ## Why Create Your Own Lesson Plans? First let’s be real –[ premade lesson plans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/tag/marketplace/ "marketplace") are wonderful. They’re lifesavers for busy families and can be absolute gems of curriculum wisdom. (And yes, Homeschool Planet has hundreds of these treasures available in our Marketplace, ready when you need them!) But we recognize that when you create your own lesson plans, you’re doing something different. You’re honoring your child’s unique learning journey and you’re building something that no curriculum company, no matter how well-intentioned, could design for you. No one knows the way you do that your son lights up when he talks about dinosaurs, that your daughter needs movement breaks every 20 minutes, or that your family does your best learning on Tuesday mornings with music playing softly in the background. Creating your own lesson plans gives you control and connection in your homeschool. You get to: - **Build around your child’s learning pace and passions** – Not too fast, not too slow, but just right for where they are today. - **Seamlessly integrate multiple subjects into rich, project-based units** – Real learning doesn’t happen in neat little boxes. When you’re studying the American Revolution, that’s history, yes—but it’s also writing (journals from different perspectives), math (calculating distances armies traveled), science (studying the technology of the era), art (examining political cartoons), and so much more. Custom lesson plans let you weave these threads together naturally. - **Honor your family’s values, priorities, and real-life learning opportunities** – Maybe you want to include character development lessons. Perhaps your faith is central to your teaching. Or maybe you want to embrace more unschooling elements. You might want to count that incredible museum trip as your history lesson for the week, or that time your child spent researching how to build a chicken coop as their science and math. Custom lesson plans give you the freedom to incorporate what counts in your family. - **Balance core academics with the heart of your homeschool** – Yes, your children need to learn reading, writing, and arithmetic. But they also need time for nature walks, creative play, family read-alouds, hands-on projects, community service, or whatever might feed their souls. Custom lesson plans help you hold space for both the essential academics and the extras that make homeschooling so valuable. Creating your own lesson plan isn’t just about organizing information. It’s about designing a learning experience that feels natural and meaningful for your family. We understand and want to support you creating unique lesson plans that really work. ## How Homeschool Planet Makes Custom Lesson Planning Feel Effortless We have created detailed instructions to walk you through, step-by-step, as you use Homeschool Planet as a customer lesson planner. See Our Step By Step Instructions For Creating Your Own Lesson Plan You can also watch this short and sweet video tutorial to show you how easy it can be! **Throughout this process, consider the following tips for success:** ### Start with the Big Picture (and Breathe) Inside your Homeschool Planet account, you’ll begin by setting up each course or subject. Title them however you like. Not how a textbook company thinks you should. Not what the state standards call them. But what makes sense to you and resonates with your family. Maybe you prefer traditional subject names: - “5th Grade Math” - “Middle School Science” - “High School Literature” Or perhaps your homeschool embraces a more thematic, adventurous approach: - “Ocean Explorers: A Marine Biology Journey” - “American History Adventure: 1776-1865” - “Nature Study: Our Backyard Year” - “The Art of Storytelling: Creative Writing Workshop” - “Around the World in 180 Days: Geography & Culture” - You can organize your courses by themes, by individual students, by learning goals, by seasons, by interests—whatever structure helps your brain and your homeschool function best. Maybe you have one active kindergartener and one focused fifth grader, so you organize by student. Or maybe you teach multiple ages together with unit studies, so you organize by theme. Homeschool Planet doesn’t force you into someone else’s box. You build the structure that makes sense for your family. ### Your Assignments and Activities (The Fun Part!) Now comes the part where your lesson plan starts to come alive. With just a few clicks (seriously, it’s that simple), you can enter whatever your lessons include. And we mean *whatever* they include: - **Traditional assignments** – “Read Chapter 3 of Charlotte’s Web,” “Complete math worksheet pages 42-44,” “Write a paragraph about your favorite season” - **Creative projects** – “Build a model of the solar system,” “Create a comic strip about the water cycle,” “Design and sew a medieval costume” - **Video and media resources** – “Watch Nature Cat episode on habitats,” “Listen to podcast on Ancient Rome,” “Documentary: Planet Earth – Forests episode” - **Reading assignments** – “Read chapters 1-3 of Number the Stars,” “Independent reading time: 30 minutes,” “Poetry teatime: read 3 poems together” - **Hands-on activities** – “Baking lesson: measuring fractions in cookie recipe,” “Nature walk: collect and identify 10 leaves,” “Science experiment: make a volcano” - **Field trips and experiences** – “Visit art museum,” “Trip to the tide pools,” “Tour local newspaper office,” “Attend symphony concert” - **Discussion questions** – “What do you think the main character should have done differently?” “How would you solve this problem in your own community?” But here’s where it gets even better: you can add links, notes, attachments, or files right inside each assignment. Everything you need lives in one place. No more scrambling through bookmarks, emails, and sticky notes trying to remember where you saved that perfect worksheet or which website had that great video. Imagine this: Your student clicks on their assignment for the day and finds: - The direct link to the educational video they need to watch - The PDF worksheet you want them to complete, already attached - Your notes with specific instructions or helpful hints - A checklist of the steps they need to follow for their project - Discussion questions for your afternoon tea time together **Pro Tip from Experienced Homeschoolers:** You can attach checklists or daily reminders to assignments, keeping both you and your student on track without constant nagging. Maybe your child has a morning routine checklist: “Get dressed, eat breakfast, do morning chores, review memory work, ready to learn!” Or a writing project checklist: “Brainstorm ideas, create outline, write rough draft, peer review with sibling, revise, final copy.” These little supports build independence and reduce the morning question of “What do I do first?” ### Set A Schedule That Actually Works for Your Life This is where Homeschool Planet truly shines with flexibility that respects how real families actually live. Because let’s be honest, not every homeschool follows the same rhythm! **Do you follow a traditional 5-day week?** Monday through Friday, weekends off, perhaps mirroring a more conventional school schedule? Homeschool Planet works perfectly for you. **Are you a 4-day-a-week family?** Maybe you reserve Fridays for co-op, field trips, or catch-up time. You can set that up easily. **Do you love block scheduling?** Science on Mondays and Wednesdays, history on Tuesdays and Thursdays, with Fridays for art and music? Block scheduling helps some children focus deeply on one subject at a time. Homeschool Planet handles this beautifully. **Are you a loop scheduler?** Just working through your subject list in order without worrying about specific days of the week? Loop scheduling means you never feel behind—you just pick up where you left off. Perfect for families who travel, have variable schedules, or just prefer a more organic rhythm. **Do you homeschool year-round?** Maybe you do six weeks on, two weeks off. Or you take summers lighter but never completely stop. Homeschool Planet adapts to year-round schedules without batting an eye. Whatever your rhythm, Homeschool Planet adjusts effortlessly. #### **And here’s the Homeschool Planet feature that might just save your sanity:** When a sick day pops up, or you decide to take an impromptu trip to see fall foliage at peak beauty, or grandma surprises everyone with tickets to a show, or someone just needs a mental health day, you don’t have to manually rewrite your entire plan. Just hit the reschedule button. That’s it. Homeschool Planet automatically shifts your plan forward, gracefully moving everything down without the chaos of crossing out dates, rewriting assignments, or feeling like you’ve derailed your whole year. This single feature has probably prevented countless homeschool parent meltdowns. Life happens. Homeschool Planet just… handles it. Calmly. Efficiently. (And without judgment!) ### Track Progress and Celebrate Every Win (Big and Small) There’s something deeply satisfying about checking off a completed task. About seeing progress. About having tangible evidence that yes, learning is happening, growth is real, and you’re doing this homeschool thing. Every completed assignment in Homeschool Planet is automatically logged and visible in reports. You get a clear, organized picture of what’s been accomplished and what’s coming next. No more wondering, “Did we actually finish that unit?” or “How many math lessons have we done this semester?” It’s all there, tracked and recorded without you having to manually write anything down. And when it comes time for record-keeping (for your own peace of mind, for portfolio reviews, or for state reporting requirements), you can generate: - Printable records of completed work – organized, professional, and comprehensive - Transcripts for high schoolers – because college applications feel less scary when you’re organized - Grading summaries if you use grades – or you can skip grading entirely if that’s not your style - Progress reports for specific time periods – perfect for end-of-semester reviews or meetings with evaluators But beyond the official record-keeping, there’s something beautiful about being able to look back and see your homeschool journey. To remember that amazing unit study you did in the fall. To see how far your struggling reader has come. To celebrate the week your child finally conquered long division. To have a visual reminder that you’re moving forward, even when some days feel like you’re just surviving. Homeschool Planet helps you see your progress—not just as completed checkboxes, but as a meaningful record of your family’s learning adventure. ### Bonus: Save, Reuse, and Build Your Own Homeschool Lesson Plan Library Here’s something that makes lesson planning feel less like starting from scratch every year: once you’ve built a custom lesson plan you love, you can save it in your planner for next year! Did you create an amazing ocean study that worked beautifully with your kindergartener? Save it! You can pull it out next fall for a younger sibling, or even revisit it at a deeper level with your now-first-grader. That unit on the solar system that sparked weeks of fascination? Save it for your younger child, or adapt it for your middle schooler who’s ready for more complex astronomy concepts. Many families build a personal library of custom lesson plans that grow alongside their homeschool journey. It’s like creating your own curriculum, piece by piece, perfectly tailored to your family’s learning style and values. Over the years, you develop this collection of resources that reflect your children’s interests and your family’s unique educational philosophy. ## Ready to Try It for Yourself? Let’s Get You Started! If you’re new to Homeschool Planet and feeling that flutter of excitement mixed with “but what if I don’t know what I’m doing?”—take a deep breath, friend. You’ve got this. And we’ve got you. Now is the perfect time to start your 30-day free trial, no credit card required. Not a 7-day trial that leaves you scrambling. Not a limited version that frustrates you with what you can’t do. A full 30 days to really explore, experiment, make mistakes, discover what works, and find your rhythm with the planner. During your trial, you’ll get complete access to: - The full lesson planner with all its customization capabilities - Our industry leading rescheduling tools that save your sanity when life happens - Grading and reporting options (use them or don’t—your choice!) - Progress tracking that helps you see how far you’ve come - The peace of mind that comes from having everything organized in one place Thirty days is enough time to plan a full month, experience a few weeks of teaching, adjust when something doesn’t work, and really feel whether this is the right planning tool for your family. No credit card. No pressure. No rush. [![Free trial no credit card required](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/SQUARE-HSP-free-trial-4-1024x1024.png)](https://homeschoolplanet.com/) [**Start Your Free Trial Today**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/) Discover how genuinely easy and joyful it can be to create your own homeschool lesson plans—without the overwhelm, without the stress, and with plenty of space for life’s beautiful unpredictability. ## Your Homeschool, Your Way Whether you’re just starting your homeschool journey and feeling overwhelmed by all the possibilities, or you’re a seasoned homeschooler looking for better organization, or you’re somewhere in the messy middle just trying to make it all work, our lesson planner has what you need, when you need it, to make your homeschool the very best it can be! ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/d3babb0046833226121ae02c4336793a9e823ce7c06de2c9b85ea50482f198ad?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Shawna Wingert Shawna Wingert is a former training and development professional turned education specialist, and has homeschooled her two children for the last ten years. Shawna has written four books about homeschooling unique learners and has been featured in homeschooling discussions on Today.com, The Mighty, Simple Homeschool, My Little Poppies and Raising Lifelong Leaners. You can find her online here at Homeschool Planet and at [DifferentByDesignLearning.com.](https://nottheformerthings.com/blog/) [See Full Bio](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/shawna-marketing/) [ ](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/shawna-marketing/) **Categories:** Homeschool Planning --- ### [6 Homeschool Planning Ideas to Bust Burnout](https://homeschoolplanet.com/6-homeschool-planning-ideas-to-bust-burnout/) **Published:** February 14, 2026 **Author:** Shawna Wingert **Content:** It’s common to feel completely out of homeschool planning ideas and have no idea what to do next! Homeschool Planet will help you plan well and avoid burnout. ![mom planning](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Neutral-Beige-and-White-Feminine-Pinterest-Template-2-683x1024.png) ## The Realities of Homeschool Planning Homeschool planning can be overwhelming, but it’s important to remember that it’s okay to take breaks and prioritize the needs of your family over academics. It’s common to feel completely out of homeschool planning ideas and have no idea what to do next. It’s often called burnout and can be exacerbated when trying to juggle multiple responsibilities – which is quite common in homeschooling. So, be sure to give yourself and your kids grace and flexibility. Homeschooling is a long-term investment. With the little dips and turns of the days, it will smooth out over time and with the different stages of maturity kids go through. Here are some excellent tips veteran homeschooling moms use to bring clarity, consistency, and joy into their homeschool routine. Let’s get started! ## Homeschool Planning Ideas for Your Unique Journey First and foremost, remember that every homeschooling journey is unique. It’s really important that you don’t compare yourself to others. Getting caught in the trap of comparing accomplishments is overwhelming and destructive to the ultimate goal of homeschooling. Nurturing and learning together in a way that everyone thrives. And…. when you feel like it’s all falling apart and you’ve no idea what to do next, it is time to pause, breathe, and regroup with some fresh homeschool planning ideas. Focus on what works best for your family. Consider creating a daily or weekly schedule to help stay organized and on track with your homeschool planning. Don’t be afraid to reach out for support from fellow homeschoolers or online communities for advice and encouragement. Homeschool veterans and those just a few steps ahead of you have probably dealt with similar circumstances. Finding an encouraging community where you can ask questions, is one of the most valuable steps in figuring out what to do next. You may also find that your family really enjoys a specific [style of homeschooling](https://homeschoolplanet.com/a-homeschool-year-that-works/) or [method of learning.](https://homeschoolplanet.com/homeschool-method/) ### Finding A Balance When it comes to homeschool planning, it’s crucial to find a balance between structure and flexibility. Focus on what works for your family situation and the learning styles of your kids. While having a routine can be beneficial for keeping everyone on track, it’s also important to be adaptable and open to changes when necessary. Modeling flexibility to your kids is a great way for them to learn what flexibility and graciousness can look like in everyday situations. Don’t be too hard on anyone if things don’t go [according to plan](https://captivatingcompass.com/homeschool-routine/). Learning how to appropriately respond to unfavorable situations is an opportunity to grow in character. These types of character-building activities are teaching the soft skills and[ life skills](https://captivatingcompass.com/life-skills-activities-for-teens/) that employers are looking for. As you navigate the realities of homeschool planning, remember to celebrate the small victories along the way. Whether it’s a breakthrough in a particular topic that is challenging, a fun, and engaging learning activity, or simply making it through a particularly tough day, take the time to [acknowledge and appreciate](https://captivatingcompass.com/positive-affirmations-printable/) the efforts your family has made. Stay connected with other homeschooling families for support, encouragement, and inspiration. By sharing experiences and resources, you can gain valuable insights and build a strong community of like-minded individuals who understand the joys and challenges of homeschooling. ## How To Know When To Start Over & Starting Over Tips Feeling overwhelmed? It’s okay to hit the reset button. If you find yourself constantly stressed out and struggling to keep up with your homeschooling routine, it may be time to start over. #### Signs you may need a fresh start in your [homeschool planning](https://homeschoolplanet.com/how-homeschooling-and-homemaking-can-be-planned-out-more-efficiently/) include: - feeling burnt out, - lacking motivation, or - experiencing a lack of progress in your child’s learning. Don’t be afraid to admit when things aren’t working and take a step back to reevaluate your approach. Take a breather and don’t be afraid to change things up. Remember, starting over doesn’t mean you’ve failed, it means you’re adapting. It’s important to listen to your instincts and trust that you know what’s best for your child’s education. If something isn’t working, don’t be afraid to try a new approach or curriculum. Your homeschool journey is a flexible one, and it’s okay to make adjustments as needed. #### Tips for a successful reboot in your homeschool journey include: - [setting realistic goals](https://homeschoolplanet.com/homeschool-planning-that-doesnt-suck-the-life-out-of-you/), - creating a flexible schedule, and - [seeking support ](https://homeschoolplanet.com/homeschool-planet-children-with-learning-differences/)from other homeschooling families. By taking the time to reassess and make changes as needed, you can create a more positive and effective learning environment for both you and your child. ## What To Do When Your Homeschool Planning Ideas Aren’t Working When your homeschool plan isn’t working, it’s important to take a step back and reassess what’s going on. Don’t be afraid to make adjustments as needed to better suit your child’s learning style and needs. Sometimes, a change in [curriculum](https://homeschoolplanet.com/ready-made-school/) or schedule can make a big difference in how your homeschool day flows. If you want to consider a change, here are a few homeschool planning ideas to get you back on track - Considering a new curriculum? There’s no need to wait until next year. Try a sample lesson next week. See how you feel about the teaching style as well as how your child responds to the content and new style of learning. This works great for language arts and other core subjects. It is perfect to try different ways of learning before purchasing a curriculum for the entire year. - Look at the pace of learning. Is the pace too slow? Is the student getting bored? Or, is it too fast and the child is not grasping the concepts and needs a different approach or style of learning to retain the information? - Is your schedule too full? Teens especially need time to contemplate ideas and discuss their thoughts on subjects. It is a way of sorting and organizing ideas in preparation for deeper understanding. Too many subjects and activities can get in the way of thoughtful conversations and contemplation. Too much screen time can also gobble up time better spent on live-giving activities. Take some time to look at the last year of your home and family life and see where adjustments need to be made before the next school year begins. ### Homeschool Mentors Can Help It bears repeating, reach out to other homeschooling parents for support and advice. Their years of homeschooling come with valuable insights or suggestions that could help you troubleshoot your current challenges. Remember to take breaks when needed. That could mean longer breaks each day between shorter subject sessions or extended breaks of 2-10 days (or more) as needed to remain excited about learning. ### Learning Takes Time Homeschooling can be a demanding job and learning takes time. It’s important to take care of yourself in order to be able to effectively teach your child. You may find that year-round schooling or short intensives are perfect for your family. Try project-based [unit studies](https://homeschoolplanet.com/homeschool-methods-101-exploring-the-unit-study-homeschool-method/) or [learning plans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/how-you-can-make-lesson-planning-simple/) that allow for fewer days of learning a week. See how your family responds to the different approaches. Stay flexible and open-minded in your approach to homeschooling. Every child is different, and what works for one may not work for another – even within the same family. Being willing to adapt and try new strategies can help you find a method that works best for your family. There are some excellent [homeschool methods](https://homeschoolplanet.com/homeschool-method/). You are sure to find your favorite and be able to create a homeschooling experience that fits your child’s needs. Some of the most popular homeschool methods are[ Charlotte Mason](https://homeschoolplanet.com/charlotte-mason-homeschool-method/), which includes nature study and exciting book lists, and the [Classical Education](https://homeschoolplanet.com/the-classical-homeschool-method/) model which allows for a variety of different subjects throughout a student’s course of study. Both can include bible study. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or burnt out, and you are not finding solutions, maybe it’s time to seek professional help. Perhaps there is a learning challenge, disability, or family situation making the homeschool planning ideas you have tried seem unsuccessful. There are resources available to[ support homeschooling parents](https://hslda.org/), whether it’s through counseling, support groups, or educational consultants. Mental and emotional well-being is just as important as your child’s education, so don’t hesitate to reach out for help if someone in your family needs it. ## Homeschool Planning Ideas: Strategies to Prevent Burnout These homeschool planning ideas are designed to help you avoid burnout and stay motivated on your homeschooling journey! Planning is key to a [successful homeschool experience](https://homeschoolplanet.com/how-you-can-make-lesson-planning-simple/), but it’s important to find a balance and avoid feeling overwhelmed. Here are some strategies to help you effectively plan your homeschool curriculum and schedule, while also taking care of yourself and preventing burnout. One important strategy to prevent burnout is to create a realistic and flexible homeschool schedule. Remember, homeschooling is a marathon, not a sprint. It’s essential to set realistic goals and allow room for adjustments as needed. By creating a [flexible schedule](https://homeschoolplanet.com/organizing-your-family-schedules-all-in-one-place/) that allows for breaks, rest, and fun activities, you can prevent burnout and keep yourself and your children motivated throughout the homeschool year. Another effective way to prevent burnout is to ensure everyone in the family has an opportunity to participate in [activities](https://homeschoolplanet.com/5-summer-science-activities-your-kids-will-love/) that ‘fill their tank’ and replenish their soul. For kids, it may be sports or outdoor adventures. Some may need quiet time alone to just read and enjoy the beauty of [learning through literature](https://homeschoolplanet.com/literature-based-learning/). Parents need activities as well. Perhaps a regular girl’s night out with other homeschooling moms or a date night with your spouse. As a homeschooling parent, it’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day responsibilities of teaching and forget to take care of yourself, your relationship with your spouse, and your spiritual well-being. ### Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup. Make sure to [schedule time for activities](https://homeschoolplanet.com/organizing-your-family-schedules-all-in-one-place/) such as exercise, hobbies, and relaxation. Taking care of yourself will not only prevent burnout but also help you stay energized and focused on your homeschooling journey. Building a community of like-minded individuals can provide you with encouragement, advice, and resources to help you stay motivated and prevent burnout. By connecting with others who understand the challenges and joys of homeschooling, you can create a support system that will help you navigate any obstacles that may come your way. With the right planning and mindset, you can create a positive and sustainable learning environment for you and your children. ## Prioritizing as A Homeschool Mom: Focusing on the Most Important Things As a homeschool mom, it’s important to create a balanced schedule that allows for both learning and relaxation. Every day won’t be perfect, and that’s okay. Celebrate your successes, no matter how small, to keep your motivation up. [Help your kids](https://homeschoolplanet.com/homeschooling-a-child-with-adhd/) learn to acknowledge their successes and identify areas they need to improve or dedicate more time to. As a homeschool mom, sometimes figuring out the most important things to focus on for each child is really challenging. It’s easy to say, “Establish clear goals and objectives for your child’s education, and then work towards achieving them in a structured and organized manner” But the reality is that small achievable steps are the path to BIG success. Maybe it’s things like reading for 10 min a day this month and then adding 5 minutes to it next month. By the end of the school year, your student may be reading an hour or more a day. That’s HUGE and a big win to celebrate. Another example is to finish a certain number of pages in a workbook or curriculum each day or each week. If they can only do 2 pages or 4 math problems before getting overwhelmed then drop it back to something manageable. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or delegate tasks. Often times, the opportunity to hear someone else explain a concept is all it takes to bring a breakthrough of understanding. Remember that you don’t have to do everything on your own, and it’s okay to lean on others for support when needed. Learning co-ops, online courses, tutors, and individuals with expertise in a subject are great resources for [outsourcing learning](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/). ### Appreciate The Progress In the midst of juggling homeschooling responsibilities, remember to take a step back and appreciate the progress you and your child have made. It’s important to celebrate even the smallest victories to stay motivated and encouraged. You may also want to make a note of areas where there were struggles so you can circle back to them at a later date. Good record keeping is will sve a lot of time in the long run. The good news is that choosing the right planner is super easy. Homeschool Planet’s digital planner can also be a paper planner by simply printing it. Need a student planner? Your kids can access their daily schedule at any time online or you can print their individual planner pages. The most important thing is to choose the easiest way for your family. ### When is My Child R[eady To Learn](https://homeschoolplanet.com/how-to-know-if-your-child-is-ready-to-begin-homeschooling/)? It is amazing how quickly learning can happen when the child is developmentally [ready to learn](https://homeschoolplanet.com/how-to-know-if-your-child-is-ready-to-begin-homeschooling/) the subject matter. There is much to be said about waiting for signs in young children that indicate interest and aptitude to begin learning basic reading, math, and writing. The same holds true for the high school years where kids move through the different developmental phases and physical changes at different rates. It is amazing the dramatic difference in thinking and approaches to learning between a 12-year-old and a 16-year-old. You may also find along the way that there are some subjects your child has an easier time learning and other subjects that are just more difficult. This is natural and should be accommodated. Allowing extra time or a slower pace for the difficult subjects is ok. And, speeding ahead in the easy subjects is just fine too. That’s the beauty of homeschooling and creating a homeschool plan that has a variety of ideas that cater to your child’s unique aptitude and learning style across all subjects. ## Homeschool Planning Ideas for Creating Effective Lesson Plans When creating [effective lesson plans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/) for homeschooling, it is important to start by setting clear goals for each lesson to keep yourself and your child on track. By having a clear idea of what you want to achieve, you can ensure that your teaching is focused and purposeful. Break up the day with activities that keep things fun and engaging, such as games or hands-on projects. This will help keep your child interested and motivated throughout the day, making learning more enjoyable for both of you. Don’t be afraid to adjust your lesson plans as needed to accommodate your child’s learning style and interests. Every child learns differently, so being flexible and willing to adapt your approach can make a big difference in their understanding and retention of the material. Take breaks throughout the day to prevent burnout and keep both you and your child feeling refreshed. It can be easy to get caught up in trying to cover a lot of material in a short amount of time, but taking regular breaks will actually help improve focus and productivity. Utilize online resources and educational apps to supplement your lesson plans and keep things interesting. There are so many great resources available online that can help enhance your lessons and provide additional learning opportunities for your child. Remember to celebrate small victories and milestones to keep motivation high and prevent feelings of overwhelm. Recognizing and acknowledging your child’s progress, no matter how small, can go a long way in boosting their confidence and keeping them engaged in their learning journey. ## Homeschool Planning Ideas to Help Develop Your Daily Schedule When developing a big-picture homeschool day schedule, it’s important to start your day with a clear goal in mind. By setting an intention for what you hope to accomplish, you can stay focused and motivated throughout the day. Whether it’s completing a certain number of lessons or finishing a particular project, having a goal will help guide your [schedule](https://homeschoolplanet.com/let-your-schedule-guide-you-not-enslave-you/) and keep you on track. To effectively manage your homeschool day, it’s helpful to break up your day into manageable chunks of time. This can prevent you and the kids from feeling overwhelmed and ensure that you are making progress throughout the day. Consider [dividing your day](https://homeschoolplanet.com/block-scheduling-method/) into subjects or activities, with designated time slots for each. By creating a structured schedule, you can stay organized and make the most of your homeschool day. In addition to academic work, don’t forget to include time for breaks and physical activity in your homeschool day schedule. Taking regular breaks can help prevent burnout and keep you refreshed and focused. Incorporating physical activity into your family’s day can also boost everyone’s energy levels, improving overall well-being and improving focus for the more difficult subjects. Be flexible and willing to[ adjust your schedule](https://homeschoolplanet.com/loop-scheduling/) as needed, as each day may bring unexpected challenges or opportunities. By staying adaptable and open to change, you can create a homeschool day that is both productive and enjoyable for everyone. ## Adapting and Adjusting Plans When homeschooling, it’s important to remember to stay flexible with your schedule. This means being open to taking breaks when needed and being prepared for unexpected changes that may arise. Allow for flexibility in your routine. You can better adapt to any challenges that come your way and ensure that both you and your family have a positive learning experience. Remember, it’s okay to take a step back and [reassess your plans](https://captivatingcompass.com/curriculum-frustration-solved/) if things aren’t going as smoothly as you had hoped. Another key aspect of adapting and adjusting your homeschooling plans is being willing to [tailor your lesson plans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/a-homeschool-year-that-works/) to meet your child’s individual needs and interests. Every child is unique, and what works for one may not necessarily work for another. Be open to making adjustments based on your child’s preferences and learning style. You can create a more engaging and effective learning environment. Don’t be afraid to try new approaches and techniques to keep things fresh and exciting for both you and your child. It’s also important to remember that you don’t have to go through the homeschooling journey alone. Seek community from other homeschooling parents or online communities to share ideas, get advice, and find encouragement when needed. It can be helpful to connect with others who are going through similar experiences and can offer valuable insights. Finding other homeschool parents with middle school students or high schoolers will help you find success. Also, by focusing on the big picture and not getting too caught up in minor setbacks, you can navigate the ups and downs of homeschooling with confidence and resilience. Embrace the opportunity to make changes along the way and trust that you are doing what is best for your child’s education and well-being. ## Homeschool Planning Ideas: The Best 6 Burnout Busting Tips for Parents Homeschool planning can be a challenging and overwhelming task, but it doesn’t have to lead to burnout. By following these simple homeschool planning ideas and tips, you can make the process smoother and more enjoyable. 1. **Remember to take regular breaks throughout the day to avoid feeling overwhelmed.** It’s important to give yourself time to recharge and reset so you can come back to your planning with a fresh perspective. 2. **Incorporating fun and engaging activities** into your lesson plans can also help keep things interesting and prevent boredom. Mix things up and add some excitement to your curriculum. You can [make learning more enjoyable](https://captivatingcompass.com/65-ways-to-have-fun-with-your-kids-at-home/) for both you and your children. 3. **Ask for help or delegate tasks to other family members.** Homeschooling is a team effort, and it’s okay to lean on others for support. Whether it’s getting help with lesson planning, grading assignments, or organizing field trips, involving your family can lighten the load and make the process more manageable. 4. **Prioritize self-care and make time for activities that recharge your batteries.** Taking care of yourself is essential to avoiding burnout, so be sure to schedule in time for things that bring you joy and relaxation. 5. **Stay flexible with your schedule and be willing to adjust as needed**. Homeschooling is not a one-size-fits-all endeavor, so it’s important to be open to making changes when necessary. 6. **[Celebrate](https://captivatingcompass.com/positive-affirmations-printable/) the small victories and milestones along the way.** Recognizing and acknowledging the progress you and your children make can help keep you motivated and inspired to continue on your homeschooling journey. By following these tips and staying positive, you can avoid burnout and create a successful and fulfilling homeschool experience. ## Ideas for Empowering Homeschool Moms: Thrive in Your Planning Journey Your role as a homeschool mom can be demanding, so it’s important to schedule regular moments of rest and relaxation. Enjoy a cup of tea, going for a walk, or indulging in your favorite hobby. Taking care of yourself is essential for your well-being. By recharging your batteries, you’ll be better equipped to handle the challenges that come with planning and executing your homeschooling journey. Recognize that as the parent, you are [modeling a life of balance](https://captivatingcompass.com/gratitude-writing-prompts-for-kids/). Taking care of yourself models a piece of being able to care well for others. It shows children how to balance their responsibilities and allow time for things they enjoy that will help them tackle the every-day things of life. Utilize online resources and community support for additional guidance and inspiration. The internet is a treasure trove of information for homeschooling moms, offering a wealth of lesson plans, educational materials, and support groups. Connecting with other homeschooling parents can provide you with valuable insights, tips, and encouragement. By tapping into these resources, you’ll feel more empowered and confident in your ability to navigate the ups and downs of homeschooling. Remember, you’re not alone on this journey – there are others out there ready and willing to help you succeed. ## Staying Organized with Homeschool Planet Stay organized with the best homeschool [planners or digital calendars](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/) to help manage your time effectively. Juggling multiple responsibilities as a homeschool mom requires strong organizational skills. By keeping track of your daily tasks, lesson plans, and appointments, you’ll be able to stay on top of your homeschooling schedule. If planning and organizing are not your strengths then investing in tools to help you succeed will be important. They allow you to [manage homeschool and family life](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/) in an integrated manner. Homeschool Planet will help you do just that! Get a free trial today, no credit card required, and let us help you beat homeschool burnout. [![mom using Homeschool Planet with daughter](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/SQUARE-HSP-free-trial-1024x1024.png)](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/)Celebrate small victories and milestones to stay motivated and positive. Every achievement, no matter how small, is worth celebrating. By acknowledging your children’s progress and accomplishments, everyone stays motivated and inspired to continue pushing forward. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or seek out professional guidance when needed. Above all, trust in your abilities and adaptability as a homeschool mom. You can overcome challenges and thrive in your homeschool journey. ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/d3babb0046833226121ae02c4336793a9e823ce7c06de2c9b85ea50482f198ad?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Shawna Wingert Shawna Wingert is a former training and development professional turned education specialist, and has homeschooled her two children for the last ten years. Shawna has written four books about homeschooling unique learners and has been featured in homeschooling discussions on Today.com, The Mighty, Simple Homeschool, My Little Poppies and Raising Lifelong Leaners. You can find her online here at Homeschool Planet and at [DifferentByDesignLearning.com.](https://nottheformerthings.com/blog/) [See Full Bio](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/shawna-marketing/) [ ](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/shawna-marketing/) **Categories:** Homeschool Planning **Tags:** avoid burnout, homeschool planning ideas, homeschool planning 101, time management, organization, planning --- ### [Homeschooling in 2026 Trends: A Case Study](https://homeschoolplanet.com/homeschooling-2025-case-study/) **Published:** January 19, 2026 **Author:** Shawna Wingert **Content:** This in-depth look at homeschooling in 2026 provides a summary of the most current homeschool data as well as homeschooling trends for the future. Homeschool Planet’s commitment to evolving technological support and the best possible resources for homeschool families is among the best in the industry, both for this year and well into the foreseeable future. ![homeschooling in 2026 a case study](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Neutral-Beige-and-White-Feminine-Pinterest-Template-683x1024.png) **Homeschooling has changed so much over the years!** Because we are homeschoolers ourselves, we can personally attest to how different the world of homeschooling is now vs. when our oldest children first began learning. In an effort to make sure that we are bring you the very best possible support and resources, we’ve curated a case study all about homeschooling today. ## **Introduction**: Homeschooling In 2026 If you have made the decision to homeschool your children, you are certainly not alone! Over the past few years, more and more families have made the decision to homeschool, influenced by the rise in online learning, changing cultural/social needs, and the ongoing public discourse about traditional vs. alternative education. The trend of homeschooling, which saw significant growth during the COVID-19 pandemic, has persisted as a viable educational option for many families. Our case study explores the current landscape of homeschooling, examining the reasons behind its increasing popularity, the tools and methods that fuel the educational experience of homeschoolers, and the future outlook for homeschooling in the United States. ## **Background: The Rise of Homeschooling** Homeschooling in the U.S. saw a sharp increase during the COVID-19 pandemic, as families sought alternatives to traditional in-person education amid health concerns and school closures. Although there was a decline in homeschooling rates post-pandemic, the number of families choosing to homeschool has remained higher than pre-pandemic levels. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2021, nearly 11% of households reported homeschooling their children, up from 3% before the pandemic. By 2024, this trend has solidified, with homeschooling now being a consistent choice for families of all political and social backgrounds. ### How Many Children Are Homeschooled in the United States? As of 2024, **approximately 4 million children** in the United States are being homeschooled. This figure represents about **10% of the total student population**, which has remained relatively stable since the significant spike in homeschooling rates during the COVID-19 pandemic. This is a significant increase from pre-pandemic levels, which were around 3-4%. ## **Reasons for Choosing** To Homeschool The decision to homeschool is a deeply personal one for most families. However, there are some key reasons that drive the increases we are experiencing in homeschooling. 1. **Educational Flexibility:** Parents appreciate the ability to tailor the curriculum to the unique learning needs and interests of their children. For instance, a child who excels in math but struggles with reading can receive more focused attention in their areas of difficulty without being held back or left behind. 2. **Customization and Individualized Learning:** With access to a variety of educational resources, from online courses to specialized tutoring, families are able to create personalized learning experiences. This is particularly beneficial for children with special needs or those who are gifted. 3. **Dissatisfaction with Traditional Schools:** Many parents continue to choose homeschooling as a way to avoid perceived flaws in the traditional public and private school systems, such as concerns over curriculum, school safety, or socialization issues. 4. **Health and Safety Concerns:** Ongoing health concerns—whether related to COVID-19, mental health, or other factors—have led some families to keep children home. Homeschooling allows for greater control over health protocols and mental health support. 5. **Cultural and Religious Reasons:** Some families choose homeschooling to incorporate their cultural or religious values into their children’s education, ensuring that the content aligns with their beliefs. 6. **Technology and Online Resources:** The proliferation of online platforms, digital tools, and virtual learning environments has made homeschooling much more accessible than ever before. Programs such as [Khan Academy](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/khan-constitution-101/ "Khan Constitution 101"), [ReadyMade School](https://homeschoolplanet.com/ready-made-school/ "ReadyMade School") and other online, all in one homeschooling options allow parents to engage their children in diverse and high-quality learning experiences. ## **Homeschooling Methods and Approaches** In 2026, homeschooling methods are highly diverse. Many homeschool families use a blend of traditional and modern approaches, influenced by available technology, educational philosophies, and personal preferences. Here are some of the most common methods employed by homeschoolers: 1. **Classical Education**: The [classical education method ](https://homeschoolplanet.com/tag/classical-education-method/ "classical education method")emphasizes a rigorous, traditional curriculum focused on the “Trivium” (grammar, logic, and rhetoric) and a deep study of classical works in literature, history, and philosophy. It is often used by families who value a time-tested educational model rooted in intellectual development. 2. **Montessori Method**: Inspired by Maria Montessori’s educational philosophy, the [Montessori homeschool method](https://homeschoolplanet.com/tag/montessori-method/ "Montessori method") focuses on self-directed learning, hands-on activities, and fostering independence in children. It encourages children to explore subjects at their own pace, with learning environments that emphasize creativity and experiential learning. 3. **Traditional/Textbook Method:** [The traditional homeschool method ](https://homeschoolplanet.com/tag/traditional-homeschool-method/ "Traditional Homeschool Method")is similar to a public or private school in that most curriculum comes pre-packaged with textbooks and lesson plans. This method is best for students who need structure and prefer working on individual lessons and assignments at their own pace. 4. **Unschooling**: [Unschooling ](https://homeschoolplanet.com/homeschool-planet-and-unschooling-a-perfect-pair/ "Homeschool Planet And Unschooling: A Perfect Pair")is a child-led approach where learning is driven by the child’s natural interests rather than a fixed curriculum. Parents who follow this method tend to encourage exploration and discovery rather than structured lessons. This approach places heavy emphasis on experiential learning, such as field trips, life skills, and self-discovery. 5. **Charlotte Mason:** This method is named after [Charlotte Mason](https://homeschoolplanet.com/4-components-of-the-charlotte-mason-method/ "4 Components of the Charlotte Mason Method"), who is known as the originator of the homeschooling movement. Using this method, children should primarily learn through observations of nature, poetry memorization, journal writing, classical music appreciation, and recitation of scripture or poetry during a time often referred to as Circle Time or Morning Time. The goal is for the educational process not only to include content but also to cultivate good character along with academic knowledge and strength in faith if desired. 6. **Eclectic Homeschool Method:** The [Eclectic Homeschooling method](https://homeschoolplanet.com/tag/eclectic-homeschooling/ "eclectic homeschooling") is a combination of several techniques. Innovative parents rely on their own judgment to select topics that make up the curriculum for their own children. These parents are always looking for the best products they can find to help them meet the needs of their homeschoolers. 7. **Hybrid Homeschooling**: Many families adopt hybrid homeschooling, where children attend traditional school for certain subjects or activities, while other aspects of their education are completed at home. This method provides flexibility while maintaining access to some traditional school benefits. 8. **Online Homeschool Programs**: Fully online programs, such as those offered by virtual charter schools, provide complete curriculums that students can follow from home. These programs typically offer a mix of live online classes and self-paced assignments, supported by digital learning tools and resources. [Homeschool Methods 101: Learn More About Your Options Now!](https://homeschoolplanet.com/homeschool-method/) ### The Potential **Challenges of Homeschooling in 202**6 Despite its many advantages, homeschooling may present some challenges for homeschool families: 1. **Time and Effort**: Homeschooling requires significant time and commitment from parents, especially if they are the primary teachers. This can be particularly challenging for parents who work full-time or have multiple children at different learning levels. 2. **Socialization Concerns**: One of the most common criticisms of homeschooling is that it may limit children’s opportunities to interact with peers. While co-ops, sports teams, and extracurricular activities help address this, it remains a concern for some families. 3. **Financial Burden**: Homeschooling can be expensive, particularly when factoring in the cost of curricula, educational materials, extracurricular activities, and online programs. Many families must invest in educational resources that would otherwise be provided by public or private schools. 4. **Legal and Regulatory Challenges**: In some regions, homeschooling continues to be tightly regulated, requiring parents to submit regular reports, test scores, and curriculum plans. Navigating these requirements can be a burden for some families, particularly in [states with stricter homeschooling laws.](https://hslda.org/legal) ## **Future Outlook** The future of homeschooling in 2026 and beyond is promising. Growth is expected to continue as more and more states create helpful programs and funding to support homeschoolers. Online resources are also expected to likely remain a growing element of homeschooling. As the movement continues to evolve, there is little doubt that homeschooling will play a more significant role in the future of education. ## Homeschooling with Homeschool Planet Whether you are just getting started in your homeschool journey or have been homeschooling for years, Homeschool Planet will help support you with the very best that 2026 has to offer! Our integrated, online planner offers you the ability to: - Keep Home, School, and Work schedules in one place - Automatically reschedule assignments - Seamlessly integrate lesson plans from popular homeschool curriculum companies - Customizable grading, attendance, transcripts, and more - Separate log-ins for each child - A brand new app for planning and tracking on the go with ease on your own phone [Try Homeschool Planet today](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/) for 30 days, absolutely free (no credit card required). [![mom using Homeschool Planet with daughter](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/SQUARE-HSP-free-trial-1024x1024.png)](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/d3babb0046833226121ae02c4336793a9e823ce7c06de2c9b85ea50482f198ad?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Shawna Wingert Shawna Wingert is a former training and development professional turned education specialist, and has homeschooled her two children for the last ten years. Shawna has written four books about homeschooling unique learners and has been featured in homeschooling discussions on Today.com, The Mighty, Simple Homeschool, My Little Poppies and Raising Lifelong Leaners. You can find her online here at Homeschool Planet and at [DifferentByDesignLearning.com.](https://nottheformerthings.com/blog/) [See Full Bio](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/shawna-marketing/) [ ](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/shawna-marketing/) **Categories:** Homeschool Planning --- ### [Fall Family Activities: Planning For Fun In Your Homeschool](https://homeschoolplanet.com/fall-family-activities/) **Published:** September 20, 2025 **Author:** Shannan Swindler **Content:** The fall season brings a magical transformation to nature. Leaves change color, painting the landscape with vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows. This beautiful time offers families a chance to enjoy the outdoors and participate in seasonal traditions. From visiting the local pumpkin patch and a corn maze to enjoying hay rides, there are many ways to celebrate autumn. Families look forward to this harvest season for fun and bonding. Let Homeschool Planet help you [plan](https://homeschoolplanet.com/) your fall family activities so you can maximize learning and family fun all at the same time. ![family enjoying fall activities](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/FALL-ACTIVITIES-PINTEREST-683x1024.png) ## Benefits of Including Fall Family Activities in Your Homeschool Plan Autumn is a favorite season for many. It is an ideal time for homeschooling to include fun family activities. Families can take advantage of the cooler weather and engage in various indoor and outdoor activities as they ease back into the homeschool routine while maximizing quality time with the whole family. Fall science activities can include exploring plant life cycles or studying weather patterns. Homeschoolers can also delve into autumn [literature](https://homeschoolplanet.com/search-results/?q=literature&page=5), reading stories and [poetry](https://homeschoolplanet.com/search-results/?q=poetry&tab=products) that celebrate the season. This period encourages creativity and learning through hands-on experiences, making education more enjoyable for the entire family. ## Favorite Fall Family Activities for Homeschoolers Many favorite fall activities await homeschooled families. Autumn family activities can include crafting, cooking seasonal recipes, or nature walks. Exploring the outdoors at a local farm provides excellent opportunities for learning about farm animals as cooler temperatures settle in. Families can also plan autumn indoor activities, such as baking pumpkin bread or creating autumn art activities. These experiences not only enhance education but also create lasting memories. ## Include Fall Family Activities In Your Back to School Planning As the fall season approaches, consider integrating fall family activities into your back-to-school planning. These activities not only enrich your homeschool curriculum but also create cherished family memories. Here are several ideas to include on your fall bucket list: ### Nature Walks Plan a weekly nature walk. This is a fantastic way to explore the changing leaves and collect colorful foliage. During these walks, you can encourage your children to observe differences in leaf shapes and colors. The collected leaves can later be used for autumn art activities, like creating beautiful leaf prints or colorful collages. Visiting the same area each week will help homeschoolers recognize the seasonal changes. Adding a nature [scavenger hunt](https://captivatingcompass.com/thanksgiving-scavenger-hunt-printable/) is a fun way to enjoy the fresh air at a local park. It’s a great time of year to keep fall family activities simple and let nature guide you. Gorgeous fall foliage with all its different colors and crunchy leaves make for a perfect bike ride to enjoy the beautiful scenery. Some family members will enjoy using a [nature journal](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/nature-journal/) to illustrate the changes of season while others will simply enjoy jumping in leaf piles. It’s all good ol’ family fun and memorable fall family activities you can enjoy. ### Outdoor Science Experiments Incorporate outdoor science experiments into your fall activities. Use elements from nature, such as leaves and acorns, for hands-on science projects. For instance, making leaf prints can be a fun way to learn about plant biology during the autumn season. Learning about water and how it changes due to temperature is also an easy activity to do while enjoying the crisp air of autumn. ### Pumpkin Patch Visits Schedule a trip to a local pumpkin patch. This fall activity allows your family to have fun pumpkin picking. Take them home for carving or decorating. It’s a delightful way to enjoy a few of the fun things of the harvest season and engage in discussions about the life cycle of pumpkins. Once you’re home, you can brainstorm carving ideas or even create a pumpkin-themed art project. ### Harvest Festivals Attend local harvest festivals. These events often feature fun games, crafts for children, and delicious seasonal treats from food trucks or a farmers market. They provide an excellent opportunity to connect with your community while enjoying autumn family activities. Try to participate in workshops or demonstrations that might relate to your homeschool activities. The best fall activities to look for at a fall festival near you are: - family-oriented live music - a petting zoo or pony rides - apple tastings and caramel apples - fresh apples to buy - opportunities to donate cans of food to your local food bank - fall family photo shoot - and don’t forget corn mazes and even a haunted house ### Family Cooking Nights Organize cooking nights focused on autumn recipes. Cooking together can be an enjoyable learning experience. Try making apple pie or pumpkin soup. Have your kids tried cider donuts? Yum! Cooking teaches kids about measurements and ingredients while also celebrating the flavors of the fall season. Cooking together can be a delightful part of fall activities. Gather your family and try recipes that incorporate seasonal ingredients. Pumpkin soup, apple pie, and roasted vegetables are just a few favorites. These fall activities can teach about [nutrition](https://homeschoolplanet.com/search-results/?q=nutrition&tab=products) and the benefits of local produce. The joy of cooking together can create lasting memories while embracing the spirit of the harvest. ### Backyard Campouts Set up cozy backyard campouts. This is a wonderful way to stargaze and share stories around a fire pit. It allows your family to bond while enjoying the crisp autumn nights. This can be a fun conclusion to a day filled with favorite fall activities and homeschool learning. ## Outdoor Fall Family Activities for the Harvest Season ### Exploring Nature with Family Hikes and Nature Walks Fall is a fantastic time for family hikes and nature walks. The colorful leaves provide a stunning backdrop for your adventures. Gather your family and hit the local trails. Observe the changing foliage and the crisp, cool air that marks the arrival of autumn. You can turn these excursions into fun homeschool activities by identifying different tree species or collecting leaves for later art projects. [Nature exploration](https://homeschoolplanet.com/search-results/?q=Nature%20exploration) can be both educational and enjoyable. ### Harvest-Related Outings The harvest season offers unique opportunities for family outings. Apple picking is a favorite fall activity. Visit a local apple orchard for a day filled with fun. Not only do you get to enjoy fresh, crunchy apples, but you can also learn about the growing process. Pumpkin patches are another must-visit destination in the fall season. These outings let families choose the perfect pumpkin for decoration. Make sure to incorporate a little history and science into your visit. Discuss the life cycle of pumpkins while selecting your favorite. Visiting local farms is a wonderful way to tie in lessons about[ agriculture](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/the-gentle-classical-agriculture-science/) and sustainability. Farmers often offer tours, which can help children understand where their food comes from. This experience enhances your fall outdoor activities. It also fosters a respect for nature and the importance of sustainable practices. Such hands-on learning is invaluable during the fall season. ## Fall Family Activities: Outdoor Games and Sports Engaging in outdoor games and sports is a wonderful way to bond as a family. Organize a friendly game of football in the park or host a fall-themed scavenger hunt. These activities promote teamwork and [physical fitness](https://homeschoolplanet.com/search-results/?q=physical%20fitness) while having fun. For younger kids, consider games like sack races or frisbee. These fall outdoor activities can be tied to science education by discussing the physics of throwing or the biology of the plants and animals you encounter. Each game becomes a learning experience! And don’t forget your local high school football games! It’s a great way to meet up with family in the neighborhood and enjoy local fall activities together. ## Indoor Fall FamilyActivities for Your Homeschool ### Creative Autumn Indoor Activities for Rainy Days Rainy days during the fall season can be perfect for indoor learning. Try creative activities with your family that capture the essence of autumn. One fun idea is to create a cozy reading nook filled with pillows and blankets. Select some favorite fall literature to enjoy together. This space can become a favorite spot for reading, storytelling, and sharing. You can also set up a fall-themed puzzle or board game for some engaging family time. ### Engaging in Fall-Themed Arts and Crafts Projects Autumn season brings vibrant colors and textures, perfect for arts and crafts. Gather supplies to create leaf rubbings or paint pumpkins. These fall family activities can inspire creativity. Consider making a seasonal scrapbook. Collect leaves, acorns, and other treasures from your outdoor adventures. You can decorate the pages with photos and notes from your harvest season experiences. This engaging activity can help to reinforce homeschooling lessons and create lasting memories. ### Developing a Fall Literature Reading List with Themed Books Building a reading list for the fall season can also enhance learning. Select books about harvest, family traditions, and the changing seasons. You can explore classic stories and contemporary tales that celebrate autumn. Incorporate a [reading plan](https://homeschoolplanet.com/search-results/?q=reading%20plan&page=2) and reading comprehension activities too, such as discussing character motivations or themes. This will make the literature experience more interactive. You might also add some fun fall science activities to complement the reading, like exploring how trees and plants prepare for winter. Help your kids keep a [reading journal](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/reading-journal/) or book log so they can see a full list of how much they read during the fall months. ## Fall Family Activities For Embracing a Season of Learning ### Exploring the Significance of the Harvest Season in Various Cultures The harvest season marks a time of [gratitude](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/gratitude-journal/) and celebration in many cultures. Different regions have unique traditions that highlight their connection to the land. For example, the Indian festival of Pongal gives thanks for a bountiful rice harvest, while the Jewish holiday of Sukkot celebrates the gathering of crops. As part of your fall family activities, exploring these [holiday traditions around the world](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/holidays-fun-around-the-world/) can enrich your homeschool activities. ### Creating a Harvest-Themed Curriculum Incorporating Various Subjects Harvest season offers a fantastic opportunity to create a harvest-themed curriculum that covers various subjects. In science, study plant growth and the importance of crops. Math can include measuring ingredients for delicious fall recipes or simply sorting leaves by color or pinecones by size. Literature can feature stories about harvest or related autumn themes. This approach allows you to engage in autumn family activities that promote learning while enjoying the season. ## Add Seasonal Festivals and Community Events To Your Homeschool Planner ### Explore Local Harvest Festivals Harvest festivals provide a rich opportunity for hands-on learning. At these events, your family can dive into the world of crops, traditions, and even cooking. Many festivals feature local farmers showcasing their produce. Children can learn about where food comes from and its significance in our lives. This fall season, look for festivals that include activities such as corn mazes, hayrides, and even live demonstrations. These experiences reinforce lessons about agriculture, [ecology](https://homeschoolplanet.com/search-results/?q=ecology), and community. ### Attend Community Pumpkin Patches Visiting local pumpkin patches is one of our favorite fall activities. Not only do you get fun photo ops with those iconic orange pumpkins, but it also opens the door to seasonal science lessons. Talk about the growth cycle of pumpkins, and explore the differences between various pumpkin types. Many patches even host [educational field trip](https://homeschoolplanet.com/educational-trips-for-homeschool-kids/) tours. This can turn into a fun family adventure filled with learning and laughter, making it one of the best autumn family activities. ### Check Out Craft Fairs Craft fairs are perfect for inspiring creativity and supporting local artisans. These events usually showcase handmade items that can spark creativity in your children. Consider having them create their own autumn art activities using the techniques they observe. Additionally, many craft fairs host workshops where kids can take part in crafting sessions. This activity encourages hands-on learning and can be a fantastic addition to your homeschool activities. ### Don’t Miss Apple Picking Apple picking combines fun with delicious learning. It’s a great way to teach children about nature and nutrition. Discuss the different apple varieties and their uses in cooking. Encourage your kids to explore the orchard, learning how apples grow and how they are harvested. This hands-on experience is a fantastic addition to your fall outdoor activities and can lead to exciting culinary projects back at home. ## Fall Family Activities And Lesson Plans From Homeschool Planet ### Explore Nature with a Seasonal Scavenger Hunt Engage your family in a delightful seasonal scavenger hunt. Head outdoors to collect leaves, acorns, and pinecones while learning about local flora. This activity blends fall outdoor activities with education, making it a perfect fit for your homeschool activities. Not only does it encourage exploration, but it also promotes awareness of the natural world, enhancing your understanding of the autumn season. Here are several lesson plans homeschool planet users often add to their fall family activities plan. - [Nature Journal](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/nature-journal/) - [Seasons Afield Nature Study](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/bfb-seasons-afield-nature-study-k-3rd/) - The Gentle + Classical Nature Series: [Forests](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/gentle-classical-nature-grids-vol-1/), [Oceans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/gentle-classical-nature-grids-vol-2/), - [Elementary Nature Book Lessons](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/elementary-nature-book-lesson-plan-package/) - The Waylock Way Unit Studies: [Moon](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/moon-unit-study/), [Weather & Natural Disasters](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/weather-natural-disasters-unit-study/), [Wilderness Survival](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/survival-unit-study/), ### Create a Cozy Reading Nook Transform a corner of your home into a cozy reading nook filled with autumn-themed books. This idea sparks your family’s love for literature and storytelling. Choose stories that celebrate the harvest season, nature, and fall family activities. Snuggling up with a good book while sipping hot cocoa can turn reading into a treasured family ritual. It’s a wonderful way to integrate fall literature into your homeschool plans, fostering a love for reading in a comfy setting. ### Pumpkin Carving and Painting Nothing says fall quite like pumpkin carving or painting. This fun autumn art activity combines creativity with a beloved seasonal tradition. Gather your family and spend an afternoon crafting unique designs on pumpkins. You can even discuss the science behind how pumpkins grow and why they are popular in the fall season. This activity not only encourages artistic expression but also strengthens family bonds during the harvest season. Your homeschool family may also enjoy these autumn lesson plans: - [Draw Right Now – Christopher Columbus](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/draw-write-now-book-2/) - [Music Lessons for Holidays and Special Days – Fall](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/music-lessons-for-holidays-special-days-fall/)[ ](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/draw-write-now-book-2/) - [Elementary Nature Books](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/elementary-nature-book-lesson-plan-package/) - [Study the Artists!](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/artist-study/) - [Tapestry of Gace Fine Arts & Activities](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product-category/lesson-plans/tog-fine-arts/?page=1&rb_custom_taxonomy_publisher=Tapestry%20of%20Grace) ## Making the Most of Fall Family Activities in Your Homeschool As we explored, there are numerous fall family activities perfect for homeschoolers. From fall science activities that engage children’s curiosity to autumn art activities that spark creativity, this season is filled with opportunities. We also discussed favorite fall activities like going on nature walks and collecting colorful leaves, ensuring every family member can participate in the fun. Don’t forget about the joy of reading fall literature together, which can enhance your back-to-school experience while enjoying the cozy atmosphere of autumn. ### Create a Fall Family Activities Plan As autumn approaches, now is the perfect time to create a family activity plan. Think about what activities excite your children the most and which are family traditions that need to be enjoyed. Will you focus on outdoor adventures like apple picking and hayrides, or delve into indoor activities such as crafting and cooking? Prioritizing family bonding can enhance learning in a homeschool environment. Planning together allows each family member to contribute their ideas, ensuring everyone looks forward to fun and educational experiences this fall season. Homeschool Planet makes it easy with the new [Homeschool Planet app](https://homeschoolplanet.com/homeschool-planet-app/). [![Homeschool Planet App](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/HSP-App-Everything-You-Need-at-your-Fingertips-1024x1024.png)](https://homeschoolplanet.com/homeschool-planet-app/) ### Keep a Journal of Your Fall Family Activities To capture the essence of the harvest season, consider keeping a family activity and [gratitude journal](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/gratitude-journal/). Documenting your adventures in this way will not only help you cherish the memories made but also foster a sense of appreciation for the simple joys in life. Sharing your entries at Thanksgiving dinner can create a beautiful family tradition, enhancing your connections and reminding you all of the valuable lessons learned during this autumn season. So put on one of your cozy sweaters, enjoy a pumpkin spice latte or cup of hot apple cider, and have fun learning together throughout the fall season. ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/273e331e1365e08aaa487fc9793da1a98403a08271f620e721c8d3df75be1b25?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Shannan Swindler Shannan shares her passion for helping others use the world as their classroom at Captivating Compass. Her home base is in Scotland, where she home educates and learns on location throughout Europe as much as possible. She teaches online and creates digital curricula that promotes a Chrisitan worldview through creative learning and family travel experiences (in person & virtually). [See Full Bio](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/shannan-swindler/) [ ](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/shannan-swindler/) **Categories:** Homeschool Planning, Choosing Curriculum, Using Homeschool Planet **Tags:** autumn art, autumn musu, fall outdoor activities, autumn activities, all activities, fall activities, autumn, thanksgiving, homeschool tips, curriculum, Homeschool Planning --- ### [Homeschool Records: Everything You Need To Know For Successful Reporting](https://homeschoolplanet.com/homeschool-records-everything-you-need-to-know-for-success/) **Published:** August 5, 2025 **Author:** Shawna Wingert **Content:** As a homeschool parent, we know you wear many hats including teacher, mentor, planner, and also, record keeper. Whether your state requires detailed records or you simply want to track your child’s progress for peace of mind, keeping track of your homeschool records can feel like a full time job all on its own. ## Homeschool Recording Keeping Made Simple That’s where **Homeschool Planet** comes in. Our all-in-one online planner makes keeping homeschool records easier, faster, and far more organized, so you can focus on what really matters: learning together. ![homeschool records](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/spork-pin-8.png) ## Why Homeschool Record Keeping Matters Depending your state’s homeschool statutes and requirements, you may be required to: - Log attendance - Track hours spent on specific subjects - Maintain grades and transcripts - Keep lesson plans or portfolios - Submit progress reports Even if you don’t *have* to keep records, many families choose to do so in order to stay on track, celebrate progress, and prepare for high school or college admission. ## Maintaining Homeschool Records with Homeschool Planet Homeschool Planet was designed by homeschoolers, for homeschoolers. We are parents ourselves, so we understand the reality of keeping homeschool records. Here’s how our platform helps you manage your homeschool records with ease: ### Automatically Track Assignments Every time you check off a completed assignment, Homeschool Planet logs it in your student’s records. No more scrambling to remember what you covered last month! ### Grades and Transcripts Record grades as you go, and when the time comes, easily generate professional-looking transcripts. You can even customize grading scales to match your homeschool style. ### Attendance Records With just a few clicks, you can track and print attendance and/or class hours for each learner. This is especially helpful for families in states where it’s required. ### Custom Reports and Portfolios Need to submit a report to your school district or evaluator? You can generate detailed, customized reports of lessons, grades, notes, and more. It’s all possible at at the touch of a button. ## Stay Organized In Your Homeschool Without the Overwhelm Gone are the days of juggling notebooks, binders, and sticky notes. Homeschool Planet keeps everything in one secure, easy-to-navigate space. You can: - Plan your entire year in advance or week by week - Make adjustments with drag-and-drop simplicity - Attach links, notes, and resources to lessons - Keep records year after year for multiple students ## Bonus: Homeschool Planet Is Not Just for Record Keeping Homeschool Planet is more than a digital filing cabinet. It’s a full-featured planner that helps you manage your homeschool, your household, and your life. **Homeschool Planet additional features include:** - Shopping lists - To-do lists - External Calendar sync - Text/email reminders - And so much more! ### Try Homeschool Planet Free for 30 Days (with NO credit card required!) Ready to see how much easier record keeping can be? [![Free trial no credit card required](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/SQUARE-HSP-free-trial-4-1024x1024.png)](https://homeschoolplanet.com/free-trial-landing-page/)Try **Homeschool Planet free for 30 days** and discover why thousands of homeschool families trust it to keep them on track, and compliant, all year long. [Try Homeschool Planet Now For Free, No Credit Card Required!](https://homeschoolplanet.com/free-trial-landing-page/) ![homeschool records](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/homeschool-record-keeping-made-simple-instagram-819x1024.png) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/d3babb0046833226121ae02c4336793a9e823ce7c06de2c9b85ea50482f198ad?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Shawna Wingert Shawna Wingert is a former training and development professional turned education specialist, and has homeschooled her two children for the last ten years. Shawna has written four books about homeschooling unique learners and has been featured in homeschooling discussions on Today.com, The Mighty, Simple Homeschool, My Little Poppies and Raising Lifelong Leaners. You can find her online here at Homeschool Planet and at [DifferentByDesignLearning.com.](https://nottheformerthings.com/blog/) [See Full Bio](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/shawna-marketing/) [ ](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/shawna-marketing/) **Categories:** Homeschool Planning --- ### [Educational Discounts You Don't Want To Miss: Use Your Homeschool ID Card Today!](https://homeschoolplanet.com/educational-discounts/) **Published:** December 27, 2023 **Author:** Shawna Wingert **Content:** Now that we have a Homeschool ID Card available for students and teachers alike, take a look at all the educational discounts available for homeschoolers with identification. From local museums to The Apple Store, your Homeschool Planet ID card will help you save money. ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Homeschool-ID-Cards_-Educational-Discounts-You-Dont-Want-To-Miss-1-683x1024.jpg) ## The Benefits Of Having A Homeschool ID Card Because your homeschooled child does not have access to a traditional school ID card, we have created a homeschool ID card option that is free and allows you access all the same benefits. The advantages of having a homeschool ID card include: - Provides emergency identification for minors - Increases access to educator discounts - Serves as proof of homeschooling - Equivalent to a traditional student ID, giving your child access to special admission prices, discounts and much more ## Educational Discounts Available For Homeschoolers With ID Having a homeschool ID card in your wallet can be handy for a lot of reasons, but a BIG benefit of having an ID that proves you homeschool is … ***discounts.*** That’s right – from bookstores to craft stores to museums and more, a homeschool ID card can be your ticket to all kinds of bargains. Through Homeschool Planet, you can get a [Homeschool ID card](https://homeschoolplanet.com/homeschool-id-card/) for you and your kiddos and start saving right away. ## Homeschool Deals Galore There are a lot of homeschool deals available if you are able to prove you are a homeschool parent or homeschooled kid. And … although a few places may take you at your word (you are at their store at 11 a.m. on a Wednesday, afterall) – most require an ID card. Homeschool Planet [offers FREE ID cards](https://homeschoolplanet.com/homeschool-id-card/) that you can customize and print right at home. You can laminate your cards for extra protection, or just print them on cardstock. So head over and [print out your ID card(s)](https://homeschoolplanet.com/homeschool-id-card/), or order printed plastic versions to be sent right to your door, and get ready to save. ## Businesses That Offer Homeschool Discounts First, keep in mind that there might be small businesses in your community that offer discounts for homeschoolers, especially school supply stores. **It never hurts to ask!** Here is a list of larger companies that offer homeschool discounts: #### Retailers **Books-A-Million** – A [Books-A-Million Educator Discount card](https://support.booksamillion.com/hc/en-us/articles/360021182793-What-is-the-Educator-Card-Program-) will save you 20 percent on purchases in store, and get you free shipping with online purchases. You can also save during special Educator Week events. **Apple** – If you or your kiddos need a new computer or ipad, [head here for special educator discount pricing](https://www.apple.com/us_edu_21023/store?cid=AOS-US-EdMkting-090126). **Target** – [Homeschool Teachers qualify for savings at Target](https://help.target.com/help/targetguesthelparticledetail?articleId=ka95d0000000RqtAAE&articleTitle=How+do+I+verify+teacher%2C+student+or+military+status%3F&clickSearchVar=Search+Results&searchQuery=verify). (And if you have older kids in the military or college, they can apply for discounts as well.) [Head here to get started.](https://www.target.com/c/target-circle-teacher-appreciation/-/N-2dktv) **Office Depot/Office Max** – Get 30 percent back in bonus awards [with this coupon](https://www.officedepot.com/l/rewards/exclusive-savings#instoreoffers). (Look for the Teacher Exclusive Coupon) and bring it into your local store with your Homeschool ID card. **Michaels** – Homeschool teachers qualify for [Michael’s Teacher Discount Program](https://www.michaels.com/coupon-policy-and-price-guarantee#teacher-discount). However, in addition to ID showing your school, your full name and your status as faculty/staff, stores may request a current pay stub. If this comes up, Michael’s suggests you [contact their customer service](https://www.michaels.com/customer-care). **Blick Art Stores** – Blick offers 10 percent off to teachers, as well as art resources and lesson plans [here](https://www.dickblick.com/educators/). [Students may be eligible for discounts as well.](https://www.dickblick.com/stores/preferredcustomers/#) **Silhouette** – [Silhouette](https://www.silhouetteamerica.com/education) may not be an immediately recognizable name to homeschoolers, but traditional teachers are big fans of their design supplies and software. Create models, classroom signs, decor and more. As of 2023, Silhouette was offering a 20 percent discount for teachers on most purchases from [SilhouetteAmerica.com](http://silhouetteamerica.com). **Fat Brain Toys** – Depending on [where you live and what sort of paperwork you are required to file](https://www.sonlight.com/homeschooling-requirements-by-state) each year, you may be able to get a 10 percent discount at [Fat Brain Toys](https://www.fatbraintoys.com/extracredit/#qualifyExtra). According to their site the discount is available to any: “Authorized homeschool teacher with current documentation or proof of membership in an official homeschool organization.” **Half-Price Books** – Half-Price Books offers 10 percent off as part of the [HPB Educator Discount Program](https://www.hpb.com/our-culture.html). According to the Half-Price Books Website, “Homeschoolers should provide verification from their state or local homeschooling organization where applicable.” **ThriftBooks** – Earn free books through [ThriftBooks](https://www.thriftbooks.com/teachers/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=TB%204%20Teachers&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=us_search_tb_4_teachers&utm_adgroup=&utm_term=teacher%20discounts&utm_content=602641376336&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAj_CrBhD-ARIsAIiMxT_YOlfmbU_RbYzvkIXHf2XOwVBFragOkzQTJGzAX87_I6kBLWscOQgaAhmAEALw_wcB) – get a free book with the purchase of every four books.[ Head here](https://www.thriftbooks.com/teachers/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=TB%204%20Teachers&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=us_search_tb_4_teachers&utm_adgroup=&utm_term=teacher%20discounts&utm_content=602641376336&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAj_CrBhD-ARIsAIiMxT_YOlfmbU_RbYzvkIXHf2XOwVBFragOkzQTJGzAX87_I6kBLWscOQgaAhmAEALw_wcB) and click the Homeschool option to learn more. **HP Computers** – Students can qualify for up to 40 percent off on HP technology. Head to [studentdiscount.com/hp](http://studentdiscount.com/hp) and click “Get Deal.” **Dell** – Dell is another computer company that [offers educational discounts](https://www.dell.com/en-us/lp/education-pricing). **Goodwill** – Many Goodwill stores offer teacher and student discount days. [Ask at your local location.](https://www.goodwillswpa.org/shop/store-locations/) ### Software/Digital Products and Services **Adobe** – Learn about Adobe discounts for [teachers and students here](https://www.adobe.com/creativecloud/plans.html). Students can even create a portfolio of work to share with potential employers. **Microsoft** – Microsoft offers students discounts on some devices and accessories, and offers Microsoft Teams for free to teachers and students. Some Microsoft Discounts may require a school email address, so head here for [eligibility requirements](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/store/r/student-discounts) or [here for more information](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/store/b/education). **EdAlive Online Learning** – Australia-based EdAlive [offers a discount for homeschoolers](https://www.edalive.com/shop/homeschool-bundle/) on their online educational games including Typing Tournament, Maths Invaders, Volcanic Panic Reading Success and Words Rock. ### Museums, Parks Historical Locations and More Keep in mind that many museums offer free homeschool days during the school year. Check your local museum websites. Many museums and science centers offer free admission to teachers or special discount days. The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History offers [special homeschool programs](https://naturalhistory.si.edu/education/school-programs/homeschool-days), and if you’re heading there, keep in mind that [Smithsonian museums are free](https://www.si.edu/visit/hours). (With the exception of the Cooper Hewitt Museum in New York City.) **Art Museums/Institutes** – Art museums like the [Crocker Art Museum](https://www.crockerart.org/visit/groups) offer $10 discounted rates for groups of 8 or more students. The Art Institute of Chicago offers a [free educator pass](https://www.artic.edu/visit/whos-visiting/educators-2). [Just fill out this form](https://www.artic.edu/educators/visit-on-my-own/educator-admission-request). **Big Air Trampoline Parks** – Big Air Trampoline Parks offer [Mid-Day Madness events at a discounted price](https://www.bigairusa.com/greenville/midday-madness/) when you “provide proof of homeschool status.” [Check locations here.](https://www.bigairusa.com) **LEGOLAND** – LEGOLAND in Orlando, FL, offers [discounted tickets for homeschoolers](https://www.legoland.com/florida/tickets-passes/tickets/groups/school-groups/). Some [other LEGOLAND locations](https://brickipedia.fandom.com/wiki/LEGOLAND_Parks) offer homeschool discounts as well. **Colonial Williamsburg** – [Colonial Williamsburg](https://www.colonialwilliamsburg.org/visit/group-tours/homeschool/) hosts discounted days and discounted pricing for homeschool groups. **National Parks** – Fourth grade students and their families – including homeschool students – get [FREE admission to national parks for their entire fourth-grade year](https://www2.ed.gov/about/inits/ed/non-public-education/other-federal-programs/nps.html#:~:text=Program%3A%20Every%20Kid%20in%20a,for%20a%20full%20school%20year.) thanks to the Every Kid in a Park Initiative. [Find a list of parks here.](https://www.nps.gov/index.htm) **Regal Theaters** – Regal Movie Theater Locations offer discounts to students who present ID. [Look for a location near you](https://www.regmovies.com/static/en/us/theatre/student-pricing-locations). **Great Wolf Lodge** – Great Wolf Lodge Resort and Water Park Locations sometimes [offer discounted stays](https://www.greatwolf.com/more-fun-less?ctcampaign=7071&ctkwd=great%20wolf%20lodge&ctmatch=p&ctcreative=413095046359&ctadpos=&ctplacement=&ctlocid=9021889&cttrgtid=kwd-355642554&ctfeedid=&ctnwk=g&ctdevice=c&ctadgroup=56921645012&hxc_id=5097&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAj_CrBhD-ARIsAIiMxT-NzcAxqsPVWghg50hqtQLlV6okCi930ZsfRYDK4lI_vYqLIY8i9doaAh5mEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds). If you have a [Great Wolf Lodge location near you](https://www.greatwolf.com/jobs/locations), keep an eye on your email and social media. Finally, locations like [Gatlinburg, TN](https://www.cabinsforyou.com/homeschool-discounts-pigeon-forge), and [Branson, MO](https://www.explorebranson.com/article/fall-fun-branson-specials-homeschool-families), offer big discounts on homeschool family vacations. ### Just For Students With a Student ID, your child can qualify for discounts on food, technology and even fitness memberships. Teach them to ask, “Do you offer student discounts?” and then pass over their [Homeschool Student ID](https://homeschoolplanet.com/homeschool-id-card/). Homeschool students might also qualify for “good student” discounts on expenses like car insurance with an ID and proof of grades (report cards are also easily available in the [Homeschool Planet Planner!](https://homeschoolplanet.com/free-trial-landing-page/ "Free trial landing page")). [![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Free-ID-Cards-for-Homeschool-Students-and-Teachers-Design-1-pin-683x1024.jpg)](https://homeschoolplanet.com/homeschool-id-card/) ## It Never Hurts to Ask About a Homeschool Discount Many businesses big and small offer *educator or teacher discounts*, and some happily include homeschoolers. Hotels, clothing stores, restaurants, cell phone service providers, bookstores, art supply and craft stores and more may gladly accept your ID or your student’s ID and help you get a discount. Being able to prove your homeschool status may help your co-op or homeschool group get **group discounts** as well. And remember that management of chains varies a lot by location. If you have trouble using a homeschool ID card in a store, it can be helpful to call the corporate office and politely request more information. Homeschooling is still not quite mainstream enough that every employee will know how to grant your request for a discount, teacher card or coupon. **The lesson here is, it never hurts to ask.** Finally, keep an eye out for Teacher Appreciation or Teacher Discount Days. Your Homeschool ID might help you save. [Just head here](https://homeschoolplanet.com/homeschool-id-card/) to print your own FREE Homeschool ID Card, and Homeschool ID cards for your kids, or order printed plastic cards to be sent to you. Happy saving! ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/d3babb0046833226121ae02c4336793a9e823ce7c06de2c9b85ea50482f198ad?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Shawna Wingert Shawna Wingert is a former training and development professional turned education specialist, and has homeschooled her two children for the last ten years. Shawna has written four books about homeschooling unique learners and has been featured in homeschooling discussions on Today.com, The Mighty, Simple Homeschool, My Little Poppies and Raising Lifelong Leaners. You can find her online here at Homeschool Planet and at [DifferentByDesignLearning.com.](https://nottheformerthings.com/blog/) [See Full Bio](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/shawna-marketing/) [ ](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/shawna-marketing/) **Categories:** Homeschool Planning --- ### [The Ultimate Guide to Homeschool Planet's Exclusive Curriculum Options](https://homeschoolplanet.com/homeschool-planets-exclusive-curriculum/) **Published:** July 18, 2025 **Author:** Shawna Wingert **Content:** When you choose Homeschool Planet as your homeschool planning resource, you’re not just getting an organizational tool. You are also gaining access to a treasure trove of exclusive, thoughtfully crafted curriculum options that will transform your homeschool experience. ![Homeschool Planet Curriculum](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/The.png) Our curriculum collection has been designed with the understanding that every family’s educational journey is unique, and we’re here to provide you with resources that inspire learners in a variety of ways. ## Classic Literature Stories: Building Literary Foundation Our[ Classic Literature Stories curriculum ](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/classical-literature-activity-packs/)opens the door to timeless tales that have shaped generations of readers. These aren’t just reading assignments—they’re carefully curated literary journeys that introduce your children to the beauty of language, the complexity of human nature, and the enduring themes that connect us across centuries. Each classic literature unit includes guided reading questions, vocabulary development, character analysis activities, and creative writing prompts that help students engage deeply with the text. From “The Secret Garden” to “Treasure Island,” from “Little Women” to “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer,” your children will discover stories that not only entertain but also develop critical thinking skills and moral reasoning. What sets our classic literature curriculum apart is its flexibility. Whether you’re working with elementary students just beginning their literary journey or high schoolers ready for more complex analysis, our materials adapt to meet your family’s needs while maintaining the rich, meaningful engagement that classic literature provides. ## Charlotte Mason Curriculum: Education as a Living Thing Embracing Charlotte Mason’s philosophy that “education is an atmosphere, a discipline, a life,” our [Charlotte Mason curriculum](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/free-in-may-charlotte-mason-unit-study-packages/) brings this beloved educational approach directly to your homeschool. This isn’t just another curriculum option—it’s a complete educational philosophy that treats children as whole persons capable of engaging with rich, living ideas. Our Charlotte Mason resources include carefully selected living books, nature study guides, picture study materials, and narration exercises that allow children to form personal relationships with knowledge. Students learn through short, focused lessons that respect their attention spans while challenging them to think deeply about what they’re learning. The curriculum emphasizes oral narration, copywork, and dictation as natural ways to develop language skills, while art appreciation and music study nurture the soul alongside the mind. With our Charlotte Mason curriculum, you’re not just teaching subjects—you’re cultivating a love of learning that will last a lifetime. ## Nature Study: Connecting With The World Around Us In our increasingly digital world, our Nature Study curriculum provides essential connection to the natural world around us. Following Charlotte Mason’s conviction that nature study should be a regular part of every child’s education, these resources help families develop observational skills, scientific thinking, and a deep appreciation for creation. Our [nature study resources](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/nature-journal/) include seasonal observation guides and nature journal prompts. Students learn to observe carefully, record their findings thoughtfully, and develop the patience and attention to detail that true scientific inquiry requires. Each season brings new discoveries, from tracking animal movements in winter snow to observing wildflower blooms in spring meadows. Our nature study curriculum works whether you live in the heart of the city or deep in the countryside—nature is everywhere, waiting to be discovered and appreciated. ## President Study: Understanding Leadership and History Our[ President Study curriculum](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/presidential-unit-study-homeschool-planet/) takes students on a chronological journey through American history by examining the lives, challenges, and decisions of our nation’s presidents. This isn’t dry memorization of dates and facts—it’s an engaging exploration of how individual character, historical circumstances, and decisive moments have shaped our country. Each presidential study includes biographical materials, historical context, primary source documents, and activities that help students understand not just what happened, but why it mattered. Students learn about the Constitution, the development of political parties, major historical events, and the personal qualities that make effective leadership. From George Washington’s precedent-setting decisions to the complex challenges faced by modern presidents, your children will develop a deep understanding of American civics, government, and the ongoing story of our democracy. These studies naturally integrate geography, economics, and social studies while building critical thinking skills about leadership and civic responsibility. ## Artist Study: Cultivating Beauty and Creativity Art has the power to inspire, challenge, and transform us. Our [Artist Study curriculum](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/study-the-artists/) introduces students to master artists from various periods and cultures, helping them develop aesthetic appreciation and creative expression skills that will enrich their entire lives. Each artist study includes biographical information, examples of the artist’s work, guided observation activities, and hands-on art projects that allow students to explore different techniques and media. From Renaissance masters like Leonardo da Vinci to modern innovators like Picasso, students encounter diverse artistic traditions and learn to see the world through an artist’s eyes. The curriculum encourages careful observation, artistic vocabulary development, and personal creative expression. Students don’t just learn about art—they create art, developing their own skills while gaining appreciation for the masters who came before them. ## Why Choose Homeschool Planet’s Exclusive Curriculum? What makes our curriculum collection truly special is how seamlessly it integrates with our planning platform. Your curriculum assignments automatically populate in your lesson plans, making it easy to maintain consistency and track progress. But beyond the convenience, our curriculum options share several key characteristics: **Living Education Philosophy**: All our curriculum materials are designed around the principle that education should be vibrant, engaging, and personally meaningful rather than dry or mechanistic. **Flexible Implementation**: Whether you prefer structured daily lessons or more relaxed unit studies, our materials adapt to your family’s learning style and schedule. **Rich Content**: We believe children are capable of engaging with substantial, meaningful material from an early age, and our curriculum reflects this high view of student potential. **Character Development**: Every curriculum option includes opportunities for moral and character development alongside academic learning. **Family-Friendly**: Our materials are designed to work for multiple ages and learning levels, making them perfect for families with children of different ages. **State Funds Approved:** If you are interested in using state funding to purchase curriculum and our planner, our ReadyMade School packages and Literature Study Package are state approved! ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/HSP-Exclusive-Literature-Curr-Pack-Instagram-3-819x1024.png) ## Getting Started with Homeschool Planet Curriculum Ready to explore these exclusive curriculum options? As a Homeschool Planet member, you have immediate access to our complete curriculum library. You can preview materials, download sample lessons, and begin incorporating these rich resources into your homeschool plans right away. Whether you’re drawn to the timeless wisdom of classic literature, the living education approach of Charlotte Mason, the wonder of nature study, the civic importance of presidential history, or the creative inspiration of artist study, you’ll find materials that not only meet educational standards but exceed them by nurturing the whole child. Your homeschool journey is unique, and our exclusive curriculum collection is here to support you every step of the way. Discover the difference that thoughtfully crafted, philosophy-driven curriculum can make in your family’s education adventure. *Ready to transform your homeschool experience? Log into your Homeschool Planet account today and explore our exclusive curriculum collection.* Don’t have a Homeschool Planet account?[ Try us for free, 30 days, NO credit card required!](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/) [![Free trial no credit card required](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/SQUARE-HSP-free-trial-4.png)](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/d3babb0046833226121ae02c4336793a9e823ce7c06de2c9b85ea50482f198ad?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Shawna Wingert Shawna Wingert is a former training and development professional turned education specialist, and has homeschooled her two children for the last ten years. Shawna has written four books about homeschooling unique learners and has been featured in homeschooling discussions on Today.com, The Mighty, Simple Homeschool, My Little Poppies and Raising Lifelong Leaners. You can find her online here at Homeschool Planet and at [DifferentByDesignLearning.com.](https://nottheformerthings.com/blog/) [See Full Bio](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/shawna-marketing/) [ ](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/shawna-marketing/) **Categories:** Homeschool Planning --- ### [Plan Summer Family Activities with Homeschool Planet](https://homeschoolplanet.com/summer-family-activities/) **Published:** May 28, 2025 **Author:** Shannan Swindler **Content:** ## Plan For Bonding Time With Fun Summer Family Activities Summer break is a special time for families. It offers a break from the usual homeschool routines. This is a great opportunity to step away from textbooks and strengthen family bonds. Engaging in fun summer activities together can create lasting memories. Activities like outdoor adventures, crafts, or reading can bring families closer. They allow everyone to share experiences and laughter. It’s a time to relax and enjoy each other’s company. Depending on when you take your summer holiday you could have two to twelve weeks during the summer months to enjoy as many summer family activities as possible. Now is the time to create a list of ideas and activities and add them to your planner. Using your Homeschool Planet [planner](https://homeschoolplanet.com/) during the summer is an easy way to organize and enjoy the endless opportunities that await you this summer. ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Relaxed-Summer-Planning-with-Homeschool-Planet-683x1024.jpg)\#image\_title ## Benefits of Summer Family Activities There are so many benefits to planning summer family activities. Here are just a few: - **Strengthen relationships:** Spending quality time together away from all the regular homeschool learning fosters deeper personal connections among family members. - **Create lasting memories:** Shared experiences during summer vacation become cherished stories. - **Encourage teamwork:** Working on activities together promotes cooperation and learning exciting skills like how to set up a tent or make strawberry jam - **Explore new interests:** Summer nature activities and summer science activities can spark curiosity. These activities can also help kids stay engaged and active during the break from school. Whether it is sports camp, science camp, or even Camp Grandma & Grandpa, getting out and exploring new skills and ideas with friends and family offers lasting benefits for the whole family. ## Introducing Homeschool Planet as a Summer Family Activities Planning Tool One key to a successful summer break is planning. Homeschool Planet is an excellent tool for this. It helps families organize their summer activities and keep track of everyone’s comings and goings. You can create a schedule for summer reading, outdoor activities, and science projects. Its user-friendly interface lets you easily customize plans to fit your family’s needs. This makes it simpler to balance work and fun, ensuring that everyone enjoys their summer break. Use the new [Fingtertip app](https://homeschoolplanet.com/homeschool-planet-app/) to take the planner with you wherever your summer adventures take you. ## Fun Summer Family Activities for Everyone ### Exploring Local Parks and Recreational Areas Summer is the perfect time to explore your local park and recreational areas. These spots offer a wealth of outdoor activities that everyone in the family can enjoy. Whether it’s hiking, biking, or having a picnic, the options are endless. Check your local parks for nature trails, playgrounds, bike paths, and even organized events like nature walks or family movie nights in the park. State Parks and the National Parks Service help families enjoy the great outdoors with their [Junior Ranger programs](https://www.nps.gov/kids/become-a-junior-ranger.htm). These are all great ways to engage in summer nature activities and enjoy popular attractions with a day trip, or camping trip. ### Organizing Family Game Nights and Creative Challenges Bring the family together with game nights filled with laughter and fun summer activities. Create a schedule for weekly game nights where each family member can take a turn choosing games. You can also set up creative challenges, like a baking contest or an arts and crafts day. These activities not only strengthen family bonds but also spark creativity. Don’t forget to incorporate some summer reading during these nights by picking a fun book to[ read aloud](https://homeschoolplanet.com/top-5-reasons-to-read-aloud-to-kids-of-all-ages/) together! ### Ideas for Community Events and Festivals to Attend Together Check out your local community for events and festivals happening during summer break. Many towns host outdoor movie nights, farmer’s markets, or cultural festivals perfect for family outings. From Memorial Day parades to end-of-summer county fairs, there are so many fun summer family activities to add to your planner. Attending these events can fill your summer vacation with joy and learning. You can also look for summer science activities at local museums or science centers. These events provide a unique way to connect with your community while making the most of your summer family activities. ## Summer Family Activities to Enjoy Outdoors ### Planning Hikes and Nature Walks for Physical Activity Hiking and nature walks are excellent summer family activities. They offer physical exercise and a chance to connect with nature. Choose local trails that match your family’s fitness level. Make a list of trails you want to explore. Pack snacks and water to keep everyone energized. You can even combine these hikes with summer science activities. Identify plants and animals along the trail or observe changes in the environment. This way, your family can learn together while enjoying the outdoors. ### Setting Up Backyard Camping Experiences Backyard camping is a fun way to enjoy summer evenings without leaving home. Set up a tent and gather sleeping bags for a cozy experience. Cook s’mores over a small fire or grill. Share stories under the stars. To make it more exciting, plan a [summer scavenger hunt](https://captivatingcompass.com/summer-photo-scavenger-hunt/) around the yard. This is a great opportunity for summer nature activities. Encourage kids to look for specific items or observe insects and plants. It’s a fun way to create lasting memories while being close to home. ### Create a Family Sports Tournament Sports tournaments can bring your family together. Choose your favorite sports, such as soccer, basketball, or even frisbee or disc golf. Organize a mini-tournament with teams. Create a fun scoreboard and keep track of the scores. This type of event planning is perfect for teens to organize as part of their summer break activities for the whole family. Family competition can bring laughter and bonding. Everyone can cheer for each other, making it an enjoyable event. Don’t forget to plan some fun summer activities for breaks between games. Setting up refreshment stands with fruit and drinks adds to the experience. ## Summer Science Activities that Engage and Educate ### DIY Science Experiments Using Household Items Summer vacation is a perfect time to spark curiosity with DIY science experiments. These [fun summer science activities](https://homeschoolplanet.com/5-summer-science-activities-your-kids-will-love/) engage kids and help them learn. You can use common household items for [exciting experiments](https://arisehomeeducation.com/science-activities-for-teens/). Try making homemade slime, which teaches about chemical reactions. Mix glue, baking soda, and contact lens solution to create a gooey substance. Another great option is a baking soda and vinegar volcano. This classic experiment demonstrates an acid-base reaction that kids love. ### Exploring Nature Through Scientific Observation Exploring nature during summer break offers a wealth of outdoor activities. Take nature walks and encourage your children to observe the world around them. They can collect leaves, rocks, or flowers and make a [nature journal](https://arisehomeeducation.com/nature-journal-for-kids/). This project combines summer nature activities with scientific observation. Ask questions like: “What colors do you see?” or “What sounds do you hear?” This helps develop observational skills. Encourage them to sketch their findings. ### Plan Summer Field Trips [Field trips](https://homeschoolplanet.com/field-trips-for-kids/) offer valuable hands-on learning experiences. Consider visits to local science centers, botanical gardens, or museums. These summer field trips can deepen your child’s understanding of various scientific concepts. Look for seasonal events that feature outdoor activities. Often, these places offer workshops for families. Engage with exhibits and encourage your children to ask questions. These experiences can create lasting memories while enhancing summer reading on related topics. Don’t forget to include a fun [nature journal ](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/nature-journal/)to document the field tip un. ## Exploring Summer Nature Activities ### Nature Scavenger Hunts Nature scavenger hunts are fantastic for increasing awareness of the environment. Families can create a list of items to find in their local parks or backyards. Common items include: - Different types of leaves and trees or shrubs. - Unique rocks - Insects like butterflies or beetles - Birds and their nests This fun summer activity encourages kids to observe nature closely. They become more aware of their surroundings and learn to appreciate the diverse ecosystem. ### Gardening Projects Gardening projects serve as excellent [summer activities](https://arisehomeeducation.com/summer-activities-for-middle-school-students/) in nature. Kids can plant flowers, vegetables, or herbs. This hands-on experience teaches them about plants, growth cycles, and sustainability. Here are some ideas: - Create a small vegetable garden - Start a flower bed with native plants - Learn about composting to enrich the soil These projects not only foster responsibility but also provide a tangible connection to nature. ## Photography Walks Photography walks are a beautiful way to capture summer beauty. Families can explore nature with cameras in hand. This activity combines outdoor fun with creative expression. Participants can focus on: - Scenic landscapes - Unique plants - Wildlife in action By sharing and discussing photos, families can enhance their appreciation of summer nature. [Photography](https://captivatingcompass.com/photography-for-teens/) is a fun summer family activity that also encourages kids to look for details they might otherwise overlook. ## Classic Summer Family Activities for All Ages – The Summer Reading Challenge ### Setting Up Family Reading Challenges and Rewards Summer break is a perfect time for family bonding over books. Create friendly reading challenges for everyone. Set goals like reading a certain number of books or pages. Reward achievements with fun summer activities. This can be anything from ice cream outings to movie nights. Making reading a fun competition keeps kids engaged and excited. Don’t forget to keep a[ reading journal](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/reading-journal-from-homeschool-planet/) and book log as part of your academic record for each child. ### Visiting the Library for Summer Reading Programs Libraries offer great summer reading programs. These programs often include incentives for reading and are fun, free summer activities the entire family can enjoy. Visit your local library and sign up for their summer reading challenge. It’s a fun summer activity that encourages kids to explore new genres and improve their reading skills. You might even discover summer nature activities related to science and wildlife books. Libraries also host events, workshops, and read-aloud sessions, making it a great place for summer learning during the dog days of summer. ### Sharing Book Recommendations That Are Fun and Educational Sharing book recommendations is a great way to inspire summer reading. Create a family reading list that includes fun summer activities and educational topics. Each family member can suggest their favorites. For younger kids, picture books about nature can spark their natural wonder in summer science activities. Older kids might enjoy thrilling adventures or fantasy novels or deep diving into the literature planned for next year’s [language arts](https://homeschoolplanet.com/language-arts-lesson-plans/) learning at a leisurely pace. Discuss what everyone is reading during family dinners or around the summer fire pit. This encourages conversation and helps reinforce the joy of reading. ## Use Homeschool Planet for Summer Family Activities Planning ### Organizing Summer Schedules with Homeschool Planet Homeschool Planet is a valuable tool for families looking to plan summer activities. By using its calendar feature, you can easily organize outdoor activities, summer reading, and summer science activities. Start by listing the fun summer activities you want to include in your schedule. You can color-code activities to distinguish between summer nature activities and educational pursuits. This visual organization helps everyone see what’s planned for each week of summer break, making it easier for the whole family to participate. Use the new [Fingtertip app](https://homeschoolplanet.com/homeschool-planet-app/) to take the planner with you wherever your summer adventures take you. ### Tracking Completed Activities and Achievements One great feature of Homeschool Planet is its ability to track completed activities. As your family dives into summer vacation, use the tracking tool to mark off fun summer activities as they are completed – especially those that are meant for academic records. This helps reinforce a sense of accomplishment and helps parents know exactly what’s left to complete each school year. You can even set up reminders for activities that require preparation, ensuring no fun summer activities are overlooked. Additionally, consider adding notes or [reflections](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/gratitude-journal/) about each activity. This creates a fun log to look back on after summer break. ### Integrating Learning Objectives into Summer Plans While summer is often seen as a time for fun, it can also be a period for growth. Integrating learning objectives into summer events calendar or plans can elevate the experience. Use Homeschool Planet to align summer nature activities and summer science activities with educational goals. For instance, while hiking, you can focus on biology or ecology concepts. Summer reading can be paired with discussions on the themes in the books. This structured approach provides meaningful learning experiences in your summer family activities. ### Lesson Plans For Fun Learning and Summer Family Activities - [Music Lessons for Holidays and Special Days – Summer](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/music-lessons-for-holidays-special-days-summer/) - [Midsummer Night’s Dream](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/a-midsummer-nights-dream-5-weeks/) - Summer Reading Journal – [Original](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/reading-journal/), [Book Review Focus](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/2021-summer-reading-journal/) and [Expanded](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/2022-summer-reading-journal/) versions - [High School British Literature](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/high-school-british-literature-lesson-plan-package/) - [Astronomy](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/conceptual-astroomy-27-weeks/) & [Geology](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/lifepac-select-geology/) - [Nature Journal](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/nature-journal/) - [Seasons Afield Nature Study](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/bfb-seasons-afield-nature-study-k-3rd/) - The Gentle + Classical Nature Series: [Forests](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/gentle-classical-nature-grids-vol-1/), [Oceans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/gentle-classical-nature-grids-vol-2/), - [Elementary Nature Book Lessons](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/elementary-nature-book-lesson-plan-package/) - The Waylock Way Unit Studies: [Moon](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/moon-unit-study/), [Mini Beasts](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/minibeasts-unit-study/), [Ocean](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/ocean-unit-study/), [Weather & Natural Disasters](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/weather-natural-disasters-unit-study/), [Wilderness Survival](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/survival-unit-study/), [STEM](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/studying-stem/), ## Importance of Varied Summer Family Activities for Maximum Fun Summer is an ideal time for families to bond. Engaging in varied summer family activities enriches these moments. Think about how many fun summer activities you can enjoy together. You can create your own summer reading lists or explore summer nature activities. From hiking to picnicking, road trips to beach day trips – the choices are endless. Each activity offers unique learning experiences for everyone. This variety helps keep the spirit of adventure alive. It also fosters connections as you share these experiences. ## Encouragement to Be Flexible and Spontaneous During Summer Being spontaneous can lead to the best memories! While planning is great, don’t hesitate to embrace the unexpected. If you see a new outdoor activity or an interesting event, go for it! Your family might discover new passions or make new friends. Flexibility allows your family to enjoy a summer vacation to the fullest. So, whether it’s a last-minute trip to the beach or a surprise camping night, cherish those moments. Let go of the rigid schedules and enjoy the freedom of summer break. ## Making Lasting Memories With Summer Family Activities Ultimately, the goal is to create lasting memories. Summer adventures can become stories you share for years. Adding an amusement park to learn more about physics or hitting all the water parks to stay cool on a hot summer day; planning summertime fun is the key to making memories. Engage in summer science activities to inspire curiosity. Participate in community events or try new outdoor activities. Each moment spent together strengthens family bonds. As you explore and learn, remember that laughter and joy are what truly matter. Embrace every opportunity to grow together this summer. ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/273e331e1365e08aaa487fc9793da1a98403a08271f620e721c8d3df75be1b25?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Shannan Swindler Shannan shares her passion for helping others use the world as their classroom at Captivating Compass. Her home base is in Scotland, where she home educates and learns on location throughout Europe as much as possible. She teaches online and creates digital curricula that promotes a Chrisitan worldview through creative learning and family travel experiences (in person & virtually). [See Full Bio](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/shannan-swindler/) [ ](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/shannan-swindler/) **Categories:** Homeschool Planning, Choosing Curriculum, Using Homeschool Planet **Tags:** family activities, summer learning, summer lesson plans, summer nature, ssummer reading, summer activities, Summer, summer science, Homeschool Planning --- ### [High School Transcripts: How to Generate them in a Click](https://homeschoolplanet.com/high-school-transcripts-how-to-generate-them-in-a-click/) **Published:** May 12, 2025 **Author:** **Excerpt:** A big cause of paranoia in homeschooling is the worry of not doing enough for your child to enter college. You can do all you can to ensure your child is at a certain level of knowledge to proceed from year to year but when do you start capturing what they have learned in order to produce a viable transcript for graduate school or trade school? Do you start at the middle school level? High school? What do you need in in a transcript? Learn how to put this worry behind you and generate high school transcripts in only a click. **Content:** Homeschool parents often feel pressure and stress as the high school years approach, wondering what is needed in high school transcripts. Learn how to put this worry behind you and generate excellent high school transcripts in only a click! ![Homeschool High School Transcripts ](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Transcripts-Horiz-1024x536.png)There is a worry of doing the transcripts correctly or putting so much time in it only to realize that colleges won’t accept them somehow. It’s amazing what stress a little paper can cause us. However, it doesn’t have to be that way. It doesn’t have to be a huge deal, especially when you have a tool that provides a perfect high school transcript with no stress and in one simple click. ## Getting Ready To Create Transcripts For Your Homeschooler Of course, there are some things that you need prior to worrying about transcripts. It’s a good ideas to map out what your high schooler needs to learn each year. It’s also a good idea to look at the colleges around your area to get a feel for what admission requirements are. This allows yout o weave the requirements into your curriculum plan and still have room for other subjects or courses that you may want them to learn. If you want some subject or course ideas, Homeschool Planet has over [1250+ professionally designed lesson plans from amazing publishers](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/) for high schoolers to explore. **Having your curriculum plan or an idea of the courses you would like included on your student’s transcript beforehand can help you plan out their high school journey and your own as their educator.** Note: Each state has its own system for calculating credits and its own credit requirements for graduation; you can find the requirements in the state’s department of education website. Most states see a year-long course as one credit and require around 20-24 credits for high school graduation. Remember to see your area’s/state’s requirements. States typically have a system for calculating credits and obtaining the number of credits required for graduation. ### Homeschooled students earn credits through: • Completing a high school level textbook • Taking a semester-long course at a local college • Taking an online course (at either the high school or college level) • Completing a year-long unit study # Homeschool High School Transcripts with Homeschool Planet Keeping accurate records along the way and staying on track can get overwhelming, especially if you have multiple students. The good news is, Homeschool Planet has built in functionality to all the work for you! ## Key Features of Homeschool Planet Transcripts Homeschool Planet offers several helpful features for generating professional-looking transcripts: - Automatic grade calculation and GPA tracking - Customizable course descriptions - Multiple transcript formats and templates - Digital and print-ready versions - Credit hour tracking - Term-based or subject-based organization options ## Creating a Transcript in Homeschool Planet We have created easy to follow, step by step instructions for creating your transcript in our online planner. [![Homeschool Planet Reports](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Reports-top-1024x576-1.png)](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/creating-a-transcript/)Visit Our Knowledge Base For Step By Step Transcript Instructions ### Homeschool Planet captures all you need to be included in a transcript. **Additional features of Homeschool Planet include:** • Print daily or weekly assignment and activity checklists • Completed or uncompleted assignment and activity lists can be printed • Print professional looking reports of Class hours for both Core and non-Core subjects • Print, or save to PDF, customizable Report Cards and Transcripts • Extensive reports to help you manage grades, attendance, activities, and more. • Filter all reports to include exactly what you need, and only what you need with Homeschool Planet’s comprehensive and customizable reporting capabilities. • Create Grade Reports (summary or detail), Assignment lists (done or undone!), and compile all Class Notes. • Track your books and resources. • Track and report class hours with a convenient clock icon that lets you see exactly which items you are tracking. Homeschool Planet creates a professional looking transcript which is fully customizable with spots for activities, honors, and standardized test scores. You can even enter previous information for a complete picture and choose the scales and weights for your child’s GPA. High school transcripts are required for any type of higher education. Even if a homeschooled student intends to go straight into the workforce, having a transcript is still important, as employers might request at least a high school transcript. ## Capture All Your Hard Work! We devote so much time and energy to providing our kids with the best information. Capturing all your student’s hard work on a transcript at the end of high school is such a relieving and accomplished feeling. Head over to Homeschool Planet for a planner and all-in-one organizer that can generate your teen’s high school transcript in one click. ## Check out Homeschool Planet for yourself with a [30-day FREE trial](https://homeschoolplanet.com#pricing). No credit card information is necessary to give it a try! [![](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/728x90-1.png)](https://homeschoolplanet.com#pricing) ***At last*** — an easy, flexible, full-featured online planner that doesn’t require *hours* to learn. Just launch, click on the calendar, and start adding classes, assignments, and appointments! ### With [Homeschool Planet lesson plans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/), homeschooling has never been easier! ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/HSP-Marketplace-Logo-Image-1.png) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/?s=300&d=mm&r=g) [See Full Bio](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/) [ ](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/) **Categories:** Using Homeschool Planet **Tags:** generate your transcripts with one click --- ### [Learn From The Past. Explore The Future.](https://homeschoolplanet.com/learn-from-the-past-explore-the-future/) **Published:** January 6, 2020 **Author:** Shannan Swindler **Content:** *Helping your kids learn from the past and explore the future is a tall order sometimes, isn’t it?* Raise your hand if: Your best ideas come in the shower. Your kids feel like they *know* they are right, but no one will believe them? People in your family get grumpy when doing difficult science or math problems? **Guess what!** Your family has something in common with three very famous scientists! ![Science Curriculum](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/captivatingblogpost.png) [***The Let’s Study Great Scientists,***](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/lets-study-scientists/) **by Captivating Compass** is the perfect online *‘curriculum included’* lesson plan on [Homeschool Planet](https://homeschoolplanet.com/) to help your family learn from the past and explore the future. ***Don’t forget to check out the free offer at the end of this post!*** ![captivating compass](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/cc-post.png) ## **Use Museums To Study Great Scientists – No Matter Where You Are Or Where You’re Going.** ## I want to share a story with you. Maybe you will find answers to help eliminate the struggle you may be having with science and field trips in your homeschool. As a digital nomad, homeschooling family, we travel quite a bit and use the world as our textbook. It is the ‘spine text’ for our homeschool. But, after quite a few ‘family field trips’ to world-famous museums, I realized we were not well prepared for the level of knowledge and understanding of the people and places that made the museum famous. This surprised me, because we study science, history, geography, and everything else every day. What was the root of this problem? I was finding that my kids seemed uninterested in the exhibits. Honestly the seem bored, or just walked around like zombies. They didn’t have an accessible and transferable understanding of what they were looking and interacting with. They struggled connecting science to its place in history. From a homeschool academic perspective I was frustrated that we were not meeting our academic goals. As a traveling family, it often felt like a waste of time and money to even go visit some of the museums. ## **“Eureka!”** What I finally realized is that they were not so much uninterested, but they were overwhelmed. They lacked focus because they were being bombarded by so much excellent information at the museums, it became a museum and academic overload. They checked out. Becoming intentional in our museum visits became my top academic priority. Through research and careful planning, I found the most delightful resources. These became the core of the Let’s Study Great Scientist lesson plans. Using these science resources before, during or after a museum visit, I found the kids responded with excitement and expectation of what they were going to see and experience on their next field trip. They had been given another peg on which to hang new science ideas. It’s exactly what they needed for the next level of deeper understanding of foundational science essentials that would keep them challenged and inspired to keep learning about the world around them. ## **The Importance of Understanding The Chronology Of Science** Studying the Great Scientists chronologically, by exploring their personal life history, is a remarkable way to study science in-depth. *When history & science intersect, the understanding becomes exponential.* Ideas we take for granted now (like gravity, or a heliocentric planetary system), were revolutionary in their time period. Expanding on the history, and delving into the personal life of great scientists is the perfect way to learn from the past. Exploring the future becomes the next natural step, especially on science museum field trips, as the ideas of these great scientists are the foundations of continued groundbreaking modern science. **Newton said it best…** ![Isaac Newton](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/newton.png) Studying the life and works of famous scientists is an enjoyable way to immerse your family in the history, culture and daily living in which these early scientists lived. Exploring their lives using quotes & copywork is a perfect way to cement all the swirling thoughts about science concepts. # **The Isaac Newton Quotes & Copywork FREE Companion Resource** [![Science curriculum](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/CC-newsletter.png)](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/lets-study-scientists/) ***The Isaac Newton Quotes and Copywork*** is a companion resource to use alongside your**[ Let’s Study Great Scientists lessons](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/lets-study-scientists/).** This 20+ page download of ***Isaac Newton Quotes & Copywork*** includes short activities to create opportunities for discussion and to help cement science facts in a unique and creative way. ### **Get your FREE copy of Isaac Newton Quotes & Copywork** when you purchase any lesson plan from Captivating Compass that can be uploaded into your Homeschool Planet dashboard. ![Learn from the Past. Explore the Future.](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/learn-from-the-past-PIN-683x1024.png) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/273e331e1365e08aaa487fc9793da1a98403a08271f620e721c8d3df75be1b25?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Shannan Swindler Shannan shares her passion for helping others use the world as their classroom at Captivating Compass. Her home base is in Scotland, where she home educates and learns on location throughout Europe as much as possible. She teaches online and creates digital curricula that promotes a Chrisitan worldview through creative learning and family travel experiences (in person & virtually). [See Full Bio](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/shannan-swindler/) [ ](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/shannan-swindler/) **Categories:** Choosing Curriculum **Tags:** isaac newton, copywork, science lesson, unit study lesson plan, curriculum included, free offer with purchase --- ### [Planning Spring Family Activities In Your Homeschool](https://homeschoolplanet.com/spring-family-activities/) **Published:** April 12, 2025 **Author:** Shannan Swindler **Content:** As the weather warms up and the flowers start to bloom, it’s a great time to start planning some spring family activities for homeschool learning fun! Embrace nature at the first signs of spring by adding a few outdoor science experiments—think plant growth or weather observations to your homeschool planner! This hands-on approach to learning will not only educate your children about the natural world around them but also allow them to appreciate the beauty of spring. [![spring into action with homeschool planet](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Spring-into-Action-1-1024x1024.png)](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/)## **Planning for Spring Homeschool Learning Fun** Reading together as a family can be a great way to bond and explore different topics related to the season. Create a spring-themed reading list featuring books about blooming flowers and baby animals. Plan a family art day outdoors, using natural materials to inspire creativity and hands-on learning. This can be a fun way to incorporate art into your homeschool curriculum while enjoying the fresh air and sunshine. Incorporate local events, like farmer’s markets, into your curriculum to teach about community, entrepreneurship, and nutrition. Take advantage of the spring season to visit these events and learn about where our food comes from. Set up a garden project where kids can learn about responsibility and teamwork while watching their plants grow! This hands-on experience will not only teach them valuable skills but also instill a sense of pride in caring for something from start to finish. Don’t forget all these ideas can be easily added to your Homeschool Planner calendar to complement your daily homeschool learning and provide creative opportunities for family time that count as learning such as [field trips,](https://homeschoolplanet.com/educational-trips-for-homeschool-kids/) projects, or community service opportunities. ## **Embracing Spring: Fun Outdoor Activities for Family Bonding** This is the perfect time to get outdoors and bond as a family through fun spring family activities. One great way to embrace the season is by exploring local parks. Pack a picnic lunch, grab a blanket, and spend the day surrounded by nature. Whether you’re enjoying a leisurely stroll, playing on the playground, or simply relaxing in the sunshine, a day at the park is sure to clear winter’s cabin fever for the whole family. Another enjoyable outdoor activity for family bonding is gardening together. Use this time to teach your kids about plants and the importance of taking care of the environment. Planting flowers or vegetables in your garden not only encourages teamwork but also provides an opportunity for hands-on learning. Grab a [lab sheet](https://captivatingcompass.com/science-lab-sheets-teach-life-skills/) to chart the progress. Watching seeds grow into beautiful blooms or tasty veggies can be a rewarding experience for everyone involved. For a bit of adventure, consider going on a nature scavenger hunt. Create a list of items to find outdoors and turn a simple walk into an exciting game. This activity not only gets everyone moving but also encourages observation and exploration of the natural world. Whether you’re searching for a specific type of leaf, a particular bird, or even a hidden treasure, a nature scavenger hunt is a fun way to bond as a family while enjoying the great outdoors. You can even get really creative and combine famous author quotes with photography for a [creative literature scavenger hunt project.](https://captivatingcompass.com/inspirational-quotes-by-famous-authors/) ## **Creating Your Family’s Spring Bucket List: Must-Try Activities** Looking for some family-friendly activities to add to your homeschool planner this spring? Look no further than creating your very own spring family bucket list! Just use the Homeschool Planet list feature or add your bucket list items directly to the calendar and assign them to the whole family. There are so many fun and exciting spring family activities to try during this beautiful season, so why not make a list and start checking them off one by one? One must-try activity on your spring family bucket list should be exploring local, state, or national parks for a fun day of picnicking and nature walks. Pack a delicious lunch, your outdoor gear, and head out for a relaxing day surrounded by nature. Take a leisurely stroll along the trails, play some outdoor games, and enjoy the fresh air with your loved ones or co-op learning group. Another great idea for your spring family bucket list is to plan a family garden day to plant flowers or veggies together. Get your hands dirty and teach your kids about the joys of gardening. Not only will you create beautiful memories together, but you’ll also have the satisfaction of watching your garden grow and bloom throughout the season. And why not organize a weekend camping trip to enjoy the great outdoors? Pitch a tent, roast some marshmallows over a campfire, and spend quality time bonding with your family in nature. Camping is a fantastic way to unplug from the busyness of everyday life and reconnect with each other. So pack up your gear and get ready for a fun-filled adventure in the great outdoors with the entire family! ## **Rainy Day Alternatives: Indoor Spring Family Activities** When the weather outside is dreary and rainy, it can be tempting to just stay inside and let the day pass by quietly doing your regular homeschool activities. However, there are plenty of indoor spring family activities that can keep learning lively for kids of all ages. One idea is to set up a Craft Corner, complete with art supplies for painting, drawing, or making fun crafts together. This can be a great way to unleash your creativity and bond with your loved ones in a relaxed and enjoyable setting. Enjoy museum art activities by checking your favorite museum’s website for at-home activities. Another exciting indoor spring activity to try on a rainy day is an Indoor Treasure Hunt. Your older kids will have fun creating a treasure map and hiding goodies around the house for an exciting adventure that will keep everyone entertained for hours. This game can be a thrilling way to explore different areas of your home and work together as a team to solve clues and find hidden treasures. If you’re in the mood for some delicious treats, why not have a Baking Bonanza as a family? Whip up some cookies, cupcakes, or even have a pizza party where everyone can customize their own personal pizzas. It can also be a fun way to teach kids valuable cooking skills and create lasting memories together. Plan it after a trip to the farmers market or grocery store for a creative way to teach[ life skills](https://captivatingcompass.com/life-skills-activities-for-teens/), [budgeting](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/lifepac-family-and-consumer-science/), and cooking. And after all the cooking is done, you can enjoy the fruits of your labor with a tasty meal. ## **Celebrating the Holidays: Easter and Passover Activities for Families** Homeschool families love to take time out of their regular homeschool routine to learn about, and celebrate holidays. Organize a family egg hunt in your backyard, hiding colorful eggs filled with treats or surprises for kids to find. This classic activity is sure to bring smiles and laughter to everyone involved. Additionally, get creative by making handmade decorations together, such as vibrant Easter wreaths or Passover Seder plates, to add a special touch of festive cheer to your home. For a fun and delicious bonding experience, why not host a family cooking day? Have everyone contribute to traditional Easter or Passover dishes from different countries, from matzo ball soup to hot cross buns. Cooking together not only creates delicious meals but also fosters teamwork and togetherness. Using the opportunity to learn about other cultural celebrations is a great opportunity to sneak in some social studies and geography lessons the easy way. As the dishes come together, share cultural or faith-based stories and memories to make the experience even more meaningful. To deepen your family’s understanding and connection to the significance of Easter and Passover traditions, plan a storytelling night. Gather around and share the stories and symbolism behind these holidays, creating a sense of unity and appreciation for your shared heritage. And don’t forget to take a break from the hustle and bustle by enjoying a nature walk together. Discuss the themes of renewal and freedom associated with both holidays as you appreciate the beauty of spring around you. ## **Making the Most of Spring Break: Engaging Family Adventures** Spring break is the perfect time for families to come together and create lasting memories through engaging adventures. One way to make the most of this break is by exploring local outdoor areas and nature preserves. It’s a great way to learn about animal life while enjoying the fresh air and beauty of the outdoors. Additionally, trying a family bike ride or hike can lead to the discovery of new trails and experiences together. Adventure awaits just around the corner, waiting to be explored with your family. Another fun idea for spring family activities during your holiday break is to plan a DIY backyard camping night. This can include stargazing, making s’mores, and enjoying the outdoors without the need for travel. It’s a great way to create a sense of adventure and excitement right in your own backyard. Additionally, visiting a nearby farm to visit lambs and other springtime baby animals is a fun way to learn about farm life and animal husbandry. It’s a fantastic opportunity for kids to learn about where their food comes from while enjoying a day out with the whole family. To add some friendly competition and laughter to your spring break, organizing a family game day with outdoor sports or board games is a great idea. Laughter is guaranteed as you compete and bond over friendly games. Another fun activity to consider is heading to the local flower farm or garden nursery. It’s a great opportunity to draw pictures of spring trees and beautiful flowers. This can spark additional creative spring activities leading to a day filled with excitement and fun. Let the adventure begin with these engaging family activities for a memorable spring break. ## **Connecting with Nature: Outdoor Spring Activities for All Ages** Spring is the perfect time to connect with nature and enjoy the great outdoors with fun spring family activities that are suitable for all ages. With the arrival of spring, there are many educational activities (besides spring cleaning) that can be added to your homeschool planner. Create a list of fun spring activities the whole family will enjoy. Alternatively, let young children pick a spring activity ‘date’ for quality time with a parent or grandparent. Another wonderful outdoor activity to consider is heading to the local library for books about spring. A fresh supply of books can be so much fun and can be easily enjoyed outdoors in the warmer weather or indoors if spring weather changes your family plans. For those interested in wildlife, birdwatching can be a fascinating activity to try. Making a checklist of the different species you spot and learning about their habits can be a fun and educational experience, especially for young nature enthusiasts. If there is a butterfly garden close, it is the perfect time to learn about the science of caterpillars and butterflies. So make a list of spring activities. Take time to enjoy the spring holidays and get ready to plant that garden you dreamed of during the long winter. Add all your ideas to your spring bucket list. If they align with your curriculum, add them as project and field trip assignments. Remember to take pictures to save for memories as well as proof of the educational experience provided by your favorite spring activities. ## Extended Spring Family Activities If you are looking for a more adventurous way to enjoy spring family activities in the outdoors, planning a camping trip can be a great option for extended time enjoying your spring family activities. Spending time in nature under the stars, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, can be a rejuvenating experience for the whole family. A spring road trip to visit family or friends is one of the great spring family activities that allows teens to learn the valuable life skill of [trip planning](https://captivatingcompass.com/trip-planning-worksheet/). ## **Homeschool Curriculum That Supports Educational Spring Family Activities** - [Music Lessons for Holidays & Special Days – Spring](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/music-lessons-for-holidays-and-special-days-spring/) - [Camping Out in Scripture Copywork](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/camping-out-in-scripture/) - [The Waldock Way – Traveling Around The World](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/traveling-the-world/) - [Poetry Teatime: Poet Edition Vol. 1](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/literary-kids/) - [Shakespeare: Four Plays by the Bard](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/literary-kids/) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/273e331e1365e08aaa487fc9793da1a98403a08271f620e721c8d3df75be1b25?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Shannan Swindler Shannan shares her passion for helping others use the world as their classroom at Captivating Compass. Her home base is in Scotland, where she home educates and learns on location throughout Europe as much as possible. She teaches online and creates digital curricula that promotes a Chrisitan worldview through creative learning and family travel experiences (in person & virtually). [See Full Bio](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/shannan-swindler/) [ ](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/shannan-swindler/) **Categories:** Homeschool Planning **Tags:** spring music, spring poetry, spring activities, easter, passover, spring, spring time, homeschool, Homeschool Planning --- ### [Homeschool PE and Health: A Simple Checklist For Success](https://homeschoolplanet.com/homeschool-pe-and-health-a-simple-checklist-for-success/) **Published:** February 27, 2025 **Author:** Shawna Wingert **Content:** Homeschool PE and health is an important part of any well-rounded education. This simple checklist will help you plan for and create an engaging and energizing approach to physical education in your homeschool. ![Homeschool PE child on bike](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Homeschool-PE-1080x1350-1-819x1024.png) ## Teaching Homeschool PE And Health Having a homeschool PE and health program that is excellent and isn’t a placeholder to check a box can be challenging and overwhelming. Many homeschool parents are already so busy and can find it challenging to know what to teach their kids. And sometimes we feel as if we aren’t “perfect” when it comes to living a healthy lifestyle so that makes us feel like we don’t have any authority to teach on the topic. Your kids don’t need some “fitness guru”, they need a parent that is walking it out with them! You can do this! And we can help make it simple for you. This simple checklist will give you some clarity on how to help your kids build a solid foundation in health. Health and PE can be a subject that can leave a lasting impact on your kids if you do it right! ## A Checklist For Homeschool PE And Health **Simple:** If you Google “how to be healthy” over 9 billion results pop up. There are endless books, YouTube channels, and studies on the topic of health. This often causes information overload. Most of the time the more information we give our kids, the less they apply. They need you to keep it simple. They need simple frameworks to break down healthy living. We break it down into 4 categories: Fitness, nutrition, rest and recovery, and maintenance. We teach them that to live a healthy lifestyle they just need a simple routine in each of these areas. The goal of a health and PE class should be to help your kids build real habits in each of these 4 areas. That way they are able to practice what they are learning while under your covering. **Engaging:** Your kids need to be engaged with and like the content you are teaching. A 300-page book that is 30 years old just won’t cut it anymore. We need to break the content in a way that they can comprehend and engage with. They need to have a mix of visual, audio, reading, and application to get the full picture of how to be healthy. The question to ask here is: Are your kids excited to do health/PE class? **Relevant:** Like I said in the last point, the 300-page (old) book teaching the food pyramid doesn’t cut it anymore. While the body hasn’t changed, our culture and world have. We must have health lessons that are relevant to our day and age and are up with current research and studies. We must combat what the culture and health industry are teaching so our kids think rightly about health. Then their actions will flow from that! **Easy to implement:** The curriculum and materials you use must be easy to implement. Homeschool parents are especially busy with all of their other parenting duties in addition to teaching. We must have resources that are realistic and easy to implement. It is helpful to have resources that are done for you with minimal planning. And a way to pace that content out in a seamless way! **Application:** Instead of the progression being only about teaching more and more information, we must make it about application. Our kids need to practice building healthy habits outside of class and with the covering of a parent. We do many different challenges with kids so they can practice ion their real life what they are learning. **Biblically-Based:** If you are a faith based homeschooler, this is also an opportunity to teach our kids how to think rightly about health topics. Transformation comes by the renewing of the mind. We want the actions they are taking to apply what they learn to be out of a heart to steward the body God has given them and serve others better. ## Homeschool PE and Health with Homeschool Planet Your Homeschool Planet Online Planner will absolutely help you plan for PE and Health in your homeschool. [Try our planner today for 30 days, absolutely free with no credit card required!](https://homeschoolplanet.com/free-trial-landing-page) [![mom using Homeschool Planet with daughter](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/SQUARE-HSP-free-trial-1024x1024.png)](https://homeschoolplanet.com/free-trial-landing-page) ### About Our Special Guest Author Ashton Tate is the founder of **[Glory to Glory Fitness](https://www.glorytogloryfitness.com/)** in Nashville, TN and the creator of [**The F.O.R.M. Curriculum**](https://d2ndc304.na1.hs-sales-engage.com/Ctc/5G+23284/d2Ndc304/JkM2-6qcW6N1vHY6lZ3kJW6n_6Hp4zN8FnW7WhLrP2qxS_NW8Z7fQz8MMPYnW2DbTRP4r8km_W1zPSS-5t9CXkVclBfC3V12pvN1Pdh5r3yWdZW3x-d595Zcg3xVDmQrf5hC4dfW7_41p34RrP3BW2dbPZn4nxJC6W4JDjRG6KmNhzW1hVBYD2GyX7rW7s6L6q2l9sxrW3fV7jr3k9_K1W6hknXh7ltg9YN1r14LCFh1KjW5628Sz8cTRnRW6Kwdyh49g-qVW5kdbXk27bT6LW6W--cm60hgFdN17JGQXh8S85f33N67604). He partners with homeschool families all over America to help them approach health and PE in a holistic way. His mission is to equip and empower homeschool families so every student in America can have a quality health education. His work has been featured in publications such as USA Today and Fox News. Homeschool Planet also offers[ **Glory to Glory Fitness integrated lesson plans** ](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/the-f-o-r-m-health-and-physical-education-curriculum/)for simple and accessible physical education in your homeschool. [![Glory to Glory Fitness cover](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/FORM-INC.png)](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/the-f-o-r-m-health-and-physical-education-curriculum/) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/d3babb0046833226121ae02c4336793a9e823ce7c06de2c9b85ea50482f198ad?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Shawna Wingert Shawna Wingert is a former training and development professional turned education specialist, and has homeschooled her two children for the last ten years. Shawna has written four books about homeschooling unique learners and has been featured in homeschooling discussions on Today.com, The Mighty, Simple Homeschool, My Little Poppies and Raising Lifelong Leaners. You can find her online here at Homeschool Planet and at [DifferentByDesignLearning.com.](https://nottheformerthings.com/blog/) [See Full Bio](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/shawna-marketing/) [ ](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/shawna-marketing/) **Categories:** Homeschool Planning --- ### [Homeschool Planet And Unschooling: A Perfect Pair](https://homeschoolplanet.com/homeschool-planet-and-unschooling-a-perfect-pair/) **Published:** November 18, 2023 **Author:** Shawna Wingert **Content:** When my kids were young, we tried [a lot of different approaches to learning](https://homeschoolplanet.com/homeschool-method/) in our homeschool. But looking back, we actually ended up doing quite a bit of *unschooling*. I know that word can be a bit intimidating or even confusing. ![How Real Homeschool Moms Use Homeschool Planet - Unschooling image 2](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/How-Real-Homeschool-Moms-Use-Homeschool-Planet-Unschooling-2-1-683x1024.jpg) ([John Holt is the father of the unschooling movement](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Holt_(educator)), if you want to do a deep-dive.) So for the purposes of this article, let’s define unschooling as interest-led or child-led learning that may or may not make use of traditional homeschool curriculum. But … How exactly do you track that?! Don’t worry – it’s completely doable and your unschooled child can even end up getting accepted to their top college of choice. I promise! ## Unschooling Doesn’t Mean You Don’t Keep Homeschool Records [Each state has specific rules for what kinds of records](https://www.sonlight.com/homeschooling-requirements-by-state) you need to keep as a homeschooler. Just because you unschool, that doesn’t mean you don’t [keep records of your child’s learning](https://homeschoolplanet.com/5-tips-for-homeschool-record-keeping/). In fact, I’d argue it may be even more important to keep records because your child’s learning might not look “traditional,” or fit into neat boxes. That’s OK! You absolutely can keep records of your child’s unschooling with Homeschool Planet’s online homeschool planner. The process just looks a little bit different. ## Backwards Planning With Homeschool Planet Many unschoolers or those who focus on child-led or interest-led learning as part of their homeschool use something called “backwards planning,” or “planning from behind.” This just means that instead of planning out your curriculum in advance, you use your time differently. You focus more on helping your child pursue their interests, and THEN, *you document what your child did.* **Homeschool Planet’s online homeschool planner makes this easy.** First, you can have individual profiles for each of your kids, so it’s simple to keep track of what each child is doing without tons of notes or spreadsheets. Older kids can even help track their own learning. With Homeschool Planet, students have access to only their own profiles, so this is a great way to help your family keep details straight. Homeschool Planet also automatically allows you to classify each learning activity into subjects, so you can see at a glance that bases are getting covered and identify anywhere where you might want to encourage your child to explore a bit more. It’s quick, efficient and helps kids gain independence. ## Homeschool Planet Solves The Unschooling Dilemma: How Do I Keep Track Of Learning? Homeschool Planet also offers built-in tools that finally help families solve the dilemma of how to keep track of unschooling. I know it can feel a bit overwhelming when your child is studying Japanese one day, making a model biome the next, and reading about Abraham Lincoln the next. But Homeschool Planet makes this a breeze: - As you continue to track what your student works on each day, all of your student’s learning can be rolled into records that meet state requirements in just a few clicks - Parents and students can easily see and keep track of learning over time - Finally, many unschooling families worry a lot about creating homeschool transcripts. But the process is so simple with Homeschool Planet. There is [a great tutorial here](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/creating-a-transcript/) that walks you through it. ## Try Homeschool Planet In Your Homeschool Today It turns out that what made unschooling the method that “stuck” in our homeschool was that it gave us flexibility. The only worry was how to make sure that flexible learning could be documented, so my kids could have clear records of their learning, and so we could easily create transcripts for college. **But Homeschool Planet set us up for success.** So whether you consider yourself an official unschooler, or whether you just practice “relaxed homeschooling,” child-led learning, or know your kids just learn best when they are exploring deep interests, give Homeschool Planet’s online homeschooler planner a try. [It’s FREE for 30-days](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/), simple to set up, and will help you gain confidence as you and your kids learn YOUR way. [![Homeschool Planet Free Trial](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Leave-the-planning-to-us-free-trial-square-2-1024x1024.jpg)](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/d3babb0046833226121ae02c4336793a9e823ce7c06de2c9b85ea50482f198ad?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Shawna Wingert Shawna Wingert is a former training and development professional turned education specialist, and has homeschooled her two children for the last ten years. Shawna has written four books about homeschooling unique learners and has been featured in homeschooling discussions on Today.com, The Mighty, Simple Homeschool, My Little Poppies and Raising Lifelong Leaners. You can find her online here at Homeschool Planet and at [DifferentByDesignLearning.com.](https://nottheformerthings.com/blog/) [See Full Bio](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/shawna-marketing/) [ ](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/shawna-marketing/) **Categories:** Homeschool 101, Using Homeschool Planet --- ### [Parts of Speech & Punctuation Quick Reference Guide](https://homeschoolplanet.com/parts-of-speech-punctuation-quick-reference-guide-free-to-subscribers/) **Published:** October 14, 2019 **Author:** Lindsey Stomberg **Content:** No matter how many times we drill the parts of speech, punctuation, and other grammar rules my kids still forget these on the fly when they are completing their writing assignments or grammar workbook. Many parents believe that memorization is the key, but even as adults we forget little things and jump to our hand-held search engines to find a quick answer. I do this regularly for math problems! It can be a good thing to share tools with our students, whether it be a calculator, map, chart, or a quick reference guide like this one, to aid them as they complete their school work. These can help boost confidence and efficiency in your child’s abilities to finish his assignments, instead of leaving him frustrated because he struggles to recall something simple. ![Parts of Speech Free Printable PIN](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Parts-of-Speech-PIN-683x1024.png) ### FREE Parts of Speech and Punctuation Quick Reference Guide There is no need to feel like a failure if your child works better with “cheat sheets.” Grammar and punctuation rules can be hard to keep track of sometimes. Kids can get confused with new terminology and freeze up when faced with a certain task if they don’t remember. This is where quick reference guides or “cheat sheets” can come in handy. Our free printable can be a great reference for a child that needs some help remembering what they have learned. They can quickly glance at the sheet in their notebook or hanging on a wall. Next time they may actually remember it! By entering your information below you will be able to download a copy of Homeschool Planet’s FREE Parts of Speech and Punctuation Quick Reference Guide. Laminate this quick reference guide for long term use so that it can withstand wear and tear. Hang it in the school room or tuck it into your child’s notebook so he knows where to find it when he needs it. ## Get your FREE grammar reference guide Please send me the guide! We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at anytime. [Built with Kit](https://kit.com/features/forms?utm_campaign=poweredby&utm_content=form&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=dynamic) Like this grammar “cheat sheet”? Check out our FREE Quick Reference [Math “Cheat Sheet”](https://homeschoolplanet.com/math-cheat-sheet-subscriber-freebie/) too! ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/0474d7793a76a3729aa48b82770cd2e6c7d70851f086377a3aeb09856a27abe2?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Lindsey Stomberg [See Full Bio](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/lindseyhomeschoolplanet-com/) [ ](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/lindseyhomeschoolplanet-com/) **Categories:** Free Printables **Tags:** parts of speech, punctuation, quick reference guide, grammar, grammar help, cheat sheet --- ### [Math Cheat Sheet: Homeschool Math Resources](https://homeschoolplanet.com/math-cheat-sheet-subscriber-freebie/) **Published:** October 7, 2019 **Author:** Lindsey Stomberg **Content:** Math is one of the core subjects taught in education, and therefore we spend a lot of time teaching it as parents. Many homeschooling parents will switch math curricula over and over again finding a good fit for their homeschool students. Depending on your child’s natural skill sets or challenges, finding a math curriculum that works might be tough. Cheat sheets can be a very helpful addition to any math curriculum! ### The Reason for Math Cheat Sheets I have found “cheat sheets” to be extraordinarily helpful in our homeschool. Considering, we teach our children not to cheat, this might sound counterintuitive. For any child, but especially those with learning difficulties, cheat sheets can be very necessary resources to support your child’s learning. This practice of using quick reference guides is not in fact cheating. Having the ability to use supportive educational aids could be what makes a child feel confident that he or she can complete an assignment efficiently and effectively. ![Math Cheat Sheet PIN](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Math-Cheat-Sheet-PIN-683x1024.png) Cheat sheets are not as stout a resource as a calculator, so they can be given to younger children. Basically, cheat sheets just give basic facts the child will have already drilled for memorization. However, many kids struggle to recall facts under pressure, so this is where a reference guide can help give a boost. For my dyslexic child, cheat sheets are key to helping her complete lessons and achieve a feeling of success. ### FREE Math Cheat Sheet Our free math cheat sheet download is a handy tool to help your homeschool students with math. Sometimes when they can look at something as they are completing their work their brain does a better job of memorizing it. This works well for visual learners. There are so many facts to remember when it comes to math, so it is nice to have a handy sheet to look at when you need help. This also frees you up as the parent to do other things because your kids are practicing independent learning by searching for their answers themselves. ## Get your FREE math cheat sheet now! Yes, please send me this! We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at anytime. Like the idea of this math cheat sheet? Check out our Grammar Cheat Sheet [here](https://homeschoolplanet.com/parts-of-speech-punctuation-quick-reference-guide-free-to-subscribers/). ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/0474d7793a76a3729aa48b82770cd2e6c7d70851f086377a3aeb09856a27abe2?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Lindsey Stomberg [See Full Bio](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/lindseyhomeschoolplanet-com/) [ ](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/lindseyhomeschoolplanet-com/) **Categories:** Free Printables **Tags:** special needs learning, math, math facts, multiplication, geometry, shapes, angles, place value, fractions, teaching math, cheat sheet --- ### [FREE Printable History Timeline For Homeschool History Lessons](https://homeschoolplanet.com/free-printable-history-timeline-for-subscribers/) **Published:** October 21, 2019 **Author:** Lindsey Stomberg **Content:** I’m not sure what your favorite school subject is, but my favorite subject is history. I love learning about people, places, and things from other eras of time. I enjoy watching documentaries and reading biographies. It brings out a passion in me that other subjects just don’t. I am thankful that my children seem to really enjoy history as well. But not everyone enjoys history as much as we do. This can make it difficult to add history into your homeschool days if it is not your cup of tea. With Homeschool Planet’s Free History Timeline printable, you can easily add in a history project for your child can complete independently each year as they follow any history curriculum. ### A Case for an Integrated Education We have chosen to use a spine curriculum in our family’s homeschool that focuses on history and weaves other subjects in as we go. You can read more about this style of integrated education [here](https://homeschoolplanet.com/why-integrate-an-education/). I highly recommend it as it helps boost a child’s retention of the information being covered at any given time for each individual subject when they all intersect. ### ![History Timeline PIN](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/historytimelinePIN-683x1024.png) No matter what style of education you choose to invest your time in for your homeschooling family, history will be a key component in your studies. A very popular way to help children trace the events and people of history is using a timeline notebook. Timeline notebooks can be very quick and easy to put together for your student. We have provided for you below a free history timeline template that you can print again and again. Just three hole punch the sheets you have printed and add to any three ring binder. You could divide by eras into different notebooks or collect everything in one notebook. Some timeline projects have you hanging them up on a wall, but most families do not have the space for this. This kind of compact timeline project can give your child a birds eye view of history that they can reference later. The completed project can also be a keepsake. ### FREE History Timeline If you are interested in downloading the FREE History Timeline template below, just fill in your information and you will receive a quick download link. Enjoy! ## Get your free history timeline. Yes, please. I need this! We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at anytime. [Built with Kit](https://kit.com/features/forms?utm_campaign=poweredby&utm_content=form&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=dynamic) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/0474d7793a76a3729aa48b82770cd2e6c7d70851f086377a3aeb09856a27abe2?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Lindsey Stomberg [See Full Bio](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/lindseyhomeschoolplanet-com/) [ ](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/lindseyhomeschoolplanet-com/) **Categories:** Free Printables **Tags:** history timeline, timeline project, history --- ### [FREE Science Lab Sheet](https://homeschoolplanet.com/free-science-lab-sheet-for-subscribers/) **Published:** October 28, 2019 **Author:** Lindsey Stomberg **Content:** When homeschool parents are surveyed, science seems to be the most avoided school subject by homeschooling parents. We know we need to do it, but it can be intimidating, especially if it is just not in your “wheel house.” Whether it is the content itself, or the need to add in the experiments for hands on learning, science can feel overwhelming to tackle each year. Whether we enjoy it or not, we know our kids need this subject to understand the world around them, their own bodies, and more! ### Block Scheduling Science Classes In our homeschool we prefer to block schedule our science classes. We do all of our science during the summer. This allows us to fully immerse ourselves in this class and knock it out all at once. This lightens our class burden during the year. This can be more difficult for the high school student who must complete a certain number of lab hours for his or her transcript. However, block scheduling science even in high school is possible as long as you account for that extra time that must be cataloged. To learn more about how to block schedule your homeschool using your Homeschool Planet Online Planner, [click here](https://homeschoolplanet.com/block-scheduling-method/). ![Free Science Lab Sheet PIN](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Science-Lab-Sheet-PIN-683x1024.png) ### FREE Science Lab Sheet We know that teaching our children about the scientific method is important. Providing your child with the right tools for their experiments can help them feel confident in their ability to complete their experiments correctly. The cost of microscopes can be a challenge, the ick-factor of dissections can be a deterrent, but the delight a child takes in learning about their world makes it all worth it. Homeschool Planet’s free science lab sheet is available to download for subscribers. This simple lab sheet printable will help your kids to follow the steps of an experiment from hypothesis to conclusion in one easy step. ## Get your FREE Science Lab Sheet! Yes, please! I need this. We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at anytime. ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/0474d7793a76a3729aa48b82770cd2e6c7d70851f086377a3aeb09856a27abe2?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Lindsey Stomberg [See Full Bio](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/lindseyhomeschoolplanet-com/) [ ](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/lindseyhomeschoolplanet-com/) **Categories:** Free Printables **Tags:** lab sheet, experiments, science --- ### [FREE Election Printable Pack](https://homeschoolplanet.com/free-election-printable-pack/) **Published:** March 2, 2020 **Author:** Lindsey Stomberg **Content:** Election season is upon us once again in the Unites States of America. It is important that we teach our children to be responsible citizens. Being a responsible citizen in the US includes understanding the way our political system functions and participating by voting on future leaders at the local level, state level, and federal level. We have a free election printable here that will help you do just this and facilitate a mock election with your family or homeschool co-op. ![Free Election Printable Pack](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Mock-Election-PIN-683x1024.png) ### Hold a Mock Election Most kids learn best by doing. I know I do! Hold a mock election with some family members, friends, or even your co-op. This is a great way to get some hands-on experience with the election process. It would be possible to even name your candidates among your group if it is large enough. Consider holding a mock debate and then allow others in attendance to vote on their favorite candidate. If you are teaching about the presidential election you will need to explain the electoral college. Most remember School House Rocks! teaching videos. I still use these to teach my kids about the democratic republic of the Unites States of America. ### More Activities that Teach In addition to holding your mock election, consider taking a trip to your local library to read up on our country’s election process, as well as sourcing material on those running in your next election. Go over the information for each candidate with your child and let your child form an opinion on what he or she does understand from that material. This kind of mental exercise will bring up good discussions for your family to tackle together. If you are looking to add an American Government curriculum to your homeschool this year, Homeschool Planet provides these options: - **[Thinkwell: AP American Government (Both Curriculum and Lesson Plans)](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/thinkwell-ap-american-government-curriculum/)** - [BJU Press: American Government (Lesson Plans)](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/bju-press-american-government-4th-ed/) - **[Bluestocking Press: Uncle Eric Series (Lesson Plans)](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/bluestocking-press-uncle-eric-series/)** - [Masterbooks My Story 1 and 2 (Includes Lesson Plans – This is for Younger Kids)](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/masterbooks-history/) ### FREE Election Printable Pack You can use Homeschool Planet’s FREE printable available for download below to enhance your mock election process! Teach your kids about what an election is and how it works with this fun printable pack. There are mock election sheets to host your own election with your family or homeschool group. There are election ballets and voter registration play cards to fill out, as well as notebooking pages. This election themed activity pack is a valuable resource that will make learning about the election process in the United States both fun and memorable. ## Free Election Activity Pack. Download Now! Yes, please! We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at anytime. [Built with Kit](https://kit.com/features/forms?utm_campaign=poweredby&utm_content=form&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=dynamic) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/0474d7793a76a3729aa48b82770cd2e6c7d70851f086377a3aeb09856a27abe2?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Lindsey Stomberg [See Full Bio](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/lindseyhomeschoolplanet-com/) [ ](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/lindseyhomeschoolplanet-com/) **Categories:** Free Printables **Tags:** electoral college, mock election, presidential election, midterm elections, election printable pack, free printable --- ### [The Fun at Home Free Printable Pack](https://homeschoolplanet.com/fun-at-home-printable-pack/) **Published:** April 5, 2020 **Author:** Lindsey Stomberg **Content:** Do you ever hear, “I’m bored,” come out of your children’s mouths during the day? I think every mom of littles has found herself trying to entertain and educate at the same time. It can be stressful, to hear that phrase over and over again, so it is important to plan your strategy to combat the boredom monster. Utilize this Fun at Home Free Printable Pack to engage your children when you finish your homeschool day early or even on a weekend when you just don’t want your children in front of the television. ![Fun at Home Printable Pack PIN](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/funathome-PIN.png) It can be really difficult to think of ways to entertain littles. Busy boxes or sensory activities are a great way to engage your child but cost money and make messes. When the weather is good you might like to get your children outside and guided play can help focus their attention, stay off the boredom monster, and educate the mind all at the same time. ## The Fun at Home Printable Pack What can you expect to receive when you download your FREE Fun at Home Printable Pack? - Stay at Home BINGO - Five Senses Around the House Hunt - Backyard Scavenger Hunt No need to buy anything to play at home. Send your child off to explore around the house and outdoors. Print off multiple copies for multiple children whether they are your own, from the neighborhood, or even part of a co-op. Just print and play the FREE Fun at Home Printable Pack today! ## Get your free FUN AT HOME printable pack Yes, please! I want this. We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at anytime. ### Homeschooling young children? Check out Homeschool Planet’s [Ready Made School](https://homeschoolplanet.com/ready-made-school/)! In less than an hour you can buy all your curriculum, download your lesson plans into a digital planner, and watch the Quick Start video on how to homeschool like an expert so you can school from home immediately- all with a ready-made school bundle for the grade level of your choice. Make your job easier and pick the bundle that’s best for you. ![We Did All The Planning for You - Readymade Homeschool image](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/RMS-SQUARE-Planning-for-you-1024x1024.png)\#image\_title ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/0474d7793a76a3729aa48b82770cd2e6c7d70851f086377a3aeb09856a27abe2?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Lindsey Stomberg [See Full Bio](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/lindseyhomeschoolplanet-com/) [ ](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/lindseyhomeschoolplanet-com/) **Categories:** Free Printables **Tags:** fun at home, scavenger hunt, bingo, five senses, 5 senses, free printables --- ### [Social Media Rules and Internet Safety Guide for Teenagers](https://homeschoolplanet.com/social-media-rules/) **Published:** December 26, 2020 **Author:** Lindsey Stomberg **Content:** ### The Era of Social Media I remember the beginnings of Facebook when it still required a college email address to log into the network. Back then it was only about talking with the friends and family you knew. Social media rules and internet safety wasn’t being talked about yet. Now the world of Facebook has grown exponentially, and the goal isn’t necessarily to keep up with those people you know in “real life.” Facebook is now about interacting with and meeting people you don’t know and will never meet. The world of social media has grown well beyond Facebook. The apps are endless and new are being developed every day. ### The Dangers of Search Engines Search engines may have more educational benefit than social media for students, but search engines come with their own very serious dangers and addictions. It is good to be aware of the pros and cons of the technological tools that we have at our disposal. It is even better to plan how you will train your children or teenagers to wield these tools for their productivity and not to their detriment. ![Free Internet Safety Guide and Social Media Rules for Teenagers](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/SocialMediaGuidePIN-683x1024.png) We know the dangers of social media and the internet, but we aren’t always sure how to protect our children from these dangers. Some parents choose to not allow their children access to social media until they are adults. Other parents may choose to meter out how much social media access their children have while they are still in the home in an effort to help their children learn how to use social media appropriately under their purview. Each parent must make the decision that is right for his or her family. We have provided you a FREE tool here to help you guide your teenagers as they learn to use the interned and social media. ### FREE Internet Safety Guide and Social Media Rules for Teenagers With so many more teens and kids online for school and having smartphones, internet safety measures are becoming increasingly more necessary. One way to encourage safety online is to have an open discussion and mutual agreement. If you are unsure where to begin or would like a tool to help you out then we have your covered! **Download this FREE Internet Safety Guide and Social Media Rules for Teenagers today and start feeling more confident on your child facing the online world.** ## FREE Internet Safety Guide and Social Media Rules for Teenagers Download Now! We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at anytime. If you like this FREE Printable you might also like our [FREE 4-Year Planning Guide for High School Students](https://homeschoolplanet.com/4-year-high-school-plan/). ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/0474d7793a76a3729aa48b82770cd2e6c7d70851f086377a3aeb09856a27abe2?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Lindsey Stomberg [See Full Bio](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/lindseyhomeschoolplanet-com/) [ ](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/lindseyhomeschoolplanet-com/) **Categories:** Free Printables **Tags:** internet safety, social media, guide for teenagers, teens, teenagers, free download, free printable --- ### [Homeschool Planning 101: Relaxed Homeschooling](https://homeschoolplanet.com/relaxed-homeschooling/) **Published:** November 19, 2022 **Author:** Lindsey Stomberg **Content:** ## Relaxed vs. Eclectic and Unschooling Defining terms is important and the word *relaxed* here is going to need to be clearly defined. The relaxed method of homeschooling is not the same as eclectic homeschooling, and neither relaxed nor eclectic homeschooling is the same as unschooling. You may utilize one or more of these educational philosophies or methods at one time, but each are very different at their core. Eclectic homeschooling means that you use a variety of curricula or educational approaches within your homeschool. You can be very rigid or flexible in how you adhere to a schedule, and you may use a variety of different methods and curricula in order to fit your child’s individual needs. On the other hand, unschooling can be relaxed in the sense that it is flexible schedule-wise, but there is one key element that sets unschooling apart from all other homeschooling methods: *the child directs his own education*. This doesn’t mean that the unschooling teacher never teaches. In fact, unschoolers often have a very full schedule because they are exploring their child’s many curiosities and questions. Unschooling just means that in an unschooler’s homeschool, the child determines what is going to be taught. Relaxed homeschooling and unschooling may have some initial similarities at face value due to their flexible schedules, but they are not one and the same. In relaxed homeschooling, the parent is still directing the child’s academics. ![Relaxed Homeschooling Method](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/RELAXED-HOMESCHOOL-METHOD-PIN.png) ### Defining the Relaxed Homeschooling Method Relaxed homeschooling is a method all its own, really a philosophy of sorts, but it isn’t talked about nearly as often as other styles. You may have also heard it called *flexible or rhythm* homeschooling. In a relaxed homeschool, the parent is still the educator, but there is a different tone in the relaxed homeschool that you might not find elsewhere in large doses. A relaxed homeschool method places a premium on flexibility of schedule and creating independent learners. There is a lot of room for every family to develop their own style of relaxed homeschooling. As you can tell this is a pretty broad definition, but ultimately it comes down to preparing a child properly for doing life and career, instilling a love of learning, but not putting a lot of stock into pre-determined standards of academic measurement, timelines, or often even modes of learning like formal curricula. ([This Simple Balance](https://www.thissimplebalance.com/relaxed-homeschooling/) has a great definition as well.) The philosophy behind home education for the relaxed homeschooler is that homeschooling is part of the life of the family, or the natural rhythm of the family’s life. The life of the family is not determined by the homeschool schedule, but instead the family’s schedule determines the nature of the homeschool. A high priority is place on a child’s education by the relaxed homeschooler, but it is just one important priority among a myriad of other important priorities occupying family life. The relaxed homeschooler also recognizes that education takes place in a variety of important ways outside of the formal homeschool setting and utilizes these opportunities well. > “Life should always be balanced. Academics are very important, but so are other things.” – Mary Hood, author of *The Relaxed Homeschool*, quote taken from [Successful-Homeschooling.com](http://www.successful-homeschooling.com/relaxed-homeschooling.html) ## Relaxed Homeschooling Works! I consider myself to be a relaxed homeschooler. I homeschool seven children from toddler to high school and have had quite the success with this method of relaxed homeschooling. I am going to start by saying that I may not qualify as a *purist* relaxed homeschooler, because I do use formal curricula as a guide. In fact, I consider myself now to be a year-round, eclectic, relaxed homeschooler. I had no clue what any of those words meant until many years into my homeschool journey. Once I discovered that what naturally fit our family had clearly defined terms within educational philosophy and homeschool methodology, I felt a type of validation and freedom I had been longing for. I found these terms fit our way of life and learning best, and maybe they will fit your homeschool too. I call myself year-round because we do not follow the standard school year and take breaks when we need to, not on a set schedule. I am eclectic because at different points along our homeschool journey we have utilized a great variety of homeschool curricula in order to meet the various needs of our children. I approach curriculum in much the same way that I follow dinner recipes while cooking, I never follow the script as set forth by the author. I do a little dash of this and a little pinch of that to meet our individual preferences, budget, and schedule. When I started homeschooling, I just assumed I was supposed to have a pre-determined schedule and set of lesson plans. Every time I tried to lesson plan or follow a set schedule, it never worked. I figured I was somewhere between lazy and crazy for not being able to make a simple schedule work, but my children were still learning and in some areas doing better than their peers, so that made me start to wonder what was up. With no rigid plan in place, we were still getting things done, but on our own time and in our own way and it was surprisingly *WORKING*. ### Reverse Lesson Planning One day I ran across a blog post entitled, *How to Reverse Menu Plan*. This piqued my interest. The idea behind the blog was that you don’t set your menu plan up before you go to the store because you don’t know what is going to be on sale. You shop sales and then you write your menu plan down based on your grocery haul. It occurred to me that I was using this same idea, but as it applied to planning my homeschool. I finally admitted that I wasn’t lazy or crazy for not being able to meet the expectations a schedule demanded of me. Our normal life is chaotic, busy, and constantly interrupted. I didn’t have time to shift the homeschool schedule forward for every little interruption. I had to admit to myself that I wasn’t the problem, the homeschool schedule was. It didn’t fit our family’s needs. It didn’t fit my personality. It didn’t fit our family’s rhythm of life. This realization was freeing in ways I can’t even express – that burden of homeschool planning was lifted when I threw my paper planner away, and began reverse lesson planning using [Homeschool Planet’s Online Planner](https://homeschoolplanet.com/welcome-to-homeschool-planet/). ### Prioritizing Stages of Maturity Over Grade Levels Because our days are constantly interrupted by other important things besides academics, it just never made sense for me to lay out a set schedule that we were required to adhere to every day. Of course, we still buy all our academic curricula at the beginning of the year like everyone else. Sometimes due to delays we are still finishing up last year’s curriculum. Other times, if my kids are particularly gifted in a certain subject they will be ahead a year. This is the joy of adopting a year-round homeschool schedule. So you are probably asking, “How do you know what to do, and how do you get it all done without a written plan?” That is a good question! I let go of strict grade levels a long time ago. We loosely stick to them simply because our state requires us to inform the local public school of what grades our children are in, and then our children are required to take annual standardized tests. What’s great about homeschool curricula is that it is usually aligned to higher standards than its public school counterparts, so even if my children are say a year behind in a subject like math, they still pass their standardized tests with flying colors – even my dyslexic child who is a “year behind in math” and struggles to no end with the subject. We may not stick to rigid grade levels, but I do know which season of academics my children are occupying. The classical model of grammar, dialectic, and rhetoric stages has been a fantastic guide to helping me understand the needs of my students. This isn’t based so much on age as it is maturity. I have found maturity in processing thoughts, asking of questions, and ability to logically interpret and express information to be a much better marker of my child’s academic success. This less black and white approach to my children’s leveling of grades has allowed us much more flexibility in meeting our children where they are at instead of dragging them along kicking and screaming just to “get the grade.” When education is less forced and more enjoyed, it can foster a love of learning and build confidence in the child and encourage less stress for the educator. ## Tips for Relaxed Homeschoolers Here are a few tips from a relaxed homeschooler to aid you on your journey: 1. Know your state’s homeschooling laws, as you will need to align your homeschool standards with your state’s standards for homeschooling to meet legal requirements. See [HSLDA.org](https://hslda.org/legal) for more information. 2. Consider not starting school with your young child until he or she asks or the child reaches the age of six or seven. Check out this [article](https://homeschoolplanet.com/how-to-know-if-your-child-is-ready-to-begin-homeschooling/) on how to know when your child is ready. 3. Do not push your child to new stages of learning if your child is obviously not ready for it. This will only cause discouragement and a distaste for education. 4. Do challenge your child to reach for the level of academics he is obviously ready for, even if he is hesitant or resistant. We are not creating lazy students. 5. Prioritize conversation with your children in your daily life. This will help you get to know your child and gauge where your child is at academically. 6. Regularly create and assess goals for your homeschool and students. Change course when necessary to meet the needs of your students. Download the FREE Homeschool Goals and Assessment Worksheets below. 7. If your family’s schedule demands a large break from homeschooling, then take it because doing life together can be an education in and of itself (for example: bringing home a new baby). 8. It is okay that your homeschool ebbs and flows according to your family’s schedule. Some months will be very productive in homeschooling, and others may look meager. The end goal is to accomplish your work and meet your goals on a timeline that fits your family’s needs and not conventional schedules. 9. When your child reaches high school, you will need to align your child’s studies for your child’s chosen career path and university standards. ## How to Reverse Lesson Plan with Homeschool Planet I have used Homeschool Planet for over six years now for our homeschool and I love how flexible it is. It is possible to utilize any kind of homeschool planning method when using Homeschool Planet’s Online Planner. Check out these step-by-step tutorials for [block scheduling](https://homeschoolplanet.com/block-scheduling-method/) and [loop scheduling](https://homeschoolplanet.com/loop-scheduling/). I most often use it over the year’s for my reverse lesson planning. ### Creating Goals For Your Relaxed Homeschool As I mentioned before, reverse lesson planning is not your standard lesson planning where you input your lesson plan before you accomplish your set goals. In reverse lesson planning, it is good to have your own idea of what your goals are in homeschooling, but you meet those goals on a different time table than most. If you are looking for support in creating goals for your family’s learning, we can help! ## Let us help you set goals that make sense for your unique homeschool! Yes, please. I need this! We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at anytime. The way that I reverse lesson plan, is I add what we have accomplished in our homeschool after we have done it. I often don’t input it into Homeschool Planet but once every month or two. I do this for the purpose of having records in case social workers were to ever come knocking and want to know what we have been doing and when. I am always truthful on my reverse lesson plans. The only thing that may not be \*exactly\* correct would be the day that I place the work on that my child accomplished. For instance, I utilize Homeschool Planet’s [Assignment Generator](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/assignment-generator/) ALL. THE. TIME. I love how I can input the amount of pages I needed my child to read, the dates it needed to be “done by”, and \*poof\* Homeschool Planet generates an even amount of reading across days. Most would do this before assignments are due, but with reverse lesson planning, I do this after my child has finished his required reading. The dates aren’t exactly correct to the day he read said pages, but I like the way it evenly spaces them over the time I select. He did the work, but that’s how I record the work. How do I know what his required work is and when it is “due”? Good question! Because we do use standard, formal curricula in our homeschool even if it is a variety of publishers, this curricula often come with a schedule of readings and assignments. My children know where to go to find these assignments. I equip them to do this and they just go in order. I check in regularly to make sure they are actually progressing to my liking. We rarely do it on the timeline the curriculum suggests, but it does get done on our personal timeline. This is how I know that we are completing assignments and meeting “standards”. Other relaxed homeschoolers that choose not to use formal curricula would need to keep track of their resources and reverse lesson plan according to their own record system. The fun and flexibility of relaxed homeschooling is the fact that it is so malleable according to your personal teaching style, your child’s learning style, and your family’s daily rhythms. The sky’s the limit with relaxed homeschooling! ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/0474d7793a76a3729aa48b82770cd2e6c7d70851f086377a3aeb09856a27abe2?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Lindsey Stomberg [See Full Bio](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/lindseyhomeschoolplanet-com/) [ ](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/lindseyhomeschoolplanet-com/) **Categories:** Homeschool Planning, Free Printables **Tags:** goal worksheet, assessment worksheet, relaxed homeschooling, flexible homeschooling, unschooling, eclectic homeschooling, homeschool planning 101, planning series, homeschool methods, free printable --- ### [Educational Trips For Homeschool Kids](https://homeschoolplanet.com/educational-trips-for-homeschool-kids/) **Published:** December 17, 2022 **Author:** Lindsey Stomberg **Content:** Most lesson plans focus on learning from textbooks, enjoying a creative project, and ending with some type of exam or culminating activity to show what was learned. Educational trips for kids provide an additional dimension to learning. The lesson plans below incorporate virtual field trips, museums, and web-based activities that allow you to incorporate virtual educational trips into your everyday learning. They can also serve as a starting point for creating family vacation trip itineraries. ![Educational Trips for Homeschool Kids](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/educationaltripsPIN.png) ## Homeschool Lesson Plans That Double As Resources For Educational Trips For Kids The Let’s Study series of lesson plans are a perfect way to fuel curiosity and create adventure in your homeschool. In some places, you can even find it called ‘edventure’! Each lesson plan includes exciting museums and provides opportunities to learn and explore the world virtually and in person. If you are eager to plan an educational trip, then the Let’s Study World Geography will help your family learn before you go and provide exciting resources and even projects (for class credit) to help create a travel itinerary you could actually implement if desired. For literature studies, the [Let’s Study Great Authors lesson plans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/lets-study-great-authors-by-captivating-compass/) are perfect companion resources to learn about an author and historical time period. These unit studies bring historical context creating an understanding of the author, the literature, and the historical time period using the creative idea of creating a dinner party where the guests are other famous people that lived during the time the author was alive. [Let’s Study Great Scientists](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/lets-study-scientists/) is a series of unit studies with videos, experiments, and historical information that will make the lives and accomplishments of these famous scientists so exciting you will want to visit their museums, homes, and labs in person. Finally, Let’s Study the 50 USA States is a series that incorporates lessons that fulfill your state’s requirements for social studies. It provides an excellent list of additional resources for literature, geography, and history. If that’s not enough, it also includes resources to help you plan an educational trip within the state. It is perfect for learning about the state you live in or one you plan on visiting. All of these resources are perfect for standalone studies for your homeschool or you can use them to create your personal travel itinerary for day trips, road trips, or extended education trips for your entire family. ## Why Educational Trips Are Important The first place I want to start with is looking at the why of learning on location. Why would you want to plan education trips that support your homeschool curriculum? While it’s a good opportunity for older children to have a great time exploring away from their normal activities of daily life, many homeschool families would agree that it’s hard enough to plan the curriculum each year for each child in your family but then to take it to the next year of going hands-on and in some cases outside your home, it might be completely overwhelming for some people. Every season of the year provides a great opportunity to explore new places and those you’ve visited previously. Educational trips for kids can be as simple as observing how things change through the year on a nature walk around the same wildlife center or an interactive tour of the latest scientific advances that visit a museum near you on its worldwide tour. Homeschool Planet lesson plans will help you streamline the whole process, I’ll explain in more detail further in the post. ### Coordinate Learning with Educational Trips for Kids For some homeschool families, coordinating their learning with exciting educational opportunities is really very freeing. Whether it’s climate change, U.S. History, or a visit to the local bakery, educational tours are a wonderful way to incorporate education trips for kids and bring learning to life. When we look at the various academic subjects that we incorporate into our homeschool we can see that there is exceptional value in field trips (even virtual field trips) and other experiences as opportunities to learn. When we add educational trips for kids it supports your homeschool curriculum by ‘supersizing’ the impact of learning for young children, school groups, and the whole family. For example, when we think about 17th century scientists, we begin to see how looking at culture firsthand by visiting a historical location or museum artifacts and exhibits we see the progression of contribution to a specific field of study over time have laid the foundation for where we are today. Add in a space camp and your kids will remember everything because of the exciting experience of the camp. ## How Educational Trips Can Support Your Homeschool Curriculum Educational trips can support the education programs and goals of your homeschool curriculum in so many ways! Providing hands-on, away from the textbook and kitchen table experiences that both inspire and solidify earning for kids of all ages. Educational trips allow for interactions that build layers of understanding that go deeper and progress further than many textbooks make room for. The impact of solidifying learning you are making by making connections beyond the textbook, workbook, or TV screen. Educational trips to a popular place, are a perfect family trip allowing kids to remember with their senses. These additional connections with educational activities are important ways to help deepen understanding. ### Get Passionate About The Why! Take the road trip. Visit the aquarium or water park. Go on nature walks. Experience the subject you are studying up close with your hands, minds, and all your senses. It is so important because it creates a broader worldview and a greater understanding of the world around us both near and far. **Take a look at what happens when:** - Kids visit historical locations: - Literally, step into history - Make memories and form connections about subjects they are interested in. - A better understanding of the challenges of everyday life in that era or region - Often have a ‘Wow!’ moment of ‘I’m actually standing where…!’ - Kids experience great works in the creator’s hometown - The subject matter becomes far more impactful for many reasons that are so difficult to explain….the’Wow’ moments can be exponential. - Experience how their life impacted their work - Get to explore lesser know facts about the creator of the work - Experience (even in a small way) what it is like to live in the area. - Kids experience a location for the reason it’s famous - History becomes reality - Stories come alive - The subject matter makes more sense (especially for the sciences) because of hands-on opportunities. - More ‘Wow! More fascination and respect for the people, places, and things that made the location famous. - Kids engage with a culture firsthand - Gain a broader worldview - Improve their ability to analyze events and situations (especially in history & literature) - Understand progressive contributions over time - Appreciate a beauty different than their own ## How To Turn Any Homeschool Curriculum Into A Family Travel Adventure Do you already have one of the Ready Made School faith-focused or secular/neutral lesson plan packages or you are enjoying stand-alone lesson plans and curriculum? Then you will want to ensure that you have the [Make It The Best Day Ever Field Trip Planner](https://www.captivatingcompass.com/field-trip-planning-make-it-the-best-day-ever/) for your local educational field trips and the [“How to Turn Any Homeschool Curriculum into a Family Travel Adventure”](https://www.captivatingcompass.com/homeschool-curriculum-family-travel-adventure/) video course with worksheets. These two resources provide everything you will need to turn your lesson plans into exciting educational trips for your family. ## Incorporate Educational Trips Into Your Homeschool Curriculum Let’s look at how to take a homeschool curriculum and turn it into a family travel adventure. The first step, once you have decided on your curriculum, is to get a feel for what era or region you are studying. Often your history and literature lesson plans will guide you in the right direction. Math and Sciences can be a bit more tricky but, rest assured, there is a science museum you can access in person or virtually that will provide exactly what you need to get the most out of your curriculum with educational trips for kids that are science-based. And, where ever there is science, there is always math, logic, and problem-solving involved, so you are covered! Once you have the era or region selected, search for historical, and art museums that will expand on the ideas being studied and create excellent opportunities for your kids to take their learning to the next level. Also, pay close attention to the subjects that inspire curiosity or that come naturally to your kids. These typically come in the form of a gazillion questions. Look for these cues to help plan your trip itinerary to ensure it’s not boring. The [“This OR That Family Travel & Learning Style”](https://www.captivatingcompass.com/family-travel-learning-style/) game really helps with this too,… and it’s fun! ## Tips For Planning Educational Trips Whether you are just going on a day trip outing or packing your bags for an international trip of a lifetime, here are a few tips that will help you have a great time. Ensure you know your desired entrance time is available to you. Prebook if needed or required. Call ahead to find out if there are any discounts for your group or family. Depending on your educational trip, there may be the following types of discounts: - Military - Kids go free with an adult - Student rate (for students 18-26, especially in Europe, but be sure you bring proper ID) - Homeschool/group discount - Club or membership discounts (i.e. AAA, Historical society member, etc.) Ask if there are lockers to store your coats and backpacks whilst at the facility. Make a plan for meals and snacks. Decide in advance if you will eat on site or if you will leave and then return after eating. Ensure your admission price allows re-entry. For large groups, you may be able to reserve a lunch room for an additional extra fee. There can be a lot to consider, especially if you are coordinating a group. [The Make it the Best Day Ever Field Trip Planning Guide](https://www.captivatingcompass.com/field-trip-planning-make-it-the-best-day-ever/) is the perfect resource to help you have an enjoyable educational trip with your family or learning community. Check the website for learning resources and activity packs to use before, during, and after the event. While some are geared toward traditional school groups, these can be easily adapted to fit your needs. There are also an increasing number of family activities and virtual activities that are fun for everyone involved. Free Field trips are always a big hit. Nature walks, free museums, and other important sites are perfect places to use [scavenger hunts](https://www.captivatingcompass.com/product/4-seasons-photo-scavenger-hunt-bundle/) or create your own interactive experience with a list of prompts about a related topic to generate discussion. Lastly, plan a time to ‘debrief’. Ask questions, have a discussion, be creative and use any post-visit activities to help solidify learning. Talking about travel experiences and your family vacation will knit historical sites into your family’s real life activities and produce a rich learning environment and strong family memories. *This article is written by Shannan Swindler of [Captivating Compass](http://captivatingcompass.com/).* ## FREE Field Trip Destination Guide for Homeschool Kids Have you enjoyed all of these wonderful tips from Shannan Swindler of Captivating Compass and would love an easy to reference guide prompting you where to go for your educational trips both in the United States and abroad? You are going to love this printable guide giving you tips on where to go, what to do, and so much more! Download your FREE Field Trip Destination Guide for Homeschool Kids by entering your information in the form below: ## Get your free Field Trip Guide Now. Yes, I want this! We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at anytime. ### Meet Shannan Swindler of Captivating Compass ![Shannan Swindler](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Shannan-Head-shot.png) Shannan shares her passion for helping others use the world as their classroom at Captivating Compass. Her home base is in Scotland, where he home educates and learns on location throughout Europe as much as possible. She creates digital curricula that promote a broad worldview through creative learning and family travel experiences (in person & virtually). ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/0474d7793a76a3729aa48b82770cd2e6c7d70851f086377a3aeb09856a27abe2?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Lindsey Stomberg [See Full Bio](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/lindseyhomeschoolplanet-com/) [ ](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/lindseyhomeschoolplanet-com/) **Categories:** Homeschool 101 **Tags:** homeschool field trips, traveling, museums, learning history, educational trips, field trips, homeschooling, homeschool --- ### [Family Winter Activities: Planning For Homeschool Fun](https://homeschoolplanet.com/family-winter-activities/) **Published:** November 14, 2024 **Author:** Shannan Swindler **Content:** ## **Creative Winter Indoor Activities for Homeschoolers** Looking for creative family winter activities to keep your homeschoolers entertained during the cold weather months? Get ready to have some fun with these ideas! ![winter family activities together](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Family-Winter-Activities-683x1024.png) Crafty Creations are a great way to let your kids’ creativity shine. Gather supplies for winter-themed arts and crafts like snowflake decorations or homemade holiday cards. Not only will this keep them busy, but it will also add a festive touch to your home. Cozy Storytime is another wonderful activity to enjoy during the winter months. Snuggle up with hot chocolate and dive into winter-themed books to spark imagination and storytelling through [literature-based learning](https://homeschoolplanet.com/literature-based-learning/). This is a great way to bond with your children and create lasting memories together. Let their imaginations run wild as they get lost in the world of winter tales. Science Experiments are a fantastic way to make learning fun and hands-on. Explore winter [science](https://homeschoolplanet.com/science-lesson-plans-homeschool/) projects such as making ice crystals or creating a mini snowstorm in a jar. Your kids will love getting to conduct their own experiments and see science come to life right in front of their eyes. Who knows, you might even discover a budding scientist in your midst! ## **Exciting Outdoor Family Winter Activities for Homeschoolers** Winter is the perfect time for homeschoolers to get outdoors and enjoy some fun activities in nature. One fun idea is to go on a Nature Scavenger Hunt, where kids can bundle up and explore the winter landscape while searching for unique natural items like pinecones, animal tracks, and evergreen leaves. This activity not only encourages observation skills but also allows children to learn more about the environment around them. Another great outdoor winter activity for homeschoolers is to have a Winter Sports Day. This can involve organizing a day filled with sledding, ice skating, or snowshoeing, which are not only fun but also help kids build physical skills while bonding with family members. It’s a great way to stay active during the colder months and make the most of the winter weather. For homeschoolers who enjoy getting creative, an Outdoor Art Project using snow, ice, and natural materials can be a fantastic way to blend creativity with nature. Kids can create temporary artworks using the materials they find outside, allowing them to express themselves artistically while appreciating the beauty of winter. Additionally, a [Photography Walk](https://captivatingcompass.com/printable-scripture-art-photo-scavenger-hunt/) can be a fun and educational activity where children can capture the winter landscape using cameras or smartphones, enhancing their creativity and observation skills. On clear winter nights, homeschoolers can enjoy Star Gazing Nights with hot cocoa in hand, taking in the stunning views of the night sky, learning about [Astronomy](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/survey-of-astronomy/), and engaging in storytelling under the stars. ### Family Fun For Active Homeschoolers There is plenty of family fun to be had for active homeschool families that love cross-country skiing, and ski resorts, that can be planned in advance for winter vacation. Spending time in the great outdoors can be fun for everyone. Whether it’s snow tubing, sleigh rides, building a snow fort, or ice castles, the best way to enjoy family winter activities is to end your outdoor winter activities with a fun activity indoors to warm up. Hot chocolate and board games in the living room are a perfect end to a snow day spent outdoors. ## Using Homeschool Planet to Organise Your Family Winter Activities With Homeschool Planet it’s easy to plan for flexibility in your homeschool learning. Start now and create a few flexible options for snow days. Make a list of family winter activities. Include both indoor and outdoor that you can choose from depending on everyone’s mood and the level of cabin fever in your house. Throughout winter you may also want to add winter-themed books and poems to your daily morning basket or [read-aloud](https://homeschoolplanet.com/top-5-reasons-to-read-aloud-to-kids-of-all-ages/) time. Some homeschool curricula follow the seasons and are delightful inspirations that make homeschooling easy and fun. Add assignments, easy winter craft days and outdoor nature walks on snowy slopes to help younger kids burn that extra energy with outdoor play. Following up with a good book or family game night is an excellent way to learn and have fun together. For older students, plan blocks of time for them to work on long-term projects or science experiments. Allow time for them to read that classic novel that is on this year’s reading list. Cold winter days spent indoors can still be academically fulfilling and allow for more active outdoor activities in the warmer months. ### Winter Lesson Plans From Homeschool Planet Here are a few winter lesson plans to make learning and planning family winter activities easy. - [Music Lessons for the Holidays & Special Days – Winter](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/music-lessons-for-holidays-and-special-days-winter/) - [Elementary Winter Nature Lesson Plan Package](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/elementary-winter-nature-lesson-plan-package/) - [In The Heart of the Rockies: A Story of Adventure in Colorado](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/in-the-heart-of-the-rockies/) - [The Snowy Day](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/the-snowy-day-elem/) - [Through Russian Snows: A Story of Napolean’s Retreat from Moscow (1812)](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/through-russian-snows/) - [Let’s Study Famous Folks ](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/lets-study-famous-folks/) - [What Was the First Thanksgiving?](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/what-was-the-first-thanksgiving/) - [How the Grinch Stole Christmas](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/how-the-grinch-stole-christmas/) - [A Christmas Carol Novel Study](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/a-christmas-carol-unit-study/) - [12 Days of Christmas in Great Britain](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/12-days-of-christmas-traditions-in-great-britain/) - [A Captivating Compass Christmas](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/a-captivating-compass-christmas/) - [Christmas Planet Unit Studies](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/christmas-planet/) (including Christmas STEM Edition and Christmas Cookie Edition) With all these amazing winter activity ideas now is a great time to stop and add a few fun activities to your winter homeschool planet calendar of activities and assignments. ## **Maximizing Your Holiday Break with Fun Family Winter Activities** Winter break is the perfect time to maximize family quality time with fun learning activities that everyone can enjoy together. Embrace the chilly weather by creating a cozy reading nook for family storytime, complete with blankets and perhaps some hot cocoa. It’s a great way to bond over books or classic games and create lasting memories while staying warm and snug indoors. Turn winter walks into science adventures by exploring nature and discussing seasonal changes, sparking curiosity and learning in a hands-on way. Get creative indoors with hands-on projects like DIY holiday season crafts or baking delicious seasonal treats together. Not only does this allow for quality family time, but it also helps develop fine motor skills and encourages creativity. Plan themed movie nights that not only entertain but also spark discussions about history, culture, or science, making learning fun and engaging for the whole family. Organize a family game tournament featuring educational board games that everyone can enjoy together, promoting critical thinking and problem-solving skills in a fun and interactive way. Use winter break as a chance to explore local museums or virtual exhibits, enriching knowledge while making lasting memories as a family. Learning doesn’t have to stop just because school is out – there are endless opportunities for fun and educational activities that can be enjoyed together during winter break. Make the most of this time by bonding over learning experiences that will not only create cherished memories but also foster a love for learning in a fun and engaging way. ## **Planning Engaging Science Experiments for Winter Break** Are you looking for fun and engaging science experiments to keep the kids learning during winter break? Look no further! Explore the wonders of winter by making homemade paper snowflakes using simple materials like paper and scissors—perfect for fine motor skills. Watch as the intricate patterns unfold before your eyes and learn about symmetry in nature. For a hands-on experiment, try creating ice orbs with balloons and water. Observe how they change as they melt in the warmth, exploring concepts of heat transfer and phase changes. It’s a great way to learn about the properties of water and how temperature affects its physical state. Dive deeper into the science of freezing by experimenting with different liquids to see which freezes fastest. Chart your results for extra learning and see if you can spot any patterns or trends. For a more explosive experience, create a snow volcano using baking soda and vinegar for a fizzy eruption that’s sure to amaze both kids and adults alike. It’s a fun way to learn about chemical reactions and the release of gases. And don’t forget to take advantage of winter’s chill by studying temperature effects on various materials. How do different substances react to the cold? It’s a great opportunity to observe changes in states of matter and understand the concept of thermal conductivity. Get ready for a winter break filled with science exploration and discovery! ## **Artistic Adventures: Winter-Themed Art Projects for Homeschool Families** Looking for some creative ways to keep your homeschool family entertained this winter? Get cozy with some DIY snow globes using mason jars, glitter, and mini figurines for a fun, hands-on project that will spark your imagination. Let the kids pick out their favorite figurines to create their own winter wonderland in a jar, adding a touch of magic to your home decor. For a more traditional art project, try creating winter wonderland paintings using cotton balls for snow and vibrant watercolors to bring the scene to life. This activity is perfect for all ages and allows everyone to express their artistic side while capturing the beauty of the winter season. Hang up the finished paintings around your home to add a touch of seasonal charm. Feeling crafty? Why not try your hand at making homemade holiday cards, encouraging kids to express their creativity while spreading cheer to friends and family? Personalize each card with winter-themed designs and heartfelt messages to show your loved ones how much you care. Don’t forget to experiment with nature by collecting pinecones and twigs to craft beautiful winter decorations that can adorn your home, adding a rustic touch to your winter wonderland. Host a family art show to showcase everyone’s winter-themed creations—it’s a fun way to celebrate creativity together! You’ll find using an [online planner](https://homeschoolplanet.com/why-an-online-planner-can-be-a-lifesaver/) is a lifesaver. No matter what season often year it is it always seems to be the busy season for homeschooling. ## **How to Keep Your Homeschool Routine Exciting Family Winter Activities** Winter can be a challenging time to keep your homeschool routine exciting, but with a little creativity, you can make the most of the season and have a great time learning as a family. One way to keep things interesting is to embrace the season itself. Incorporate winter themes into your lessons, such as exploring the science of snowflakes or learning about the history of winter holidays. By tying your curriculum to the season, you can keep your students engaged and excited about learning. Another great way to keep your homeschool routine exciting in winter is to get outside. Bundle up for nature walks, try out some winter sports, or organize a snowy scavenger hunt to keep everyone active and energized. Not only will getting outside help combat cabin fever, but it will also provide valuable hands-on learning experiences that can’t be replicated indoors. Warning: it may all end with the entire family engaged in a snowball fight! For a cozy and relaxing way to mix things up, consider creating a winter reading nook in your homeschool space. Set up a comfy spot with blankets and pillows, brew some hot cocoa, and gather a stack of seasonal books to inspire imagination and learning. Reading together in a cozy nook can create a special bonding experience and help keep your homeschool routine feeling fresh and enjoyable. Additionally, incorporating [field trips](https://homeschoolplanet.com/educational-field-trips-homeschoolers/) to local farms, museums, or winter festivals can provide valuable hands-on learning experiences that complement your curriculum and add an extra element of excitement to your routine. ## **Essential Tips for Planning Family Winter Activities For Memorable Learning** Winter is a wonderful time to create lasting memories through homeschooling, and there are several essential tips to make the experience truly memorable. One key tip is to embrace the season by incorporating winter themes into lessons. For example, using snowflakes in math problems or learning about winter wildlife in science can make learning more engaging and relevant during the colder months. Another tip is to take learning outdoors by bundling up and exploring local parks or nature trails. Nature walks not only provide a change of scenery but also spark curiosity and creativity in children. Creating a cozy learning space is also important for a memorable winter homeschool experience. Setting up a warm and inviting study area with blankets, fairy lights, and hot cocoa can make learning more enjoyable and appealing to children. Additionally, planning hands-on projects such as making holiday decorations or winter-themed DIY projects can help keep spirits high and add a fun element to the learning process. Family bonding time is also crucial during the winter months, so scheduling regular family game nights or movie marathons can help strengthen connections and create special memories together. Lastly, maintaining a [flexible schedule](https://homeschoolplanet.com/homeschool-schedule-ideas/) is key to allowing for spontaneity in your plans. Some of the best memories often come from unplanned moments, so being open to changing course or trying new activities can lead to unexpected and delightful experiences. By incorporating these tips into your winter homeschooling routine, you can create a memorable and enriching learning experience for your family. ## Homeschool Planet – Perfect for Planning Family Winter Activities Homeschool Planet allows you to easily brainstorm ideas with lists of activities for your family winter activities. You can also plan regular blocks of time set aside to enjoy indoor or outdoor winter activities. Finally, create assignments or use [Homeschool Planet lesson plans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/) to easily bring holiday cheer to your winter homeschooling. So whether your family loves easy winter crafts, studying Christmas historically, or learning how other countries celebrate the holiday season there is plenty to learn about and enjoy during this time of year. So make the winter homeschool season full of the best family winter activities, exciting literature to enjoy, and memorable family time moments. ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/273e331e1365e08aaa487fc9793da1a98403a08271f620e721c8d3df75be1b25?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Shannan Swindler Shannan shares her passion for helping others use the world as their classroom at Captivating Compass. Her home base is in Scotland, where she home educates and learns on location throughout Europe as much as possible. She teaches online and creates digital curricula that promotes a Chrisitan worldview through creative learning and family travel experiences (in person & virtually). [See Full Bio](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/shannan-swindler/) [ ](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/shannan-swindler/) **Categories:** Homeschool Planning, Choosing Curriculum **Tags:** holdiday lesson plans, winter music, Christmas lesson plans, winter, winter activities, winter science, winter art, winter lesson plans, winter reading, thanksgiving, christmas, homeschool tips, homeschool schedule, Homeschool Planning --- ### [Quick & Easy Homeschool Planning for Multiple Students](https://homeschoolplanet.com/easy-homeschool-planning-for-multiple-students/) **Published:** October 8, 2024 **Author:** Shannan Swindler **Content:** Homeschool planning for multiple students just got easier! These are the very best tips and tricks for homeschooling multiple ages, including resources for optimizing your Homeschool Planet planner. ![homeschooling multiple students](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Quick-and-Easy-Homeschool-Planning-for-Multiple-Students-PIN-683x1024.png) ## **The Importance of Homeschool Planning for Multiple Students** The importance of homeschool planning when you have multiple learners in your family cannot be overstated. Here are just a few of the benefits: #### Managing The Unique Needs Of Each Child Is Easier When homeschooling multiple students, planning is key to successfully managing the unique needs and learning styles of each child. By taking the time to create a solid plan, you can ensure that each child receives individual attention. You can tailor instruction to their specific strengths and weaknesses. This personalized approach can help your children thrive academically and reach their full potential. So whether you have a house full of young children or older kids ready to embark on more independent work, a digital planner for homeschool lessons will allow you to create detailed plans or a simple plan for organizing your children’s daily routine. Homeschool Planet is the online planner homeschool parents love. #### Consistency Leads To Increased Understanding And Retention Having a well-thought-out homeschool plan helps homeschool moms like you create a more organized and structured learning environment for your children. With a clear schedule and set goals in place, your children will know what to expect each day and can stay focused on their studies. This level of consistency can lead to increased productivity and a deeper understanding of the material being taught. #### Better Sibling Dynamics Homeschool planning also encourages collaboration and teamwork among siblings in their learning journey. By involving your children in the planning process, you can foster a sense of responsibility and ownership in their education. This collaborative approach can also help siblings support each other in their studies. Creating a supportive and cohesive learning atmosphere within your homeschool is key for [large families](https://homeschoolplanet.com/homeschooling-a-large-family/). Let Homeschool Planet help you stay organized and proactive in your planning. With their digital planner, you can avoid feeling overwhelmed and scattered when teaching multiple children, allowing you to provide a high-quality education for each of your students. ## **Strategies for Successfully Balancing Different Ages in Homeschooling** When homeschooling students of different ages, it is important to create a flexible schedule that accommodates the varying needs and interests of each child. By allowing for individualized learning time, you can tailor each child’s education to their specific strengths and weaknesses. This can help prevent feelings of frustration or boredom and keep them engaged in their studies. You’ll want to include breaks and downtime in your schedule to avoid burnout and allow for ‘free time’ to recharge. Encouraging older children to take on leadership roles in helping younger siblings with their lessons. This can be a great way to foster a sense of teamwork and camaraderie in your homeschooling environment. It gives older children a sense of responsibility and accomplishment. It also allows younger siblings to learn from someone they look up to. By working together, siblings can build strong bonds and support each other in their academic pursuits. Block out time in your digital planner by designating specific assignments or activities to be done together with siblings. It’s easy with Homeschool Planet’s [Add Shared Assignments](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/add-shared-assignments/) feature. Utilizing group activities and projects that can be adapted for different age levels is another effective strategy for balancing the needs of children of varying ages. This can help foster collaboration and cooperation among siblings while also providing opportunities for children to learn from each other. Additionally, incorporating independent study time for each child to work on assignments at their own pace can help ensure that each child is able to focus on their individual[ learning goals](https://captivatingcompass.com/homeschool-road-map/). Remember, it’s important to remain flexible and adjust your plans as needed to ensure a smooth and successful homeschooling experience. ## **Organizing Your Homeschool Schedule with a Daily Planner** Organizing your daily homeschool schedule with a [simple homeschool planner](https://homeschoolplanet.com/) is a crucial step in ensuring a smooth and productive learning experience for your children. Keep track of each child’s lessons and assignments in your daily or weekly planner. It will help you stay organized and on top of their progress. By having a clear overview of what needs to be covered each day, you can effectively manage your time and resources to meet educational goals. Here’s good news. Homeschool Planet offers a quick to-do list each day as well as a detailed high school student planner. The features do the hard work for you and allow you to manage things digitally and then print them if needed. Keeping large families on track throughout the homeschool year is a unique challenge. Schedule individual study time for each child to ensure they are staying on track and completing their assignments. By setting aside dedicated time for each child, you can provide them with the attention and support they need to succeed academically. Be flexible with your planner. You may need to make adjustments to accommodate each child’s unique learning pace and needs. It’s important to tailor the family schedule to best suit the individual needs of each child to ensure they are receiving a quality education. Don’t forget to include breaks and extracurricular activities in your homeschool schedule. This will keep everyone refreshed and focused throughout the day. Taking regular breaks and allowing time for activities and hobbies can help prevent burnout and keep everyone energized and motivated to continue learning. By incorporating these essential breaks into your daily planner, you can create a balanced and effective homeschool schedule that promotes optimal learning and overall well-being. #### Take a look at how one mom uses Homeschool Planet as she homeschools multiple kids. ## **The Role of Record Keeping in Homeschool Planning for Multiple Students** When homeschooling multiple children, record keeping plays a crucial role in your planning process. Utilizing online tools like Homeschool Planet can make record keeping more efficient and accessible for busy homeschooling parents like yourself. These tools can help you easily organize and track the progress of each child, making it easier to adjust lesson plans as needed. By keeping detailed records, you can ensure that each child is receiving the education they need and deserve. A few important items that Homeschoolplanet can keep track of for you are: - each student’s attendance record - student records of grades and credits - transcripts and achievements in the high school years Keeping organized records can help you stay on top of deadlines for assignments and activities for each of your children. With multiple students to homeschool, it can be easy to lose track of important dates and tasks. By maintaining detailed records, you can easily reference due dates and upcoming activities, ensuring that nothing falls through the cracks. This can help you create a smoother homeschooling experience for both you and your children. Remember, record keeping is a valuable tool for homeschool planning, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Find a system that works best for you and your family. By staying organized and keeping detailed records, you can ensure that each of your children is receiving a well-rounded education tailored to their individual needs. ## **Tips for Creating Effective Lesson Plans for Multiple Students** When homeschool planning for multiple students, it’s important to keep the big picture in mind. Each child has their own unique learning style and pace. To cater to this, it’s a good idea to keep your lesson plans flexible and have a variety of curriculum choices on hand. It also means being open to adjusting your approach to teaching based on the individual needs of each child. By doing so, you can ensure that every child is able to learn and progress at their own speed. Another helpful tip is to create designated spaces for each child to work independently. This can help minimize distractions and allow each child to focus on their tasks without interruptions. By providing a quiet and organized workspace for each child, you can help them stay focused and engaged during their lessons. Having personalized online homeschool planners is fun and helps each student keep track of their assignments, activities, and even chores. Consider using a block schedule to structure your lesson plans to meet your family’s academic goals. This involves dedicating specific days or times to focus on certain subjects or themes. This can help you and your children stay organized and on track with their achievements and activities during the homeschool day. Additionally, using online resources and educational apps can help streamline your lesson-planning process and provide additional resources for teaching different subjects. Homeschool Planet offers everything from literature reading plans to ‘Ready Made School’ lesson plan bundles. ### Do you have questions about **Homeschool Planning for Multiple Students**? Don’t hesitate to reach out for help or seek support from other homeschooling parents in the [Homeschool Planet Facebook group](https://www.facebook.com/homeschoolplanet). Sharing ideas and resources with others can help enrich your lesson plans and provide new perspectives on teaching. And don’t forget to incorporate fun and hands-on activities into your lessons to keep children engaged and excited about learning. By making learning enjoyable, you can help foster a love for learning in your children that will last a lifetime. ## **Utilizing Field Trips as A Valuable Educational Resource in Homeschool Planning** [Educational trips](https://homeschoolplanet.com/educational-trips-for-homeschool-kids/) are a fun and engaging way to enhance your homeschool curriculum for multiple students no matter the grade level. Take advantage of local attractions, museums, and historical sites to provide hands-on learning experiences. Field trips can help break up the monotony of everyday homeschooling and keep children excited about learning. Make sure to plan ahead and schedule field trips that align with your children’s interests and learning goals. Don’t forget to incorporate post-field trip discussions and activities to reinforce the educational value of the experience. When planning educational field trips for a large family, consider the fun opportunities available in your community. Look for museums, science centers, zoos, botanical gardens, or historical sites that can offer unique learning experiences that will appeal to all of your children. Field trips can provide real-world context to the subjects you are teaching at home, making the learning process more engaging and memorable for your children. By incorporating field trips into your homeschooling routine, you can cater to different learning styles and interests, making learning more enjoyable and effective for all your children. In addition to academic benefits, field trips also offer social and emotional growth opportunities for your children. Interacting with new environments, people, and cultures can help broaden their perspectives and develop important social skills. Field trips can also foster a sense of curiosity, wonder, and appreciation for the world around them. By utilizing field trips as a valuable educational resource in your homeschool planning, you can create enriching experiences that will inspire your children’s love for learning and exploration. ![homeschool planet](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/2-Large-Rectangle.png) ## Quick & Easy Homeschool Planning for Multiple Students Look no further! Homeschool Planet is the quickest and easiest way to plan your homeschool year for your large family. From language arts assignments to ancient history projects, our versatile planner offers a variety of different options to help you meet the needs of a large, busy family and the many different ways each student learns. Some moms call it the ultimate homeschool planner. ### Homeschooling Multiple Children FAQ’s: Answers Easily Accessible In Our User Guide - [How do I add more than one child to the same class? ](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/classes-with-more-than-1-student/) - [What if I want more than one student to complete the same assignment?](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/add-shared-assignments/) - [How do I add a new student to my planner?](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/adding-a-new-user/) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/273e331e1365e08aaa487fc9793da1a98403a08271f620e721c8d3df75be1b25?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Shannan Swindler Shannan shares her passion for helping others use the world as their classroom at Captivating Compass. Her home base is in Scotland, where she home educates and learns on location throughout Europe as much as possible. She teaches online and creates digital curricula that promotes a Chrisitan worldview through creative learning and family travel experiences (in person & virtually). [See Full Bio](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/shannan-swindler/) [ ](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/shannan-swindler/) **Categories:** Homeschool Planning **Tags:** large families, schedule, homeschool planning 101, time management, multiple students, homeschool schedule, Homeschool Planning --- ### [How to Choose the Best Homeschool Math Option for Your Family](https://homeschoolplanet.com/choose-the-best-homeschool-math/) **Published:** October 6, 2024 **Author:** Shawna Wingert **Content:** If there is one subject that most frequently feels a little overwhelming for homeschool families, it’s math. This subject can be tricky to navigate because many of us didn’t love our own math education, or simply because we don’t feel confident teaching math skills. But with so many terrific math programs available on the market today, there is no reason to feel stressed. ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/choosing-a-math-curriculum-for-your-family-pin-683x1024.png) ## How To Choose The Best Math Curriculum For Your Family This article explains how to choose the best math program for your unique homeschool family, **including how to choose between our ReadyMade School math offerings.** (Ready to select your math for ReadyMade School? Scroll down to the bottom of this post and get started!) ## Do I Need to Choose One Math Program for the Long-Haul? That brings up an interesting factor to consider: Some homeschool families find a math program that works for their family, and they choose to stick with it for as long as they homeschool. Other families find that they like certain math programs for the early grade school years, and then maybe in the middle grades or in high school, they transition to another program. A lot of this decision has to do with the parent’s comfort level with teaching math. As student progress through the grades, parents may choose to make use of math programs that offer more support, or even online programs led by math experts. It’s also important to consider that some companies specialize in lower level math or higher level math, so it may be necessary to switch curricula at some point in your homeschool journey. ## Using Technology and Online Math Resources There are many secular and faith-based homeschool math programs that use technology or offer online classes, either live or self-paced. These kinds of programs tend to work best for older students who require less supervision and parent assistance. Often, parents make use of online classes or technology based programs to help their children learn advanced math. A few online and technology-based math programs include Teaching Textbooks and Math Seeds. ## Using Math Workbooks Many families love the convenience of using math workbooks, like those available from Math Mammoth. Many homeschool math companies offer math workbooks that include lessons and explanations of math concepts, making this kind of “workbook,” an all in one resource. Families homeschooling many children and other busy families often choose math workbooks as a way to keep math organized, sequential and to keep all students working at their appropriate level without tons of extra work for Mom or Dad. ## Choosing a Hands-On Math Program Some students really benefit from making math a hands-on subject. Whether it’s using manipulatives for counting, playing math games or using manipulatives like clocks to learn about telling time, there are a lot of great options for those seeking a hands-on math program. Using manipulatives for math can be especially helpful with younger children, helping them to make abstract math concepts feel concrete. A top hands-on math program is Math-U-See and is one option offered as part of Ready Made School. ## Utilizing Reusable Math Resources for Siblings On the other hand, plenty of families prefer to invest in reusable resources, especially if they know that growing siblings have [similar learning styles ](https://homeschoolplanet.com/learning-styles-homeschool-planning/)to their big brothers or sisters. If parents are willing to make an initial investment, a program with lots of manipulatives like RightStart Math can be a wise choice. Once parents have purchased a reusable curriculum, they may have to replace a few small materials from year to year, but most of what they need can be reused in their homeschools for years to come. ## What About Math Learning Styles? Another consideration when choosing a math program is that even in the same family, sometimes kids learn differently. That means what works for Big Brother may not work well for Little Sister, and vice-versa. So before investing in a homeschool math program, take some time to learn about [learning styles](https://homeschoolplanet.com/learning-styles-homeschool-planning/), and consider what kind of math curriculum options would be best for each child in your family. ## A Math Program That Works for YOU And finally, you are the one teaching, so take some time to consider not just what will appeal to your kids most in a math program, but think about the day-to-day of using different math programs. - Do you have time to organize math manipulatives before and after lessons? - What is your comfort level with online learning? - Do you have storage for a lot of math supplies, or would workbooks be a better option? - How much time do you have each day to devote to math lessons, prep and each of your children’s math programs. - And do you feel overwhelmed by algebra, geometry, or another level of math? If so, consider online options where an experienced teacher does the teaching. Choosing a program that YOU, the homeschool parent, likes makes a huge difference in keeping math sustainable in a busy homeschool. ![readymade school](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/ReadyMade-School-Logo-Long-1024x410.png)## ReadyMade School: Choose a Math Program Now Now that you’re ready to choose a math program as part of your ReadyMade School complete homeschool curriculum, head to our [ReadyMade School page](https://homeschoolplanet.com/ready-made-school/). Select a faith-based or secular/neutral curriculum option for your child’s grade level. Then, you’ll then be prompted to choose between two math programs. **Math Program****Description**Math-U-SeeEasy to use for both learner and teacher Uses a distinctive set of manipulatives to visually represent and demonstrate math concepts Student-paced mastery approach suitable for all levelsTeaching Textbooks/Math SeedsOnline learning available on any device Step-by-step audiovisual solutions for every single problem Math Seeds provides a gamified approach to learning for the early grades (K-2)Saxon MathA top, popular choice for homeschoolers when it comes to math curriculum Traditional, incremental approach to learning (similar to formal classroom learning) Student learns information in small increments, and then continually repeats concepts in a spiral approach. This keeps knowledge and skills fresh.That’s it. You pick what works best for your family and we do the rest! [Get Your School Year Started Now](https://homeschoolplanet.com/ready-made-school/) ### ReadyMade Math Summary Let’s recap what to consider as you make your final decision for math this year: - Do I want a hands-on math option? - Do I want to make use of technology or digital learning for math? - Would math workbooks work well for my family? - Do I want to invest in a reusable math curriculum? - What kind of math would work best for [my child’s learning style](https://homeschoolplanet.com/learning-styles-homeschool-planning/)? - What type of math program would help me best teach my children? And finally, remember that you don’t have to choose a math program this year that you will use forever. Many families make curriculum switches at some point during homeschooling, so try to choose the program that will set you up for success this homeschool year and this year only! [Choose Your ReadyMade School Math ](https://homeschoolplanet.com/ready-made-school/) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/d3babb0046833226121ae02c4336793a9e823ce7c06de2c9b85ea50482f198ad?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Shawna Wingert Shawna Wingert is a former training and development professional turned education specialist, and has homeschooled her two children for the last ten years. Shawna has written four books about homeschooling unique learners and has been featured in homeschooling discussions on Today.com, The Mighty, Simple Homeschool, My Little Poppies and Raising Lifelong Leaners. You can find her online here at Homeschool Planet and at [DifferentByDesignLearning.com.](https://nottheformerthings.com/blog/) [See Full Bio](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/shawna-marketing/) [ ](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/shawna-marketing/) **Categories:** ReadyMade School, Choosing Curriculum --- ### [ReadyMade School All-In-One Homeschool Lesson Plans: A Complete Guide](https://homeschoolplanet.com/all-in-one-homeschool-lesson-plans/) **Published:** October 6, 2024 **Author:** Shannan Swindler **Content:** Homeschool Planet’s ReadyMade School offers all-in-one, complete lesson plan packages by grade level and homeschool approach. Whether your family uses workbooks, online textbooks, or an online course, Homeschool Planet has an all-in-one program and complete homeschool curriculum package covering the subject areas your student needs for their specific grade level. ![readymade school planning](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/RMS-PIN-Planning-for-you-2-683x1024.png) ## What Are All-in-One Homeschool Lesson Plans? All-in-one homeschool lesson plans are comprehensive guides that cover multiple subjects and grade levels in one convenient package. These lesson plans are designed to make homeschooling easier and more efficient for you and your children. With [all-in-one homeschool lesson plans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/ready-made-school/), you can save time and energy by having all your curriculum lesson plans in one place. These lesson plans include daily schedules, assignments, and resources to help your family stay organized and on track. Whether you’re new to homeschooling or a veteran, all-in-one lesson plans can help simplify your homeschool experience. They provide a structured and organized approach to your child’s education, ensuring that all necessary subjects and topics are covered. By following the daily schedules and assignments laid out in the lesson plans, you can ensure that your child is staying on track with their learning and progress. This is especially important for an older sibling who needs to begin learning independently. These lesson plans can also provide you with peace of mind, knowing that you have a reliable resource to guide you through the homeschooling journey. ReadyMade School lesson plans can be especially beneficial for busy parents who juggle multiple responsibilities. By having all the necessary curriculum and resources in one place, you can streamline your homeschooling process and make it more manageable. These lesson plans can help you stay focused and consistent in your child’s education, providing structure and guidance throughout the school year. With all-in-one homeschool lesson plans, you can create a well-rounded and engaging learning experience for your children, setting them up for academic success. ## **The Benefits of Using ReadyMade School All-in-One Homeschool Lesson Plans** Using all-in-one homeschool lesson plans can greatly benefit you and your family in several ways. First and foremost, these comprehensive plans save you time and eliminate the stress of having to search for individual resources. Instead of spending hours trying to find the right materials for each subject, you can have everything you need in one convenient package. This makes it easier for you to focus on teaching and guiding your child’s education without the added pressure of scrambling to gather resources. Additionally, all-in-one lesson plans provide a structured approach to learning, which can be incredibly helpful for both parents and students. The organized, yet flexible, layout of these plans helps you stay on track and ensures that you are covering all necessary subjects and topics. This can give you peace of mind knowing that your child is receiving a well-rounded education. Furthermore, these plans often include hands-on activities, projects, and assessments that enhance the learning experience and make the material more engaging for your child. By utilizing Homeschool Planet’s all-in-one homeschool curriculum lesson plans, you can create a cohesive and well-rounded educational journey for your child. These plans offer a complete curriculum that covers various subjects and learning objectives, giving your child a comprehensive education. With the convenience and structure that all-in-one lesson plans provide, you can feel confident in your ability to guide your child’s learning and help them reach their full potential. ## **Exploring the Core Subjects Included in All-in-One Homeschool Lesson Plans** Dive into math, language arts, science, and social studies all in one convenient lesson plan. Engage your child’s curiosity with hands-on learning activities and interactive lessons. Say goodbye to the stress of planning multiple subjects separately. Enjoy the flexibility and ease of having everything you need in one perfect plan based on the curriculum you love. Watch your child thrive as they explore the core subjects in a fun and engaging way. Join the growing community of homeschool families finding success with Homeschool Planet’s all-in-one lesson plans. With Homeschool Planet’s all-in-one homeschool lesson plans, you can rest assured that your child is receiving a well-rounded education that covers all the essential subjects. Math lessons will help your child develop critical thinking skills and problem-solving abilities, while language arts activities will enhance their reading, writing, and communication skills. Science lessons will spark their curiosity about the world around them, and social studies lessons will help them understand the complexities of society and history. The hands-on homeschool resource and learning activities included in your all-in-one lesson plans bundle will keep your child engaged and excited to learn. Whether they are conducting experiments in science, writing stories in language arts, solving math problems, or exploring different cultures in social studies, your child will have the opportunity to explore their interests and learn in a way that works best for them. The grade-level-aligned lessons will make learning fun and enjoyable, helping your child retain information and apply it in real-life situations. So why wait? Join the growing community of homeschool families finding success with Homeschool Planet’s all-in-one lesson plans. ## **How to Choose the Right Grade Level for ReadyMade School All-in-One Homeschool Lesson Plans** When choosing the right grade level for all-in-one homeschool lesson plans, it’s important to consider your child’s current knowledge and skills. You want to make sure that the material is challenging enough to keep them engaged, but not so difficult that they become frustrated. Take some time to assess where your child is at academically and choose a grade level that aligns with their abilities. Remember, it’s okay to adjust the grade level if needed to better suit your child’s needs. During middle school, it can be particularly challenging when a student is gifted in one subject and is ready for high school courses. Yet at the same time, they might be slower at learning core concepts in other important subjects. Make your homeschool complete with all-in-one homeschool lesson plans that easily guide your child to success while proceeding to the next lesson and study area at their own pace. ### Selecting the Best All-In-One Lesson Plan for Your Homeschool Another factor to consider when selecting an all-in-one grade-level lesson plan package is your child’s learning style and preferences. Some children thrive in a more structured environment, while others may prefer a more hands-on or creative approach to learning. Think about how your child learns best and choose a grade level that will cater to their individual needs. If you’re unsure about which grade level would be the best fit for your child, don’t hesitate to reach out to other homeschooling parents or online communities for advice and recommendations. Exploring different methods like [Charlotte Mason](https://homeschoolplanet.com/charlotte-mason-homeschool-method/), or using online resources allows homeschool parents to provide the tailor-made homeschool education they have been dreaming about. Younger siblings through high school students will enjoy individual courses and reading materials perfect for their age and grade level. In the end, flexibility is key when it comes to choosing a grade level for all-in-one homeschool lesson plans. Every child is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. Be open to making adjustments as needed to ensure that your child is getting the most out of their homeschooling experience. Trust your instincts as a parent and remember that you know your child. Homeschool Planet’s online access to your children’s assignments allows you to add an all-in-one subjects package quickly and easily anywhere you have an internet link. ## **A Guide to Daily Lessons with ReadyMade School** - Start your day with a fun and engaging activity to kick off your homeschool lessons. - Utilize [all-in-one homeschool lesson plans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/ready-made-school/) to streamline your daily homeschool schedule. - Keep your child’s interest piqued with a variety of subjects and activities throughout the day. You may find that creating a unifying theme for the week or month helps keep learning exciting. - Make learning enjoyable and interactive with hands-on projects and family discussions. - Stay organized and on track with a clear outline of daily lessons and goals. - Customize lesson plans to cater to your child’s individual learning style and pace. You can do it all with Homeschool Planet’s All-In-One-Homeschool Lesson Plans. Whether you are using a Christian curriculum with Bible stories or doubling down on problem-solving skills, and American history with fifth graders, the all-in-one homeschool lesson plans allow you to make the days of homeschool lessons enjoyable for everyone. ### Incorporate Different Subjects and Activities By incorporating different subjects and activities into your daily lessons, you can create a well-rounded homeschool experience for your child. From math and science to art projects and music, there are endless opportunities to explore and learn. With all-in-one homeschool lesson plans, you can easily incorporate a variety of subjects into your daily schedule, ensuring that your child receives a comprehensive education. Hands-on projects and family discussions can make learning more engaging and memorable for your child. Whether you’re conducting a science experiment or discussing a piece of literature, involving your child in interactive activities can help solidify their understanding of the material. By keeping lessons interactive and dynamic, you can help your child stay focused and interested throughout the day. Staying organized and customizing lesson plans to fit your child’s unique learning style can help you create a successful homeschooling experience that will free families from the burden of lesson planning. Homeschool Planet’s all-in-one lesson plans allow parents to easily set goals and objectives for each day. The benefit of this approach is that it allows you can ensure that your child is making progress and staying on track with their studies. By tailoring lesson plans to cater to your child’s individual needs and preferences, you can create a learning environment that is both effective and enjoyable for your child. From the first day of school to high school graduation, Homeschool Planet’s All-In-One Homeschool Lesson Plans make homeschool planning a breeze. ## **What’s Included in Grade-Level Packages for ReadyMade School All-in-One Homeschool Lesson Plans?** When a grade-level all-in-one homeschool lesson plan package you will find that each lesson plan set offers unique benefits to enhance your child’s learning experience. Grade-level learning resources and activities are easily added to your Homeschool Planet dashboard. ### Math Lesson Plans Depending on the curriculum, Math lesson plans may include engaging activities and real-life examples to make learning numbers and equations more enjoyable and practical. Your child will have the opportunity to apply math concepts to everyday situations, fostering a deeper understanding of the subject. Lessons also include opportunities for daily math exercises to learn important concepts for each grade level. ### Science Lesson Plans In the Science lesson plan, your child will have access to hands-on experiments and engaging lessons that bring scientific concepts to life. Through a variety of learning methods, your child will develop a love for science and a curiosity about the world around them. The nature of the homeschool science lessons will keep your child engaged and excited to learn more about the wonders of the natural world. ### History Lesson Plans The History lesson plans feature captivating stories and timelines that will transport your child back in time to different eras and cultures. By immersing themselves in historical events and figures, your child will gain a deeper appreciation for the past and a better understanding of how it has shaped the present. Thought-provoking lessons [help history come alive](https://captivatingcompass.com/homeschool-world-history-curriculum-world-geography/) for your child allowing them to go beyond the textbook. ### Language Arts Lesson Plans The Language Arts lesson plans include creative writing prompts and grammar exercises to help your child develop strong communication skills. By practicing writing and grammar, your child will improve their ability to express themselves clearly and effectively. The creative writing prompts will spark your child’s imagination and encourage them to explore different genres and styles of writing. ### Art and Music Lesson Plans Lastly, the art and music lesson plans provide activities and tutorials bursting with inspiration for young artists to unleash their creativity and develop their artistic and musical skills. Through guided lessons and exposure to various art forms and music styles, your child will have the opportunity to express themselves and explore their artistic talents. ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/ReadyMade-School-Logo-Long-1-1024x410.png)## Get Started With ReadyMade School ### Everything you need for your entire homeschool year in just a few clicks. In less than an hour you can purchase all your curriculum, download your lesson plans into a digital planner, all with a ReadyMade School bundle. **You pick the homeschool approach and we provide an all in one lesson plan package that has everything you need for your homeschool year.** [Get Started With ReadyMade School Now](https://homeschoolplanet.com/ready-made-school/) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/273e331e1365e08aaa487fc9793da1a98403a08271f620e721c8d3df75be1b25?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Shannan Swindler Shannan shares her passion for helping others use the world as their classroom at Captivating Compass. Her home base is in Scotland, where she home educates and learns on location throughout Europe as much as possible. She teaches online and creates digital curricula that promotes a Chrisitan worldview through creative learning and family travel experiences (in person & virtually). [See Full Bio](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/shannan-swindler/) [ ](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/shannan-swindler/) **Categories:** Choosing Curriculum **Tags:** video based lesson plans, book based lesson plans, neutral lesson plans, faith-focused lesson plans, secular lesson plans, All-in-one curriculum, homeschool subjects, curriculum, lesson plans, science lesson, Make Lesson Planning Simple --- ### [Field Trips for Kids & Hands-On Activities: Planning For Fun](https://homeschoolplanet.com/field-trips-for-kids/) **Published:** September 17, 2024 **Author:** Shannan Swindler **Content:** As homeschooling parents ourselves, we know how important it is to strike a balance between the rigor of academics, and the freedom we have to explore the world and actually have fun while our children learn. It’s one of the greatest benefits of homeschooling – the chance to create a vibrant education beyond the usual checklists and confines of a classroom. That’s why we wholeheartedly support actually planning for fun in your online homeschool planner! ![filed trips and extracurriculars in planner](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Plan-for-fun-PIN-683x1024.png) Field trips are an exciting way to engage children in interactive learning experiences outside the classroom. From exploring museums and national landmarks to visiting national parks and cultural centers, field trips offer a hands-on approach to education that can ignite curiosity and spark creativity in young minds. Let’s explore the benefits of educational field trips for kids and learn how incorporating hands-on activities can enhance the learning experience. One of the key benefits of field trips for kids is the opportunity for them to explore museums and landmarks in a fun and engaging way. Interactive exhibits and hands-on activities can help children learn about art, science, history, and culture in a way that the traditional homeschool method cannot always replicate. By allowing children to touch, see, and experience things firsthand, field trips can help them make connections between what they learn in school and the world around them. National parks and gardens also offer a unique learning experience for children of all ages. It’s an opportunity to visit new places that offer great learning experiences from early childhood all the way through the high school grades. Exploring the natural world can help develop a greater appreciation for the environment and a sense of curiosity about the world. Whether it’s observing wildlife, studying plant life, or simply enjoying the great outdoors, field trips to parks and gardens can provide children and older students with a fun and educational experience that can have a lasting impact on their understanding of the world. ### Incorporating hands-on exhibits and activities Incorporating hands-on exhibits and activities into field trips is essential for promoting exploration and discovery. By making time in a group visit or as a family for interactive exhibits, and other learning opportunities, homeschool parents can help children develop critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, and creativity. Lesson plans chock full of fun, that’s what homeschool families and homeschool groups love. Overall, field trips offer a valuable opportunity for children at every grade level to learn in a hands-on, interactive way. By planning visits to museums, landmarks, national parks, and other educational attractions, families can enhance the learning experience for children and help them develop a lifelong love of learning. So add field trips to your [homeschool schedule](https://homeschoolplanet.com/why-an-online-planner-can-be-a-lifesaver/) and then pack your bags, grab your sunscreen, and get ready for a fun and educational adventure exploring the world around you! ## Planning Memorable Field Trips for Kids: Interactive Learning at Museums and Landmarks When planning memorable field trips for kids, it’s important to choose museums or landmarks with interactive exhibits. Look for hands-on activities that engage kids and spark their curiosity. Interactive exhibits allow children to learn through immersive experiences. Virtual tours don’t always keep children engaged in learning, so making the trip to an exciting destination is both educational and fun. You may want to consider scheduling a guided tour or workshop to enhance their learning even further. As a homeschool parent, you know to pack snacks and water for the day to keep the kids energized and hydrated throughout the trip. It’s important to make sure they have enough fuel to keep exploring and learning. Don’t forget to take plenty of photos to remember the experience. Not only will it help preserve the memories, but it can also be a fun way for kids to document their learning and share their experiences with others. By choosing interactive exhibits, packing snacks and water, and capturing memories through photos, you can create a truly unforgettable field trip experience for kids. These small details can make a big difference in how much they enjoy and remember the trip. So get ready for a day full of learning, exploring, and creating lasting memories together. ## The Benefits of Educational Field Trips for Kids Educational field trips for kids provide hands-on learning experiences for everyone. Exploring a history museum and historical landmarks children can better understand history and culture in a fun way. By seeing artifacts up close and engaging with interactive exhibits, is a great way for children can make connections between what they learn in their homeschool and real-life examples. This hands-on approach can make learning more memorable and meaningful for kids, helping them retain information throughout the school year and beyond.. Field trips can spark curiosity and creativity in children. When kids are exposed to new and interesting information, they often become more curious about the world around them. Visiting museums and landmarks can inspire children to ask questions, seek out new knowledge, and think critically about the world. This curiosity and creativity, field by engaging all the senses, can help children develop a love for learning that extends beyond the classroom. Kids can develop critical thinking skills by engaging with exhibits and artifacts. When children are encouraged to analyze information, form opinions, and make connections between different concepts, they are developing their critical thinking skills. Visiting museum exhibits and landmarks can challenge children to think in new ways, problem solve, and think critically about the information presented to them. This can help children become more independent learners and better equipped to navigate the world around them. ## Engaging Hands-On Activities at Interactive Exhibits and National Parks Interactive exhibits at museums offer your child the chance to engage all of their senses by learning through touch and play. These hands-on activities allow them to interact with exhibits in a way that traditional displays do not. By interacting with the exhibits, they can learn about history, science, and art in a fun and memorable way. From interactive displays to virtual reality experiences, museums provide a variety of engaging activities for you to enjoy. National parks provide endless opportunities for you to explore and learn about nature in a hands-on way. Activities like scavenger hunts and nature walks engage you in a fun and educational way. By participating in these activities, you can learn about the plants, animals, and ecosystems that make up the park. Whether you are searching for hidden treasures on a scavenger hunt or identifying different species of birds on a nature walk, national parks offer a hands-on learning experience that you will never forget. In the United States of America, the [National Park Service](https://www.nps.gov/index.htm) also provides Interactive exhibits unique to each destination. They offer you a chance to learn in a hands-on and immersive manner about the local history and culture. By encouraging young children all the way to high school students (and beyond) to get hands-on with nature and history, these locations provide valuable learning experiences that go beyond the [traditional method ](https://homeschoolplanet.com/traditional-homeschool-method/)of homeschooling. Engaging in activities at museums and national parks creates lasting memories for your whole family and sparks a curiosity for learning that will be revisited with students of all ages long after your visit. So, next time you have the chance to visit an interactive exhibit or national park, be sure to take advantage of the hands-on activities and immerse yourself in a world of discovery and exploration. ## Exploring Gardens and National Parks: A Fun and Educational Experience for Kids Take your little explorers on a journey through vibrant botanical gardens and breathtaking national parks. You can begin with these [Google Earth virtual tours](https://artsandculture.google.com/project/national-park-service) at home, but visiting in person is not to be missed. Let them immerse themselves in nature’s wonders while learning about different plant and animal species. Encourage hands-on activities like [scavenger hunts](https://captivatingcompass.com/?s=scavenger+hunt) or nature walks (bring your [Nature Journal](https://arisehomeeducation.com/product/printable-nature-journal-pages/)) to keep them engaged and excited. Watch their faces light up as they discover new sights, sounds, and smells in these outdoor classrooms. There is always something exciting to learn in your homeschool day when you use the world as your classroom. Plan field trip opportunities to gardens where kids can marvel at the intricate patterns of flowers, observe butterflies fluttering from one bloom to another, and listen to the gentle rustle of leaves in the wind. They can learn about the life cycle of plants, the importance of pollinators, and the different habitats that support various species. National parks or gardens and woodlands in your local community offer a vast playground for exploration, with towering trees, cascading waterfalls, and diverse wildlife waiting to be discovered. Your kids will have a great time spotting birds perched on branches, identifying animal tracks in the dirt, and feeling the cool mist of a rushing stream. ### Inspire A Love For Nature Create lasting memories and inspire a love for nature with these fun and educational experiences. Whether you’re strolling through a botanical garden filled with colorful blooms or hiking along a scenic trail in a local or national park, there are endless opportunities for learning and discovery. Encourage your kids to ask questions, make observations, and interact with their surroundings. By fostering a sense of wonder and curiosity, you can instill in them a deep appreciation for the natural world. So pack your bags, put on your walking shoes, and embark on an adventure that will leave your little ones eager for more outdoor exploration. Get ready to [turn your homeschool learning into a family travel adventure](https://captivatingcompass.com/homeschool-curriculum-family-travel-adventure/) and don’t mark out ‘days off’ or vacation days on your [homeschool schedule](https://homeschoolplanet.com/finding-a-homeschool-schedule-that-fits-your-family/). Turn them into active learning opportunities, because everything counts… especially field trips for kids and hand on activities they love. ## Plan Memorable Field Trips For Kids As we wrap up how to plan memorable field trips for kids, it’s clear that interactive learning at museums, landmarks, national parks, and other attractions offers numerous benefits for young children all the way through high school students (and well beyond). From promoting exploration and discovery to stimulating creativity and curiosity, [educational field trips](https://homeschoolplanet.com/educational-trips-for-homeschool-kids/) are an essential part of a child’s learning experience. By incorporating hands-on activities in field trips, children have the opportunity to engage with exhibits in a meaningful way, allowing them to engage all their senses while learning through exploration and discovery. Visits to art museums, science centers, cultural centers, amusement parks, and local and national parks provide engaging learning opportunities that can spark a child’s interest in various subjects and inspire a love for learning that will last a lifetime. Remember, hands-on learning at art and science attractions enhances the overall learning experience by allowing children to actively participate in their education. Whether it’s enjoying a national park’s interactive learning exhibit a children’s museum or exploring gardens, field trips offer a fun and educational adventure that can leave a lasting impression on a child’s development. [Plan](https://homeschoolplanet.com/how-you-can-make-lesson-planning-simple/) to visit a great place near you today. So plan field trips that focus on interactive learning based on the [curriculum](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/) you are currently using. It is a valuable way to promote a child’s cognitive, social, and emotional development. By providing engaging hands-on activities at museums, landmarks, and other attractions, you will create memorable learning experiences that inspire your family to explore, discover, and learn in a way that is both fun and educational. So add a field trip to your homeschool schedule and give them the opportunity to experience the world around them in a hands-on and interactive way. ## Planning For Fun In Your Homeschool Planet Digital Planner Because we know how valuable field trips, hands-on activities and just plain fun are in crafting an individualized and engaging education, we have crafted the functionality of our online planner to support any and all of your out-of-the-box lessons. ### **These simple instructions will walk you through exactly how to plan for fun in your homeschool planner!** - **[Adding an Activity](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/adding-an-activity/)** - **[Adding Events](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/adding-events/)** - **[Adding Appointments](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/adding-appointments/)** - **[Adding Community Service Hours](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/adding-community-service-hours/)** Created by homeschoolers, for homeschoolers, Homeschool Planet supports you in managing all aspects of your homeschool and life! ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/273e331e1365e08aaa487fc9793da1a98403a08271f620e721c8d3df75be1b25?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Shannan Swindler Shannan shares her passion for helping others use the world as their classroom at Captivating Compass. Her home base is in Scotland, where she home educates and learns on location throughout Europe as much as possible. She teaches online and creates digital curricula that promotes a Chrisitan worldview through creative learning and family travel experiences (in person & virtually). [See Full Bio](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/shannan-swindler/) [ ](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/shannan-swindler/) **Categories:** Homeschool Planning **Tags:** hands-on activities, schedule, homeschool tips, field trips, homeschool planning 101, homeschool, homeschool schedule, Homeschool Planning --- ### [Create Homeschool Reports Simply and Easily with Homeschool Planet](https://homeschoolplanet.com/homeschool-reports-in-homeschool-planet/) **Published:** September 10, 2024 **Author:** Shawna Wingert **Content:** Homeschooling is fun, rewarding, and creates amazing memories. But it’s also a BIG responsibility. One of the duties that can intimidate homeschooling parents most is keeping track of important records. **Not to worry – Homeschool Planet has you covered.** Homeschool Planet’s online homeschool planner makes it simple and easy to create all the reports and documentation homeschool families need including report cards, class hour reports, transcripts, attendance and more. ![online homeschool planner](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/getting-the-most-out-of-your-HSP-PIN-1-683x1024.png) ## What Homeschool Documentation Do I Need? It’s important to keep in mind that not all families are required by their state to keep the same kinds of homeschool records. (Search what kinds of records [your state requires here](https://www.sonlight.com/homeschooling-requirements-by-state).) However, to cover all the bases, it is a smart move to at least keep some basic records no matter where you live. If you move or if circumstances change, it can be helpful to have some very rudimentary records. Those records include: - [Attendance](https://homeschoolplanet.com/tracking-attendance/) - Class Hours (or a list of classes your child takes if they take outside classes or participate in a homeschool co-op) For high school students, it’s valuable to keep an ongoing transcript, even if your student doesn’t plan to pursue college right after graduation. Also, in some states, homeschool families are required to track grades or create report cards and maintain documentation for a [homeschool portfolio](https://homeschoolplanet.com/essential-elements-of-a-homeschool-portfolio/). **Luckily, all of these records are quick and easy to both keep and export through Homeschool Planet’s online homeschool planner.** ## Getting Started with Homeschool Record-Keeping The first step for creating homeschool records with Homeschool Planet is to sign up for Homeschool Planet’s online homeschool planner. ([Try it FREE for 30 days here.](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/)) From there, it’s quick and simple to set up your planner. [Just follow this tutorial.](https://homeschoolplanet.com/get-started-with-homeschool-planet/) Then, once you’ve set up your planner, it’s easy to begin tracking what you need to build homeschool records. ## Automatically Track Attendance and Class Hours Through your Homeschool Planet planner, you can begin automatically tracking some data like attendance. This is simple to set up and takes just a few minutes – [this simple tutorial](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/attendance-tracking/) will show you how. Automatically tracking class and activity hours is a similar process, and you can learn everything you need to know [to set that up here](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/tracking-class-and-activity-hours/). Each of these steps takes just a few minutes, but makes it easy to keep track of attendance and class hours throughout the year. ## Creating Homeschool Reports Homeschool Planet helps you create additional homeschool records beyond attendance and class/activity hours. Through your online planner, it’s simple to create report cards, transcripts and more. Just head into your planner, and click on “Reports” at the top of the screen. This allows you to create several different types of reports including: - [Grade Reports](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/creating-a-grade-report/) - [Class Hour Reports](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/creating-class-hours-reports/) - [Report Cards](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/creating-a-report-card/) - [Transcripts](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/creating-a-transcript/) Homeschool Planet offers both grade reports and report card options for families. If you are wondering which one would best suit your needs, head to [this post](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/creating-a-grade-report/) to learn about the difference between grade reports and report cards and how to set up each. If you need to create transcripts this year, [this](https://homeschoolplanet.com/high-school-transcripts-how-to-generate-them-in-a-click/)[ transcript guide](https://homeschoolplanet.com/high-school-transcripts-how-to-generate-them-in-a-click/) provides some additional information that may be helpful. ## All Your Homeschool Records in One Place No matter what kind of homeschool records you need, it’s easy to create reports in just a few clicks. Plus, Homeschool Planet’s safe and secure system means the data you need is always secure and available to you. If you are new to Homeschool Planet, you can [try it FREE for 30 days](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/)! No credit card is required, but when you continue your membership, any information you created during your trials will remain available to you. ![Homeschool Planet Free Trial](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Instagram-1-1.png) Start keeping records the simple and easy way with Homeschool Planet. [Start your FREE trial today.](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/d3babb0046833226121ae02c4336793a9e823ce7c06de2c9b85ea50482f198ad?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Shawna Wingert Shawna Wingert is a former training and development professional turned education specialist, and has homeschooled her two children for the last ten years. Shawna has written four books about homeschooling unique learners and has been featured in homeschooling discussions on Today.com, The Mighty, Simple Homeschool, My Little Poppies and Raising Lifelong Leaners. You can find her online here at Homeschool Planet and at [DifferentByDesignLearning.com.](https://nottheformerthings.com/blog/) [See Full Bio](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/shawna-marketing/) [ ](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/shawna-marketing/) **Categories:** Homeschool Planning --- ### [Create a Plan: Simple Homeschool Schedule Ideas](https://homeschoolplanet.com/homeschool-schedule-ideas/) **Published:** August 21, 2024 **Author:** Shannan Swindler **Content:** Are you feeling overwhelmed by the idea of homeschool scheduling? Whether you’re a seasoned homeschooling parent or just starting out on this educational journey, finding the right schedule for your family can be a daunting task. With a plethora of options and factors to consider, it’s easy to feel lost in the sea of homeschool schedule ideas and homeschool planning no matter the grade and stage you are in. From balancing free time and quiet time for young learners to designing a daily schedule for older children, there are endless possibilities when it comes to creating a homeschool routine that works for your family. Utilizing independent work for older children and incorporating a few homeschool schedule ideas for large families can also add another layer of complexity to the process. But fear not! With a little bit of creativity and planning, you can design a homeschool schedule that not only meets your family’s unique needs and rhythms but also provides a structured and engaging learning environment for your children. Not to worry! Before you know it you will have everything from Language Arts and piano lessons accounted for in a way that works for your family. ![create a simple homeschool schedule](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Create-a-Plan-PIN-683x1024.png) Let’s explore the different types of homeschool schedules, from daily routines for young learners to strategies for older children. We will delve into homeschool schedule ideas for large families and discuss how to balance free time and quiet time in your homeschool routine. Whether you’re looking for tips on creating a daily schedule for your children or seeking advice on utilizing independent work, we got you covered. So grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and jot down the perfect homeschool schedule ideas for your family. Get ready to make this educational journey a fun and fulfilling experience for both you and your children! ## **Different Types of Homeschool Schedules** When it comes to homeschooling, there are several different types of homeschool schedule ideas you can choose from to best suit your family’s needs and preferences. The traditional schedule mimics a typical [traditional school](https://homeschoolplanet.com/traditional-homeschool-method/) day with a specific time for subjects and breaks, providing a sense of structure and routine for both you and your child. This can help create a sense of normalcy and familiarity, making it easier to transition into homeschooling from a public school system. Another option is the [block schedule](https://homeschoolplanet.com/block-scheduling-method/), which focuses on one subject for an extended period of time before switching to another. This can be beneficial for diving deep into a particular topic and allowing for more in-depth exploration and understanding. Students who like deep-focused learning really enjoy this method. On the other hand, the [loop schedule](https://homeschoolplanet.com/loop-scheduling/) rotates through subjects in a loop, offering flexibility and preventing burnout by keeping things fresh and engaging. For those who prefer a more [relaxed approach](https://homeschoolplanet.com/relaxed-homeschooling/) to their daily homeschool schedule, the [unschooling](https://homeschoolplanet.com/homeschool-planet-and-unschooling-a-perfect-pair/) schedule emphasizes child-led learning and exploration without rigid structure. This allows your child to follow their interests and passions, fostering a love for learning in a more organic way. Alternatively, joining a co-op will have a schedule that involves teaming up with a group of homeschoolers to share teaching responsibilities and resources, creating a sense of community and collaboration. Lastly, the flex schedule allows for a mix of structured and unstructured time, catering to individual learning styles and needs, and providing the freedom to[ tailor your homeschooling experience](https://homeschoolplanet.com/eclectic-homeschool-method-planning/) to best fit your family. ## **Homeschool Schedule Ideas for Young Learners** When planning for homeschooling young learners, it’s important to start by creating a daily routine that includes time for learning, play, and rest. Kids thrive on structure, so having a set schedule can help them know what to expect each day. This can sometimes be hard for a new homeschool mom. Let your daily plan reflect your style of learning to help ensure you capture the beauty of homeschooling for your family. Keep lessons short and engaging to hold their attention, as young learners have shorter attention spans. A typical homeschooler day should incorporate breaks for snacks, outdoor play, and creative activities to keep them energized and motivated. Consider using a visual schedule or checklist to help younger kids stay on track and understand what is expected of them. Many families thrive on a [morning time routine](https://homeschoolplanet.com/morning-time-routine/) (often called a ‘Morning Basket’). Remember to be flexible and adjust the schedule as needed to meet your child’s individual needs, as every child is different. ### Hands-On Learning and Exploration Don’t forget to include time for hands-on learning experiences and exploration in your schedule. Field trips and extracurricular activities offer a different way to learn and create special memories for young children. Young learners often learn best through hands-on activities and real-life experiences, so incorporating these into your homeschooling plan can make learning more engaging and meaningful. Whether it’s a nature walk, a science experiment, or a cooking lesson, hands-on activities can help kids make connections and retain information. Encouraging exploration and curiosity can also help foster a love for learning in young learners. By providing opportunities for them to explore and discover new things, you can help them develop a[ lifelong love of learning](https://homeschoolplanet.com/charlotte-mason-homeschool-method/). Overall, homeschooling young learners can be a rewarding experience with the right planning and approach. By creating a balanced daily routine that: - includes time for learning, play, and rest, - incorporates breaks for snacks and creative activities, - uses visual schedules to stay organized, and - including hands-on learning experiences and exploration, you can help your child thrive academically and emotionally. Most of all remember to be patient, flexible, and supportive as you navigate this homeschooling journey with your younger children. Keep it fun and remember to laugh a lot. ## **Balancing Free Time and Quiet Time in Your Homeschool Routine** When it comes to balancing free time and quiet time in your homeschool routine, it’s important to find a happy medium that works for both you and your child. Make sure to schedule in breaks throughout the day for both you and your child to recharge and relax. This will help prevent burnout and keep everyone feeling refreshed and focused. Consider incorporating quiet activities like reading or puzzles during designated quiet time. This will help create a calm and peaceful environment where both you and your child can unwind and relax. Allow for flexibility in your schedule to accommodate for unexpected interruptions. As homeschool parents know, life can be unpredictable, so it’s important to be able to adapt and adjust your plans as needed. By building in some wiggle room, you can handle any surprises that come your way without feeling overwhelmed. Encourage your child to use their free time for creative activities like drawing or writing. This will not only help them express themselves and explore their interests, but also give them a chance to relax and have fun in a productive way. ### It is key to not over schedule. This includes academics and activities. Your kids are learning on a daily basis and it takes time for their brains to process and organize the new information. Encourage your children to get some physical activity after difficult subjects. It will help relieve the stress and allow their brains to relax and prepare for the rest of the day. Remember that finding a balance between free time and quiet time is key to a successful homeschool routine. It’s important to prioritize both relaxation and productivity in order to create a well-rounded learning environment. By incorporating breaks and quiet activities into your schedule, you can help create a sense of harmony and peace that will benefit both you and your child. So don’t forget to include extra time for both rest and creativity in your homeschooling schedule to share what was learned with others in the family! ## **Daily Homeschool Schedule Ideas for Older Children** When designing a daily schedule for your older children, it is important to consider their natural rhythm and preferences. Take into account when they are most alert and focused, and try to schedule more challenging tasks during these times. Middle school and high school students need extra time for sleep and discussion, so be prepared for some late-night conversations followed by a bit of extra sleep. You’ll also want to involve your child in the planning process, so they can feel ownership, learn [time management](https://homeschoolplanet.com/teaching-your-kids-time-management/) and take responsibility for their schedule. This can help them stay motivated and engaged with their daily activities. A typical homeschool schedule for high schoolers often sees the day broken into manageable chunks with designated time for learning, breaks, and other activities. Ensure there is time for physical activity, creative outlets, and social interactions in the schedule as well. This will help your child stay balanced and prevent burnout. Being flexible and willing to adjust the schedule as needed based on your child’s needs and interests is key to a successful homeschooling experience. Remember that homeschooling is a unique opportunity to tailor your child’s education to their individual needs and interests. By creating a daily schedule that takes into account the preferences and needs of older students, you can help them thrive in their homeschooling environment. Encourage them to take breaks when needed, engage in activities they enjoy, and interact with others to foster social development. With a well-rounded schedule that includes time for learning, play, and personal interests, your child can have a fulfilling homeschooling experience tailored just for them. ## **Utilizing Independent Work for Older Children in Your Homeschool Schedule** When homeschooling older kids, it is important to incorporate independent work tasks into your schedule to help them build responsibility and time management skills. Encourage your older children to take on independent work assignments, such as reading assignments, research projects, or online quizzes, to give them variety in their learning. By providing clear instructions and expectations for these tasks, you can help your children stay on track and ensure they are completing their work efficiently. [Homeschool Planet](https://homeschoolplanet.com/) is perfect for teaching teens how to work on independent tasks and keep them engaged in their learning. Allow flexibility in your homeschool schedule for older children to work independently at their own pace. This will help them develop self-discipline and learn how to manage their time effectively. Check in regularly with your older children to offer support and guidance with their independent work tasks. By staying involved and providing assistance when needed, you can help your children overcome any challenges they may face while working independently. Celebrate your children’s accomplishments and progress with positive reinforcement and rewards to motivate them to continue working hard and taking on new challenges in their homeschooling journey. ## **Homeschool Schedule Ideas for Large Families** When homeschooling a [large family](https://homeschoolplanet.com/homeschooling-a-large-family/), it’s important to consider creating a block schedule to accommodate multiple children’s needs. By dividing the day into blocks of time for different subjects or activities, you can ensure that each child gets the individual attention they need while also allowing for group learning opportunities. Opt for a flexible routine that allows for breaks and adjustments throughout the day. This way, you can easily adapt to unexpected interruptions or changes in schedule without feeling overwhelmed. Homeschool Planet eliminates the overwhelm of [homeschool schedule ideas for multiple students](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=409110&action=edit). Homeschool Planet’s online platform will help you keep track of assignments and activities for each child, making [homeschool record-keeping](https://homeschoolplanet.com/5-tips-for-homeschool-record-keeping/) a breeze. It will help you stay organized and ensure that everyone is staying on track with their work. Rotate subjects and activities to keep things fresh and engaging for everyone. By mixing things up and introducing new topics or projects regularly, you can help prevent boredom and keep your children excited about learning. Encourage older children to help out with teaching and supervising younger siblings. This not only gives them a sense of responsibility and leadership but also allows for more one-on-one time with each child. Don’t forget to prioritize self-care for both parents and children to avoid burnout. Make time for relaxation, exercise, and hobbies to recharge your batteries and prevent burnout. Encourage your children to take breaks and schedule in free time, whether it’s through quiet reading time, outdoor play, or creative activities. By taking care of yourselves and creating a positive and nurturing learning environment, you can ensure that homeschooling remains a rewarding and fulfilling experience for the whole family. ## **Homeschool Schedule Ideas for Your Family’s Unique Needs and Rhythms** Start by identifying your [family’s unique needs](https://homeschoolplanet.com/homeschooling-a-child-with-adhd/) and rhythms. Every family is different, and what works for one may not work for another. Consider factors such as your children’s [learning styles](https://homeschoolplanet.com/homeschool-method/), your own [work schedule](https://homeschoolplanet.com/how-homeschooling-and-homemaking-can-be-planned-out-more-efficiently/), and any special needs or preferences that your family may have. By taking the time to understand these factors, you can create a homeschool schedule that is tailored to your family’s specific needs and rhythms. Consider incorporating breaks and outdoor time for the whole family to enjoy together into your schedule. It’s important to remember that learning doesn’t just happen at a desk or in front of a computer screen. Children, especially, need time to play, explore, and recharge. By building in regular family time breaks and outdoor fun, you can help keep your children engaged and motivated throughout the day. Whether it’s a quick walk around the block, a game of tag in the backyard, or a nature hike, finding ways to incorporate movement and fresh air into your homeschool schedule can make a big difference. ### Add Flexibility Into Your Schedule Be flexible and willing to adjust your schedule as needed. Homeschooling is a journey, and what works one day may not work the next. It’s important to be open to making changes and adjustments as needed. Don’t be afraid to try new things, switch up your routine, or take a break if things aren’t going as planned. By staying flexible and willing to adapt, you can [create a homeschool schedule](https://captivatingcompass.com/large-family-homeschool-planner/) that truly works for your family. Utilize online resources and homeschooling communities for support and ideas. There are countless online resources and homeschooling communities available to support you on your homeschooling journey. Whether you’re looking for [curriculum](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/) recommendations, lesson planning tips, or just some moral support, these resources can be invaluable. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help, ask questions, or connect with other homeschooling families. Remember that every family’s homeschool schedule will look different. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find what works best for your family. Trust your instincts, listen to your children, and don’t be afraid to try new things (that’s what [free trials and sample lessons](https://homeschoolplanet.com/) are for). By being open to experimentation and willing to adapt, you can create a homeschool schedule that meets your family’s needs and helps your children thrive. ## Homeschool Schedule Ideas for Home School Success In conclusion, homeschool schedule ideas may seem overwhelming at first, but with the right mindset and a bit of creativity, you can design a routine that works best for your family. From daily routines for young learners to strategies for older children, there are countless ways to tailor your homeschool schedule to fit your unique needs and rhythms. Remember, homeschooling is a journey that allows you the flexibility to create a learning environment that suits your family’s lifestyle. By exploring different types of schedules and incorporating various ideas, you can find a balance that works for everyone involved. So take a deep breath, relax, and embrace the adventure of homeschool scheduling. With a little bit of planning and a whole lot of love, you can create a structured and engaging learning environment that will benefit your children for years to come. Cheers to making this educational journey a fun and fulfilling experience for both you and your crew of learners! ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/273e331e1365e08aaa487fc9793da1a98403a08271f620e721c8d3df75be1b25?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Shannan Swindler Shannan shares her passion for helping others use the world as their classroom at Captivating Compass. Her home base is in Scotland, where she home educates and learns on location throughout Europe as much as possible. She teaches online and creates digital curricula that promotes a Chrisitan worldview through creative learning and family travel experiences (in person & virtually). [See Full Bio](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/shannan-swindler/) [ ](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/shannan-swindler/) **Categories:** Homeschool 101, Homeschool Planning **Tags:** large family schedule, schedule, homeschool tips, homeschool planning 101, time management, routine, homeschool schedule, Homeschool Planning --- ### [How To Incorporate Learning Styles in Homeschool Planning](https://homeschoolplanet.com/learning-styles-homeschool-planning/) **Published:** August 13, 2024 **Author:** Shannan Swindler **Content:** When it comes to homeschooling, one size definitely does not fit all. Every child has their own unique way of learning, and as a homeschooling parent, it’s important to understand and embrace these differences in order to create an effective and successful learning environment for your child. By incorporating different learning styles in homeschool planning, you can tailor your curriculum to better suit your child’s needs and ultimately set them up for academic success. ![learning styles in homeschool planning](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/learning-styles-PIN-683x1024.png) ## **Understanding Different Learning Styles for Effective Homeschool Planning** When planning your homeschool lessons, it’s important to understand and incorporate your child’s learning style. Get to know your child’s learning style to tailor your homeschool lessons effectively. Visual learners thrive with charts, diagrams, and videos, so incorporating visual aids into your lessons can help them grasp concepts more easily. Auditory learners benefit from discussions, lectures, and podcasts, so including opportunities for them to listen and engage in conversation can enhance their learning experience. Kinesthetic learners are also called tactile learners. Both learn best through hands-on activities and experiments, so incorporating interactive activities into your lessons can help them retain information better. You’ll want to learn how to utilize a variety of methods to accommodate different learning styles in your [homeschool planning](https://homeschoolplanet.com/homeschool-planning-tips/). Remember that every child is unique and may have a combination of the main learning styles, so it’s important to be flexible and adapt your teaching approach accordingly. The best way for most homeschool families is to incorporate a mix of visual, auditory, and kinesthetic activities into lessons. This allows you to create a well-rounded learning experience that meets your child’s individual needs. This approach can help keep your child engaged and motivated, leading to a more successful homeschooling experience for everyone. By understanding and accommodating your child’s own learning style in your homeschool planning, you can create a more effective and enjoyable learning environment. Tailoring your lessons to fit your child’s particular learning style can help them succeed academically and foster a love of learning. Remember to be patient and open-minded as you explore different teaching methods and strategies that work best for your child. Each child is different, so it’s important to be willing to adapt and try new approaches to ensure that your homeschool lessons are engaging and effective. ## **Benefits of Incorporating Learning Styles in Homeschool Planning for Student Success** When you incorporate a variety of learning styles into your homeschool planning, you are providing an educational experience unique to your child’s way of learning. This is something that public schools struggle to do well. In your homeschool, you can provide the educational material that suits your family and create a rich learning environment that is more enjoyable and effective for everyone. By recognizing whether your child is a visual, auditory, or kinesthetic learner, you can tailor your homeschool methods to suit their preferences. For example, if your child is a visual learner, using charts, diagrams, and visual aids can help them better understand and retain information. If your child is an auditory learner, incorporating discussions, audiobooks, and verbal explanations can enhance their learning experience. By adapting your homeschool teaching methods to match your child’s learning style, you can help them grasp concepts more easily and make learning a positive and rewarding experience. ## Understand Learning Styles to Increase Motivation & Engagement Understanding your child’s learning preferences can also lead to increased motivation and engagement in their studies across a variety of different subjects. When your child is actively engaged in their learning and feels motivated to succeed, they are more likely to put in the effort and time needed to excel academically. By incorporating different teaching methods that align with your child’s learning style, you can help them stay focused, interested, and eager to learn. For example, if your child is a kinesthetic learner who thrives on hands-on activities, incorporating experiments, field trips, and interactive projects can keep them engaged and excited about learning. By tapping into your child’s natural learning tendencies, you can create a learning environment that is stimulating and conducive to their academic growth. ## Teaching Methods That Match Your Child’s Learning Style By incorporating different teaching methods that match your child’s unique learning style, you can help them retain information better and improve their overall academic performance. Children process information differently, so finding the right approach when young children can explore the different ways of learning allows an opportunity to explore lots of combinations of different learning styles. When your child is learning in a way that resonates with them, they are more likely to remember and understand the material being taught. For instance, if your child is a visual learner, using flashcards, mind maps, and visual aids can help them remember key concepts and information. If your child is an auditory learner, incorporating podcasts, lectures, and group discussions can enhance their comprehension and retention of the material. By adapting your homeschool planning to suit your child’s learning style, you can create a more effective and personalized learning experience that sets them up for success. Incorporating learning styles in homeschool planning often shows improvement in kids’ behavior. Helping find a child’s superpower in their unique learning style creates a type of learner that is confident, enthusiastic, and thriving because of their special way of learning. This results in being a tremendous help to homeschool parents navigating som many responsibilities in their home education journey. ## **Tailoring Homeschool Curriculum to Visual, Auditory, and Kinesthetic Learners** ### Homeschool Planning for the Visual Learner When tailoring your [homeschool curriculum](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/) to visual learners, consider incorporating visual aids like diagrams, charts, and videos. These tools can help reinforce concepts and make learning more engaging for students who thrive on visual stimuli. Providing visual learners with colorful and interactive materials can enhance their understanding and retention of information. Younger ages particularly enjoy picture books and older students will enjoy documentaries or video-based learning. You want to add time into your daily and weekly homeschool schedule to allow for time to enjoy visual learning through art appreciation, books, and infographic-type resources for subjects like math and science. Remember, not all visual learners are the same, so be open to trying different visual aids to see what works best for your child. ### Homeschool Planning for the Auditory Learner For auditory learners, include opportunities for listening to lectures, podcasts, and audiobooks. These resources can help auditory learners absorb information through listening and verbal instruction. Encouraging discussions, debates, and verbal explanations can also benefit auditory learners. Creating a supportive environment where your child can engage in conversations and listen to various forms of audio content can cater to their learning style effectively. As a homeschooling parent, it will be important that your homeschool curriculum choices support your family’s values as you may not always be able to listen to a specific topic. ### Homeschool Planning for the Kinesthetic Learner Utilize hands-on activities, experiments, and movement breaks for kinesthetic learners. These learners benefit from physical movement and tactile experiences to comprehend and retain information. Incorporating activities that involve building, creating, and exploring can help kinesthetic learners grasp concepts more effectively. Additionally, allowing for movement breaks throughout the day can help these learners stay focused and engaged. Remember that each child may use several of the various learning styles, so [flexibility in your homeschool planning](https://homeschoolplanet.com/homeschool-planning-that-doesnt-suck-the-life-out-of-you/) is key. Experimenting with different approaches and adjusting your curriculum as needed can help you create a personalized learning experience that best suits your child’s individual needs. When it comes to your[ homeschool schedule](https://homeschoolplanet.com/finding-a-homeschool-schedule-that-fits-your-family/), you’ll want to have a mix of short breaks between subjects for physical activity such as 5 minutes on the trampoline or a quick walk. Additionally, you will want to allow for extended project time that will be needed to create, build, and clean up from hands-on activities. Co-ops and learning communities are great for this type of learning and provide unique resources that help you provide a well-rounded education for your child’s specific needs and interests. ## **Creating a Flexible Schedule to Accommodate Different Learning Styles in Homeschooling** When creating a homeschool schedule, it is important to consider your child’s preferred learning style and rhythms. Every child is unique and may have different ways of absorbing information and there may be better times in the day that provide optimal learning. Be open to adjusting your schedule to accommodate these different learning styles. Whether your child is a visual learner, auditory learner, or kinesthetic learner, tailor your schedule to incorporate activities that are suitable for their grade level and their individual learning style while being sensitive to when to do certain subjects. ### Some practical strategies for different styles of learning include: - Allowing for flexibility in your daily routine to provide for the specific learning needs of your child. Some children may thrive in a structured environment with set times for each subject, while others may benefit from a more relaxed and fluid schedule. - Encouraging your child to participate in the planning process to bring a teamwork approach to learning and curriculum choices. By involving them in the decision-making, you can create a schedule that works best for their learning style. - Embrace the diversity of learning styles in your homeschool environment and adjust your schedule accordingly. By being mindful of your child’s individual preferences and adapting your schedule and teaching style to accommodate them, you can create a more effective and engaging learning experience for your child. Homeschool Planet allows you to change your schedule to meet the needs of the individual student and allows you to see how everything lines up when[ planning for multiple students](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=409110&action=edit) – each with their own unique learning styles. ## **Reading and Writing In The Modern Homeschool Age** Discovering your child’s preferred learning style can make homeschooling more engaging and effective. By understanding whether your child is a visual, auditory, or kinesthetic learner, you can tailor your reading and writing activities to better suit their needs. For visual learners, incorporating various reading materials such as books, online articles, and even audiobooks can help them absorb information more effectively. Auditory learners may benefit from listening to stories being read aloud or discussing what they have read with you. Kinesthetic learners might enjoy writing exercises that involve hands-on activities, such as using manipulatives or acting out scenes from a book. When it comes to writing exercises, there are a variety of ways to cater to different learning styles. For traditional pen-and-paper assignments, visual learners may enjoy creating colorful mind maps or diagrams to organize their thoughts. Auditory learners could benefit from dictating their stories aloud before writing them down. Kinesthetic learners might prefer typing on a computer or using interactive writing tools to engage with the material in a more hands-on way. Remember to be flexible and adapt your teaching methods to best suit your child’s individual learning preferences. By incorporating different methods of reading and writing into your [homeschooling routine](https://homeschoolplanet.com/how-planning-homeschool-and-life-in-one-place-can-calm-the-chaos/), you can create a more dynamic and personalized learning experience for your child. ## Find Your Homeschooling Style In conclusion, understanding and incorporating different learning styles in homeschool planning can greatly benefit student success and create a homeschool style that is unique to your family. By tailoring the homeschool curriculum to appeal to visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learners, parents can create a more engaging and effective learning environment for their children. Flexibility in scheduling is key to accommodating these diverse learning styles, allowing students to thrive in their own unique way. In the [modern homeschool](https://homeschoolplanet.com/ready-made-school/) age, where resources and technology are abundant, there are endless opportunities to customize the learning experience for each child. Reading and writing remain fundamental skills, but with the right approach, they can be taught in a way that resonates with each student’s preferred style of learning. By embracing the concept of different learning styles and incorporating them into homeschool planning, parents can empower their children to reach their full potential and excel academically. So, whether your child is a visual learner who thrives on colorful visuals, an auditory learner who absorbs information through listening, or a kinesthetic learner who learns best through hands-on activities, there is a way to tailor the homeschool experience to suit their individual needs. ## Empower Your Child To Reach Their Potential In the end, the key to successful homeschool planning lies in recognizing and embracing the diversity of learning styles and using this knowledge to create a [personalized and enriching educational journey](https://homeschoolplanet.com/) for your child. By doing so, you can make learning a fun and rewarding experience that sets the stage for a lifetime of academic success. ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/273e331e1365e08aaa487fc9793da1a98403a08271f620e721c8d3df75be1b25?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Shannan Swindler Shannan shares her passion for helping others use the world as their classroom at Captivating Compass. Her home base is in Scotland, where she home educates and learns on location throughout Europe as much as possible. She teaches online and creates digital curricula that promotes a Chrisitan worldview through creative learning and family travel experiences (in person & virtually). [See Full Bio](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/shannan-swindler/) [ ](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/shannan-swindler/) **Categories:** Homeschool 101, Homeschool Planning **Tags:** homeschool tips, homeschool, homeschool methods --- ### [Homeschool Planet Really ‘Works’ for Working Homeschool Moms](https://homeschoolplanet.com/homeschool-planet-working-homeschool-moms/) **Published:** July 17, 2024 **Author:** Shawna Wingert **Content:** When you’re a working homeschooling mom, life can feel a bit like a circus. You can feel like you’re constantly juggling and trying to keep all the plates spinning. And let’s not talk about that hungry lion (toddler) who keeps growling and requesting snacks. But we want you to know that Homeschool Planet is here for you. ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Beige-Brown-Minimalist-Handmade-Candle-Pinterest-Pin-1.png) Many, many Homeschool Planet users are working parents, and hey – *we are too*! We know what it’s like, and we’ve designed [our online homeschool planner](https://homeschoolplanet.com) and homeschooling support resources with plenty of features that will help you stay organized. From offering an all-in-one place for planning to our Ready Made School, here is how Homeschool Planet can support busy, working homeschool moms. ## Combining Homeschool and Working: Making Time Work for You One of the biggest struggles for working homeschool parents is figuring out time management. Sure – we all have 24 hours in a day, but when some (or many) of those hours need to be dedicated to paid work, AND we’re homeschooling, it can feel a bit like Tetris to make all the pieces fit. Homeschool Planet’s online planner *allows you to schedule everything in one place*, so at a glance, you can see the whole day, week or month. A lot of busy homeschool moms and dads use[ time blocking](https://practicalbydefault.com/time-blocking-for-moms/) – a system that allows you to set aside certain times of day for specific events or activities. Homeschool Planet’s system allows you to time block (and add color-coding!), so you can easily see when it’s time to change tasks. If both you and your spouse work from home and switch off on homeschooling and parenting duties, your spouse can have a profile within Homeschool Planet too, so they can always see what’s next. ## Individual Profiles Help Homeschool Students Work Independently Individual profiles for each family member are actually a huge benefit of using Homeschool Planet. Each child can have their own unique profile, which helps them keep track of their own tasks, or for your pre-readers, helps you know exactly what your child needs to work on that day. It’s simple for parents to toggle back and forth between profiles, or see the whole family’s plan for the day or week. This means that older students are often able to work independently on some or all subjects, which frees up time in your already packed day. ## Homeschool Scheduling: Homeschool Planet Provides Flexibility for Working Parents If you work and homeschool your kids, your schedule may not follow a “traditional,” school schedule, and that’s OK. There are plenty of working parents who homeschool their kids in the afternoons or even evenings. A CPA, for instance, may choose to take April “off” from homeschooling. Or maybe your “weekend,” is Wednesday, and you homeschool on Saturdays. *(Most states do not require families to homeschool at any time of day or time of year, but be sure to* [*check your state’s requirements*](https://www.sonlight.com/homeschooling-requirements-by-state)*.)* It’s easy to schedule and move lesson plans in your Homeschool Planet online planner with our rescheduling helper. And Homeschool Planet offers full flexibility – you literally are not “boxed in,” like with many teacher planners. ## Choosing a Homeschooling Curriculum for a Busy Family When you combine working and homeschooling, you may need to find a curriculum that’s made for busy families. Look for programs that allow you to teach some subjects to several kids at once, and that encourage older kids to work independently when possible. [Our Homeschool Lesson Plan and Curriculum Marketplace](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/) is a great place to explore hundreds of homeschooling curriculum options to find the best ones for busy families. You can also see [the homeschool curricula that Homeschool Planet families love most here](https://homeschoolplanet.com/the-top-10-most-popular-homeschool-curriculum-options-with-homeschool-planet/). A couple of Homeschool Planet features that help working homeschool parents save time are the ability to quickly integrate whole lesson plans into your planner, and our options for [Ready Made School](https://homeschoolplanet.com/ready-made-school/). ### Schedule a Whole Year of Lesson Plans Quickly with Homeschool Planet Through utilizing our [Homeschool Lesson Plan and Curriculum Marketplace](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/), you can quickly and easily add lesson plans to your children’s homeschool schedules. We offer thousands of curriculum lesson plans that you can integrate into your planner in just a few clicks. You can add a whole semester or year in minutes! Then, it’s easy to shift lesson plans if your schedule changes by using our rescheduling helper. ### Homeschool Planet Does the Prep Work for you with Ready Made School A great option for busy homeschooling parents balancing homeschool with work schedules is our [Ready Made School. ](https://homeschoolplanet.com/ready-made-school/) We offer carefully curated homeschool curriculum packages for students in grades 1-12. We’ve removed the guesswork and the need to research for days or weeks to make homeschooling open-and-go. With both faith based and secular options, each package includes everything you need to easily and simply homeschool math, science, history and language arts. ## Homeschool Planet Keeps Childcare Providers in the Loop Some parents who combine work and homeschooling rely on support from babysitters, relatives, older children or [mother’s helpers](https://www.verywellfamily.com/what-is-a-mothers-helper-617066). State’s vary in terms of requirements and some do not allow family members or babysitters to help with homeschooling children who are not their own. ([Check your state’s guidelines here](https://www.sonlight.com/homeschooling-requirements-by-state).) But a childcare provider or mother’s helper can certainly assist with arts and crafts, reading aloud with kids and keeping kids engaged in play. They may also be able to run children to activities, playgroups or homeschool co-ops or help with household chores. Using Homeschool Planet’s online planner means additional family members or babysitters can access your family’s schedule (with your permission, of course.) ### Make Activity Lists for Babysitters Homeschool Planet even allows you to make lists right in the planner, so it’s easy to include information, to-dos and activity ideas for childcare providers. The messaging/texting feature means you can quickly send babysitters lists of activity ideas for the week like: - Board games your children like to play - Ideas for art and craft projects - Books to read together - Recipes and baking ideas - Favorite toys or hobbies - Snack Ideas ## Housekeeping, Meal Planning and Chores Finally, when you are working and homeschooling your kids, it’s easy to feel like the house and meals are always in a state of chaos. But *you really can add anything that serves you to your Homeschool Planet online planner*, so experiment with adding meal plans and housekeeping tasks. Cleaning routines are another place where time blocking can come in very handy, and it’s easy to create routines through adding recurring tasks to your planner. In fact, Homeschool Planet makes it easy to get the kids involved in house upkeep too. You can schedule recurring chores right into their individual profiles. This helps them learn responsibility and accountability, and helps busy parents get a much-needed deep breath. ### It’s Easy To Send Lists One more way that Homeschool Planet can help you keep your home life under control is through the messaging and texting feature. Out of ground beef? Need rice or pasta? Just create a quick grocery list in Homeschool Planet and send it to anyone in your family – including your spouse or any kiddos who are able to drive. ## Yes, You Can Work and Homeschool! It isn’t easy to homeschool, and when you add working to your plate, it can feel pretty overwhelming sometimes. But there are a few ways to reduce stress, and simplify your days. First, don’t be afraid to accept help and support when you can. Second, remember that there is no one perfect way to homeschool, and the most important part of homeschooling your kids is spending time with them and helping to instill a love of learning. That can look so many ways! And third, you are taking on a lot, so use tools that give you the support you need. We believe that Homeschool Planet’s online homeschool planner, and additional homeschool support features like our [Homeschool Lesson Plan and Curriculum Marketplace](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/) really can make combining homeschooling and working sustainable. So be sure to try a [FREE 30-day trial of our online planner](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/) today, and don’t forget to add a FREE lesson plan when you sign up! And for more advice and support, be sure to check out Jennifer Mackinnon’s website, [Practical, By Default.](https://practicalbydefault.com) Jennifer regularly shares tips and encouragement specifically for working homeschool parents. You can also join her [Facebook group for working homeschool moms here](https://www.facebook.com/groups/WorkingHomeschoolMomClub). *You can definitely work and homeschool well! And Homeschool Planet is here to help.* [*Be sure to grab your free homeschool planet trial now.*](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/d3babb0046833226121ae02c4336793a9e823ce7c06de2c9b85ea50482f198ad?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Shawna Wingert Shawna Wingert is a former training and development professional turned education specialist, and has homeschooled her two children for the last ten years. Shawna has written four books about homeschooling unique learners and has been featured in homeschooling discussions on Today.com, The Mighty, Simple Homeschool, My Little Poppies and Raising Lifelong Leaners. You can find her online here at Homeschool Planet and at [DifferentByDesignLearning.com.](https://nottheformerthings.com/blog/) [See Full Bio](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/shawna-marketing/) [ ](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/shawna-marketing/) **Categories:** Homeschool 101, Homeschool Planning, Using Homeschool Planet --- ### [Creating Your Own Lesson Plans with Homeschool Planet](https://homeschoolplanet.com/creating-your-own-lesson-plans-homeschool-planet/) **Published:** July 29, 2024 **Author:** Shawna Wingert **Content:** One of the greatest advantages of homeschooling is the flexibility! Families have the ability set their daily, weekly and yearly schedules to accommodate their needs, and plenty of families draw from different curriculum options either because they want to follow their child’s interest, or otherwise meet each students’ individual needs. Homeschoolers who practice any homeschool method may choose to draw from a variety of resources – even those beyond what is considered “traditional” curriculum, such as unit studies, YouTube videos or even hands-on learning activities. This post covers everything you need to know if you are a DIY homeschooler who loves the freedom and flexibility of creating your own lesson plans. ![Homeschool Lesson Plans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Creating-Your-Own-Lessons-Plans-with-HSP-PIN-683x1024.png) ## Creating Lesson Plans in Homeschool Planet It’s simple to get started setting up your own lesson plans in Homeschool Planet. There are several tutorials with videos in [our User Guide](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/), including one about [how to determine if you want to add a lesson plan or a class](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/lesson-plan-or-class/?seq_no=2). *(This can feel confusing initially, so be sure to check this out before you get started adding lesson plans.)* Also, creating lesson plans the way detailed below is especially helpful if you plan to use the same lesson plan with other children in the future. If not, you can choose to [create a new class](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/adding-a-class/), and then create lesson plans by editing that class. ## A Step By Step Guide to Creating Lessons This video walks you through exactly how to create your own lesson plan, using a live planner as an example. We encourage you to watch and then follow the simple steps below to create your own lesson plans. ### Creating A Lesson Plan 1. Head to your planner, click on the dropdown on the left, and select Lesson Plans. ![](https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXeLlwUTXTyYsO9ODKW_ljb7Js8XW9XE_Urt6LWnG-_tCLAV25E6c5S-GdOitYuM6FROGkS6NUpzxNGykVm4Jd8XH-9spdUPqUC1VeO4D6NoNjhE8MAr6ENspeP7lSQ3ptPfgnEs7ehIvWJ739DveT0MBFtr?key=AgP0y4xM8-X5xy8QWjle8w)2. Then click on Create My Own Lesson Plan. You’ll be prompted to create a lesson plan and create a Title. ![](https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXc6_9whkMiwrZr7vVLYO0wTV0_joVFnhBbh59HGrD9t52pudQAR15drCk4Py_ZVbeTr5RvmXZLLUSVgUKyps-dExgsEYxwOIejIILNQBxPi-SS8NP7_ppIA4Inpv84AhwQiYuqihsJE1n7Cmjn0WIqeUww?key=AgP0y4xM8-X5xy8QWjle8w)3. From there, you can choose if you want to create the same assignment each day, for instance, *read your book for 15 minutes*, or if you want to create varied assignments for each day, such as *Read Chapter 1*, *Read Chapter 2*. 4. On the right, you will also be able to choose on the left what type of assignment this is under the Category drop-down: - Not graded - Homework - A project - A quiz - Or a Test ![](https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXdunXqSPdPLtOKt_2tGHwhEvidzOATLcPbHuRMu5xDGxxpo52wRrwVWpDt6-UFBkrf3vZO3Tpei83-nLndUmUmrRCU16_Lql7YRsg1mehI-6LeDJNwTSAN9e_nVqCJ7b7Td4XGHpmRqGJwZms4oPykIZV0?key=AgP0y4xM8-X5xy8QWjle8w)You’ll also be able to add helpful resources such as websites, files and textbooks under the Options drop-down. 5. Finally, the menu at the top allows you to add notes, track grades, add resources and even automatically track hours. ![](https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXfta8Kk6ekvDKF7E-YbZknC9A3jpNm2XXycQhjwAtzCzxb8d5ipaMjAj_X_EUqV2-lM3mNFSNW5NAz5i48UZ3cCMS56tqWNdzHH6QqOGBty0S82bj_a71CQotXaGtZbaJQ15Y8wogCQSuiDo6t4kP8c2uo?key=AgP0y4xM8-X5xy8QWjle8w)## Additional Helpful Lesson Plan Features Our option to create your own lesson plans always allows you to choose how many days per week you want your children to complete each type of lesson. ![](https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXeW63yJaK8VdawEiJoo1DdmAk0TuNwciPjVgyJlTxV12ydmLcKU2TlvXkG0qa0eVh3Va7numijCgSLjzLkKsmQHAEfuxBPCcpGGR-20sLqMpGnQ3sNh_7tfENZyo7yOwgU1VwUjFUD7-ZqTMlTMYUN8sO4c?key=AgP0y4xM8-X5xy8QWjle8w)Once you have created a lesson plan, [you will be able to “apply” It to your calendar.](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/applying-lesson-plans/) This is where you choose a start date, and are able to add the lesson plan to specific student profiles. ### IMPORTANT: Archiving vs. Deleting Lessons Plans **One important thing to keep in mind is the difference between** [**archiving lesson plans**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/archiving-lesson-plans/) **and** [**deleting lessons plans**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/deleting-a-lesson-plan/)**.** If you think you may use a lesson plan again with another child, be sure to **archive** your lesson plan. This will remove it from view, but by [following this tutorial](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/archiving-lesson-plans/), you will still be able to retrieve your lesson plan for reference or for future students. If you don’t think you will need a lesson plan in the future, you can delete it by following [the directions in this tutorial](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/deleting-a-lesson-plan/). **Just be certain that you truly want to delete your lesson plan.** You will even be asked to confirm before you delete, just to be safe. ## Record Keeping When You Create Your Own Lesson Plans For those who choose an eclectic approach to homeschooling, it can feel overwhelming sometimes to keep track of everything. But record-keeping is an important part of homeschooling. Depending on your state (state requirements vary widely, [be sure to confirm what is required in your state to homeschool](https://www.sonlight.com/homeschooling-requirements-by-state)), homeschool families may be required to submit attendance records, a [homeschool portfolio](https://homeschoolplanet.com/easy-homeschool-portfolios-with-homeschool-planet/), or more detailed records. So even though keeping track of everything you are doing can seem like extra work, it’s important. Therefore, Homeschool Planet has worked to make the process as simple as possible. As you set up your school year and lesson plans in Homeschool Planet, several helpful things can be set up to happen behind the scenes, such as [automatic attendance tracking](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/attendance-tracking/). Once this is set up, it will automatically track attendance unless you change your settings. You can also [automatically track class and activity hours](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/tracking-class-and-activity-hours/). From there, it’s simple to create any report you need including report card and transcripts right through Homeschool Planet. **Your students’ work that you have assigned will accumulate over time into reportable information as well.** ## Homeschool Planet Encourages Homeschool YOUR Way At Homeschool Planet, we see such a variety of homeschool methods and approaches, and we work hard to support all kinds of homeschoolers! So if you are someone who prefers to create your own lesson plans, rest assured that the process is simple, and once you do it once, you’ll be able to set up a whole school year quickly and easily. As always, reach out if you have questions, and be sure to check out our ever-growing [User Guide, complete with video tutorials](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/). And if you are not yet using Homeschool Planet – **be sure to grab your FREE 30-day trial today.** No credit card is required, but if you set up your planner, know that your information will be saved for you for when you join – no need to create lesson plans from scratch! ![Get Your Homeschool Planning Done in One Place Homeschool Planet 30 Day Free Trial](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/summer-homeschool-planning-free-trial-2-1024x1024.jpg) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/d3babb0046833226121ae02c4336793a9e823ce7c06de2c9b85ea50482f198ad?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Shawna Wingert Shawna Wingert is a former training and development professional turned education specialist, and has homeschooled her two children for the last ten years. Shawna has written four books about homeschooling unique learners and has been featured in homeschooling discussions on Today.com, The Mighty, Simple Homeschool, My Little Poppies and Raising Lifelong Leaners. You can find her online here at Homeschool Planet and at [DifferentByDesignLearning.com.](https://nottheformerthings.com/blog/) [See Full Bio](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/shawna-marketing/) [ ](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/shawna-marketing/) **Categories:** Homeschool Planning, Using Homeschool Planet --- ### [A Relaxed Homeschooler's Guide to Charlotte Mason](https://homeschoolplanet.com/relaxed-homeschoolers-charlotte-mason/) **Published:** May 7, 2024 **Author:** Lindsey Stomberg **Content:** There are a myriad of different homeschooling methods, but the one that seems to receive the most press these days, and for good reason, is Charlotte Mason’s method for education. Those families who follow Mrs. Mason’s principles for education religiously are called “purists.” However, in my experience, most parents prefer a more relaxed approach to the Charlotte Mason method. They want the good, beautiful, and true minus the rigorous schedule. ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Relaxed-Homeschool-CM-PIN-683x1024.png) Charlotte Mason enshrined her method of education in many books which can be very helpful to read but also tedious at times. Homeschooling mothers may not see the value in reading her tomes for training, and therefore want to skim those books and blogs which boil Mason’s principles down into bite-size, easy-to-implement schedules. As I have read these condensed versions, I have noticed that these authors tend to extract the essence of Mason’s philosophy and give it a more modern twist. There is nothing wrong with doing this, and many relaxed homeschooling parents prefer it. They want the meat, but desire to season it in their own way in order to highlight their personal priorities. **Read on and I’ll share ten tips with you on how to implement the core of Charlotte Mason’s teachings without the stress. I will also introduce you to Homeschool Planet’s NEWEST Charlotte Mason-inspired products that I think you are going to love!** ## The Heart of the Charlotte Mason Method What is at the core of the Charlotte Mason method anyway? Charlotte Mason said, “Education is an atmosphere, a discipline, a life.” According to [Simply Charlotte Mason](https://simplycharlottemason.com/what-is-the-charlotte-mason-method/), Charlotte Mason herself believed that each of these components made up one-third of a child’s education. By *atmosphere*, Charlotte intends to say that a child soaks up that by which he is surrounded. This includes both the environment in which the child is educated, as well as the people who occupy the child’s sphere of influence, those whom he learns to emulate. By *discipline*, Mason was alluding to one’s habits which at their root develop out of one’s character. A child must be taught good character and good habits. Education of the mind is not enough, if one’s actions are reckless and wicked. The third component of a child’s education, according to Charlotte Mason, is *life*. You may have heard the term “a living education.” Charlotte Mason said that “an observant child should be put in the way of things worth observing.” She believed a child should be presented with “living thoughts and ideas” that would enrich a child’s mind, character, and actions. Rote memorization of dry facts is of no use in a Charlotte Mason education. There is more to the [Charlotte Mason method of education](https://homeschoolplanet.com/charlotte-mason-homeschool-method/) than these three things, but this is the heart of it – the end goal: “Our aim in education is to give a full life. We owe it to them to initiate an immense number of interests. Life should be all living, and not merely a tedious passing of time; not all doing or all feeling or all thinking – the strain would be too great – but, all living; that is to say, we should be in touch where we go, whatever we hear, whatever we see, with some manner of vital interest.” – *Charlotte Mason, Volume 3, p. 171* ## Your Homeschool Parent Permission Slip All of that sounds pretty great right? Many of us left the traditional classroom setting because we deemed the education of our children too important to leave in the hands of another. We miss the days when children were outdoors playing more than they were in front of a screen. We see value in reading good literature and preserving lost skills (handicrafts). These are all components of this popular educational method. However, many families do not have the patience, the time, or the desire to teach these elements of the Charlotte Mason method on a strict schedule and/ or they may not see the value of teaching things like multiple languages, the playing of instruments, or other areas of instruction that may not fit every family’s priorities. Guess what? As a parent and a homeschooler you are only bound by your state’s laws concerning what you teach your children. Educational methods are there to serve you, not for you to serve the method. Consider this your permission slip to splice Charlotte Mason’s methods, or any [educational method](https://homeschoolplanet.com/homeschool-method/) for that matter, in whatever way fits your family’s priorities best. ## Relaxing the Charlotte Mason Method I have always considered myself a [relaxed and eclectic homeschooler](https://homeschoolplanet.com/relaxed-homeschooling/). We lean classical and Charlotte Mason, which is really just a subset of the classical method, but my personality just doesn’t entertain rigidity well. I am guessing that if you found yourself reading this article, you probably have the same distaste as I do for a strict schedule. Welcome to the club! ### **Here are a ten tips for a relaxed approach to the Charlotte Mason method of education:** 1. Begin a [morning time routine](https://homeschoolplanet.com/morning-time-routine/). 2. Create a rich at-home learning environment. 3. Build a home library full of living books. 4. Read aloud to your children early and often. 5. Follow up any reading with good questions and narration when your child comes of age. This increases retention and speaking skills in children. 6. Skip the memorization of dry facts, and allow your child to make connections across disciplines on his own. This will allow those lessons to stick! 7. Spend a lot of time outdoors exploring and talking about what you see. 8. Do not skip the handicrafts! Allow your child to find a hobby that he/ she enjoys by exploring different lost arts and skills. 9. Sprinkle in the [study of music](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/composer-study/) and [artists](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/study-the-artists/) from history throughout your year. 10. Train your child in good character and habits. This will serve him well for the rest of his life. ### Relax, But Don’t Neglect A relaxed approach to your child’s education can be wonderful as it gives you flexibility in schedule and the ability to chase special interests on a whim. There are plenty of benefits to a relaxed approach to homeschooling. However, I implore you to assess yourself in two areas regularly: **First, I do believe it is very valuable to understand your reasons for homeschooling and to both research and train yourself in your chosen method or methods of education even if you are relaxed in your implementation.** You do not need a college degree to educate your child, but just “winging it” is ill-advised. Remember what Mrs. Mason meant by *atmosphere*. Sometimes parents claim they are relaxed homeschoolers when what they really mean is that they educate their children when they feel like it. In essence these parents are neglecting their child’s education. Your children are watching and learning to imitate your actions. If you want your child to love learning, you must first be an example of a life-long learner. **Second, please do not allow your relaxed approach to your child’s education to affect your child’s ability to be disciplined when he or she needs to be.** It is good to train your child to discern when it is necessary to apply himself diligently. There are times in life when being relaxed doesn’t cut it, and as parents we are responsible to prepare our children to become adults one day. This is part of Charlotte Mason’s core tenets, “Education is an atmosphere, a discipline, a life.” **Finally, children are born eager to learn.** When we place them in front of “things worth observing,” they will find enjoyment in the details. It is easy as parents with busy schedules to leave children to always observe on their own, but consider observing with them. Discuss what you see and learn. The memories you make together will be worth it. A major component of a [classical education](https://homeschoolplanet.com/the-classical-homeschool-method/) is the three stages of the Trivium: grammar, dialectic, and rhetoric. As children grow they also expand in their ability to explore and learn on deeper levels. By learning the art of Socratic discussion, parents will find that their relationship with their children will blossom beyond comprehension. A relaxed pursuit of a Charlotte Mason education can still take advantage of these very satisfying components which aren’t merely for education’s sake, but knit our families together as we walk the road of learning together. ## Charlotte Mason-Inspired Resources for Relaxed Homeschoolers If you are a relaxed homeschooler who loves to pick and choose from components of the Charlotte Mason method and implement them according to your own schedule, then the latest product that I have personally created exclusively for Homeschool Planet is just for you! ![Charlotte Mason Pack](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/HSP-CM-Pack-PIN-683x1024.png) **As a Homeschool Planet user, you will be able to pick and choose from these Charlotte Mason – inspired components!** - [Music Composers](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/composer-study/) - [The Artists](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/study-the-artists/) - [Nature Journal](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/nature-journal/) - [Scripture Copywork](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/camping-out-in-scripture/) - [Classic Literature Narration and Activity Packs](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/cm-narration-prompts/) We know that you are going to love these beautifully designed, flexible resources that you can use with your student over the summer or save until next school year! Each of these can be utilized together over a rigorous thirty-day period or spread out and completed at your own pace. Of course, there is a plug-in lesson plan for easy integration into your Homeschool Planet Planner for each Charlotte Mason – inspired component. You can order them individually or in sets according to your needs. Click above to browse your options in the Homeschool Planet Marketplace. ## More Charlotte Mason Resources for You! I also didn’t stop there as I am giving Homeschool Planet readers an exclusive freebie on my own website, Reformed Faith and Family! [Click here to download your FREE set](https://reformedfaithandfamily.com/product/charlotte-mason-quotes-printable-wall-art/) of these lovely Charlotte Mason Quotes to display in your homeschool or play room! [![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Charlotte-Mason-Homeschooling-Printable-Wall-Art-HSP-Deal-1024x1024.png)](https://reformedfaithandfamily.com/product/charlotte-mason-quotes-printable-wall-art/) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/0474d7793a76a3729aa48b82770cd2e6c7d70851f086377a3aeb09856a27abe2?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Lindsey Stomberg [See Full Bio](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/lindseyhomeschoolplanet-com/) [ ](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/lindseyhomeschoolplanet-com/) **Categories:** Homeschool Planning --- ### [Homeschool Planning For The Disorganized Mom](https://homeschoolplanet.com/homeschool-planning-for-the-disorganized-mom/) **Published:** July 16, 2024 **Author:** Shawna Wingert **Content:** When we began homeschooling, I was so excited to get everything set up and organized. I delighted in gathering books and purchasing pencils. I couldn’t wait to create a schedule, and color-code everything! There was just one problem: **I am not a naturally organized person.** For a long time, this felt like a major personal failing. All of the homeschool moms I saw online seemed so organized and together. Meanwhile, I kept losing important papers and forgetting dates. **There were a few times when I even questioned if I *should* be homeschooling.** But luckily, I have learned that you don’t have to be a naturally organized person to homeschool. You just need some tools and structure to help you succeed. One of my favorite tools that keeps me organized is my [Homeschool Planet online planner.](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/) ![disorganized homeschool mom](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Beige-Brown-Minimalist-Handmade-Candle-Pinterest-Pin-683x1024.png) ## A Place for Homeschool Record Keeping One thing that overwhelmed me about homeschooling was [keeping track of requirements like attendance and class hours](https://homeschoolplanet.com/5-tips-for-homeschool-record-keeping/). (Different states have different requirements for homeschooling – [learn more here](https://www.sonlight.com/homeschooling-requirements-by-state).) A huge benefit of Homeschool Planet’s online planner has been that I can keep all required records and documentation in one place. It’s easy to record attendance, track hours spent learning and then create reports for [homeschool portfolios](https://homeschoolplanet.com/easy-homeschool-portfolios-with-homeschool-planet/) at the end of each year. I can even make report cards and transcripts quickly through Homeschool Planet, so there is no fear of losing track of grades or important information that I’ll need as my kids near graduation. ### Plans in One Place I put everything in my Homeschool Planet planner – appointments, outside classes, travel, birthdays, sports practice times, and of course lesson plans. I even keep our meal plan in my Homeschool Planet planner. Now, I can see at a glance what is coming up each week, and stay on top of activities and events. ## Homeschool Planet Features that Help Me Stay Organized There are several Homeschool Planet features that help me keep everything on track. From the ability to create individual profiles for each of my kids, to the list-making and messaging options, I feel so much less stress, and know that my Homeschool Planet planner has my back. **These are my favorite features that bring me planning peace:** ### Individual Profiles for Students Because Homeschool Planet’s online homeschool planning system allows me to create individual profiles for each of my kids, it’s easy to balance multiple curricula and grade levels. I used to get easily overwhelmed each morning, trying to get everyone started with work for the day, but now, I know everything is available for each of my kids in their profile. ### Quick and Easy Changes If we need to miss a day of school because of illness or a field trip, it’s simple to just shift everything with Homeschool Planet’s Rescheduling Helper. In just a couple of clicks, I can move our plans to another day. My kids can see these changes reflected in their profiles, so restarting homeschooling after a day off or even longer breaks, like vacations or holiday breaks, has become seamless. ### Instant Lesson Plans It’s also simple to add a lot of our lesson plans by using [Homeschool Planet’s Integrated Lesson Plans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/). I just match up what my kids are learning through Homeschool Planet’s Homeschool Lesson Plan and Curriculum Marketplace, and I can schedule a whole quarter, whole semester or whole years of lessons in just a few clicks. This is so helpful because I no longer have to stay on top of every book and remember who is on which unit in their math curriculum. And I don’t have to worry about my kids keeping track of everything either. ### Routine Through Recurring Events Homeschool Planet makes it so easy to schedule regularly recurring events, which helps us all create routines in our homeschool. It’s also easy to build a schedule for yourself or your kids. I was never able to stay on top of managing kids’ chores until I was able to add them to my Homeschool Planet online planner. ### Making Lists Right in My Planner I’ve always been a list-maker, but plenty of times those lists have been on sticky notes or in notebooks that end up misplaced. Homeschool Planet’s online planner makes it easy to create lists right in the planner. And, I can even share those lists through the messaging feature. ### Texting and Emails To Stay On Track One of my favorite Homeschool Planet Features has turned out to be texting/messaging. Homeschool Planet allows me to send messages to my kids, my husband and even myself. I can easily send reminders, to-do lists and even daily digests to anyone in my family. And yes – I definitely use this feature to send myself reminders! ## Homeschool Planet Provides the Organization Homeschool Moms Crave Now that I’ve [been homeschooling for a while](https://differentbydesignlearning.com/your-first-year-homeschooling-children-with-learning-differences/), I know that plenty of us struggle with organization. Don’t be fooled by social media, for every post we see of a perfect, themed homeschool classroom, there are lots of us who struggle. But I want to assure you that you can homeschool, even if organization doesn’t come naturally. The goal shouldn’t be to somehow magically become a hyper-organized person. The goal should be to find tools that help you build a homeschool that feels calm and *organized enough*. My homeschool is definitely not picture perfect! But with Homeschool Planet’s Online Planner, I have found a way to keep homeschooling sustainable, and for it to feel so much less overwhelming. If you are looking for ways to bring organization and calm to your homeschool day, be sure to [head here to get a FREE 30-day trial of Homeschool Planet](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/) (no credit card required!). Then, [ learn exactly how to get started.](https://homeschoolplanet.com/get-started-with-homeschool-planet/) I promise it’s easy, and in no time, you’ll feel the relief that comes with tools designed for peaceful homeschool planning. ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/d3babb0046833226121ae02c4336793a9e823ce7c06de2c9b85ea50482f198ad?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Shawna Wingert Shawna Wingert is a former training and development professional turned education specialist, and has homeschooled her two children for the last ten years. Shawna has written four books about homeschooling unique learners and has been featured in homeschooling discussions on Today.com, The Mighty, Simple Homeschool, My Little Poppies and Raising Lifelong Leaners. You can find her online here at Homeschool Planet and at [DifferentByDesignLearning.com.](https://nottheformerthings.com/blog/) [See Full Bio](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/shawna-marketing/) [ ](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/shawna-marketing/) **Categories:** Homeschool Planning --- ### [The Top 10 Most Popular Homeschool Curriculum Options With Homeschool Planet](https://homeschoolplanet.com/the-top-10-most-popular-homeschool-curriculum-options-with-homeschool-planet/) **Published:** June 24, 2024 **Author:** Shawna Wingert **Content:** If you are new to homeschooling, or even if you’ve been at it a while, you may feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of homeschool curriculum options available. This is completely understandable! In fact, parents have asked us for years for a list of the most popular curriculum options in our [Homeschool Lesson Plan and Curriculum Marketplace](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/) to help narrow down the volume of curriculum options available. Because of this and our own experience as homeschool parents, we are happy to provide you with the following overview of curriculum options and top choices for integrated homeschool curriculum with Homeschool Planet. ![Choosing A Homeschool Curriculum](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Top-10-PIN-683x1024.png) ## Choosing A Homeschool Curriculum First, keep in mind that although this post outlines the most popular homeschool curriculum options from Homeschool Planet’s Homeschool Lesson Plan and Curriculum Marketplace, Homeschool Planet offers a library of thousands of curriculum options that integrate with Homeschool Planet’s[ online homeschool planner](https://homeschoolplanet.com). There really is no one-size-fits-all curriculum out there, and it’s important to consider your family’s unique needs as well as your homeschool budget. But, if you are looking for homeschool curriculum favorites that families choose again and again, here is a list of the top 10 most popular curriculum options in our [Homeschool Lesson Plan and Curriculum Marketplace](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/). ## Homeschool Planet’s Top 10 Favorite Curriculum Choices ### All About Reading/All About Spelling All About Reading/All About Spelling are open-and-go, scripted language arts curricula that help parents teach their children reading and spelling through short daily lessons. [All About Reading and All About Spelling](https://differentbydesignlearning.com/all-about-reading-dyslexic/) use a multi-sensory approach. These programs are meant for children of all ages and designed to adapt to how each child learns. The company says their programs are a great choice for those with learning differences as well. All About Reading/All About Spelling focus on mastery, meaning children master a concept before they move on to the next level – therefore, All About Reading/All About Spelling programs don’t correspond to grade levels. All About Reading/All About Spelling is known for their letter tiles. There is also a letter tile app available. Learn more about adding [All About Reading](https://homeschoolplanet.com/search-results/?q=all%20about%20reading)/[All About Spelling](https://homeschoolplanet.com/search-results/?q=all%20about%20spelling) lesson plans to your Homeschool Planet online planner. ### Math Mammoth Math Mammoth is an affordable math curriculum program that uses “worktexts,” to teach math concepts incrementally for students in grades 1-7. The worktexts are a combined teaching and workbook format intended for individual student use. A year’s curriculum can be purchased for about $50, or there are now printable options available as well. Math Mammoth is open-and-go, and using the worktext format, directions are written directly to the student, although parents can help pre-readers. There are also corresponding teaching videos available. Finally, Math Mammoth has created “topical unit” books especially intended to fill potential “math gaps,” such as telling time, and understanding measurements and money. Learn more about adding [Math Mammoth](https://homeschoolplanet.com/search-results/?q=math%20mammoth) lesson plans to your Homeschool Planet online planner. ### IEW Fix It Grammar [IEW Fix It Grammar](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product-category/lesson-plans/iew-fix-it-grammar/) is a language arts program created by the Institute of Excellence in Writing. This program helps students learn grammar through exploring text lessons and finding grammar errors. Fix It Grammar is intended to be a 6-year program, and students build on skills learned over time to master grammar. The first book in the series requires no prior grammar knowledge and introduces basic punctuation, parts of speech and more. It’s intended for children in grades 3-5. The program includes a teacher’s guide. Learn more about adding [IEW Fix It Grammar](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product-category/lesson-plans/iew-fix-it-grammar/) lesson plans to your Homeschool Planet online planner. ### Story of the World Story of the World is a classical history curriculum intended to teach students history through the four cycles popular among [classical homeschoolers](https://homeschoolplanet.com/the-classical-homeschool-method/). This comprehensive curriculum is often used by other homeschooling families as well. The first volume of four focuses on Ancient Times, but the series can be started in any of the four eras, and is meant for families to use together. (The company does recommend that Volume 4 be used with students in 4th to 8th grade, however.) Story of the World offers a “spine” history text, as well as activity books, test books and some printable products, like coloring pages. Story of the World is especially popular in its audio format, read by award-winning narrator Jim Weiss. Learn more about adding [Story of the World](https://homeschoolplanet.com/search-results/?q=the%20story%20of%20the%20world) lesson plans to your Homeschool Planet online planner. ### Berean Builders Berean Builders is a homeschool science curriculum that focuses on helping kids build critical thinking skills. Berean Builders’ program draws mainly from textbooks and is based on The Bible’s Acts 17:11, which states “the Bereans received gospel information with great eagerness and examined the scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.” Berean Builders’ has also stated that their curriculum is accessible for many faith backgrounds. The program includes textbooks and “Help and Hint” guides for parents. Students are encouraged to keep a notebook for each textbook to document learning, questions and notes. Berean Builders’ program for early grades is concentrated around observation and discovery. The high school program covers biology, chemistry and physics. Learn more about adding [Berean Builders](https://homeschoolplanet.com/search-results/?q=Berean%20builders) lesson plans to your Homeschool Planet online planner. ### Teaching Textbooks Teaching Textbooks is an online open-and-go homeschool math program for all ages. Teaching Textbooks is available as an app and can run on computers, Android notebooks, some versions of Kindle and iPads. (*The company’s website lists additional information about computer and device requirements.*) The program is based around video lectures and online questions. Student grades are tracked through the program and can be printed. Finally, Teaching Textbooks uses a “spiral approach,” to math education, which includes frequent review of math concepts. Learn more about adding [Teaching Textbooks](https://homeschoolplanet.com/search-results/?q=teaching%20textbooks) lesson plans to your Homeschool Planet online planner. ### Beautiful Feet Books Beautiful Feet Books is a homeschool literature-based curriculum program that teaches history, geography and science through stories. Beautiful Feet Books is based on the [Charlotte Mason](https://homeschoolplanet.com/relaxed-homeschoolers-charlotte-mason/) approach to homeschooling, but can be used by families who take other homeschool approaches as well. Beautiful Feet Books pairs carefully chosen books with teacher guides to offer curriculum options from grades K-12. Their programs are meant to cover many ages and grades and to help foster a family learning atmosphere. Beautiful Feet Books offers sequencing suggestions through their website, and some of their curriculum packages can be used for more than one school year. Learn more about adding [Beautiful Feet Books](https://homeschoolplanet.com/search-results/?q=beautiful%20feet%20books) lesson plans to your Homeschool Planet online planner. ### Science Shepherd Science Shepherd is a Christian homeschool science curriculum with a young Earth point of view. Programs are available for students in grade 1- 12. Courses for early grades offer video-based teaching and accompanying workbooks. Courses intended for older students are textbook-based. The company provides a recommended course progression on its website, and a course finder quiz as well. Learn more about adding [Science Shepherd](https://homeschoolplanet.com/search-results/?q=science%20shepherd) lesson plans to your Homeschool Planet online planner. ### Rosetta Stone Rosetta Stone is a foreign language program that offers 25 languages through an immersive program, short lessons and real-time pronunciation feedback. Through listening to native speakers, and engaging with images and written words, this online program utilizes clues to help students learn languages through comprehension, not memorization. Rosetta Stone covers all elements of language learning, including speaking and pronunciation, listening comprehension, reading and writing. Also available are downloadable audio tracks and a mobile app. Learn more about adding [Rosetta Stone](https://homeschoolplanet.com/search-results/?q=rosetta%20stone) lesson plans to your Homeschool Planet online planner. ### Notgrass Notgrass is a history homeschool curriculum with a Christian worldview. Notgrass has curriculum options for students in first grade through high school and was created to work with several types of homeschool methods. Notgrass requires little preparation, and parent instructions are included with each week’s curriculum. Notgrass history also includes elements of Bible study and language arts, as well as ideas for hands-on projects. In the elementary years, Notgrass is intended to be used by parents with their children, but Notgrass’s middle school and high school curriculum options can be completed by students independently. Learn more about adding [Notgrass](https://homeschoolplanet.com/search-results/?q=notgrass) lesson plans to your Homeschool Planet online planner. ## Integrating Lesson Plans with Homeschool Planet Lesson plans for all of the homeschool curriculum programs listed above, as well as thousands of others are available to integrate into your Homeschool Planet online planner. That means that we help you quickly add a whole semester or even a whole year’s worth of lessons to your online planner. All of your homeschool scheduling can be done in just minutes, and easily moved or shifted if needed. Just head here to learn more about [the lesson plan and curriculum marketplace](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/), and how to add complete lesson plans to your online planner is just 3 steps. [![homeschool planet free trial](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/HSP-Baby-Books-1024x1024.png)](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/)\#image\_titleIf you don’t yet have Homeschool Planet’s online planner, be sure to try [a free 30-day trial](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/) (no credit card required) and see what all these excellent curriculum options have to offer! ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/d3babb0046833226121ae02c4336793a9e823ce7c06de2c9b85ea50482f198ad?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Shawna Wingert Shawna Wingert is a former training and development professional turned education specialist, and has homeschooled her two children for the last ten years. Shawna has written four books about homeschooling unique learners and has been featured in homeschooling discussions on Today.com, The Mighty, Simple Homeschool, My Little Poppies and Raising Lifelong Leaners. You can find her online here at Homeschool Planet and at [DifferentByDesignLearning.com.](https://nottheformerthings.com/blog/) [See Full Bio](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/shawna-marketing/) [ ](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/shawna-marketing/) **Categories:** Homeschool Planning, Choosing Curriculum --- ### [Homeschool Portfolios: Helpful Resources For Easy And Legitimate Record Keeping](https://homeschoolplanet.com/easy-homeschool-portfolios-with-homeschool-planet/) **Published:** July 6, 2024 **Author:** Sarah Shelton **Content:** Although we can freely homeschool, there are some parameters we need to adhere to that vary from state to state or country to country for that matter. No matter what state or country in which you live, an amazing tool to capture your child’s education is a **homeschool portfolio**. [![](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/portfolios600x900.png)](https://homeschoolplanet.com/#pricing) ## Easy Homeschool Portfolios with Homeschool Planet You can easily create an all-encompassing homeschool portfolio for each of your children with Homeschool Planet’s digital homeschool planner online. ## What is a homeschool portfolio? A homeschool portfolio is a collection of a student’s work, achievements, and educational progress throughout the homeschooling year kept by the homeschool parent. Your child’s homeschool portfolio usually includes samples of coursework from their major subjects and a log of educational activities. Many parents like to include pictures of projects such as: science projects and science experiments, physical education activities and fine arts projects. A great idea is to keep a list of field trips, a book log with a list of books read and samples of any writings from a language arts curriculum. Portfolios serve as a comprehensive record of the student’s educational journey from the beginning of the school year to the end of the year. They can be used for assessment, evaluation, and documentation of academic growth. ## Are you required to keep a homeschool portfolio and homeschool records? A common legal requirement in many states is that you are required to keep a homeschool portfolio and homeschool records. Make sure to check your state requirements and their homeschool laws, because it is not always the case. Though, it is always a good idea to keep a log of educational activities, and educational progress of your child’s progress in your home instruction program. A portfolio can be used to demonstrate academic proficiency when transitioning to traditional schooling or to help with college admission. ## State Homeschool Requirements If you are in the U.S., each state has developed its own legal structure for home education. One state’s requirements and laws may look completely different from another. It would be beneficial for you to take a glance over at the[ Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA)](https://hslda.org/content/laws/) website for insight and laws for each state. Some states don’t even have reporting requirements which is amazing! Yet it leaves you with a decision of whether to keep a homeschool portfolio or not. If you ask most veteran homeschoolers, they would tell you that keeping stacks of documents or an accordion file folder containing your child’s work over the years is just not efficient. It is, however, wise to keep a digital portfolio of your child’s work in the event you ever need proof of progress — for whatever reason. Even some youth sports teams require a record of progress to be allowed to play or participate. What do you do, as a homeschool family, if you have nothing to show in regards to your child’s academic progress? It isn’t hard to do, but Homeschool Planet makes it even easier. Your local school district may give you a form to fill out and submit after you file your letter of intent to homeschool. However, in many areas, portfolios are recommended and often even requested for college admission.[ Homeschool Planet](https://homeschoolplanet.com/#pricing)’s online homeschool planner delivers all you need to easily make a homeschool portfolio for one or all of your children in no time at all. ### What should you include in your child’s portfolio? - Transcripts of grades - Photos and videos taken during that academic year - Reading Logs with a list of books read - Field Trip Logs - Lesson Plans - Attendance records - Artwork - Community Service hours and photos of projects - List of extracurricular activities and sports - Certificates or awards received throughout the school year - Complete list of curriculum used - Samples of work and test scores - Test results from standardized or end of the year testing ## Using Homeschool Planet for Homeschool Portfolio Organization Having to keep a record of everything you do in your homeschool can be truly overwhelming. Yet, Homeschool Planet has a means to gather all this information, all in one place, all throughout the year. Homeschool Planet has the power of the computer with the convenience of paper. It is intrinsically designed to make homeschool organization and accountability easy, mobile, and flexible for the whole family. Homeschool Planet is a household organization and homeschool management tool that truly can fit any homeschool approach your family follows such as: - [Traditional Homeschool Method](https://homeschoolplanet.com/traditional-homeschool-method/) - [Eclectic Homeschooling Method](https://homeschoolplanet.com/eclectic-homeschool-method-planning/) - [Unschooling ](https://homeschoolplanet.com/homeschool-planet-and-unschooling-a-perfect-pair/) - [Unit Study Homeschool Method](https://homeschoolplanet.com/homeschool-methods-101-exploring-the-unit-study-homeschool-method/) - [Classical Homeschool Method](https://homeschoolplanet.com/the-classical-homeschool-method/) - [Montessori Homeschool Method](https://homeschoolplanet.com/montessori-homeschool-method/) - [Charlotte Mason Homeschool Method](https://homeschoolplanet.com/charlotte-mason-homeschool-method/) Even if you take a more naturalistic or organic approach to homeschooling, keeping a homeschool portfolio through Homeschool Planet is a perfect way to log in all that your children have learned to fulfill your state requirements no matter what your teaching style. Homeschool Planet has the ability to produce everything that you may need for a portfolio to use either for your own use of [homeschool record keeping](https://homeschoolplanet.com/5-tips-for-homeschool-record-keeping/) management or to satisfy any state requirement record. ## Benefits of Keeping a Homeschool Portfolio Even if your state laws don’t require you to keep a portfolio or to be evaluated by a certified teacher at the end of the school year, you still may want to keep a portfolio. A homeschool portfolio is a great way to showcase what your child has accomplished through the year. ### Here are some great benefits of keeping a homeschool portfolio: **Records Memories** – A homeschooling portfolio can work just like a scrapbook. It is a beautiful way to record the memories that you have made with your children throughout the school year. Did you build a castle out of cardboard boxes when studying Medieval history? Maybe your children wrapped up their stuffed animals in toilet paper when learning about mummies while studying Ancient Egypt. These are all great things to take pictures of to keep in your portfolio to document learning. **Helpful Assessment Tool** – If you are required to do a portfolio review, your portfolio reviewer will look over your child’s work and see how they have progressed throughout the school year. If you do not keep grades for your younger children, a portfolio is a wonderful way to assess what they have learned and the work they have done. **Aids in Paper Organization** – We all know that homeschooling can cause a lot of papers to pile up. Especially if you have multiple children. Keeping a portfolio is a wonderful way to get rid of all of those old school workbooks. Just pull out the samples that you want to save in your portfolio and toss the rest. You can do this as you go along each month, or wait until the end of the year to sort it all. **Encouragement in Homeschool** – When you feel like you are overwhelmed in your homeschooling journey you can pull out your portfolios for some encouragement. Looking through them with your children is just like looking at a baby book of photos. You will see their progress and growth from year to year and be encouraged by just how far they have come. ## How to Assemble a Homeschool Portfolio It is very easy to assemble a homeschool portfolio. Many families build it as they go along, while others may keep everything from the past school year in an accordion file folder or box to put together at the end of the year. ### Supplies needed for a simple homeschool portfolio: - **A three-ring binder** – for younger children you may only need one or two inch binders for a simple homeschool portfolio. Older children many need a larger binder. - **Cover Page for your binder** – make sure to include your child’s name and their grade level. This is also as a great way to get your kids involved by having them decorate or customize their cover page with art work. - **3 ring hole puncher** – This will come in quite handy for all of those papers. - **Tabbed dividers** to break each subject up into different sections and keep things organized and easy to find. - **A page protector** is a great thing to have to keep art work protected. - **File folders** for papers, art or pictures that you don’t want to be hole punched ## Homeschool Planet Features that you can use for your portfolio: Whether your state has strict reporting laws or doesn’t have any at all, Homeschool Planet provides an easy portfolio with everything you need in one place. - Printable daily or weekly assignment and activity checklist of your school days - Customizable, professional Report Cards and high school Transcripts to print or save to a PDF Note: Transcripts are fully customizable with spots for activities, honors, and standardized test scores. Enter previous information for a complete picture and choose the scales and weights for your GPA. - Printable completed or uncompleted assignment and activity lists - Printable professional reports of Class hours for both Core and non-Core subjects - Color and black & white economy printing - Extensive reports to help you manage grades, attendance, activities, and more - A filter system to create reports that include exactly what you need, and only what you need with Homeschool Planet’s comprehensive and customizable reporting capabilities - Grade Reports (summary or detail) - Capability to compile all Class Notes - Tracking your books and resources - Attendance Records – Track and report class hours (includes a convenient clock icon that lets you see exactly which items you are tracking) - Automatically computes percentages of grade entries - Group individual classes together for a single grade. For example group Spelling, Literature, and Grammar classes together for a single Language Arts grade. ## In Conclusion If your state requires you to have a portfolio evaluation, Homeschool Planet takes the fear completely out of that process. You can print all the documents you need right out of Homeschool Planet, should you need hard copies for your homeschool evaluator. All of the print-outs all fit nicely into a 3-ring binder, file box, or accordion folder. You truly do not have to worry about putting together a portfolio last minute, since Homeschool Planet keeps all you need in one place which saves you a lot of time. Even if you need a portfolio right where you are in the middle of the homeschool year, it is no problem to have one readily available right in Homeschool Planet with just a few clicks. [![](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/portfolios1200x628.png)](https://homeschoolplanet.com/#introduction) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/d1f7ff2a76b04c9d0e780e3b7c7786d693ef5ad7f3af010b1c6ec1a927bcf8bd?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Sarah Shelton [See Full Bio](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/sjoysheltongmail-com/) [ ](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/sjoysheltongmail-com/) **Categories:** Homeschool 101, Homeschool Planning **Tags:** Easy Homeschool Portfolios with Homeschool Planet --- ### [Helping Your Students Choose Computer Science Careers](https://homeschoolplanet.com/helping-your-students-choose-computer-science-careers/) **Published:** May 11, 2020 **Author:** Richele McFarlin **Content:** ***Please enjoy this article written by: Chris Yust is President of CompuScholar, Inc. He has 20+ years of experience as a software engineer and has spent the last 10+ years developing computer science and digital literacy curriculum for middle and high school students.*** “Is there any future in computer programming? Aren’t all those jobs overseas now? Is it a bad idea to encourage my student’s interest in a computer science career?” ![Computer Science Career](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/computerscience.png) I have heard these questions over the last few years and my answer is always a resounding “No!” Despite what most people believe, *outsourcing has not killed the U.S. computer job market*. Today’s employment opportunities for software engineers in the U.S. are fantastic. Some companies do use overseas help in different areas, but a great many computer programming jobs are still around locally. It is simply too difficult for most companies to manage the complex process of software creation over long distances. ## **Computer Industry Jobs Will Grow** As a long-time software engineer, I have observed a lack of quality candidates first-hand. Local jobs often go unfilled for long periods of time because companies simply can’t interview enough people who qualify. I still get calls from recruiters who still have my 15-year old resume in their database from the last time I was looking for a job. Anecdotes aside, what to the statistics tell us? Computer jobs have seen steady growth and salary increases in recent years. Is this trend expected to continue? You bet! Just look at some of the numbers: - The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that one of the [fastest growing occupations](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/fastest-growing.htm) over the next 10 years is **software development**, with a projected 26% growth in the job market. - The US Dept of Commerce projects that nearly 3 out of 4 new science and engineering jobs in the US will be in **computing**. - The unemployment rate for software developers is between 1 and 3%, and even less in some specialties! Not only are jobs plentiful in the computer industry, but the *salaries* for these jobs are beating the current averages by a wide margin. A newly graduated computer science degree-holder can expect to early about $20,000 more annually than the average degree holder in other fields. Experienced software engineers will normally bring in $100k or more in salary. I should note here that simple “computer literacy” in word-processing and spreadsheet programs or even CAD-design will not qualify someone for these high-paying software jobs. These careers require specialized knowledge about **computer science** or **programming**. ## **The Purpose of High School Computer Science** Some parents are concerned about ensuring their students learn specific technologies in high school in order to prepare them for the job market. “Should my student learn Java or C# in order to have the best chance for success?” I always advise these parents to relax, because – at the high school level – it does not matter at all! Software engineering jobs normally require a bachelor’s degree (BSCS), so hiring companies are not looking at what students have done in high school. The student’s high school experience should be focused on **making a great career selection**. You just want to find out if your student has an **interest** in – and **aptitude** for – computer programming of any sort. ![](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/computerscience1.png) To that end, students can choose to start learning any common programming language like Java, Python or C#. Students may also have a special interest in subjects like Web Design or Video Game Programming – both of which require coding skills. If you select a curriculum or course that is taught in a **fun**, **age-appropriate** manner, your students are more likely to have a good experience and be encouraged down the computer science career path. You don’t need to graduate a full-fledged software engineer from high school. Just expose your tech-minded students to enough options that help them decide if a computer science degree is something they will pursue in college. We live in the digital age, and computers are here to stay. If your students are thinking about a career in computing, they will have a world of opportunities waiting for them. CompuScholar has a variety of online, self-study computer science courses for homeschool students. You are encouraged to [check out their homeschool options](https://www.compuscholar.com/homeschool/) and get started at any time. ### [CLICK HERE](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/compuscholar/) to check out Compuscholar’s options in the Homeschool Planet Marketplace! [![Compuscholar spotlight](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Marketplace-Spotlight-Compu-Scholar-1024x1024.png)](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/compuscholar/) *Chris Yust is President of CompuScholar, Inc. He has 20+ years of experience as a software engineer and has spent the last 10+ years developing computer science and digital literacy curriculum for middle and high school students.* ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a063eb982af10c4efe8a01cb85c366ad378d6d563a7ef743223e5ec5a377bf63?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Richele McFarlin [See Full Bio](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/richelehomeschoolplanet-com/) [ ](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/richelehomeschoolplanet-com/) **Categories:** Choosing Curriculum **Tags:** compuscholar, computer programming, computer programmer, computer industry, career choice, preparing for college, software engineers, computer science --- ### [How to Make the Most of History Quest: Early Times & Middle Times](https://homeschoolplanet.com/how-to-make-the-most-of-history-quest-early-times/) **Published:** January 20, 2020 **Author:** Richele McFarlin **Content:** *Narrative history is a great way to introduce elementary-age students to the distant events and not-so-familiar people of the ancient world. In this article, Lindsey Sodano, content editor of History Quest: Early Times and co-author of the companion History Quest: Early Times Study Guide, offers five ways to make the most of your read-aloud experience.* ![pandia press](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/historyquest-pin-2.png) One of the best perks of homeschooling is the ability to do it in your pajamas, sipping a mug of coffee (or two), curled up with your student while enjoying a good book together. If you’re a homeschooler planning to hop into history using [History Quest](https://www.pandiapress.com/history-quest/), a narrative history series from [Pandia Press](https://www.pandiapress.com/)[,](https://www.pandiapress.com/) and you’re also using the companion Study Guide, you’re going to need a snuggle chair. But first, do a quick read. # **Do A Quick Read of *History Quest: Early Times*** Several years ago, I read *Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire* aloud to my young, fairly sensitive son without eyeballing it beforehand. No spoilers here, but if you’ve read the book, you’ll know there are some really devastating events near the end. Everything was going along fine in the Triwizard Tournament, and then all of a sudden, the contest took a tragic turn and I was editing, toning down, and omitting things on the fly! I can assure you that you won’t encounter anything as shocking as the end of *Goblet of Fire* in your History Quest studies this year, but I still recommend giving each chapter a quick once-over to be aware of anything that might upset your child. Reading ahead can also help you prepare to answer any questions that might pop up. **Find Your Cozy Place** Like I said before, the very nature of homeschooling gives you the chance to turn reading time into a warm and cozy experience that you and your child can look forward to each day. Your child doesn’t have to be sitting at a desk in order to be learning. Try out a few different reading spots in your house, or maybe even on a porch swing or under a tree. Give some thought to your choice of time of day as well. You might want to ease into your homeschool day by starting off with a read-aloud in pajamas. Or maybe you and your child would enjoy [History Quest](https://www.pandiapress.com/history-quest/) as a way to kick off the afternoon. You might even decide to break the chapter up into two or more sittings if that suits your child’s attention span. [History Quest Study Guides](https://www.pandiapress.com/history-quest/) also include four “Hygge History” units. Based on the Danish concept of hygge, which loosely translates to “a cozy sense of togetherness,” these units are 100% devoted to read-aloud time for you and your child. You’ll read The Epic of Gilgamesh, the Iliad, the Ramayana, and a series of Chinese folktales as part of the [History Quest: Early Times Study Guide](https://www.pandiapress.com/product/history-quest-early-times-study-guide/) Hygge History units. In the [History Quest: Middle Times Study Guide](https://www.pandiapress.com/product/history-quest-middle-times-study-guide/), you’ll read about King Arthur, learn a few Japanese Folktales, be whisked away with 1001 Arabian Nights, and visit the Anansi from West Africa. The key to making these literary classics enjoyable and memorable for you and your child is no pressure. There are no worksheets, word searches, or any other kind of busywork associated with these weeks. Just snuggle up and enjoy! **Stop, listen, and discuss** There’s no need to bulldoze right through to the end of the chapter. If your kids are anything like mine, you can expect them to interrupt with questions, comments, clarifications, obscure pop culture references, and a few random non-sequiturs. Great! Talk it out. Answer questions. Go ahead and Google the stuff you don’t know. Learn some new vocabulary words. Take a break right in the middle of the Mesoamerica chapter to check out the famous Mesoamerican ball game on YouTube before finishing the reading. Or do a short lesson from the TED-Ed site about Polynesian wayfinding. **![](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/historyquestfb.png)Make read-aloud time with *History Quest: Early Times* a family affair** My teenage son, long-since recovered from my unfortunate bungling of *Goblet of Fire*, now enjoys reading aloud to his younger brother. (I have to admit that his numerous character voices and accents are better than mine.) For those looking to get siblings involved, the “History Hop” chapters in History Quest are a great place to start. In these chapters, readers themselves get to visit an ancient civilization and chat with a real or legendary historical figure. This interactivity creates a great opportunity to draw in siblings of any [age to help read](https://homeschoolplanet.com/top-5-reasons-to-read-aloud-to-kids-of-all-ages/), dramatize the story, or even just listen along. **Expand on what you read with hands-on activities** To turn your read-aloud history into a full curriculum, pick up a [History Quest: Early Times Study Guide](https://www.pandiapress.com/product/history-quest-early-times-study-guide/) or [History Quest Middle Times Study Guide](https://www.pandiapress.com/product/history-quest-middle-times-study-guide/), also from Pandia Press. In the [History Quest: Early Times ](https://www.pandiapress.com/product/history-quest-early-times/)chapter book, you will read about how the ancient Egyptians made mummies. With the companion study guide, you’ll make a mummy of your own out of an apple! Meet Marco Polo in [History Quest: Middle Times](https://www.pandiapress.com/product/history-quest-middle-times/) and then show off a favorite past journey of your own by creating a map craft from the study guide. Our study guides include hands-on projects, crafts, recipes, coloring pages, map work, discussion questions, suggestions for further reading, and more – everything you need to expand your History Quest reading into a full year of history study. And for those who just can’t get enough read-aloud time together, the study guide also includes four weeks of literature study from ancient times or the Middle Ages. Reading aloud can be a fun way for families to learn together. It can even help you forge a stronger connection with your homeschooled child, and with [History Quest](https://www.pandiapress.com/product/history-quest-early-times/), you, the parent might even learn a few things about these long-ago civilizations that you didn’t know before. Whether you decide to read in an overstuffed chair, on a porch swing, or under a favorite tree, when you reflect back on your homeschooling experience years from now, you might find that read-aloud time together with your child was one of your favorite parts of homeschooling. **About the Author** Lindsey Sodano is a writer and editor with degrees in English and education from Boston College. She is the development editor for the *History Quest: Early Times* chapter book series and the co-author of the accompanying study guide. Lindsey has three kids and runs a rather boisterous and sassy homeschool. In her spare time, she enjoys participating in community theatre and visiting theme parks with her kids. Her favorite children’s book for read-aloud time is The Maggie B. by Irene Haas, and in case you were wondering, her Hogwarts house is Slytherin. ![](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/historyquest-5.png) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a063eb982af10c4efe8a01cb85c366ad378d6d563a7ef743223e5ec5a377bf63?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Richele McFarlin [See Full Bio](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/richelehomeschoolplanet-com/) [ ](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/richelehomeschoolplanet-com/) **Categories:** Choosing Curriculum **Tags:** history, Pandia Press, Grammar School --- ### [A Comprehensive Guide To Math Lesson Plans For Your Homeschool](https://homeschoolplanet.com/a-comprehensive-guide-to-math-lesson-plans-for-your-homeschool/) **Published:** March 26, 2024 **Author:** Shawna Wingert **Content:** A mom who is considering homeschooling recently asked what advice I would give if I could only share one thing. My response? *“It will all be OK, but try to figure out a plan for math.”* Ahh, math. It makes many homeschool parents nervous and I was no different when my kids were young. **So here is the truth:** There really isn’t one perfect math curriculum out there, but there are *a lot of great ones* that will help you provide your children with a solid math foundation. ![Ultimate Guide To Math PIN](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Ultimate-Guide-To-Math-PIN-683x1024.jpg) ## Choosing A Homeschool Math Curriculum But with so many math curricula available, how do you choose the “right” one? How do you know what your kids will like, and what will help you teach effectively? *Remember, there are so many great homeschool math options available, but no curriculum is one-size-fits-all.* **There’s a lot to consider when selecting a math program, so ask yourself:** - What is my comfort level teaching math? Do I need a program that provides a lot of direction for the instructor? - Are my kids naturally curious about math or a bit (or very) hesitant? - What mode of learning would work best for our family? Online lessons? Workbooks? Lots of hands-on practice? - What are our family goals for math? Do we have a teen who is leaning toward careers that require advanced math? - What is manageable **in this season**? Do we have a newborn? A busy toddler? A houseful of on-the-go teens? From there, it can help to search online for honest homeschool parent math reviews. Explore what parents say about length of lessons and ease of use. Also consider what [homeschool methods](https://homeschoolplanet.com/homeschool-method/) (if any) they subscribe to. Do they share about their children’s learning styles? Keep in mind that **a math program might be popular or work well for some families, but that doesn’t mean it will** [**meet the needs of your unique family**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/a-homeschool-year-that-works/)**.** Finally, a trusted source in the homeschool world is [Cathy Duffy](https://cathyduffyreviews.com/homeschool-reviews-core-curricula/math). See if the program you are leaning toward has been reviewed on her website. ## Lesson Planning Options for Math Because so many homeschool families worry a little extra about math, there is a lot of advice out there about when to do math and how often. **So here is the good news:** Math lesson planning doesn’t have to be complicated, especially if you use [Homeschool Planet’s online planning system](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/). Homeschool Planet [seamlessly integrates with many of the most-used math curricula available](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/), so **you can schedule math in a way that makes sense for your family.** [Families are unique](https://homeschoolplanet.com/finding-a-homeschool-schedule-that-fits-your-family/) – so some choose to do math every day, and others, especially those with younger kids, may do math lessons less frequently. One of the biggest benefits of planning math with Homeschool Planet is that you can **establish separate profiles for each of your children**, and choose not only how often they do math lessons, but also when in their day they do math. This is great for your mathletes as well as for those who aren’t naturally math lovers and prefer getting math done early or saving it for the end of the day. ## Math Lesson Plans For Your Homeschool Planet Planner Take a look at all the math lesson plans we have available for you in our [Lesson Plan and Curriculum Marketplace:](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/) ### Textbook and Hands-On Math Lesson Plans - [ACSI Mathematics](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/acsi-mathematics/) - [Art of Problem Solving](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/art-of-problem-solving/) - [Beast Academy](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/beast-academy/) - [BJU Press Math](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/bju-press-math/) - [Christian Light Math](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/christian-light-mathematics/) - [DK Workbooks Math](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/dk-workbooks-math/) - [Exploring Creation with Mathematics](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/apologia-math/) - [Foerster Math](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/foerster-math/) - [Fun with Math for Life of Fred](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/fun-with-math-for-life-of-fred/) - [Horizons Math](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/horizons-math/) - [Key to Math Series](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/key-to-math-series/) - [Liberty Mathematics from Christian Liberty Press](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/clp-liberty-mathematics/) - [LIFEPAC Math](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/lifepac-math/) - [MCP Mathematics](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/mcp-mathematics/) - [Master Books Math](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/math-lessons-for-a-living-education/) - [Math Detective](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/math-detective-lesson-plans-homeschool-planet/) - [Math Facts that Stick](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/math-facts-that-stick/) - [Math Lessons for a Living Education](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/math-lessons-for-a-living-education/) - [Math In Focus: A Singapore Approach](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/math-in-focus-a-singapore-approach/) - [Math Mammoth](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/math-mammoth/) - [Math with Confidence](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/math-with-confidence/) - [Math-U-See](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/math-u-see-lesson-plans-for-homeschool-planet/) - [Ray’s for Today Arithmetic](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/rays-for-today-arithmetic/) - [RightStart Math](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/rightstart-math/) - [Rod and Staff Arithmetic](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/rod-and-staff-arithmetic/) - [Saxon Math](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/saxon-math/) - [Shiller Math](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/shillermath/) - [Singapore Primary Mathematics](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/singapore-primary-mathematics/) - [Spectrum Math Workbooks](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/spectrum-math/) ### Online and DVD Math Options - [IXL Math](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/ixl-math/) - [Khan Academy](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/khan-academy-math-lesson-plans/) - [MathSeeds](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/mathseeds/) - [Shormann Math](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/shormann-math/) - [Teaching Textbooks](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/teaching-textbooks-homeschool-planner-online-lesson-plans/) - [Thinkwell Math](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/thinkwell-math/) - [VideoText Interactive Math](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/videotext-interactive/) [Shop Math Lesson Plans Now](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/) ## Lesson Planning With Homeschool Planet Choosing a homeschool math program and math lesson planning really doesn’t have to be overwhelming or scary. **And Homeschool Planet provides free resources to help you get started.** First, you can try a [free 30-day trial of Homeschool Planet’s online planning system](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/). In just a few clicks, you will be able to set up profiles for you and each of your children. It’s quick and easy to add lessons, work schedules, family events, to-do lists and even shopping lists. But [Homeschool Planet’s free trial](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/) also allows you to choose **one free lesson plan to add to your schedule automatically.** Planning is a snap, because your free lesson plan automatically integrates into your Homeschool Planet planner. Homeschool Planet offers many popular math lesson plans – just head to [the free trial page](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/) and click on the drop-down to choose from our growing library. Math feels so much less stressful when you have a solid plan, so [head over](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/) and explore math lesson planning options and more today. ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/d3babb0046833226121ae02c4336793a9e823ce7c06de2c9b85ea50482f198ad?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Shawna Wingert Shawna Wingert is a former training and development professional turned education specialist, and has homeschooled her two children for the last ten years. Shawna has written four books about homeschooling unique learners and has been featured in homeschooling discussions on Today.com, The Mighty, Simple Homeschool, My Little Poppies and Raising Lifelong Leaners. You can find her online here at Homeschool Planet and at [DifferentByDesignLearning.com.](https://nottheformerthings.com/blog/) [See Full Bio](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/shawna-marketing/) [ ](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/shawna-marketing/) **Categories:** Homeschool Planning, Choosing Curriculum --- ### [Science Lesson Plans For Your Homeschool: A Complete Guide](https://homeschoolplanet.com/science-lesson-plans-homeschool/) **Published:** March 31, 2024 **Author:** Shawna Wingert **Content:** I never considered myself much of a “science person,” until I started homeschooling my kids. Suddenly, it felt like science was everywhere, and there were so many opportunities for learning. My children were naturally curious about nature, seasons, weather, animals, space and more. What felt tricky for me was figuring out how to keep from bouncing from elephants to electricity to engineering without feeling like we were missing something important. More and more STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and [Math](https://homeschoolplanet.com/a-comprehensive-guide-to-math-lesson-plans-for-your-homeschool/ "A Comprehensive Guide To Math Lesson Plans For Your Homeschool")) resources were becoming available for homeschoolers too – and I wanted to be sure we were covering all the bases. That meant finding a solid science curriculum, and careful planning to keep us all on track. ![Homeschool Science Online Lesson Plans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Ultimate-Guide-To-Science-PIN-1-683x1024.jpg) ## Choosing A Homeschool Science Curriculum When looking at science curriculum programs, there are lots of factors to consider. First, some families want a heavy emphasis on nature, including getting outside frequently, digging in the dirt or a tidepool and just possibly, dissecting owl pellets! Other families want less nature, but still desire a hands-on approach to science that involves plenty of experiments. And then, there are families that prefer reading good books, incorporating educational videos, and computer-based work (like coding). **Any of these options can help your homeschoolers build a solid science/STEM foundation.** And the best science curriculum is the one that meets your kids’ needs and your needs as a homeschool teacher. **To help you find a science curriculum that’s a good fit, ask yourself:** - Are we able to get out in nature frequently? Do we I/want to? *(It’s OK if the answer is no.)* - How much time do I have to set up science experiments and gather supplies? - How confident do I feel about teaching science? Would it help to use videos or other online resources? - How comfortable am I with experiments/dissection, etc. How comfortable are my kids? - Would it work for our family to learn science through a [literature-based curriculum](https://homeschoolplanet.com/literature-based-learning/)? - How much do we want to prioritize technology as part of science learning? Are my kids at an age where they are able to work on computers? - Do we have any older children or teens leaning toward careers in science, technology or engineering? - What is our budget for science? - Would it work well for us to [do science lessons with multiple kids at once](https://homeschoolplanet.com/homeschooling-a-large-family/)? - Are we in a season where science needs to be open-and-go and not take a lot of advance prep or planning? One of the biggest benefits of homeschooling is *getting to make choices that work for your unique family.* So if a nature-based curriculum isn’t for you, or you or your kids don’t love the idea of kitchen table experiments – that’s OK. The goal is to find a curriculum that you enjoy using and that engages your kids’ natural curiosity. ## Lesson Planning Options for Science Because science lessons can require a bit of extra prep work, some families choose to schedule less frequent, but longer science lessons. Families who do a lot of nature-based science may even devote one day a week to getting out and hiking, natural journaling or collecting specimens. Other homeschool families may embrace more of [a Charlotte Mason approach](https://homeschoolplanet.com/charlotte-mason-homeschool-method/) to homeschooling science, keeping lessons short, but frequent. It’s not just OK to [create a homeschool schedule that works well for your family](https://homeschoolplanet.com/finding-a-homeschool-schedule-that-fits-your-family/) – it’s actually an important part of keeping homeschooling sustainable. That means your lesson planning system needs to be flexible to your family’s needs and goals. [Homeschool Planet’s online homeschool planner](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/) allows parents to create profiles for themselves and each of their children. It’s an all-in-one planning system that makes it easy to add lessons, online classes, to-do lists, work schedules and more. Plus, many popular homeschool science programs available through [Homeschool Planet’s Lesson Plan and Curriculum Marketplace](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/) and can be integrated seamlessly into your children’s profiles. So whether you schedule science lessons for every day, once a week, or even want to plan occasional experiment days or nature days, [it just takes a few clicks](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/) to set up science lesson plans for the whole year. ## Science Lesson Plans For Your Homeschool Planet Planner Take a look at all of the science lesson plans available to directly integrate with your Homeschool Planet Planner: - [Berean Builders](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/berean-builders/) - [ACSI Science](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/acsi-science/) - [Apologia Elementary Science](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/apologia-elementary-science/) - [Apologia 7th-12th Grade Science](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/apologia-science-7th-12th-grade/) - [BJU Press Science](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/bju-press-science/) - [Beautiful Feet Books Science](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/beautiful-feet-books-science/) - [Birds in Our Backyard](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/birds-in-our-back-yard/) - [Building Blocks of Science](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/building-blocks-of-science/) - [Christian Kids Explore Science](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/christian-kids-explore-science/) - [Conceptual Academy Science](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/conceptual-academy-science/) - [DK Science Workbooks](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/dk-workbooks-science/) - [Devotional Biology](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/devotional-biology/) - [Elevate Science](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/elevate-science/) - [Evan-Moor Daily Science](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/evan-moor-daily-science/) - [Exploration Education](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/exploration-education-lesson-plans/) - [Friendly Biology/Chemistry](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/friendly-biology-chemistry/) - [Focus on Science](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/focus-on-science/) - [God’s Design for Science](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/gods-design-for-science/) - [Khan Academy Science](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/khan-academy-science/) - [Let’s Talk Science](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/lets-talk-science/) - [Lifepac Science](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/lifepac-science/) - [The Magic School Bus](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/the-magic-school-bus/) - [MasterBooks Science](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/master-books-science/) - [Mr. Q’s Science](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/mr-qs-science/) - [Nancy Larson Science](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/nancy-larson-science/) - [Novare Science](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/novare-science/) - [Pandia Press REAL Science Odyssey](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/pandia-press-science/) - [A Reason for Science](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/a-reason-for-science/) - [Rod and Staff Science](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/rod-and-staff-science/) - [SEA Science](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/secular-eclectic-academic-science/) - [SEA Science of Climate Change](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/the-science-of-climate-change/) - [Science Detective from Critical Thinking Company](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/ctc-science-detective/) - [Science Shepherd Science](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/science-shepherd-science/) - [Spectrum Science](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/spectrum-science/) - [Supercharged Science](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/supercharged-e-science/) - [Thinkwell Science](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/thinkwell-science/) There is a science option for every child and every family! ## Computer Technology Lesson Plans - [Code with Us](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/code-with-us-subscriptions/) - [Compu-Scholar](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/compuscholar/) - [Khan Academy Computer Courses](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/khan-academy-computer-sciences/) ## Lesson Planning With Homeschool Planet Science can be a fun subject to learn with your kids, no matter what curriculum you choose. And Homeschool Planet’s online lesson planner makes it easy to break down lessons in a way that works best for your family. **Plus, you can try it for free!** Simply click here to get a [free 30-day trial of Homeschool Planet’s online planning system](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/). [Setup is quick and easy](https://homeschoolplanet.com/get-started-with-homeschool-planet/) AND your free trial also allows you to choose **one free lesson plan from** [**Homeschool Planet’s Lesson Plan and Curriculum Marketplace**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/)**, including lots of science options.** [![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/burst-your-bubble-1-1024x1024.png)](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/)Homeschooling science can be such a fun learning experience for the whole family, so [try Homeschool Planet’s online homeschool planner for free](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/) and start your family’s science journey today. ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/d3babb0046833226121ae02c4336793a9e823ce7c06de2c9b85ea50482f198ad?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Shawna Wingert Shawna Wingert is a former training and development professional turned education specialist, and has homeschooled her two children for the last ten years. Shawna has written four books about homeschooling unique learners and has been featured in homeschooling discussions on Today.com, The Mighty, Simple Homeschool, My Little Poppies and Raising Lifelong Leaners. You can find her online here at Homeschool Planet and at [DifferentByDesignLearning.com.](https://nottheformerthings.com/blog/) [See Full Bio](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/shawna-marketing/) [ ](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/shawna-marketing/) **Categories:** Homeschool Planning, Choosing Curriculum --- ### [A Complete Guide To Language Arts Lesson Plans For Your Homeschool](https://homeschoolplanet.com/language-arts-lesson-plans/) **Published:** April 8, 2024 **Author:** Shawna Wingert **Content:** Finding language arts lesson plans for your homeschool that actually fit your family and approach doesn’t have to be complicated. This complete guide has everything you need to find exactly what you’re looking for, school year after school year. ![language arts lesson plans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Ultimate-Guide-To-Language-Arts-PIN.jpg-683x1024.jpg) When my kids were young, it felt natural to curl up on the couch and read books together. So when we decided to homeschool, “language arts,” didn’t initially seem too intimidating. But … language arts encompasses many topics. First, we have teaching kids to read, then handwriting, and then the mechanics of writing, like grammar and spelling. For older kids, we need to teach more advanced skills to help them understand literature and poetry and how to write everything from emails to essays. It can feel a little complicated and hard to figure out all the separate pieces. Add that many of us feel a lot of pressure to raise kids who love reading, and so we want to approach language arts with care. Here’s the good news: **It is definitely possible to create language arts lesson plans that will help your kids learn all aspects of language and still enjoy reading and writing.** It just takes a bit of research and planning. ## Choosing A Homeschool Language Arts Curriculum Language arts is a general heading that includes reading, writing and other elements of what is sometimes called English. Because language arts involves helping our homeschoolers learn so many skills, there are a lot of curricula and programs available. So how do you choose a language arts program? And do you need one curriculum that teaches all aspects of language arts, or is it ok to pick and choose? **The “best” language arts curriculum option is the one that your family will use.** So that may mean purchasing one program that teaches all aspects of language learning, or choosing separate resources for various skills like grammar, spelling and reading. Keep in mind too, that many language arts programs will only offer options for one “branch” of language arts. It’s common to find curriculum providers that focus on handwriting, for instance, or spelling. **So some good questions to ask when exploring language arts curriculum include:** - Are my kids naturally drawn to books and reading or are they a little more hesitant? - Would it work for our family to teach other subjects (like history, or science) through a [literature-based curriculum](https://homeschoolplanet.com/literature-based-learning/)? - Do I want to do a lot of reading aloud, or would I prefer for my kids to read more independently? - How confident do I feel about teaching subjects like grammar and spelling? - Do we need a separate spelling curriculum, or would it work better to use a program that combines handwriting with grammar and spelling? - Do I want to incorporate workbooks into language arts? - Do I have a child who is drawn to writing? Or, with an older child, do they want to pursue a career that will require a lot of writing skills? - What is manageable **in this season**? Do we need to emphasize resources like audiobooks, online classes or in-person or virtual book clubs? - How comfortable do I feel with a child learning to read on their own timeline? - Do any of my children have [learning differences](https://homeschoolplanet.com/homeschool-planet-children-with-learning-differences/) that impact reading or writing like dyslexia or dysgraphia, or do I suspect learning challenges? Keep in mind that many families homeschool language arts effectively by reading together, and practicing handwriting and language mechanics through other subjects. So choose resources that meet the needs of your unique family and each child. ## Lesson Planning Options for Language Arts Language arts learning can feel a bit ambiguous, because it encompasses lots of sub-topics, and it has a lot of cross-over with other subjects. For instance, you may read a novel with your kids that is set during World War II, and so that covers language arts *and* history. Or, your child may write an essay about their favorite animal that naturally includes some science. And so, it can feel hard sometimes to “plan” language arts. So a good planning system that provides structure and flexibility is key. Using the [online homeschool planner from Homeschool Planet](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/) allows parents to create individual profiles for each of their children, and integrate many language arts curriculum plans seamlessly. Parents can add lessons directly to their child’s schedule through its [homeschool lesson plan library](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/). With just a few clicks, a language arts program of your choice can be added right to their individual schedule. This process is easy and **automatically integrates** many of the most popular language arts programs available. That means parents can schedule language arts easily, whether they choose one comprehensive language arts curriculum or make use of more than one program. ## Language Arts Lesson Plans For Your Homeschool Planet Planner Take a look at all of the language arts lesson plans available to integrate directly into your homeschool planner: ### General Language Arts Lesson Plans - [BJU Press English](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/bju-press-english/) - [Daily Language Review by Evan-Moor](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/evan-moor-daily-language-review/) - [DK Workbooks- Language Arts](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/dk-workbooks-language-arts/) - [Horizons Language Arts](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/horizons-language-arts/) - [IXL Language Arts](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/ixl-language-arts/) - [Language Fundamentals by Evan-Moor](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/evan-moor-language-fundamentals/) - [Language Lessons for a Living Education](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/language-lessons-for-a-living-education/) - [Language Lessons for Today](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/language-lessons-for-today/) - [Language Smarts](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/language-smarts/) - [Learning Language Arts through Literature](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/learning-language-arts-through-literature/) - [Lifepac Language Arts](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/lifepac-language-arts/) - [Lightning Literature](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/lightning-literature-composition/) - [Master Books Language Arts](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/masterbooks-language-arts/) - [PAL: Primary Arts of Language from the Institute for Excellence in Writing](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/iew-primary-arts-of-language/) - [Poetry Memorization from the Institute for Excellence in Writing](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/iew-poetry-memorization/) - [Read & Understand Poetry by Evan-Moor](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/evan-moor-read-understand-poetry/) - [Shurley English](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/shurley-english/) - [Spectrum Language Arts](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/spectrum-language-arts/) - [Touch-type Read and Spell](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/touch-type-read-and-spell/) - [Voyages in English](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/voyages-in-english/) - [Young Scholar’s Guide to Poetry](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/young-scholars-guide-to-poetry/) ### Reading and Literature Lesson Plans - [Adventures in Phonics from Christian Liberty Press](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/christian-liberty-press-phonics/) - [All About Reading](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/all-about-reading/) - [BJU Press Reading & Literature](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/bju-press-literature/) - [Essentials in Literature](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/essentials-in-literature/) - [Explode the Code](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/explode-the-code/) - [Foundations Phonics](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/foundations-phonics/) - [Jim Hodges Audiobooks](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/jim-hodges-g-a-henty-audio-books-with-study-guide-included/) - [Literary Adventures for Kids](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/literary-kids/) - [Modern Curriculum Press: Comprehension Plus](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/mcp-comprehension-plus/) - [Novel Thinking by Critical Thinking Company](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/ctc-novel-thinking/) - [Ordinary Parent’s Guide to Teaching Reading](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/the-ordinary-parents-guide-to-teaching-reading/) - [Phonics & Reading Series from Evan-Moor](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/evan-moor-daily-phonics/) - [Plaid Phonics](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/plaid-phonics/) - [Reading Detective by Critical Thinking Company](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/ctc-reading-detective/) - [Reading Eggs](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/reading-eggs/) - [Rod and Staff Phonics](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/rod-and-staff-phonics/) - [Rod and Staff Reading](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/rod-and-staff-reading/) - [Spectrum Reading Workbooks](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/spectrum-reading/) - [Spectrum Phonics & Word Study](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/spectrum-phonics-word-study/) - [Tapestry of Grace: Literature](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/tapestry-of-grace-literature/) - [Why Shakespeare…Indeed]() ### Composition and Grammar Lesson Plans - [Analytical Grammar](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/analytical-grammar/) - [Applications of Grammar](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/christian-liberty-press-applications-of-grammar/) - [BJU Press Writing & Grammar](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/bju-press-writing-grammar/) - [Building Writers](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/building-writers/) - [Daily Editing and 6-Trait Writing Series by Evan-Moor](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/evan-moor-editing-and-composition-series/) - [Fix-It Grammar from the Institute for Excellence in Writing](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/iew-fix-it-grammar/) - [Easy Grammar](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/easy-grammar/) - [Essentials in Writing](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/essentials-in-writing/) - [Expository Writing by The Well Trained Mind](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/writing-with-ease/) - [First Language Lessons](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/first-language-lessons/) - [Fitting Words](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/fitting-words/) - [Grammar for the Well Trained Mind](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/grammar-for-the-well-trained-mind/) - [Grammar for Writers](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/grammar-for-writers/) - [Grammar Galaxy](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/galaxy-grammar/) - [Growing with Grammar](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/growing-with-grammar/) - [G.U.M. drops](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/g-u-m-drops/) - [Jensen’s Format Writing & Grammar](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/jensens-format-writing-grammar/) - [Life of Fred Grammar](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/life-of-fred-grammar/) - [Rod and Staff English](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/rod-and-staff-english/) - [Saxon Grammar & Writing](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/saxon-grammar-writing/) - [Skill Sharpeners by Evan-Moor](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/evan-moor-skills-sharpener-punctuation-grammar/) - [Spectrum Writing](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/spectrum-writing/) - [Structure & Style from the Institute for Excellence in Writing](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/structure-and-style/) - [Theme Based Writing from the Institute for Excellence in Writing](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/iew-theme-based-writing/) - Well Ordered Language and Rhetoric - [Winning with Writing](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/winning-with-writing/) - [Winston Grammar](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/winston-grammar/) - [Write by Number](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/write-by-number/) - [Write Shop](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/writeshop/) - [Writing & Rhetoric](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/writeshop/) - [Zaner-Bloser GUM: Grammar, Usage, & Mechanics](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/zaner-bloser-gum-grammar-usage-mechanics/) ### Spelling and Vocabulary Lesson Plans - [ACSI Spelling](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/acsi-science-2/) - [All About Spelling](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/all-about-spelling/) - [BJU Press Spelling](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/bju-press-spelling/) - [BJU Press Vocabulary](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/bju-press-vocabulary/) - [Building Spelling Skills](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/171494/) - [DK Workbooks: Spelling](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/dk-workbooks-spelling/) - [Daily Skill Building: Spelling](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/daily-skill-building-spelling-includes-curriculum/) - [Daily Skill Building: Vocabulary](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/daily-skill-building-vocabulary/) - [Horizons Spell & Vocab](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/horizons-spelling-vocabulary/) - [Jensen’s Vocabulary](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/jensens-vocabulary/) - [Phonetic Zoo from the Institute for Excellence in Writing](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/iew-phonetic-zoo/) - [A Reason for Spelling](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/a-reason-for-spelling/) - [Rod and Staff Spelling](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/rod-and-staff-spelling/) - [Soaring with Spelling](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/soaring-with-spelling/) - [Spectrum Spelling](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/spectrum-spelling/) - [Spelling You See](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/spelling-you-see/) - [Spelling & Vocab Series by Evan-Moor](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/171494/) - [Spelling Workout](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/spelling-workout/) - [Spellwell](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/spellwell/) - [Vocabulary from Classical Roots](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/vocabulary-from-classical-roots/) - [Vocabulary Virtuoso from Critical Thinking Company](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/ctc-vocabulary-virtuoso/) - [WordUp!](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/wordup/) - [Word Build Online](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/wordbuildonline/) - [Word Roots from Critical Thinking Company](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/ctc-word-roots/) - [Wordly Wise 3000 Book Series](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/wordly-wise-3000-book-series/) ### Handwriting Lesson Plans - [BJU Press Penmanship](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/bju-press-penmanship/) - [Catch on to Cursive from Master Books](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/master-books-catch-on-to-cursive/) - [Cursive Knowledge from the Institute for Excellence in Writing](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/iew-cursive-knowledge/) - [Daily Handwriting by Evan-Moor](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/evan-moor-daily-handwriting-practice/) - [D’Nealian Handwriting](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/dnealian-handwriting/) - [DrawWriteNow](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/draw-write-now/) - [Getty-Dubay Handwriting](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/getty-dubay-handwriting-lesson-plans/) - [Handwriting by Christian Liberty Press](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/christian-liberty-press-handwriting/) - [Handwriting Without Tears](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/handwriting-without-tears/) - [Horizons Penmanship](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/horizons-penmanship/) - [New American Cursive by Memoria Press](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/new-american-cursive/) - [A Reason for Handwriting](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/66073/) - [Rod and Staff Penmanship](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/rod-and-staff-penmanship/) - [Spectrum Handwriting](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/spectrum-handwriting/) - [Universal Handwriting](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/universal-handwriting/) - [Zaner-Bloser Handwriting](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/zaner-bloser-handwriting/) As you can see, we have lesson plans for every aspect of language arts learning! ## Lesson Planning With Homeschool Planet Teaching language arts is an opportunity to embrace the freedom of homeschooling, and enjoy language learning with your kids. And scheduling language arts lessons doesn’t have to feel complicated. **Homeschool Planet provides free resources to** [**help you get started**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/get-started-with-homeschool-planet/)**.** Families can quickly add favorite language arts resources right to their schedule, and can even receive **a language arts lesson plan for free.** To get started, head here for a [free 30-day trial of Homeschool Planet’s online planning system](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/). Setup is quick and easy and allows parents to schedule everything in one place – lessons, family events, to-do lists, work schedules, online classes and even shopping lists. [Homeschool Planet’s free trial](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/) also allows families to choose **one free lesson plan that can be added directly to your children’s individual profiles.** Just choose from the drop-down menu. Language arts is an expansive and beautiful subject and provides children with many building blocks they will need throughout their education. So head over now to [try Homeschool Planet’s online homeschool planner for 30-day days](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/) AND integrate a language arts program of your choice for free. [![Daisies free trial image for Homeschool Planet](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/summer-homeschool-planning-free-trial-2-1024x1024.jpg)](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/d3babb0046833226121ae02c4336793a9e823ce7c06de2c9b85ea50482f198ad?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Shawna Wingert Shawna Wingert is a former training and development professional turned education specialist, and has homeschooled her two children for the last ten years. Shawna has written four books about homeschooling unique learners and has been featured in homeschooling discussions on Today.com, The Mighty, Simple Homeschool, My Little Poppies and Raising Lifelong Leaners. You can find her online here at Homeschool Planet and at [DifferentByDesignLearning.com.](https://nottheformerthings.com/blog/) [See Full Bio](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/shawna-marketing/) [ ](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/shawna-marketing/) **Categories:** Homeschool Planning --- ### [Art and Music Lesson Plans For Your Homeschool: Our Comprehensive Guide](https://homeschoolplanet.com/art-and-music-lesson-plans-homeschool-our-comprehensive-guide/) **Published:** April 22, 2024 **Author:** Shawna Wingert **Content:** This comprehensive guide to art and music lesson plans for your homeschool has everything you need to add beauty and creativity to your family’s learning. ![art and music homeschool plans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Ultimate-Guide-To-Art-Music-PIN.jpg.jpg) When I was in elementary school, each grade had art and music a few times a week. Nowadays, we frequently hear news about schools cutting art and music programs.Unfortunately, the educational norm is to now see art and music as “nice extras.” **As a homeschool family, art and music became huge parts of our lives.** We wove them into other subjects, and my children did a lot of art and made a lot of music in their free time. In fact, I don’t know how we would have homeschooled without art and music! So when you plan your homeschool year, consider how you view art and music learning. Are they nice extras for your family or are they integral? Either way, it certainly helps to have a plan for music and art. ## Choosing Art Curriculum and Music Curriculum There are a LOT of ways to approach art and music learning in your homeschool. The main question to ask yourself as you consider art and music programs is *what is my skill and comfort level with these subjects?* As the homeschool teacher, do you need *a little* help, or *a lot* of help when it comes to teaching art and music? (Either is OK!) Many families choose to “outsource,” music, meaning finding a piano or violin teacher, for instance. For art, video lessons are a great option for parents who don’t have a lot of art background. In the best cases, you may be able to follow along as an experienced artist shares techniques and tips, and make art right alongside your kids. And then there are art history and music history. Many students don’t encounter these subjects until college. But if your family has interests in this area, there are some fun curriculum options even for young children. It can also be an effective approach to combine art and music with other subjects, like history or language arts. Some homeschool curricula have music and art baked right into their program. Or, families who want to integrate music and art with other learning approach like a [unit study approach](https://homeschoolplanet.com/homeschool-methods-101-exploring-the-unit-study-homeschool-method/). ### **As you consider how to homeschool music and art, ask yourself:** - ***How high of a priority do I want to put on music and art?*** - Are any of my kids especially drawn to art or music? - What is my skill/comfort level when it comes to these subjects? - If any of my kids are really drawn to music, would it make sense to find a piano/violin/guitar, etc. teacher? - Do we want to study art history and/or music history? - Am I up for setting up hands-on art projects? - How tolerant am I of art project messes? - Would it be helpful to use a music program with video or online interactive resources? - Do my kids enjoy making art on their own? Does art need to be a formal subject for us, or can I just give my kids access to art supplies? - Do I want to teach all of my kids art or music together? Or are my kids at vastly different skill/interest levels when it comes to art and music? - Would it be helpful to use a packaged art program that includes supplies? - Do I want to tie art or music to other homeschool subjects,[ like history](https://homeschoolplanet.com/history-and-geography-lesson-plans/ "Top History and Geography Lesson Plans For Your Homeschool")? - Am I in a busy season when art projects seem really overwhelming? - Do I have local resources available? Art classes at an art museum or pottery studio, for instance? Or local concerts or performances we could attend? - Are any of my children hoping to further their art or music study after we finish homeschooling? Are they looking to pursue careers in music or art? - What is my budget for art and music? Keep in mind that homeschool music and art can look a lot of different ways, from private lessons, to group classes, to focusing on each of your children’s individual needs and goals. Also, because art and music are subjects where it can help to have some extra support, a lot of co-ops choose to offer art and music classes. Explore all of your options and know that art and music are really subjects where you can embrace the freedom that comes with homeschooling. ## Lesson Planning Options for Art and Music Because art and music are often seen as “electives,” there is a lot of flexibility when it comes to art and music homeschool lesson planning. **Again – it can be valuable to consider how highly your family prioritizes art and music when you plan your homeschool year.** This will help you determine if you want to plan for art and music every day, a few times a week, or even study one or the other at a time, or take time off from these subjects. In a really busy season, like after the birth of a new baby, it just may not be the time to do a ton of involved art projects! You’ll also want to decide if music and art are subjects that you can teach multiple kids at the same time. This might be a natural fit if you take [an integrated homeschooling approach](https://homeschoolplanet.com/why-integrate-an-education/) or a [unit study approach.](https://homeschoolplanet.com/homeschool-methods-101-exploring-the-unit-study-homeschool-method/) Luckily, [Homeschool Planet’s online homeschool planner](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/) makes scheduling art and music easy. Because you can build individual profiles for each of your children, you can plan art and music based on each child’s interest level. Maybe you want to be able to set aside an hour a day for one child to practice music or art. Or maybe since art can be a bit involved, you want to plan a family art day once a week or once a month. [Homeschool Planet’s unique all-in-one planner](https://homeschoolplanet.com) allows parents to schedule art and music however it makes sense for your family. You can easily plan for art and music time, as well as plan other lessons and classes, and even incorporate work schedules, appointments, chores and more. Plus, through [Homeschool Planet’s Lesson Plan and Curriculum Marketplace](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/) parents can automatically integrate music or art lesson plans from many popular curriculum options into student profiles. This feature means it takes just a few clicks to plan art and music for the whole year! ## Music and Art Lesson Plans For Your Homeschool Planet Planner Take a look at Homeschool Planet’s integrated Art and Music lesson plans: - [The Vocal Gym](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/the-vocal-gym/) - [Art with a Purpose](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/art-with-a-purpose/) - [ARTistic Pursuits](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/artistic-pursuits/) - [Drawing with Children](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/drawing-with-children/) - [eMedia Music](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/emedia-music/) - [Homeschool Piano](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/homeschoolpiano/) - [How Great Thou ART](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/how-great-thou-art/) - [LIFEPAC Art](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/65283/) - [Master Books: Living Art Lessons](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/masterbooks-living-art/) - [Music in Our Homeschool](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/music-in-our-homeschool/) - [Rod and Staff Music](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/rod-and-staff-music/) - [Tapestry of Grace: Fine Arts & Activities](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/tapestry-of-grace-art-activities/) - [Young Scholar’s Guide to Composers](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/young-scholars-guide-to-composers/) ## Lesson Planning With Homeschool Planet Homeschooling music and art can be fun, rewarding, (a little messy sometimes!), and definitely memorable. So however you choose to approach music and art, know that [Homeschool Planet’s online homeschool planning system](https://homeschoolplanet.com) will help you meet your goals. [![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Spring-into-Action-1024x1024.png)](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/) [**Plus, you can try it for free for 30 days**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/) **and get an added bonus –** you can also choose **one free lesson plan from** [**Homeschool Planet’s Lesson Plan and Curriculum Marketplace**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/). So [head here now](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/) to try Homeschool Planet’s online homeschool planner for free, grab your free lesson plan, and get ready to get creative with your kiddos. ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/d3babb0046833226121ae02c4336793a9e823ce7c06de2c9b85ea50482f198ad?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Shawna Wingert Shawna Wingert is a former training and development professional turned education specialist, and has homeschooled her two children for the last ten years. Shawna has written four books about homeschooling unique learners and has been featured in homeschooling discussions on Today.com, The Mighty, Simple Homeschool, My Little Poppies and Raising Lifelong Leaners. You can find her online here at Homeschool Planet and at [DifferentByDesignLearning.com.](https://nottheformerthings.com/blog/) [See Full Bio](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/shawna-marketing/) [ ](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/shawna-marketing/) **Categories:** Homeschool Planning --- ### [Top History and Geography Lesson Plans For Your Homeschool](https://homeschoolplanet.com/history-and-geography-lesson-plans/) **Published:** April 14, 2024 **Author:** Shawna Wingert **Content:** This complete guide to history and geography lesson plans for you homeschool offers lists of available lesson plans as well as tips for choosing the right ones for your family. ![history lesson plans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Ultimate-Guide-To-History-Geography-PIN.jpg-683x1024.jpg) I remember a few years ago, a repair man came over to fix our washing machine. “You must homeschool,” he said, looking at the history timeline wrapping around the ceiling of our dining room, and the world map on the wall. As he headed to the washer, he noticed the poster of presidents and smiled: “Yup. Definitely homeschoolers.” It’s true. We *were* definitely homeschoolers, and history and geography were always two of my favorite subjects to study with my kids. When they were younger, we took what is sometimes termed a “Social Studies” approach, learning about cultures, holidays and traditions too. We found lots of helpful curriculum options, but we also really loved reading books set in the past, or in far away locales. With so many great resources available for learning about geography and history, it was important to have a plan to keep us on track. ## Choosing Homeschool History and Geography Curriculum It’s valuable to note that, especially for younger students, many curriculum companies combine history and geography. Some even group them together with culture, language, politics and more under the heading of Social Studies. There are also plenty of curriculum companies that separate history and geography into two subjects, and companies that only specialize in one or the other. Grouping the two or using separate resources are both options that can work well, and just like with other homeschool subjects – **you want to look for a curriculum that grabs your kids’ interest, and your interest too.** It’s also important to consider that some families enjoy a [literature-based approach](https://homeschoolplanet.com/literature-based-learning/) to history, drawing mainly from books set in historic time periods. Kids can learn a lot by “walking” in a character’s shoes. It’s absolutely possible to combine[ language arts ](https://homeschoolplanet.com/language-arts-lesson-plans/ "A Complete Guide To Language Arts Lesson Plans For Your Homeschool")and history, and give your children a well-rounded look at the past. One more option when it comes to history and geography is to take a [unit study approach](https://homeschoolplanet.com/homeschool-methods-101-exploring-the-unit-study-homeschool-method/). It can be so much fun to make recipes from generations ago, create costumes and work on hands-on projects together. ### Questions to consider when choosing a social studies curriculum No matter what approach you take, when looking at history and geography curriculum it can help to consider things like: - Is it important to me to teach history in a particular order? (Such as ancient history before Medieval history) - Am I up for setting up hands-on projects? - If we take a[ literature-based approach](https://homeschoolplanet.com/literature-based-learning/), do I want to choose books, or would it be helpful to have a list to follow or even be able to purchase a curated set of books? - Would it be helpful to use a program with video or online interactive resources? - Do I want to make use of workbooks? - Do I want to teach my kids history together, or at least try to coordinate what time period they are studying? - Do any of my children need visual resources like maps or timelines to help them solidify learning? - Would it be helpful to use a packaged program that includes art activities or other hands-on resources? - Do you have kids who enjoy memorization, or is it important to you to i[ncorporate classical learning methods?](https://homeschoolplanet.com/the-classical-homeschool-method/) - Are you in a busy season when it would help to have access to resources like audiobooks or online programs? - Are any of your children particularly interested in history? What modes of learning are they drawn to naturally? (Encyclopedias have come a long way!) - For older students, are any of them considering careers that would require advanced history or geography? Finally, remember that you don’t have to choose one curriculum. Many families use a variety of [resources to study history and geography](https://differentbydesignlearning.com/make-homeschooling-history-fun/), because there are just so many good options. With a bit of organization and planning, this can absolutely be an effective approach. ## Lesson Planning Options for History and Geography There are so many ways to plan in your homeschool. And when it comes to history and geography, there’s a lot to think about. First, history is a topic that many families like to do all together. You don’t have to take that approach, but if you do, you may find it helpful to plan other subjects like [math](https://homeschoolplanet.com/a-comprehensive-guide-to-math-lesson-plans-for-your-homeschool/) around history. Especially if you are using unit studies or taking [an integrated homeschooling approach](https://homeschoolplanet.com/why-integrate-an-education/), you may find you need to prioritize time in everyone’s schedules. Luckily, [Homeschool Planet’s online homeschool planner](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/) makes that easy. Their unique all-in-one planner allows parents to schedule lessons in individual profiles for each of their children. From there, you can add other lessons, online classes and more. Through [Homeschool Planet’s Lesson Plan and Curriculum Marketplace](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/) you can even automatically integrate history and geography lesson plans from many popular curriculum options right into each child’s schedule. It can be fun to take history and geography deep-dives sometimes, but many families also benefit from a-bit-each-day, [Charlotte Mason-type approach](https://homeschoolplanet.com/charlotte-mason-homeschool-method/) to history and geography. However you decide to study geography and history in your homeschool, know that [it just takes a few clicks](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/) to set up lesson plans through Homeschool Planet. ## History and Geography Lesson Plans For Your Homeschool Planet Planner Take a look at all the lesson plans we have available for your online planner: - [Apologia Constitutional Literacy](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/apologia-constitutional-literacy/) - [BJU Press History](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/bju-press-history/) - [Beautiful Feet Books](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/beautiful-feet-books/) - [Curiosity Chronicles](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/curiosity-chronicles/) - [The Curious Historian](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/cap-the-curious-historian/) - [Daily Skill Building: Geography](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/daily-skill-building-us-geography/) - [Dave Raymond’s History](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/dave-raymonds-history/) - [DK Geography Workbooks](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/dk-workbooks/) - [Evan-Moor Daily Geography](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/evan-moor-daily-geography/) - [Hillsdale College 1776 American History & Civics](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/hillsdale-curriculum/) - [History Detectives by Critical Thinking Company](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/ctc-history-detectives/) - [History of the World by Well Trained Mind](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/wtm-history-of-the-world/) - [Khan Academy](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/khan-academy/) - [Lifepac History & Geography](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/lifepac-history-geography/) - [Notgrass History](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/notgrass-history/) - [Master Books Geography](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/master-books-geography/) - [Master Books History](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/masterbooks-history/) - [Modern Curriculum Press Geography](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/modern-curriculum-press-geography/) - [myWorld Social Studies](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/myworld-social-studies/) - [The Mystery of History](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/the-mystery-of-history/) - [The Nomadic Professor](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/nomadic-professor/) - [North Star Geography](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/north-star-geography/) - [Northwoods Press Geography](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/northwoods-press-geography/) - [Pandia Press History](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/pandia-press-history-quest/) - [Rod and Staff History](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/rod-and-staff-history/) - [Spectrum Geography](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/spectrum-geography/) - [Story of the World by Well Trained Mind](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/story-of-the-world/) - [Tapestry of Grace: History](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/tapestry-of-grace-history/) - [Tapestry of Grace: Geography](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/tapestry-of-grace-geography/) - [Veritas Press Self-Paced History](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/veritas-press-history/) - [Veritas Press Omnibus](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/veritas-press-omnibus/) - [World Geography Daily Skill Builders](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/world-geography-daily-skills/) There is something for all ages and all learning styles! ## Lesson Planning With Homeschool Planet Homeschooling gives families a really unique opportunity to have FUN with history and geography. Whether you choose to read great books together, get creative with maps and timelines or dive into art projects, cooking and costumes, homeschooling history and geography really can take us back in time, and to far away places. And planning history and geography is easy with [Homeschool Planet’s online homeschool planning system](https://homeschoolplanet.com). [**Plus, you can try it for free for 30 days!**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/) ![free trial of homeschool planet](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Dont-let-this-deal-float-away-1024x1024.png) Through your free trial, you’ll also be able to choose **one free lesson plan from** [**Homeschool Planet’s Lesson Plan and Curriculum Marketplace**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/)**, (including plenty of geography and history curricula.)** Just head here to [try Homeschool Planet’s online homeschool planner for free](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/) and get ready to create some warm homeschool memories around history and geography, and all they have to offer. ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/d3babb0046833226121ae02c4336793a9e823ce7c06de2c9b85ea50482f198ad?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Shawna Wingert Shawna Wingert is a former training and development professional turned education specialist, and has homeschooled her two children for the last ten years. Shawna has written four books about homeschooling unique learners and has been featured in homeschooling discussions on Today.com, The Mighty, Simple Homeschool, My Little Poppies and Raising Lifelong Leaners. You can find her online here at Homeschool Planet and at [DifferentByDesignLearning.com.](https://nottheformerthings.com/blog/) [See Full Bio](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/shawna-marketing/) [ ](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/shawna-marketing/) **Categories:** Homeschool Planning --- ### [Top Foreign Language Lesson Plans For Your Homeschool](https://homeschoolplanet.com/foreign-language-lesson-plans-homeschool/) **Published:** April 22, 2024 **Author:** Shawna Wingert **Content:** These top foreign language lesson plans for your homeschool integrate seamlessly with our online planner and are available for use offline as well. ![Foreign Language study in your homeschool](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Ultimate-Guide-To-Foreign-Language-PIN.jpg) The summer after I finished fifth-grade, I had the opportunity to take a Latin course. I loved that it created a foundation for understanding the roots of so many English words and so many science terms. When I started homeschooling, I was determined to teach my kids Latin. And I did! For about 8 weeks. That was when I realized that one summer of Latin a couple of decades ago really wasn’t going to be enough to help me homeschool Latin. *Plus, my kids didn’t want to learn Latin anyway!* I share this because foreign language can feel like a difficult subject to figure out as a homeschool parent. It’s definitely an area where parents may need some extra help, and where planning is key. ## Choosing Foreign Language Curriculum Luckily, there is an ever-growing number of [foreign language curriculum resources](https://languagelearningathome.com/) available for homeschoolers. Video, online resources and even apps and podcasts can be useful when learning a new language – it’s so beneficial to be able to hear a native speaker while learning. **One thing that is REALLY important to remember when choosing a foreign language curriculum is that foreign language isn’t just about speaking.** Students need to learn to understand the language too in both spoken and written forms, as well as learn how to write the language. Writing can make up a huge part of language learning, especially in the case of languages like Japanese, which uses three alphabets. One other thing to keep in mind is that most colleges require that an applicant has studied a foreign language for *at least two years.* Many families want to expose their children to new languages at a young age. There are [some potential benefits](https://news.cornell.edu/stories/2009/05/learning-second-language-good-childhood-mind-medicine) to introducing a foreign language to your children long before high school. ### **Questions to ask when planning for foreign language in your homeschool:** - When do you want to introduce a foreign language in your homeschool? - Is there a language you already have some proficiency in? Or interest in learning yourself? - Are your kids interested in any particular language? - Do your children or does your family all want to study the same language? - How much [do you want to integrate](https://homeschoolplanet.com/why-integrate-an-education/) foreign language into your homeschool? Do you want to also explore the culture through music, art,, dance, food or [history and geography](https://homeschoolplanet.com/history-and-geography-lesson-plans/)? - Do you have any native speakers in your family or community who might be willing to work with your family? - Or do you want to consider hiring a tutor? - Do you want to try a home-based immersion-style program? - Do you want to set an older child up to study foreign language independently? *This can be especially helpful if you are already teaching a lot of subjects and/or a lot of kids, or if one child wants to learn a language you are not familiar with.* - Do any of your children want to attend a college with specific foreign language requirements? - Do any of my children want to study abroad or want to pursue a career that may require foreign language fluency? - Do any local homeschool co-ops offer language classes? So as you look at homeschool curriculum options for foreign language, remember that this subject can be tackled in a lot of ways. What’s most important is to find a method that works for your family. ## Lesson Planning Options for Foreign Language When it comes to foreign language in your homeschool, it’s important to have a lot of options for scheduling. Foreign language can be a subject that just high schoolers are learning, but they will need time carved out in their week to devote to language learning. Or, if your family wants to study language together, you need to be able to work around other lessons, classes and priorities. **This is one way where** [Homeschool Planet’s online homeschool planner](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/) really shines. Because this unique, all-on-one planning system allows parents to create individual profiles for each student, it’s easy to schedule foreign language lessons for your kids, even if one is learning German and another is learning Cantonese. No matter if everyone is studying a foreign language together, or you have just one student learning independently, [Homeschool Planet’s online homeschool planner](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/) helps you plan lessons, classes, tutoring, appointments, work schedules and more. Even better, through [Homeschool Planet’s Lesson Plan and Curriculum Marketplace](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/) parents can explore popular foreign language programs, and quickly add entire lesson plans for the whole year in just a few clicks. ## Foreign Language Lesson Plans For Your Homeschool Planet Planner Take a look at our complete list of integrate foreign language lesson plans: - [BJU Press Foreign Language](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/bju-press-foreign-language/) - [Flip Flop Spanish](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/flip-flop-spanish/) - [Foreign Language for Children](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/classical-academic-press-spanish/) - [IXL Spanish](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/ixl-spanish/ "IXL Spanish") - [Latin Alive!](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/latin-alive/) - [Lifepac Spanish](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/lifepac-foreign-languages/) - [Memoria Press Foreign Language](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/memoria-press-foreign-languages/) - [Rosetta Stone](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/rosetta-stone/) - [Song School Foreign Language](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/song-school-latin/) - [Spanish for You!](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/spanish-for-you/) - [Visual Latin](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/visual-latin/) ## Lesson Planning With Homeschool Planet Homeschooling a foreign language can initially feel daunting – but fortunately, there are so many wonderful foreign language programs available to homeschoolers – you might be surprised! [Homeschool Planet’s online homeschool planning system](https://homeschoolplanet.com) takes away a lot of the stress of coordinating foreign language learning. [![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/burst-your-bubble-1-1024x1024.png)](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/)[**Try it for free for 30 days**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/) **and get an added bonus –** you can also choose **one free lesson plan to automatically integrate into your planner through** [**Homeschool Planet’s Lesson Plan and Curriculum Marketplace**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/). Just [head here now](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/) to get your free 30-day trial and one free homeschool lesson plan. Soon, you’ll be on your way to helping your students uncover a brand new language. ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/d3babb0046833226121ae02c4336793a9e823ce7c06de2c9b85ea50482f198ad?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Shawna Wingert Shawna Wingert is a former training and development professional turned education specialist, and has homeschooled her two children for the last ten years. Shawna has written four books about homeschooling unique learners and has been featured in homeschooling discussions on Today.com, The Mighty, Simple Homeschool, My Little Poppies and Raising Lifelong Leaners. You can find her online here at Homeschool Planet and at [DifferentByDesignLearning.com.](https://nottheformerthings.com/blog/) [See Full Bio](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/shawna-marketing/) [ ](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/shawna-marketing/) **Categories:** Homeschool Planning --- ### [Exploring The Eclectic Homeschool Method: Planning With A Diverse Approach](https://homeschoolplanet.com/eclectic-homeschool-method-planning/) **Published:** February 12, 2024 **Author:** Shannan Swindler **Content:** From the content of your homeschool curriculum choices to the routine of your day, homeschooling offers enormous flexibility that can work wonders for every student’s individual learning style. But what happens when you’re ready to try something **unique and outside the box**? That’s when an *eclectic homeschool method* can come in handy! ![eclectic homeschooling](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Is-Eclectic-Homeschooling-the-Style-for-You-1-683x1024.jpg) Let’s explore how you can use eclectic homeschooling to create a **more creative and interesting curriculum** that speaks to each student’s passions: ## **What Is The Eclectic Homeschooling Method** The Eclectic homeschool method is an increasingly popular approach to homeschooling. It allows parents to customize their child’s education based on the child’s interests, skills, and educational needs. Unlike other method-based homeschool approaches, eclectic homeschooling combines elements from multiple methods and philosophies. The eclectic homeschool method isn’t solely associated with a particular curriculum or specific philosophy, The eclectic approach typically includes some form of organized academic work and typically allows for some level of hands-on education. Academic subjects are usually combined with elements of more relaxed, discovery-based learning styles as well. This makes it possible for parents to tailor their children’s education. It allows them to meet each individual’s desired focus areas and education goals. Homeschool parents can use a variety of resources to reach these academic goals. Parents often include *online courses, books, magazines, documentaries, and field trips* when creating their child’s plan of study. At its most basic level, an eclectic homeschool education focuses on creating an environment where children learn independently. This includes teaching **communication skills** in order to foster cooperation among students and encourage problem solving and critical thinking opportunities. It also encompasses providing guidance so that students have the tools necessary for making personal decisions about their educational goals. The combination of structure and freedom within the home environment is key. Parents can ensure that their children are developing important skills for real-life situations with this popular homeschooling style. Using different styles of homeschooling allows each family to enjoy the beauty of homeschooling. Choosing the best of various methods to cover a variety of subject areas it’s a win-win for all involved. ## **Benefits Of Eclectic Homeschooling** ### A Varied Approach To Learning **Homeschooling** has become a popular choice for many families, The *eclectic method* is exactly what its name implies. It is an education built on a compilation of many different ways and homeschool methods. Depending on the needs of your family, it can combine any number of options. Enjoy everything from traditional textbook learning, outdoor activities, and arts and crafts to computer-based learning, museum visits, or zoos. All are excellent options. Basically, any activity that is relevant to your child’s education will fit in the eclectic homeschool method. This varied approach often provides greater flexibility than one specific teaching method. ### Children Pursue Their Interests One of the main benefits of **eclectic homeschooling** is that children are able to pursue their interests more fully. Many parents create a lesson plan or syllabus based on their child’s specific interests and needs. This ensures more engagement for parents and students in the learning process. Children begin to actively seek out information about their favorite topics, such as science or literature. This often results in becoming even more interested in new material and may remember it for longer periods of time. ### Family’s Lifestyle Fit The Curriculum Another benefit of eclectic homeschooling is adjusting your family’s lifestyle to fit the curriculum. Which is so much better than trying to conform the opposite way around. Since you choose the materials used, the teaching style during lessons becomes much more individualized instead of having to adjust to someone else’s standard ways. Moreover, parents should not worry if they lack certain skills as they can think out-of-the box, borrowing ideas from others. Parents are also given immense freedom regarding course content selection with eclectic homeschooling. Young children may enjoy more hands-on activities. Middle school and high school students often enjoy unit studies or a course at an online school. Variety brings life to a subject they may be less than passionate about. ## **Challenges Of Eclectic Homeschooling** The **eclectic homeschooling** method offers unique challenges and opportunities for homeschool families looking for a more individualized approach to learning. Like many different homeschool styles, it requires time, dedication, and openness to trial-and-error. But you will find the best combination of educational techniques for each student. Without a strict educational format to follow, parents need to be comfortable with making decisions about their children’s education when they see the need. However, there are also unique benefits associated with this style of homeschooling. Homeschool families have the freedom to find the best approach to their student’s education. Eclectic homeschooling can be the best way to build a daily schedule around their interests and abilities. Students also get an opportunity to experience *real-world* problem-solving*. A*s they progress through various ages or a specific grade level, they are encouraged to discover creative solutions across subject areas. Eclectic homeschoolers can also benefit from an integrated approach that encourages exploration instead of memorization and repetition. It can be difficult work adapting different educational approaches into one individualized program. However, it is often the most rewarding way for both parent and student alike in terms of satisfaction and success. ## **Structuring An Eclectic Homeschool** **Structuring an eclectic homeschool** allows you to create a custom learning system for your child. An eclectic homeschool is a hybrid option that uses various materials and teaching approaches. Learning is tailored to meet each individual child’s unique learning style. You can include traditional textbook-based lessons, unit studies, project-centered learning, field trips, online courses, and even co-ops with other homeschoolers in your eclectic approach. Older children and younger children often enjoy the variety of homeschooling styles. ## **Getting Started With The Eclectic Homeschool Method** Are you ready to get started with an eclectic homeschool? It’s important to determine what resources are available and what style of teaching works best for your child. The goal is to create an environment where they feel comfortable while they are acquiring knowledge in a way that suits their particular strengths and interests. Here are some tips for implementing an effective eclectic approach: 1. Begin by **researching topics of interest** to your student and finding resources that specialize in those topics. This can be anything from science books to age-appropriate video tutorials or podcasts.[ Homeschool Planet](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/) has a variety of resources and lesson plans to help you pick the perfect resources for your students 2. **Create a flexible outline** for the school year. Use some traditional elements like math and language arts as the foundation for the structure. Allowing room for exploration into different areas of interest as well. 3. **Add variety** to the weekly schedule. Include activities like coding classes or a weekly art class. These may be held virtually or in a shared space with other children in the area engaged in similar activities or who have similar goals. 4. **Give structure** within each lesson by assigning set amounts of time for study on any given topic. Also set expectations for completing assignments and rewarding hard work when goals have been achieved. 5. **Designate lots of time outside** the traditional academic setting to explore topics of interest. Go on outdoor excursions, visit local museums, and find hands-on experiences that offer an opportunity to experience topics firsthand. Following these steps will help you successfully design an effective eclectic homeschool program that fits your student’s unique needs. You’re ready to make the most use of diverse educational resources from a variety of sources. ## **Curriculum Options For Eclectic Homeschooling** When it comes to curriculum options for an *Eclectic homeschooling* approach, parents may be surprised at just how many choices they have. Parents can select from a variety of resources to create their own packages of information and activities for their children. Depending on the age of the students in the family, parents can create different mixes of skills that each student practices in an **individualized manner.** For younger learners, it is important for parents to ensure that the curriculum includes materials and resources that are appropriate for the developmental stage. For example, toddlers can benefit from colors and shapes around them as well as simple stories that develop their language comprehension. They may also interact with soft toys or build objects out of blocks that help them understand how things fit together. As children progress through their elementary school years, they can utilize a more varied curriculum consisting of: - **Literature** lists featuring classics such as *The Secret Garden* by **Frances Hodgson Burnett** and more modern books such as *Harry Potter.* - **Writing activities** should include both informal journaling and essays. - **Mathematics** should be tailored to the particular mastery necessary in basic operations before progressing onto algebraic expressions. - **Science labs and experiments** should focus on building knowledge in broad areas (like biology). Deep dives into topics such as genetics could come later when students have built a foundation in scientific methodologies first. - **Arts classes** including music theory, painting courses, or drama and dance are all important components for this form of learning at home. ## **Eclectic Homeschooling & Family Flexibility** At its core, *Eclectic homeschooling* offers families the flexibility to mix traditional methods with games or reading challenges. This ensures exposure to relevant topics which evolve over time. Parents want learning that does not become stagnant at any one point along the way. The knowledge journey being undertaken by each student individually or as a family unit can be equally unique and exciting. Such options also recognize that no matter what stage each child is at on his/her learning curve there are many ways available to foster exploration. ## **Strategies For Successful Eclectic Homeschooling** Eclectic homeschooling is a unique approach that tailors a student’s educational experience to individual interests and needs. With this method, families can pick and choose from a variety of curricula and resources to create an interesting and engaging learning environment. Implementing the strategies below can help make even the most eclectic homeschool experience successful. 1. Research different curricula: Homeschoolers have more freedom when it comes to selecting and choosing materials than traditional teachers do in the classroom setting. Parents should *read reviews, use sample lessons,* and take time to consider their child’s learning style when choosing which materials are the best fit for their home school program. 2. Focus on interests: In an eclectic home school, parents should look for ways to build activities around topics that their students *enjoy and find engaging*. Allowing students to explore more of what they are passionate about will ensure that they learn more deeply. 3. Make connections: Instead of focusing exclusively on one subject at a time, an eclectic homeschool encourages making *meaningful connections between subjects* so that knowledge can be applied across multiple areas of study or even to real-world applications. 4. Incorporate hands-on activities: Because there isn’t necessarily one set curriculum for all students, parents can look for *exciting hands-on activities or project-based learning opportunities* as part of their homeschooling program as well as through field trips and other real-life experiences. 5. Evaluate where needed: Although assessment strategies won’t necessarily be uniform across all materials in an eclectic home school environment, it’s important for parents to still *evaluate student progress* throughout the year with standardized tests or other individual assessments if needed in order to measure academic success over time. ## **Resources For Eclectic Homeschooling** **Eclectic homeschooling** is a popular approach to teaching at home because it allows families to create custom lesson plans that suit the unique interests and needs of their children. The eclectic homeschool method typically includes elements from a variety of educational philosophies, beyond the traditional curricular materials such as textbooks, worksheets, and tests. Fortunately, there are plenty of resources available that can help new homeschoolers and their parents who are new to eclectic homeschooling. Below are some great options for discovering just what this method entails and finding materials that can aid you in your teaching endeavors: - **Books**: Many books exist related to this type of homeschooling, including *“The Everything Guide to Eclectic Homeschooling”* by Rebecca Rupp and *“The Well-Trained Mind”* by Susan Wise Bauer. These can provide insight into what an eclectic education looks like and guides on setting up your lesson plans. - **Online Resources**: Homeschool Planet offers numerous resources and lesson plans with helpful information about the various homeschooling methods that each curriculum works well with. - **Curriculum Publishers**: Finally, there are many curriculum companies that offer products suitable for an eclectic approach. At Homeschool Planet, our eclectic learners are always finding great resources to fit their education goals. ## **Homeschool Planet Is Ideal For Eclectic Homeschool**ing Because Homeschool Planet is designed for flexibility and diversity in lesson planning, it’s a perfect fit for eclectic homeschoolers. Here are some of the ways we can help you plan with an eclectic approach: - Choose from hundreds of curriculum partners in our Lesson Plan Marketplace. We have something for every subject, every interest, and every learner’s needs. - Craft a homeschool schedule that makes sense for your family’s unique essentials. - Add outside classes and extracurriculars with ease - Conveniently manage progress and create learning records, including portfolios and transcripts, no matter how eclectic your approach! ## **Eclectic Homeschool Method Wrap Up** Finally, there are a few **universal tips** that we can offer to parents who are considering an *eclectic homeschooling approach* for their families: - Get organized and create a plan for how you want your day-to-day life to look. Though most eclectic curriculums provide flexibility and room for innovation, having some structure and expectations can keep you from becoming overwhelmed or burnt out. - Do not be afraid to ask for help from friends or other homeschoolers when it comes to finding resources. There is a wealth of knowledge in the homeschool community and consulting with more experienced parents can get you started off on the right foot. Most importantly, remember that each family is different. With an eclectic education model, there are no right or wrong answers – just what works best for your family’s needs and goals. Take some time to explore different educational pathways and decide which ones are right for you; eventually, your own unique approach will become clear as you search out materials and put together lesson plans. Homeschooling offers parents many opportunities to be creative, so **have fun with it!** There are many different methods of homeschooling. To find the best method for your family, read about these different approaches: - [Charlotte Mason Method](https://homeschoolplanet.com/charlotte-mason-homeschool-method/ "Homeschool Methods 101: The Charlotte Mason Homeschool Method") - [Unschooling Homeschooling](https://homeschoolplanet.com/homeschool-planet-and-unschooling-a-perfect-pair/ "Homeschool Planet And Unschooling: A Perfect Pair") - [Traditional Homeschooling](https://homeschoolplanet.com/traditional-homeschool-method/ "Homeschool Methods 101: Exploring the Traditional Homeschool Method") - [Unit Study Method](https://homeschoolplanet.com/homeschool-methods-101-exploring-the-unit-study-homeschool-method/ "Homeschool Methods 101: Exploring the Unit Study Homeschool Method") - [Classical Homeschooling](https://homeschoolplanet.com/the-classical-homeschool-method/ "Homeschool Methods 101: Exploring the Classical Homeschool Method") - [Montessori Method](https://homeschoolplanet.com/montessori-homeschool-method/ "Homeschool Methods 101: Exploring the Montessori Homeschool Method") *By Shannan Swindler, Captivating Compass 2023* ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/2d930edda11a8429b36d47bf0f82c858ea9179cb008a3ab80c7fb15421db0e57?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Shannan Swindler [See Full Bio](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/shannan-swindler-hp/) [ ](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/shannan-swindler-hp/) **Categories:** Homeschool 101, Homeschool Planning --- ### [Homeschool Methods 101: Exploring the Montessori Homeschool Method](https://homeschoolplanet.com/montessori-homeschool-method/) **Published:** June 23, 2023 **Author:** Shawna Wingert **Content:** **Welcome to the wonderful world of Montessori homeschooling!** This innovative approach strives to provide children with an engaging and meaningful education, allowing them to learn at their own pace and discover their interests independently. Through its focus on *hands-on learning*, the Montessori homeschool method can provide your child with a unique learning experience that’s tailored to their individual needs. Let’s explore the exciting possibilities that the Montessori homeschool method provides. ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Montessori-Homeschooling-1024x1024.jpg) ## **What Is The Montessori Homeschool Method** The **Montessori homeschool** method combines the educational philosophy of Maria Montessori with traditional home education. This makes it an ideal choice for parents who want to create a stimulating learning environment for their children that upholds the same values found in the classic Montessori classroom. The method encourages a *hands-on, self-directed approach to learning* and encourages collaboration, problem-solving, and creative thinking. It focuses on self-discovery and exploration rather than rote memorization. Materials are designed to be interactive, allowing students to learn from physical objects in their environments. Montessori homeschooling also emphasizes learning through **real-life experiences** as much as possible. Parents often take a supportive role as facilitators. They encourage children while they explore the world around them to trust in their own sense of discovery. Overview lessons – providing an overarching view of a specific subject matter – may be used. This helps with seeing topics related to other disciplines like math, language arts, or science for enhanced understanding. Because every family is unique, there is some flexibility within this method. It is easily customized to fit individual needs and preferences – including being modified for typical school days or year long lesson plans. Guidance from experienced homeschoolers, community materials, resources, and offerings on Montessori homeschool methods are easily found. Parents can find valuable advice on how to get started with this style of learning by participating in social media and community groups. ## **Benefits Of The Montessori Approach** The **Montessori homeschool** method of education is an approach that many parents are increasingly turning to. It is one of many alternatives to more traditional methods of schooling. This method [encourages children to take responsibility for their own learning](https://homeschoolplanet.com/encouraging-independent-learning/). It allows the child to maximize their potential through lessons that target their individual needs. With this approach, children are encouraged to develop *critical-thinking skills, independence, and confidence* in their own abilities. As a result, there are a variety of benefits that come from using the Montessori homeschool method of education. ### **Freedom And Flexibility** One major benefit of the Montessori homeschool method is that it allows students freedom and flexibility. They learn by pursuing ideas that interest them, rather than having the structure imposed by a traditional classroom setting. This gives children the opportunity for self-directed learning and exploration which fosters creativity and critical thinking skills. Additionally, students have more control over their learning environment. This allows them to work through the curriculum at their own pace. When needed, they can focus on areas where more assistance or development is necessary. ### **Emphasizes Experiential Learning** The Montessori homeschool method emphasizes *experiential learning opportunities* over rote memorization. This allows children to gain knowledge through hands-on activities rather than just reading textbooks or completing worksheets. This type of interactive experience provides students with a better understanding of concepts than just verbally instructed lessons can provide. The more hands-on nature also makes it easier for students to absorb information. Students also stay engaged with their studies longer due to the dynamic nature of this homeschooling method. ### **Increased Interaction Between Parent And Child** Finally, some parents may appreciate the opportunity for increased interaction between parent and child when utilizing the Montessori homeschool approach. This is due to its reliance on guidance from a parent or mentor figure instead of using textbooks alone as instructional material. An engaging relationship between parent and student is vital for creating *intrinsic motivation like curiosity* directly related to academics instead of relying on extrinsic rewards such as test scores or grades alone for motivation. ## **Montessori Materials And Supplies** The **Montessori approach** to homeschooling emphasizes using specialized materials that are chosen specifically to match the child’s learning needs, abilities, and interests. Homeschoolers can use tracing letters to counting beads and exploring the natural world. Montessori materials often provide children with a hands-on, multi-sensory learning experience that can help make concepts come alive. In the Montessori homeschool environment, there are a variety of items available to help you become familiar with the traditional Montessori theory and methods in order to use them in a school-at-home setting. Materials needed for a successful experience in homeschooling may include: ### **Prepared Environment Materials** - Attractive low shelves or drawers containing seasonal objects from nature (shells, leaves, rocks), - Simple musical instruments (handbells), - Cards with concepts such as colors and shapes, - Wooden trays, or bowls for organizing activities. ### **Language materials** - Sandpaper letters (or double-sided magnetic letters) to strengthen pre-reading skills; - Movable alphabet cards/bead bars/math manipulatives/puzzles - Bookshelves filled with leveled readers in various genres - Educational games; colorful construction paper - Paints & brushes. ### **Math Materials** - Number boards helping children learn counting & addition/subtraction concepts (these can include sandpaper numbers) - Timed Math Worksheets used to improve speed in calculation techniques - Roman Numeral Bead Strings (for early math exploration) - Math Manipulative Board Games designed to sharpen problem solving skills. ### **Sensorial Materials** - Tactile objects made from various fabric textures aid recognition of rough/smooth surfaces & round/angular shapes - Color Tablets are used for visually perceiving colors & shades of colors - Characteristics Puzzles introduce features like big/small size comparisons & determining comparison relationships between items. These are just some of the supplies necessary for following the Montessori method at home. A range of other materials may also be needed depending on age and preferences in fulfilling individualized learning objectives. ## **Preparing The Montessori Homeschool Environment** When homeschooling with the *Montessori method*, one of the key components is setting up a **Montessori classroom** in your home. This may seem like a daunting task, but it’s important to create an environment that allows your child to explore their interests and learn independently. With thoughtful planning and preparation, you can successfully create a Montessori-friendly space for homeschooling. When it comes to the materials you need for setting up a Montessori interaction space, think of things that encourage exploration and engage multiple senses at once. From *sandpaper letters and colored geometric shapes* to *counting blocks and musical instruments*–the curiosity possibilities are endless. Additionally, consider adding some simple everyday items surrounding them such as *mixing bowls or picture books*–whatever will pique your child’s interest in learning should do the trick! Organizing is also essential when creating your child’s learning environment. Make sure all supplies have designated shelves or cupboards so that everything can easily be retrieved by them when needed without making much mess around the house. Additionally, try to keep surfaces relatively clear so that there is plenty of room for them or other students to work on activities comfortably. You’ll want these areas well illuminated too with plenty of natural light available throughout the day too as **natural light helps kids stay focused and alert** during certain activities. Having simple rules in place also allow children to remain on task while giving them more responsibility over their own learning materials too which will further encourage exploration and independent work habits while they are homeschooled with this method. Ultimately, while preparing your **Montessori Homeschool Environment** may take some time and forethought, having an inviting interactive space full of interesting materials tailored made toward each student’s passions will reap great rewards for any homeschooler! ## **Montessori Curriculum For Homeschooling** **The Montessori homeschooling method** is a comprehensive learning system that emphasizes individual exploration and experimentation in a self-paced environment. Its focus is on learning through experience, with guidance to help nurture the intellectual and creative development of each individual child. It follows a specific curriculum loosely based on the works of *Dr. Maria Montessori*, the pioneering educator from Italy who developed this educational approach over 100 years ago. The Montessori homeschool curriculum is divided into five main curricular areas: **Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies, and Practical Life Skills**. Additional topics can include Art, Music, Foreign Language, and Movement & Motor Activities. Each subject is broken down into six critical developmental stages; introductory activities guide students in basic concepts before more detailed study takes place to build mastery in each area. In **Language Arts,** for example, students begin by *reading stories about their environment* and then move on to exploring different types of *poetry or story writing*. In **Math**, they start by *comparing sets of objects* before moving on to working with *addition or multiplication problems*. Through an emphasis on sensory experiences and hands-on activities such as *puzzles or counting games*, children learn key skills while having fun at the same time! ## **Homeschool Scheduling With Montessori** **The Montessori homeschool method** allows children to learn at their own pace with plenty of freedom and autonomy. A Montessori homeschool schedule should be personalized to each family’s needs and goals, but with a few general frameworks in mind. ### Structure And Routine The Montessori method values structure and routine, which is reflected in the three-hour morning work period. During this time, parents guide their children within the scope of the day’s activities while allowing them to work independently when they are ready. Daily practical life activities such as cooking and housekeeping also have their place in a Montessori homeschool schedule. During the afternoon, parents might choose to continue pursuing academic interests for one or two hours total or allow for more *gross motor activities* if that’s what is needed. Outdoor activities that include field trips or a hands-on nature study that relates to the different aspects of the environment being studied are always a good idea. Evenings could be filled with homeschool families reading aloud or further exploration in different ways of topics introduced earlier in the day. While there may not be a specific set curriculum, there are typically specific values around how long subject areas should be studied each day within a Montessori home school program. This popular homeschooling style uses short lessons such as - **20 minutes** of language arts each day - **30 minutes** of math ### Older Students And Montessori Middle school and high school students may need a daily schedule with large time blocks, but younger children learn the good habits taught in Montessori schools by studying in smaller chunks of time. This is quite different from other homeschool programs, but provides the opportunity to provide lessons about real-life situations alongside various lessons to support your child’s education in a unique and exciting way. As the teacher, homeschool parents can create an individualized daily rhythm that works best for their child by adjusting topics based on individual needs, educational goals, and interests while leaving time for freedom within the parameters set forth by Maria Montessori’s philosophy. ## **Tips For Successful Montessori Homeschooling** As with any homeschool method, successful Montessori homeschooling begins with understanding the child and the curriculum. These tips serve as a starting point for those just beginning their homeschooling journey. ### **Create A Montessori-Friendly Learning Space** A well-ordered home environment ensures children practice self-directed activities and allow parents to provide materials that encourage independence. ### **Understand Your Child** In Montessori, the classroom environment is as individualized as possible to meet children’s needs and interests. Homeschoolers should approach lessons with an open mind. ### **Know Your Goals** Establishing intentions is key to any learning activity. Make sure to offer scope and sequence guidelines or consider printable or online curricula that map out objectives, skill sets, and goals in advance. These will help you know when you are ready to move on to the next phase of learning. ### **Stick To A Flexible Schedule** It’s important for homeschoolers to stay organized but remain flexible when it comes to scheduling conflicts. Convertible furniture can help streamline working time versus playtime in a small house or apartment room. Additionally, offering variety during learning experiences may increase focus. Students can aid comprehension of course material by working on different activities each day. You may also want to consider having phases of work time broken up with snack breaks and recess time outdoors. ### **Encourage Exploration** The core foundation of the Montessori model encourages students to explore their inner drive for knowledge at their own pace; therefore it is important for parents to provide an atmosphere where questions can be asked anytime without judgment or pressure of having the “right” answers presented expectedly in a certain order or specific way (like with worksheets). Curiosity should be nurtured while also providing guidance when needed through thoughtful conversations. ### **Experiment with Technology** Many children learn effectively through traditional methods such as books, hands-on manipulation of materials, or through multi-modal sensory input like video games. Technology can be integrated into homeschooling via various software programs which support curriculum objectives. This provides interactive learning experiences in many subjects including math & science-based activities. ## **Challenges Of The Montessori Homeschool Approach** While the *Montessori homeschooling* method offers many advantages to students, it can also present some unique challenges. Many families find that having a dedicated learning environment and staying organized are key elements of success when using the Montessori method at home. Using the [Homeschool Planet digital organizer](https://homeschoolplanet.com/#pricing) to plan your lessons and days is the perfect way to stay organized. ### The Transition Between Traditional Grade Levels It can be difficult to transition between traditional grade levels in homeschooling. Homeschooling with a traditional curriculum may mean your student moves on to the next grade level when finished. Parents using the *Montessori method* must remain conscious of their child’s specific needs when creating work for them each year. Grade-leveled lessons may not be appropriate for every student, making preparing materials and guidance more complicated than in other types of homeschooling models. The beauty of homeschooling with the Montessori method is that you can tailor each subject to where your student is currently learning and progress at a pace that suits their unique learning style. ### **Grades And Attendance Records** The standard requirements for public school—such as grades and attendance records—can be harder to manage with a flexible homeschool schedule created from scratch by individual parents. But [Homeschool Planet](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/) has all the tools you need to track attendance and give grades for work/activities completed. Homeschool Planet helps remove the difficulty for families to keep track of adhering to state laws and regulations where applicable. Even older students hoping to gain college admissions via credits earned by taking online courses at home or through online schools or virtual online learning programs benefit from using our online planner. ### Motivation Finally, if you are unfamiliar with the concepts underlying this education system or lack experience teaching children independently from traditional school settings, it can feel daunting. Tasks such as allocating adequate time and resources necessary to ensure your child gets a quality education while engaging them enough so they stay motivated throughout the process can feel overwhelming. Search for online social media groups and homeschool communities in your neighborhood that support the Montessori homeschool method. They are a great way to find encouragement and ask questions. ## Homeschool Planet For Your Montessori Homeschool #### No matter what your homeschool approach, we have a [FREE Trial Offer](https://homeschoolplanet.com/welcome-to-homeschool-planet/) perfect for your unique family (no credit card required). This 30 day free full version trial is completely free. No credit card information is required. **Get access to all the features Homeschool Planet offers.** With this free trial, you will also be able to pick a lesson plan of your choice from Homeschool Planet’s vast collection of integrated publishers. The Homeschool Planet Lesson Plan Marketplace is filled with some of the most popular publishers on the homeschool curricula market. [![Homeschool Planet Free Trial](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Free-Trial-Homeschool-Planet-1-1024x1024.jpg)](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/d3babb0046833226121ae02c4336793a9e823ce7c06de2c9b85ea50482f198ad?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Shawna Wingert Shawna Wingert is a former training and development professional turned education specialist, and has homeschooled her two children for the last ten years. Shawna has written four books about homeschooling unique learners and has been featured in homeschooling discussions on Today.com, The Mighty, Simple Homeschool, My Little Poppies and Raising Lifelong Leaners. You can find her online here at Homeschool Planet and at [DifferentByDesignLearning.com.](https://nottheformerthings.com/blog/) [See Full Bio](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/shawna-marketing/) [ ](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/shawna-marketing/) **Categories:** Homeschool 101 --- ### [How to Navigate Homeschooling a Large Family](https://homeschoolplanet.com/homeschooling-a-large-family/) **Published:** January 14, 2024 **Author:** Lindsey Stomberg **Content:** The number one question that I get asked as a mom homeschooling a large family is “How do you do it all?” With my gaggle of seven kids in tow, ranging from ages two to fourteen years, my response is always, “I don’t!” ![How to Navigate Homeschooling a Large Family](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Large-Family-Homeschooling-PIN-683x1024.png) Large family moms don’t have to “do it all” because there are methods to our madness. Whether it is home life or homeschool, large families learn to treasure the benefits and blessings that come with having so many children (often so close together), and these families also learn to navigate the challenges that are guaranteed to crop up. One of my all time favorite memes is the one that says, “I don’t have ducks or a row. I have squirrels and they’re everywhere!” That meme is funny because it’s true. The reality is that large families come in all styles. Some large families run a tight ship and others, like mine, have organized chaos. Both of these methods work, but sometimes those in the latter category need a little dose of structure, and those in the former category need a little dose of flexibility to make things work. ## The Benefits of Large Family Homeschooling If you have been a large family mom for long, I probably don’t need to convince you of the many benefits that come with large family learning. Socialization, which has somehow become the cornerstone of education in our society, is not a problem for large families. Socialization in a large family homeschool setting happens organically, without force. Older kids learn how to care for and share with those younger than them. Younger children learn to pivot from the older siblings so that mom is not “spread too thin” when teaching so many students. Tasks like household chores and cooking can be shared among those of the appropriate age. The old adage “many hands make light work” comes to mind. Mom can appear like she is getting it “all” done, but really she becomes very skilled in training and delegating while managing her own list of responsibilities. The reality is that we know this is what large family living could look like, but we often don’t know where to start or restart if we have cultivated bad habits over the years. I would like to share with you below some of the tips I have garnered over the years through my own experience in this arena. ## Let Them Be Little Whenever a young homeschooling mom asks me for one piece of advice, I tell them to skip preschool and wait until their child is six or seven to begin formal lessons altogether. My first child I did preschool with and she turned out great, so my argument is not that it is harmful. My argument is that it isn’t ultimately effective in the ways we think it will be, and in addition to that, it drains a mom of the vital energy she needs for the children who do need formal lessons. Before you check out over such a preposterous notion, take a look at this study from [Cambridge](https://www.cam.ac.uk/research/discussion/school-starting-age-the-evidence) and this one from [Stanford](https://www.businessinsider.com/school-start-age-2017-3). There is overwhelming evidence that play time for young children is the best teacher. I have shared studies from some of the world’s most notable institutions which are largely based on public education, but you won’t have to go far within the homeschool realm to find this same approach being encouraged in home education. Charlotte Mason, a British educator from the late eighteenth and early nineteenth century, has this to say about the early years. “To form in his child right habits of thinking and behaving is a parent’s chief duty… To nourish a child daily with loving, right, and noble ideas we believe to be the parent’s next duty.” Charlotte Mason, Vol. 2, p. 228 “In this time of extraordinary pressure, educational and social, perhaps a mother’s first duty to her children is to secure for them a quiet growing time, a full six years of passive receptive life, the waking part of it spent for the most part out in the fresh air.” Charlotte Mason, Vol. 1, p. 4 Let your little children be little for longer. Their education will not be delayed because you delayed formal lessons. Instead, when you do start formal lessons at the age of six or seven, your child will be able to soak up the information quickly, as opposed to what would have taken weeks when he was younger. Your child may also develop a stronger confidence in his abilities because he will have immediate success in remembering basic addition and letters at a later age, instead of drilling facts and laboring over letters at an age before he has developed even fine motor skills. Taking on this approach to homeschooling my large family, has removed so many years of unnecessary burden. My littles play together during the time that my older children are receiving formal lessons from me. ## Develop a Morning Time Routine [Morning time](https://homeschoolplanet.com/morning-time-routine/), also referred to as circle time or morning basket, is a part of the family’s routine that brings everyone together in the morning. This is not a time for lecturing, but a time for the entire family to start their day off right together. When my children were little, I would do morning time around the table while they were busy eating and sitting in their seats. As my children have grown older, we have migrated to the living room where we lounge and do our daily read-alouds. It is also a great time for poetry, song, and memorization work. Morning time is the perfect time to delegate the day’s tasks. School work, chores, meals, appointments, etc. can be covered so that everyone is on the same page about that day’s priorities before breaking to their own corners of the home. Developing a morning time routine in our home has been vital to keeping our large family synced together. We stopped doing it for a while due to life getting busy, and my children begged me to begin again. In the same way that eating dinner around the family dinner table gives a sense of tradition and togetherness, a morning time routine brings the family together for a moment of sweet togetherness before the chaos of the day’s schedule ensues. ## Integrated Learning for Family Learning There are so many types of homeschooling curriculum on the market. Some families choose to do all their school online and others choose to do all workbook based schooling. Neither of these were for my family. I wanted to read with my kids, learn with them, but I did not want the stress of doing it all myself. Then there is the question of how do you do that with so many kids at different grade levels? [Integrated learning](https://homeschoolplanet.com/why-integrate-an-education/) using the classical method with a dash of Charlotte Mason was the eclectic solution for my family. Integrated learning is another term for “unit studies.” The unit study method immerses the student in a particular topic by using several subjects taught together. The child then approaches that topic from a number of different perspectives and really gets to know it in a far more intimate way that other methods just don’t provide. Of course, some topics will not interest a child, so he will fly through those more quickly, but there will be those that capture his imagination and really spark a passion to learn more. A curriculum that provides an integrated learning style and follows a classical method of teaching at the grammar, dialectic, and rhetoric levels allows the homeschool mom to read much of the material to the family as a whole. The younger kids can learn alongside their older siblings, and they can do many of the activities and projects together. This kind of curriculum will break down age-appropriate literature for each of the grade levels for more in-depth, independent reading or teaching. In my experience this idea of learning together has once again lightened my burden over the years so that I am not teaching each child individually, but all my children as a whole. It spurs many a conversation around the dinner table because my children all know what their siblings are learning. There are a few integrated learning style curricula on the market, but our family’s choice is Tapestry of Grace. You can find [Tapestry of Grace Lesson Plans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/tapestry-of-grace-full-racks-integrated/) in Homeschool Planet’s Marketplace to make your homeschool planning a breeze! ## Large Family Schedules I was the type of homeschool mom who rebelled for years against planning anything including my homeschool. I like to be one of those spontaneous parents. We purposefully do year-round homeschooling for this reason. I realized, however, as we added more students to our homeschool roster and one of those students moved up to high school that my fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants approach to homeschooling would not continue working for us. The reality is that when there are more people involved, even those who do not like structure need to adopt a little structure into their lives. In my case, Homeschool Planet is the perfect planner for my “Type B” personality. It is easy to fill in with assignments and chores using my favorite feature – the assignment generator. My children have their own login where they can see what I expect of them and can check off when they have completed the required tasks. For all those days that I forget to lesson plan or just don’t feel like it, I go in and back date it with what was accomplished. Homeschool Planet offers this large family mom the perfect guilt free solution to her rebellion against structure. Homeschool Planet also assists this large family mom in structuring her planner with all the pre-made lesson plans offered for popular curricula publishers in the Homeschool Planet Marketplace. If you haven’t already, you should try [Homeschool Planet’s 30-day free trial with a free lesson plan!](https://homeschoolplanet.com/welcome-to-homeschool-planet/) [![free trial of homeschool planet](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Trial-3-1-1024x1024.jpg)](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/)## Find Your Own Groove Navigating homeschooling a large family comes with its own challenges, but the benefits far outweigh any negatives. In the end, each large family has to find its own groove. What works for our family, may not work for your family, but I do recommend that if you are feeling like something needs to change for you to find some sanity, consider adopting one or a few of these methods to bring the family together. Whenever I am struggling with feeling overwhelmed or the kids just don’t seem to be getting along, bringing the family together for conversation, food, games, or even learning always seems to help us reset, refresh, and begin again. ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/0474d7793a76a3729aa48b82770cd2e6c7d70851f086377a3aeb09856a27abe2?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Lindsey Stomberg [See Full Bio](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/lindseyhomeschoolplanet-com/) [ ](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/lindseyhomeschoolplanet-com/) **Categories:** Homeschool 101 **Tags:** how to series, large family homeschooling, big family, multiple students --- ### [Your Kids Should Start Coding Early and Here's Why](https://homeschoolplanet.com/codewithus/) **Published:** February 20, 2022 **Author:** Richele McFarlin **Content:** ***With coding now predicted to become the new measurement of human literacy, is it ever too early to develop this transferable skill? There are good reasons to believe that children who start coding early can advance more in complex thinking and thus set themselves up for future success. Guest Post by Yasser Jilani, COO and co-founder of [Code With Us](https://www.codewithus.com/), a fast-growing edTech Silicon Valley organization.*** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/codewithus1.png) Imagine that 65% of today’s children entering primary school will hold jobs that don’t exist yet. These professions will likely require technical skills and a highly adaptable mindset. This way, coding is relevant not just due to its beneficial learning impacts: It could potentially define the employability of future generations. When introduced progressively and with the right difficulty levels, children of virtually any age can start coding early step by step and, here’s why. ## The Compounding Cognitive Effects of Coding “Everybody in this country should learn a computer language because it teaches you how to think,” Steve Job’s words (who actually never coded for Apple) certainly referred to the core of coding. Coding means giving a computer instructions to perform specific commands to develop a product, so it creates a particular way of thinking. Beyond IT proficiency, coders are known for being extremely detail-oriented. Learning to code makes for a persistent, communicative, and collaborative child when practiced together with peers. While coding takes place on the left side of the brain, children mostly use the right side of the brain. A five-year-old child that has reached the *preoperational stage* understands the mental representations of words and images. This is said to be the perfect time for starting the coding journey and learning multiple languages. Children over five should have coding as part of their school curriculum. The demand for jobs requiring the same cognitive skills as coding (including emotional intelligence and critical thinking) will only continue to rise by 2030. This is why educators and social and healthcare professionals need to know more about how learning to code benefits children’s development. The essential factors are the early-stage and the age group, and why coding should be introduced as something fun and easy to understand. ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/codewithus2.png) ## The Best Approach to Learning Code Making coding amusing shouldn’t be too hard. Coding language itself has close links to storytelling techniques such as creative writing. Code With Us’ project-based game designing curriculum is developed with that in mind. We encourage our students to think creatively and design creatively by using a medium that they can relate to and enjoy. Our goal at Code With Us is to make Coding just as exciting and versatile as any other school subject because it allows children to make something on their own and be inventive. Coding is more than creating syntax and executing commands; it’s about developing applications, colorful video games, animations, and building websites with adjusted difficulty levels. If a child already plays with LEGO or likes to draw, programs with specific themes and concepts for interactive stories and games—or even programmable robots—will satisfy the same need. Some options are Cozmo Coding Toy, LEGO kits and toolboxes, Scratch, and Minecraft, to name a few. We all remember what it was like learning something we didn’t want to learn. But coding doesn’t have to be like that. By exposing children to the coding language during the first development stages, they will learn to shape the learning method and approach the subject in their own way. This way, the child develops both sides of the brain faster as they take charge of the learning process. Instead of being told so, they will learn how coding improves their mathematical abilities and other school subjects. As the child learns to break down a bigger issue and find smaller solutions in line with the objectives of coding, decomposition abilities, and computational thinking come into focus. By going over something, the child develops a more critical mind. This makes for efficiency and a child good at adapting any production skill. What greater preparation for higher education is there? ![Code with Us Quote](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/code3.png) ## Start Coding Early: The New Normal With coding being an increasingly in-demand skill, there’s little wonder that fans of the subject want it integrated within primary school education. To empower the future workforce generation, a whole 90% of U.S. parents would like coding for kids to be a part of school curriculums. As parents discover the power of computer literacy, they are equally eager to learn themselves on top of getting their child involved. And with more virtual education methods and coding classes accessible to anyone everywhere, learning the skill is within reach to whoever wants to learn. Providing the same outlet for imagination as other children’s activities, coding can give more long-term value. And learning it at the right time is the perfect foundation for the next generation of programmers, IT professionals, and communicators. Coding is the required skill society is screaming for and done within reason and tact—it wouldn’t take away a childhood; it will only add to it. So start coding early with your child using Code With Us. ## [CLICK HERE](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/code-with-us-subscriptions/) Start Coding Early with Your Child – Get Code With Us in the Homeschool Planet Marketplace TODAY! ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/Code-With-Us.png) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a063eb982af10c4efe8a01cb85c366ad378d6d563a7ef743223e5ec5a377bf63?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Richele McFarlin [See Full Bio](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/richelehomeschoolplanet-com/) [ ](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/richelehomeschoolplanet-com/) **Categories:** Choosing Curriculum **Tags:** code with us, coding, coding with kids, homeschool coding, coding in homeschool, learn coding --- ### [A Unique Approach to Homeschool History](https://homeschoolplanet.com/unique-approach-to-homeschool-history/) **Published:** November 13, 2022 **Author:** Lindsey Stomberg **Content:** ## The Problem of Biased Homeschool History Textbooks The title of a history book often gives away its point of view. Here’s a brief sampling of some popular titles of the last few decades: - *A Patriot’s History* (American history from the point of view of a devoted and loyal citizen?) - *A People’s History* (American history from the point of view of the non-elite, the oppressed, those in the minority?) - *An Indigenous People’s History* (American history from the point of view of the Native Americans…not much mystery there 🙂 - *The Politically Incorrect Guide to American History* (American history from the point of view of those unafraid to challenge prevailing orthodoxies and sacred cows?) - *Lies My Teacher Told Me* (American history from the point of view of those skeptical of the selective and bland narratives pushed by high school textbooks?) This list could go on and on. To the extent that any of these books are guilty of pushing selective, partisan, or agenda-driven stories, readers grow wary of history textbooks. What political agenda lurks beneath the surface? What worldview informs its outlook, story selection, and claims to knowledge? ![A Unique Approach to Homeschool History](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/uniqueapproachhistorypin.png) These are fair concerns, especially when they’re for adolescents. When a student is still developing cognitively, or doesn’t have the experience to understand that they’re being given *one interpretation* of the story (much less to judge between *different interpretations* of the story), we are right to want to meet them where they are. So we should be doing everything we can to help students develop a broad knowledge base—to help them become the kinds of kids that can tell us who wrote *The Federalist* and what it was about; that can tell us who fought in the Civil War, and in what context; that can tell us what foreign policy means, and how the 20th-century United States got involved in Europe, the Soviet Union, Vietnam, the Middle East, and so on. Even professors are still students in this regard, since even professors are still mastering new details and adding new layers to their understanding. But somewhere in all of this information mastery young students will start to get their first inklings that certainty in history is very hard to come by, and that their youthful understanding of history as the subject that tells us “what happened” is only partially true. In fact, there are nearly as many versions of “what happened” as there are people interpreting the evidence. “*Sigh*.” That seems to be the reaction of many of my students when this finally clicks. They thought they could learn the authoritative and objective version of the story, only to learn a bunch of discouragingly wishy-washy vocabulary words like bias, point of view, evidence, argument, interpretation, school of thought, lens, agenda, partisanship, debate, source, context, corroboration, contradiction, counterargument, research, and so on. ## What Does a Good Homeschool History Class Look Like? But the good news—at least for the teachers and parents in charge :)—is that when students are old enough to recognize this, they’re old enough to learn how to deal with it. That is, we don’t always have to be worried about which history books they’re reading, because eventually they’ll be old enough, mature enough, and sophisticated enough to learn how to make judgments on their own. We can teach them all the tools we use to discern between the types of competing narratives on display in the list above—we can teach them how to identify detrimental biases, how to uncover unstated context, how to check fact claims for accuracy, how to make judgments about convincing and unconvincing evidence, how to comprehend and spot partisanship, how to evaluate chains of reasoning, how to strip claims down to their parts, how to spot and make sense of value judgments, how to think about point of view and story selection, how to get behind the surface of tone and emphasis, where to go for discussion and feedback, what tools and sources to rely on, and so on. This is finally when students are really *studying history*: when they’re going back and forth between the *facts* and their *interpretation*, the *facts* and their *interpretation*, and on and on ad infinitum. This is how professionals do history; these are the two parts of the best history courses: (1) They help students develop a broad knowledge base, and (2) they help students develop sound judgment. In this way a good history class (quite apart from all of its other values, like personal enjoyment, the humanization of past peoples and groups, our own confrontation with alien contexts, etc.) can empower students to read with the same caution, skepticism, and discernment as the adults who care about them. In the best history classes students learn to appreciate the past in all of its complexity, learn to understand the contexts that inform the present, and learn to use the methods of the historian to resist and even see right through the people who try to use a particular spin on the past to get something out of you today. ## What kind of history does the Nomadic Professor do? Perhaps one problem with some of the titles listed above is that they go too far toward simplifying a narrative that can’t easily be simplified, or they go too far toward making a cohesive narrative out of a disparate set of facts and contexts that don’t easily cohere. Further, this strong-arm kind of history does little to help students understand or appreciate how history is done, and what to think when interpretations diverge. Is everyone right because there is no “objective” interpretation of the past? Is no one right because there is no “objective” version of the past? Are all interpretations equally valid? There’s a short answer to all of these questions: No. So what kind of history does The Nomadic Professor do? We hope we do the good kind of history described throughout this post, but we’ll leave you and yours to make that judgment. \_\_\_ This is some of the big-picture logic that informs the history we do at The Nomadic Professor. If this approach resonates with you, or sounds like an approach you want to learn more about, we encourage you to check out our offerings. In addition to the two American History courses available today, the third part of our American History course is coming soon, as well as courses in media literacy and the history of free speech. Feel free to reach out to us directly at and we’ll do our best to answer your questions. All history courses are written by the Professor, Dr. William Kesler Jackson, with all scaffolding and literacy elements created by high school teacher Nate Noorlander. ## Find Nomadic Professor in Homeschool Planet’s Marketplace! Are you a Homeschool Planet Online Planner Member? Learn more about the Nomadic Professor Curriculum and Lesson Plans for Homeschool Planet’s Online Planner [here](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/nomadic-professor/). New to Homeschool Planet? Start your 30-day FREE trial of the Homeschool Planet Online Planner with a FREE Lesson Plan of your choice [here](https://homeschoolplanet.com/welcome-to-homeschool-planet/). [![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Nomadic-Professor-LP-Cuuric.jpg)](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/nomadic-professor/) ![Nomadic Professor Authors](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Nomadic-Professor.png) *This article was written by guest author Nate Noorlander.* ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/0474d7793a76a3729aa48b82770cd2e6c7d70851f086377a3aeb09856a27abe2?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Lindsey Stomberg [See Full Bio](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/lindseyhomeschoolplanet-com/) [ ](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/lindseyhomeschoolplanet-com/) **Categories:** Choosing Curriculum **Tags:** guest author, nomadic professor, objective history, homeschool, history --- ### [4 Tips for Homeschooling Students With ADHD](https://homeschoolplanet.com/4-tips-for-homeschooling-students-with-adhd/) **Published:** November 9, 2021 **Author:** Sarah Shelton **Content:** Homeschooling students with ADHD is challenging, but as a mom who has graduated two of these amazing human beings from her homeschool, Melissa can tell you that every struggle is worth it. A special welcome to Dr. Melissa Felkins as our guest writer today. ![4 Tips for Homeschooling Students with ADHD](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/BlogADD-683x1024.png) Although you can never expect smooth sailing all the time, there are some simple strategies that will keep you in calm waters much more often. ## 4 Tips for Homeschooling Students with ADHD ### 1. Set Realistic Expectations When it comes to setting expectations for our kids with ADHD, sometimes it’s hard to know whether we’re expecting too much or not challenging them enough. It can be a fine line, for sure! The sweet spot is to challenge, but not overwhelm. Take your cues from your child. If you see those telltale signs that they are reaching their limit, it’s better to pull back. If you keep pushing, your child is likely to shut down, and all learning for that day could be lost. ### 2. Minimize Distractions Talk to your child about what kinds of things cause the most distraction for them and work on minimizing those things. Is it household activity? Find a space in the house that is away from the daily hustle and bustle of the family. Is it noise? Get a pair of noise-canceling headphones and let them listen to instrumental music while they work. Is it that hard chair they have to sit on at the kitchen table? Maybe it’s time to invest in a beanbag. The key here is to communicate with your child. Ask them what distracts them the most. You might be surprised by their answers! ### 3. Shorten Directions Many kids with ADHD have slower processing skills and shorter working memory. Their brains are not able to process or remember several directions at once. The overwhelm this causes could result in them shutting down or having an emotional meltdown. It only gets worse when we interpret their behavior as disobedience. You can avoid these explosive situations by shortening tasks, giving one or two directions at a time, and preparing your child ahead of time for upcoming transitions. **TIP:** Use [Homeschool Planet](http://homeschoolplanet.com/) to break down each step into a separate assignment. That way, your kids can complete one step at a time and mark it off as they go! ### 4. Be Structured, Yet Flexible Structured flexibility is my favorite phrase when I talk about homeschooling kids with ADHD. They need a framework to keep them on track, but they’re not always going to stay on track…and that’s okay! A flexible plan allows your child to go at his or her own pace, experiencing progress and success along the way. This type of individualized learning experience is one of the most unique benefits that your child with ADHD will gain from homeschooling. **TIP:** *Homeschool Planet makes structured flexibility so easy for you, as a parent!* When your child needs a little more time to learn a concept, simply move things around with a click of the mouse or drag and drop an assignment to the next day. [![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/ADHD-Starter-Course.png)](https://www.adhdhomeschooling.com/) Do you want to learn more about how you can give your child with ADHD a positive homeschooling experience and solid educational foundation? Sign up for my FREE 5-day mini-course, [ADHD Homeschooling Starter Course!](https://www.adhdhomeschooling.com/) We’ll dive deep into realistic expectations, learning environments, curricula choices, structured flexibility and organization, and family matters. Find more tips on homeschooling kids with ADHD on her blog, [It’s A Joyous Journey](https://itsajoyousjourney.com/tips-for-homeschooling-with-adhd-3/). Join her [ADHD Homeschooling Support Facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/groups/ADHDHomeschooling)group community. *Dr. Melissa Felkins has a heart for encouraging and supporting families who are homeschooling kids with ADHD. Her experience as a former public-school teacher/counselor and homeschool mom of 10 years to kids with ADHD, dyslexia, and dysgraphia, as well as her educational background in counseling and educational psychology, give her a unique perspective in addressing both mental health issues and individual learning needs. She has done extensive research on the experiences of homeschool students with ADHD, including her dissertation study, which was published in 2018.* ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/d1f7ff2a76b04c9d0e780e3b7c7786d693ef5ad7f3af010b1c6ec1a927bcf8bd?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Sarah Shelton [See Full Bio](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/sjoysheltongmail-com/) [ ](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/sjoysheltongmail-com/) **Categories:** Homeschool 101 **Tags:** homeschooling ADHD, homeschool encouragement, homeschool helps --- ### [5 Important Tips for Homeschool Record Keeping](https://homeschoolplanet.com/5-tips-for-homeschool-record-keeping/) **Published:** October 27, 2023 **Author:** Sarah Shelton **Content:** Are you left with a stack of unsorted papers at the end of the year? Like many moms, I had to fumble my way through a year’s worth of tests, quizzes and reports, in order to comprise final grade cards and eventually transcripts. In the beginning of my homeschool life, I didn’t want to throw anything away, but I didn’t know hot to go about record keeping. ![5 Tips for Homeschool Record Keeping](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Record-Keeping-PIN-683x1024.png) Eventually, I learned how to keep records for the purpose of year end assessments, grade cards, and transcripts with little to no paper taking up boxes in my basement. ## Getting Started With Records Of Learning In your Homeschool Before I share my best tips for how to keep track of all the records in your homeschool, it is important that you know WHAT you need to keep. The reality is that the requirements for homeschool records, portfolios, and transcripts vary greatly from state to state, and from child to child. For example, a child homeschooling through an umbrella school in California will require a very different set of records than a child child unschooling in Texas. ## State Requirements For Homeschool Records The [Homeschool Legal Defense Association (HSLDA)](https://hslda.org/legal) has a wonderful resource to help you determine exactly what homeschool statutes in your state require for accurate record keeping. [Click on your state](https://hslda.org/legal) in to learn what you need in your location. ## Types Of Homeschool Records Depending on your state, typical homeschool records of learning include: - Work Samples and Book Lists - Grades by subject and by grade level - Attendance and/or hours of instruction tracking - Test scores - Extra curricular activities For many families, this gets even more complicated with multiple children and high school transcripts. Do you need some help keeping track of everything in your homeschool? These tips are sure to help you with this daunting task. ## 5 Important Tips for Homeschool Record Keeping ### 1. Start the Year Off Right. Begin the year with a plan and a file for items you will keep throughout the year. Each of your children should have their own file with their name and semester clearly marked. You may want to included a separate file for each subject. The sooner you start off organized, the better chance you have of staying that way the rest of the year. ### 2. Sort Regularly. Not all assignments are required to keep good records. I know this can be tough, but sorting and tossing will keep your records clean and your stress level low. Only keep significant accomplishments, assignments, and tests or any items that have the most impact on grade records. Some parents do this on a monthly basis, while others do it on a quarterly or semester basis. Either way, it is better than waiting until the end of the year, and the beginning of summer break! ### 3. Get Your Kids Involved. If your child is old enough, then you may want to get your child in on the record keeping action. All your child the chance to file items significant to him. If you provide tests, once your child sees the graded test then you can have him file it away. I especially like this since it reinforces the routine of staying organized for both me and my child. ### 4. Do it Your Way. Homeschooling is personal and customized to a family’s needs. While record keeping is practical, there isn’t only one right way to keep records. If color coding works for you then color your records like a rainbow. If you prefer to keep minimal records by only recording final grades then go for it. If you want to keep a scrapbook of your child’s work then create a library of your homeschool journey. Whatever you do, just do it in a way that brings you satisfaction and joy. ### 5. Use Homeschool Planet for Heavy Lifting. This is by far the solution that will aid you the most. I know that sounds a bit biased, but let me explain. While keeping hard copies is a favorite among many, you can leave the work of compiling records and creating grade cards, transcripts and more to Homeschool Planet. It is already the best tool to plan your year but did you know it is also the best tool for wrapping it up? ## Homeschool Planet Makes Homeschool Record Keeping Easy ### Check out all these ways to easily incorporate this functionality into your Homeschool Planet routine: [Assignment Lists](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/assignment-lists/?seq_no=2) [Class Hours Reports](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/creating-class-hours-reports/) [Class Notes Reports](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/creating-a-class-notes-report/) [Grade Reports](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/creating-a-grade-report/) [Creating Report Cards](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/creating-a-report-card/) [Creating Transcripts](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/creating-a-transcript/) Fall in love with Homeschool Planet all over again by using it in a way that it can make your homeschool run smoothly. ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/d1f7ff2a76b04c9d0e780e3b7c7786d693ef5ad7f3af010b1c6ec1a927bcf8bd?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Sarah Shelton [See Full Bio](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/sjoysheltongmail-com/) [ ](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/sjoysheltongmail-com/) **Categories:** Homeschool 101 **Tags:** keeping homeschool records, transcripts, homeschool record keeping, homeschool organization --- ### [Why Integrate An Education?](https://homeschoolplanet.com/why-integrate-an-education/) **Published:** September 4, 2022 **Author:** Lindsey Stomberg **Content:** ## What Is Integrated Learning? You may have heard the term “integrated studies,” sometime used interchangeably with “unit studies,” and wondered for what that was all about. Interestingly, the Latin root of “integrated” is “integer,” a word for that might ring faint mathematical bells in your brain. The word means unity, wholeness, and completeness—traits that many of us long to see in our country right now. “To integrate” is to make up a unity out of different parts, perhaps especially in the sense of bringing outsiders to the inside and making them part of the whole. ![Why Integrate an Education](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Education-Integration-PIN-579x1024.png) In the world of homeschooling, “integrated” or “unit” studies refers to the use of several subjects to achieve a whole immersion into learning. I once asked my mother, who enthusiastically immersed six children in integrated studies, “What made you do it?” “I did it because it made the most sense to me,” she explained. “I think that is how people learn, and how they fix information in their minds: by integration.” “What do you mean?” “Well, take Egypt. You could simply read about it in a history book, couldn’t you?” I admitted that I could. “And you could fly over it, which would give you some idea of its geography.” This, also, I could do. “But those things would only give you a certain amount of understanding, right? That’s why it isn’t enough for us to read about our favorite places: we want to travel to see them before we die.” “That’s true…” “Now, imagine visiting Egypt. Think of standing at Giza in front of the Great Pyramid, the only remaining Great Wonder of the Ancient World. Suppose you are eating Egyptian food, listening to Egyptian music, and reading Egyptian poetry. Imagine feeling the wind across the desert and speaking with people whose ancestors have lived back for thousands of years in that land.” “Wow,” I breathed. “There you are,” said my mother. “We were given five senses for a reason. When we approach a thing from many different angles, we deepen our knowledge. We reason better—make better opinions and decisions—because we understand better. For Christians, this also means that we can share the Gospel better.” ## Immersion by Integrated Learning Thus, growing up, my studies were integrated. When we approached a new unit, my mother would pick a historical topic and explore it from every angle. I learned to make Egyptian palace bread—which I recommend only for the sweetest tooth!—and many-colored beaded collars. My little brother and I reenacted “The Tale of the Wicked Hemti” (more elegantly titled The Eloquent Peasant in some Egyptian literature anthologies). I learned the meaning of Ankh (“life”) and Ma’at (“truth”). I tried to listen to Egyptian music, and I pretended to be a corpse so that my little sisters might mummify me in layers of toilet paper. I covered sheets of butcher block paper with imitation tomb paintings. I was astonished by a poem called, “I think I’ll go home and lie very still,” which showed me the playful side of people who have been dead for thousands of years. Out of many parts, a whole experience came together in my fourteen-year-old mind. Even now, twenty four-years later, I remember it so vividly. I was immersed. Now, like my mother and many another educator before her, I have found that integrated studies “make the most sense to me” as a teacher. “Integration helps to fix knowledge firmly in the mind,” said my mother. I have found it so, and I now draw on that knowledge to help my students experience other points of view and arrive at a deeper, more complex understanding. Together, we walk an extra mile in the shoes of ghosts, or stand on Boo Radley’s front porch, or carefully handle the fine wires of fear and hope that bind together all this human family. By immersion, we learn to weep with those who weep, and rejoice with those who rejoice. We learn not to despise those who came before us, but rather to try the wisdom of the ages, keeping that which is good. We learn to see one another—more often than not, the seeing leads to knowing and to loving. ## Integrated Education Made More Approachable Integration often involves extra work, or at least an extra degree of ingenuity. My mother is a little unusual in that she wrote down her plan of integration for her children. It took her twenty years and several thousand pages to show how twelve grades of education in history, literature, geography, writing, worldview, politics, fine arts, and philosophy, might all be integrated together as unit studies. Because of her efforts, I can immerse my own students more easily, and I am grateful! Now, I work to continue her project, hoping to add mathematics, sciences, and economics to the integrated tapestry made up of many threads that she and my father handed to me. When it is finished, I hope it will make up an “integrity”: a wholeness that helps my students to see other humans, to love them, and to share the love of God with them. Integrated studies offer us a potential wealth of understanding, but they require a little extra work, extra ingenuity, and extra planning. Fortunately, Homeschool Planet’s software can now lighten that load in ways my mother never dreamed of when she first began to write her Tapestry of Grace. I hope the new planners for our curriculum will make it easier than ever to offer your students this precious gift that my mother gave me: an integrated education. ## Add Tapestry of Grace Lesson Plans to Your Homeschool Planet Planner If you are interested in learning more about the Tapestry of Grace curriculum or adding the Tapestry of Grace Lesson Plans to your Homeschool Planet Online Planner, [click here](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/tapestry-of-grace-full-racks-integrated/) to visit the Homeschool Planet Marketplace. There you will find Tapestry of Grace lesson plans are available for all learning levels bundled for your choice of Integrated, Full Racks, or Spools. Integrate your child’s education today with Tapestry of Grace! [![Tapestry of Grace Lesson Plans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TOG-Promotional-Image.png)](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/tapestry-of-grace-full-racks-integrated/) ### Meet Special Guest Author: Christina Somerville ![Christina Somerville](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Christina-Headshot-150x150-1.jpg)Home-educated through high school by Scott and Marcia Somerville, Christina earned a BA in Literature from Patrick Henry College in 2007. Upon graduation, Christina returned to Lampstand as an author, writing a Great Books Literature program for high school students, the beginning of a Literature program for junior high students, and two textbooks. During this time, Christina also edited Marcia’s Love the Journey, contributed to Writing Aids and Evaluations, taught for Tapestry University and Lampstand Learning Center (now Lucerna Academy), and helped to design the Advisor program as the first Advisor Liaison. In 2016, having completed a “first career” as a curriculum designer, Christina left Lampstand Press to embark on a “second career” as a teacher. The next four years broadened her knowledge of education beyond homeschooling as she taught secular international, public school, SAT prep school, AP, and private school students, while also continuing to teach at various times for Christian homeschool co-ops, Christian private students, and The Potter’s School. As 2019 ended, Michael Somerville decided to move on from his role as Lampstand’s President, so Christina transitioned part-time to a “third career” as the owner of Lampstand Press. (She also continues to teach because she can’t help herself.) > ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/0474d7793a76a3729aa48b82770cd2e6c7d70851f086377a3aeb09856a27abe2?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Lindsey Stomberg [See Full Bio](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/lindseyhomeschoolplanet-com/) [ ](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/lindseyhomeschoolplanet-com/) **Categories:** Homeschool 101 **Tags:** unit studies, unit study, integrated learning, integrated education, tapestry of grace --- ### [How To Know If Your Child Is Ready To Begin Homeschooling](https://homeschoolplanet.com/how-to-know-if-your-child-is-ready-to-begin-homeschooling/) **Published:** October 9, 2022 **Author:** Lindsey Stomberg **Content:** I have a decade of homeschooling under my belt with children in every grade level. I have been asked the question often by future homeschooling moms, “How do I start homeschooling?” My response is always the same. The key to understanding how to begin homeschooling, is to know if your child is ready to begin homeschooling. There are three primary components to timing both when you begin homeschooling a child and how you choose to have them progress to the next grade level. 1. Know your state’s homeschooling laws. 2. Know your child. 3. Know yourself. I will expand on these three key principles for beginning and continuing homeschooling your child below. ![How To Know If Your Child Is Ready To Begin Homeschooling](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/readytobeginHSPIN3.png) ### Know Your State’s Homeschool Laws The very first thing you need to know as a parent before beginning your homeschooling journey is your state laws on homeschooling. These must determine when you begin homeschooling your child and often will include which subjects you teach, when you teach them, as well as how many hours you are required to teach per day. I love to share the [Homeschool Legal Defense Association’s website](https://hslda.org/legal) with friends because they have an easy to navigate guide on state laws pertaining to homeschooling. ### Know Your Child Before Starting Homeschooling In addition to understanding your state’s laws, you need to strongly consider the age and maturity of your child. Is it is truly the right time to formally begin your homeschool journey? I will grant that there are some children who mature early and are reading and writing by five years old, but this is by no means the majority of children. There is a lot to be said for letting little children be little for longer. My argument is not that preschool is harmful, but that preschool isn’t ultimately as effective as we think it is. Just take a look at this study from [Cambridge](https://www.cam.ac.uk/research/discussion/school-starting-age-the-evidence) and this one from [Stanford](https://www.businessinsider.com/school-start-age-2017-3). There is overwhelming evidence that play time for young children is the best teacher. These articles are from the world’s most notable institutions and, therefore, are largely based on public education, but you won’t have to go far within the homeschool realm to find this same approach being encouraged in home education. Charlotte Mason, a British educator from the late eighteenth and early nineteenth century, has this to say about the early years. “The educational error of our day is that we believe too much in mediators. Now, Nature is her own mediator, undertakes, herself, to find work for eyes and ears, taste and touch; she will prick the brain with problems and the heart with feelings; and the part of mother or teacher in the early years (indeed, all through life) is to sow opportunities, and then to keep in the background, ready with a guiding or restraining hand only when these are badly wanted” (Vol. 1, pp. 192, 193). Charlotte Mason advocated waiting until the age of six to begin formal education of the child. The early years were meant to be ones of exploration and imagination, a time when fine motor skills could be developed through play. This is also a good time to focus on character training and habit building. In my own experience, I found that delaying formal reading and math lessons with my own children until the ages of six or even seven saved us a lot of heartache. It meant that my children picked up the information I presented immediately, rather than laboriously drilling math facts and sight words for months on end during the younger years. Learning through play and life experience is an education unto itself. Teach beginning math skills while cooking together. Learn colors while taking a walk through the woods during the Fall season. [Develop a morning time routine](https://homeschoolplanet.com/morning-time-routine/) and read good books together as a family to inspire your child’s imagination and love of reading. Get messy with finger paints and build with blocks to develop fine motor skills and coordination. The younger years are not “wasted” if formal lessons are not being taught. Each day is a new opportunity to follow your child on their natural path to learning about the world around them. You are there to answer questions and sow opportunities for them to glean a rich harvest of knowledge at their own pace and in their own time. Facilitate their natural desire to learn, but consider stalling formal lessons until they are developmentally ready to begin. ### Know Your Child Before Continuing Homeschooling In the same way that a homeschool parent needs to consider when their child is developmentally ready to begin homeschooling, it is important to consider your child’s age, maturity, skill sets, and challenges before progressing your child to the next level of learning once you have begun formally educating your child. As homeschoolers we often think we must stick to the same schedule as the public schools. Most states do not require the homeschool parent to structure their child’s education in this way, and it may not be particularly helpful to your child to progress to the next grade level before he or she is ready to do so. For instance, I have a dyslexic child who should be formally in seventh grade, but she is working at a sixth grade level due to natural learning challenges she has. We have not run into a single problem with completing her end of year testing required by our state even though she is working an entire year behind her formal grade level. In fact, she always tests above average on these standardized state tests. This is due to the fact that homeschool curricula on average operates at a grade level higher than its public school counterparts. It is more important that you progress to the next grade level when your child is ready, than it is to keep up with what you perceive to be the standard. It is more important that your child really understand the material, than it is to continue presenting more and more challenging material that will only confuse and frustrate. Laying a foundation for your child that is strong will inspire confidence especially in those who learn differently. Taking this route will also give you as a parent room to breathe if you don’t fully complete a textbook by the end of the year. ### Know Yourself I took this little online quiz years ago from Eclectic Homeschool called [“What Kind of Homeschooler Are You?”](http://eclectic-homeschool.com/what-kind-of-homeschooler-are-you/) It isn’t scientific by any means, but much like a personality test, it was helpful in giving me a view inside my personal pedagogical philosophy. My answers to the questions on this quiz have changed over the years as I have developed more clear cut methods. It is important to know a few things about yourself before you begin homeschooling your children. - What is your reason for homeschooling? - Do you have a philosophy of education? - What is your preferred method of teaching? - How do you personally learn best? The answers to these questions will first keep you homeschooling when the going gets tough, and they will also guide you on your homeschool journey. You may not be able to answer some of these questions until you have some experience under your belt, and your answers probably will change a little over the years. However, being more self-aware can be helpful when homeschooling your child. What happens if your method of teaching or learning clashes with one of your student’s learning styles? This happened to me. I have one child who is very Type A, and I am not. It was important for me to learn to meet her where she was at. On the other hand, she has had to learn a lot of patience with me. It has been a process of compromise and growing in our relationship together. She had to be come more flexible, and I had to learn how to offer her the structure she craved. Assessing your child’s abilities and challenges, as well as your own preferences and expectations is extremely important before beginning or continuing your child’s home education. Definitely align your homeschool schedule with your state’s homeschool laws, but consider your child as a whole person and meet him where he is at. Don’t pressure your child to begin or move on just because you fear not keeping up with a perceived cultural standard. Allow your child to move at the pace for which he is developmentally ready. You both will be happier for it and more confident in the outcome. ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/0474d7793a76a3729aa48b82770cd2e6c7d70851f086377a3aeb09856a27abe2?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Lindsey Stomberg [See Full Bio](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/lindseyhomeschoolplanet-com/) [ ](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/lindseyhomeschoolplanet-com/) **Categories:** Homeschool 101 **Tags:** begin homeschooling, start homeschooling, charlotte mason, homeschool quiz, homeschool --- ### [Veteran Advice for Homeschooling a Child with ADHD](https://homeschoolplanet.com/homeschooling-a-child-with-adhd/) **Published:** November 5, 2022 **Author:** Lindsey Stomberg **Content:** Homeschooling is a challenge all by itself, but homeschooling a neuro-divergent child adds a different layer of challenges altogether. Keep reading for a wealth of practical guidance from a veteran homeschool mom of twenty years and eight children sharing her experience and tips for homeschooling a child with ADHD. ![Veteran Advice for Homeschooling a Child with ADHD](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/HomeschoolingADHDPIN.png) A couple of weeks ago I sat down with my good friend Heidi who agreed to be interviewed for this article. Heidi has ADHD herself, and has homeschooled two children with ADHD. One of those children she successfully graduated, and the other is in high school now. Including her twenty years of homeschooling eight children, her veteran homeschooling mom credentials are solid! After our conversation was over, I told her that I wish I had taken a recording of what she said. I took a solid four pages of notes and having a child with dyslexia only, I still felt like so much of what she said resonated with my experience. So take it from me, whatever learning challenge you are going through, there is something in this article for you. All content to follow came from this conversation with Heidi. ## To Be Diagnosed or Not to be Diagnosed, That Is the Question Formal diagnosis of neuro-divergence is often frowned upon, especially in homeschool community. No one wants to medicate their child, but there comes a point where the parent has to decide if medication will be worth it if it makes that child’s quality of life better, gives him or her the ability to be independent, and overall helps to build that child’s confidence level. In Heidi’s experience, one of her children with ADHD didn’t start showing signs of ADHD until about third or fourth grade. She tried everything from diet change to herbal remedies to address the symptoms, but diagnosis and medication was key in addressing the issues they were dealing with in their home and homeschool. She acknowledges that this might not be the case for every family, but it is something that those families who do not find an easy foothold must consider at some point. Just try not to let a fear of modern medicine keep you from doing what is best for your child’s wellbeing. ## Getting a Diagnosis for a Child with ADHD There are a couple of ways to get a diagnosis for your child. You can check with your local public school system, as public schools often offer these services. Heidi chose to go through a private Psychologist for one child and a Neuropsychologist for the other. This might be covered by your insurance, so it is worth checking into. Heidi shared with me that many children who are diagnosed with ADHD also have some level of Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). These issues often overlap. Many people do not like getting SPD therapy for their children because it just looks like “play time.” A parent might think that they can replicate the same environment at home. However, it is a misnomer that what a therapist does in these types of specialized therapies are just play. From her personal experience, consistent work through these therapy sessions did her children a world of good and she highly recommends that others do them too. The best thing you can do for your child is to educate yourself in every way you can concerning ADHD and any other challenges your child might be dealing with. Heidi highly recommends [Russell Barkley](http://www.russellbarkley.org/) and [Dr. Daniel Amen](https://www.additudemag.com/author/daniel-amen-m-d/) for self-education as you aim to help your child. ## It Is All About Executive Function Processing Skills One of the most interesting parts of my conversation with Heidi was when she started talking like the expert she is about training children in executive function processing skills. In her words, “All moms of children with ADHD function as their child’s frontal lobe. We remind them they need to shower or eat lunch, basic life skills. Moms of children with ADHD must train their children in executive function processing, because we cannot be their frontal lobe forever.” How did Heidi teach her kids better executive function skills? She figured out what method worked for her kids by trying all the methods she could think of. She shared that children with ADHD learn best by focusing on sequential steps for accomplishing tasks. As a parent, you will need to build strategies that work for them. Consider putting sticky notes up on the mirror \[or using your [Homeschool Planet Online Planner](https://homeschoolplanet.com/welcome-to-homeschool-planet/) to guide your child through his daily tasks\]. Giving your child strategies to accomplish life skills on his own will train your child into independence from you being his “frontal lobe.” This may take trying multiple strategies over his lifetime to find which one your child takes to the best, but it will be worth it. Training your child in executive function processing skills will help your child succeed later in life when he needs to take care of himself and his family. ## Sage Advice for Moms Homeschooling a Child with ADHD Our vision as homeschooling parents is often shaped by public school. Heidi said she heard someone once say that public school is designed to keep thirty kids busy in a chair for eight hours every day. Homeschooling on the other hand is very different. We have all the flexibility in the world as homeschoolers, and for a parent of a a child that is not neuro-typical, you will need to be utterly flexible in your approach to homeschooling. More than likely, you will need to switch your curriculum many times to find the right fit for your child. You may need to allow your child to talk to text for writing his papers, take sensory breaks to get his mind working again, or offer [cheat sheets](https://homeschoolplanet.com/?s=cheat+sheets) to help your child succeed in core subjects. One of the most difficult hurdles for parents of children with ADHD, is the mental exercise it takes to embrace your child for exactly who he or she is. Look for how your child shines, and stop focusing on how he doesn’t measure up. It is OKAY if your child does not learn at the same rate as other children his age or develops emotionally later than his peers. Many children with ADHD are brilliant and creative in their own way and excel in those things in which they take interest. They may not succeed according to typical school standards, but they thrive and shine in other very important areas. Heidi expressed multiple times during our conversation that parents of children with ADHD need to find more things to praise in their child. Your child is more than likely harder on himself than anyone else. There is no reason to pile onto the guilt and frustration that already exists. It is perfectly OKAY if your child “grabs it” later than what is typical. Learn to celebrate the small steps and you will see your child’s confidence blossom. ## Conclusion Your child may not be neurotypical, but that doesn’t make him or her any less special. Consider the possibility that a diagnosis and medication may help your child in the long run. Give therapies a real consistent shot. Be flexible and relaxed in how you educate your child with ADHD at home, and most of all embrace your child for who he or she is. Learn to celebrate all the small wins as you equip your child in executive functioning skills for lifelong success. I hope you have enjoyed the sage wisdom that Heidi had to share from her experience as someone with ADHD and a homeschool mom to two children of her eight diagnosed with ADHD. ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/0474d7793a76a3729aa48b82770cd2e6c7d70851f086377a3aeb09856a27abe2?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Lindsey Stomberg [See Full Bio](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/lindseyhomeschoolplanet-com/) [ ](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/lindseyhomeschoolplanet-com/) **Categories:** Homeschool 101 **Tags:** ADHD, dyslexia, veteran mom, homeschooling advice, special needs, neuro-divergent, homeschooling ADHD --- ### [Top 10 Benefits of Listening to Audiobooks](https://homeschoolplanet.com/top-10-benefits-of-audiobooks/) **Published:** January 8, 2023 **Author:** Lindsey Stomberg **Content:** This is Jim Hodges, and I’ve been recording books for 23 years now. My original desire to record books was selfish actually. I loved reading out loud and thought that recording books would be a fantastic at-home business to start after I completed my 20 year career in the U. S. Navy. While I knew that listening to audiobooks could be fun, what I didn’t know is that listening to an audiobook has lots of other benefits to the listener. Here are the top 10: ![Top 10 Benefits of Listening to Audiobooks](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/audiobooksPIN.png) ## \#1 Benefit: Audiobooks Improve Time Management. One of the greatest benefits of audiobooks is that you and your kids can save a lot of time by multitasking – provided the other tasks do not require too much of your attention of course! You can listen to them while driving to soccer, piano lessons, church, nap time, bed time, or while being together as a family in the evening. Other times people love listening to audiobooks is in the gym, or while going for a walk, or while carrying out their daily routines like cooking or cleaning. The best routine I’ve heard is from a homeschooling mom in South Carolina: Every day, while making and eating lunch, Mom puts on the next chapter of a Henty audiobook. Everybody gets to listen to a chapter while making and eating their lunch. Chapters are typically 30-40 minutes long so that works about right. After the chapter is over Mom gets to ask questions about the chapter. That makes sure everyone is following the story. She can also define new vocabulary words, clarify relationships between characters, or show on a map where the action took place. Once the book is completed and everyone’s had a chance to listen together as a family, they have a drawing to see who gets to listen to it alone first, and then everyone takes turns listening on their own devices when it works for them. In this example, everyone hears the story. Mom gets to ensure they all followed and understood it. She also ensures that the moral lessons exemplified are clearly understood and emphasized, that there is a connection made between good morals and good outcomes. ## \# 2 Benefit: Audiobooks Improve Pronunciation and Fluency. While the narrator reads, you will notice and learn, quite passively and accidentally, the way he is pronouncing different words. Not only that, but you will notice his reading speed, his pauses, stresses, and intonations, which are very crucial in having fluency and command over any language. What you may not know is that I spend nearly a month preparing a book for recording before I ever turn on a microphone. While reading the book quietly to myself I’m underling words I’m not sure how to pronounce. Specifically I’m looking at the names of rivers and mountains and cities and actual people from history. I own a regular dictionary, a geographic dictionary, and a biographic dictionary which I use to look up unusual words, places, and people. It’s been a huge help to me. There are also sites on the internet where you can ask “how to pronounce \_\_\_\_\_.” If your children follow along in the text of one of my recordings, they will see that words often aren’t pronounced the way you’d think based on their spelling! Think Versailles. It’s pronounced *ver-SI*. Who’d have thought that? Nobody, unless they were French. ## \# 3 Benefit: Audiobooks Are Wonderful for Struggling Readers. There seems to be an increase in the number of people diagnosed with reading difficulties. Maybe, just maybe, it’s really that we are just better at identifying their issues. It is now widely believed that Thomas Edison, Nicolas Tesla, Leonardo Da Vinci, Alexander Graham Bell, and Jules Verne were all dyslexic. There was no diagnoses of course, but all the evidence appears to be there. Do you think they would have loved audiobooks? I’ll bet they would have! Consider the benefits that would accrue if you included audiobooks into your struggling reader’s day. ## \# 4 Benefit: You Get an Interesting and Lively Experience of the Story. The personality of the narrator can really enhance the flow and feel of a story! My goal when I record a book is to translate the written word into mental pictures for you – of people and places and situations, and also help you to understand the plot better. When you are watching a movie, everything is done for you. Facial expressions, tone of voice, actual appearance of a character, seeing where the story takes place – no imagination required! On the other hand, when listening to an audiobook, it’s almost entirely up to the reader to take the words of the author, and help you visualize all that in your head. Of course the authors descriptions form the foundation of the story, and many authors are quite descriptive, which is really helpful, not only to the listener, but to the reader. If it weren’t for the author’s description, how would I know anything about the character? How am I supposed to translate that into their voice, their attitude, their story? The narrator’s job is to get into the author’s head – to take the words of the author and accurately present the story and bring the personality of each character to life. I do this with character voices of course, but also by varying my inflections, emphases, pauses, accents, and cadences. SO much of a story can be told with those elements, in addition to the actual words spoken. When a narrator uses all of the tools available to him, it really does transform the words of the author into an interesting, lively, and fun experience for the listeners! ## \# 5 Benefit: Audiobooks Build “Critical Listening” Skills. Not surprisingly, listening to audiobooks assists in the development of listening skills! In life, it’s vitally important to be able to really listen when people speak. Whether it’s a teacher, pastor, parent, employer, friend, or spouse, truly listening is one of the most important skills you can develop. First and foremost, you want to ensure that you completely understand what is expected of you, what an authority has required of you, or what your friend or spouse is feeling. If you haven’t developed the critical skill of listening, how are you going to know if you got the information right? Anyone can just listen to a story or a book. However, the purpose for listening, or reading for that matter, is not just to be a recipient of information – that’s great for younger listeners for sure and what many people refer to as “pleasure reading” or “pleasure listening.” But eventually, we all need to develop the skill of analyzing the logic of the information being transmitted, determining if the author has “made the case” so to speak, and judging the accuracy and legitimacy of the information being shared. ## \#6 Benefit: Audiobooks Can Improve Focus and Attention Span. I am not, by nature, an auditory learner. When people ask me what audiobooks I listen to, as kindly as I can I tell them I much prefer to read books than listen to them. That’s why I record them! I actually have to MAKE myself pay attention to an audiobook. Which actually kind of makes the point! While listening to an audiobook, you NEED to pay attention to what the narrator is trying to convey to you. And you will have to MAINTAIN that attention throughout the narration. With practice, listening to audiobooks can improve your focus and attention span. ## \# 7 Benefit: Listening to Audiobooks Can Help Improve Memory. While listening to an audiobook, there are a lot of things that you need to remember! Not the least of which are all of the characters names, their personalities, their histories, and their relationships to other characters. (As I’m preparing a book to record, I actually write down inside the front cover of the book all of the characters names with a brief description of who they are for easy reference. It helps me keep everyone in place till I become more familiar with them as I get to “know” them.) Often there are plots and sub-plots you need to keep straight. You’ll need to remember important conversations too. That’s a lot of stuff to remember! If you are able to stay focused and pay attention you’ll be better at remembering all these things. Naturally your ability to remember all of this will improve as you listen to more books. Practice makes perfect, but it is a skill which can be developed. If the skill of remembering all of that disparate information is improved by listening to audiobooks, don’t you think it will translate into a general ability to remembering other things in life? Sounds reasonable to me. ## \# 8 Benefit: Listening to Audiobooks Builds Critical Thinking and Comprehension Skills. While listening to an audiobook, or while reading for that matter, a lot of information needs to be processed in your brain simultaneously. You’ve got to keep the characters straight, the geography pictured, the relationships understood. It also requires you to keep your brain open for many different possibilities. You never know how things are going to work out! That’s why you’re listening – to find out what happens! That figuring out is quite a workout for your brain! And that’s a good thing. It stretches you intellectually, spatially, logically. All these mental machinations sharpen your mind, enhance your critical and analytical thinking, and build your comprehension skills. ## \# 9 Benefit: Audiobooks Help Listeners Develop Empathy. When the author writes emotional lines, and the narrator reads them effectively, the listener is invited into the emotions being experienced by the character. If someone dies, or a battle is being waged, or an escape is taking place, the reader helps the listener experience the story in a very engaging way, allowing the listener to feel what the character is feeling and experiencing in a very personal way. I so clearly remember reading the lines of the protagonist in the Henty novel, [“In the Reign of Terror.”](https://jimhodgesaudiobooks.com/shop/in-the-reign-of-terror-an-english-lad-in-the-french-revolution-1789-1799/) He was experiencing extreme stress due to the danger he was facing and the responsibility he felt for the young ladies he was trying to spirit out of the country. I actually teared up reading his lines. The emotions were that strong. And as a listener, you can experience those emotions too – and have empathy for the character. ## \# 10 Benefit of Listening to Audiobooks: Audiobooks Can Boost Your Mental Health. Provided you are listening to good and wholesome books, listening to audiobooks can help calm your mind by providing a respite from an otherwise fractured, angry, evil world. Feel free to come to and sign up to receive a free unabridged recording of G. A. Henty’s exciting, historically accurate adventure novel “Under Drake’s Flag – A Tale of the Circumnavigation of the Globe” recorded by me, Jim Hodges! ## Jim Hodges’ Audiobooks with Study Guide are available in the Homeschool Planet Marketplace! Add the time-tested audio stories from master storyteller Jim Hodges into your homeschool day with these comprehensive, value-priced lesson plans for Homeschool Planet. Jim Hodges brings the well-loved historical novels by G.A. Henty to life with his expressive and engaging audiobooks. These stories are noted for being educational, entertaining, and edifying to young and old alike. Each lesson plan includes the entire audiobook, scheduled at a pace of one chapter per day, plus the entire study guide embedded with vocabulary and study questions for each chapter. Comprehension quizzes appear after approximately every five chapters. Let your students listen and enjoy these stories which will help them enter the world of times past. ### >> [CLICK HERE](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/jim-hodges-g-a-henty-audio-books-with-study-guide-included/) to learn more! << [![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/JimHodges2.png)](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/jim-hodges-g-a-henty-audio-books-with-study-guide-included/) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/0474d7793a76a3729aa48b82770cd2e6c7d70851f086377a3aeb09856a27abe2?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Lindsey Stomberg [See Full Bio](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/lindseyhomeschoolplanet-com/) [ ](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/lindseyhomeschoolplanet-com/) **Categories:** Homeschool 101 **Tags:** audiobooks, reading, struggling reader, language, jim hodges, critical listening, comprehension, dyslexia, time management --- ### [The When, Why, and How of Homeschool Grading](https://homeschoolplanet.com/homeschool-grading/) **Published:** December 10, 2022 **Author:** Lindsey Stomberg **Content:** Most homeschooling parents grade their child’s school work because they have never known any other way. It is easy to assume that because we received grades for all our school work from kindergarten through high school, that we must continue to follow this standard. Keep reading to learn the when, why, and how of homeschool grading. ![The when, the why, and the how of homeschool grading](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/homeschoolgrading.png) ## When Should I Grade My Student’s Work? Like many other educational practices, parents often draw their inspiration from the public school concerning how they assess their child’s school work. Many parents collect grades for their children starting in kindergarten and continue through high school for every worksheet, project, quiz and test they complete. Homeschool grading is necessary, but we need to set the record straight as to when they are necessary and when they are not necessary. Homeschool grading is not usually required until the high school years specifically for the purposes of creating a transcript. The transcript is what is necessary for your child to attend an institution of higher education. The transcript is proof of your student’s education and lists the course of study your child has completed as well as the grades earned for his studies. All other grades given before the high school years are based more in precedence or preference than necessity. It is not wrong to issue grades for your young child’s work. My concern here is that we know why we do what we do, and that we are educating our children at home on purpose. There is no rule that says we must duplicate the public classroom in our homes. As with all educational methods adopted in the homeschool, first be familiar with state laws, and also know the good and the challenges that can come from the methods employed in your homeschool. ## Why Should I Grade My Student’s Work? I posed before that *all other grades given before the high school years are based more in precedence or preference than necessity*. This is due to the fact that the grades given before high school are not required for your child to succeed in his or her education. It is just one way that success can be measured. There *are* reasons to grade your child’s work before high school. The most obvious would be if your state laws or umbrella school requires these grades. Beyond being required to collect grades, maybe you as a teacher feel more confident in your ability to teach if you keep giving grades. Another reason may be that your student enjoys getting a grade, and you find your child uniquely shows more focus and willingness to work when they get a grade. On the other hand, maybe issuing grades causes you a lot of anxiety and stress because you get behind on evaluating your child’s work. Does your child struggle in school and lose confidence when he sees that dropping grade? If any of these apply to you, I would submit to you that you reconsider your method of evaluating your child’s progress in the classroom. I have been homeschooling since 2011 and I have seven children spanning elementary, middle, and high school. We do not give numeric or letter grades for every subject until my children reach high school. Classroom grades are not required by our state laws but standardized testing is. I am able to see how my kids line up according to state standards using the standardized testing. For our regular school work, I have found other ways to give my children feedback on their work and assess their progress. ### Here are a few ways to evaluate your student without grades: - **Amount of Improvement:** You can see how much a child has improved, if he is able to progress to the next thing with little or no difficulty. - **Speed of Improvement:** You can see how quickly the child is able to progress through his work and move to the next thing with little or no difficulty. - **Level of Effort:** You can check your child’s progress by the level of effort he is having to exert in order to progress through his work. - **Participation and Conversation:** You can evaluate your child’s understanding of a subject based on his aptitude in conversation and participation. Is he engaged in the project? Is he able to relate his knowledge of the subject back to you verbally in a way that shows his level of understanding? - **Attitude:** You can assess your child’s progress in education based on his attitude towards his education. ### Assessment Is Necessary Not everyone who homeschools has a thorough education themselves. Also not every parent who homeschools knows how to properly assess their child’s work. You may not know what skill sets are normal, valuable, or natural for each stage of learning. As homeschoolers we might be cautious when looking at anything that places our children into a “box,” but at the same time let those standards inform you as to what is expected of other children your student’s age. This is good knowledge to have, and homeschoolers who must take standardized tests to meet state laws use it to shed light on where their child might need a little extra work. Not assessing your children on a regular basis would be a very dangerous game. Education is a serious matter and therefore should be taken seriously. There are certain benchmarks students must meet along the way in order to complete high school. These benchmarks are important for you to know and strive to hit. If your child is struggling in school to meet those benchmarks there are ways to adapt, but ultimately your child will need to complete your state’s requirements to graduate high school and enter college. Your student’s future is at stake! ### Homeschool Grading in High School Homeschool grades in the younger years may not be necessary, but homeschool records are of the utmost importance. On the one hand, you want to have them ready in case a social worker ever comes knocking desiring proof of your child’s education. On the other hand, homeschool records are the backbone documents that help keep you on track in your homeschool journey. If you have a high schooler you will want to create a [4-Year Plan](https://homeschoolplanet.com/4-year-high-school-plan/) for their high school years. This plan will include a map of sorts to direct your child toward higher education and/ or a career path. This 4-year High School Plan should have the subjects and extra-curriculars both required by your state laws and your family for your child to complete by the end of high school. This is an easy to consult guide to keep your on track toward graduation. Download your free copy of the 4-Year High School Plan, [here](https://homeschoolplanet.com/4-year-high-school-plan/). Keeping grades for your high school student is paramount for compiling his transcript, but it is also necessary to prepare your child for higher education where grades *will* be issued. Children who are not used to evaluation will not easily accept criticism from others. Beyond the university setting, our students need training on accepting critique in the workplace as well. I highly recommend that you have your high schooler at some point be evaluated by someone outside the family. You might even consider hiring a professional editor to edit one of your student’s research papers. This practice can introduce your child to a more rigorous style of assessment and be valuable to your student’s growth. ## How Should I Grade My Student’s Work Homeschool Planet’s Online Planner is the perfect resource for aiding you in tracking your child’s educational records and in keeping grades. Homeschool Planet will also calculate your child’s GPA and compile your student’s transcript. You will love how seamless these features are to use! *If you are new to Homeschool Planet and want to try it risk free for 30 days, [click here](https://homeschoolplanet.com/welcome-to-homeschool-planet/).* ### Check out just a few of the tutorials for Homeschool Grading with Homeschoool Planet below: - [Understanding Grading Scales](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/understanding-grading-scales/) - [Setting Up Grading Categories](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/setting-up-grading-categories/) - [Adding Grading to a Class or Lesson Plan](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/adding-grading-to-a-class-or-lesson-plan/) - [The Grading Helper](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/the-grading-helper/) - [Printing Report Cards](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-report-cards/) - [Printing a Grade Report](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-grade-reports/) - [Printing Transcripts](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-transcripts/) *Find more tutorials on grading in Homeschool Planet [here](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/).* **Wondering what the difference between a Grade Report and a Report Card is?** That’s a fair question! In short a Report Card is a list of classes with final grades from a specific period of time like a semester or a school year while a Grade Report can include a list of grades for individual assignments or a summary by category. In summary, I hope that you have found this article exploring the why, when, and how of homeschool grading to be helpful in your analysis of your own methods of assessing your student’s work. Where grading a child’s work in the early years is not necessary, there are many good reasons for doing so. For those who need permission to cease and desist from grading all of their child’s work, I hope I have delivered. However, when it comes to the high school years, I sincerely desire that you see the necessity of keeping records of grades with the primary goal of compiling a transcript, as well as a worthwhile endeavor to prepare your student for the real world. This training under your care will go a long way in giving your child the confidence needed to succeed in the future. ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/0474d7793a76a3729aa48b82770cd2e6c7d70851f086377a3aeb09856a27abe2?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Lindsey Stomberg [See Full Bio](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/lindseyhomeschoolplanet-com/) [ ](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/lindseyhomeschoolplanet-com/) **Categories:** Homeschool 101 **Tags:** grading, grades, report card, grade report, homeschool --- ### [How Homeschool Planet Helps Children with Learning Differences](https://homeschoolplanet.com/homeschool-planet-children-with-learning-differences/) **Published:** October 22, 2023 **Author:** Shawna Wingert **Content:** One of the biggest struggles of homeschooling a child with learning differences is creating and sticking to a routine. **You really want to give your kids stability and structure**, but it can feel like a full-time job sometimes just keeping the homeschool train on the tracks. Add in that children with learning differences may have [more outside appointments and therapies ](https://differentbydesignlearning.com/homeschooling-outside-therapies/)and it’s no wonder that so many of us search for a homeschool planner that really works for our kids unique needs. That’s why I am so grateful to have found Homeschool Planet’s online homeschool planner. ![online homeschool planner](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/15-Educational-Field-Trip-3-683x1024.png) ## **Homeschooling a Child with Learning Differences** Learning differences are more prevalent than most of us realize.[ Some sources say as many as 1 in 5 children have a learning difference such as ADHD or Dyslexia](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/learning-disabilities-by-the-numbers#). Our goal as homeschool parents is to set our children up to succeed, but when kids have learning differences or challenges, we have the added challenge of providing tools that support them. Whether it’s a **clear visual representation of their schedule**, or giving kids flexibility that still keeps them learning, Homeschool Planet is a fabulous tool that can grow with your child and help them to become more independent over time. ## **Simplified Planning for Kids with Learning Differences** Homeschool Planet’s online homeschool planner offers all-in-one planning not just for assignments, but for classes, chores, sports, music lessons, work schedules and anything else your family needs to stay on top of. It’s fully mobile for you and your kids who have cell phones, and entirely customizable for your whole family – ***yet each child is able to focus on their own individual plan.*** This cuts down on confusion and “noise,” and can support children with attention issues and ADHD. ## **The Benefits of Using Homeschool Planet with Kids with Learning Challenges** ### Unique Profiles For Each Child Homeschool Planet is fully adaptable and **you can set up unique profiles for each child**. That means each child can see their profile, and not have to navigate through the entire calendar to find what’s on their schedule for the day (The calendar actually provides daily, weekly and monthly views.) This helps growing kids gain independence, plus Homeschool Planet has extra features in place designed to equip students with additional support. ### Text Reminders Parents can **set up text reminders to be sent to kids** about upcoming appointments or plans. Parents can even attach a to-do list with important notes like: “don’t forget your water bottle, sunscreen and goggles.” Each individual student profile also provides **daily and weekly email digests, so students can start each day with a clear plan of action, and know what’s coming in the week ahead**. *That’s vital for kids who struggle with unexpected transitions and do best when they know what to expect.* ### Visual Representation Of Their Day In the calendar feature, students get a **visual representation of their day**, which is helpful for kids who need to be able to refer to something static and concrete in order to know what’s next. The calendar also allows users to change fonts, which can make text easier to read for kids with Dyslexia and other reading challenges. ### Multisensory Interacting with the calendar is a multi-sensory experience, which can keep kids interested and engaged. But for those who prefer a paper schedule taped to the fridge or their bedroom door, Homeschool Planet calendars are fully printable in both color and black and white options, depending on your child’s preferences and needs. ### Easily Accessible To-Do Lists Finally, Homeschool Planet goes a level deeper than most planners. It’s easy to **create individual to-do lists for each child** and even more in the interactive sidebar. You can even add a weather widget if your child has a hard time intuitively knowing how best to dress for the day ahead. ## **How Using Homeschool Planet Helps Parents** Homeschool Planet’s Online Planner is a great tool for parents of kids with learning challenges, because kids can consult their email digests or individualized calendar and parents don’t have to worry about answering the question,”what’s next,” multiple times per day. Having everything planned out (you can set up a whole school year if you’d like!) can help ease the tension of being wholly responsible for keeping your child on schedule. You can go back to being Mom or Dad, while Homeschool Planet provides structure for everyone. And, if you are looking for flexibility – if you have a child who suddenly becomes fascinated in a new topic, for instance – it’s quick and easy to re-arrange schedules to accommodate on-the-spot learning. As your kids gain independence through using Homeschool Planet, you gain time and peace of mind, knowing that everything from assignments to chores to teen work schedules are available online and on-the-go. Plus, **Homeschool Planet automatically integrates with more than 3,100 current plans from popular homeschool curriculum programs**, making scheduling quick and easy, even for multiple kids. ## **Finally, a Planner to Help Kids with Learning Differences and Additional Needs** Homeschool Planet’s online homeschool planner really is different from any other planning system out there. Your kids can each see what they need to see, and parents can rely on Homeschool Planet to organize school schedules, track attendance and even create transcripts. Best of all, it’s simple to use and quick to set up.[ Just sign up for a free 30-day trial](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/), and follow this [quick tutorial to set up individualized profiles for every member of your family](https://homeschoolplanet.com/get-started-with-homeschool-planet/). You really can bring ease and peace to your homeschool and meet each of your kids’ unique learning needs with Homeschool Planet – [it just takes a few clicks!](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/) [![Organize your life with Homeschool Planet free trial offer](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Trial-3-1024x1024.jpg)](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/d3babb0046833226121ae02c4336793a9e823ce7c06de2c9b85ea50482f198ad?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Shawna Wingert Shawna Wingert is a former training and development professional turned education specialist, and has homeschooled her two children for the last ten years. Shawna has written four books about homeschooling unique learners and has been featured in homeschooling discussions on Today.com, The Mighty, Simple Homeschool, My Little Poppies and Raising Lifelong Leaners. You can find her online here at Homeschool Planet and at [DifferentByDesignLearning.com.](https://nottheformerthings.com/blog/) [See Full Bio](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/shawna-marketing/) [ ](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/shawna-marketing/) **Categories:** Homeschool Planning --- ### [Help! I'm Not A Planner Person (but I homeschool!)](https://homeschoolplanet.com/help-im-not-a-planner-person-but-i-homeschool/) **Published:** October 16, 2023 **Author:** Shawna Wingert **Content:** There’s a common misconception in the homeschool world that to homeschool, you must be uber-organized. People picture color-coding, a complex file system, and of course, a giant wall calendar that (somehow) holds your whole family together. But not all of us are natural planners, and that’s OK. There are other approaches and tools you can use when you weren’t born with Marie Kondo-level skills. ![not a planner person](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Help-I-am-not-a-planner-person-683x1024.jpg) ## Homeschool Planning When You Are Not A Planner Person One of the many benefits of homeschooling is that it’s so flexible. That means that you don’t have to [plan your homeschool](https://homeschoolplanet.com/homeschool-planning-that-doesnt-suck-the-life-out-of-you/ "Homeschool Planning that Doesn’t Suck the Life Out of You") any one way. In fact, here’s a secret that long-time homeschoolers know: *the best system is the one you use*. It doesn’t have to look like what your friend uses; you don’t have to use the same setup as your sister or the lady at co-op. Maybe you’ve tried a ton of planners and none of them have lasted more than a few weeks. (Been there!) Perhaps it’s time for a mindset shift, from forcing yourself into a planning system, to asking yourself – what are my actual goals? ## Tips To Help With Planning, Even If You Are Not A Planner Person If planners have started giving you hives, there are a few things you can do to make sure you still get things done: ### Set goals and priorities. Even if you don’t like to plan every detail of your day, it’s still important to have a big picture idea of what you want to accomplish. This will help you stay focused and avoid getting sidetracked. The best homeschooling goals are: - Specific - Individualized to the child - Measurable - Reasonable - and if possible, take into account your child’s interests One way to set goals with bigger kids is to work on them together. Kids as young as 7 or 8 can share what they want to learn about, and what skills they want to work on. You can keep track of goals in a notebook, the notes app on your phone or create lists in the Homeschool Planet online planner. You can also decide when you want to check in on goals and **schedule a reminder** for every 6 weeks, each quarter or once or twice a year. ### Create a to-do list. A to-do list is a great way to keep track of what you need to do and when it needs to be done. You can also use your to-do list to prioritize your tasks. If you don’t know where to start, begin with a “brain-dump,” writing down everything that’s spinning in your brain. Use a large sheet of paper and allow this to be messy. Then, consider the [Eisenhower Method](https://www.eisenhower.me/eisenhower-matrix/) (also called the Eisenhower Matrix). This tool helps you divide tasks based on *urgency* and *importance*. So if something is urgent and important – your pup is noticeably “under the weather” – you’ll probably want to call the vet, or at least keep a close eye on your dog and your rugs. But if you wrote down that you need to buy a birthday present for your nephew who is turning 10 *next month*, that isn’t urgent. It is still important, though. From there you can create separate lists of: - things that need to happen right away, like pick up dog medicine - things need to happen fairly soon – ask your sister what your nephew would like for his birthday - things that need to get done, but maybe not by you – can someone else pick up cat food? - and things that maybe keep bugging you, but really aren’t urgent or important, i.e., taking down the funky bathroom wallpaper. (No one will actually suffer if this waits 6 months or more.) If you’re worried that things will fall through the cracks if you don’t do them RIGHT NOW, try keeping to-do lists in a safe place (hang them on the wall, keep them in a special notebook, or keep lists in the Homeschool Planet platform). Then make a plan to check in regularly. **Schedule** a time once a week to check back and adjust your lists as needed. ### Be flexible. Things don’t always go according to plan, so it’s important to be flexible and adaptable. If something unexpected comes up, be willing to change your plans accordingly. This is one of the many benefits of The Homeschool Planet platform – you can easily reschedule single assignments or whole days, because we know sometimes combining school and life doesn’t look like “The Plan.” This happens to everyone – it’s not just you, and the key is to not dwell on being “behind.” Use your energy instead to move to what’s next when life calms down a bit. (You can do that when you know that things are safely waiting for you!) ### Delegate tasks. If you have too much on your plate, don’t be afraid to delegate tasks to others. This will free up your time so you can focus on the things that are most important to you. Did you know that through Homeschool Planet, you can send lists and notes to family members? So that means your partner, or even your older kids can pick up a task and instantly have all the information they need. ## Online Homeschool Planning Makes It Easy! **Homeschool Planet has functionality that can help with all of the above tips** – from the ability to make lists and notes, to automatic rescheduling when life stuff happens, to helping you send an email or note without even leaving your planner. Imagine how helpful it would be to easily: - set goals for each child - set reminders to check back regularly on those goals - create prioritized to-do lists - schedule a regular check-in time to go over your lists - reschedule single assignments or events or even a whole day’s plan with just a few clicks - send notes or a quick grocery list when in the midst of a busy homeschool day, you realize dinner is *not* going to defrost on time The[ Homeschool Planet User Guide](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/) has video tutorials that walk you through each of these options and so much more! You can try Homeschool Planet for 30 days (no credit card required) absolutely [free](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/). [![free trial of homeschool planet](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Get-organized-with-your-homeschool-planet-square-1024x1024.jpg)](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/) It’s a terrific, flexible option that takes into account your many roles as a homeschool parent, and allows you to keep lists, ideas, appointments, assignments and more in one place, meaning your spinning mind can finally rest and focus on your day. ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/d3babb0046833226121ae02c4336793a9e823ce7c06de2c9b85ea50482f198ad?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Shawna Wingert Shawna Wingert is a former training and development professional turned education specialist, and has homeschooled her two children for the last ten years. Shawna has written four books about homeschooling unique learners and has been featured in homeschooling discussions on Today.com, The Mighty, Simple Homeschool, My Little Poppies and Raising Lifelong Leaners. You can find her online here at Homeschool Planet and at [DifferentByDesignLearning.com.](https://nottheformerthings.com/blog/) [See Full Bio](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/shawna-marketing/) [ ](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/shawna-marketing/) **Categories:** Homeschool Planning --- ### [15 Fun And Educational Field Trips For Homeschoolers](https://homeschoolplanet.com/educational-field-trips-homeschoolers/) **Published:** October 6, 2023 **Author:** Shawna Wingert **Content:** One of the many perks of homeschooling is the flexibility it offers. We’re not tied down to classroom walls, and the world becomes our learning playground. And who doesn’t love a good field trip? It’s a chance to break the routine, explore new environments, and make learning come alive in the most hands-on way possible. ![fun field trips for homeschoolers](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/15-Educational-Field-Trip-2-683x1024.png) ## Use Your Free Homeschool ID Card For Field Trip Discounts and Special Access Before you even begin planning for an upcoming field trip in your homeschool, we recommend printing your own free, homeschool ID card. A teacher ID will help you take advantage of educational discounts and can even help you gain access to special, educator only tours and resources. [Get your free homeschool ID card.](https://homeschoolplanet.com/homeschool-id-card/ "Homeschool ID Card") [![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Free-Homeschool-ID-Card-Design-2-square-1024x1024.jpg)](https://homeschoolplanet.com/homeschool-id-card/) Whether you’re a seasoned homeschooler looking for fresh ideas or just starting out and seeking inspiration, here are field trip ideas that are sure to make your homeschooling journey even more exciting! ## 15 Creative and Educational Field Trip Ideas for Homeschoolers ### 1. Local Art Museum or Gallery Oh, the wonders of art! Visiting an art museum isn’t just about admiring pretty pictures. It’s a journey through time, emotions, and the minds of artists. Imagine discussing Van Gogh’s swirling stars or marveling at the intricate details of a Renaissance masterpiece. And hey, if your local museum has a “touch and feel” section, that’s even better. Little hands love to explore! ### 2. Farm or Orchard Visit Picture this: the sun shining, the scent of fresh earth, and the sound of animals in the distance. Farms and orchards are like nature’s classroom. Kids can learn about the life cycle of plants, the importance of bees, and even get their hands dirty planting seeds. And the best part? Enjoying fresh produce right from the source. Yum! ### 3. Historical Reenactment Sites History books are great, but there’s something magical about seeing history come alive. Whether it’s knights jousting, pioneers churning butter, or listening to tales around a campfire, these experiences make history relatable and real. Plus, dressing up in period costumes? Yes, please! ### 4. Nature Walks and Hikes Nature is like a treasure trove of wonders. From spotting a deer’s tracks to listening to the symphony of birds, every step in nature is an opportunity to learn. And hey, if you stumble upon a stream, why not check for tadpoles or skip some stones? [Nature’s lessons are endless](https://simplycharlottemason.com/planning/curriculum-guide/individual-graded-subjects/nature-study/). ### 5. Local Businesses or Factories Who knew that watching ice cream being made could be so mesmerizing? Or discovering the journey of cocoa beans to chocolate? Local businesses often have a wealth of knowledge and are usually more than happy to share their passion. It’s a behind-the-scenes look at how everyday things are made. ### 6. Theater or Musical Performances The spotlight, the costumes, the music! Introducing kids to live performances can ignite a passion for storytelling and creativity. Whether it’s the magic of a ballet performance or the catchy tunes of a musical, it’s a sensory treat that’s hard to beat. ### 7. Zoos and Aquariums From the majestic lions to the graceful jellyfish, zoos and aquariums are a window to the vast animal kingdom. It’s not just about watching animals; it’s about understanding their habits, their challenges, and the importance of conservation. And those interactive touch tanks? Pure joy! ### 8. Public Libraries Ah, the hallowed halls of knowledge! Libraries are like portals to different worlds. Whether it’s a storytime session, a craft workshop, or just wandering through the aisles, libraries nurture curiosity. And let’s not forget those summer reading challenges – stickers and prizes galore! ### 9. Cultural Festivals The colors, the music, the food! Cultural festivals are a sensory explosion. They offer a chance to walk in someone else’s shoes, even if just for a day. From trying out traditional dances to tasting exotic foods, it’s a celebration of diversity and unity. ### 10. DIY Scavenger Hunt Who doesn’t love a good hunt? Designing a scavenger hunt is like crafting a personalized adventure. Whether it’s finding architectural landmarks, historical plaques, or specific trees in a park, the thrill of discovery is unbeatable. ### 11. Botanical Gardens and Greenhouses Welcome to the world of plants! Botanical gardens are like living encyclopedias of flora. From the tiniest succulents to towering tropical trees, these places offer a deep dive into botany. Many gardens also have themed sections, like butterfly gardens or medicinal plant areas. It’s a breath of fresh air (literally!) and a fantastic place to learn about photosynthesis, plant biology, and conservation. ### 12. Science and Planetarium Centers To infinity and beyond! Science centers and planetariums make abstract concepts tangible. Whether it’s understanding the vastness of our universe, watching a Tesla coil in action, or exploring the wonders of physics through hands-on experiments, these places are a haven for budding scientists. And let’s be real, who can resist a planetarium show under the stars? ### 13. Local Craft Workshops Creativity in action! Whether it’s pottery, glassblowing, or weaving, local craft workshops offer a unique insight into age-old traditions and modern innovations. Kids can not only see artisans at work but often get a chance to create something of their own. It’s a beautiful blend of art, history, and hands-on learning. ### 14. Maritime Museums Ahoy, mateys! Dive into the world of ships, sailors, and sea creatures. Maritime museums often showcase the rich history of exploration, trade, and naval battles. Kids can learn about famous explorers, the science of sailing, and even tour real ships. ### 15. Architectural Landmarks and Historical Buildings From Gothic cathedrals to modern skyscrapers, our built environment tells a story. Exploring local architectural landmarks can be a lesson in history, art, and engineering. Discuss the significance of structures, the evolution of architectural styles, and the science behind these magnificent edifices. Bonus points if you can find a building with a fascinating backstory or ghostly legend! ## Saving Money On Your Homeschool Field Trips There are a variety of ways to make your homeschool field trips fun and affordable. Here are just a few tips and tricks from veteran homeschool moms: - Pack drinks and snacks ahead of time - Take advantage of free admission days or special hours - Have a copy of your [student and teacher ID cards](https://homeschoolplanet.com/homeschool-id-card/ "Homeschool ID Card") handy to access special discounts and pricing ## Planning Your Homeschool Field Trips Your[ Homeschool Planet online planner](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/ "Homeschool Planet 30-day Free Trial with Free Lesson Plan") is a great resource for planning. Not only can you keep track of the date of the field trip itself, you can add reminders and lists to help you prepare. Our planner is also a great way to keep track for homeschool portfolios, transcripts, and state reporting requirements. Remember, the key to a successful field trip is not just the destination but the journey. Engage with your kids, ask questions, and encourage them to be curious. Every experience, big or small, can be a learning opportunity. Happy homeschooling and happy exploring! ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/d3babb0046833226121ae02c4336793a9e823ce7c06de2c9b85ea50482f198ad?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Shawna Wingert Shawna Wingert is a former training and development professional turned education specialist, and has homeschooled her two children for the last ten years. Shawna has written four books about homeschooling unique learners and has been featured in homeschooling discussions on Today.com, The Mighty, Simple Homeschool, My Little Poppies and Raising Lifelong Leaners. You can find her online here at Homeschool Planet and at [DifferentByDesignLearning.com.](https://nottheformerthings.com/blog/) [See Full Bio](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/shawna-marketing/) [ ](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/shawna-marketing/) **Categories:** Homeschool Planning --- ### [Homeschool Methods 101: Exploring the Unit Study Homeschool Method](https://homeschoolplanet.com/homeschool-methods-101-exploring-the-unit-study-homeschool-method/) **Published:** August 28, 2023 **Author:** Shannan Swindler **Content:** If you’re anything like many homeschool parents, you want to find *creative and meaningful ways* to educate your kids. Look no further than the **tried-and-true unit study homeschool method**! Let’s take a look at what you need to plan and execute *fun, engaging learning activities* to unlock your child’s potential. ![unit study in a homeschool](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/The-Unit-Study-Method-1-683x1024.jpg) ## **What Is The Unit Study Homeschool Method** The **unit study homeschool method** is an educational approach to learning that combines multiple aspects of a topic in one cohesive study. This method allows children to explore a subject in its entirety, allowing them to gain a holistic understanding of it. Unlike more traditional ways of homeschooling, the unit study encourages exploration and curiosity through methods that encourage critical thinking and problem-solving about a specific topic. The unit study approach allows for flexibility and room for the personalization of topics. The student can take their interest and knowledge around the core subject further depending on what they are able to comprehend. The curriculum often follows weekly or monthly topics, such as “[*Ancient Egypt*](https://www.captivatingcompass.com/egyptian-mummies-unit-study/)” or “*Human Anatomy*“. Topics incorporate literature, history, science, art, music, and/or other secondary activities like virtual field trips into the primary topic of study. Because unit studies often span many disciplines at once, students enjoy a wider breadth of knowledge with this homeschooling method than with other homeschool styles. Researching primary resources, such as essays written by scholars on a specific subject matter encourage students to feed their curiosity. They are not concerned with the pressure of outside forces such as **exam scores or** test schedules imposed by traditional homeschool methods. Additionally, supplemental activities such as **field trips or outdoor exploration** help give context and reality around these lessons. This would not be possible with only textbook information being discussed in group settings. ## **Benefits Of Unit Study Homeschool Method** The **unit study homeschool method** is an educational approach that breaks down every subject into multiple units. It is a form of education where students learn different topics within a single context or theme. As such, the student moves through a year-long unit with numerous subtopics, activities, and projects. The unit study method helps provide students with an in-depth understanding of the subject matter because of its interactive and hands-on approach. Benefits of this type of approach include: 1. It offers a **comprehensive view of each topic** as different areas are weaved together appropriately; 2. It allows students to **use creative methods to explore** their interests; 3. It encourages **multisensory exploration**, thereby allowing *visual and tactile learners* to better understand the material; 4. It enables parents to **tailor each unit’s lessons** according to the student’s strengths and weaknesses; and 5. It equips middle and high school students with skills for real-life situations such as problem-solving, analysis, and critical thinking that they can apply in their everyday life. ## **How To Implement Unit Study Homeschool Method** **Unit studies** are an ideal choice for homeschooling, as they allow children to explore topics in depth. The unit study homeschool method is based on the idea of integrating a variety of academic subjects while exploring a specific chosen topic or subject area. The key is to make each lesson *relevant, meaningful, and fun*. It’s not just about memorizing facts and figures; it’s also about connecting knowledge to everyday life. To successfully implement the unit study homeschool method, start by selecting a **common theme or topic** that your children can enjoy. This can be any area of interest – from history & geography to science & art. Give children the opportunity to explore more than one subject in relation to that specific topic at one time. Next, research your chosen unit study theme and decide which books & materials you will use for the curriculum. Consider using **hands-on activities** such as experiments & games to make learning more interactive and engaging for your kids. Depending on the complexity of each lesson/activity, plan how much time you would like to allot for each activity and each day’s work. Your daily schedule can be as flexible as your unit study choices – that’s the beauty of homeschooling. ### Spice It Up Spice up your unit studies by including **field trips or visits with experts**. By providing real-world examples and experiences related to the theme they are studying, the knowledge learned will stick in a memorable way. Tracking progress throughout can help determine weaknesses that need extra work. This helps prevent stalling when things get too difficult or tedious at any point during their learning journey. Parents should stay tuned in to ensure that their children remain on track with their assigned tasks until they have completed all goals set out before beginning the next section in the unit study process. Thereby being able to efficiently complete both short-term and long-term goals within a given unit study period. Homeschool Plant offers everything you need to track your unit studies and activities in a manageable manner ## **Unit Study Resources** Unit studies are an innovative approach to teaching from a thematic perspective. Integrating multiple subject areas, unit studies draw connections between provided material and challenge older students to think more deeply about the topics at hand. Resources for creating unit studies range widely in scope, allowing for personalized learning for any grade level of the student. Textbooks, videos, great books about your unit study topic, virtual museum tours, and online unit study resources can all be implemented in unit studies. Nature books and other reference materials like encyclopedias can also be helpful when creating lessons related to a particular unit of study. Other appropriate resources include picture study cards and literature for further reading. Non-book sources such as *CDs, videos,* or even audio recordings and podcasts are also beneficial parts of the homeschool library that can easily be incorporated into lesson plans. Online resources provide a tremendous advantage in terms of sourcing material and supplying supplemental information on topics; there are numerous websites that have resources dedicated specifically to homeschooling or providing extra content related to core curriculum standards. The vast amount of information available means that there should not be a shortage of suitable materials to develop creative and engaging units of study. Finally, outdoor activities are important components of many unit-study projects, as they get students engaged with the environment around them while **reinforcing classroom lessons with real-world experiences** – visiting a local park or historical site can often prove instructive beyond what is considered traditional coursework material alone. At the end of each project, find ways to connect the concepts learned through practical applications in order to **reinforce ideas presented during each unit study activity.** ## **Homeschool Planet’s Unit Studies** Thankfully, homeschool planet has made using the Unit Study Homeschool Method super easy. By using Homeschool Planet’s unit study lesson plans, you can streamline your homeschool organization. You can also keep track of attendance and grades while everyone has fun learning about the chosen unit study topic. ## **Unit Study Tips And Strategies** The **Unit Study homeschool method** is an educational approach often used by homeschoolers that focuses on a single topic or theme. It integrates various aspects of learning around that topic for extended periods of time. This approach allows for a unified and holistic way to learn about different topics. It encourages critical thinking and problem-solving, builds strong connections between concepts in different subject areas, and fosters an appreciation for the interdependence between all fields of knowledge. When utilizing this method it is important to ensure that the curriculum is appropriate to the learning level or grade level of the student. Homeschool families will want to plan activities that engage multiple learning styles. This ensures students are gaining the full benefit of the unit study experience. ### Here are some tips and strategies to consider when using a unit study approach: 1. Choose unit studies that meet your homeschool objectives. What is it you want your students to learn? 2. Choose books and materials which are age-appropriate, *engaging*, and align with your homeschool method and personal beliefs. 3. Take advantage of primary sources such as interviews, field trips to museums or libraries, first-hand observation experiences (such as visiting a local farm), etc., that relate to your chosen topic/theme. 4. Encourage integrated learning experiences by introducing projects that require higher-level thinking skills such as *problem-solving* or design tasks based on student interests stemming from the unit’s focus area(s). 5. Plan plenty of opportunities for collaboration with family members or co-op classmates. Such moments can lead to constructive dialogue about shared discoveries within independent projects or group activities linked to common themes. Being able to discuss information from the prior day’s lessons or readings will create opportunities for reflection and give room for discussions intended to draw out connections made between related topics & themes. 6. Foster independence in assessment & evaluation tasks: Have your middle school and high school student create a product presentation (physical or digital) based on research done independently along with written essays detailing what was learned throughout this unit study process. For younger students, give them an opportunity to create and discuss what they learned as well, making sure to keep the process fun and engaging. ## **Challenges Of Unit Study Homeschool Approach** The unit study homeschool method offers many advantages. It also has some key challenges that should be taken into consideration before you implement this type of homeschool approach. - One of the most significant challenges is the **amount of preparation** that is needed. Unit studies often involve the integration of multiple subject areas. Lesson plans and materials must be created for each concept. This can be a time-consuming process for parents and can be overwhelming if multiple children are involved. [Homeschool Planet](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/) offers pre-built lesson plans for a variety of unit study subjects. You don’t have to ‘reinvent the wheel’ with every topic you want to explore in your homeschool. - While unit studies may require **very close monitoring** from a homeschool parent or co-op tutor, using Homeschool Planet is a great way to stay on top of your schedule, your student’s progress, and grading unit study lessons. - Unit study homeschooling requires **attention to detail** that may not suit every family’s lifestyle or preferences. It may work better for single-subject studies where an in-depth exploration yields greater results than assigning surface concepts over a wider range of topics. It is important to understand what the best fit for unit studies is as you explore various methods. There are many different ways to add them to your school year. You may find that unit studies fit best as culminating ‘final projects’ for the end of semesters. ## **Examples Of Unit Study Homeschooling** **Unit study** is a highly regarded and popular homeschool method, which emphasizes the interdependence of all subject areas working together. This approach seeks to tie each subject area into a bigger picture. This enables the learner to understand them as part of an overall plan or unit. Examples of this style of teaching include *nature study activities, biographies, author studies, holidays, and events around the world*. The unit approaches are often self-paced and don’t typically require tests or other external measures. Each subject is divided up into a start-and-finish unit study. Families can move at their own pace while reinforcing the core learning material. Many universities and colleges accept homeschooled students who use a **unit study homeschool curriculum** as credit toward their degrees. But states may mandate that children receive at least some level of instruction in all core academic subjects such as: - *Math* - *History* - *Language arts (including reading & writing)* - *Science* - *Social studies* A well-rounded unit study curriculum should have students involved with **hands-on activities** in each area for maximum benefit. Your [Homeschool Planet subscription](https://homeschoolplanet.com/#pricing) will help you keep track of unit study credits to ensure you are meeting your state requirements in each subject. There is such a beauty of homeschooling with the unit study homeschool method. You get to cover virtually any topic your family finds interesting. It also allows for increased flexibility in your lesson planning by cross-referencing multiple subjects in lieu of focused single lessons. This keeps boredom down while keeping progress moving forward to higher learning levels. It is a great method for young children as well as older students. ## **Wrapping Up The Unit Study Homeschool Method** **The unit study homeschool method** is the best way to combine subjects, organize studies, heighten interest and improve retention. Through thematic-based studies, an entire unit can be completed in days or weeks rather than months or years. This teaching method allows parents to customize and adapt to their child’s particular educational needs. Using a series of student-directed studies and hands-on activities based on learning styles. By realigning the area of study with a student’s personal needs and interests, the unit study homeschool method offers a *complete understanding of the overall concept*, rather than just memorization of facts. There are many different methods of homeschooling. To find the best method for your family, read about these different approaches: - [Charlotte Mason Method](https://homeschoolplanet.com/charlotte-mason-homeschool-method/ "Homeschool Methods 101: The Charlotte Mason Homeschool Method") - [Relaxed Homeschooling](https://homeschoolplanet.com/relaxed-homeschooling/ "Homeschool Planning 101: Relaxed Homeschooling") - [Traditional Homeschooling](https://homeschoolplanet.com/traditional-homeschool-method/ "Homeschool Methods 101: Exploring the Traditional Homeschool Method") - [Classical Homeschooling](https://homeschoolplanet.com/the-classical-homeschool-method/ "Homeschool Methods 101: Exploring the Classical Homeschool Method") - [Montessori Method](https://homeschoolplanet.com/montessori-homeschool-method/ "Homeschool Methods 101: Exploring the Montessori Homeschool Method") *By Shannan Swindler, Captivating Compass 2023* ## **Using Homeschool Planet With** **A Unit Study Homeschool Approach** The good news is, you can use Homeschool Planet to plan in your homeschool no matter what your approach! We have several unit studies available as integrated lesson plans, and even better, if you choose to plan your own unit studies, we help you create a learning plan for success. Learn how easy it is to create your own unit study lesson plan in our instructional video below. > [Adding a Plug-In Lesson Plan](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/adding-a-plug-in-lesson-plan/) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/2d930edda11a8429b36d47bf0f82c858ea9179cb008a3ab80c7fb15421db0e57?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Shannan Swindler [See Full Bio](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/shannan-swindler-hp/) [ ](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/shannan-swindler-hp/) **Categories:** Homeschool 101 --- ### [5 Fun Ideas To Kick Off The New Homeschool Year](https://homeschoolplanet.com/5-fun-ideas-to-kick-off-the-new-homeschool-year/) **Published:** August 15, 2023 **Author:** Shawna Wingert **Content:** Somehow, a new homeschool year is here already! It’s a wonderful time, really – notebooks are just 39 cents! All the pencils are sharp and new, and you’re hopefully feeling organized, planned, and ready to go. Maybe you even have [your schedule](https://homeschoolplanet.com/finding-a-homeschool-schedule-that-fits-your-family/) ready for the year. There’s just one thing – back to school is big, right? How do you make the start of school fun, memorable and yet not accidentally start a tradition that will leave you kicking yourself in a few years … (ahem, homemade cinnamon rolls)? ![school supplies for back to school at home](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/5-Fun-Ideas-To-Kick-Off-The-School-Year-683x1024.jpg) ## Back To School As A Homeschooler Well luckily, you homeschool. YOU get to decide what kind of start makes sense for you and your unique kiddos. Maybe your family would love nothing more than to spend the first day of school “out of school,” at a waterpark. Or maybe your crew would be thrilled with a box of donuts. This is the beauty of homeschooling – it’s entirely up to you, and you can go ahead and ignore all the ideas coming at you on Instagram. Instead, ask yourself, how do I want my kids to remember the first day of homeschool when they are grown up and living their amazing lives, maybe even with kids of their own? Is there a *simple* tradition that would be so fun and easy, that they could repeat it with their own children? ## 5 Fun Ideas To Kick Off The New Homeschool Year ### 1. Food A common joke is that homeschoolers are like Hobbits – they are always thinking of the next meal. But it’s a common joke because it’s true! When you’re all home a lot of the day, you may hear, “I’m hungry,” three times between breakfast and lunch. But we know that food is more than just sustenance – food is also a way of living out traditions and creating warm memories. A lot of homeschoolers opt for donuts, because after a summer (or at least a few weeks) of [choosing curriculum](https://homeschoolplanet.com/category/curriculum-helps/) and prepping, you might not want to cut up a watermelon. Of course it’s OK to bake your own bread and scramble eggs that came from your backyard if that’s what appeals to your family, but just in case, here are a few other ideas: - Make a cereal bar. Grab a few boxes of cereal that you don’t normally have at home. Load up on milk. Or get those little boxes of cereal and let your kids combine flavors. - Oatmeal sundaes. Cook up a pot of oats, and set out ALL the toppings: dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, blueberries, cherries), nuts, brown sugar, cinnamon, chocolate chips, fresh fruit (cut-up bananas and strawberries are great for this). Just make sure you remember the BEST part of sundaes – the whipped cream! - Order pizza for lunch. If you‘ve never done this before, it will amaze your kids when pizza arrives in the middle of the school day! - Create a snack bin: Raid the “lunch box” aisle at your local store and create a bin full of individual snacks. Set this out on the table the night before as a surprise for your kids in the morning. - If you can swing it, have Dad (or Mom) bring home lunch. Surprise! A grandparent might also enjoy being part of your first day. - Keep it sweet – You can also just add a little something extra to regular breakfast – a Hershey Kiss and a note can make any meal feel special. Just don’t forget the great caveat – PROTEIN. If you’re planning a sugary breakfast, you’ll want to make sure you have some protein options available too so everyone doesn’t crash an hour into your first day. Good options are cheese cubes or string cheese, hard-boiled eggs, nuts, peanut butter and crackers or yogurt. ### 2. A fun outing It can seem like a funny way to start “school,” but some families really love to make the first day of homeschool a [field trip](https://homeschoolplanet.com/educational-trips-for-homeschool-kids/) or an outing. You can head to the library, the park, the beach or just spread a picnic blanket on the ground and start school outside. If you want, you can combine Ideas 1 and 2 and head out for breakfast, lunch, or an afterschool snack. (Ice cream and an [audiobook](https://homeschoolplanet.com/top-10-benefits-of-audiobooks/) can be a winner here). There’s something a bit cheeky about spending the first day of school out of school, but if your schedule coincides with your local school district’s, it can be a nice reminder that homeschooling is flexible and gives you a chance to spend a day in a favorite spot, minus the crowds. ### 3. Photos You’ve probably seen those[ cute signs you can have your kids hold ](https://www.happinessishomemade.net/first-day-of-school-signs-free-printables/)on the first day of school so you can grab a portrait. BUT, if you are feeling creative, you can go a step further. Grab some photo props and clear an area to create a background. If you can, get photos of each child on their own, and any group photos that you can manage without stress. It’s also really fun if you can jump in for a few photos. Use your phone’s photo timer and a tripod so that you can get silly too. Or, if you’d rather take a slightly more casual approach to capturing memories, set a timer on your phone to go off every half-hour or hour, and just take a photo in the moment. These candid shots really embrace your kids’ personalities, especially if they are not currently loving having posed portraits taken. (If that’s the case, be sure to ask if it’s OK to take some informal pics, and if your child says no, don’t worry too much. You are still creating memories and your kids are still learning, even if you can’t get everything on film). ### 4. New school supplies One of our favorite traditions has always been to start the school year with new supplies. Fresh notebooks, sharpened pencils and fun pens can go a long way toward bringing excitement to your first day. Remember, you don’t have to get boxed in by No. 2 pencils and ruled paper – you’re a homeschool family! Grab the glitter pens, the silly erasers, a packet of stickers, some highlighters that smell like fruit … Frixion erasable pens are available in lots of styles and colors, and actually make making mistakes kind of fun! Remember to get yourself a few things too! You deserve a treat for all you’ve done to get ready for a new year. ### 5. Start a journal Speaking of office supplies, a fun way to start the year can be with a new journal – for you, the homeschool parent, and for your kids. Even your little ones can draw in their own notebook (fine motor skills practice!), add stickers, and you can transcribe their ideas for them. For older kids, keeping a journal becomes a great way to practice handwriting, grammar, punctuation, spelling and the art of getting their thoughts onto paper. You can set aside a time of day for everyone to journal, or journal once a week. For your own journal, consider adding your thoughts at the end of the school day or week, or, you can write down quotes that inspire you, passages from books, or use your journal to keep a sweet record of the hilarious things your kids say. However you use journals in your home, they are a great way to practice writing without too much pressure (especially if you use those fun pens!). ## Planning For Back To School With Homeschool Planet When you use the Homeschool Planet online planner, you can schedule *one or two* (remember, this is a choose your own adventure situation) of these fun back-to-school activities into your first week, or, with something you’d like to continue like journaling, **you can add a regular time to your Homeschool Planet calendar to create a new habit.** Homeschooling is meant to work for YOUR unique family, so having a flexible way to keep track of your to-dos is key. Homeschool Planet’s quick and easy homeschool planner system offers you a way to schedule outside classes, lesson plans, assignments, co-op, chores, field trips, sports practice, appointments and more! You can try Homeschool Planet for 30 days for free (no credit card required) [here](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/). I hope your first day and the year ahead are full of wonderful memories. ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/d3babb0046833226121ae02c4336793a9e823ce7c06de2c9b85ea50482f198ad?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Shawna Wingert Shawna Wingert is a former training and development professional turned education specialist, and has homeschooled her two children for the last ten years. Shawna has written four books about homeschooling unique learners and has been featured in homeschooling discussions on Today.com, The Mighty, Simple Homeschool, My Little Poppies and Raising Lifelong Leaners. You can find her online here at Homeschool Planet and at [DifferentByDesignLearning.com.](https://nottheformerthings.com/blog/) [See Full Bio](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/shawna-marketing/) [ ](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/shawna-marketing/) **Categories:** Homeschool 101, Homeschool Planning --- ### [How to Create a Homeschool Morning Time Routine that Works](https://homeschoolplanet.com/morning-time-routine/) **Published:** July 25, 2023 **Author:** Lindsey Stomberg **Content:** Morning time routines have become all the rage in homeschooling in the last few years. Homeschool bloggers, podcasters, publishers, and more have promoted this practice that goes by many different names: morning time, morning basket, circle time, etc. Whatever you call it in your homeschool, the purpose is the same. It is a time intended to set the tone and atmosphere for your homeschool day. ## What is a Morning Time Routine? Morning time, as the name suggests, usually takes place in the morning. The homeschool family meets together and learns together following a pre-determined schedule of subjects. Unlike most other school subjects though, morning time encourages a more relaxed and intimate atmosphere. This time is purposeful. It is not a lecture, but a time purposed to engage the child in listening and responding as he discusses the content with his family. You may be wondering how to begin a morning time routine that actually works for your family. Many homeschooling parents have tried and failed, only to wonder what they are doing wrong. The concept sounds so lovely, but in reality it can be difficult to make your children sit still or know which subjects to include in your morning time. Keep reading to discover how you can create a morning time routine that works! ![How to Create A Morning Time Routine that Works!](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/morningroutinePIN-683x1024.png) ## Wakey Wakey Eggs and Bakey The most difficult part of finding a morning time routine for most families is getting up at the same time every day. We are homeschoolers, and homeschoolers like to sleep in, right? Morning time is going to look different for every family, but one thing that is similar is that it happens in the morning. This ritual, at this time every day, has the potential to set the tone and atmosphere for a successful day of homeschooling. Your family time doesn’t have to happen at 6am. If your family does like to sleep in, find a reasonable time that works for you. Consider ways to make getting breakfast for the kids easier, like [overnight oatmeal](https://feelgoodfoodie.net/recipe/overnight-oats/#wprm-recipe-container-8144) or smoothies and toast. The point is to set yourself up for success and not doom yourself to failure because you are setting expectations upon your family that you’re never going to meet. ## Don’t Dive in Head First Do not – *I repeat* – do not expect that your family is going to do morning time perfectly now or ever. You will wake up one day and not feel like gathering the kids around for morning time. You may take a few weeks off. This is not failure. You can pick up morning time where you left off and begin again. There are a few things you may want to consider though before jumping into a morning time routine head first. Please do not begin your morning time routine for the first time with a lengthy schedule thinking you are going to fit in all of the good and lovely things. You may find that your children do not tolerate a long schedule of reading, art history, classical music listening, and poetry recitation the way that you imagined they would. Start slow and move slow, slowly adding to your time and subjects as you progress. You will find this building block approach to morning time helps to develop a long lasting habit of morning time, rather than a disastrous sprint. ## Practice Makes Perfect It is important to remember that morning time is not only a new routine for you, but for your children too. Developing the habit of morning time will benefit you all, but there will be some growing pains, and that’s to be expected. You will have days, many days, that your children will not behave perfectly during morning time. This is to be expected. This is not failure. Use this time to develop character. There are multiple ways to handle children who struggle to sit still or behave appropriately during morning time: - Dismiss and reconvene the next day after attitudes have been adjusted - Provide busy time boxes or sensory toys to occupy hands - Host morning time around the breakfast table while children are busy sitting and eating - Give each child a seat of their own to avoid bothering another child However, you choose to occupy your children during morning time, the point is to keep gathering and developing a love for being together and learning together. *If you are homeshcooling a child that has ADHD you might enjoy this article >> [4 Tips for Homeschooling Students With ADHD](https://homeschoolplanet.com/4-tips-for-homeschooling-students-with-adhd/)* Now that we have talked about what a morning time routine is and how to approach it, you may be wondering what subjects you should include in your morning routine. ## Include All the Lovely Subjects I like to include all of the subjects I enjoy in my morning time routine, and often those subjects that I am most likely to ditch because they aren’t considered “core subjects” according to state standards. Those activities that we love to do as a family like reading aloud are first to go on our schedule. You can read a single chapter a day or multiple chapters, depending on what your family can handle. If you have small children, read a picture book. Many morning time routines include art and music appreciation, poetry recitation, and even nature study. These subjects are often the first ones we drop when our school day goes long, so it works better to put these at the beginning of the day, since I know we won’t skip subjects like math and phonics. Determine which subjects work best for you to study as a family. Decide how much time you need to allot for all those subjects to be covered. Remember not to attempt everything at once. Consider just doing a read aloud your first week attempting a new morning time routine to get the kids used to something new. The second week add on listening to classical music. The third week have one of the children read some poetry aloud. Build your way up to what your ideal morning time routine looks like. Getting up early to greet the day and your children with a smile is not an easy feat. It won’t always look perfect. It may never look perfect, but it is a very good and beautiful thing that you are presenting all these good and beautiful things to your children. ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/0474d7793a76a3729aa48b82770cd2e6c7d70851f086377a3aeb09856a27abe2?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Lindsey Stomberg [See Full Bio](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/lindseyhomeschoolplanet-com/) [ ](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/lindseyhomeschoolplanet-com/) **Categories:** Homeschool Planning **Tags:** homeschool planning 101, morning time, routine, planning series, homeschool --- ### [Homeschool Methods 101: Which One's Right For You?](https://homeschoolplanet.com/homeschool-method/) **Published:** January 22, 2023 **Author:** Shannan Swindler **Content:** Welcome to the world of homeschooling! Whether you’re just beginning your journey into learning from home, you’re a seasoned veteran looking to freshen up on your favorite homeschool teaching method, or just want to try something new, you’ve come to the right place. Here we’ll cover everything from curricula to tips and tricks for successful homeschooling – giving your children the best education possible! So let’s get started and see what the different homeschool methods are and what *creative homeschool method* will work best for your family. ![Finding Your Homeschool Method](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Finding-Your-Homeschool-Method-PIN-683x1024.png) ## Homeschooling Basics Homeschooling is an educational approach where parents or guardians are responsible for providing their children with an education in a learning environment outside of a traditional school setting. Homeschoolers often pursue instruction through individualized, self-directed study; group projects, and collaboration with other homeschoolers (co-ops); as well as curricula with parent/teacher guides. ## Different Homeschooling Methods When deciding how to homeschool, it’s important to consider the different methods available. Each homeschooling method has its own advantages and disadvantages depending on your student’s learning style and needs, so it is important to research each option to find what will be the most beneficial homeschool method in your unique situation. Below is a brief overview of the most common types of homeschooling. There are a variety of homeschool methods that can be applied. The method you select will have an impact on the curriculum and style of teaching your family enjoys. The following are some of the most popular homeschooling methods. ### Traditional/Textbook Homeschool Method: - This method is similar to a public or private school in that most curriculum comes pre-packaged with textbooks and lesson plans. This method is best for students who need structure and prefer working on individual lessons and assignments at their own pace. Examples of this method would be: - [Saxon Math](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/saxon-math/) - [Rod and Staff](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/rod-and-staff-grades-1-4-multi-subject-bundles/) - [Christian Liberty Press](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/christian-liberty-press-reading-plans/) - [Lifepac](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/lifepac-5-subject-set-lesson-plan-bundles/) ### The Classical Education Method: - The classical method is made up of three stages of learning, called the Trivium. In the Grammar Stage (ages 5-10) children learn words, vocabulary, and facts across a variety of subject areas. In the Dialectic Stage (ages 11-14) students begin using analytical thinking skills and discussion to add a new layer of understanding. Finally, in the Rhetoric stage (age 14-+=18+) students explore more abstract thinking by using knowledge and understanding gained in previous stages and apply this information to life issues through writing essays and presenting research on a wide variety of topics. Examples of classical homeschooling curricula are: - [Veritas Press](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/veritas-press-history/) - [Memoria Press](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/memoria-press-foreign-languages/) - [Classical Academic Press](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/cap-the-curious-historian/) - [The Well Trained Mind](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/grammar-for-the-well-trained-mind/) ### Charlotte Mason Homeschool Method: - This method is named after Charlotte Mason, who is known as the originator of the homeschooling movement. Using this method, children should primarily learn through observations of nature, poetry memorization, journal writing, classical music appreciation, and recitation of scripture or poetry during a time often referred to as [*Circle Time or Morning Time*](https://homeschoolplanet.com/morning-time-routine/). The goal is for the educational process not only to include content but also to cultivate good character along with academic knowledge and strength in faith if desired. Examples of this method would be: - [Critical Thinking Company](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/ctc-novel-thinking/) - [Institutes for Excellence in Writing](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/iew-theme-based-writing/) - [Music in Our Homeschool](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/music-in-our-homeschool/) - [MasterBooks](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/masterbooks-math-lesson-plans/) ### Montessori Homeschool Method: - The Montessori method had its start in Italy. It was found that children go through extremely sensitive stages in which they experience periods of intense concentration. In these phases, children will repeat an action until they receive some measure of self-satisfaction from it. This method relies on prepared environments to facilitate learning. Experiments involving tangible objects make it easier for them to internalize concepts more efficiently giving them a better grasp of concepts while avoiding conventional passive learning styles. Examples of this method would be: - [Shiller Math](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/shillermath/) - [Foreign Language for Children](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/classical-academic-press-spanish/) ### Unschooling Homeschool Method: - John Holt, a public educator in Boston, developed the ‘unschooling’ method. Holt believed that children learn best when they learn at their own pace and are guided by their own interests. He wanted to ‘unschool’ the child by requiring parents to take their cues from the children. This approach has no set curriculum, schedules, or materials. It is the most unstructured of the homeschooling techniques. ### Eclectic Homeschool Method - The Eclectic Homeschooling method is a combination of several techniques. Innovative parents rely on their own judgment to select topics that make up the curriculum for their own children. These parents are always looking for the best products they can find to help them meet the needs of their homeschoolers. Examples of this method would be: - [Nomadic Professor](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/nomadic-professor/) - [Daily Skill Building](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/daily-skill-building-spelling-includes-curriculum/) - [Beast Academy](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/beast-academy/) - [Supercharged e-Science](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/supercharged-e-science/) ### Unit Study Homeschool Method - The Unit Study method is a thematic or topical approach to teaching. Rather than teaching each subject separately, a unit study [integrates](https://homeschoolplanet.com/why-integrate-an-education/) many or nearly all subject areas into a unified study-usually centered around a particular subject or event. Typically a unit study will incorporate the humanities subjects as well as math and science. Unit studies typically have supplemental reading and projects to add to the learning process. Examples of this method would be: - [Tapestry of Grace](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/tapestry-of-grace-full-racks-integrated/) - [Let’s Study Famous Folks](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/lets-study-famous-folks/) - [Presidents Unit Study (FREE JANUARY 15-31, 2023)](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/presidential-unit-study-homeschool-planet/) [![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/PresidentsUnitStudyPromo1-300x300.png)](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/presidential-unit-study-homeschool-planet/) Whatever method is selected, the underlying concept is flexibility and a strong interest in the child’s own desires. The key is to use children’s desire for knowledge to further their education. Family homeschooling goals are all different but these homeschooling methods will help you find the best way to learn that fits your unique family. ## Homeschool Planning & Set Up Once you have explored and experimented with a few of the different homeschooling methods you may find a favorite teaching method. Now it’s time for the next steps. You’ll want to spend time looking at the following ideas to find the curriculum, resources, and schedule that work best for you. ## Structuring a Homeschool Curriculum Planning a homeschool curriculum and developing a yearly schedule can seem daunting at first, but don’t worry, Homeschool Planet is here to help you create that plan. With the right tools and resources, it is possible to structure an effective homeschool program that meets the needs of your child. ### Step 1: The first step in designing a homeschool curriculum is to determine your student’s learning objectives and develop a plan that meets their individual needs. Consider the [academic goals](https://homeschoolplanet.com/relaxed-homeschooling/) you have for your student and select materials that will help them reach those goals. Consider utilizing online resources, such as *podcasts and webinars*, in addition to more traditional books and materials. Not all students learn at the same pace or in the same manner, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different methods until you find one that works best for your student. ### Step 2: After deciding on a homeschool method, map out what you would like covered during each school day or week depending on your preference. You can outline a daily schedule of activities at the beginning of each school year or decide week-by-week as you go along – whatever works best for you! When planning lessons that support your child’s education, be sure to incorporate topics beyond core academic subjects managed by local boards of education such as *art, music, physical education, foreign language, and computer skills, etc.*, These are important (and fun) ways to help children receive a balanced, well-rounded homeschool education. ### Step 3: Finally, take into consideration extra-curricular activities like sports teams or theater club which adds another layer of value to your homeschool routine. It is also important to set aside time throughout the week to review for and take exams and quizzes so you can measure how much students have learned from their studies or any tutoring sessions. [The Homeschool Planet lesson plans and planner](https://homeschoolplanet.com/welcome-to-homeschool-planet/) help you stay on top of it all every step of the way. ## Choosing Homeschool Materials Choosing the right homeschool materials is essential for any successful homeschooling experience. With so many materials available, it’s important to choose products that match your needs, objectives, and homeschool approach and your child’s learning style. Finding what is right for your family, whether it is traditional homeschooling or one of the other different homeschool styles mentioned above, is important in ensuring you choose compatible resources appropriate for your student’s grade level. When evaluating potential educational materials for homeschooling, one should consider the student’s individual needs and the subject area of focus. The needs can be quite different for younger children compared to middle school and high school students. It’s important to consider both audio-visual components as well as printed books or workbooks when selecting material. **Popular options include:** - Textbooks based on state standards - Online courses with teacher contact - Self-paced online classes - Video/DVD courses with interactive activities - Worksheet/unit study packets that can be printed - Textbooks supplemented with additional advanced content such as experiments or research activities. By carefully considering subject material selection criteria along with personal commitments prior to beginning any course work, parents can maximize their students’ potential for success in any home education program. ## Homeschooling Resources Finding the right resources to homeschool can be overwhelming, but it is important to choose materials that best meet the academic and emotional needs of your family. There are many types of homeschooling materials available online, including *textbooks, workbooks, unit studies, online classes, assessment tools* and *supplemental materials*. When selecting a curriculum or resource that works for your child, consider the individual learning styles as well as other interests. There is a wide range of topics and formats available. ### Textbooks Textbooks provide families with comprehensive lessons in traditional learning formats including reading comprehension activities and problem sets for math practice. ### Workbooks Workbooks provide structure for those using a more traditional approach within their home setting by continuing to focus on core content areas such as language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies. ### Online classes Online classes are an increasingly popular option among homeschoolers with courses taught by experienced professionals through video streaming programs (live or pre-recorded). For those who prefer an informal learning experience at home, there are many resources like adult education kits helping to guide students through at-home art projects or laboratories exploring different topics in engineering design principles or computer programming techniques. ### Assessment tools Assessment tools might include testing programs that allow parents to measure student progress throughout the year in required subjects like language arts or mathematics. ### Supplemental Material Supplemental material might include [audiobooks](https://homeschoolplanet.com/top-10-benefits-of-audiobooks/) or educational videos or television shows that provide additional background information on topics within, for example, social studies such as world politics or elections won around the globe by women leaders. And don’t forget about[ educational trips for kids](https://homeschoolplanet.com/educational-trips-for-homeschool-kids/) like field trips, virtual museum activities, and intentional family travel. Ultimately, when it comes to homeschooling resources remember to take time in selecting materials that will grow with your child’s knowledge base over time while giving them autonomy over their own learning experience. ## Benefits of Homeschooling Homeschooling can offer a range of benefits for both the student and the parent. The general benefits of homeschooling include an individualized definition of success, flexibility, customized education plans, and undivided family time. One major benefit of homeschooling is that it allows parents, as homeschool teacher, to provide their children with an individualized definition of success. Not only can this help motivate students to reach their own unique goals, but it also allows them to learn at their own pace and develop skills in areas they are most passionate about. Another benefit of homeschooling is that it offers flexibility in terms of both curriculum and schedule. Parents have the freedom to choose the best method and what topics they want their children to study. They also get to choose when they want to work on them. This can allow students to spend more time studying subjects that interest them and less time on those that don’t. Parents who choose to homeschool also have the ability to customize education plans based on their child’s learning styles for their children. This allows parents to try different approaches to ensure their kids receive a quality education tailored specifically for them rather than a one-size-fits-all approach typically associated with traditional educational institutions. Finally, homeschooling often provides more undivided family time than traditional schooling due to shorter classes, no commute times or long days away from home. This makes it easier for families to spend quality time together while still offering children access to educational resources tailored specifically for them. That’s the beauty of homeschooling! ## Homeschooling Challenges Homeschooling can be a rewarding experience, but there can also be some challenges that pop up along the way. Again, Homeschool Planet has homeschool parents covered. Check out our[ lesson plans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/) or join our [Facebook group](https://www.facebook.com/groups/439081459969504). We are here to help. One of the common issues is increased responsibility. The parent-teacher must assign, check, grade, and adjust lessons as needed to ensure their student’s success. In addition to learning the basic curriculum design, they must be dedicated and organized in order to successfully juggle all these tasks while also managing their own work schedule. The Homeschool Planet lesson plans and planner streamline every aspect of your homeschool responsibilities. The[ free 30-day trial](https://homeschoolplanet.com/#pricing) will help you better understand how to make these homeschool tasks easier and quicker to accomplish. Finding suitable resources for homeschooling can also be a challenge. Traditional school courses each have their specific textbooks, but parents may want a complete grade level curriculum or to build up a well-rounded library of books tailored for each subject – a textbook for math, literature for language arts, and science guides – depending on the homeschool curriculum being followed. Homeschoolers often choose different learning activities such as *online or outdoor activities and trips* to supplement their education rather than solely relying on textbooks These resources may need to be budgeted for, but are well worth the investment in family time and learning together. ## Homeschooling Success Stories Homeschooling has numerous benefits for students. It can be a positive, enriching learning experience that prepares students for life beyond the school system. There are countless stories of homeschooling success from individuals and families who found success through homeschooling. Whether you gather around the kitchen table, participate in an online school, or attend a co-op, homeschooling is a great way to achieve your family’s educational goals. Success stories can provide insight into how other families have benefited from homeschooling, from high student test scores to social development, increased college acceptance, and high student self-confidence. Through these experiences, many see an *increased proficiency in academic subjects* as well as better preparation for transitioning into college or the adult world. Homeschoolers often highlight for their achievements with awards won in public competitions, scholarships secured to attend colleges and universities with competitive admissions, or involvement in extra-curricular activities outside of the home education setting. These successes highlight *dedicated parents who have taken on the challenge of providing a well-rounded education at home*. The unique appeal of homeschooling lies in its flexibility and wide range of teaching styles utilized by parents who ensure their children get the individualized attention they need to excel in subjects that interest them. ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/2d930edda11a8429b36d47bf0f82c858ea9179cb008a3ab80c7fb15421db0e57?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Shannan Swindler [See Full Bio](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/shannan-swindler-hp/) [ ](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/shannan-swindler-hp/) **Categories:** Homeschool 101 **Tags:** traditional method, textbook method, classical education method, Charlotte Mason method, Montessori method, Homeschooling 101, unschooling, eclectic homeschooling, unit study, homeschool methods --- ### [Homeschool Methods 101: The Charlotte Mason Homeschool Method](https://homeschoolplanet.com/charlotte-mason-homeschool-method/) **Published:** April 20, 2023 **Author:** Shannan Swindler **Content:** ### Are you looking for an education method that really puts your children’s growth first? While there are many different homeschool methods to choose from (including the classical method, eclectic homeschooling, traditional homeschooling, the Montessori method, and even the unschooling method), the Charlotte Mason homeschool method might be the perfect fit for your family! With a combination of literature-based learning and plenty of hands-on activities, this approach will allow your child to gain an understanding of the world around them in a way that no other method can. ![Exploring the Charlotte Mason Homeschool Method](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Exploring-the-Charlotte-Mason-Homeschool-Method-1.jpg) Let’s dive into how this method works. We will explore the best parts of the method and how different learning styles can excel using the Charlotte Mason homeschool method and why it could be the *best fit for your family*! ## What is the Charlotte Mason Homeschool Method? The Charlotte Mason method of homeschooling is an educational philosophy and pedagogy (the method and practice of teaching, especially as an academic subject) that was developed in late 19th century England. This method emphasizes the role of living books, experiences in nature, and *child-directed learning* in the educational process with a solid foundation of charter training as well. It promotes a student-centered approach over a traditional homeschooling method or practices of education, such as rote memorization, math drills, and textbook learning. Charlotte Mason (*1842–1923*) was a British educator who wrote extensively on children’s education and created the Charlotte Mason Home School Series. Ms. Mason did not have any formal education credentials when she started her teaching career; however, her work with children has revolutionized modern education ideas and practices even more than one hundred years later an is a popular homeschooling style today. ### The characteristics of a Charlotte Mason–style homeschool include: - An emphasis on short but frequent lessons focusing on great books in their entirety rather than excerpts or topics. - A focus on self–directed activities under close guidance from adults. - A study of nature as a method of scientific exploration. - Activities are arranged according to developmental stage rather than age or grade level group. - Projects and activities that make use of outside resources such as libraries, museums, and other engaging places or materials. - Encouraging students to think for themselves via narration activities that ask students to recount information they have read in their own words. - Attending performances such as plays, concerts, or hands-on workshops to extend learning beyond texts through sensory experiences. - Fostering a lifelong love of reading and learning rather than temporary knowledge acquisition only for tests. - Each day begins with thoughtful reflections inspired by passages from great literature or poetry which underscore the day’s lessons throughout various subjects. In summary, the Charlotte Mason method is a holistic approach that includes structured routines without tightly constraining curriculum goals thereby allowing for individual expression beyond textbooks alone. This program is a great way for younger children, those in middle school, high school students, and even those with special needs to explore the many different ways of learning. It encourages a childhood joy in learning creative problem–solving skills through pleasing experiences so students gain a deep understanding whether it be in academic or non–academic pursuits. ## Core Principles of the Charlotte Mason Method Charlotte Mason’s educational philosophy is based on the belief that children should be *nurtured, rather than merely taught*. The Charlotte Mason Method combines the best of classical education methods with a more relaxed, natural approach to learning, which relaxed homeschoolers love. At its core, this method emphasizes instilling a love for learning in children through *hands-on activities* as well as emphasizing indirect instruction through reading *great literature and living books* instead of relying heavily on textbooks. The Charlotte Mason homeschooling method also promotes integration and encourages exploring multiple subjects and teaching them in context. This approach to learning emphasizes making connections between subjects and how they relate to real-life situations. New homeschoolers may enjoy unit studies that support the Charlotte Mason method, in order to get a feel for routine and schedules, especially with older children. The method follows some core principles including: - **Habits:** Encouraging good habits and character traits such as enthusiasm for knowledge, respect for adults, obedience, courtesy, and reverence. - Emphasis on Nature: Utilizing the outdoors through *nature study* as a source of observation, reflection, analysis, and stories. - **Art Appreciation:** Studying works of art to help develop an appreciation of beauty in all its forms. - **Use of living books:** Selecting literature that truly inspires children by using quality reading materials chosen carefully by homeschool parents instead of relying heavily on textbooks or workbooks. - **Narration:** Using narration as a way to explore topics in more depth by having students explain what they have learned or experienced with their own words after listening to stories or reading material from living books or magazines. ## Benefits of Homeschooling with the Charlotte Mason Method The Charlotte Mason method of homeschooling reflects the founder’s commitment to providing a well-rounded education for children. This method encourages *independent thinking, imagination, creativity, and community involvement*. Homeschool families using this method strive to foster a love of learning in their children while teaching them how to think deeply, discuss rationally, and record accurately what they learn. Charlotte Mason believed that the point of education is not simply to acquire knowledge but to form lasting habits of character and values. According to this philosophy, habits are formed by daily practice over a period of time – not just through memorization or lectures. Parents who practice the Charlotte Mason approach focus on exposing their children to quality books and activities that cultivate good habits without overburdening them with excessive amounts of material. Additionally, parents using the Charlotte Mason method are encouraged to get outdoors regularly. Exploring nature and engaging in outdoor activities can help students understand more deeply the subjects they are learning as well as develop skills such as *problem-solving and observation*. Charlotte Mason also believed that engaging with nature improves physical health by providing opportunities for physical activity and fresh air. Through its emphasis on: - developing good habits of character, - fostering natural curiosity through quality works of literature and art, - incorporating nature into learning experiences, - encouraging imaginative play and creative expression through art activities – all while pacing work according to each student’s individual needs – the Charlotte Mason approach can be an effective way for homeschoolers to create an inspiring learning environment for their children. ## Preparing to Implement the Charlotte Mason Homeschool Method Preparing to implement the Charlotte Mason Method of homeschooling requires some knowledge of this unique educational approach. A Charlotte Mason education is based on the idea that learning should be creative, meaningful, and enjoyable for children. It emphasizes nature study, living books, and engaging activities that draw out the natural abilities of the student. In order to give your children an experience with this method of learning, there are three critical areas for you as a parent to prepare for: study materials, scheduling, and environment. - **Study Materials:** The foundation of the Charlotte Mason approach lies in carefully crafted experiences with living books including classics in literature, science, history, geography, and more. Deliberate exposure to a variety of poems and paintings are also part of the language arts plan. Parents will want to be familiar with mastering material selection or using Charlotte Mason-based homeschool curriculum resources to implement this method at home. - **Scheduling:** Understanding how time is spent as a family while also creating individual time for creative experiences is an important element when incorporating this method into your homeschool routine. It allows students space for observation and discovery paired with reflection through narrations so they can internalize their learning in meaningful ways. - **Environment:** Creating a space conducive to learning where students feel safe pursuing knowledge independently yet having the opportunity for meaningful connections with other learners is paramount when practicing this style of education at home or away from traditional classrooms (field studies and field trips). Connecting nature study with other subject areas helps bring relevance to learning across disciplines. Exploration can look very different from one family to another depending on the location or resources available for gathering around topics being studied. ## Applying the Charlotte Mason Homeschool Method in Everyday Life During an age of industrial revolution and technology exploration, Charlotte Mason (1842-1923) proposed a method of education that drew heavily from the classical tradition, but with a growing emphasis on the role of nature study, the arts, and literature. Her philosophy is popular among homeschoolers because it puts heavy emphasis on play, nature study, and imagination. The Charlotte Mason approach proposes that children should be exposed to quality literature to help foster their ability to think critically as well as stimulate their creativity. Learning should not be limited to textbooks and workbooks or by, but should include books about history, science, and art. In addition to reading for pleasure, students can engage in narration—a retelling of what has been read—to help them remember key facts and ideas from the text. The Charlotte Mason method incorporates time spent outdoors observing nature and other forms of art such as music or painting. These activities are used to emphasize how vital hands-on exploration is in learning by helping students gain first-hand experience with the world around them. Creative expression helps shape students’ understanding of new concepts while engaging their imaginations in a fun way. In addition to expanding knowledge through books and activities beyond the traditional classroom walls, Charlotte Mason advocated for the regular use of narration in teaching children life lessons that incorporate moral values. Through this technique, students practice expressing themselves verbally as well as conceptualizing messages found in stories that have meaning for them personally. Overall, the primary goal of Charlotte Mason’s educational model is to provide an environment that encourages self-discipline while allowing each child’s natural interests and capabilities to develop at their own pace. Applying this method focuses on instruction that is meaningful through language taught naturally through the use of quality literature rather than rote teaching techniques typically found in traditional classrooms or textbooks used by many homeschoolers today. ## Overcoming Challenges with the Charlotte Mason Method The Charlotte Mason method of homeschooling utilizes an approach that is anchored in *living books, nature study, and art* to create an environment that develops a student’s curiosity and encourages self-learning. While this approach can result in remarkable growth and enriching experiences for the learner, it may also present a set of challenges that can feel daunting without the right guidance. ### Choosing the right curriculum: One challenge with Charlotte Mason homeschooling is choosing the right curriculum material. Books selected must be engaging and encouraging of children’s innate sense of wonder so that students remain engaged with what they are reading and learning from it. Too often parents become side-tracked in purchasing the wrong type of book or lesson plan materials that will not benefit their child’s needs or interests. Some of Homeschool Planet’s Top Picks of Charlotte Mason lesson plans and resources to make curriculum selection quick and easy are: **[Music in Our Homeschool](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/music-in-our-homeschool/), [Institute for Excellence in Writing](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/structure-and-style/), [Life of Fred](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/fun-with-math-for-life-of-fred/),** and Beautiful Feet Books (coming SOON!). ### Staying Organized: Another challenge is staying organized while using this type of curriculum. With such an expansive range of materials available, as well as uncovering creative ways to apply these elements to everyday learning activities, having a plan ensures the successful integration of materials into lessons without feeling overwhelmed in the process. Curricula available in the **[Marketplace](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/)** will provide what you need to keep planning streamlined and organized. You can even create notes for yourself to prepare in advance for upcoming lessons. ### Subject Pacing: Finally, pacing one’s time throughout the year should be carefully considered to ensure that all subjects have enough coverage without sacrificing quality instruction or enforced memorization methods within each subject area. Homeschool Planet can help you balance each unit’s requirements while providing you the flexibility for thoughtful consideration on the variety of subjects you want to have while still instilling structure into a daily schedule of classes.**[ Homeschool Planet](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/)** will help you organize and set up subject plans for larger projects so all necessary components will come together at just the right time for successful completion. ## Resources for Homeschoolers Using the Charlotte Mason Homeschool Method The Charlotte Mason method of homeschooling is a unique method that focuses on a balanced approach that emphasizes the importance of learning from living books, undertaking nature walks and other outdoor activities, learning music and art, and having copious amounts of free play. Parents who choose this approach to educate their children are often looking for resources to assist them in enriching their lessons and providing the best possible education for their children. ### Books Charlotte Mason wrote several books herself that teach her educational philosophy. Parents can choose to read her books such as *Home Education*, *The Story of Charlotte Mason*, *Ourselves*, *School Education: Developing a Curriculum Upon Principles of Authority and Freedom,* and *Parents and Children* to guide them in setting up their lessons. Other titles such as[ Modern Miss Mason](https://www.leahboden.com/book) provide further guidance on practical homeschooling topics for our modern era. ### Websites Charlotte Mason-inspired websites abound online that provide both practical support for parents implementing the CM method with their children as well as inspiring stories from experienced parents. A quick search can bring up sites ranging from blogs about tips for scheduling studies to finding more living books to weekly newsletters about how others are following the Charlotte Mason teaching method with their students at home. These sites can be an immense source of help for those delving into this educational path or just seeking advice or encouragement. ### Online Groups Facebook has made it possible to come together with other parents worldwide following Charlotte Mason’s educational methods through an online platform at home support groups or forums located on various websites intended specifically for those choosing this path in raising the next generation. Sharing experiences, questions, and discussions around home education topics can help reinforce one’s understanding of the CM philosophy while also providing comfort in knowing they’re not alone along this journey! ## Reflections on Homeschooling with the Charlotte Mason Method The Charlotte Mason homeschool method is an educational philosophy that emphasizes providing a rich, liberal education while using methods that engage a child’s natural curiosity and enthusiasm. This approach also places an emphasis on creating an environment in which children feel safe, secure, and respected. The ultimate goal of this style of teaching is to provide a child’s education that is holistic: one that not only prepares students for academic success but also focuses on their emotional, spiritual, and physical well-being. By homeschooling with the Charlotte Mason method, parents can foster independence, creativity, and critical thinking skills in their children. This method encourages children to explore their own interests through hands-on activities and projects in order to gain knowledge. Another key component of this style of teaching is using wonderful literature to introduce students to the world around them. Charlotte Mason regularly quoted poetry, passages from famous books, stories, and biographies as part of her classroom practice. Today, homeschoolers using the Charlotte Mason method generally start their day with *Circle Time* or *Morning Time*. Homeschooled students can succeed within the Charlotte Mason approach. It requires great commitment from both the parent-educator as well as the student; however, it can also be incredibly rewarding for both parties involved! Through implementing the practices of: - narration (oral retelling) - short lessons (teaching concepts through reading aloud) - “Living Books” (stories with depth) - nature study (exploring outdoors) - artist appreciation (learn about various artists over time) homeschoolers can create an environment filled with exciting learning opportunities for everyone! ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/2d930edda11a8429b36d47bf0f82c858ea9179cb008a3ab80c7fb15421db0e57?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Shannan Swindler [See Full Bio](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/shannan-swindler-hp/) [ ](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/shannan-swindler-hp/) **Categories:** Homeschool 101 **Tags:** Living Books, Narration, Nature Study, Literature, Picture Study, Problem-Solving, Morning time routine, charlotte mason, morning time, homeschool methods --- ### [How To Choose A Homeschool Curriculum For Every Student](https://homeschoolplanet.com/choose-homeschool-curriculum/) **Published:** April 5, 2023 **Author:** Shawna Wingert **Content:** I have five children, all opposites! There were times when it seemed like NOTHING worked for any two of them, but I learned to improvise. Here are 5 tips to help you choose a homeschool curriculum, for a variety of learning styles and needs. ![homeschool students](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Choosing-Curriculum-for-Each-Type-of-Student-1-1.jpg) ## How To Choose A Homeschool Curriculum For Each Type Of Student ### **1. Start with the general, and move to the specific** Spend some time observing. I’m a homesteader, and we have lots of farm animals – the herd of goats or the flock of chickens – if we get any sort of sickness or trouble on the farm it’s because I’m not observing. And there is SUCH a joy in sitting out in my camping chair, and just noticing the animals – are any by themselves, is anyone limping – how is their activity level and interaction with one another, with me? So sorry to offend, but kids are the same. Watch them. No agenda. Pull up a chair, maybe a book or magazine so they don’t think you’re stalking them. (No phone either – no chance for pictures will help them relax and be more of themselves, no performance interfering.) What are you watching for? What do they do? Do they move quickly, sit for long periods of time, use their hands, are they narrating a lot and chatting to themselves or you? Are they drawn to lots of busy patterns, or more simple colors and muted patterns. Where do the go – to a darker color, or out into the bright sunlight? Just watch. If you have lots of kids, you might make notes. (It’s true – it’s hard to remember, especially in those heavily physical weeks and months of babies and toddlers.) Just NOTING these things will help you [as you peruse curriculum](https://homeschoolplanet.com/how-to-choose-the-right-homeschool-science-curriculum/). You’ll find similarities in the preferences of your children’s pastimes without even noticing. As you pick and choose, you’ll start noticing things like font, white space, number of activities and games, color choices and textures. Sift through the options slowly and then watch your child again. Which one is BEST? **Here are the main categories (for foreign language):** ~ In person classes (Co-op or other location) ~ Textbook with Audio (I don’t recommend this one alone) ~ Video Classes (I don’t recommend this one alone) ~ Textbook, Notes, Video or Audio instruction (YES!!! DING DING DING!) ~ Software/Apps solo study ~ Workbooks with Audio ~ Hands on Activities with audio – Flash cards and interaction with family ~ Song based/Audio only, or audio heavy ### **2. Play to their strengths** Many times we worry about the weak spots in our children’s ability. If it’s a subject they LOVE, sure! But if it’s an unknown – go for their strengths. Get the doodler something they can draw on or with – the active young man something with manipulatives like flash cards, and for sure get that music lover something with audio. ### **3. How much time do you actually have?** I’m not talking about time in the day. I’m talking about their attention span. Can they read and or do a lesson that is a 30 minute video? Or truly, they have about twenty minutes (that’s what most teens have) – if yes, then can you pause, walk around, grab a drink or snack, and come back easily? Or is going to be hard to find a stopping spot in each goal? ### **4. Check for built in markers.** You need to SEE progress. Sometimes that means recording journals or vocabulary lists in a notebook, or a stack of flashcards that they’ve mastered, or a check on a list. Does the curriculum come with a table of contents? Can it be made into a checklist? (This is one of the many reasons to LOVE HOMESCHOOL PLANET!) Even if you are using mostly living books, can you check off a daily narration time, or a chapter or a time limit of reading? How can you SHOW progress to your child and to you? Gravitate to THAT curriculum, or be sure you can easily adjust it. ### **5. Ask them.** In our home, if someone rejects a suggestion, that means they are now on the hook for proposing an alternate plan or idea. If your child is frustrated or not happy with your current choice of curriculum, then sit with them and talk through the other options. They may not be able to change NOW, but the next season, maybe they can. A great way to prevent this rejection is to involve them in the choice. Choose one to three options that you find palatable, (aren’t we so thrilled that there are just SO SO MANY options nowadays?) and present them to the student. Ask them to make their case against their least favorite, or FOR their favorite. (They may not know that any of the three is good with you.) Do a little negotiating – so we’ll do this three days a week, right? Before snack time? Or during? Give them at least two options that are all correct options. ## Every Homeschooled Child Is Different And Has Different Needs **Caveat**: You can’t please them all. Sometimes one kid is going to be happier than the others. Trade it off. Show the give and take in the family and in loving relationships. And please know that you can adjust EVERY single curriculum to make it work. I mean it. There’s supplemental apps, videos, living books, read alouds, making flashcards, creating games, playing charades, watching or writing skits… You can MAKE it work without breaking the bank. Need help? You have a WHOLE community here, and we LOVE giving advice! So— just ask! I hope these five tips give you a quick frame work – you may have noticed that this really plays to the three learning styles (Visual, Audio, and Tactile) and a little to their personalities and birth order (introverts, extroverts, helpers, observers and solo learners). There are a LOT of books on these subjects, but you don’t have time to be an expert in all those areas. You CAN be an expert on each child in your home. Go! Observe…. and ENJOY! ## Meet The Author **About Señora Gose…** ![homeschool curriculum flip flop spanish](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Untitled-design-2023-04-05T104338.083-150x150.png) I am a happily married mother of five children, small business owner, as well as a founder & board member of the Community Homeschool Center, in Bryan, Texas. I am a certified Texas Public School Teacher who thrived on teaching in the Public school system before we began our family. So for 21 years now, I have been teaching Spanish and public speaking to homeschool students weekly in a classroom setting! Seamlessly add your *[Sra. Gose’s Spanish Geniuses Level 1 & Sra. Gose’s Spanish Geniuses Level 2](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/flip-flop-spanish/#:~:text=Sra.%20Gose%27s%20Spanish%20Geniuses%20Level%201%20%26%20Sra.%20Gose%27s%20Spanish%20Geniuses%20Level%202)* curriculum from *Flip Flop Learning* for use with your Homeschool Planet subscription. If you’re just beginning high school or want to start learning Spanish as an adult, these are courses that are created just for you. ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/d3babb0046833226121ae02c4336793a9e823ce7c06de2c9b85ea50482f198ad?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Shawna Wingert Shawna Wingert is a former training and development professional turned education specialist, and has homeschooled her two children for the last ten years. Shawna has written four books about homeschooling unique learners and has been featured in homeschooling discussions on Today.com, The Mighty, Simple Homeschool, My Little Poppies and Raising Lifelong Leaners. You can find her online here at Homeschool Planet and at [DifferentByDesignLearning.com.](https://nottheformerthings.com/blog/) [See Full Bio](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/shawna-marketing/) [ ](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/shawna-marketing/) **Categories:** Choosing Curriculum **Tags:** homeschool tips, traditional method, curriculum, homeschool, homeschool methods --- ### [Finding a Homeschool Schedule that Fits Your Family](https://homeschoolplanet.com/finding-a-homeschool-schedule-that-fits-your-family/) **Published:** May 10, 2023 **Author:** Richele McFarlin **Content:** Creating a homeschool schedule that fits your family is essential. Trying to implement a schedule that doesn’t suit the natural flow of your home can lead to frustration and set you up for failure. The first step is understanding that your schedule can be as unique as your family. ## ![](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/homeschoolschedule-pin.png) # How to Find a Homeschool Schedule that Fits The purpose of a schedule is to provide a framework for carrying out a successful homeschool year. If your current schedule is causing you more stress than success it is time for a change. Forcing a schedule into your family will cause so much frustration that you may reconsider homeschooling. If you feel like you just can’t it all done then take a break and consider factors that may affect your schedule: - What shift do you or your spouse work? - Do you or your spouse work from home? - How many children do you have? - What are the ages of your children? - What times of year are particularly busy for your family? - What activities are your children or you involved in? - What current obligations do you have? - What type of learners are your children? - Is your family filled with night owls or morning birds? You may need to take a few days off of homeschooling to feel the rhythm of your home. You may discover areas in your schedule that you can trim or make more efficient. ## When it is Time to Rethink Your Homeschool Schedule? There are other considerations when creating a schedule for your family. Do not allow your schedule to fit you into a box. There are times when you may need to adapt your schedule based on changes in your family. It is always best to adapt your homeschool to your life changes than struggle with a schedule that doesn’t work. Your current schedule may need to readjust based on some of these considerations. - You or your spouse’s work schedule changes. - You become a caretaker to a family relative. - Transition to teaching a different grade level such adjusting to high school schedule for the first time. - Vacation schedules - Chronic illness in the family - A family crisis Remember your homeschool schedule doesn’t have to reflect the traditional schedule of school or another homeschooling family. Your family will ease into a comfortable homeschool life if your schedule is flexible and follows the flow of your family life. ## Homeschool Planet For All Homeschool Schedules Homeschool Planet has your back for any type of homeschool schedule. Homeschool Planet keeps your homeschool running like a well oiled machine through changes in your family life and schedule. Give it a try with our[ 30 day FREE trial!](https://homeschoolplanet.com/welcome-to-homeschool-planet/) (no credit card required – start today!) [![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Feb-Trial-3-1-1024x1024.jpg)](https://homeschoolplanet.com/welcome-to-homeschool-planet/) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a063eb982af10c4efe8a01cb85c366ad378d6d563a7ef743223e5ec5a377bf63?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Richele McFarlin [See Full Bio](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/richelehomeschoolplanet-com/) [ ](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/richelehomeschoolplanet-com/) **Categories:** Homeschool Planning **Tags:** homeschool routine, schedule, teaching kids at home, large family, large family homeschooling, routine, homeschool schedule, Homeschool Planning --- ### [Homeschool Planning 101: The Block Scheduling Method](https://homeschoolplanet.com/block-scheduling-method/) **Published:** September 25, 2022 **Author:** Lindsey Stomberg **Content:** The block scheduling method is very popular among homeschoolers for a reason. It is practical, efficient, and flexible. What more could a homeschool mom want? I personally think this method of homeschool scheduling is a great method for anyone – both the *Type A* homeschooler who loves organization and lists, as well as the *Type B* homeschooler who values freedom in her days. It is sort of the best of both worlds! ![Homeschool Planning 101: Block Scheduling](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/BlockSchedulingPIN.png) There are two ways to utilize a block schedule in your homeschool and really you could use both these ways at once or separately, whatever fits your family’s needs best. ## Block Scheduling of Time Think of daily block scheduling as setting aside various blocks of your time to devote to specific tasks. During those tasks you purpose not to be distracted by other things. That block of time is for that specified task only and when that block’s time is finished, you move to the next block of time and its specific tasks. ### How is block scheduling different from traditional scheduling? Traditional scheduling is much more rigid. It would look something like this: - 8:00-8:30am Breakfast - 8:30-9:00am Cleanup - 9:00-10:00am [Morning Time Routine](https://homeschoolplanet.com/morning-time-routine/) - 10:00-10:30am Math - 10:30-11:00am Grammar - 11:00-11:30am Science - 11:30-12:00pm Lunch Traditional schedules leave very little wiggle room for the realities of life to interrupt like an illness or last minute appointments. Block scheduling on the other hand gives flexibility to move your blocks of time around at will and not lose your time. Block scheduling will feel more efficient to some. ### What does block scheduling of time look like? A more generalized block schedule would look something like this: - Early morning: Breakfast, Clean Up, and [Morning Time Routine](https://homeschoolplanet.com/morning-time-routine/) - Late morning: Homeschool Subjects - Early Afternoon: Lunch, Clean Up, Homeschool Subjects - Late Afternoon: Chores For the more Type A homeschooling mom who likes the more precise nature of a traditional schedule but needs the fluidity of block scheduling, a schedule like this might work: - 8-9am Breakfast and Clean Up - 9-10am [Morning Time Routine](https://homeschoolplanet.com/morning-time-routine/) - 10am-Noon Homeschool Subjects - Noon-1pm Lunch and Clean up - 1pm-3pm Homeschool Subjects - 3pm-4pm Chores As you can see, there are many ways to breakdown a daily block schedule. There is no one right way, just the method and style that fits your family’s needs. Block scheduling in this way can apply to so much more than homeschooling. Many people have found it very effective at helping them complete their work tasks and household chores as well. ## Block Scheduling of Subjects Block scheduling of time has more to do with how you block your time for tasks, as the name suggests. Block scheduling of subjects, as you may guess, has more to do with how you organize your student’s subjects. Many students find it easier and many homeschool moms find it to be more practical to teach certain subjects in condensed blocks of time rather than spread out over two semesters. Even though I use a mix of planning methods in our homeschool, I specifically use block scheduling for science. We do not do science during the calendar school year as one of our subjects. We reserve science for the summer when we can do experiments outside and get messy without mama having to worry about clean up. We finish a year’s worth of science curriculum over the summer. This lightens our subject load during the school year. It’s a win-win. ### So much flexibility! Some homeschooling moms who use block scheduling for subjects, do this on a week to week basis, month to month basis, semester to semester basis, or even season to season basis. You could select only certain subjects to teach during certain quarters of the year, or do history on Monday through Wednesday, and science on Thursday and Friday. You could plan more difficult classes earlier in the year and easier classes for the end of the year. ### What is the benefit to students? Less transitions during the day can really benefit some kids who do better focusing on one subject for longer periods of time. Constant transition can decrease retention of information and focus for some children. Also, if you are a family who enjoys lingering on subjects like history or chasing rabbit trails in science, block scheduling might be right for you because it affords you more time to soak in the information and explore more. An important note when block scheduling subjects for your high school student, be sure to account for the number of hours and extra workload needed to complete certain high school credits. This may be more difficult using the block scheduling method for some subjects during the high school years. As you can see, there are so many ways to block schedule for subjects. This gives you full control over your schedule, and gives you full flexibility if changes need to be made. You are not restricted by the standard, traditional calendar school year, but free to use any block of time as you will to complete your homeschool subjects. ## Homeschool Planet Users Can Block Schedule in their Online Planner! ## Managing Time with Block Scheduling Block scheduling is an easy method of planning that can be taught to children to help them manage their time and tasks. In addition to homeschool planning, block scheduling is great for chores. I recommend beginning your block schedule experiment with your family’s chores. Devote a certain time of day to chores without distraction and devote certain portions of the week to particular sections of the house or specific tasks. It might look something like this: **Daily:** 3-4pm chores **Weekly:** - Monday: Clean Bathrooms - Tuesday: Vacuum and Mop Floors - Wednesday: Laundry and Yard Work - Thursday: Dusting - Friday: Clean Bedrooms Teaching your children to [manage their time](https://homeschoolplanet.com/teaching-your-kids-time-management/) early can save them a world of hurt later. Disciplining yourself to manage your own time and plan your homeschool day or your homeschool year can be tough especially if planning doesn’t come easy for you. Block scheduling is very practical, efficient, and flexible method of homeschool planning. Whether you like a more rigid schedule or fluid schedule there is a way to make block scheduling fit both your personality and your family’s needs. ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/0474d7793a76a3729aa48b82770cd2e6c7d70851f086377a3aeb09856a27abe2?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Lindsey Stomberg [See Full Bio](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/lindseyhomeschoolplanet-com/) [ ](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/lindseyhomeschoolplanet-com/) **Categories:** Homeschool Planning **Tags:** homeschool subjects, homeschool planning 101, block scheduling, block schedule, time management, homeschool schedule, Homeschool Planning --- ### [Ready Made School Will Simplify Your Homeschool Year](https://homeschoolplanet.com/simplify-with-ready-made-school/) **Published:** August 12, 2022 **Author:** Lindsey Stomberg **Content:** Have you ever lacked confidence in your ability to homeschool your children or felt unsure in how much work is appropriate to schedule each day for your child’s age and stage of learning? Do you have family or friends who don’t support your decision to homeschool and this has left you feeling insecure in your curriculum choices? Does your family have special circumstances this year that means you need a change to your homeschool routine and curriculum? Whatever your circumstances are or reasons causing you to consider a change, [*Ready Made School*](https://homeschoolplanet.com/ready-made-school/) can help simplify your homeschool curricula search, lesson planning, and so much more! [![Ready Made School PIN](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/readymade-2-pin-683x1024.png)](https://homeschoolplanet.com/ready-made-school/) ## So What Is Ready Made School? *Ready Made School* makes homeschooling easier by providing parents with a ready-made curriculum bundle, digital planner with lesson plans for the year, and parent-teacher training. We have built *Ready Made School* to accommodate all families of students grades 1-12, offering a variety of format and worldviews that that makes space at the table for all. With all the different ways we have provided for you to customize your selections, you are sure to find what you need to meet your student’s needs. There are four categories of packages to choose from for grades 1-12: - Faith Focused Book Based Packages - Faith Focused Video Based Packages - Secular/ Neutral Book Based Packages - Secular/ Neutral Video Based Packages **[CLICK HERE](https://homeschoolplanet.com/ready-made-school/) to see all the ways that you can customize these packages to fit the needs and desires of your unique family.** [![Ready Made School Categories](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/readymade-3a-1024x536.png)](https://homeschoolplanet.com/ready-made-school/) Sit back and relax … *Ready Made School* relieves the stress and pressure from planning the next school year. We understand the stress today’s homeschooling parents are under. As an experienced homeschooling family you are probably being bombarded with questions and comments regularly. In conjunction with [*The Homeschooling Expert*](https://homeschoolexpert.com/), and several top curricula companies we have created a solution for families looking for answers. Whether you are a beginning homeschooler and don’t know where to start or a seasoned pro and just need a change, we have a solution to help! ## Watch the video below to learn more… ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/0474d7793a76a3729aa48b82770cd2e6c7d70851f086377a3aeb09856a27abe2?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Lindsey Stomberg [See Full Bio](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/lindseyhomeschoolplanet-com/) [ ](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/lindseyhomeschoolplanet-com/) **Categories:** Homeschool Planning **Tags:** ready made school, curriculum, curricula, pre-made school, homeschool, Homeschool Expert --- ### [How to Create a Homeschool Year that Works for Your Family](https://homeschoolplanet.com/a-homeschool-year-that-works/) **Published:** July 17, 2022 **Author:** Lindsey Stomberg **Content:** Did your homeschool schedule work for your family last year? Were you able to complete your homeschool year on time? Many homeschool families find that when life’s realities strike, their lesson plans fly out the window alongside their daily routine. You might be surprised to learn that there is more than one way to schedule a homeschool year. ## ![Choosing a Homeschool Scheduling Method](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Family-Homeschool-Schedule-683x1024.png) ## The Traditional Method Planning your homeschool day or year doesn’t necessarily have to be structured in the traditional format. Many parents who grew up in the school system tend to follow the only pattern they have ever known. This pattern looks like a traditional method of scheduling a school year. The traditional method of scheduling your homeschool year means that your homeschool will follow the local public school’s calendar. You will begin in late August or early September following an extended summer break, take time off for major holidays, include maybe a break in the Fall and Spring, and end your school year in late May or early June. There is nothing wrong with a traditional method of scheduling other than it just doesn’t work for every family. If traditional scheduling doesn’t work for your family, you might want to consider some of the other methods of scheduling your homeschool year below. These have been time tested and homeschool family approved! ## The Year-Round Method At first glance, year-round homeschooling might sound too rigorous and inflexible to consider, but in reality, the exact opposite is true. Year-round homeschooling can be very freeing and actually inject flexibility into your schedule especially if you know your schedule is busy outside of homeschooling. Year-round homeschooling is actually the method of scheduling that my family has adopted. It works very well for us. I have children who have special medical needs and we are in an out of doctor’s offices quite a bit. Some months I have kids too sick to do all their work. My husband is a pastor and that means that at the drop of a hat I might need to switch gears and tend to ministry needs. Sometimes we just need an impromptu break following a few grueling weeks. The year-round method makes all of these things possible without feeling behind in my homeschool schedule. Instead of having traditional breaks, you get the flexibility of creating your breaks whenever and wherever you need them in your schedule. If you want to homeschool through the traditional Christmas break, you could take extra time off in the Spring. If you choose to homeschool through summer like we do, you can adjust your schedule where you choose only certain subjects to do during the summer and then you have a lighter burden during the traditional school year. We choose science to complete during summer break. There are endless ways to implement the year-round method. I sincerely believe that it offers parents the most flexibility. ## The Calendar Method If the year-round method of scheduling your homeschool year isn’t for you, you might like the calendar method. The traditional method of scheduling has your homeschool year scheduled most frequently between the months of August and May. When using the calendar method of scheduling your homeschool year, you would schedule your school year to begin in January and end in December. When utilizing the calendar method, many families only schedule school 15 days of each month to meet state standards. This style of homeschooling might really appeal to those who enjoy taking more frequent time off from homeschooling. Now this is definitely the most out-of-the-box scheduling method, but it does work for many homeschoolers that like to be out-of-the-box. If you have a state that requires reporting, this method might be difficult for you. I would suggest considering your state’s standards before implementing the calendar method of planning your homeschool year. ## The Sabbath Method A very popular method of homeschooling is the Sabbath method of scheduling one’s homeschool year. Just because the term Sabbath is used does not mean that it is a religious form of scheduling. It has just become the popular name for the method due to its structure. The Sabbath method of scheduling a homeschool year has the family homeschooling for six weeks at a time and then taking the seventh week off. This allows for more frequent breaks than the traditional method of scheduling, but offers less flexibility than many of the other methods mentioned above. It is possible to also do four weeks on and one week off if you prefer to make your blocks of homeschooling shorter and your breaks off more frequent. ## Choosing a Method As you can see, there are quite a few methods that homeschoolers around the world have created in order to fit their lives, and that is the point. I encourage you to reassess your homeschool schedule and identify those things that are working and those things that are not working for your family. In my opinion, one of the greatest benefits of homeschooling is the flexibility it gives families. It is important to ensure that your [homeschool schedule is not enslaving you, but serving you](https://homeschoolplanet.com/let-your-schedule-guide-you-not-enslave-you/). For many years, I was using the “fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants” scheduling method for our homeschool, and that one I cannot recommend. It is a good thing to set yourself up for success in homeschooling and determining what the structure of your homeschool year will look like is one of the first steps. Happy Homeschooling! ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/0474d7793a76a3729aa48b82770cd2e6c7d70851f086377a3aeb09856a27abe2?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Lindsey Stomberg [See Full Bio](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/lindseyhomeschoolplanet-com/) [ ](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/lindseyhomeschoolplanet-com/) **Categories:** Homeschool Planning **Tags:** homeschool planning 101, homeschool schedule, planning styles, homeschool year, homeschool methods, scheduling methods --- ### [Online Vs. Paper Homeschool Planners: Which One Is Right For You?](https://homeschoolplanet.com/online-vs-paper-homeschool-planners/) **Published:** May 19, 2023 **Author:** Shawna Wingert **Content:** What are the advantages and disadvantages of homeschooling planning online vs. with a paper planner? Find out which one is right for you and your unique family! ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Online-vs-Paper-Homeschool-Planners_-Which-One-Is-Right-For-You-683x1024.jpg) Ask any veteran homeschool parent and they will agree that planning can make or break your homeschool! ## Planning In Your Homeschool Makes All The Difference No matter what tools you choose, the reality is that homeschool life requires some sense of strategy and organization. Whether it’s figuring out which days to complete what subjects, keeping track of attendance for your state homeschool requirements, or communicating with your children to let them know which homeschool lessons are on the docket for the day, **having a plan means having some sanity in your homeschool.** A good plan however, is only valuable if we find ways to actually implement it. This is where a homeschool planner can be a game changer. Let’s take a look at the various options for homeschool planning, from paper-based to digital resources that help you keep your learning (and your life!) on track. ## The Pros And Cons Of Paper Planning Paper planners are the original planning resource for homeschoolers. The fact is, most homeschool parents were raised in a time without any online options. Paper planning was the only choice available for most of our lives. There are those of us that adore our paper planners. Here are a few of the most popular advantages for paper planning in your homeschool. - **Paper planners are tactile and artistic.** If you have spent any time watching paper planning videos on YouTube, you know that for some, planning on paper is actually closer to art. For the most creative and tactile parent, paper planning may be the best choice. - **Paper planners allow us to write with pen to paper, increasing our retention.** There are studies that show when we physically write something down, we are more likely to remember it. - **Paper planners are familiar.** Truth be told, for many of us, paper planners are simply what we are most comfortable with, because it is all we have ever known. The thought of trying something new, especially technology related can feel overwhelming. **Of course, there are also disadvantages to paper planners, especially in homeschooling.** Paper planners can be bulky and difficult to carry around, increasingly so if they include lesson plans for the entire family! They can also be easily lost or damaged. Perhaps one of the greatest drawbacks of paper planning is how difficult it can be make changes and adjust based on your family’s needs. ## The Advantages Of Online Homeschool Planners As we have become more and more comfortable online, the good news is that more options are available for online homeschool planners. Planning online offers a number of advantages over traditional paper planners, including: - **Accessibility and Portability:** Online planners can be accessed from any device, so you and all of your family members can easily access your plans at any time. - **Customization and Flexibility:** Planning online means you can easily add to or change lessons for the day, the plan for the week, and even the overall school year calendar with just a click of a button. - **Sustainability:** Using an online homeschool planner means you print less, throw away less, and never have to start all over at the beginning of the school year. - **Easily Shared:** Online planners often offer the ability to easily share your home, school, work and family plans with other users. - **Cost:** Online planners are very low-cost compared with pricey paper versions. Plus, online planners can be used by more than one person, eliminating the need to buy multiple planners each year. Online homeschool planning can be an absolute life saver for many families! ## The Best Of Both Planning Approaches Using both a paper and online planner can be a great way to get the best of both worlds. Paper planners offer the tactile experience of writing things down, while online planners offer features like automatic reminders and sharing. **The bottom line is, the best homeschool planner is the one that works for you!** ## The World’s Best Online Homeschool Planner Homeschool Planet has everything a homeschool parent needs, when they need it, all in one place! - Home, school, and work schedules in one place, available 24/7/365 - The ability to schedule classes, assignments, chores, field trips, sports practice, doctor appointments, and music classes plus more all in ONE convenient location. - Separate login for each learner or family member. - Offsite electronic storage and backup of all your student’s important information and records [![online homeschool planner](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/summer-homeschool-planning-free-trial-2-1024x1024.jpg)](https://homeschoolplanet.com/#pricing) Even if you have always considered yourself a paper planner, you can try our online planner for FREE for 30 Days with no credit card required! [Try Online Planning Risk Free!](https://homeschoolplanet.com/#pricing) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/d3babb0046833226121ae02c4336793a9e823ce7c06de2c9b85ea50482f198ad?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Shawna Wingert Shawna Wingert is a former training and development professional turned education specialist, and has homeschooled her two children for the last ten years. Shawna has written four books about homeschooling unique learners and has been featured in homeschooling discussions on Today.com, The Mighty, Simple Homeschool, My Little Poppies and Raising Lifelong Leaners. You can find her online here at Homeschool Planet and at [DifferentByDesignLearning.com.](https://nottheformerthings.com/blog/) [See Full Bio](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/shawna-marketing/) [ ](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/shawna-marketing/) **Categories:** Homeschool Planning **Tags:** homeschool schedule, Homeschool Planning --- ### [Homeschool Methods 101: Exploring the Traditional Homeschool Method](https://homeschoolplanet.com/traditional-homeschool-method/) **Published:** February 19, 2023 **Author:** Lindsey Stomberg **Content:** Have you ever found yourself wondering if the traditional homeschool method will help your children get a better education? If so, you’ve come to the right place! Here, we discuss the pros and cons of this time-honored teaching style and provide helpful tips on making it work for you. So buckle up and let’s dive in – it’s time to discover if traditional homeschooling is the right choice for your family. ![Traditional Homeschool Method](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Traditional-Homeschool-Method-PIN-683x1024.png) ## What is the Traditional Homeschool Method The traditional homeschool method is an educational style in which the parent assumes responsibility for teaching their children at home. It is based on traditional education methodologies, which have been adapted to homeschooling. Traditional homeschoolers use textbooks and other offline resources to teach their children and may include more formal approaches such as lectures and exams. The traditional homeschool method uses textbooks, either custom-created by the parent or purchased through a publisher, to provide structure to the lessons they teach their children. Supplementary material can include library books or instructional videos from local libraries or online sources. Parents may assign lessons from the textbook themselves or purchase [pre-printed lesson plans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace) from publishers and lesson plan creators like Homeschool Planet. Tests are usually given at the end of each unit for assessment of learning, but some parents opt for weekly quizzes instead. To promote a positive learning environment, many traditional homeschoolers engage in extra-curricular activities such as: - [Field trips](https://homeschoolplanet.com/educational-trips-for-homeschool-kids/) - Community service projects - Virtual classes - Sports teams with members from other schools or home education groups in the area. Additionally, many parents also encourage their children to participate in SAT prep courses and other standardized tests used for college admissions purposes. Overall, the traditional homeschool method follows a similar structure to a formal education found in a traditional school. It may include rigorous demands but also allows more freedom of choice when it comes to homeschool curriculum and different methods used depending on each family’s preference and needs. ## Benefits of the Traditional Homeschool Method The traditional homeschool method of education is a common teaching method used by homeschooling families. This method focuses on providing an education that is based on a set curriculum and textbooks. It includes a lot of reading and memorization as well as frequent testing, both formal and informal. This can be an excellent choice for parents looking to provide a more rigorous level of instruction and structure with their student’s education. **Some of the benefits of using this method to homeschool are:** - It provides an organized structure for learning which helps with consistency. - Teachings are typically based on grade level appropriate texts which help guarantee that students receive a quality education in every subject area. - It can be personalized, allowing parents to choose texts, materials, and activities that fit their children’s individual interests or needs. - Students and parents usually have access to teacher guides or tutoring if assistance is needed in any subject area. - Frequent testing ensures that students have retained core concepts taught; tests also improve time management skills since students must complete the exams within specified amounts of time (unlike some different styles of homeschooling). - Evaluation reports can be generated to enable families to track their child’s progress over time. ## Challenges of Traditional Homeschool Method The Traditional homeschool method offers many benefits and opportunities for families, but it can also present unique challenges. There are a few limitations inherent in this method that should be considered, such as: - Parents may feel they need to have expertise in the subject(s) they are teaching. Not all parents will have knowledge in all areas of study. Consider achieving your educational goals with the help of a [complete curriculum](https://homeschoolplanet.com/ready-made-school/) for your student’s grade level, co-op, tutor, and well-laid-out lesson plans to prevent gaps in a student’s education. - Commitment to developing and maintaining lesson plans and schedules is needed. This is where Homeschool Planet has everything you need for organization, including keeping track of demanding family schedules and chores. - Educational freedom is allowed but typically limits students’ access to classes outside of their home school environment such as [special needs](https://homeschoolplanet.com/homeschooling-a-child-with-adhd/) instruction or college-level courses. Taking into account these potential challenges when deciding on a homeschool method is important for creating a successful learning atmosphere. To help you make the best choice for your family, [try the 30-day free trial of Homeschool Planet](https://homeschoolplanet.com/welcome-to-homeschool-planet/). ## Curriculum and Resources for Traditional Homeschool Method Finding curriculum and resources for homeschooling doesn’t have to be overwhelming. It is important to remember that there are many different ways to approach a traditional homeschool method. It’s not about finding the exact right curriculum for your family. As homeschool parents, the beauty of homeschooling is about finding the [best method](https://homeschoolplanet.com/homeschool-method/) that will instill good habits and be the best fit for your student. When thinking about curriculum and resources, it’s important to focus on whether it aligns with the goals you have set for your child’s education and their specific learning styles. Do you prefer traditional textbook-style instruction? Maybe you prefer an online learning platform or unconventional resources like documentaries? Whichever route you choose, remember that this is a team effort. It is also important to ensure that each subject maintains balance and contributes to the learning experience as a whole. Here’s a brief look at the most popular resources used with the traditional homeschool method. ### Textbooks Textbooks can provide direct access to information in an organized manner that allows students to build upon concepts as they progress through the curriculum. It’s also important to find texts that encourage critical thinking skills and a deep understanding of topics rather than surface memorization. ### Online School These platforms allow parents and students access to online courses from sources such as [Khan Academy](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/khan-academy-math-lesson-plans/), [Monarch (click here to get a FREE trial!)](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/monarch-online-curriculum/), and [BJU Press](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/bju-press-all-in-one/). These platforms are often interactive, customizable, and sometimes even FREE. ### Online Self-Paced Learning Self-paced lessons are individualized activities presented through videos or written instructions which allow students an opportunity for independent study with or without periodic instructor support via emails or digital calls. This method is great for those who may need more support than what comes with just a textbook but do not need direct one-on-one tutor time. ### Videos/Documentaries Videos/documentaries enable parents and children alike to gain knowledge on various topics in an entertaining manner while still providing educational facts in a visual format at home or on the go using smartphones, tablets or laptop computers! These are great additional lessons when access to textbooks are limited. ## Strategies for Implementing The Traditional Homeschool Method The Traditional Homeschool Method is considered a traditional, educational approach to learn real life knowledge and skills such as reading, writing, mathematics, and foreign languages. Developed in the late 19th century, it was typically used at home by a parent or family member as an alternative to attending traditional public or private school. In recent years, the Traditional Homeschool Method has become increasingly popular as a robust educational option in homes all over the world. Whether you’re just [beginning your homeschool journey](https://homeschoolplanet.com/how-to-know-if-your-child-is-ready-to-begin-homeschooling/) or want a refresher in implementing this homeschool method effectively and efficiently, here are tips you may find useful. ### Set achievable goals for yourself and your student. The first step to successfully implementing Traditional Homeschool is setting reasonable objectives that take into account both your and your student’s abilities. This will create a structure for your daily schedule and ensure that the material covered is age-appropriate. ### Schedule time for schoolwork. Incorporate different areas of learning into each day so that your student is able to focus on one subject at a time and complete their work at an appropriate pace. With consistent academic focus every day, you can also measure your student’s progress easily over time. ### Foster positive attitudes toward learning. Praise your child often while they learn so they feel encouraged to continue doing their best with each lesson. Make sure to talk through misunderstandings patiently until they understand how to work it out on their own – this will equip them with problem-solving skills later! ### Utilize varied teaching styles. Each person learns differently; feel free to incorporate any type of teaching style into different areas of instruction – auditory learners may benefit from listening to [audiobooks](https://homeschoolplanet.com/top-10-benefits-of-audiobooks/) or podcasts; visual learners may prefer videos or infographics outlined in textbooks; kinesthetic learners can benefit from hands-on activities such as STEM lessons! This flexibility helps keep children focused while they learn in a way that suits them best. ### Make use of resources available online. Take advantage of online tools such as websites, apps, and virtual learning opportunities, which can provide interactive platforms where children can explore difficult concepts more deeply on their own even after regular classes have ended for the day. Some websites offer practice exercises customized for younger children, middle school kids, and high school students too. These can help in the effective assessment of their level of understanding achieved during the course of study! ## Tips for Success with Traditional Homeschool Method Traditional homeschool methods are an effective and proven way to provide education to children of all ages in a cost-effective manner. To get the most out of this type of schooling, there are certain tips that have been proven to help ensure success. The core of a traditional homeschool experience is quality curriculum and parental involvement. Parents should take the time to select a curriculum that fits their child’s learning needs and abilities, as well as one that is appropriate for their family’s values and beliefs. Once selected, parents should remain actively involved in the child’s learning and provide regular guidance, support, and encouragement. Encourage your child to take ownership of learning by setting goals or achieving rewards for the successful completion of assignments or activities. Additionally, it is important for families using the traditional homeschool method to build relationships with other homeschooling families by joining online forums, [Facebook groups](https://www.facebook.com/groups/439081459969504), clubs, or field trip groups. This can help you find additional resources such as curriculum recommendations, advice on legal requirements, and tips on socialization skills. Finally, make sure you are familiar with your state’s guidelines when it comes to homeschooling; some states have more stringent guidelines than others pertaining to filing annual reports or tests administered at certain milestones. It’s best to be prepared early so that you can avoid problems down the road when it comes time for your student to enter college or professional training programs after graduation. ## Common Misconceptions about Traditional Homeschool Method The traditional homeschooling method has been gaining in popularity in recent years as more parents are recognizing the value of taking a hands-on approach to their children’s education. However, many homeschool families have misconceptions about what it actually entails and the kind of commitment it requires. Here we will look at some common myths about traditional homeschooling and how to avoid them. **Myth 1: Traditional homeschooling relies on textbooks exclusively.** Fact: Textbooks can be a helpful resource for traditional homeschoolers, but they are far from the only way to learn. A variety of materials can be used including novels, worksheets, online courses, games, and even documentaries or movies. Homeschoolers often create projects or undertake field trips for a unique and individualized educational experience. **Myth 2: Traditional homeschooling is overly restrictive or uncreative.** Fact: The opposite is usually true! Parents can have more fluid expectations when relying upon themselves to teach their children and the results can be very interesting and innovative lessons that not only motivate students but also help them acquire more information than they would receive in a typical classroom setting. Studying historical events and museums virtually, using unit studies, and enjoying activities that support and expand on the traditional method always inspire creativity. **Myth 3: Traditional homeschooling requires too much work on the part of the parents in order to be effective.** Fact: Actually, since parents are actively guiding their children’s learning each day, they may find that they have significantly less prep work than many classroom teachers. Furthermore, with advanced online learning opportunities such as online classes or webinars available for students, there is even less work required by parents as those platforms typically provide comprehensive lesson plans and email reminders for assignments, due dates, or exams requiring review or preparation for an assessment task ahead of time. Using [Homeschool Planet’s Lesson plans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace) makes it easy to keep all your curriculum organized in one location. **Myth 4: Traditional Homeschoolers do not need social interaction with other children their age.** Fact: Social interaction with peers is beneficial for every student regardless if she/ he is enrolled in public school or following a do school-at-home method taught by Mom/Dad in the traditional manner. Attending field trips related to various curricular topics may provide important opportunities through which traditional homeschooled children get a glimpse into the larger world around them. Joining clubs, sports, church or community groups that include other children affords participants further chances to make new friends, discuss shared academic interests OR simply kick back and just hang out together after school amidst laughter and fun-filled downtime. ## Tips for Making the Traditional Homeschool Method Work for You 1. Ensure you understand the state or country requirements for homeschooling. [HSLDA](https://hslda.org/) has detailed information. 2. Ensure your curriculum choices cover the ‘Core 4’ – Math, Language Arts, Social Studies & Science for the grade/age of your student. 3. Use a planner. Homeschool Planet offers an [excellent digital planner](https://homeschoolplanet.com/welcome-to-homeschool-planet/) that allows you to receive a copy of your plans via email or even print. 4. Establish a routine. You and your kids will appreciate knowing what to expect. It may change due to appointments or outside activities, but routine helps everyone stay on track. (See [Block Scheduling](https://homeschoolplanet.com/block-scheduling-method/), [Loop Scheduling](https://homeschoolplanet.com/loop-scheduling/), or [Relaxed Scheduling](https://homeschoolplanet.com/relaxed-homeschooling/) for tips on how to use Homeschool Planet to customize your routine to your homeschool schedule). 5. Join local and online homeschooling groups. Field trips & coop meetings will encourage everyone. 6. Understand your student’s learning styles so you can choose appropriate curriculum and activities to ensure a quality learning experience. 7. Understand your teaching style. You may find that teaching using the traditional method works brilliantly for your family, but it is important that both the parent and the student are able to work together and enjoy the process of learning. 8. Set a manageable pace of learning. Some subjects may be able to be finished in less time than expected, while others may need to allow for more time to accomplish the assignments. Each student is different. 9. [Large families](https://homeschoolplanet.com/homeschooling-a-large-family/) often begin their day with everyone together and then work with the youngest first, while older kids begin working independently. Giving older students dedicated time during the day can happen during nap/quiet time for the others. 10. Remember everyone has ‘off days’ or [sick days](https://homeschoolplanet.com/homeschool-tips-when-mom-needs-a-sick-day/). Not everyday will be perfect. The beauty of homeschooling is you can choose when and how learning takes place and tailor it to your family’s unique needs, passions and skills. 11. Enjoy the process and the fact that if something is not working you can change it. Ask your kids for feedback. Analyze trouble spots. Ask for suggestions from other trusted homeschoolers where needed. ## Wrapping up Traditional Homeschool Method Traditional homeschooling as an effective education option has attracted increasing attention in recent years, evidenced by record numbers of families choosing to homeschool. Traditional homeschooling families are uniquely qualified to customize the educational experience to their child’s needs, serve as valuable contributors to the educational landscape and provide important evidence-based contributions in a variety of subject areas. Different aspects of the traditional educational philosophy blend well with various homeschool styles. It is a good idea to sample the curriculum and ensure it is a good fit for your traditional approach to learning. There are many homeschool styles to choose from, so you are sure to find the perfect match for your family. Explore these different approaches: - Charlotte Mason Method - Eclectic Homeschooling - Unit Study Method - Classical Homeschooling - Unschooling Method ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/0474d7793a76a3729aa48b82770cd2e6c7d70851f086377a3aeb09856a27abe2?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Lindsey Stomberg [See Full Bio](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/lindseyhomeschoolplanet-com/) [ ](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/lindseyhomeschoolplanet-com/) **Categories:** Homeschool 101 **Tags:** Traditional Homeschool Method, All-in-one curriculum, Ready-Made Homeschool, Curriculum resources, learning styles, homeschool tips, homeschool methods --- ### [It's Time to Demystify Menstruation for Good: Know Your Body, Period.](https://homeschoolplanet.com/know-your-body-period/) **Published:** February 5, 2023 **Author:** Lindsey Stomberg **Content:** You might be familiar with my work as a naturopathic doctor or my Human Body Detectives series; however, the *Know Your Body, Period* course for girls ages ten and up is extremely special to me. ![Demystify Menstruation: Periods are Powerful](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Period-Post-PIN-683x1024.png) Years ago, when my daughters were on the brink of puberty, I searched for healthy, holistic-minded books appropriate for their ages. Though there were several “what to expect” types of books out there that highlighted the physical and emotional changes of puberty; however, I found none that guided girls to understand the physiological changes during a 28-day menstrual cycle (that included hormone definitions), how these hormones benefit us beyond reproduction, and how we can support them via healthy nutrition and exercise. Knowledge is power. I wanted my girls to understand how their bodies work because I felt they would be encouraged to nourish their bodies well, experience healthy puberty, and support their cycles through their adult lives. And the medical establishment is thinking the same. In a December 2015 article, The [American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)](https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/committee-opinion/articles/2015/12/menstruation-in-girls-and-adolescents-using-the-menstrual-cycle-as-a-vital-sign) points to the menstrual cycle as a vital sign of adolescent well-being and emphasizes its importance in assessing a girl’s overall health. It’s essential to dive deeper into understanding how our bodies work, that women’s physiology is not just for reproduction, that all of our hormones have superpowers, and how best to nourish these hormones. Below are some alarming statistics about teenage girls and young women that show the importance of educating our young women on this topic: - 14% of teens skip school because of period symptoms. - 90% of girls are affected by PMS, which may hinder their everyday lives. - 50% of teenage girls develop acne, affecting body image and confidence. - 21% of women are diagnosed with PCOs, and 10% with endometriosis. At first, the *Know Your Body, Period* course was intended for preteens and teens, but I soon learned that women in their 20s, and 30s (moms included), wanted to know the information as well. I have even had moms with boys reach out regarding the course; it would be wonderful to pass this knowledge on to boys and young men! [![Know Your Body Period Buy Banner](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Know-Your-Body-Period-Buy-Banner-1.png)](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/human-body-detectives-elementary/) I say this to all my patients: the body does not want to be sick and continually strives to maintain balance to stay strong, resilient, and healthy. I have found that the more aware people are of how their bodies work, the more likely they will make smart lifestyle choices. With this knowledge, you build trust in your body’s power, and THIS is preventative healing. It’s lifetime work, but young women are getting a head start by taking this class. Knowing that your body has your back when fully supported can keep women physically and mentally healthy. When natural discomforts, such as cramps or headaches, arise with menstruation–“that time of the month”–and one feels like their body is doing anything but having their back, the tools presented in this course will be a fantastic reminder of the ways to support our body. When we demystify the female anatomy and physiology, girls and young women are empowered to take care of themselves, feel more comfortable in their bodies, and claim their feminine vitality for a lifetime of health. This is my goal for *Know Your Body, Period*. To learn more, check out the [*Know Your Body, Period* Teacher Training](https://youtu.be/DRMt9j4XQvo). xx dr. heather ## Join the Know Your Body, Period Webinar on February 8th at 3PM EST! Join Homeschool Planet’s webinar with Dr. Heather Manley ND on February 8th at 3PM EST/ 2PM CST as she discusses her new Know Your Body, Period course. **[>> CLICK HERE to reserve your spot!](https://on.zoom.us/ev/Aru_Rcg8DfHCLsGopQVFbXK7H1oZe9iYp2kV7UPtrPoTRWoLopkA~AggLXsr32QYFjq8BlYLZ5I06Dg)** [![Know Your Body Period Webinar](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Period-Webinar-Promotional-4-1024x1024.png)](https://on.zoom.us/ev/Aru_Rcg8DfHCLsGopQVFbXK7H1oZe9iYp2kV7UPtrPoTRWoLopkA~AggLXsr32QYFjq8BlYLZ5I06Dg) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/0474d7793a76a3729aa48b82770cd2e6c7d70851f086377a3aeb09856a27abe2?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Lindsey Stomberg [See Full Bio](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/lindseyhomeschoolplanet-com/) [ ](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/lindseyhomeschoolplanet-com/) **Categories:** Homeschool Planning **Tags:** period, menstruation, teen girls, girls, women, hormones, educational courses, female biolody, biology, reproduction, fertility, reproductive organs, know your body, teens --- ### [How do you handle kids having cell phones and access to social media?](https://homeschoolplanet.com/how-do-you-handle-kids-having-cell-phones-and-access-to-social-media/) **Published:** February 24, 2020 **Author:** Richele McFarlin **Content:** **Aurora from Supercharged Science** and her husband run a publishing company that creates hands-on science curriculum for K-12 homeschoolers. Read this helpful article as she discusses a questions she gets often from parents worried about their kids on media devices. ![](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/cellphones.png) First, would you let young kids run loose in a wood shop or machine shop? You know, the kind with table saws, circular saws, power drills, air compressors, welding machines… all sorts of things that they could really get hurt with? *Of course not.* Or loose in the kitchen with open flames on the stove, sharp knives, and cleaning chemicals that create toxic gases if they’re not handled right? *Again… of course not.* The things you find in the wood shop, machine shop and the kitchen are tools, and people that work in these environments have been trained in how to use them. You wouldn’t give your toddler a butcher knife or keys to the car. The cost of learning is way too high. Social media is like that. **It’s like handing your car keys and letting them learn how to handle it on their own.** Technology like iPads, cell phones, laptops and computers are tools that adults use to get a job done. If you’re going to build a table, you need access to your wood shop. If you’re going to write a report, you need a computer. One of the biggest challenges is that most adults simply hand their kids a phone and hope it works out. Or they place blocks on it that kids see as a challenge to break. Either way, kids do not yet have the ability to wield their tools responsibly. Your job as a parent is to guide your kids, teaching them what they need to know to make it out there in the real world. Kids that have been overly-sheltered and not exposed to media at all also don’t know how to handle it when they make their way into the world. **Kids need the right education in order to make good choices about how what they focus on and they spend their time.** I have yet to hear a parent say “I wish my kid spent MORE time on their social media!” **Every minute they spend on it is one less minute they have for something else, like learning a new skill or working on a project, or spending it with a friend…Or with the family.** For comparison, Olympic winners train every day for years before making an Olympic team, and they plan out their training schedules years in advance so they can hit specific goals. Homeschooling is not quite the Olympics (although I am sure it feels like that some days!), but the approach is very similar to that of an Olympic athlete. You’ve got a goal, say get into a good college and be prepared for life, and you start homeschooling in say 4th grade, and you have 8 years to reach that goal. **Here’s the challenge – most kids major in minor things.** What do I mean by that? The average kid spends 9.5 hours per day on a screen, including phones, computers, laptops, iPads… you name it. Most of the time it’s on non-educational things, like watching movies, playing video games, or on social media. That’s a LOT of time. It’s not what they’re doing when they are hooked to the screen, it’s what they are NOT doing. For every hour they spend on technology, they’re not spending it doing the things that will develop their **cognitive skills, like critical thinking, decision making, and developing relationships.** Consider this – most Olympic athletes train about 10,000 hours at a sport before making it to an Olympic team. Over the course of 8-10 years, that’s about 3-3.5 hours a day. **That’s it. Just 3 hours a day to be a world-class top expert in your field.** And kids spend over three times this amount doing… what? ***Nothing.*** It’s really kind of sad. I know that the answer isn’t to get rid of the cell phone, because it’s not the phone or even technology that is making the trouble. Technology is only magnifying what is already there. ![](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/aurora.png) I encourage you to look at your kids and see if you can figure out what they’re really after when they pick up their phone, turn on their computer, log in and sign out of life for the next couple of hours. And when they do sign in, make SURE it’s something that will move them forward with their progress, enhance their educational experience, and not make them dependent on it. My company, Supercharged Science, uses technology as a tool to demonstrate to kids how to learn about science in the real world. Then they take what they’ve learned from perhaps watching a 10-minute video, and they spend the next hour doing a hands-on experiment or project based on it. **Life happens out there in the world, not hidden behind a screen.** The best compliments we get are the ones where they kids have taken in our positive, empowering messages and now have the confidence they need to move on and innovate greater things than we ever taught them. Real learning comes from doing, not just passively watching something. **Technology can be a tool, like watching a video on how to do a science experiment, but then you have to actually do it!** For example, if your kids want to learn about light and magnification, they might watch a short video on how to build a laser microscope out of simple materials, and then they hit pause and get out their supplies and spend the next half hour experimenting. This is where the real learning comes from. If this sounds like something you’re interested in trying out for yourself, I’ve put together a set of hands-on science experiments that include step-by-step videos in one packet of science lessons. It’s a free mini-curriculum with the laser microscope experiment I just mentioned experiment along with four others that you can do today with your kids using this hands-on approach. Whatever you do, get your kids engaged in the real world! **To start, go here to download your free homeschool science lesson packet: [www.SuperchargedScience.com/rockets](http://www.superchargedscience.com/rockets)** ### Your Kids Won’t Grow Their Minds Browsing Social Media. Supercharge Their Education with Supercharged Science! [>> CLICK HERE](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/supercharged-e-science/) to learn more about Supercharged Science and how you can get access to both the Supercharged Science Curriculum and Lesson Plans in the Homeschool Planet Marketplace! [![Supercharged Science Marketplace Spotlight](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Marketplace-Spotlight-Supercharged-Science-1024x1024.png)](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/supercharged-e-science/) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a063eb982af10c4efe8a01cb85c366ad378d6d563a7ef743223e5ec5a377bf63?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Richele McFarlin [See Full Bio](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/richelehomeschoolplanet-com/) [ ](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/richelehomeschoolplanet-com/) **Categories:** Homeschool 101 **Tags:** cell phones, youth, parenting, parenting teenagers, social media, guide for teenagers, teenagers --- ### [Homeschool Methods 101: Exploring the Classical Homeschool Method](https://homeschoolplanet.com/the-classical-homeschool-method/) **Published:** July 7, 2023 **Author:** Shannan Swindler **Content:** Welcome to the world of classical homeschooling – where your children will be challenged and inspired to reach their full potential. This educational approach combines traditional values with modern learning techniques. You’ll learn how to tap into the *power of this time-honored method* to create an environment where your child can flourish. Prepare to be wowed by the unique mix of *old and new*. Find out why this classical homeschool method is becoming increasingly popular among homeschool parents. ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/The-Classical-Homeschool-Method-1-683x1024.jpg) ## **What Is The Classical Homeschool Method** The classical homeschool method is a method of teaching that combines a rigorous academic program with an emphasis on the development of *reading, writing, thinking, and speaking skills*. This approach takes its cues from the educational philosophies and techniques developed by the great thinkers of ancient Greece and Rome. In this homeschooling method, students are taught in a way that emphasizes the development of *reasoning skills*. Students learn through close analysis of literature, rhetoric, and history. Instruction is designed to help students reach their full potential by engaging in thoughtful dialogue with their peers, parents, and co-op teachers. Classical homeschooling puts emphasis on introducing children to broad topics—such as *current events, philosophy, or histor*y. This allows them to develop critical thinking skills through self-reflection and research. Students are encouraged to ask questions while they learn and make statements based on research and evidence. Through this approach to education, students gain skills in logic and debate while becoming lifelong seekers of knowledge beyond what is taught in textbooks or classrooms. . ## **Benefits Of The Classical Homeschool Method** Classical homeschooling has become an increasingly popular choice for many parents looking to provide their children with a quality education. Classical homeschooling provides an atmosphere that is tailored to their own family values and beliefs. The classical method views education as something which should provide a balanced, diverse, and complete education. The goal is to strive towards training students to become self-directed learners with emotional, intellectual, physical, and spiritual development. Classical homeschooling offers a wide range of benefits over different methods. Some of these include: - **Freedom to choose** curriculum and specialized learning opportunities that meet the child’s individual needs and interests. - Placement in an environment where **students are able to absorb material** that is provided in a classical, age/grade-appropriate manner - **Increased parental involvement** in teaching and guiding the student’s learning process. - **Use of established principles of instruction** such as the Grammar/Logic/Rhetoric (GLR) approach. Combine it with practical, hands-on experiences as part of the learning process. - **Exploration of potential through open discussion** of a wide range of topics including history, culture, literature, science, etc. This helps the student gain a greater understanding of these topics as well as develop critical thinking skills. Classical homeschooling also provides the opportunity for children to learn more than just the basics. They also get to grow intellectually by fostering creativity and encouraging thoughtful exploration of various topics. ## **Core Principles Of The Classical Homeschool Method** The classical homeschool method is an approach to education rooted in the classical tradition of the Trivium. The Trivium consists of three stages: grammar, logic, and rhetoric. This approach seeks to nurture young minds with an understanding of language, philosophy, and rhetoric through engaging material. The choice of materials challenges students to think critically by asking questions, analyzing data, and concretely articulating their understanding. Some core principles within this educational model include: ### Emphasizing A Love For Learning Classical homeschooling focuses on inspiring curiosity within children. It equips them with tools & habits to cultivate their own lifelong passion for learning. ### Cultivating Wisdom Through Language Language is at the root of all knowledge. This is why Classical homeschooling focuses on mastering language skills such as writing and reading comprehension from an early age. This helps students comprehend more complex topics & express themselves in a meaningful way as they progress in their studies. ### Engaging Analytical Skills Knowledge is integrated into all aspects of classical education. This helps lay the foundation for children to make meaningful observations about surrounding events. Later, they use critical skills like logic & reasoning. Often they come up with practical solutions that impact society in a positive way. ### Encouraging Public Speaking It’s important that children learn how to effectively communicate their ideas verbally so they can present coherent arguments when advocating for what they believe in later in life. This pillar of classical education emphasizes making public speaking engagements part of each student’s regular routine. Examples would be: - sharing about a historical event or famous person (link to famous people blog post), - expressing their opinion during a discussion or virtual co-op meeting, or - presenting a project to a live audience. ### Building Strong Character Classical education doesn’t just prepare children academically. It also equips them with values such as *honesty, integrity, and generosity* that help them become more responsible citizens. This component helps create individuals capable of contributing positively towards social betterment. It also demonstrates their moral excellence even beyond society’s expected standards if needed. ## **Types Of Classical Homeschooling** Classical homeschooling is an educational approach that incorporates: - the use of ancient wisdom, - developing critical thinking skills, and, - for Christian homeschoolers, a study of God’s Word in order to create a thorough learning environment. It is based on the classical model of education developed by Aristotle and Plato. The method is designed to assist students in meeting their particular objectives by facilitating rigorous, yet enjoyable, learning among children. When exploring different forms of the classical homeschool method, there are several methods that families can choose from. ### The Trivium The first type of classical approach is known as the Trivium method. This involves studying grammar, logic, and rhetoric at their corresponding ages. The Trivium has three stages: - The *Grammar stage* for ages 5–12 - The *Logic stage (or dialectic stage)* for ages 12–14; and - The *Rhetoric stage* for ages 14–18. During each stage, specific material is studied. For instance, in the Grammar stage, mental practice involves memorizing facts, learning correct spelling and pronunciation, reading comprehension skills, etc. In the Rhetoric stage, students focus on more philosophically challenging principles like forming ideas through discussion or debate. ### Project Based Learning The second type of classical homeschool method is called system-based learning or project-based learning (PBL). This form breaks down long-term projects into achievable chunks to help students understand goals better through project-based activities. The emphasis here lies on understanding concepts rather than just memorizing facts or quickly completing tasks. Students may work through a unit together. However, they can be assigned individual sections within a project depending on their age level or ability set. This allows them to understand whole concepts at once rather than simply dissecting information into smaller parts. ### Core Knowledge Learning Another form of classical homeschool instruction is called Core Knowledge which encompasses memorization but focuses mainly on the analysis and understanding of great ideas – both ancient and modern – within many disciplines such as art history and literature studies as well as sciences like physics or geology. Core Knowledge usually progresses according to grade level during its eight-year implementation plan whereby each year adds another layer onto existing knowledge so that students end up with an overview at graduation time with mastery over specific topics within each subject area they cover throughout their studies. ## **How To Implement The Classical Homeschool Method** ### Understanding The Philosophy Implementing the classical homeschooling method requires that you first have a clear understanding of the philosophy on which it is based. *Classical homeschooling* emphasizes learning about culture and history, as well as mastering complex ideas and language through studying great works of literature, music, art, and thought. It also involves developing fundamental skills such as *thinking logically and structuring one’s thoughts*. At the heart of *classical homeschooling* is the process of hypothesizing, investigating, correlating ideas, and then forming arguments. To begin, decide on a few core books to serve as your foundation for teaching. These should be classic works that are generally recognized to be key texts in their field such as Homer’s Iliad or The Prince by Machiavelli. Also, choose some secondary texts to provide background information on these topics to help students explore further. ### Choose Core Texts Once you have chosen your core texts, work in reverse from when you want each topic to be concluded by establishing a timeline for completion that includes daily study sessions or weekly units for each topic. [Homeschool Planet](https://homeschoolplanet.com/) is the perfect tool to help you easily set up your daily schedule for each subject being studied. ### Incorporate Learning Techniques These sessions incorporate reading aloud from primary sources as well as asking questions about what has been read to foster deeper understanding amongst students. Next, incorporate memorization techniques using songs or rhymes for key dates or persons discussed in order to solidify understanding before moving on to additional content within the topic studied during that session or unit. And finally, create opportunities for creative expression through drawing or writing-related activities which will enhance the learning experience further still. The key idea with *classical homeschooling* is that learning should not be a passive exercise but rather an active participation by both student and teacher throughout the entire process leading up to having formed an opinion on different claimed truths related to whichever topics were studied during that particular session/unit. ## Classical Method Homeschool Resources At Homeschool Planet Homeschool Planet is delighted to offer the following homeschool lesson plans and curriculum resources that align well with the Classical homeschooling method. ## **Resources For Classical Homeschooling** Classical homeschooling is an educational approach that is based on the seven liberal arts. It can be used in a variety of ways, ranging from part-time instruction to full-time schooling. Classical homeschoolers are often passionate about the philosophy and advantages of their chosen method, citing everything from a better understanding of literature to improved test-taking skills and greater creativity in children. When making the switch to classical homeschooling, it’s important to have access to resources that are compatible with this unique approach. Fortunately, there are a couple of great sources available – both online and offline – that can provide you with everything you need for your classical homeschooling journey. ### Print Resources The key print resource for classical homeschoolers is textbooks specifically designed for this particular purpose. While these textbooks provide a comprehensive study guide for each subject studied, they often contain an emphasis on refined literary techniques or philosophies such as *Stoicism or Platonism.* Supplemental materials such as teacher’s guides and activity books may also be available depending on the publisher or author of the text(s). As you gather around the kitchen table or dive into the exciting subject areas, your kids may find that the best parts of the classical homeschool method are getting to study historical events, and critically thinking using nature study experiments or even using short lessons for a unit study to prepare for a presentation. Excellent examples of Classical homeschool resources for older children are: - [The Well Trained Mind](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/first-language-lessons/) - [Veritas Press](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/veritas-press-omnibus/) These resources are available in our [Lesson Plan Marketplace](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/) so you can easily integrate these classical lesson plans into your Homeschool Planet online planner! ### Online Resources The internet has proved to be an invaluable resource for classical homeschoolers. From large online communities offering advice and support to websites offering curated collections of teaching materials, there are several resources available that can help you establish a successful program in your home. Websites like *Memoria Press and Classical Academic Press, Veritas Press, Compass Classroom, and….* offer a variety of grade-level appropriate lesson plans, reading lists of great books for all ages, including young children, and activities developed specifically with classical home educators in mind. Some offer a complete curriculum, while others focus on a specific subject like fine arts, or ancient Rome. Podcasts such as *The Classical Education Podcast* provide fresh insights into topics like philosophy and Latin grammar while YouTube channels like *Latinity* provide fun educational videos covering ancient languages, classic literature, and more! ### Online Homeschool School Recently, online homeschool communities have popped up providing virtual campuses. This is a great way for older students to give the homeschool teacher a bit of a break and bring the variety of learning with real-life situations to enhance this popular homeschooling style. ## **Solutions To Classical Homeschooling Challenges** The classical homeschool approach can pose a challenge for many parents, as it requires a deep understanding of the curriculum materials and methods. Luckily there are co-op groups that have the responsibility to teach small groups of children(generally 8-10 students) in the classic or Socratic style. Additionally, parents who are new to homeschooling should be aware of the amount of parental involvement required for successful classical homeschooling. It is important for parents to be prepared to spend time teaching concepts and planning creative projects. The beauty of the classical homeschool method is that you get to enjoy learning things together. Another challenge may be finding the appropriate resources and tools needed to help achieve successful classical homeschooling. While parents may have difficulty understanding how to effectively teach difficult concepts such as *geometry and Latin grammar, there are excellent homeschool curriculum resources and groups ready to help you succeed.* Some may think that equipping the home with suitable scientific equipment may also prove challenging, as well as expensive, but there are online resources and live co-op lab sessions available in many communities. check out your local classical homeschool group on social media to find a group near you. Finally, don’t worry about the social challenges that some may think the classical homeschooling method presents. As classical homeschooling necessitates that children learn independently and rely more on their own knowledge than on structured tests and exams, they learn to discuss with peers as well as adults what they are learning. Some parents have found success by joining local classical homeschool groups or attending homeschool fairs. These are perfect places to let your middle school and high school students show off what they are learning in a way that allows other homeschool families to share in the process. ## **Tips For Making The Classical Homeschool Method Work For You** - Ensure you understand the state or country requirements for homeschooling. [HSLDA](https://hslda.org/legal) has detailed information. - Enjoy the stage your kids are in (grammar, logic/dialectic, or rhetoric) and teach to that part of the trivium while ensuring your curriculum choices cover the ‘Core 4’ – Math, Language Arts, Social Studies & Science for the grade/age of your student. - Use a planner. [Homeschool Planet](https://homeschoolplanet.com/) offers an excellent digital planner that allows you to receive a copy of your plans via email or even print. - Establish a routine. You and your kids will appreciate knowing what to expect. It may change due to appointments or outside activities, but routine helps everyone stay on track. - Join local and online homeschooling groups. Field trips & coop meetings will encourage everyone to dig deeper and ask questions about what they are learning. - Understand your student’s learning styles so you can choose the appropriate classical method curriculum and activities to ensure a quality learning experience. - Understand your teaching style. You may find that teaching using the classical method works brilliantly for your family, but it is important that both the parent and the student are able to work together and enjoy the process of learning. - Set a manageable pace of learning. Some subjects may be able to be finished in less time than expected, while others may need to allow for more time to accomplish the assignments. Each student is different. - Large families often begin their day with everyone together and then work with the youngest first, while older kids begin working independently. Giving older students dedicated time during the day can happen during nap/quiet time for the others. - Remember everyone has ‘off days’ or sick days. Not every day will be perfect. The beauty of homeschooling is you can choose when and how learning takes place and tailor it to your family’s unique needs, passions, and skills. - Enjoy the process and the fact that if something is not working you can change it. Ask your kids for feedback. Analyze trouble spots. Ask for suggestions from other trusted homeschoolers where needed. ## **Wrapping Up The Classical Homeschool Method** Homeschooling offers an alternative means of providing quality education to children in the comfort and security of the home. The *classical homeschool method* promotes the development of critical thinking skills, and rigorous academic training, and encourages self-discipline and motivation in students. As with all methods of homeschooling, families have to be prepared to make a commitment of time and energy to ensure their child’s success. *Classical homeschool programs* are particularly valuable for those who are seeking to provide an education that focuses on a deeper understanding of the liberal arts and sciences. It has been shown to be successful in preparing students for college-level work, while at the same time providing parents with flexibility when it comes to helping their children reach their educational goals by tailoring instruction specifically for each student’s needs. Additionally, classical homeschooling allows parents to teach from a values-based approach that provides moral guidance as part of this style’s proven teaching methodology. ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/2d930edda11a8429b36d47bf0f82c858ea9179cb008a3ab80c7fb15421db0e57?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Shannan Swindler [See Full Bio](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/shannan-swindler-hp/) [ ](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/shannan-swindler-hp/) **Categories:** Homeschool 101 --- ### [Homeschooling With The Vocal Gym: Learn How to Sing Through Science](https://homeschoolplanet.com/homeschooling-with-the-vocal-gym/) **Published:** June 26, 2023 **Author:** Shawna Wingert **Content:** As parents, we all want to support and nurture our children’s talents and interests. If your child has shown an interest in singing or you believe it’s something they would benefit from, you may be wondering how you can help them along their musical journey. The good news is that singing is a skill that can be learned by anyone! ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/The-Vocal-Gym-1000-×-1500-px-683x1024.png) Richard Fink IV, a 3x Guinness World Record holder and “World’s learning vocal coach” (The Wall Street Journal) says, “If you can speak, you can sing.” It’s a statement that holds a lot of truth, especially for young aspiring singers. While some people believe that singing well is something you must be born with, the reality is that we all have the ability to do it. It’s not about genetics; it’s about how we learn to use and play our vocal instrument. Imagine a doctor examining your child’s throat with an X-ray machine. Without hearing their voice, the doctor wouldn’t be able to determine if they speak with a certain accent, can sing in tune, or belt out “high” notes just by looking at it. These aspects of singing are behavioral traits, not genetic predispositions. Our voice is shaped by the influences around us, such as the voices we hear and mimic when first trying to speak and sing at home, on the radio, from friends and neighbors, and at school or church. This means that your child’s singing potential is not predetermined; it can be developed through the right training and practice. Encouraging your homeschooler to learn how to sing brings a multitude of benefits, regardless of whether or not they aspire to become a professional singer. It cultivates self-expression, confidence, communication skills, cognitive abilities, stress relief, social connections, and a broader appreciation for music and diverse cultures. Simply put, singing can be a fulfilling and enjoyable lifelong pursuit. So, what can you do as a parent to help your child learn how to sing? ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/homeschool-high-school-sing-fine-arts-1536x1024-1-1024x683.jpg)## Helping Your Child Learn To Sing Through Science The first step is to show that you believe in their potential and to encourage them to explore their voice. To help, share this video about the mechanics of the voice, so that they can understand how their instrument, their voice, actually works. ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/vocal-gym-online-devices2-1024x538.png) ### HOW YOUR VOICE WORKS Approaching singing from a scientific and biological perspective helps to demystify the illusion that they must have some sort of “gift” in order to be able to sing or be “better” than their peers in order to pursue something that they enjoy. [Take A Look At *The Vocal Gym For Homeschool* ](https://throga.com/homeschool) By gaining this understanding, they can begin to formulate new positive and constructive concepts toward building self-confidence and becoming the best singer they can be. With your love and guidance, your child can unlock the true potential of their voice and discover the power of self-expression through singing. ## The Vocal Gym And Homeschool Planet We are happy to announce our new partnership with The Vocal Gym. Take a science based approach to singing using The Vocal Gym integrated lesson plans, now available in our Lesson Plan Marketplace. ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/The-Vocal-Gym-AVA.png)[Go To The Lesson Plan Marketplace](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/the-vocal-gym/) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/d3babb0046833226121ae02c4336793a9e823ce7c06de2c9b85ea50482f198ad?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Shawna Wingert Shawna Wingert is a former training and development professional turned education specialist, and has homeschooled her two children for the last ten years. Shawna has written four books about homeschooling unique learners and has been featured in homeschooling discussions on Today.com, The Mighty, Simple Homeschool, My Little Poppies and Raising Lifelong Leaners. You can find her online here at Homeschool Planet and at [DifferentByDesignLearning.com.](https://nottheformerthings.com/blog/) [See Full Bio](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/shawna-marketing/) [ ](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/shawna-marketing/) **Categories:** Homeschool 101, Choosing Curriculum --- ### [5 Summer Science Activities Your Kids Will Love](https://homeschoolplanet.com/5-summer-science-activities-your-kids-will-love/) **Published:** May 23, 2023 **Author:** Shawna Wingert **Content:** ## Looking for a relaxed, fun way to learn this summer? Summer is the very best time of year to try out new learning activities. Going outside is a must and experimenting with fun science experiments can be a great way to sneak in a little education during the summertime (and avoid any mess inside!). Your kids will have a blast outdoors and you’ll love that they are actually learning! ![](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/summerscience-600.png) ## Homeschooling Year-Round Vs. Taking A Summer Break Some families [homeschool year-round](https://homeschoolplanet.com/a-homeschool-year-that-works/) with a few breaks throughout the year. Others take a summer break or sporadic breaks for vacations or around specific events. Homeschooling allows us the freedom to be sporadic, to adjust, and to do what works well for our families. Whatever school year you choose to have, summertime seems to be a period when your students can do more outside. It is just the perfect time to do some goofy, funky, let’s-get-dirty homeschool science activities outdoors. ## Summer Is Perfect For Science What is great about science activities, especially during the summer, is that they can incorporate other subjects like writing, and nature studies which make for fun learning that defeats the summer slide. For those who don’t know, the summer slide is the phrase used to describe a slide backward many kids make in educational skills during the summer. Encouraging your child to dedicate time to summertime learning, with a splash of fun and laughter in it, brings educational benefits and lasting memories. Especially when returning to a regular schedule after the break. ## 5 Summer Science Activities Your Kids Will Love Help your kids experience a summer full of fun activities they will enjoy! These summer science activities your kids will love are a great way to start: ### Ocean Science and Water Play Spark curiosity in kids to find out more about ocean currents, like the East Australian Current, and how they are formed. This[ ocean currents science experiment](https://lifeovercs.com/ocean-currents-science-experiment/) is a fun way to see currents form right before your child’s eyes. ### Butterflies and Summer Life Science Head outside and learn how to raise beautiful native butterflies from the caterpillars in your very own backyard with this [step-by-step backyard butterfly activity](https://elementalscience.com/blogs/science-activities/how-to-raise-a-butterfly-from-a-wild-caterpillar). ### Candy and Chemistry Is a childhood, really a childhood without [making a Mentos/soda explosion?](https://kitchenpantryscientist.com/mentos-geyser-take-two/) I think not. The best thing about this experiment is that scientists aren’t exactly sure what causes the explosion. This leaves room for hypothesis and research for your kids. ### Cool Down and Learn Kids can explore chilly science experiments on a warm summer day. This [Ice Volcano Experiment](http://www.readingconfetti.com/2013/08/ice-volcanoes.html) is a great way to cool down and learn about science while playing. ### The Physics of Water Learn about [centrifugal force while building this simple pump](https://teachbesideme.com/water-science-water-pump-sprinkler/). It will help kids understand machines such as washing machines and vacuums. ## Find Your Favorite Homeschool Science Publishers in our Homeschool Planet Marketplace! Homeschool Planet provides [Lesson Plans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/), for the following science programs. You can use these to continue the fun! [Nancy Larson Science](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/nancy-larson-science/) This is a complete hands-on elementary science curriculum with challenging content that engages elementary-age students and is easy to teach. This curriculum works with lessons in a logical sequence, building vocabulary, making language arts connections, and review/assessments. [Apologia Elementary Science](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/apologia-elementary-science/) Apologia’s Elementary Science is a creation-based science curriculum taught with a Christian worldview. Apologia develops curriculum to help families cultivate a biblically sound approach to all thought and experience. [Apologia Science 7th-12th Grade](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/apologia-elementary-science/) – Apologia’s Science 7th – 12th grade is a creation-based science curriculum taught with a Christian worldview. Apologia develops curriculum to help families cultivate a biblically sound approach to all thought and experience. [Berean Builders](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/berean-builders/) – Berean Builders is a hands-on, multilevel elementary science series that introduces scientific concepts using history as its guide. Because each lesson is built around an activity or experiment, it is engaging for all K-6 students. In each Berean Builder course, students are reminded of the Creator who fashioned the marvels they are studying. [Supercharged e-Science](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/supercharged-e-science/) – The Supercharged e-Science Curriculum is self-guiding, so your kids can do it on their own. It is also very hands-on, so they are engaged in exciting lessons doing real science as real scientists do in the lab. Your kids will learn more science AND enjoy it more in 2 months than they would from a typical year of “traditional” science education. [Birds in Our Backyard](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/birds-in-our-back-yard/) – Introduce your children to the wonderful world of birds in their back yards and give them a greater understanding of our environment in the process. They will have fun, connect with the natural world, and make many fascinating discoveries. [BJU Press Science](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/bju-press-science/) – With the BJU Press Science curriculum, your children will learn to explore God’s creation, investigations of our universe, the structure and inhabitants of the earth, along with the mechanisms of cells and atomic reactions. [LIFEPAC Science](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/lifepac-science/) – With LIFEPAC Science, your students will develop observational skills as they study the created physical universe. There are four intriguing significant strands of this particular curriculum which include Life Science (plants and animals, human anatomy and personal care, biology), Space and Earth Science (geology, weather, space), Physical Science (chemistry, physics), and the nature of science (scientific method, experimentation, technology). [The Magic School Bus](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/the-magic-school-bus/) – The Magic School Bus is an educational resource full of science facts alongside fun, engaging, and entertaining lessons. It is a great hands-on learning and educational science kit for boys and girls that encourage STEM learning for ages 5+. [Rod and Staff Science](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/rod-and-staff-science/) – Rod and Staff Science curriculum provides a robust and solid foundation to science topics and concepts. The material is presented in story form, describing science concepts and facts in the context of a rural community with a Christian point of view. Experiments are simple and consist of materials you can easily find around your home. [Thinkwell Science](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/thinkwell-science/) – Thinkwell core curriculum subject areas taught via video-based learning materials. They give educators and students all the tools, technology, and content they need to succeed. Have you figured out what science curriculum you will use next school year? Are you trying out any cool science experiments this summer? Drop some science activity links in the comments section to share with other homeschooling families. ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/HSP-Marketplace-Logo-Image-1.png) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/d3babb0046833226121ae02c4336793a9e823ce7c06de2c9b85ea50482f198ad?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Shawna Wingert Shawna Wingert is a former training and development professional turned education specialist, and has homeschooled her two children for the last ten years. Shawna has written four books about homeschooling unique learners and has been featured in homeschooling discussions on Today.com, The Mighty, Simple Homeschool, My Little Poppies and Raising Lifelong Leaners. You can find her online here at Homeschool Planet and at [DifferentByDesignLearning.com.](https://nottheformerthings.com/blog/) [See Full Bio](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/shawna-marketing/) [ ](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/shawna-marketing/) **Categories:** Homeschool 101 **Tags:** hoemschool year, year round homeschooling, yearround homeschooling, Summer, summer science, science experiments, summer experiments, summertime, science --- ### [The Enchanting Power Of Literature-Based Learning](https://homeschoolplanet.com/literature-based-learning/) **Published:** May 3, 2023 **Author:** Shawna Wingert **Content:** Are you ready to unleash the magic of literature-based learning? (Cue the sound of trumpets and fireworks!) Okay, I know that’s a little over the top, but hear me out. Literature-based learning is not your run-of-the-mill teaching approach. It’s like a secret weapon that can transform your homeschooling experience from “meh” to “WOW!” It’s a way to make learning fun, engaging, and, yes, enchanting. So put down those dusty old textbooks, and join Dachelle from *[Literary Adventures For Kids](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/literary-kids/)* as she guides us through the wonderful world of literature! ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/The-Enchanting-Power-of-Literature-in-Learning-683x1024.jpg) Wondering what literature-based learning is? Simply stated, it’s an approach to education that involves using literature, such as stories, novels, and other literary works, as the basis for teaching various subjects. ## How To Use Literature-Based Learning in Your Homeschool How this approach can be used in your homeschool can be hard to imagine, so let’s walk through some real-world examples. ### History Rather than relying solely on textbooks, literature-based learning can involve reading historical fiction to bring different time periods and events to life. For example, a child studying the American Revolution could read a book like [*Chains* by Laurie Halse Anderson](https://www.literaryadventuresforkids.com/p/chains-online-book-club). Or a student studying the Victorian era could read a book like [*Emma* by Jane Austen](https://www.literaryadventuresforkids.com/p/emma-online-book-club) to gain a deeper understanding of the era and the experiences of people who lived during that time. ### Science Science concepts can be taught through literature-based learning as well. For example, a child learning about the water cycle could read a book like [*Raindrop, Plop!* by by Wendy Cheyette Lewison](https://www.literaryadventuresforkids.com/p/raindrop-plop-book-club). Or, a student studying engineering and physics could read a book like *T*[*he Boy Who Harnessed The Wind* by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer](https://www.literaryadventuresforkids.com/p/the-boy-who-harnessed-the-wind-online-book-club-for-teens) which uses storytelling to explain complex scientific ideas. ### Language Arts Literature-based learning is perhaps most commonly associated with language arts, as it involves using literature to teach reading, writing, and communication skills. Students can learn grammar and spelling from copywork taken from the books they are reading. Writing projects and critical thinking questions can also come from the texts. ### Social Studies Literature-based learning can be a powerful tool for teaching social studies topics as well. For example, a child learning about different cultures and customs could read books like [*Inside Out and Back Again* by Thanhha Lai](https://www.literaryadventuresforkids.com/p/inside-out-and-back-again-online-book-club), or[ *I am Malala* by Malala Yousafzai](https://www.literaryadventuresforkids.com/p/i-am-malala-online-book-club-for-middle-school), which introduce different perspectives, cultures, and traditions. Overall, literature-based learning is a versatile and engaging approach to education that can be used to teach a wide variety of subjects in the real world. By incorporating literature into our teaching, we can inspire our children’s curiosity, engage their imaginations, and help them develop a deeper understanding of the world around them. ## The Benefits of A Literature-Based Approach Literature-based learning is an awesome way of teaching that offers loads of benefits. By integrating literature into different subjects, kids can develop a love for reading, sharpen their language skills, and build critical thinking abilities. Plus, literature-based learning provides a personalized approach that takes into account the child’s unique interests and learning style. Homeschooling parents can incorporate literature-based learning into their curriculum, resulting in an enriching and engaging learning experience for their child. So let’s dive into the enchanting power of literature-based learning and explore how it can benefit your child’s education. With a customized approach to learning, your child can develop a lifelong passion for education that will stick with them for years to come. ### Enhances Language Skills Reading is an essential skill for children, and learning through books can help children develop their language skills. By exposing children to various writing styles, they can [improve their vocabulary, grammar, and sentence structure](https://www.hidethechocolate.com/boost-your-childs-reading-comprehension/). Plus, literature-based learning can help children understand the subtleties of language and how to use it effectively. ### Improves Critical Thinking Skills Story-driven education fosters critical thinking and analysis, which are valuable life skills. When children read and analyze various stories, they learn to interpret, evaluate, and make sound judgments. Additionally, story-driven education can boost children’s problem-solving abilities. ### Fosters Creativity and Imagination Reading-based education offers a gateway to endless creativity and imagination. By diving into different stories and perspectives, kids can unlock their own self-expression and curiosity. Additionally, reading-based education can help foster and expand the creativity and imagination that are so valuable in today’s society. ### Offers a Personalized Approach to Learning By infusing literature into various subjects, kids get to explore and learn in a way that suits their unique interests and learning style. This approach to education considers the child’s interests and learning style to create a tailored and engaging learning experience. Through the exploration of various literary works, children can connect with the material in a way that resonates with them, resulting in a deeper understanding of the subject matter. It’s like a customized educational experience for your child. ### Makes Learning More Engaging and Fun Reading can be a fun and engaging activity for children, and literature-based learning can make learning more enjoyable. By adding some great reads to different subjects, children can learn and have a blast at the same time. And the best part? It can turn even the most reluctant readers into bookworms, which is a win-win for parents and kids alike! ## How to Implement Literature-Based Learning in Your Homeschool Now that we’ve explored the benefits of literature-based learning let’s discuss how you can incorporate this approach into your homeschooling curriculum. ### Choose Quality Literature The first step to implementing literature-based learning is to choose quality literature. Look for books that are exciting, age-appropriate, relate to the subjects you want to teach, and are challenging enough to stimulate your child’s interest. Think of it like finding the perfect pizza toppings – you want something that’s just right. ### Align Literature with Subjects The next step is to align the literature with the subjects you want to teach. For example, if you’re teaching history, choose historical novels that relate to the time period you’re studying. If you’re delving into science, find books that focus on scientific concepts and experiments. ### Plan Activities and Assignments Now it’s time to get creative! Plan activities and assignments that align with the literature and subject matter. For example, you could have your child [narrate to you verbally or in writing](https://www.hidethechocolate.com/narration/), go on rabbit trails and research a topic related to the story, or create a project based on the book. ### Incorporate Discussions Talking it out is key to a great literature-based homeschool! Encourage your child to discuss the story and share their thoughts and opinions. Ask open-ended questions to stimulate critical thinking and analysis. Start these big conversations at home with your kids or start a book club and invite your child’s peers for bigger conversations. ### Use Literature as a Springboard Last but not least, use literature as a launchpad to explore different subjects and topics. If you’re reading about space, use it as an opportunity to blast off into a[ study of the solar system, astronomy, and space exploration](https://www.hidethechocolate.com/space-camp-nature-book-club)! With quality literature, subject alignment, creative assignments, lively discussions, and a healthy dose of curiosity, you can give your child a fantastic literature-based education! ## Getting Started with Literature-Based Learning in Your Homeschool If you want to make your kid’s learning experience more rewarding and enjoyable, literature-based learning might just do the trick. Here are some tips to help you get started: ### Start Small Don’t panic! You don’t have to dive into a literature-based approach headfirst. Start small by selecting a couple of books that are relevant to the subjects you’re teaching. Don’t try to do all subjects at once. You can slowly add in new books for new subjects as you go. ### Allow for Flexibility One of the great things about literature-based learning is that you can go with the flow. Allow your child to read and analyze the story at their own pace and take breaks to discuss and explore the themes. ### Encourage Active Reading Encourage your child to actively engage with the literature by asking questions, making connections, and reflecting on the story. This will help them develop critical thinking and analysis skills. ### Utilize Online Resources The internet is a treasure trove of [online resources for literature-based learning](https://www.literaryadventuresforkids.com/), such as study guides, book summaries, and discussion forums. Take advantage of these resources to enhance your child’s learning experience. ### Incorporate Different Learning Styles Every kid learns differently, so it’s important to incorporate different learning techniques to keep them engaged. Use visual aids, hands-on activities, and other creative techniques to make the experience more engaging and enriching. ### Make it Fun Don’t forget to have fun with it! Use costumes, props, snacks, and other imaginative techniques to bring the story to life and make it an enjoyable experience for your child. Literature-based learning can be a fun and effective approach to teaching that enhances your child’s education and fosters a love of learning. ## Literature-Based Learning Versus Traditional Learning Let’s compare two popular homeschooling approaches: traditional learning and the exciting world of literature-based learning. Buckle up, folks, it’s time to see how literature-based learning can turn your child’s education into a real page-turner! ### Engagement and Interest Textbooks and lectures can be dry and boring. Literature-based learning, on the other hand, uses books, stories, and all sorts of literary goodness to pique your child’s interests and get them excited about learning. By using literature that appeals to your child’s interests, you can create a more engaging and enriching learning experience. ### Critical Thinking and Analysis Traditional learning often focuses on memorization and regurgitation of information, while literature-based learning emphasizes critical thinking and analysis. By actively engaging with literature, children develop critical thinking skills that will serve them well in all aspects of their education and beyond. ### Flexibility and Creativity Who wants to be stuck following a rigid curriculum when you can have the flexibility and creativity that literature-based learning offers? Your child can explore literature at their own pace and incorporate different learning techniques and activities. These skills will come in handy not only in school but also in real life. ### Real-World Connections With literature-based learning, your child can learn about real-world experiences by reading stories and novels that relate to them. Making these connections can help deepen their understanding of the subject matter and make learning more meaningful. ### Love of Learning The best part of literature-based learning is that it fosters a love of learning in children. By using stories and literature to inspire curiosity and engage your child’s imagination, you can help them develop a lifelong passion for learning. And who doesn’t want that for their child? Traditional learning may have its place, but literature-based learning is where the real magic happens. With its engaging and exciting approach, focus on critical thinking and analysis, flexibility and creativity, real-world connections, and love of learning, literature-based learning is the clear winner in the homeschooling arena. In a world where technology and digital media dominate our lives, literature-based learning offers a refreshing and rewarding alternative. So let us embrace the enchanting power of literature-based learning and watch as our children grow and thrive in their education. ## Literature For Learning In Your Homeschool [![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/Literary-Adventures-for-Kids.png)](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/literary-kids/)We are so pleased to announce that *Literary Adventures For Kids* is now part of our lesson plan marketplace! Effortlessly add your *Literary Adventures for Kids* curriculum to your homeschool schedule with these lesson plans for use with your Homeschool Planet subscription. *Literary Adventures for Kids uses* online Book Clubs are made up of Rabbit Trails of Discovery, Magic Dust Projects, Party School and even a little spelling and grammar. [Add Literary Adventures For Kids To Your Planner](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/literary-kids/) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/d3babb0046833226121ae02c4336793a9e823ce7c06de2c9b85ea50482f198ad?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Shawna Wingert Shawna Wingert is a former training and development professional turned education specialist, and has homeschooled her two children for the last ten years. Shawna has written four books about homeschooling unique learners and has been featured in homeschooling discussions on Today.com, The Mighty, Simple Homeschool, My Little Poppies and Raising Lifelong Leaners. You can find her online here at Homeschool Planet and at [DifferentByDesignLearning.com.](https://nottheformerthings.com/blog/) [See Full Bio](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/shawna-marketing/) [ ](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/shawna-marketing/) **Categories:** Homeschool Planning **Tags:** homeschool schedule --- ### [How to Choose the Right Homeschool Science Curriculum](https://homeschoolplanet.com/how-to-choose-the-right-homeschool-science-curriculum/) **Published:** January 13, 2020 **Author:** Richele McFarlin **Content:** ***Please enjoy this article written by the author of Science Shepherd, Scott Hardin, MD*** A little over ten years ago, our family entered the dreaded search for a suitable higher-level homeschool science program. As a physician, I had strong convictions about what made a science course “right”, and, although there are a lot of solid programs available, I did not find one that was as straightforward as I think works most effectively for most students. *So, I wrote one.* We’ve now been homeschooling for over 20 years, and that science program has grown into [**Science Shepherd**](https://scienceshepherd.com/). ![How to choose the right homeschool science curriculum](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/homeschool-science-curriculum-PIN-683x1024.png) Obviously, writing a curriculum can’t be the solution for every family, and **Science Shepherd** curriculum won’t be the solution for every family either. **So how can you find the right science curriculum for your homeschool?** In no particular order, here are three questions to consider as you start (and continue) that process. ## **What are our family objectives?** Especially as you are just starting out in homeschooling or have younger kids, what you want to accomplish together is an important question to ask and can help guide your curriculum choice (in any subject). Do you want to take science together, even across several grades? You’ll want a course that lends itself to that. If you want a more hands-on program, or one that allows you to spend more time outside or in a museum – **[we’ve got a free guide for that here](https://scienceshepherd.com/blogs/science-shepherd-homeschool-curriculum/using-museums-in-homeschool-parent-guide)** – you’ll need to look for an accompanying activity book (or be ready to find one), and see what the daily time commitment is to textbooks, videos, and other classroom material. If you’re a family of learners who need hands-on lessons and want to foster learning that way, you don’t want to find yourselves stuck in a textbook, and vice-versa. Even be thinking about what’s more important to your family than science. If you have a passion for art, don’t let your schedule be dictated by an intensive science program. **There are many ways to get a solid base of study in science, and the one that works the best is the one that fits your family’s style the best.** ## **How does my son or daughter learn best?** One of the great strengths of homeschooling is **being able to tailor your curriculum choice in each subject to the unique learning style(s) of your child(ren).** Consider things like whether a video or text-based program is right, if a co-op setting is better for a particular subject, or if you’ll need to provide more one-on-one time (and so need a good parent book). This is also a dynamic concept; what worked well in 5th grade may not be the best for 7th grade. This is especially prone to change as reading, comprehension, and critical thinking skills improve. Be considering your student’s growth in this area regularly. Also be aware that this question goes beyond video versus text-based programs. Thing about note taking and study habits, the need for repetition, or dislike of it, structured review, etc. Find a science program that will fit your student as nearly as possible in all these areas. **The habits your student learns now will be part of their learning/studying for a lifetime!** ![](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/1sciencequote.png) ## **What are my son’s or daughter’s objectives after high school?** This consideration won’t be as important early on, but as your student(s) near and enter high school, you’ll want to begin considering what might come next. *What does he or she want to do in college? In a profession?* Starting to ask these questions when it comes to science (and math, too) earlier (7th or 8th grade) may help save a lot of stress for both of you later. These are particularly important years for science-education, as the foundation is laid for more advanced concepts. If a career in biology, medicine, pharmacy, nursing, etc. seems like a possibility, you will want to start planning early for a more rigorous science program (and don’t leave out the labs) so you aren’t scrambling senior year to finish a college-prep chemistry class. Of course, plans change, and perhaps your student’s interest in science will be sparked in 10th grade, and you’ll have to adjust at the last minute for more advanced studies to prepare for college. Or maybe that initial interest in science will wane, and the last year of AP Biology you had planned becomes Intro to Photography. That’s great! Time to leverage the flexibility afforded by homeschooling. When our family first entered homeschooling, choosing a science curriculum, particularly in high school, was a daunting proposition with few options. Today, there is an abundance of great science programs available, maybe to the point of seeming to offer *too many* options. My hope is that by considering these three questions – **What are your family objectives? How does my son or daughter learn best? What are my son’s or daughter’s objectives after high school? – you will be able to focus on a few key factors and have an easier time finding the right science curriculum for your family.** ## >> [CLICK HERE](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/science-shepherd-science/) to Learn More About Science and Shepherd and Get a FREE Sample! << ![Science Shepherd Spotlight](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Marketplace-Spotlight-Science-Shepherd-1024x1024.png) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a063eb982af10c4efe8a01cb85c366ad378d6d563a7ef743223e5ec5a377bf63?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Richele McFarlin [See Full Bio](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/richelehomeschoolplanet-com/) [ ](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/richelehomeschoolplanet-com/) **Categories:** Choosing Curriculum **Tags:** science curriculum, scientist, stem, stem activities, stem learning, stem career, science, Science Shepherd, Choosing Curriculum --- ### [Tracking Attendance](https://homeschoolplanet.com/tracking-attendance/) **Published:** February 10, 2020 **Author:** Robyn **Content:** Learn how to track attendance in Homeschool Planet, the premier online homeschool planner, using these directions or with the convenient link to our video tutorial. # ![](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/track-pin.png) **To get started tracking attendance for your students you can follow the steps below.** 1. Click on the “My Family” link above the pictures on the left side of your planner. 2. In the “Manage Family” screen, you will see all of your students across the top. 3. You will complete these next steps for each student…click on their name and then click on the “Attendance” tab on the left side. 4. You will see a checkbox at the top that says “Track attendance for (students name).” If you want to track their attendance, check this box. 5. The controls for recording attendance will appear. There is one section for each school year you have set up (new sections will be added automatically as you create new school years in the future). At the top of each section is a summary of the attendance for the school year. The first column shows the number of school days elapsed so far, and how many of those were marked as present or as absent. The second column shows the number of school days remaining, and the third column shows the totals of the first two columns. 6. Below the table is a calendar showing all the days in your school year. To save you time, Homeschool Planet automatically marks students as present each day. To mark your student as absent on a particular day, just click on that day to turn the green check to a red X. 7. Once you set up attendance tracking for a student, you will find that Homeschool Planet puts a checkbox on the calendar to make it convenient to mark attendance each day. There is also a small calendar icon to the left of your student’s name; clicking that icon brings you directly to the Attendance tab for that student. When you uncheck a box indicating that a student was not present that day the scheduling helper will automatically pop up so that you can decide how to handle the assignments scheduled for that day. 8. You can use the “Print” button, to the right, to print a copy of the summary table for your records. For those of you who prefer a video explanation you can access our helpful [Homeschool Planet Attendance Tutorial](https://homeschoolplanet.com/tutorials/) in the Help section of your Homeschool Planet account or on our [YouTube channel](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y16KTd-yj1A). ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/HSP-Marketplace-Logo-Image-1.png) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/154e69fc6a6c911926d092a228b866a55bf3884b9c0c360cd7fa19a408ff1992?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Robyn [See Full Bio](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/robynhomeschoolplanet-com/) [ ](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/robynhomeschoolplanet-com/) **Categories:** Using Homeschool Planet **Tags:** tracking attendance, student attendance, attendance, how to, user guide --- ### [The Top Music Education Ideas for Homeschoolers](https://homeschoolplanet.com/music-education-ideas/) **Published:** March 12, 2023 **Author:** Lindsey Stomberg **Content:** ## Music Education Doesn’t Need to Be Difficult or Expensive Homeschooling allows parents to give their children a well-rounded education that encompasses all subject areas, including music. However, in my talks with many homeschoolers through the years, I’ve come to realize that music is one of the most difficult subjects for many to include in their homeschools. There are several reasons for this, including the homeschool mom not knowing anything about music herself in order to teach it. Also, music lessons can be expensive. But, I’m here to tell you today that everyone can easily include music in their homeschools! Here are the top music education ideas for homeschoolers. ![The Top Music Education Ideas for Homeschoolers](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Music-Education-PIN.png) ## The Top Music Education Ideas for Homeschoolers ### Instrument Instruction Probably the first thought when picturing how to include music in the homeschool is through private instrument or voice lessons, whether in person or online. It’s wonderful to have an experienced music teacher speak directly into a student to help them develop as a musician. But, this is also probably the most expensive way to add music education. Another option that Music in Our Homeschool provides is self-paced instrument instruction with the following courses: Recorder Time with Mr. Jerry, Guitar Time with Ben, and Singing Made Easy. ### Group Ensembles Group ensemble classes for choir, band, or orchestra are another fun way to grow as a musician. Search in your area to see what’s available. Sometimes local public or private schools allow homeschoolers to join their music ensemble groups. Many homeschool co-ops include music ensembles as well. ### Musical Theater Musical theater is a fun way to learn acting, singing, and dancing as well as to perform in front of an audience. My family has greatly loved being involved in our local community theater organization. Check to see what community theater options you have in your area. ### Music Appreciation Taking a music appreciation course is perfect for all ages, preschool through college age. Music appreciation includes learning about composers, famous pieces of music, musical styles, theory such as form, and how instruments are used in different types of music. Music Appreciation is a great way to expose your children to a variety of different styles of music from around the world. There are many ways to do this, but one of the easiest is simply by listening to music together as a family and discussing what you like and don’t like about each piece. You can learn music appreciation through a book with audio or video examples that you pick up at the library or through an online course. Homeschool co-ops are the perfect place to include a music appreciation course. Some of the music appreciation courses available through Music in Our Homeschool that you can do at home or at a co-op are Learn Classical Music with Cartoons, 15-Minute Music Lessons, World Music for Elementary, and American Music for Elementary. ### Music History Music History is a more detailed course than music appreciation, but you’ll still learn about composers, styles, and famous pieces of music. You’ll listen to lots of music and begin to distinguish between them as far as the era it’s from, the style, and the composer. It’s a great option for high schoolers who need a Fine Arts credit. And, I highly recommend it for those planning to be music majors in college. Music in Our Homeschool offers three high-school-level music history courses divided by musical era: Middle Ages through Classical Era (450-1799), Romantic Era (1800s), and 20th Century (1900-today). ### Early Childhood Music Courses Early childhood music and movement courses have been around for many years. You might find a class at a local park district, homeschool co-op, or even in a mom’s home (as I used to teach it!). These mommy-and-me classes are for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers and offer the opportunity for young children to begin hearing great pieces of music, to play simple rhythm instruments to practice steady beat, to feel the music in their bodies through dancing, and to learn to sing in pitch. ### Music Theory Music Theory is learning about how music works. It can be as basic as learning the notes and spaces of the treble and bass clefs and the difference between a quarter note and an eighth note or as detailed as an advanced college-level AP Music Theory course where the students learn to listen to a musical example and write in down in musical notation. All students studying an instrument or singing should learn some music theory. Sometimes the instructor includes it with the music lessons. Other times a student needs to supplement with learning on their own. Music in Our Homeschool offers beginning and advanced music theory courses in the Music in Our Homeschool Plus membership. ### Music Composition Composition and songwriting are excellent ways for students to use their creativity and imagination while also developing their musical skills. You can find courses for learning composition and songwriting online, but you’ll also want to learn basic music theory, so you might want to start there. ### Live Performances Don’t neglect going to hear music performed live! So much can be gained from attending symphony, opera, ballet, jazz band, musical theater and other music performances. Check the local high school and colleges as well as city ensembles and theaters to find the dates. Often, you can find some performances specifically for young children. If possible, find out what is being performed ahead of time and listen to the music and/or learn the story (of the opera, musical, or ballet) before you go. This will make it even more enjoyable for the children. ### Music Competitions There are also many music festivals and competitions that welcome homeschooled students held throughout the year across the country for instrumental, vocal, composition, and more! These can be great motivators for continuing with music lessons and provide opportunities to meet other like-minded young musicians. ### Music in Our Homeschool Courses Whether you’re looking for ways to supplement your child’s current musical education or wanting to start from scratch, plenty of options are available for homeschoolers in music education. Do some research, explore the best fit for your family and situation, and then start making beautiful music together! If you’re interested in the courses I offer at Music in Our Homeschool, you can see them all at . Try out some free music lessons here: ## Music in Our Homeschool is Available in the Homeschool Planet Marketplace! Music in Our Homeschool was created by Gena Mayo, a homeschool mom and music teacher who saw a need for online music instruction resources to support homeschool parents and other teachers seeking to teach music to their students. Music in Our Homeschool provides a variety of instructional courses on topics such as music appreciation, music through different seasons and holidays, musical genres, music history, online singing lessons, online recorder lessons, music workshops for homeschool moms, and a variety of songs. The courses available are available for elementary, middle school, and high school students. Courses include printable notebooking pages to learn and record progress, and incorporate both written, video, and audio content for all kinds of learners. Seamlessly add curriculum from Music in Our Homeschool to your homeschool schedule with these lesson plan options listed below for use with your Homeschool Planet subscription. - Music Appreciation of the Romantic Era for High School - Music Appreciation: Middle Ages Thru Classical Era for High School - 20th Century Music Appreciation - Charlotte Mason Inspired High School Fine Arts - Intro to Musicals for Elementary Students - American Music for Elementary - World Music for Elementary - Music Lessons for Holidays & Special Days- Fall - Music Lessons for Holidays & Special Days- Winter - Music Lessons for Holidays & Special Days- Spring - Music Lessons for Holidays & Special Days- Summer - My First Amazing Journey Around the World ### [>> CLICK HERE ](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/music-in-our-homeschool/)to order your Music in Our Homeschool Lesson Plans today! [![Music in our Homeschool Marketplace](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/New-to-the-Marketplace-Music-in-Our-Homeschool-1.png)](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/music-in-our-homeschool/) ### Meet the Author ![Gena Mayo](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Gena-fall-portrait-2000x2000-1-300x300.jpeg)Gena Mayo is a homeschooling mom of 8 and has been teaching music in various forms for over 25 years. She has a Bachelors degree in Music Education and a Masters degree in Vocal Pedagogy (teaching voice lessons). It has been her joy to teach elementary and junior high choir, high school voice classes, private voice lessons for teens through adults, early childhood music and movement classes (babies through preschool), elementary general music, and music appreciation for elementary through high school. But, her favorite music teaching experience has been as musical director for stage musicals such as Seussical, Shrek, Singing in the Rain, Newsies, and Beauty and the Beast. It is Gena’s desire to help all homeschoolers include music in their homeschools through her website [Music in Our Homeschool](https://MusicinOurHomeschool.com) and online course site Learn.MusicinOurHomeschool.com! ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/0474d7793a76a3729aa48b82770cd2e6c7d70851f086377a3aeb09856a27abe2?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Lindsey Stomberg [See Full Bio](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/lindseyhomeschoolplanet-com/) [ ](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/lindseyhomeschoolplanet-com/) **Categories:** Homeschool 101 **Tags:** musical theater, music composition, music festival, gena mayo, music in our homeschool, music history, instruments, teaching music, music appreciation --- ### [Homeschool Tips When Mom Needs a Sick Day](https://homeschoolplanet.com/homeschool-tips-when-mom-needs-a-sick-day/) **Published:** February 16, 2020 **Author:** Richele McFarlin **Content:** Homeschool moms are used to balancing math quizzes, making dinner, and taking a sick child’s temperature. Chaotic days are simply a part of the homeschool life. Homeschool moms play janitor, cafeteria lady, and teacher. So what happens when it’s mom who needs a sick day? **Here are some tips to help moms recover and rest while learning still goes on.** ![Sick Day PIN](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/sickday-pin.png) # **Tips for Homeschool Mom Sick Days** **Be Prepared:** The last thing a mom needs to worry about while sick are lessons, quizzes, and textbooks. The best thing you can do while planning your homeschool is to prepare for sick days. Just like a teacher preparing for a substitute, you need to have a file with worksheets, alternate lessons, activities, and more. You may want to update the file every so often to keep it fresh. **Documentaries and Movies:** Streaming services are great for last minute entertainment needs. To prepare for this you will first want to ensure your child has access to DVDs or your streaming service has parental controls. Then create a list of mom-approved documentaries and movies. You may want to assign your children to take notes and/or provide a small report of what was watched. **Printables:** Gather some printables for your children to keep busy while you rest. You can fill up folders for each of your children with review materials, coloring sheets, and more! You can update the files every so often. Allow your children to work on the unused pages while waiting or in the car, or just as busy work when needed. Just never allow your sick day folders to go empty. Look over the [FREE](https://homeschoolplanet.com/free-printables/) printables offered on Homeschool Planet. **Busy Boxes:** The items in these boxes or cupboard will depend on the age of your children. Fill up a cupboard or box with art supplies such as playdough, markers, paper, stickers, pipe cleaners, and more. You may also want to include building blocks, card games, solitary games, and trading cards. **Provide Writing Prompts & Math Puzzles:** Create your own by using index cards. Place in a box for when you need it! **Get a Substitute:** Do you have a family friend or relative that can keep your children busy for a day? You can make it a fun day by just allowing them to spend time with grandparents or you can hire a homeschooled teen for a few hours to teach some lessons. **Homeschool Planner:** When you create a plan for your homeschool, think about making it accessible to your children provided they are old enough. If they are able to read the day’s lessons then they can be responsible for taking care of their work. Did you know that [Homeschool Planet](https://homeschoolplanet.com/welcome-to-homeschool-planet/) provides your children access to the planner? Your child can have his own login to clearly see his assignments and check the off when completed. If you employ our[ lesson plans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/) then your child can easily access materials to complete the lessons. Falling behind won’t even come to mind! **Most of all, Don’t worry!** It is hard to take time off as a homeschool mom. We want to tough it out for fear of falling behind. Yes, you are very much needed in your home. However, that is all the more reason why you need to care for yourself. Your children need you healthy and filled with as much energy as a cup of coffee allows. Please never feel guilty about taking time to recover from an illness. **Remember, your best way to recover as a homeschool mom is proper planning.** ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a063eb982af10c4efe8a01cb85c366ad378d6d563a7ef743223e5ec5a377bf63?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Richele McFarlin [See Full Bio](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/richelehomeschoolplanet-com/) [ ](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/richelehomeschoolplanet-com/) **Categories:** Homeschool 101 **Tags:** illness, homeschool days off, homeschool tips, sick day, homeschool schedule, attendance --- ### [Top 5 Reasons to Read Aloud to Kids of All Ages](https://homeschoolplanet.com/top-5-reasons-to-read-aloud-to-kids-of-all-ages/) **Published:** October 4, 2021 **Author:** Sarah Shelton **Content:** Reading aloud is common with small children. There are many reasons to read aloud to your children. Most parents are aware of studies on the benefits of this special activity. ![Read Aloud Reasons](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/5ReasonstoReadAloud-PIN-683x1024.png) However, as children age and learn to read on their own, reading aloud can quickly become a thing of the past. Many parents admit that they stop reading to their children when they hit the tween years. Yet, this is probably a time that you don’t want to stop reading to them and keep that closeness with them. Did you know that even older children benefit from reading aloud? Reading aloud builds a bond with your children no matter the age. It opens your kids up to conversations you may not normally have on a regular basis. Books have challenging topics in them and teens have opinions and they want to be heard. Reading challenging books can open up some great back and forth discussions with your older kids. There are many reasons to read aloud to your children. Yes, even older children enjoy read alouds for some special family time together. Check out the top 5 reasons to read aloud and continue to read aloud to your children no matter the age. ## **Top 5 Reasons to Read Aloud to Kids of All Ages:** 1. **Builds Vocabulary** Reading aloud exposes children to more words. Children may skip over unfamiliar words or not quite learn the correct pronunciation. Expanding your child’s vocabulary directly effects your child’s performance in school. 2. **Improves Listening Skills** The listener is required to keep sharp focus on word choice, grammar, and sentence structure as they listen to the story being told. A child’s reading level is lower than his listening/comprehension level until around 8th grade. This benefits the child by exposing him to concepts and vocabulary early. 3. **Bonding Opportunity** Experiencing time together discussing and analyzing a book creates memories that last a lifetime. It is also a great time to discuss difficult topics productively without it appearing you are lecturing. 4. **Improves Comprehension Reading aloud allows the child to take a more active part in reading which encourages comprehension. 5. **Easy Introduction to Classics and other Literary Genres** Some children are not excited by the classics or an introduction to new genres. Some claim the classics are boring or difficult to understand. Reading aloud together provides a low stress atmosphere that helps a child not to feel intimidated by the text. ### A Great Way to Implement Reading Aloud A fantastic way to implement this in your home is by scheduling reading into your homeschool days. We all know that we have the best laid plans, but if we don’t plan them out, they can easily fall through the cracks. Scheduling out books to read is one of those things that can easily be forgotten if it isn’t planned. This is where Homeschool Planet can help. Did you know that we have our own Reading Plans? [Homeschool Planet’s Reading Plans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/?s=reading+plans&post_type=product&title=1&excerpt=1&content=1&categories=1&attributes=1&tags=1&sku=1&ixwps=1) were developed to help you quickly lay out the most popular titles commonly used by homeschooling families. The books are entirely laid out for easy scheduling with chapter/section titles to help you track who the sections are about. Some of our best sellers include plans for : *The Chronicles of Narnia*, *Harry Potter*, *What Was Biography Series*, *Christian Heroes: Then and Now Missionary Biographies* and much more! ### Keep track of your reading with the Homeschool Planet [Reading Journal.](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/reading-journal-from-homeschool-planet/) ![2021 Reading Journal](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/ReadingJournal2021-1.png) **What You Get:** - The Homeschool Planet Reading Journal - A Downloadable Printable Journal - Reading List - Reading Log - Word Study Page - Reading Tracker - Book Review Sheets - Reading Award Certificate - Automatic updates as needed! The [Reading Journal](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/reading-journal-from-homeschool-planet/) will help create a lasting keepsake for each of the books you read. Though designed for use during the summer, the plan has no dates and can be used any time. Check out your favorite books and get reading today. ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/d1f7ff2a76b04c9d0e780e3b7c7786d693ef5ad7f3af010b1c6ec1a927bcf8bd?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Sarah Shelton [See Full Bio](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/sjoysheltongmail-com/) [ ](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/sjoysheltongmail-com/) **Categories:** Homeschool 101 **Tags:** reading aloud, read aloud, reasons to read aloud, reading plans --- ### [Let Your Schedule Guide You, Not Enslave You](https://homeschoolplanet.com/let-your-schedule-guide-you-not-enslave-you/) **Published:** July 10, 2022 **Author:** Lindsey Stomberg **Content:** People plan in a variety of ways. Some people like lists, some like to check things off, some scribble on sticky notes all over their desks. Regardless of the way you like to plan or schedule things, most would agree that in order to homeschool successfully, you will need some sort of plan. The main thing all of us need to start with is a general layout, an overview schedule to guide us through our day, week, month, and year. Once that is taken care of, each of us can then choose a more tailored, detailed plan from there. ## ![Let Your Homeschool Schedule Guide You](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Let-Your-Homeschool-Schedule-Guide-You-PIN2-683x1024.png) ## Avoiding Chaos in Your Schedule When we don’t have a plan at all, things tend to get more scattered and chaotic. We may be able to keep things going smoothly for a short time but eventually we lose control. Lack of a plan makes it that much harder to get back on track. Just the thought of coming up with a plan completely overwhelms some people. It feels like a huge, daunting task, especially when you have multiple children and yourself to plan for! That’s why I suggest coming up with a generalized schedule to keep you in line. It helps avoid the chaos of no schedule but doesn’t require extensive planning that you feel like you would need a planner just to get started on planning! ## Creating a Generalized Schedule with Homeschool Planet I love using Homeschool Planet to develop my generalized schedule. I can go in and set my calendar to repeat something that I want to make sure to do every Tuesday, or I can schedule every detail of my entire school year for each child in every subject. I can stay as broad or become as specific as I want to because there are options, and because I am the one that gets to choose which options to use and when I want to use them. Remember in all aspects of your homeschooling adventure that you are the one in control. You get to decide how you want to run things. That means if you decide you want to change things, you can do that as well. Allow yourself flexibility. When you have a general schedule that you follow with just broad guidelines, you can adjust it as you need to in order to make it to doctor appointments, redo an assignment, skip an assignment, or take care of anything else that comes up. You don’t want to put yourself in a position that you have no room for changing things up. This can cause a lot of pressure and stress and make things a lot less enjoyable for you and your children. Don’t forget that you’re homeschooling to better your children, not to emulate brick and mortar schools with a rigid, unchangeable schedule. ## Adjusting Your Schedule Quickly for Change Homeschool Planet allows for adjustments in the schedule in many different ways. There are probably ways to change things around that I haven’t even discovered yet. You can move things forward, backward, you can repeat things daily that you know you will want to be assigned each day that don’t have different pages or instructions from day to day such as multiplication cards or devotion time. Discover all the features Homeschool Planet has to offer and their tutorials [here](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/). The most important thing to remember is to just start somewhere with something, even if it is as basic as assigning yourself to do schoolwork from 8am-noon each day. Once you get a start, and get to know your family’s ways, you will be able to fill in your blanks with more specifics. You may end up realizing that your family does better in the afternoon or that they like to start at 6 am. Whatever the case is for you, just try to keep yourself on some kind of schedule to avoid losing the control that you have been allowed by being placed over your children’s lives and education. This is the first and greatest ministry you have. That’s definitely worth keeping in order! ### Meet Special Guest Author: Cindy Rose ![Guest Author Cindy Rose](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Cindy-Rose-150x150.jpg)Cindy Rose is a homeschool mother of 4, blogger, and author. She assists her husband in his ministry as the children’s church pastor for their church. You can learn more about her and her family, read her blogs or purchase her newly released book, *Being the Hem of His Garment*, by visiting her website, [thebibletellsusso.com](http://www.thebibletellsusso.com/products/). ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/0474d7793a76a3729aa48b82770cd2e6c7d70851f086377a3aeb09856a27abe2?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Lindsey Stomberg [See Full Bio](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/lindseyhomeschoolplanet-com/) [ ](https://homeschoolplanet.com/author/lindseyhomeschoolplanet-com/) **Categories:** Homeschool Planning **Tags:** adjusting schedule, Cindy Rose, special guest, generalized schedule, Homeschool Planning --- ## Pages ### [Home](https://homeschoolplanet.com/) **Published:** June 8, 2023 **Author:** Shawna Wingert **Content:** # The homeschool planner that handles your whole year An easy, flexible, homeschool planner that keeps everyone’s schedules in one place – and reshuffles itself when life happens. [Start My Free Trial](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/) **Free for 30 days · No credit card · Cancel anytime** ## Everything your homeschool needs, in one place! - Keep Home, school & work schedules in one place - Assignments that reschedule themselves - Plug in 4,000+ publisher lesson plans - Grades, attendance & transcripts your way ## Simple pricing for any homeschool budget **Free TRIAL** ## $0 Free means free! No credit card required! No need to cancel! Free 30 Day Trial PLUS Free lesson plan [Begin Your Free Trial Now](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/) **ANNUAL** ## $84.95 #### Best Value Get the power of homeschool planet, all year long! [Access Your Online Planner Today!](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-one-year-subscription/) **Monthly** ## $9.95 Full access to Homeschool Planet, billed month to month. [Start Planning Now](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-monthly-subscription/) ## The homeschool planner app that goes where you go Check off assignments, track your progress, and plan on the go — from any device [Learn more about our App](https://homeschoolplanet.com/homeschool-planet-app/) ![Homeschool Planet mobile app on a phone showing a student's daily plan with color-coded subjects and check-off boxes.](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/features-home-app-phone-tight.png) ## **The Homeschool Planet Advantage** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/AdobeStock_373522161-1-1024x683.jpeg) ## Everything In One Place Your personal, work, and family schedules, vital school records, lesson plans, to do lists, shopping lists – everything you need to manage your home and homeschool, all in one place. Accessible to everyone, anywhere, anytime, on phone or computer. ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Untitled-design-2023-06-07T102724.435.png) ## Tailored To You Extensive customization lets you organize your home and homeschool the way YOU want. Personalized reports, color coding, transcripts, report cards, flexible grading options, student views – all help Homeschool Planet fit your life like a glove. ![A high-school student with Down syndrome and her teacher planning lessons together in Homeschool Planet.](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/AdobeStock_501784905-1-1-1024x683.jpeg) ## Easy Lesson Planning Plan out your entire year in just minutes with Homeschool Planet’s integrated lesson plans for popular homeschool curricula. Over 4,000 current plans with new plans added to our Lesson Plan Marketplace every month. [Explore all the features](https://homeschoolplanet.com/features/) ## **What Homeschoolers Love About Homeschool Planet** - > Homeschool Planet has been such a time saver! No more erasing and rewriting like my paper planner. Virginia P. - > I rave about HSP every year in my homeschool groups. Don’t hesitate — you won’t regret it. Rachael M. - > I’m in LOVE with this planner! When friends ask how I do it all, my answer is Homeschool Planet. Melissa H. ## **Integrated Lesson Plans** With Homeschool Planet’s Lesson Plan Marketplace, homeschooling has never been easier! Lesson plans from well-known and respected homeschool curriculum companies are available to seamlessly integrate into your online planner. ![Well-Trained Mind Press logo with a circular tree graphic and bold text on white background; educational publisher symbolized by tree image.](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/featuresmarketplacelogos-1024x626.png) [Show Me The Lesson Plans!](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace) ### Special Access For Annual Members Annual members receive direct homeschool support throughout the school year. [Annual Member Benefits](https://homeschoolplanet.com/annual-member-benefits/)[Annual Member Sign-In](https://homeschoolplanet.com/annual-member-special-access/) --- ### [Features](https://homeschoolplanet.com/features/) **Published:** August 29, 2026 **Author:** Robyn **Content:** ## One flexible planner for your family’s homeschool and life From daily assignments to grades, transcripts, and everyone’s schedule, Homeschool Planet keeps it all in one place, and reschedules itself when life gets in the way. [Start My Free Trial](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/) *Free for 30 days · No credit card · Cancel anytime* ![Homeschool mom and two kids planning together on a laptop.](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/featuresherophoto-1024x624.png) ## New this year Fresh updates homeschoolers have been asking for, including the feature reviewers love most. New this year · easiest way to start ### Set up your homeschool plans with confidence. We’ll guide you! Not sure where to begin? A new built-in guide walks you through building your planner step by step so you can add your students, classes, and schedule without the guesswork. You’re up and running fast, not staring at a blank page. **Guided, step-by-step setup****Up and running in minutes** ![Modal window titled Getting Started displaying a seven-item checklist with checkboxes and Start buttons. Items include: Create a school year, Add a student, Apply a lesson plan, Customize your theme, Schedule Daily Digest emails, Explore the reports section, and Try the mobile app.](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/featurescardguidedsetupfloat-1024x819.png) ![Reschedule Assignments panel showing a list of tasks with their scheduled due dates and actions to modify them on the right side.](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/featuresreschedulebadged-1024x688.png)### When life happens, your plan keeps up Miss a day? A couple of clicks in the rescheduling tool and your week rebuilds itself — the feature homeschoolers rave about most. Now you can also choose what doesn’t move, hide finished items, and keep helper tools in view while you work. **Exclude items from rescheduling****Hide completed items** **Floating helper header** ![Collage of school documents: attendance letter with address, assignment list, and a report card layout overlays indicating student records.](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/featuresrecordsuniform-1024x689.png)### Records that grow with you Professional, college-ready transcripts with your own logo, GPA, numeric grades, and grading scale — plus a full course-description report — especially handy for portfolios. When high school arrives, you’re ready. **Logo on transcripts****Grading Scale & GPA****Course-description report****Email all reports** ![Homeschool Planet mobile app on a phone showing a student's daily assignment checklist with color-coded subjects and check-off boxes.](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/featurescardapp-1024x683.png)### Check off your day from anywhere A handy companion app to mark assignments done and keep students on track on the go – now with quick add/edit and printable lists. *The full planning power lives on your computer, where the big screen shines — the app is your on-the-go companion.* **Quick add & edit****Printable lists****Check off on the go****More updates soon** ![Homeschool Planet theme picker showing Light and Dark themes plus photo backgrounds like Glorious Galaxy, Moon Madness, and Universe Calling, used to personalize the planner's colors, fonts, and look.](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/featurescardnewlook-1024x679.png)### A fresh new look, personalize yours A major visual refresh, plus custom colors for profiles, subjects, and classes, 19 new fonts, emoji support, and 120+ background themes. With over 20 brand-new this year, and every older one refreshed, you can make it feel like yours. **Custom colors****19 new fonts****120+ themes- 20+ new****Emojis** ## Everything a homeschool needs, all in one place The all-in-one that reviewers say replaces a stack of separate tools. ### **Build your entire homeschool year in minutes** Set up your calendar fast, then let it flex when life does. Flexibility reviewers say fits every style, from classical to relaxed. - Quick school year setup — 1–6 grading periods - Day, week, and month views - See any combination of students at once — everyone, just one, or any mix you choose - Optional student logins — kids can view and check off their own work when you’re ready - Auto-generate assignments across your year ![Desktop iMac displaying a colorful multi-column homeschool schedule grid labeled Homeschool Planet with a globe logo in the corner.](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/featurescalendarclean.png) ![Homeschool curriculum publisher logos in the Homeschool Planet Lesson Plan Marketplace — over 4,000 lesson plan options.](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/featuresmarketplacelogos-1024x626.png) ### **Plug-in lesson plans, scheduled your way** Skip the curriculum prep! We have 4,000+ publisher-created lesson plans that you add and schedule your way, in about a minute. - Browse 4,000+ plug-in lesson plans from publishers you know - Add it your way — choose the students, the days, even the time - Start anywhere in the plan — jump in mid-year or mid-book; no waiting for fall - The whole plan schedules into your calendar in about a minute - Fully editable — move dates, edit assignments, and skip days to fit your family - New plans added every month *Lesson plans are optional add-ons, purchased separately — not included with a subscription.* ### **The homeschool records you’ll actually need** Grades, attendance, and hours – plus the transcripts and reports that make portfolio reviews and college prep painless. - Flexible, weighted grading with automatic GPA - Attendance, class hours & filterable reports - Transcripts with your logo & grading scale - Course-description report for the year - Report cards with percentage and letter grades - Reports for completed or unfinished assignments - Email reports directly ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/featurescustomizereports-1024x853.png) ![The same Homeschool Planet weekly planner shown in three color themes — galaxy, blush, and light blue.](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/featuresthemeddashboards-1024x655.png) ### **Organize it the way you** think best Color, fonts, photos, and themes shape the planner around your family instead of the other way around. - Color-code by student, subject, or class — now with custom colors - 19 new fonts, emojis & student photos - 120 themes, light & dark - Search across everything ### **Keep everyone in sync** Digests, reminders, and sharing so the whole family stays on the same page. - Daily/weekly digests & email/text reminders - Sync with Google & Apple Calendar - Email reports directly - Message from the planner ![UI for managing a family profile with avatar row and editable fields (name, email, phone) and photo upload option.](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/featuressyncv4-1024x427.png) ![Collage of five dashboard widgets: a shopping list, a note pad with color swatches, a weather card, a daily quote card, and a messages form on a light blue background.](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/featureswidgetsnew-1024x760.png) ### **The little tools that make a big difference** All the everyday helpers a busy household needs, right in your dashboard - To-do, shopping & reading lists - Messaging, weather & daily quote / verse - Note Pad widget - Dictionary, thesaurus, Wikipedia & Bible - Printable checklists & reports ## Not just homeschool… Your family’s entire week Chores, activities, work schedules, and appointments – Homeschool Planet keeps your entire household organized in one flexible place, not just the school day. And when the week goes sideways (A sick day, a snow day, a trip to grandma’s? No problem!) the rescheduling helper rebuilds it in seconds. Your whole plan keeps up. **Carry forward****Choose what never moves****Run automatically****Apply to all** New to homeschooling? We have a done-for-you option ## Want it all chosen for you? Meet Ready-Made School. We choose a complete, coordinated curriculum for your child’s grade — with direct links to purchase it — and build all the lesson plans right into your Homeschool Planet. Pick one of five approaches; we handle the planning across every subject. **Explore Ready-Made School** ![Homeschool mom and daughter learning together with Homeschool Planet.](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/featureslifestylediverse-1024x908.png) ## See it with your own family Set up your Homeschool Planet planner in minutes and try every feature free. [**Start My Free Trial**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/) Free for 30 days · No credit card · One free lesson plan [Planning high school? See all four years at a glance](https://homeschoolplanet.com/high-school-homeschool-planning-tool/ "Planning high school? See all four years at a glance") --- ### [Help](https://homeschoolplanet.com/help/) **Published:** October 31, 2018 **Author:** Homeschool Planet **Content:** # Homeschool Planet Frequently Asked Questions ## About Homeschool Planet ### What exactly is Homeschool Planet? Homeschool Planet is an online homeschool planner that organizes your whole household — not just school. It keeps lessons, assignments, grades, attendance, and reports in one place, alongside everything else a family juggles: chores, activities, work schedules, and appointments. That whole-household view is what sets it apart from a school-only planner. One account covers every member of your family, each with their own schedule, and it adapts as your needs change. ### Is there a free trial? Yes. Every family starts with a free 30-day trial — full-featured, no credit card, and no commitment — so you can be sure Homeschool Planet fits your family before you pay anything. Your trial also comes with one free lesson plan, so you can watch a plan drop assignments straight into your planner. ### What grade levels or ages is Homeschool Planet for? Homeschool Planet works for every grade, from preschool through high school — including transcripts and GPA tracking for the high school years. One subscription covers every student in your family, whatever grade they’re in. ### Can I use Homeschool Planet for more than one student? One subscription covers your whole household — no extra charge per child. Each student gets their own schedule and assignments, and you manage everyone from a single parent account. ### What kinds of reports can it create? Homeschool Planet builds the records homeschoolers actually need: attendance, class hours, class notes, course descriptions, and assignment lists, plus grade reports, report cards, and transcripts. Print any of them or save them for your records. ### Can I print the planner or email assignments to my students? Yes. You can print daily or weekly assignments, and Homeschool Planet can automatically email daily or weekly digests to you and to each student. ### Can my children log in to their own calendars? Yes. Every student in your household can have their own login and see just their own assignments and schedule, while you keep the full family view. ### Is there a Homeschool Planet app? Yes. Homeschool Planet has free apps for iPhone, iPad, and Android — download them on the [App Store](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/homeschool-planet/id6639586865) or [Google Play](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.homeschoolplanet.homeschoolplanet) to check off assignments and stay on track from anywhere. On a phone you’ll see your schedule a day at a time; on a tablet, a full week. ### Can I sync with Google Calendar or another calendar? Yes. Homeschool Planet works with any standard ICS (iCalendar) feed, both directions — subscribe to your Homeschool Planet schedule from Google Calendar, Apple Calendar, or Outlook, and bring your other calendars into Homeschool Planet so the whole family’s week sits in one place. ## **Subscribing & Pricing** ### How do I subscribe? You can start a [Monthly Subscription](/product/homeschool-planet-monthly-subscription/) or an [Annual Subscription](/product/homeschool-planet-one-year-subscription/) at any time — during your trial or after it ends. The annual plan adds annual-member benefits; both cancel anytime before your next renewal. ### How much does it cost? Homeschool Planet is $84.95 per year or $9.95 per month, and one subscription covers your entire household. Teachers, co-ops, micro-schools, and schools have their own licenses — see “Do you offer licenses for teachers, co-ops, or schools?” below. ### What is your return and cancellation policy? We offer a free 30-day trial with no credit card or commitment required, so you can make sure Homeschool Planet is a good fit for your family. Because of the trial, we don’t offer refunds — but you can cancel your subscription anytime before your next renewal is due. Lesson plans and curriculum are not returnable. ### Can I pay with an ESA or state funds? In many states, yes. Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) and other state scholarship and funding programs can help cover Homeschool Planet along with our curriculum and lesson plan packages. Which programs qualify changes often as states update their rules, so instead of listing them here, we keep the current programs — and a dedicated ESA specialist who works directly with you — on our [Education Savings Accounts](/educational-savings-accounts/) page. Start there, and our specialist will help you put your funds to work. ### Do you offer licenses for teachers, co-ops, or schools? Yes. Homeschool Planet was designed by homeschoolers for homeschoolers, and it’s grown to serve teachers, co-ops, micro-schools, and small schools too. Beyond individual and family subscriptions, there are single-teacher licenses (for up to 5, 10, or 25 students outside your household), micro-school and co-op licenses (up to 12 or 25 students), and a school license (up to 40 students). See [all license types and current pricing](/homeschool-planet-subscription-options/) for the full breakdown, or email and we’ll help you choose. ### What happens to my data? Nothing you set up goes to waste. When you move from the free trial to a paid subscription, everything you’ve entered carries over automatically. And if a subscription lapses, we hold your data for 12 months in case you return — and any lesson plans you purchased can be restored even after that. ## **Lesson Plans & the Marketplace** ### Are there pre-made lesson plans available? Yes. The Lesson Plans & Curriculum Marketplace has over 4,000 plug-in lesson plans from publishers homeschoolers know — including [Institute for Excellence in Writing](/lesson-plan-family/structure-and-style/), [Notgrass History](/lesson-plan-family/notgrass-history/), BJU Press, The Nomadic Professor, Memoria Press, Beautiful Feet Books, Berean Builders, and Demme Learning — and many more. Each plan drops assignments, notes, and links straight into your planner. ### Do I need a subscription to use the plug-in lesson plans? Yes — plug-in lesson plans run inside Homeschool Planet, so they work as part of an active subscription. If your subscription later ends, you keep limited free access to any plans you’d already applied to a calendar, so your completed planning isn’t lost. ### Are lesson plans included with a subscription? Lesson plans are purchased separately from the Marketplace — they’re optional add-ons, not part of the subscription price. The one exception is your free trial, which comes with one free lesson plan so you can try the experience firsthand. ### Do I have to repurchase lesson plans for each student? No. A plug-in lesson plan you buy covers every student in your household — assign it to as many of your children as you like. ### Can plug-in lesson plans be edited? Yes. Once a plan is in your planner you can move dates, edit or reschedule assignments, skip days, and adjust it to fit your family. It’s a starting point, not a fixed script. ### Can I download lesson plans? Plug-in lesson plans aren’t downloadable files — they’re built to run inside Homeschool Planet, where they schedule assignments into your planner for you. That’s also what lets them flex around your calendar instead of sitting as a static PDF. ## **Still Have Questions?** ### How do I get help or contact support? For step-by-step how-tos, see the [User Guide](/knowledge-base/). For anything else, email and our team will help. ## Join Us Today You have nothing to lose with our free trial. No credit card required! [Try for FREE](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/) ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/AdobeStock_81177329-1024x683.jpg) [](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/) --- ### [Free High School Homeschool Planning Tool](https://homeschoolplanet.com/high-school-homeschool-planning-tool/) **Published:** June 15, 2026 **Author:** Shawna Wingert **Content:** ## 4-Year High School Blueprint for Homeschool Families Use our FREE planning tool to map out all four years of high school in one place, using your state’s high school graduation requirements as a guide. #### Our new Blueprint helps you see the big picture and build a plan that fits your unique student. Instead of wondering whether you’re on track, you can move forward with greater confidence knowing you have a roadmap for the years ahead. ![Four-column curriculum dashboard with Year 1–Year 4 course cards and a right-side credit requirements panel](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-19-at-94814-AM-1024x584.png) ## Start Homeschooling High School with Confidence A clear 4-year high school plan helps you see the big picture, stay organized, and make informed decisions year after year. [Create Your FREE High School Blueprint Now ](https://homeschoolplanet.com/high-school-blueprint/) ## **State-Specific Graduation Requirements Built In** ***or Create Your Own!*** One of the most challenging parts of high school planning is figuring out exactly what your student needs to graduate. Requirements can vary by state, and sorting through government websites, homeschool regulations, and graduation guidelines can quickly become overwhelming. Homeschool Planet simplifies the process. Our Blueprint allows you to choose your state of residence and then automatically populates graduation requirements based on your home state’s standards. For families outside the US, or for those looking to track progress to their own goals, choose instead to create your own. ### **Instead of starting with a blank page, you’ll begin with a framework designed to help you:** - Understand credit requirements at a glance - Organize courses by subject and year - Stay focused on long-term graduation goals - Adjust plans as your student’s interests and future goals evolve **Or…skip the state requirements and jump right in to customize your own.** --- ## Simplify High School Planning with Homeschool Planet Start planning today and build a high school journey that supports your teen’s unique goals and future success. - [![Hero section showing a blue-themed landing page: 'Build your child's 4-year Blueprint' with a draggable blueprint planner image and a prominent 'Get started' button.](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-19-at-94513-AM.png)](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-19-at-94513-AM.png) - [![Form titled 'Where do you live?' with a search field above a scrollable list of states (Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado). Readable navigation elements included: Back to your plans and Create a Plan header.](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-10-at-82029-AM.png)](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-10-at-82029-AM.png) - [![Curriculum planner with four year columns listing courses per year and a requirements panel showing credits and subject progress.](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-19-at-94814-AM.png)](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-19-at-94814-AM.png) [Access Our FREE 4-Year Planning Tool Now](https://homeschoolplanet.com/high-school-blueprint/) Please Note: State-specific requirements are provided as a planning guide. Parents are ultimately responsible for verifying and meeting all homeschool graduation requirements applicable to their student. ## Once you have created your blueprint, we invite you try our total planning solution for free, no credit card required! We offer an easy, flexible, full-featured online homeschool planner that doesn’t require *hours* to learn. ![Header about tracking graduation requirements with a four-year plan UI and Homeschool Planet logo at the bottom.](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/4-4.png) ### Your Blueprint Is Just the Beginning A great plan is powerful, but the real magic happens when that plan is put into action. As [your student progresses through high school](https://homeschoolplanet.com/4-year-high-school-plan/), you’ll need a way to organize courses, assignments, schedules, activities, and records. That’s where Homeschool Planet can help. Our online planner turns your long-term high school plan into manageable daily and weekly tasks, helping you stay organized while keeping your student on track toward graduation. [Start Your 30 Day Free Trial (no credit card required)](https://homeschoolplanet.com/) --- ### [Annual Member Benefits](https://homeschoolplanet.com/annual-member-benefits/) **Published:** October 20, 2025 **Author:** Shawna Wingert **Content:** ## Homeschool Planet Annual Member Benefits More than a planner. Our annual members receive direct homeschool support throughout the school year. ![Annual Membership three women image](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Depositphotos_123849300_XL-scaled.jpg) ## Current Annual Members [Access your members-only portal now](https://homeschoolplanet.com/annual-member-special-access/) # Annual Member Exclusive Benefits In addition to full planner access enjoyed by our monthly subscribers, annual members also receive: **One free Homeschool Planet Exclusive lesson plan per month AND Special access to a monthly parent education and support live event** [Learn More](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-one-year-subscription/) ![homeschool planet annual member with ipad](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/SC-ESA-1-1024x1024.png) - ## Monthly Parent Education & Support **We are so excited to offer these exclusive live sessions for you and have quite a line-up of topics including:** Plan with us in your online planner Using your planner for your life (not just your homeschool) Planning for a new school year Special guests including homeschool experts And so much more – every month of the year! ## Free Monthly Exclusive Homeschool Lesson plans **Past lesson plans include:** Ancient Egypt Mini-Unit Study Anne Of Green Gables Literature Study Managing Chores in Your Home The Hobbit Literature Study And so much more – every month of the year! ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Minimalist-Instagram-Story-Template-2.png) ## **Ready to Unlock Your Annual Member Benefits?** Join us as an annual member today! - Save more than 25% off our monthly subscription - Access members-only events each month - Get free lesson plans every month [Upgrade to Annual and start enjoying your exclusive benefits today!](https://homeschoolplanet.com/) --- ### [Homeschool Planet Subscription Options](https://homeschoolplanet.com/homeschool-planet-subscription-options/) **Published:** October 28, 2025 **Author:** Shawna Wingert **Content:** ## Homeschool Planet Subscriptions We have subscriptions and pricing to fit every homeschool including monthly and annual individual use, teacher licenses, micro-school support and more. [See the Plans](#subscriptions) --- ## Options for Every Homeschool Whether you’re teaching one child at the kitchen table or managing a full homeschool co-op community, we have planning choices that work for your unique needs. Choose the plan that works best for your unique learning environment. Single Family Single Teacher School Licenses Single Family $9.95 /month ### Monthly Subscription Billed automatically every 30 days. Cancel any time before your next renewal. [Choose this plan](/product/homeschool-planet-monthly-subscription/) Single Family $84.95 /year ### Annual Subscription Includes annual member-only benefits. Billed yearly with a renewal reminder 7 days ahead. Cancel any time before your next renewal. [Choose this plan](/product/homeschool-planet-one-year-subscription/) Single Teacher $119.95 /year ### Up to 5 students For a single teacher with students outside their own household. Add up to 5 students. [Choose this plan](/product/homeschool-planet-single-teacher-annual-subscription-for-up-to-5-students/) Single Teacher $149.95 /year ### Up to 10 students For a single teacher with students outside their own household. Add up to 10 students. [Choose this plan](/product/homeschool-planet-single-teacher-annual-subscription-for-up-to-10-students/) Single Teacher $199.95 /year ### Up to 25 students For a single teacher with students outside their own household. Add up to 25 students. [Choose this plan](/product/homeschool-planet-single-teacher-annual-subscription-for-up-to-25-students/) Micro-School / Co-op $225.95 /year ### Up to 12 students Designed for a micro-school or co-op. Grants permission for up to 12 students. [Choose this plan](/product/homeschool-planet-single-teacher-annual-subscription-up-to-5-students/) Micro-School / Co-op $329.95 /year ### Up to 25 students Designed for a micro-school or co-op. Grants permission for up to 25 students. [Choose this plan](/product/homeschool-planet-micro-school-or-co-op-annual-subscription-for-up-to-25-students/) School $699.95 /year ### Up to 40 students Designed for a small school. Grants permission for up to 40 students. [Choose this plan](/product/homeschool-planet-school-license-annual-subscription-for-up-to-40-students/) ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/HSP-General-1000x1000-1.png)\#image\_title ## No Matter How You Teach, We Keep You Organized, Connected, and on Track Choose the option that’s right for you and start planning today! [Choose your plan](#subscriptions) --- ### [Lesson Plan Marketplace](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/) **Published:** October 31, 2018 **Author:** Homeschool Planet **Content:** --- # Homeschool Lesson Plans and Curriculum Marketplace ## Thousands of curriculum lesson plans are available and able to integrate into your Homeschool Planet online planner. [Start your free trial](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/) 1 Buy your plug-in lesson plans. 2 Sign into Homeschool Planet. 3 Answer a few questions… voilà! ## Homeschool Planet Integrated Lesson Plans With Homeschool Planet lesson plans, homeschooling has never been easier. Each plan schedules your whole semester or year right in your planner — assignments, notes, and any online resource links included. ## Find a Lesson Plan or Curriculum **Browse by category** — select a subject below (like Spelling & Vocabulary) to see every lesson plan and curriculum option in that subject. Or use the **search** feature to look up a specific title or keyword, then filter results by subject area and publisher. ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Right-Arrow.png) ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Left-Arrow.png) [## Homeschool Planet Exclusives](/lesson-plan-category/homeschool-planet-exclusives/) [## New & Featured](/lesson-plan-category/new-featured-products/) [## Language Arts General](/lesson-plan-category/language-arts-general/) [## Comp & Grammar](/lesson-plan-category/language-arts-composition-grammar/) [## Handwriting](/lesson-plan-category/language-arts-penmanship/) [## Reading & Literature](/lesson-plan-category/language-arts-reading-literature/) [## Spelling & Vocabulary](/lesson-plan-category/language-arts-spelling-vocabulary/) [## Math Textbook Based](/lesson-plan-category/math-textbook/) [## Math Online & Video](/lesson-plan-category/math-online-or-cd/) [## Science & Tech](/lesson-plan-category/science-technology/) [## Health & Fitness](/lesson-plan-category/health-fitness/) [## Bible](/lesson-plan-category/bible/) [## History & Geography](/lesson-plan-category/history-geography/) [## Government & Economics](/lesson-plan-category/government-economics/) [## Art & Music](/lesson-plan-category/art-music/) [## Foreign Language](/lesson-plan-category/foreign-languages/) [## Electives](/lesson-plan-category/electives/) [## Multi-Subject](/lesson-plan-category/all-in-one/) [## Unit Studies](/lesson-plan-category/unit-studies/) [## Reading Plans](/lesson-plan-category/reading-plans/) ## Choose Your Plan [30 Day FREE Trial + 1 FREE Lesson Plan](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/)[Annual Subscription BEST VALUE $84.95](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-one-year-subscription/)[Monthly Subscription $9.95 per month](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-monthly-subscription/) --- ### [Search results](https://homeschoolplanet.com/search-results/) **Published:** July 14, 2026 **Author:** Robyn **Content:** --- ### [High School Blueprint](https://homeschoolplanet.com/high-school-blueprint/) **Published:** June 11, 2026 **Author:** Abi **Content:** **Your 4-Year Blueprint** Drag courses between terms, click any tile to edit, and browse electives to round out each year — your plan saves automatically. Free 4-year planning tool# Build your child’s 4-year Blueprint A personalized high-school plan, mapped to your state’s graduation requirements — drag, edit, and print it in minutes. [Get started — it’s free ](#cp-app) No account needed - State-specific - Drag & drop - Print & share homeschoolplanet.com / blueprint AAva · Class of 2030Texas **Year 1**Grade 9 Fall English I*1.0* Algebra I*1.0* Spring Biology*1.0* Health/PE*0.5* **Year 2**Grade 10 Fall English II*1.0* Geometry*1.0* Spring Chemistry*1.0* Spanish I*1.0* **Year 3**Grade 11 Fall English III*1.0* Algebra II*1.0* Spring US History*1.0* Physics*1.0* **Year 4**Grade 12 Fall English IV*1.0* Pre-Calc*1.0* Spring Gov / Econ*1.0* Art I*1.0* English*4/4* Math*4/4* Science*3/3* Social*2/4* ## Whose plan would you like to view? + **Add new student** Start a fresh 4-year plan ### You have an unsaved plan You started building a plan before logging in. What would you like to do? Save as a new student Replace 's saved plan Discard the unsaved plan Loading your plans… ### Your plans 🗑 + **New plan** Start a fresh 4-year plan ### Create a plan ← Back to your plans1. 1. State 2. 2. Student 3. 3. Plan ## Choose your state or create your own standards Pick the state whose graduation requirements you'd like to use as a baseline — or create your own. **✎ Create your own** Define your own subjects & requirements, or start from a blank blueprint → or pick a state 1. ## Tell us about your student Name Graduation year Back Building your plan… Disclaimer: Information provided within the Homeschool Planet 4-Year Blueprint is intended for educational and planning purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Parents and guardians are solely responsible for ensuring compliance with all applicable homeschool laws, regulations, and graduation requirements. ## Create your free account to build your Blueprint Save it, open it on any device, and pick up where you left off — it's free. Create account Log in × Custom custom Edit requirements · Class of ▾ Switch student 🗑 No other plans yet. + Add another student + 8th-grade credits Print ▾ Color Black & white Transcript CSV Saving… Saved Semester 1 - Fall ⋮ Nothing planned yet + Add course Semester 2 - Spring ⋮ Nothing planned yet + Add course Summer × ⋮ Nothing planned yet + Add course + Add Summer School #### Requirements (click to highlight) / credits #### Cumulative GPA Unweighted Weighted Credits earned #### Add Course Browse catalog #### State reference View source ↗ Disclaimer: Information provided within the Homeschool Planet 4-Year Blueprint is intended for educational and planning purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Parents and guardians are solely responsible for ensuring compliance with all applicable homeschool laws, regulations, and graduation requirements. Grade 8 High school credits earned before 9th grade. Counts toward graduation totals. × Hide this row ⋮ No 8th-grade credits yet. + Add 8th-grade course # Official High School Transcript **Student:** Date Issued: **Graduation:** Class of **State of Residence:** ## Grade 8 — Pre-High School Credits CourseLevelCreditsGradePoints ## Year — Grade () CourseLevelCreditsGradePoints Year Credits: Year GPA: No completed courses yet. Mark courses as Completed in your blueprint to populate this transcript. ## Cumulative Summary Total Credits Earned Cumulative GPA (Unweighted) Cumulative GPA (Weighted) ## Grading Scale A+, A = 4.0 · A− = 3.7 · B+ = 3.3 · B = 3.0 · B− = 2.7 · C+ = 2.3 · C = 2.0 · C− = 1.7 · D+ = 1.3 · D = 1.0 · D− = 0.7 · F = 0.0 *Honors courses receive a +0.5 weighted GPA bonus. AP and Dual Enrollment courses receive a +1.0 weighted GPA bonus.* Parent / Guardian Signature Date Generated ### Add a course Pick from the catalog or create your own. × × Core subjects Electives My Courses + Create custom course #### Search results #### My Courses × No saved courses yet. Use **Create custom course** and it'll be saved here for reuse. #### Create a custom course Add a course that's not in the catalog. The subject you pick affects credit math in the requirements panel. Course name Subject Duration Year-long One semester Credits Cancel Add custom course ### Edit course Year-long Semester Semester 1 - Fall Semester 2 - Spring Summer --- Status Planned In progress Completed Grade — Level Regular Honors (+0.5) AP (+1.0) Dual Enrollment (+1.0) Remove Cancel Save ### Move course Where should this course go? Cancel Set a credit target for each subject, and add your own subjects. Leave a target at 0 to just track it with no goal. × Credits per semester course 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 4 4.5 5 Year-long courses count as 2×. SubjectCredits × × Restore + Add subject Removing a subject only removes its target — any courses you've added keep their subject. total credits Save Skip — start blank Create my plan Cancel --- ### [About](https://homeschoolplanet.com/about-us/) **Published:** June 25, 2025 **Author:** Robyn **Content:** Homeschool Planet was created by homeschoolers, for homeschoolers—with the goal of making planning easier, more flexible, and less stressful. Our team combines real homeschooling experience with expert software design to bring you a powerful, intuitive tool that supports your unique journey. We’re here to help you stay organized, save time, and homeschool with confidence. ## Meet the Homeschool Planet Team ![Robyn Calvi, COO](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Robyn-bio-photo-300x300-1.png)### Robyn Calvi Chief Operating Officer Robyn is an essential part of the Homeschool Planet family, bringing decades of homeschooling experience and a deep passion for organization to everything she does. As a homeschooling mom of six for over 27 years, she understands both the challenges and the rewards of the journey—and it’s that insight that drives her work every day. Originally an enthusiastic Homeschool Planet user, Robyn’s love for planning and administration quickly led her to join the team. She began by contributing to our growing library of lesson plans and soon became the leader of our lesson plan authoring team. Since 2018, she has served as our Chief Operating Officer, ensuring that every aspect of Homeschool Planet runs smoothly and effectively. With her warm presence, strong leadership, and unwavering dedication to helping others, Robyn is the heart of our operations—and a trusted guide for families navigating their own homeschool paths. Learn More ![Cooper Walter 2nd image](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/IMG_1938.png)### Cooper Walter Chief Engineer As a former homeschooled student, Cooper brings a unique and personal perspective to his role as Chief Engineer at Homeschool Planet. He knows firsthand the impact a flexible, supportive educational environment can have, and he’s passionate about building tools that help other families succeed on their homeschooling journey. After earning his degree in Human Biology, Health, and Society from Cornell University, Cooper discovered a passion for software engineering. Now, he applies his technical skills and creative thinking to continually improve and expand the Homeschool Planet platform. Outside of work, Cooper enjoys strumming his guitar and belting out oldies in the shower. He’s excited to be part of a mission-driven team and looks forward to contributing to the continued success of Homeschool Planet. Learn More ![Shawna Wingert Marketing Director](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/125803317_207237830851082_6133020977931149069_n.jpg)### Shawna Wingert Marketing Director Shawna plays a key role at Homeschool Planet as our Marketing Director, where her creativity, insight, and passion for homeschooling shine through in everything she does. A dedicated homeschooling mom with one teenager at home and another child now thriving in college, Shawna believes that homeschooling is a precious gift—one that allows parents to nurture their children’s unique strengths and interests. Since joining the team, Shawna has brought that same heart and vision to our blog and emails, thoughtfully sharing how Homeschool Planet can support and empower homeschooling families. Her deep understanding of the joys and challenges of homeschooling makes her communication authentic and relatable, offering valuable tips, encouragement, and practical strategies to our community. Shawna’s mission is to help homeschooling parents thrive, and she truly believes Homeschool Planet is a powerful tool to make that possible. Learn More ![Tami Smith profile picture](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Tami-300x300-2.png)### Tamitha Smith Lesson Plan Director Tami is a seasoned homeschooling mom who successfully guided all four of her children through high school, while nurturing their spiritual growth and helping them prepare for purposeful, fulfilling lives. Based in sunny Southern California, she has always been a supportive presence—cheering on her sons from the baseball sidelines and encouraging her daughter’s love of art. Tami joined the Homeschool Planet team in 2018 as a Lesson Plan Author and quickly became an indispensable part of our operations. Thanks to her exceptional talent for creating thorough, flexible, and engaging lesson plans, she now leads our entire lesson plan development team. Her work has helped thousands of homeschooling families save time, reduce stress, and feel confident in their educational journey. When she’s not crafting lesson plans, Tami enjoys spending time with her family, diving into historical studies, and reading aloud—one of her favorite pastimes. And while Joe and Robyn may not approve, she proudly roots for her beloved Los Angeles Angels! Learn More ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Hope-square-1.jpg)### Hope Calvi Social Media Director As Homeschool Planet’s Social Media Director, Hope Calvi brings energy, creativity, and a deep personal connection to the homeschooling community. A proud homeschool graduate herself—homeschooled by none other than our very own Robyn—Hope understands the homeschooling journey from the inside out. Her firsthand experience gives her a unique voice as she crafts content, engages with our community online, and shares helpful resources across all our social platforms. Hope is passionate about encouraging families, spotlighting real homeschool stories, and showing how Homeschool Planet can simplify and support their day-to-day lives. Hope’s authenticity, insight, and enthusiasm make her a natural at building meaningful connections with our audience. She’s excited to continue fostering a supportive, inspiring space for homeschoolers everywhere. Learn More ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/IMG_4659.png)### Abi Tamraz Engineer Abi has dedicated over 20 years to developing software that makes homeschooling easier and more accessible for families. Throughout that time, he has worked closely with Brett on a variety of homeschooling projects, combining their shared passion for supporting families on their educational journeys. With a degree in Computer Science and Engineering from UC Davis, Abi brings both technical expertise and a deep commitment to building tools that empower parents and students alike. Outside of work, Abi loves to travel, enjoys the outdoors, and spends quality time with his son Ethan. Whether exploring nature or sharing everyday moments, Abi treasures the time they spend together. Learn More ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/LindseyProfilePic-scaled-1.jpg)### Lindsey Stomberg Graphic Designer Lindsey is Homeschool Planet’s talented Graphic Designer and a dedicated homeschooling mom of seven. She lives in the upper Midwest where her husband pastors a small, rural church. Lindsey brings a warm, personal touch to everything she creates, drawing inspiration from her full and vibrant home life. A longtime user of Homeschool Planet, Lindsey has relied on the planner for nearly a decade in her own homeschool. Before joining our team, she was already sharing her love for the platform with friends—which made her transition to designing our marketing materials feel like a perfect fit. When she’s not designing, homeschooling, or supporting her church community, Lindsey enjoys practicing hospitality, fermenting veggies from her garden, and listening to audiobooks—often while tackling chores or squeezing in a gym workout. Learn More ![Brett Walter- founder](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Brett-300x300-1.png)### Brett Walter Founder & President Brett is the visionary behind Homeschool Planet, combining his experience as a homeschool dad of two with a distinguished career in Silicon Valley software design. Frustrated by the lack of high-quality planning tools tailored to homeschooling families, Brett set out to build something better—something that truly worked for real-life homeschoolers. From day one, he made quality the top priority, and the result speaks for itself: hundreds of glowing testimonials and a loyal community of users who rely on Homeschool Planet every day. Brett brings a rich background in software innovation to the table, having played a key role in developing several award-winning products. Notably, he served as Vice President of R&D at Symantec Corporation during its early years, helping to shape its flagship software offerings. When he’s not guiding the continued development of Homeschool Planet, Brett enjoys time with his family and devotes energy to charitable work—always driven by a desire to make a meaningful difference. Learn More ![Criston White- customer service](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Criston-300x300-1.png)### Criston White Customer Service Lead Criston is a valued member of our customer service and lesson planning teams. She lives in rural Saskatchewan, Canada, with her husband and their four children. A dedicated homeschooler since 2017, Criston quickly embraced the flexibility and joy of homeschooling—but found herself frustrated with the constant erasing, rewriting, and mental gymnastics that traditional paper planning required. Determined to find a better way, she began researching digital options and discovered Homeschool Planet. It quickly became her go-to planning tool, helping her adapt to evolving teaching styles, shifting schedules, and her children’s changing needs. In 2021, Criston officially joined the Homeschool Planet team, bringing with her a deep understanding of the platform from a user’s perspective, along with a talent for customer service, technical support, and creative problem-solving. Her grasp of the system is so thorough, it regularly impresses even our engineering team. Learn More ![Joe DeStefano- engineer](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Joe-300x300-1.png)### Joe DeStefano Founding Engineer Joe is the brilliant mind behind the original development of Homeschool Planet. With a Ph.D. in computer science and extensive experience creating successful software solutions, he single-handedly wrote the tens of thousands of lines of code that power the platform’s signature ease and flexibility. Among his many projects, Homeschool Planet stands out as his true masterpiece. During his time with us, Joe resolved our most complex technical challenges and was a popular presence in webinars. His deep technical skills are matched by a great sense of humor and a down-to-earth personality. Joe lives in the Boston area with his wife and enjoys playing soccer, attending live music events, and cheering on the Red Sox. His two daughters are grown and pursuing academic careers. Though he has since moved on from Homeschool Planet, Joe’s legacy is deeply embedded in the platform, and we remain grateful for the magic he helped create. Learn More ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Hero-HSP-Image-1280x720-1-1024x576.png) --- ### [Homeschool Planet Subscriptions](https://homeschoolplanet.com/homeschool-planet-subscriptions/) **Published:** April 10, 2026 **Author:** Shawna Wingert **Content:** # Helping you manage your time is our business! Homeschool Planet has everything you need, when you need it, all in one place. Let’s get you signed-up for the very best homeschool planner on the market. ![homeschool planning mom image](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Untitled-design-2024-07-11T075947186.png) ## Affordable pricing, suitable for any budget. Subscribe to Homeschool Planet Monthly $9.95 - Choose to pay monthly with convenient automatic payments. [Begin Your Monthly Subscription Today](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-monthly-subscription/) Subscribe to Homeschool Planet **Annu**al (best value!) $84.95 - Get the power of Homeschool Planet, all year long. [Start Your Annual Subscription and Save!](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-one-year-subscription/) designed for all your learning needs ## We also offer several specialized licenses for microschools, co-ops and multi-family use. [See All License Options](https://homeschoolplanet.com/homeschool-planet-subscription-options/) ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/ON-HOME-PAGE-AdobeStock_475163926-1024x683.jpeg)![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/HSP-Landscape-TransBG-1024x141.png) ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/AdobeStock_409484687-1-1024x675.jpeg) ![homeschool science tools with your homeschool planner](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Copy-of-homeschool-science-tools.1-27.png) --- ### [Terms and Conditions](https://homeschoolplanet.com/terms-and-conditions/) **Published:** October 17, 2025 **Author:** Robyn **Content:** *The Terms and Conditions were last updated on October 17, 2025* ## 1. Introduction These Terms and conditions apply to this website and to the transactions related to our products and services. You may be bound by additional contracts related to your relationship with us or any products or services that you receive from us. If any provisions of the additional contracts conflict with any provisions of these Terms, the provisions of these additional contracts will control and prevail. ## 2. Binding By registering with, accessing, or otherwise using this website, you hereby agree to be bound by these Terms and conditions set forth below. The mere use of this website implies the knowledge and acceptance of these Terms and conditions. In some particular cases, we can also ask you to explicitly agree. ## 3. Electronic communication By using this website or communicating with us by electronic means, you agree and acknowledge that we may communicate with you electronically on our website or by sending an email to you, and you agree that all agreements, notices, disclosures, and other communications that we provide to you electronically satisfy any legal requirement, including but not limited to the requirement that such communications should be in writing. ## 4. Intellectual property We or our licensors own and control all of the copyright and other intellectual property rights in the website and the data, information, and other resources displayed by or accessible within the website. 4.1 Creative Commons The content on this website is available under a Creative commons – No derivates License, unless specified otherwise. ## 5. Newsletter Notwithstanding the foregoing, you may forward our newsletter in the electronic form to others who may be interested in visiting our website. ## 6. Third-party property Our website may include hyperlinks or other references to other party’s websites. We do not monitor or review the content of other party’s websites which are linked to from this website. Products or services offered by other websites shall be subject to the applicable Terms and Conditions of those third parties. Opinions expressed or material appearing on those websites are not necessarily shared or endorsed by us. We will not be responsible for any privacy practices or content of these sites. You bear all risks associated with the use of these websites and any related third-party services. We will not accept any responsibility for any loss or damage in whatever manner, however caused, resulting from your disclosure to third parties of personal information. ## 7. Responsible use By visiting our website, you agree to use it only for the purposes intended and as permitted by these Terms, any additional contracts with us, and applicable laws, regulations, and generally accepted online practices and industry guidelines. You must not use our website or services to use, publish or distribute any material which consists of (or is linked to) malicious computer software; use data collected from our website for any direct marketing activity, or conduct any systematic or automated data collection activities on or in relation to our website. Engaging in any activity that causes, or may cause, damage to the website or that interferes with the performance, availability, or accessibility of the website is strictly prohibited. ## 8. Registration You may register for an account with our website. During this process, you may be required to choose a password. You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of passwords and account information and agree not to share your passwords, account information, or secured access to our website or services with any other person. You must not allow any other person to use your account to access the website because you are responsible for all activities that occur through the use of your passwords or accounts. You must notify us immediately if you become aware of any disclosure of your password. After account termination, you will not attempt to register a new account without our permission. ## 9. Idea submission Do not submit any ideas, inventions, works of authorship, or other information that can be considered your own intellectual property that you would like to present to us unless we have first signed an agreement regarding the intellectual property or a non-disclosure agreement. If you disclose it to us absent such written agreement, you grant to us a worldwide, irrevocable, non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use, reproduce, store, adapt, publish, translate and distribute your content in any existing or future media. ## 10. Termination of use We may, in our sole discretion, at any time modify or discontinue access to, temporarily or permanently, the website or any Service thereon. You agree that we will not be liable to you or any third party for any such modification, suspension or discontinuance of your access to, or use of, the website or any content that you may have shared on the website. You will not be entitled to any compensation or other payment, even if certain features, settings, and/or any Content you have contributed or have come to rely on, are permanently lost. You must not circumvent or bypass, or attempt to circumvent or bypass, any access restriction measures on our website. ## 11. Warranties and liability Nothing in this section will limit or exclude any warranty implied by law that it would be unlawful to limit or to exclude. This website and all content on the website are provided on an “as is” and “as available” basis and may include inaccuracies or typographical errors. We expressly disclaim all warranties of any kind, whether express or implied, as to the availability, accuracy, or completeness of the Content. We make no warranty that: - this website or our products or services will meet your requirements; - this website will be available on an uninterrupted, timely, secure, or error-free basis; - the quality of any product or service purchased or obtained by you through this website will meet your expectations. Nothing on this website constitutes or is meant to constitute, legal, financial or medical advice of any kind. If you require advice you should consult an appropriate professional. The following provisions of this section will apply to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law and will not limit or exclude our liability in respect of any matter which it would be unlawful or illegal for us to limit or to exclude our liability. In no event will we be liable for any direct or indirect damages (including any damages for loss of profits or revenue, loss or corruption of data, software or database, or loss of or harm to property or data) incurred by you or any third party, arising from your access to, or use of, our website. Except to the extent any additional contract expressly states otherwise, our maximum liability to you for all damages arising out of or related to the website or any products and services marketed or sold through the website, regardless of the form of legal action that imposes liability (whether in contract, equity, negligence, intended conduct, tort or otherwise) will be limited to the total price that you paid to us to purchase such products or services or use the website. Such limit will apply in the aggregate to all of your claims, actions and causes of action of every kind and nature. ## 12. Privacy To access our website and/or services, you may be required to provide certain information about yourself as part of the registration process. You agree that any information you provide will always be accurate, correct, and up to date. We take your personal data seriously and are committed to protecting your privacy. We will not use your email address for unsolicited mail. Any emails sent by us to you will only be in connection with the provision of agreed products or services. We have developed a policy to address any privacy concerns you may have. For more information, please see our [Privacy Statement](https://homeschoolplanet.com/privacy-statement-us/?cmplz_region_redirect=true) and our Cookie Policy. ## 13. Export restrictions / Legal compliance Access to the website from territories or countries where the Content or purchase of the products or Services sold on the website is illegal is prohibited. You may not use this website in violation of export laws and regulations of United States. ## 14. Affiliate marketing Through this Website we may engage in affiliate marketing whereby we receive a percentage of or a commission on the sale of services or products on or through this website. We may also accept sponsorships or other forms of advertising compensation from businesses. This disclosure is intended to comply with legal requirements on marketing and advertising which may apply, such as the US Federal Trade Commission Rules. ## 15. Assignment You may not assign, transfer or sub-contract any of your rights and/or obligations under these Terms and conditions, in whole or in part, to any third party without our prior written consent. Any purported assignment in violation of this Section will be null and void. ## 16. Breaches of these Terms and conditions Without prejudice to our other rights under these Terms and Conditions, if you breach these Terms and Conditions in any way, we may take such action as we deem appropriate to deal with the breach, including temporarily or permanently suspending your access to the website, contacting your internet service provider to request that they block your access to the website, and/or commence legal action against you. ## 17. Force majeure Except for obligations to pay money hereunder, no delay, failure or omission by either party to carry out or observe any of its obligations hereunder will be deemed to be a breach of these Terms and conditions if and for as long as such delay, failure or omission arises from any cause beyond the reasonable control of that party. ## 18. Indemnification You agree to indemnify, defend and hold us harmless, from and against any and all claims, liabilities, damages, losses and expenses, relating to your violation of these Terms and conditions, and applicable laws, including intellectual property rights and privacy rights. You will promptly reimburse us for our damages, losses, costs and expenses relating to or arising out of such claims. ## 19. Waiver Failure to enforce any of the provisions set out in these Terms and Conditions and any Agreement, or failure to exercise any option to terminate, shall not be construed as waiver of such provisions and shall not affect the validity of these Terms and Conditions or of any Agreement or any part thereof, or the right thereafter to enforce each and every provision. ## 20. Language These Terms and Conditions will be interpreted and construed exclusively in English. All notices and correspondence will be written exclusively in that language. ## 21. Entire agreement These Terms and Conditions, together with our [privacy statement](https://homeschoolplanet.com/privacy-statement-us/?cmplz_region_redirect=true) and cookie policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and iPurchasePower, Inc. in relation to your use of this website. ## 22. Updating of these Terms and conditions We may update these Terms and Conditions from time to time. It is your obligation to periodically check these Terms and Conditions for changes or updates. The date provided at the beginning of these Terms and Conditions is the latest revision date. Changes to these Terms and Conditions will become effective upon such changes being posted to this website. Your continued use of this website following the posting of changes or updates will be considered notice of your acceptance to abide by and be bound by these Terms and Conditions. ## 23. Choice of Law and Jurisdiction These Terms and Conditions shall be governed by the laws of United States. Any disputes relating to these Terms and Conditions shall be subject to the jurisdiction of the courts of United States. If any part or provision of these Terms and Conditions is found by a court or other authority to be invalid and/or unenforceable under applicable law, such part or provision will be modified, deleted and/or enforced to the maximum extent permissible so as to give effect to the intent of these Terms and Conditions. The other provisions will not be affected. ## 24. Contact information This website is owned and operated by iPurchasePower, Inc.. You may contact us regarding these Terms and Conditions through our [contact](https://homeschoolplanet.com/support/) page. ## 25. Download You can also [download](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/plugins/complianz-terms-conditions/download.php) our Terms and Conditions as a PDF. --- ### [Privacy Statement (US)](https://homeschoolplanet.com/privacy-statement-us/) **Published:** October 17, 2025 **Author:** Robyn **Content:** *This privacy statement was last changed on July 16, 2026, last checked on July 16, 2026, and applies to citizens and legal permanent residents of the United States.* In this privacy statement, we explain what we do with the data we obtain about you via . We recommend you carefully read this statement. In our processing we comply with the requirements of privacy legislation. That means, among other things, that: - we clearly state the purposes for which we process personal data. We do this by means of this privacy statement; - we aim to limit our collection of personal data to only the personal data required for legitimate purposes; - we first request your explicit consent to process your personal data in cases requiring your consent; - we take appropriate security measures to protect your personal data and also require this from parties that process personal data on our behalf; - we respect your right to access your personal data or have it corrected or deleted, at your request. If you have any questions, or want to know exactly what data we keep of you, please contact us. ## 1. Purpose and categories of data We may collect or receive personal information for a number of purposes connected with our business operations which may include the following: (click to expand) ### 1.1 Payments ### The following categories of data are collected - A first and last name - Account name or alias - A home or other physical address, including street name and name of a city or town - An email address - IP Address - Geolocation data ### Retention period We retain this data upon termination of the service for the following number of months: 12 ### 1.2 Registering an account ### The following categories of data are collected - A first and last name - Account name or alias - A home or other physical address, including street name and name of a city or town - An email address - IP Address - Geolocation data ### Retention period We retain this data upon termination of the service for the following number of months: 12 ### 1.3 To support services or products that a customer wants to buy or has purchased ### The following categories of data are collected - A first and last name - Account name or alias - A home or other physical address, including street name and name of a city or town - An email address - A telephone number - IP Address - Geolocation data ### Retention period We retain this data until the service is terminated. ### 1.4 Newsletters ### The following categories of data are collected - A first and last name - Account name or alias - A home or other physical address, including street name and name of a city or town - An email address - IP Address - Geolocation data ### Retention period We retain this data until the service is terminated. ### 1.5 To be able to comply with legal obligations ### The following categories of data are collected - A first and last name - Account name or alias - A home or other physical address, including street name and name of a city or town - An email address - IP Address - Geolocation data ### Retention period We retain this data upon termination of the service for the following number of months: 12 months ### 1.6 Compiling and analyzing statistics for website improvement. ### The following categories of data are collected - Geolocation data - A telephone number - An email address - A home or other physical address, including street name and name of a city or town - Account name or alias - A first and last name ### Retention period We retain this data upon termination of the service for the following number of months: 12 ### 1.7 To be able to offer personalized products and services ### The following categories of data are collected - A first and last name - Account name or alias - A home or other physical address, including street name and name of a city or town - An email address - A telephone number - IP Address - Geolocation data ### Retention period We retain this data upon termination of the service for the following number of months: 12 ### 1.8 Contact – Through phone, mail, email and/or webforms ### The following categories of data are collected - A first and last name - Account name or alias - A home or other physical address, including street name and name of a city or town - An email address - A telephone number - IP Address - Geolocation data ### Retention period We retain this data upon termination of the service for the following number of months: 12 ## 2. Disclosure practices We disclose personal information if we are required by law or by a court order, in response to a law enforcement agency, to the extent permitted under other provisions of law, to provide information, or for an investigation on a matter related to public safety. If our website or organization is taken over, sold, or involved in a merger or acquisition, your details may be disclosed to our advisers and any prospective purchasers and will be passed on to the new owners. ## 3. How we respond to Do Not Track signals & Global Privacy Control Our website responds to and supports the Do Not Track (DNT) header request field. If you turn DNT on in your browser, those preferences are communicated to us in the HTTP request header, and we will not track your browsing behavior. ## 4. Cookies Our website uses cookies. For more information about cookies, please refer to our Cookie Policy on our [Opt-out preferences](https://homeschoolplanet.com/opt-out-preferences/) webpage. We have concluded a data processing agreement with Google. Google may not use the data for any other Google services. The inclusion of full IP addresses is blocked by us. ## 5. Security We are committed to the security of personal data. We take appropriate security measures to limit abuse of and unauthorized access to personal data. This ensures that only the necessary persons have access to your data, that access to the data is protected, and that our security measures are regularly reviewed. ## 6. Third-party websites This privacy statement does not apply to third-party websites connected by links on our website. We cannot guarantee that these third parties handle your personal data in a reliable or secure manner. We recommend you read the privacy statements of these websites prior to making use of these websites. ## 7. Amendments to this privacy statement We reserve the right to make amendments to this privacy statement. It is recommended that you consult this privacy statement regularly in order to be aware of any changes. In addition, we will actively inform you wherever possible. ## 8. Accessing and modifying your data If you have any questions or want to know which personal data we have about you, please contact us. Please make sure to always clearly state who you are, so that we can be certain that we do not modify or delete any data of the wrong person. We shall provide the requested information only upon receipt of a verifiable consumer request. You can contact us by using the information below. You have the following rights: ### 8.1 You have the following rights with respect to your personal data 1. You may submit a request for access to the data we process about you. 2. You may object to the processing. 3. You may request an overview, in a commonly used format, of the data we process about you. 4. You may request correction or deletion of the data if it is incorrect or not or no longer relevant, or to ask to restrict the processing of the data. 5. You may appeal our decision whenever we refuse to take action on a request and submit a complaint with the competent authority if your appeal is denied. ## 9. Children Our website is not designed to attract children and it is not our intent to collect personal data from children under the age of consent in their country of residence. We therefore request that children under the age of consent do not submit any personal data to us. ## 10. Contact details iPurchasePower, Inc. 2995 Woodside Road, Suite 400-401 Woodside, CA 94062 United States Website: Email: support@ex.comhomeschoolplanet.com Phone number: 650.275.2488 --- ### [Cookie Policy (EU)](https://homeschoolplanet.com/cookie-policy-eu/) **Published:** October 17, 2025 **Author:** Robyn **Content:** Region EU not activated for cookie-statement. --- ### [Privacy Statement (EU)](https://homeschoolplanet.com/privacy-statement-eu/) **Published:** October 17, 2025 **Author:** Robyn **Content:** Region EU not activated for privacy-statement. --- ### [Cookie Policy (CA)](https://homeschoolplanet.com/cookie-policy-ca/) **Published:** October 17, 2025 **Author:** Robyn **Content:** Region CA not activated for cookie-statement. --- ### [Privacy Statement (CA)](https://homeschoolplanet.com/privacy-statement-ca/) **Published:** October 17, 2025 **Author:** Robyn **Content:** Region CA not activated for privacy-statement. --- ### [Opt-out preferences](https://homeschoolplanet.com/opt-out-preferences/) **Published:** October 17, 2025 **Author:** Robyn **Content:** *This page was last changed on July 16, 2026, last checked on July 16, 2026 and applies to citizens and legal permanent residents of the United States.* ## 1. Introduction Our website, (hereinafter: “the website”) uses cookies and other related technologies (for convenience all technologies are referred to as “cookies”). Cookies are also placed by third parties we have engaged. In the document below we inform you about the use of cookies on our website. ## 2. Cookies When you visit our website it can be necessary to store and/or read certain data from your device by using technologies such as cookies. ### 2.1 Technical or functional cookies Some cookies ensure that certain parts of the website work properly and that your user preferences remain known. By placing functional cookies, we make it easier for you to visit our website. This way, you do not need to repeatedly enter the same information when visiting our website and, for example, the items remain in your shopping cart until you have paid. We may place these cookies without your consent. ### 2.2 Statistics cookies We use statistics cookies to optimize the website experience for our users. With these statistics cookies we get insights in the usage of our website. ### 2.3 Marketing/Tracking cookies Marketing/Tracking cookies are cookies or any other form of local storage, used to create user profiles to display advertising or to track the user on this website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes. ## 3. Placed cookies Most of these technologies have a function, a purpose, and an expiration period. 1. A function is a particular task a technology has. So a function can be to “store certain data.” 2. Purpose is “the Why” behind the function. Maybe the data is stored because it is needed for statistics. 3. The expiration period shows the length of the period the used technology can “store or read certain data.” ### Google Adsense Statistics, Marketing Consent to service google-adsense #### Usage We use Google Adsense for showing advertisements. [Read more about Google Adsense](https://cookiedatabase.org/service/google-adsense/) #### Sharing data For more information, please read the [Google Adsense Privacy Statement](https://business.safety.google/privacy/). #### Statistics ##### Name [\_gcl\_ls](https://cookiedatabase.org/cookie/google-adsense/auto-draft-23/) ##### Expiration ##### Function Store and track interaction #### Marketing ##### Name [\_gcl\_au](https://cookiedatabase.org/cookie/google-adsense/_gcl_au/) ##### Expiration persistent ##### Function Store and track conversions ##### Name [google\_adsense\_settings](https://cookiedatabase.org/cookie/google-adsense/google_adsense_settings/) ##### Expiration persistent ##### Function Provide ad delivery or retargeting ### Google reCAPTCHA Functional, Marketing Consent to service google-recaptcha #### Usage We use Google reCAPTCHA for spam prevention. [Read more about Google reCAPTCHA](https://cookiedatabase.org/service/google-recaptcha/) #### Sharing data For more information, please read the [Google reCAPTCHA Privacy Statement](https://policies.google.com/privacy). #### Functional ##### Name [\_grecaptcha](https://cookiedatabase.org/cookie/google-recaptcha/_grecaptcha/) ##### Expiration 6 months ##### Function Provide spam protection #### Marketing ##### Name [rc::c](https://cookiedatabase.org/cookie/google-recaptcha/rcc/) ##### Expiration session ##### Function Read and filter requests from bots ##### Name [rc::b](https://cookiedatabase.org/cookie/google-recaptcha/rcb/) ##### Expiration session ##### Function Read and filter requests from bots ##### Name [rc::a](https://cookiedatabase.org/cookie/google-recaptcha/rca/) ##### Expiration persistent ##### Function Read and filter requests from bots ### Kadence Blocks Functional Consent to service kadence-blocks #### Usage We use Kadence Blocks for website design. [Read more about Kadence Blocks](https://cookiedatabase.org/service/kadence-blocks/) #### Sharing data This data is not shared with third parties. #### Functional ##### Name [kadenceBlocksPrebuilt](https://cookiedatabase.org/cookie/kadence-blocks/kadenceblocksprebuilt/) ##### Expiration persistent ##### Function Provide a responsive website ### WooCommerce Functional Consent to service woocommerce #### Usage We use WooCommerce for webshop management. [Read more about WooCommerce](https://cookiedatabase.org/service/woocommerce/) #### Sharing data This data is not shared with third parties. #### Functional ##### Name [wc\_cart\_hash\_\*](https://cookiedatabase.org/cookie/woocommerce/wc_cart_hash_/) ##### Expiration session ##### Function Store items in shopping cart ##### Name [woocommerce\_items\_in\_cart](https://cookiedatabase.org/cookie/woocommerce/woocommerce_items_in_cart/) ##### Expiration session ##### Function Store items in shopping cart ##### Name [woocommerce\_cart\_hash](https://cookiedatabase.org/cookie/woocommerce/woocommerce_cart_hash/) ##### Expiration 1 day ##### Function Store items in shopping cart ##### Name [wp\_woocommerce\_session\_\*](https://cookiedatabase.org/cookie/woocommerce/wp_woocommerce_session_-2/) ##### Expiration session ##### Function Store performed actions on the website #### Purpose pending investigation ##### Name [wc\_\*](https://cookiedatabase.org/cookie/woocommerce/wc_/) ##### Expiration ##### Function ### WordPress Functional Consent to service wordpress #### Usage We use WordPress for website development. [Read more about WordPress](https://cookiedatabase.org/service/wordpress/) #### Sharing data This data is not shared with third parties. #### Functional ##### Name [WP\_PREFERENCES\_USER\_\*](https://cookiedatabase.org/cookie/wordpress/wp_preferences_user_/) ##### Expiration persistent ##### Function Store user preferences ##### Name [wp-settings-\*](https://cookiedatabase.org/cookie/wordpress/wp-settings/) ##### Expiration persistent ##### Function Store user preferences ##### Name [wp-settings-time-\*](https://cookiedatabase.org/cookie/wordpress/wp-settings-time/) ##### Expiration 1 year ##### Function Store user preferences ##### Name [wordpress\_test\_cookie](https://cookiedatabase.org/cookie/wordpress/wordpress_test_cookie/) ##### Expiration session ##### Function Read if cookies can be placed ##### Name [wordpress\_logged\_in\_\*](https://cookiedatabase.org/cookie/wordpress/wordpress_logged_in_/) ##### Expiration persistent ##### Function Store logged in users ##### Name [wp\_lang](https://cookiedatabase.org/cookie/wordpress/wp_lang/) ##### Expiration session ##### Function Store language settings ##### Name [wpEmojiSettingsSupports](https://cookiedatabase.org/cookie/wordpress/wpemojisettingssupports/) ##### Expiration session ##### Function Store browser details ### Intercom Messenger Functional, Marketing Consent to service intercom-messenger #### Usage We use Intercom Messenger for chat support. [Read more about Intercom Messenger](https://cookiedatabase.org/service/intercom-messenger/) #### Sharing data For more information, please read the [Intercom Messenger Privacy Statement](https://www.intercom.com/terms-and-policies#privacy). #### Functional ##### Name [intercom-id-\*](https://cookiedatabase.org/cookie/intercom-messenger/intercom-id/) ##### Expiration 9 months ##### Function #### Marketing ##### Name [intercom-device-id-\*](https://cookiedatabase.org/cookie/intercom-messenger/intercom-device-id/) ##### Expiration 9 months ##### Function Store a unique user ID ### Stripe Functional Consent to service stripe #### Usage We use Stripe for payment processing. [Read more about Stripe](https://cookiedatabase.org/service/stripe/) #### Sharing data For more information, please read the [Stripe Privacy Statement](https://stripe.com/privacy/). #### Functional ##### Name [\_\_stripe\_mid](https://cookiedatabase.org/cookie/stripe/__stripe_mid/) ##### Expiration 1 year ##### Function Provide fraud prevention ##### Name [\_\_stripe\_sid](https://cookiedatabase.org/cookie/stripe/__stripe_sid/) ##### Expiration 30 minutes ##### Function Provide fraud prevention ### Microsoft Clarity Marketing, Statistics Consent to service microsoft-clarity #### Usage We use Microsoft Clarity for heat maps and screen recordings. [Read more about Microsoft Clarity](https://cookiedatabase.org/service/microsoft/) #### Sharing data For more information, please read the [Microsoft Clarity Privacy Statement](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/privacy/privacystatement). #### Marketing ##### Name [\_clck](https://cookiedatabase.org/cookie/microsoft/_clck/) ##### Expiration 1 year ##### Function Store a unique user ID ##### Name [ANONCHK](https://cookiedatabase.org/cookie/microsoft/anonchk/) ##### Expiration ##### Function ##### Name [MUID](https://cookiedatabase.org/cookie/microsoft/muid/) ##### Expiration 1 year ##### Function Store and track visits across websites #### Statistics ##### Name [\_cltk](https://cookiedatabase.org/cookie/microsoft/_cltk/) ##### Expiration ##### Function Store and track interaction ### Google Analytics Statistics Consent to service google-analytics #### Usage We use Google Analytics for website statistics. [Read more about Google Analytics](https://cookiedatabase.org/service/google-analytics/) #### Sharing data For more information, please read the [Google Analytics Privacy Statement](https://business.safety.google/privacy/). #### Statistics ##### Name [\_gid](https://cookiedatabase.org/cookie/google-analytics/_gid/) ##### Expiration 1 day ##### Function Store and count pageviews ##### Name [\_ga\_\*](https://cookiedatabase.org/cookie/google-analytics/_ga_/) ##### Expiration 1 year ##### Function Store and count pageviews ##### Name [\_ga](https://cookiedatabase.org/cookie/google-analytics/_ga/) ##### Expiration 2 years ##### Function Store and count pageviews ##### Name [\_gat](https://cookiedatabase.org/cookie/google-analytics/_gat/) ##### Expiration 1 minute ##### Function Read and filter requests from bots ### AutomateWoo Preferences, Functional Consent to service automatewoo #### Usage We use AutomateWoo for marketing automation (automated email marketing). [Read more about AutomateWoo](https://cookiedatabase.org/service/automatewoo/) #### Sharing data This data is not shared with third parties. #### Preferences ##### Name [wp\_automatewoo\_visitor\_\*](https://cookiedatabase.org/cookie/automatewoo/wp_automatewoo_visitor_/) ##### Expiration various ##### Function Store and track interaction #### Functional ##### Name [wp\_automatewoo\_session\_started](https://cookiedatabase.org/cookie/automatewoo/wp_automatewoo_session_started/) ##### Expiration session ##### Function Store time of visit ### Wordfence Functional Consent to service wordfence #### Usage We use Wordfence for security and fraud prevention. [Read more about Wordfence](https://cookiedatabase.org/service/wordfence/) #### Sharing data For more information, please read the [Wordfence Privacy Statement](https://www.wordfence.com/privacy-policy/). #### Functional ##### Name [wf\_loginalerted\_\*](https://cookiedatabase.org/cookie/wordfence/wf_loginalerted_/) ##### Expiration persistent ##### Function Provide protection against hackers ##### Name [wfwaf-authcookie\*](https://cookiedatabase.org/cookie/wordfence/wfwaf-authcookie/) ##### Expiration 1 day ##### Function Read to determine if the user is logged in ### Plugin Organizer Purpose pending investigation Consent to service plugin-organizer #### Usage We use Plugin Organizer for website admin functions. [Read more about Plugin Organizer](https://cookiedatabase.org/service/plugin-organizer/) #### Sharing data This data is not shared with third parties. #### Purpose pending investigation ##### Name [po\_assigned\_roles](https://cookiedatabase.org/cookie/plugin-organizer/po_assigned_roles/) ##### Expiration ##### Function ### Vimeo Statistics Consent to service vimeo #### Usage We use Vimeo for video display. [Read more about Vimeo](https://cookiedatabase.org/service/vimeo/) #### Sharing data For more information, please read the [Vimeo Privacy Statement](https://vimeo.com/privacy). #### Statistics ##### Name [\_\_utmt\_player](https://cookiedatabase.org/cookie/vimeo/__utmt_player/) ##### Expiration 10 minutes ##### Function Store and track audience reach ##### Name [vuid](https://cookiedatabase.org/cookie/vimeo/vuid/) ##### Expiration 2 years ##### Function Store the user’s usage history ### YouTube Marketing Consent to service youtube #### Usage We use YouTube for video display. [Read more about YouTube](https://cookiedatabase.org/service/youtube/) #### Sharing data For more information, please read the [YouTube Privacy Statement](https://policies.google.com/privacy). #### Marketing ##### Name [GPS](https://cookiedatabase.org/cookie/youtube/gps/) ##### Expiration session ##### Function Store location data ##### Name [VISITOR\_INFO1\_LIVE](https://cookiedatabase.org/cookie/youtube/visitor_info1_live/) ##### Expiration 6 months ##### Function Provide ad delivery or retargeting ##### Name [YSC](https://cookiedatabase.org/cookie/youtube/ysc/) ##### Expiration session ##### Function Store and track interaction ##### Name [PREF](https://cookiedatabase.org/cookie/youtube/pref/) ##### Expiration 8 months ##### Function Store user preferences ### Complianz Functional Consent to service complianz #### Usage We use Complianz for cookie consent management. [Read more about Complianz](https://cookiedatabase.org/service/complianz/) #### Sharing data This data is not shared with third parties. For more information, please read the [Complianz Privacy Statement](https://complianz.io/legal/privacy-statement/). #### Functional ##### Name [cmplz\_functional](https://cookiedatabase.org/cookie/complianz/cmplz_functional/) ##### Expiration 365 days ##### Function Store cookie consent preferences ##### Name [cmplz\_statistics](https://cookiedatabase.org/cookie/complianz/cmplz_statistics/) ##### Expiration 365 days ##### Function Store cookie consent preferences ##### Name [cmplz\_preferences](https://cookiedatabase.org/cookie/complianz/cmplz_preferences/) ##### Expiration 365 days ##### Function Store cookie consent preferences ##### Name [cmplz\_marketing](https://cookiedatabase.org/cookie/complianz/cmplz_marketing/) ##### Expiration 365 days ##### Function Store cookie consent preferences ##### Name [cmplz\_consented\_services](https://cookiedatabase.org/cookie/complianz/cmplz_consented_services/) ##### Expiration 365 days ##### Function Store cookie consent preferences ##### Name [cmplz\_policy\_id](https://cookiedatabase.org/cookie/complianz/cmplz_policy_id/) ##### Expiration 365 days ##### Function Store accepted cookie policy ID ##### Name [cmplz\_banner-status](https://cookiedatabase.org/cookie/complianz/cmplz_banner-status/) ##### Expiration 365 days ##### Function Store if the cookie banner has been dismissed ##### Name [cmplz\_user\_data](https://cookiedatabase.org/cookie/complianz/cmplz_user_data/) ##### Expiration 365 days ##### Function Read to determine which cookie banner to show ### Wistia Statistics, Marketing Consent to service wistia #### Usage We use Wistia for video display. [Read more about Wistia](https://cookiedatabase.org/service/wistia/) #### Sharing data For more information, please read the [Wistia Privacy Statement](https://wistia.com/privacy). #### Statistics ##### Name [wistia-video-progress-\*](https://cookiedatabase.org/cookie/wistia/wistia-video-progress/) ##### Expiration persistent ##### Function Store if the user has seen embedded content #### Marketing ##### Name [wistia](https://cookiedatabase.org/cookie/wistia/wistia/) ##### Expiration persistent ##### Function Store performed actions on the website ### Automattic Statistics Consent to service automattic #### Usage We use Automattic for website development. [Read more about Automattic](https://cookiedatabase.org/service/automattic/) #### Sharing data For more information, please read the [Automattic Privacy Statement](https://automattic.com/cookies/). #### Statistics ##### Name [tk\_qs](https://cookiedatabase.org/cookie/automattic/tk_qs/) ##### Expiration 30 minutes ##### Function Provide functions across pages ### PHP Functional Consent to service php #### Usage We use PHP for website development. [Read more about PHP](https://cookiedatabase.org/service/php/) #### Sharing data This data is not shared with third parties. #### Functional ##### Name [exp\*](https://cookiedatabase.org/cookie/php/exp10032188/) ##### Expiration ##### Function Provide functions across pages ### CloudFlare Functional Consent to service cloudflare #### Usage We use CloudFlare for content distribution network (CDN) services. [Read more about CloudFlare](https://cookiedatabase.org/service/cloudflare/) #### Sharing data For more information, please read the [CloudFlare Privacy Statement](https://www.cloudflare.com/privacypolicy). #### Functional ##### Name [\_\_cf\_bm](https://cookiedatabase.org/cookie/cloudflare/__cf_bm/) ##### Expiration 30 minutes ##### Function Read and filter requests from bots ### OptinMonster Marketing Consent to service optinmonster #### Usage We use OptinMonster for mailing list subscriptions. [Read more about OptinMonster](https://cookiedatabase.org/service/optinmonster/) #### Sharing data This data is not shared with third parties. #### Marketing ##### Name [omWpApi](https://cookiedatabase.org/cookie/optinmonster/omwpapi/) ##### Expiration ##### Function ### Miscellaneous Purpose pending investigation Consent to service miscellaneous #### Usage #### Sharing data Sharing of data is pending investigation #### Purpose pending investigation ##### Name __paypal_global_5_0_502_storage__ ##### Expiration ##### Function ##### Name snize_search_data ##### Expiration ##### Function ##### Name helpers:lastChangeTime ##### Expiration ##### Function ##### Name [intercom.intercom-state-\*](https://cookiedatabase.org/cookie/unknown-service/intercom-intercom-state-wpw7b2pq/) ##### Expiration ##### Function ##### Name context.assignmentDisplayLevel ##### Expiration ##### Function ##### Name snize_search_analytics_queue ##### Expiration ##### Function ##### Name context.lastActiveStudent ##### Expiration ##### Function ##### Name wpsc_draft_cron_time ##### Expiration ##### Function ##### Name Personalization ##### Expiration ##### Function ##### Name context.showClassSubjects ##### Expiration ##### Function ##### Name context.layout ##### Expiration ##### Function ##### Name snize_saved_search_queries ##### Expiration ##### Function ##### Name wpsc_auto_draft ##### Expiration ##### Function ##### Name context.printFormat ##### Expiration ##### Function ##### Name context.weekendExpanded ##### Expiration ##### Function ##### Name context.format ##### Expiration ##### Function ##### Name context.calendarMetrics ##### Expiration ##### Function ##### Name context.lastLaunchOptions ##### Expiration ##### Function ##### Name context.currentPage ##### Expiration ##### Function ##### Name AMP_unsent_9fad7064c9 ##### Expiration ##### Function ##### Name context.scale ##### Expiration ##### Function ##### Name helpers:lastLaunch ##### Expiration ##### Function ##### Name ClicksQueue ##### Expiration ##### Function ##### Name context.lastFailDate ##### Expiration ##### Function ##### Name wpsc_itw_hidden ##### Expiration ##### Function ##### Name context.lastExpirationWarning ##### Expiration ##### Function ##### Name context.studentNavCollapsed ##### Expiration ##### Function ##### Name customer-effort-score-exit-page ##### Expiration ##### Function ##### Name __paypal_storage__ ##### Expiration ##### Function ##### Name context.lastFreeVersionNotice ##### Expiration ##### Function ##### Name WP_DATA_USER_12340268 ##### Expiration ##### Function ##### Name kadenceSettingsPanel ##### Expiration ##### Function ##### Name debug ##### Expiration ##### Function ##### Name storeApiCartData ##### Expiration ##### Function ##### Name se-recently-viewed-products ##### Expiration ##### Function ##### Name AMP_9fad7064c9 ##### Expiration ##### Function ##### Name HSPVersion ##### Expiration ##### Function ##### Name MIGRATE ##### Expiration ##### Function ##### Name [po\_assigned\_roles\*](https://cookiedatabase.org/cookie/unknown-service/po_assigned_roles-2/) ##### Expiration ##### Function ##### Name symfony ##### Expiration ##### Function ##### Name [wfls-remembered-\*](https://cookiedatabase.org/cookie/unknown-service/wfls-remembered/) ##### Expiration ##### Function ##### Name cmplz_task_filter ##### Expiration 365 days ##### Function ##### Name epkb_article_views_counter ##### Expiration ##### Function ##### Name WP_DATA_USER_12396061 ##### Expiration ##### Function ##### Name homeschoolplanet_token ##### Expiration ##### Function ##### Name _pmw_persistent_data ##### Expiration ##### Function ##### Name [wp-postpass\_\*](https://cookiedatabase.org/cookie/unknown-service/wp-postpass_/) ##### Expiration ##### Function ##### Name customizerVisitCount ##### Expiration ##### Function ##### Name [df-\*](https://cookiedatabase.org/cookie/unknown-service/df/) ##### Expiration ##### Function ##### Name [\_\_belter\_experiment\_\*](https://cookiedatabase.org/cookie/unknown-service/__belter_experiment_storage__/) ##### Expiration ##### Function ##### Name loglevel ##### Expiration ##### Function ##### Name c2ceb055-3e3a-48e6-9932-f5b69b403226.data ##### Expiration ##### Function ##### Name _wpm_order_ids ##### Expiration ##### Function ##### Name __paypal_sdk_storage__ ##### Expiration ##### Function ##### Name eppBack ##### Expiration ##### Function ##### Name wpstg_faq_collapsed ##### Expiration ##### Function ##### Name wpstg_cli_windows_shell ##### Expiration ##### Function ##### Name wistia-viewer-preferences ##### Expiration ##### Function ##### Name wpstg_cli_preferred_os ##### Expiration ##### Function ##### Name _pmw_session_data ##### Expiration ##### Function ##### Name context.showCategories ##### Expiration ##### Function ##### Name mi_cache_registry ##### Expiration ##### Function ##### Name monsterinsights_sitespeed_current_device ##### Expiration ##### Function ##### 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Browser and Device based Consent When you visit our website for the first time, we will show you a pop-up with an explanation about cookies. You do have the right to opt-out and to object against the further use of non-functional cookies. ### 4.1 Manage your opt-out preferences You have loaded the Cookie Policy without javascript support. On AMP, you can use the manage consent button on the bottom of the page. ## 5. Enabling/disabling and deleting cookies You can use your internet browser to automatically or manually delete cookies. You can also specify that certain cookies may not be placed. Another option is to change the settings of your internet browser so that you receive a message each time a cookie is placed. For more information about these options, please refer to the instructions in the Help section of your browser. Please note that our website may not work properly if all cookies are disabled. If you do delete the cookies in your browser, they will be placed again after your consent when you visit our website again. ## 6. Your rights with respect to personal data You have the following rights with respect to your personal data: - you may submit a request for access to the data we process about you; - you may object to the processing; - you may request an overview, in a commonly used format, of the data we process about you; - you may request correction or deletion of the data if it is incorrect or not or no longer relevant, or to ask to restrict the processing of the data. To exercise these rights, please contact us. Please refer to the contact details at the bottom of this Cookie Policy. If you have a complaint about how we handle your data, we would like to hear from you. For more information about your rights with respect to personal data, please refer to our [Privacy Statement](https://homeschoolplanet.com/privacy-statement-us/) ## 7. Contact details For questions and/or comments about our Cookie Policy and this statement, please contact us by using the following contact details: iPurchasePower, Inc. 2995 Woodside Road, Suite 400-401 Woodside, CA 94062 United States Website: Email: support@ex.comhomeschoolplanet.com Phone number: 650.275.2488 This Cookie Policy was synchronized with [cookiedatabase.org](https://cookiedatabase.org/) on September 12, 2026. --- ### [Educational Savings Accounts and Homeschool Planet](https://homeschoolplanet.com/educational-savings-accounts/) **Published:** August 8, 2025 **Author:** Shawna Wingert **Content:** ## Use State Funds and access our exclusive online curriculum and lesson plan packages . Homeschool Planet’s new Literature Curriculum Package and All-In-One ReadyMade School Packages give you access to the homeschool lesson plans you need, with the convenience of paying with state funds. [Literature Package](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/literature-package/)[ReadyMade School](https://homeschoolplanet.com/all-in-one-homeschool-lesson-plans/) ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/HSP-Exclusive-Curriculum-Instagram.png) ### Educational Savings Accounts can help families pay for educational expenses using state scholarship and funding programs. Not every state offers this type of program, so we recommend you confirm your child’s eligibility for state funds below. [![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/choose_act_logo.png)](https://classwallet.com/alchoose/) #### **Alabama CHOOSE Act** The Creating Hope and Opportunity for Our Students’ Education Act of 2024 (The CHOOSE Act) is administered by the Alabama Department of Revenue (ALDOR). Funds cover tuition, fees, and other educational supplies, including your Homeschool Planet Lesson Plans and Planner. [![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/ADE-Seal-Logo-R0323-FINAL_HORIZ_1-4800x1275-1-1024x272.png)](https://www.azed.gov/esa) #### **Arizona Empowerment Scholarship Account** Arizona’s ESA program is one of the most flexible programs in the nation. Parents are given the autonomy to choose what will best meets their child’s needs. State funds can be used to cover tuition, supplies, tutoring, and curricula. [![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/DESE-logo-with-text-655x166-1.png)](https://dese.ade.arkansas.gov/Offices/office-of-school-choice-and-parent-empowerment/education-freedom-accounts/information-for-families) #### **Arkansas Education Freedom Account** The Arkansas Education Freedom Accounts (EFA) program is open to students from specific backgrounds, including those from the Succeed Scholarship Program, students with disabilities, foster care children, children experiencing homelessness, and children of military personnel, first responders, or law enforcement officers. Covered expenses include tuition and fees, curriculum, uniforms, technology, and more. [![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Screenshot-2025-09-09-at-90145-AM.png)](https://www.fldoe.org/schools/school-choice/k-12-scholarship-programs/ftc/pep-faqs.stml) #### **Florida’s Step Up For Students** Florida partners with Step Up For Students (SUFS) to manage scholarship opportunities, including those for homeschooled students. The Florida Personalized Education Program (PEP) is new an option under the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship. Parents direct the education of PEP students, and receive access to funds in an education savings account (ESA) for their homeschooled student. [![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/download-4.jpg)](https://nh.scholarshipfund.org/apply/nh-education-freedom-accounts/) #### **New Hampshire Education Freedom Accounts** Parents whose children are not enrolled full-time in public school and qualify under income limits can use New Hampshire’s Education Freedom Accounts to fund their child’s homeschool expenses. [![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/UFA-Provider-Virtual-Decal-BLUE-ORANGE-750x750-1-750x375-1-300x150.png)](https://schools.utah.gov/utahfitsallscholarship) #### **Utah Fits All Scholarship Program** Utah provides up to $8,000 through an educational savings account to K-12 students. State funds may be used for education expenses and services, materials, and curriculum costs. # Approved State Program Experts Our dedicated ESA specialist works directly with you to make the using your state funds as convenient and simple as possible. [Contact us for More information](mailto:shawna@homeschoolplanet.com) ![Everything A Homeschool Parent Needs, When They Need It, All in One Place image](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/HSP-General-1000x1000-1.png) ## We are ready to support you through every step of the process. Please provide a few key details and our ESA specialist will be in touch right away. [Contact our ESA Specialist Now](mailto:shawna@homeschoolplanet.com) --- ### [Homeschool ID Card](https://homeschoolplanet.com/homeschool-id-card/) **Published:** June 28, 2023 **Author:** Brett **Content:** ## **FREE Homeschool ID Cards** Print your own teacher and student Homeschool ID Cards for free. Perfect for taking advantage of educational savings offers, identification, and much more! [Print Your ID Cards Now](#create) ![free homeschool ID cards info](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Free-ID-Cards-for-Homeschool-Students-and-Teachers-Design-1-square-1024x1024.jpg) ### **The Benefits Of Having Student and Teacher Homeschool ID Cards** [Print Your ID Cards Now](#create) - Access teacher and student discounts at bookstores, museums, theme parks, restaurants, and more! - Provide proof of homeschooling - In case of emergency contact information - Identification documentation for minors ## **Create and print your free Homeschool ID Card now!** --- **School of Record Best Practices** - **1. Keep It Professional and Neutral** - Choose a name that would look good on a transcript or diploma. - Avoid overly whimsical names if you plan for your student to apply to colleges or jobs (e.g., “Rainbow Unicorn Academy” may raise eyebrows, while “Evergreen Academy” feels professional). - **2. Use Words Like “Academy,” “School,” “Institute,” or “Academy of Arts & Sciences”** - These lend credibility and make your homeschool sound like an established program. - Examples: *Oakwood Academy*, *Horizon Preparatory School*, *Riverside Christian Academy*. - **3. Think Long-Term** - The name will appear on **transcripts, diplomas, and possibly state paperwork**. Pick something that will still feel right in 5–10 years. - Avoid fads, inside jokes, or pop culture references. - **4. Check Your State’s Requirements** - Some states require you to register your homeschool as a “private school” and may have rules about naming (e.g., can’t use “University” or “State School”). - Make sure your chosen name isn’t already taken by a local district or private school. - **5. Keep It Short and Clear** - Long or complicated names may not fit well on ID cards or official documents. - Something in the 2–4 word range is usually best. Student ID Teacher ID ![Stem Student ID Card thumbnail](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/STEM-Student-ID-Sample.jpg) ![Red Student ID Card thumbnail](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Red-Student-ID-Sample.jpg) ![Patriotic Student ID Card thumbnail](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Patriotic-Student-ID-Sample.jpg) ![Girly Student ID Card thumbnail](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Girly-Student-ID-Sample-1.jpg) ![Generic Homeschool Student ID Card thumbnail](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Generic-Homeschool-ID-Sample-1.jpg) ![Garden Student ID Card thumbnail](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Garden-Student-ID-Sample.jpg) ![Compass Student ID Card thumbnail](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Compass-Student-ID-Sample.jpg) ![Arrows Student ID Card thumbnail](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Arrows-Student-ID-Sample-1.jpg) ![]() Upload Photo ![]() School Name Teacher Name Teacher's email address Student Name Grade Grade K 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 School Year2026-20272027-20282028-20292029-20302030-2031 Student's date of birth Print It Yourself - Free! Order A Plastic ID Card \* We are happy to provide this printable homeschool ID card absolutely free. If you instead prefer a professionally printed, PVC version, the button above allows you to order directly with our partner, Visual Village. **Note:** By printing or ordering a card, you agree to be added to Homeschool Planet's mailing list. You can unsubscribe from Homeschool Planet's mailings at any time. ![]() Upload Photo ![]() School Name Teacher Name Teacher's email address Title City State School Year2026-20272027-20282028-20292029-20302030-2031 Print It Yourself - Free! Order A Plastic ID Card \* We are happy to provide this printable homeschool ID card absolutely free. If you instead prefer a professionally printed, PVC version, the button above allows you to order directly with our partner, Visual Village. **Note:** By printing or ordering a card, you agree to be added to Homeschool Planet's mailing list. You can unsubscribe from Homeschool Planet's mailings at any time. * Please note: You may need to disable your ad blocker in order to print your ID card. ## Use your Free Homeschool ID Card to make field trips affordable and fun! ## Preparing for an upcoming field trip in your homeschool? Print your own free, homeschool student and teacher ID cards to take advantage of special discounts. It can even help you gain access to special, educator only tours and resources! [![educational and fun field trips](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Untitled-design-2023-10-06T112901.015-300x300.png)](https://homeschoolplanet.com/educational-field-trips-homeschoolers/) [Print Your Free ID Cards Now!](https://homeschoolplanet.com/homeschool-id-card/#create) --- ### [ReadyMade School](https://homeschoolplanet.com/ready-made-school/) **Published:** September 21, 2021 **Author:** Shawna Wingert **Content:** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/ReadyMade-School-Logo-Long-1-1024x410.png) # ReadyMade School: All Subject Lesson Plans from Homeschool Planet Whether you are just beginning your homeschool journey, or are an experienced homeschooler looking for a little more structure and support, ReadyMade School has what you need. ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/RMS-SQUARE-Planning-for-you.png) ## Everything you need for your entire homeschool year in just a few clicks. In less than an hour you can purchase all your curriculum, download your lesson plans into a digital planner, all with a ReadyMade School bundle. **You pick the homeschool approach and we provide an all in one lesson plan package that has everything you need for your homeschool year.** ## How It Works - Choose the homeschool approach that works best for your family – **Traditional, Faith Based, or Eclectic options currently available.** - Select your child’s grade level. - Then, you’ll then be prompted to choose a math program. **That’s it. You pick what works best for your family and we do the rest!** [![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/choosing-a-homeschool-style-that-works-for-your-family-1024x1024.png)](https://homeschoolplanet.com/all-in-one-homeschool-lesson-plans/) [![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/choosing-a-math-curriculum-for-your-family-3-1024x1024.png)](https://homeschoolplanet.com/choose-the-best-homeschool-math/) ## Ready Made School Options by Homeschool Style and Grade Level ### Traditional Faith Based All-In-One Packages - [![Traditional faith based studies all-in-one lesson plan - first grade in homeschool planet image](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Traditional-Faith-Based-Studies-first-768x768.jpg)](https://homeschoolplanet.com/rms-family/1st-grade-traditional-faith-based-all-in-one-homeschool-package/) ###### [1st Grade Traditional Faith Based All-In-One Homeschool Package](https://homeschoolplanet.com/rms-family/1st-grade-traditional-faith-based-all-in-one-homeschool-package/) - [![Traditional faith based studies all-in-one lesson plan - second grade in homeschool planet image](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Traditional-Faith-Based-Studies-second-768x768.jpg)](https://homeschoolplanet.com/rms-family/2nd-grade-traditional-faith-based-all-in-one-homeschool-package/) ###### [2nd Grade Traditional Faith Based All-In-One Homeschool Package](https://homeschoolplanet.com/rms-family/2nd-grade-traditional-faith-based-all-in-one-homeschool-package/) - [![Traditional faith based studies all-in-one lesson plan - third grade in homeschool planet image](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Traditional-Faith-Based-Studies-third-768x768.jpg)](https://homeschoolplanet.com/rms-family/3rd-grade-traditional-faith-based-all-in-one-homeschool-package/) ###### [3rd Grade Traditional Faith Based All-In-One Homeschool Package](https://homeschoolplanet.com/rms-family/3rd-grade-traditional-faith-based-all-in-one-homeschool-package/) - [![Traditional faith based studies all-in-one lesson plan - 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[![Traditional faith based studies all-in-one lesson plan - seventh grade in homeschool planet image](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Traditional-Faith-Based-Studies-seventh-768x768.jpg)](https://homeschoolplanet.com/rms-family/7th-grade-traditional-faith-based-all-in-one-homeschool-package/) ###### [7th Grade Traditional Faith Based All-In-One Homeschool Package](https://homeschoolplanet.com/rms-family/7th-grade-traditional-faith-based-all-in-one-homeschool-package/) - [![Traditional faith based studies all-in-one lesson plan - eighth grade in homeschool planet image](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Traditional-Faith-Based-Studies-eighth-768x768.jpg)](https://homeschoolplanet.com/rms-family/8th-grade-traditional-faith-based-all-in-one-homeschool-package/) ###### [8th Grade Traditional Faith Based All-In-One Homeschool Package](https://homeschoolplanet.com/rms-family/8th-grade-traditional-faith-based-all-in-one-homeschool-package/) - [![Traditional faith based studies all-in-one lesson plan - 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[![Traditional faith based studies all-in-one lesson plan - twelfth grade in homeschool planet image](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Traditional-Faith-Based-Studies-twelfth-768x768.jpg)](https://homeschoolplanet.com/rms-family/12th-grade-traditional-faith-based-all-in-one-homeschool-package/) ###### [12th Grade Traditional Faith Based All-In-One Homeschool Package](https://homeschoolplanet.com/rms-family/12th-grade-traditional-faith-based-all-in-one-homeschool-package/) ## Traditional Secular All-In-One Packages - [![Traditional secular studies all-in-one lesson plan package - first grade in homeschool planet image](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Traditional-Secular-Studies-first-768x768.png)](https://homeschoolplanet.com/rms-family/1st-grade-traditional-secular-all-in-one-homeschool-package/) ###### [1st Grade Traditional Secular All-In-One Homeschool Package](https://homeschoolplanet.com/rms-family/1st-grade-traditional-secular-all-in-one-homeschool-package/) - 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With no credit card required, you have nothing to lose. Sign up for your 30 day free trial today and find out just how easy homeschool planning can be! [Try It Today, No Strings Attached](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/) --- ### [Homeschool Planet App](https://homeschoolplanet.com/homeschool-planet-app/) **Published:** November 24, 2024 **Author:** Shawna Wingert **Content:** ## Homeschooling? We’ve got an app for that! Our NEW Homeschool Planet App revolutionizes the way homeschooling families manage their day-to-day activities, providing even greater flexibility, ease of use, and efficiency. It’s easy to use wherever and whenever you need it. ## Manage daily homeschool tasks, lesson plan, assign grades and more. ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG_5636-1.PNG)## Home, School, and Work Schedules ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG_5626-1.PNG)## Separate Parent and Student Log-Ins ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG_5628-1.PNG)## Integrated Lesson Plans From Top Homeschool Curriculum Publishers ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG_5632-1.PNG)## Grading, attendance, transcripts & more Created by Homeschoolers, For Homeschoolers ## Homeschooling just got easier. Take a look… [I Need This! IOS App Store](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/homeschool-planet/id6639586865)[I Need This! Google Play Store](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.homeschoolplanet.homeschoolplanet) ![homeschool planet app](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Different-By-Design-Learning-11.png) It’s so simple. ## Get Started Today! 01 ### Sign-up for a free trial of Homeschool Planet H[ERE](http://homeschoolplanet.com). You will need a Homeschool Planet account in order to log-in to the app. [Start your free trial. No credit card required](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/) 02 ### Download the app on your device. [Homeschool Planet in the App Store ](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/homeschool-planet/id6639586865) [Homeschool Planet in the Google Play Store](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.homeschoolplanet.homeschoolplanet) 03 ### **Use the app for day to day management!** The app is designed for daily tasks and on the go management. All other functionality is available in your desktop online planner. --- ### [Communication preferences](https://homeschoolplanet.com/communication-preferences/) **Published:** March 14, 2024 **Author:** Homeschool Planet **Content:** \[automatewoo\_communication\_preferences\] --- ### [Redeem](https://homeschoolplanet.com/redeem/) **Published:** January 23, 2019 **Author:** Joe **Content:** ## Thank you for your purchase of Homeschool Planet or your Homeschool Planet lesson plans. Please enter your redemption codes, one at a time, in the space below: Redeem Redeemed Codes When you've entered all your codes, click Done. Done --- ### [Free Versus Premium](https://homeschoolplanet.com/free-versus-premium/) **Published:** June 26, 2019 **Author:** Brett **Content:** [Free versus Premium Comparison Chart](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Free-versus-Premium-Comparison-Chart-1.pdf) --- ### [Support](https://homeschoolplanet.com/support/) **Published:** November 14, 2022 **Author:** Joe **Content:** Dashboard Ticket List New Ticket My Profile Logout Ticket List --- ### [User Guide with Video Tutorials](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/) **Published:** February 27, 2020 **Author:** Robyn **Content:** \[epkb-knowledge-base id=1\] --- ### [Shop](https://homeschoolplanet.com/shop/) **Published:** October 6, 2018 **Author:** Homeschool Planet --- ### [RMS Family](https://homeschoolplanet.com/rms-family/) **Published:** September 21, 2021 **Author:** Joe **Content:** \[hsp\_rms\_family\] --- ### [Lesson Plan Family](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lp-family/) **Published:** October 31, 2018 **Author:** Homeschool Planet **Content:** \[hsp\_lp\_family\] --- ## User Guide ### [Create Family Profiles](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/step-2-setting-up-family-profiles/) **Published:** November 19, 2020 **Author:** Robyn **Content:** The next step to setting up your Homeschool Planet account is to set up your Family Profiles. This will let you control profiles as well as help you utilize some of the features used by profiles. To get started with Family Profiles see the directions below! ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Create-Family-Profiles-no-arrow-1024x576.jpg) ### **Family Profile Set-up** 1. Click on the “My Family” link on the left hand side of the Homeschool Planet page. 2. Add info for your own account on the first screen. 3. To add an additional profile to your family click the add icon on the blank profile. 4. The only required field is that you add a first name but you can also add additional information to enable more features for each family member. 1. If you choose to **add an email address** you can then choose to have Homeschool Planet send them a daily or weekly digest email. A digest is a summary of his or her schedule for the day or week. You will also be able to send them emails from within the Messages widget. You will also be able to schedule reminders for specific events or assignments to be delivered to them by email. 2. You can also **add a cell phone number**. This is not required but if you do add a cell phone number you will be able to send text messages and reminders directly from Homeschool Planet. 3. You can **upload a photo** for your family member by choosing the Upload Photo button and then selecting a photo from your computer. You can crop the photo before selecting save. 4. **Select the grade** your student is in for use with Transcripts and Report Cards and other records, or the Not a Student option if this family member is not a student. 5. **Select a color** for your family member to identify their classes, chores, and events. 5. In addition to the Basic Info tab Homeschool Planet has four other tabs, Attendance, Login, Classes, and Notes linked to each profile page. You can learn more about how to use those from their User Guide pages. 6. To change the order of your students simply drag and drop the photos across the top row into the order you desire. 7. When you have added all the family members you wish to add select save. You can come back and add, edit, or delete students at any time. ### **Family Profile Set-up** Screenshots: ![Selecting the “My Family” link in the left hand corner of your Homeschool Planet planner](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/Create-Family-Profiles-1.jpg) ![Selecting “add” button to create a new profile](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/Create-Family-Profiles-2.jpg) ![Adding an email address/phone number to send messages to your student from Homeschool Planet](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/Create-Family-Profiles-3.jpg) ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/Create-Family-Profiles-4.jpg) ### Profile Set-up Video Tutorial: *As always, feel free to reach out to us with any questions at . We are here to help you!* #### **Here are other actions to take when just getting started using Homeschool Planet:** - [Setting Up Your School Year](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/setting-up-a-school-year/) - [Add an Integrated Lesson Plan](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/adding-a-plug-in-lesson-plan/) - [Create a Lesson Plan](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/step-2-setting-up-family-profiles/) - [Customize Your Background Theme](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/customizing-display-settings/) - [Setting Up Attendance Tracking](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/attendance-tracking/) - [Tracking Class and Activity Hours](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/tracking-class-and-activity-hours/) --- ![Homeschool Planet the world's best planner button](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/728x90-1.png) Not a Subscriber yet? Check out Homeschool Planet for yourself with a [30-day FREE trial](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/). No credit card information is necessary to give it a try! ![A growing collection of plug-in lesson plans for popular curricula](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/HSP-Marketplace-Logo-Image-1.png) **Categories:** Getting Started **Tags:** Student Profiles, Getting Started, User Guide --- ### [Tracking Class and Activity Hours](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/tracking-class-and-activity-hours/) **Published:** February 29, 2020 **Author:** Robyn **Content:** Homeschool Planet can track and report class hours with a convenient clock icon that lets you see exactly which items you are tracking. To get started tracking the hours your student spends on academic work, activities, (or even chores!) see the directions below! ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Tracking-Class-and-Activity-Hours-no-arrow-1024x576.jpg) ### **Hours Tracking Set-up** 1. Click the “Settings” icon on the upper right of your screen. 2. Choose “Track Class Hours”. 3. To track hours check the box which reads, “I want to track and report hours for my classes.” 4. Determine whether the Assignment Method or the Class Method is a better option for your family. Choose the option you will use the most often in this setting. You will be able to override your general selection for individual classes and activities. \*Assignment Method~ this setting will allow you to track and record the time spent on individual assignments. \*Class Method- this setting will record just the total time spent on a class each day. 5. Choose your preferred time format from the three options: \*Clock time (0:30, 1:00, 1:15) \*Clock time as text (30m, 1h, 1h 15m) \*Decimal time (0.5, 1.00, 1.25) 6. Click “Save” and the initial set-up for hours tracking is complete. ![How to track hours in your homeschool planner screenshot 2](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/Setting-Up-Tracking-Hours-2.jpg) ![How to track hours in your homeschool planner screenshot 2](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/Setting-Up-Tracking-Hours-2.jpg) ### **Set-up for a Class or Activity** 1. When you are setting up a new Class you will be automatically taken to the Create Class (Edit) Screen. If you are adding or adjusting the tracking of hours to an existing Class click on the class/activity in the planner, and then select “Edit”. 2. In the edit screen you will see tabs across the top, select the “Track Hours” tab. 3. You will select the check mark for the “Track hours spent on this class” selection, if it is not already checked. 4. You will have two choices~ Assignment Method and Class method, as described above in the first section of this post. Your general choice made during initial set-up will be selected but you may override that decision for this individual Class or Activity here. 5. Next enter a default time on the line which reads, “If I don’t enter a time for an individual assignment or class, use XX minutes.” This time will be automatically added to all assignments and classes on days you do not enter a specific time count but may be overridden at any time. 6. For the class method, a chart will appear where you can choose the date range, and how much time you want spent each day for that class. 7. When you are finished, click “Save and Close”. 8. The tracking time clock will now be added to each class in the top right corner. ![How to track hours in your homeschool planner screenshot 3](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/Setting-up-Tracking-Hours-3.jpg) ![How to track hours in your homeschool planner screenshot 4](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/Setting-up-Tracking-Hours-4.jpg) ![How to track hours in your homeschool planner screenshot 5](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/Setting-up-Tracking-Hours-5.jpg) ### **Recording Time Spent on Classes and Activities** 1. Each class that you have set up hours tracking for will have a small blue clock icon, which when selected, will pull up a box for you to enter the amount of time spent on the Activity, Class, or Assignment. \*If you are tracking hours by the Class Method you will see this clock in the right hand corner of the box containing that class. \*If you are tracking hours by the Assignment Method the clock will be between the check box and Assignment for each individual Assignment. 2. Times are rounded to 5 minute intervals. Simply click on the appropriate time entry. ![How to track hours in your homeschool planner screenshot 6](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/Setting-up-Tracking-Hours-6.jpg) ![How to track hours in your homeschool planner screenshot 7](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/Setting-up-Tracking-Hours-7.jpg) ### Video Tutorial *As always, feel free to reach out to us with any questions at . We are here to help you!* ### **For more detailed info about using the Tracking Hours Feature you may find the following entries helpful:** - [Class Hours Reports](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/creating-class-hours-reports/) - [Printing Class Hours Reports](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-a-class-hours-report/) ### **Here are other actions to take when just getting started using Homeschool Planet:** - [Setting Up Your School Year](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/setting-up-a-school-year/) - [Create Family Profiles](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/step-2-setting-up-family-profiles/) - [Add an Integrated Lesson Plan](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/adding-a-plug-in-lesson-plan/) - [Create a Lesson Plan](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/create-a-lesson-plan/) - [Customize Your Background Theme](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/customizing-display-settings/) - [Setting Up Attendance Tracking](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/attendance-tracking/) ![Homeschool Planet World's best planner button](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/728x90-1.png) Not a Subscriber yet? Check out Homeschool Planet for yourself with a [30-day FREE trial](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/). No credit card information is necessary to give it a try! [![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/HSP-Marketplace-Logo-Image-1.png)](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/) **Categories:** Getting Started **Tags:** Hours Tracking, Set Up, User Guide --- ### [Setting Up Attendance Tracking](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/attendance-tracking/) **Published:** February 29, 2020 **Author:** Robyn **Content:** Setting up Attendance Tracking and keeping records of what day your student participates in academic activities is a snap with your Homeschool Planet homeschool planning software! Directions, pictures included, are below to help you track this vital information about your student! ![Attendance Tracking in your homeschool planner](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Attendance-Tracking-no-arrow-1024x576.jpg) ### Setting Up Attendance Tracking 1. Click on the “My Family” link above the pictures on the left side of the planner. \* If you have customized the “My Family” text it may read as something else, likely your family’s name. \* Didn’t customize that yet and want to? See directions to customize your display settings [here](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/customizing-display-settings/)! 2. In the “Manage Family” screen, you will see all of your students across the top. 3. Complete these next steps for each student you wish to track attendance for. \* Click on their name and then click on the “Attendance” tab. \* You will see a checkbox at the top that says, “Track attendance for (students name)”. You will want to check this box if you want to track their attendance. \* Repeat for additional students. \* To STOP tracking attendance you can enter the system the same way and de-select the check box. 4. There will be a chart below that shows you how many school days at that time have been attended, how many are remaining and how many there are in total. 5. A calendar below the chart will show you what days have been marked. A green check mark indicates attendance, while a red X indicates the student was marked absent. All choices can be over-ridden in this screen. ### Set-Up Screenshot Images ![Setting Up Attendance Tracking 1](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/Getting-Started-Attendance-1.jpg) ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/Getting-Started-Attendance-2.jpg) ![Setting Up Attendance Tracking 3](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/Getting-Started-Attendance-3.jpg) ### Tracking Attendance Each Day Once you have enabled attendance tracking for a student you will see their name, with a small check box, at the beginning of your untimed events for each day. A check mark will appear each day by default. Uncheck the box to indicate that a student was absent on that day. ### Viewing and Editing the Attendance Record 1. First, access the Attendance Screen. There are two primary ways to do this. \* While in the Calendar or Planning View if you hover your mouse over a name with attendance tracking a small calendar icon will appear. Click on the calendar icon and you will immediately be taken to the Attendance tab of that person’s account. \* You may also access Attendance Tracking by selecting the icon or picture on the left hand side of the screen of the person you want an attendance record for. Choose “Edit Profile” and then select the Attendance tab. 2. Simply click on any date to change its current status. Days will toggle between attended, shown by a green check mark, and un-attended, shown by a red X. 3. After any changes are made simply select “Save and Close” and then go to the next activity you wish to complete. ### Viewing and Editing Attendance Screenshot ![Setting Up Attendance Tracking 5](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/Getting-Started-Attendance-4.jpg) ### To Print an Attendance record select the Print button in the Upper Right hand corner of the attendance screen. ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/Getting-Started-Attendance-5.jpg) ### Video Tutorial *As always, feel free to reach out to us with any questions at . We are here to help you!* ### **If you plan to use the Attendance Tracking feature you may find the following entry helpful:** - [Printing Attendance Records](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-attendance-records/) ### **Here are other actions to take when just getting started using Homeschool Planet:** - [Setting Up Your School Year](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/setting-up-a-school-year/) - [Create Family Profiles](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/step-2-setting-up-family-profiles/) - [Add an Integrated Lesson Plan](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/adding-a-plug-in-lesson-plan/) - [Create a Lesson Plan](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/create-a-lesson-plan/) - [Customize Your Background Theme](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/attendance-tracking/) - [Tracking Class and Activity Hours](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/tracking-class-and-activity-hours/) ![Homeschool Planet World's best planner button](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/728x90-1.png) Not a Subscriber yet? Check out Homeschool Planet for yourself with a [30-day FREE trial](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/). No credit card information is necessary to give it a try! [![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/HSP-Marketplace-Logo-Image-1.png)](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/) **Categories:** Getting Started **Tags:** Attendance, Getting Started, User Guide --- ### [Daily & Weekly Digests](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/daily-weekly-digests/) **Published:** May 19, 2022 **Author:** Robyn **Content:** **A favorite feature of Homeschool Planet users is the ability to have the schedule for a given day or week automatically emailed directly to you, a student, or another parent. Learn about how this helpful feature works below.** ![Account User Guide](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Account-top-1024x576.png) ### Set the Time and Days Digests Send 1. Choose General from the Settings menu at the top of your planner and select the Email tab in the center of the pop-up. 2. Select the time you would like digests to send. *Note: All digests sent after 12:00 pm will include the schedule for the next day.* 3. If you have selected Weekly Digests, you can also choose which day they are sent from the drop-down menu. 4. The last choice is whether you would like Digests sent even on days when there are no assignments. 5. Finally select Save from the lower right hand corner. ### **Setting up Digests in Profiles** 1. To set up Daily or Weekly Digests go to the profile page of the person you wish to enable this feature for by selecting their picture on the left hand side of your screen and clicking Edit Profile. 2. On the *Basic Info* tab click the box next to either Daily or Weekly Digests to enable them. *Note: If you would like to turn off digests just click an already checked box.* 3. When turning on Digests for a student you can opt to have them receive all student’s schedules, in addition to their own. 4. That’s how easy it is to turn Digests off and on. ### **Digest** Screenshots ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/Daily-Digests-1.jpg) ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/Daily-Digest-2.jpg) ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/Daily-Digest-3.jpg) ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/Daily-Digest-4.jpg) ### Daily & Weekly Digest Video Tutorial ***As always, feel free to reach out to us with any questions at . We are here to help you!*** ### **See the following entries for help with related topics:** - [**Assignments Not Showing up in Digests**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/assignments-not-showing-up-in-digests/) - **[Changing an Email Address](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/change-an-email-address/)** - **[Changing a Student Email or Password](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/changing-a-student-email-or-password/)** - **[Student Logins and Passwords](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/student-logins-and-passwords/)** - **[Adding a Reminder](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/add-a-reminder/)** - **[Messages Widget](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/messages-widget/)** **Not a Subscriber yet? Check out Homeschool Planet for yourself with a [30-day FREE trial](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/). No credit card information is necessary to give it a try!** ![Homeschool Planet World's best planner button](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/728x90-1.png) **With [Homeschool Planet lesson plans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/), homeschooling has never been easier!** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/HSP-Marketplace-Logo-Image-1.png) **Categories:** Account, Getting Started --- ### [Customize Your Background Theme](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/customizing-display-settings/) **Published:** March 25, 2020 **Author:** Robyn **Content:** Now that you have added a School Calendar and your Family Profile the next step to setting up your Homeschool Planet account is to add a personalized background theme. You can change the theme as often as you like and choose from our array of seasonal and whimsical options. See the directions below to customize your theme today! ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Customize-Your-Background-Theme-no-arrow-1024x576.jpg) ### **Choosing a Theme for Your Planner** 1. Select Theme, Font & Colors from the Settings drop-down menu, located at the top right of the Homeschool Planet page. 2. The many Homeschool Planet themes are organized into convenient folders. You can look through all themes by selecting All Themes or select the category of themes that interests you most from the dropdown box. 3. Scroll through the options and simply click on the selection of the background you prefer. 4. Hit Save, found in the lower right hand corner. 5. That’s it! You now have a new background theme! You can change background themes as often as you like by following the steps above. 6. You can also change the Font for your planner using the same steps in the Fonts tab. 7. Other family members who have been given their own login can customize their themes by following the same steps. ### **Choosing Your Theme** Screenshots ![Choosing Your Theme in homeschool planet step 1 image](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/Getting-Started-Background-Theme-1.jpg) ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/Getting-Started-Background-Theme-2.jpg) ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/Getting-Started-Background-Theme-3.jpg) ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/Getting-Started-Background-Theme-4.jpg) ### Customizing Your Theme Video Tutorial *As always, feel free to reach out to us with any questions at . We are here to help you!* ### **Here is a related entry about background themes:** - [Adding a Custom Photo To Your Theme](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/adding-a-custom-theme/) ### **Here are other actions to take when just getting started using Homeschool Planet:** - [Setting Up Your School Year](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/setting-up-a-school-year/) - [Create Family Profiles](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/step-2-setting-up-family-profiles/) - [Add an Integrated Lesson Plan](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/adding-a-plug-in-lesson-plan/) - [Create a Lesson Plan](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/create-a-lesson-plan/) - [Setting Up Attendance Tracking](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/attendance-tracking/) - [Tracking Class and Activity Hours](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/tracking-class-and-activity-hours/) ![Homeschool Planet the world's best planner button](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/728x90-1.png) Not a Subscriber yet? Check out Homeschool Planet for yourself with a [30-day FREE trial](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/). No credit card information is necessary to give it a try! [![A growing collection of plug-in lesson plans for popular curricula](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/HSP-Marketplace-Logo-Image-1.png)](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/) **Categories:** Getting Started **Tags:** Themes, Background --- ### [Add an Integrated Lesson Plan](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/adding-a-plug-in-lesson-plan/) **Published:** December 9, 2020 **Author:** Robyn **Content:** Now that you have added a [School Year Calendar](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/setting-up-a-school-year/), set up your [Family Profile](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/step-2-setting-up-family-profiles/), and selected a [Background Theme](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/customizing-display-settings/) it is time to apply the free plug-in lesson plan you selected with your Homeschool Planet Free Trial. To apply your lesson plan see the directions below! ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Integrated-Lesson-Plan-no-arrow-1024x576.jpg) ### **Applying Plug-In Lesson Plans** 1. After logging into your account, click on the drop-down menu labeled “Calendar” in the upper left-hand side of your screen and choose the “Lesson Plans” option. 2. On this screen, you will see all your lesson plans listed in two sections, one for your “Purchased Lesson Plans” (those you have purchased from the Marketplace) and the other for “My Lesson Plans” (those that you have either created from a class or made from scratch). If you did not purchase any additional lesson plans when you opened your free trial you will see just that plan. 3. Select the “Apply this lesson plan” text link to the far right of the plan name. 4. The next window will ask “Would you like to create a new class based on this lesson plan, or apply this lesson plan to an existing class?” 1. If you choose to create a new class for this lesson plan make sure “Create a new class” is selected and click “Next.” 1. The next window will ask “Which assignments do you want to include?” 2. If the “All assignments in the lesson plan” option is chosen, click the “Next” button. 3. If the “Only the assignments I select” option is selected, a list of the plan’s assignments will appear. Select which assignments you want as well as if you would like to “include notes” when the plan is applied by checking or unchecking the boxes. When you are satisfied with your selections, click the “Next” button. 4. The next window will ask, “What is the subject of the class?” 1. Select a subject on the given list (a checkmark will appear to the right of the subject to show you which subject is selected) or create a new subject by clicking on the “Add Subject” button. 2. If you choose to add a subject, you will then be prompted to choose a color to represent the subject and to name that subject. Click “OK” to confirm your color and subject name. 3. Click the “Next” button. 2. If you choose to add this lesson plan to an existing class make sure “Apply to an existing class” is selected and click “Next.” 1. You will then be asked “To which class do you want to apply this lesson plan?” and you will see a list of previously created class that you can apply this lesson plan to. 2. Select the class you want to add this lesson plan to and click “Next.” 5. In the next window, you will be asked “To whom do you want to assign this class?” Check the box(es) beside the appropriate student(s), and click the “Next” button. 6. The next window will ask “What is the schedule for the class?” Select the options that fit your needs, then click the “OK” button in the lower right of the window. 7. A confirmation window will pop-up. Select the “OK” button and your lesson plan will now be applied to your planner. **A few things to note:** - Purchased lesson plans from the Marketplace have a specific number of days and weeks recommended by the publisher but you can select the number of days per week you wish to utilize the plan. - If you already have applied a lesson plan, or started a class to your calendar their will be additional options. You can learn more about lesson plans in the Lesson Plan section of the User Guide. - Editing of plans can be done after they have been applied to your planner, including adding grading categories if they were not part of the original lesson plan. - You can ABSOLUTELY create your own lesson plans for Homeschool Planet! Check out the entry on using the [Assignment Generator](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/assignment-generator/) to learn more about that! ### **Adding a Lesson Plan** Screenshots: ![Selecting “Lesson “Plans” from the drop down menu in the upper left-hand corner of your planner](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/Add-and-Integrated-Lesson-Plan-1.jpg) ![Selecting “Apply this lesson plan” to the right of the lesson plan you wish to apply](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/Add-and-Integrated-Lesson-Plan-2.jpg) ![Choosing whether to include all or some of the assignments for the lesson plan you’re applying](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/Add-an-Integrated-Lesson-Plan-3.png) ![Selecting the subject of the lesson plan you’re applying](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/Add-an-Integrated-Lesson-Plan-4.png) ![Selecting the student(s) you wish to include in a class while applying a lesson plan](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/Add-an-Integrated-Lesson-Plan-5.png) ![Selecting date options while applying a lesson plan](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/Add-an-Integrated-Lesson-Plan-6-1.png) ### Adding a Lesson Plan Video Tutorial: ***As always, feel free to reach out to us with any questions at . We are here to help you!*** ### **Here are other actions to take when just getting started using your Homeschool Planet planner:** - [Setting Up Your School Year](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/setting-up-a-school-year/) - [Create Family Profiles](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/step-2-setting-up-family-profiles/) - [Create a Lesson Plan](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/create-a-lesson-plan/) - [Customize Your Background Theme](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/customizing-display-settings/) - [Setting Up Attendance Tracking](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/attendance-tracking/) - [Tracking Class and Activity Hours](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/tracking-class-and-activity-hours/) --- ![Homeschool Planet World's best planner button](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/728x90-1.png) Not a Subscriber yet? Check out Homeschool Planet for yourself with a [30-day FREE trial](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/). No credit card information is necessary to give it a try! [![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/HSP-Marketplace-Logo-Image-1.png)](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/) **Categories:** Getting Started **Tags:** Getting Started, Lesson Plans --- ### [Setting Up Your School Year](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/setting-up-a-school-year/) **Published:** September 5, 2020 **Author:** Robyn **Content:** The first step to setting up your Homeschool Planet account is to set up your School Year calendar. This will let you schedule classes, activities, lesson plans, and more as well as enable you to track attendance. To get started setting up your school year calendar see the directions below! ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Setting-Up-Your-School-Year-no-arrow-1024x576.jpg) ### **Setting Up Your School Year Calendar** 1. Click the “Settings” icon on the upper right of your screen. 2. Choose “School Year & Vacations.” 3. Choose “add a school year” to begin your set-up or “Add another school year” if one has already been created. 4. Select the title for your school year and enter it in the box labeled School year. \**The default will be the current academic school year or the next academic school year if one has already been created for the current school year.* 5. Choose the number of Reporting periods you would like to use in your school year. 6. Choose the date your school year will begin as well as the end date for each of your grading periods by using the calendar to the right of each date entry. \**New grading periods begin on the day following the end of another grading period.* 7. Check the days you wish to be part of your regular school schedule. \**Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday are the default days but you may select any days you wish.* *\*You will also be able to add or remove individual days on the calendar below the “Class days” selection boxes.* 8. Select any set of holidays from the drop-down menu to have those holidays added to your calendar. 9. Days with green check marks indicate school days and days with red x’s are vacation days. You may click on any box to change it from green to red and then back again. Blank days (those which are not regularly scheduled school days) may be clicked on to produce a green check mark (indicating it is a class day) and then clicked again to turn them blank again. 10. Move through the calendars using the arrows in the top corners of the calendar to add and remove dates from your school year. 11. You can track the total number of days in your school year with a convenient counter to the right hand side across from the “Class days” selection boxes. 12. When you are happy with your school year select **Save** from the lower right hand corner of the Settings Pop-up screen. 13. Repeat these steps each time you need to set up a new year! ### **School Year Calendar Screenshots** ![Selecting “school year & vacations” button in settings drop-down menu](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/Setting-up-your-school-year-1.png) ![Selecting “add a school year” button](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/Setting-up-your-school-year-2.png) ![Naming your school year and selecting number of grading periods](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/Setting-up-your-school-year-3.png) ![Selecting beginning/end date of your school year as well as holidays and ends of grading periods](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/Setting-up-your-school-year-4.png) ![Selecting off days in your homeschool calendar](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/Setting-up-your-school-year-5.png) ![Saving changes to your school year calendar button](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/Setting-up-your-school-year-6.png) ### School Year Calendar Video Tutorial *As always, feel free to reach out to us with any questions at . We are here to help you!* ### **Here are more entries related to your school year calendar:** - [Printing a School Year Calendar](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-a-school-year-calendar/) - [Changes to Your School Calendar](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/changes-to-your-school-calendar/) ### **Here are other actions to take when just getting started using Homeschool Planet:** - [Create Family Profiles](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/step-2-setting-up-family-profiles/) - [Add an Integrated Lesson Plan](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/adding-a-plug-in-lesson-plan/) - [Create a Lesson Plan](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/create-a-lesson-plan/) - [Customize Your Background Theme](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/customizing-display-settings/) - [Setting Up Attendance Tracking](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/attendance-tracking/) - [Tracking Class and Activity Hours](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/tracking-class-and-activity-hours/) --- ![Homeschool Planet World's best planner button](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/728x90-1.png) Not a Subscriber yet? Check out Homeschool Planet for yourself with a [30-day FREE trial](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/). No credit card information is necessary to give it a try! [![Homeschool Planet Marketplace logo - Homeschool Planet is the world's leading homeschool planning software - We work with these popular homeschool publishers and so many more image](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/HSP-Marketplace-Logo-Image-1024x683.png)](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/) **Categories:** Getting Started **Tags:** Calendar Set Up, User Guide --- ### [How Many Students Can I Have?](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/how-many-students-can-i-have/) **Published:** May 7, 2021 **Author:** Robyn **Content:** **Wondering if you can use a single subscription for more than one student? Happily, the answer is YES! See below for more information.** ![Account User Guide](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Account-top-1024x576.png) ### **Homeschool Planet Subscriptions** Homeschool Planet’s most popular subscription is licensed for single-family use. This means that one subscription provides access for your entire \*household, each with their own unique schedule. Homeschool Planet also offers a variety of licenses for teachers, co-ops, micro-schools, and small schools. \*By “household” we mean a person or persons sharing the same single family housing unit such as a home, apartment, mobile home or condominium. This license does not extend to students who reside at a separate on-campus location or to business or commercial users. If you are interested in learning more about, Single Teacher, Co-op and Micro-School licenses check out our Subscription Options page, [found here](https://homeschoolplanet.com/homeschool-planet-subscription-options/). Still have questions? Please feel free to reach out to us at support@homeschoolplanet.com so we can help you find the license that works best for your situation. ***As always, feel free to reach out to us with any questions at . We are here to help you!*** ### **See the following entries for help with related questions you may have about your Account:** - **[Accessing Account Info](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/accessing-account-info/)** - **[Changing an Email Address](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/change-an-email-address/)** - **[Changing a Password](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/changing-a-password/)** - **[Changing Payment Info](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/changing-payment-info/)** - **[Changing from Monthly to an Annual Subscription](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/changing-from-monthly-to-an-annual-subscription/)** - **[Subscribing after a Free Trial](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/subscribing-after-a-free-trial/)** - **[How to Cancel your Subscription](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/how-to-cancel-your-subscription/)** **Not a Subscriber yet? Check out Homeschool Planet for yourself with a [30-day FREE trial](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/). No credit card information is necessary to give it a try!** ![Homeschool Planet World's best planner button](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/728x90-1.png) **With [Homeschool Planet lesson plans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/), homeschooling has never been easier!** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/HSP-Marketplace-Logo-Image-1.png) **Categories:** Account --- ### [Deleting a Class](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/delete-a-class/) **Published:** August 12, 2021 **Author:** Robyn **Content:** **There are many reasons to delete a class from your schedule (a change in courses, an early completion, a newer version of your curriculum, a class misapplied, etc.) and with Homeschool Planet you can delete a single day of a class, an entire class, or a portion of a class. Find out how below!** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Classes-top-1024x576.png) **Deleting a Class Directions** 1. After logging into your account, locate the class you need to delete, click on the class title, then choose the “Delete” option. 2. When the pop-up window opens, choose one of the following options: 1. Every day – This option deletes ALL instances of this class, including those in the past. It will erase any progress or grades that were previously recorded. You will be given a second confirmation screen. Select “Yes – delete it” to complete deleting the class. 2. Every day going forward – This option keeps previous assignments intact but removes all future assignments. It is the appropriate option when you want to keep a record of completed work but no longer need future assignments. There will not be a second confirmation- once you select this option the future assignments will be gone. 3. Just this day – Deletes only today’s assignment. This will delete the assignments which are scheduled on the day you selected from the calendar. There is no confirmation screen so only choose this option if you know you want the day’s assignments deleted. 4. Cancel. This option is in case you did not mean to select delete. Depending on which option you select, the “Reschedule Assignments” window may open asking you what you would like to do. Make your selection, then click the “OK” button in the lower right of the window. **Deleting a Class** Screenshots ![how to delete a class in your homeschool planner 1](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Deleting-a-Class-1.jpg) ![how to delete a class in your homeschool planner 2](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Deleting-a-Class-2.jpg) ![Delete a class in Homeschool Planet image 3](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Deleting-a-Class-3.jpg) **Deleting a Class Video Tutorial** ***As always, feel free to reach out to us with any questions at . We are here to help you!*** ### **For more information on setting up and using Classes in your Homeschool Planet account see the following entries:** - **[Lesson Plan or Class?](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/lesson-plan-or-class/)** - **[A Word about Subjects](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/a-word-about-subjects/)** - **[Adding a Class](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/adding-a-class/)** - **[Editing a Class](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/edit-a-class/)** - **[Changing a Class Schedule](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/change-a-class-schedule/)** - **[Changing the End Date of a Class](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/change-the-end-date-of-a-class/)** - **[Copying a Class](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/copy-a-class/)** - **[Adding a Field Trip](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/adding-a-field-trip/)** - **[Classes on Different Days and Times](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/classes-on-different-days-and-times/)** - **[Classes with More than 1 Student](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/classes-with-more-than-1-student/)** - **[Adding an Extra Day to a Class Outside Usual Schedule](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/add-an-extra-day-to-a-class-outside-usual-schedule/)** - **[Calendar View: 5 or 7 Day Week](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/calendar-view-5-or-7-day-week/)** - **[Setting Up Subjects](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/setting-up-subjects/)** **Not a Subscriber yet? Check out Homeschool Planet for yourself with a [30-day FREE trial](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/). No credit card information is necessary to give it a try!** ![Homeschool Planet World's best planner button](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/728x90-1.png) **With [Homeschool Planet lesson plans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/), homeschooling has never been easier!** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/HSP-Marketplace-Logo-Image-1.png) **Categories:** Classes --- ### [Printing Assignment Lists](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-assignment-lists/) **Published:** February 28, 2020 **Author:** Robyn **Content:** **The Assignment List is a useful tool which can be used by students to track upcoming assignments or as a record of completed assignments. To print this helpful report follow the directions below.** ![Homeschool Planet Printing User Guide](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Printing-top-1024x576.png) ### **Printing Assignment Lists** 1. To print a list of assignments, either upcoming, present, or previous, you will select the “Assignment List” from the Reports menu. *Please note that if you would like grades included on your report you will need to [print the Grade Report](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-grade-reports/). You can find more information about that [here](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-grade-reports/).* 2. Select “Customize” from the lower left hand corner to make all the appropriate selections and then select OK to be returned to the Assignment List. 3. Choose the layout you prefer for this Assignment List. 4. Now choose the print button in the right hand corner and enjoy your report! *The screenshots below show each of these steps.* **To learn more about the [Assignment List and customization](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/assignment-lists/) use this link!** ### **Screenshot Images** **![Printing Assignment Lists in your homeschool planner screenshot 1](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Printing-Assignment-Lists-1.jpg)** ![Printing Assignment Lists in Homeschool Planet screenshot 2](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Printing-Assignment-Lists-2.jpg) ![Printing Assignment Lists in Homeschool Planet screenshot 3](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Printing-Assignment-Lists-3.jpg) ![Printing Assignment Lists in Homeschool Planet screenshot 4](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Printing-Assignment-Lists-4.jpg) ![Printing Assignment Lists in Homeschool Planet screenshot 5](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Printing-Assignment-Lists-5-1.jpg) ### Printing an Assignment List Video Tutorial ***As always, feel free to reach out to us with any questions at . We are here to help you!*** ### **To learn more about Printing in Homeschool Planet, see the following links:** - **[Printing Basics](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-basics/)** - **[Printing Attendance Records](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-attendance-records/)** - **[Printing Class Hours Reports](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-a-class-hours-report/)** - **[Printing Grade Reports](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-grade-reports/)** - **[Printing Lesson Plans](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-lesson-plans/)** - **[Printing Report Cards](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-report-cards/)** - **[Printing Resource Lists](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-resource-lists/)** - **[Printing Transcripts](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-transcripts/)** - **[Printing to a PDF](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/saving-as-a-pdf-using-the-print-feature/)** - [**Printing School Year Calendars**](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-a-school-year-calendar/) ### **Not a Subscriber yet? Check out Homeschool Planet for yourself with a [30-day FREE trial](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/). No credit card information is necessary to give it a try!** ![Homeschool Planet the world's best planner button](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/728x90-1.png) **With [Homeschool Planet lesson plans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/), homeschooling has never been easier!** ![A growing collection of plug-in lesson plans for popular curricula](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/HSP-Marketplace-Logo-Image-1.png) **Categories:** Printing **Tags:** Assignment Lists, Printing, User Guide --- ### [Creating Report Cards](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/creating-a-report-card/) **Published:** February 29, 2020 **Author:** Robyn **Content:** **Creating a Report Card in your Homeschool Planet account is as easy as clicking a few buttons since your classes are automatically imported for you! Every field is customizable so that you can reflect all the items you want and only the items you want. To get started creating a Report Card today follow the directions below.** ![Homeschool Planner User Guides Reports](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Reports-top-1024x576.png) ### **Creating the Report Card** 1. Select “Reports” at the top of your screen and choose “Report Cards” from the drop-down menu. 2. Find the student’s name for which you wish to create a Report Card and click on the link “Add a report card for \[student’s name\].” The option to create a Report Card only appears for current students. If a student has been archived you will need to make their profile active again before creating a Report Card for them. 3. Choose the school year you wish to make a Report Card for and then select “OK”. 4. Once the “View/Edit Report Card” popup window is displayed, you will begin with the top third of the Report Card which contains general information. You can click on the “Edit” link in each section to edit each box to fit your needs; choosing the title of your report card, entering your school name and address, editing the grade level, and even the student’s name. 5. Next, in order to edit Class titles and Grades, begin by selecting the blue “Edit” next to the line reading Core Subjects. \* The classes listed should be all those your student is currently enrolled in which have grading enabled, for the selected school year. \* To delete a class from the Report Card simply choose the red “X” to the right of the entry. \* Your Report Card is divided into two grading sections by default~ Core Subjects and Elective Subjects. Classes follow the same settings you chose in the *Settings> Subjects* section at set-up. You may adjust any class to the opposite category by choosing the blue edit button next to the Core Subjects title. To make a subject a “Core” subject or not simply check or uncheck the box for that Class. If all classes are put in the same section (Core or Electives) only that section will appear on the Report Card. \* Adjust the name of any class by simply typing in the box where it is listed. \* The grade is automatically inserted from your Homeschool Planet records but may be changed by using the drop down boxes for each grading period. \* Additional Classes may be added using the “Add courses” button. \* When all changes to this section have been made select “Save” from the lower right hand corner. 6. The Notes section is for any extra info you would like to include on the Report Card. If there is no text within this section the box will not print. 7. When all edits are complete hit the Save button in the lower right hand corner. 8. To print your Report Card choose the Print button from the lower left hand corner. That’s it! The screenshots below show each of these steps. ### **Screenshot Images** ![Creating Report Cards in Homeschool Planet step 1](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Report-Cards-1.jpg) ![Creating Report Cards in Homeschool Planet step 2](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Report-Cards-2.jpg) ![Creating Report Cards in Homeschool Planet step 3](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Report-Cards-3.jpg) ![Creating Report Cards in Homeschool Planet step 4](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Report-Cards-4.jpg) ![Creating Report Cards in Homeschool Planet step 5](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Report-Cards-5.jpg) ### **Report Card Video Tutorial** ***As always, feel free to reach out to us with any questions at . We are here to help you!*** **Not a Subscriber yet? Check out Homeschool Planet for yourself with a [30-day FREE trial](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/). No credit card information is necessary to give it a try!** **With [Homeschool Planet lesson plans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/), homeschooling has never been easier!** ![A growing collection of plug-in lesson plans for popular curricula](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/HSP-Marketplace-Logo-Image-1.png) **Categories:** Reports **Tags:** Report Cards, Reports, User Guide --- ### [Creating Transcripts](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/creating-a-transcript/) **Published:** March 25, 2020 **Author:** Robyn **Content:** **You can begin Creating your Transcript as your child enters High School or wait until their Senior Year and do it all at once. Providing maximum flexibility, Homeschool Planet will automatically enter all courses in your homeschool planner, as well as allow you to add courses not in your Homeschool Planet planner. Get started cataloging your student’s achievements, with the directions below!** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Reports-top-1024x576.png) ### **Creating a Transcript** 1. Select Transcript from the Reports menu at the top of the planner. 2. Find the student’s name for which you wish to create a Transcript and click on the link “Add a transcript for \[student’s name\].” 3. Enter the graduation date for the student, even if it is a future graduation date, and select the number of years the Transcript will cover, then select “OK”. 4. Once the “View/Edit Transcript” pop-up window is displayed, you can click on the “Edit” link in each section to edit each box to fit your needs; entering your school name, entering further information for the student, adding courses to each year, etc. Virtually every area of this document is customizable. \* When clicking the Edit link for a specific grade, a pop up window will open to select the applicable school year for that grade. \* When the “Add Courses” button is selected the Custom Courses window will appear. Custom courses allows you to add any course that may not be in your Homeschool Planner, or which was in your planner but without grading set up. This section will also allow those who do not have any past school years set up to add courses. When you have finished adding Custom Classes hit Save to return to the previous pop-up window. 5. If you don’t enter text in the boxes marked “Honors and Awards” and “Notes” the boxes will not print so that they don’t look empty! 6. When you have completed your transcript, click the “Save” button (bottom right of pop-up window). There is a “Print” button available to print your Transcript (bottom left of pop-up window). There are further instructions for printing your Transcript [here](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-transcripts/). ### **Screenshot Images** ![Creating Transcripts in your homeschool planner](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Creating-Transcript-1.jpg) ![Creating Transcripts in your homeschool planner step 2](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Creating-Transcripts-2.jpg) ![Creating Transcripts in your homeschool planner step 3](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Creating-Transcripts-3.jpg) ![Creating Transcripts in your homeschool planner step 4](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Creating-Transcripts-4.jpg) ![Creating Transcripts in your homeschool planner step 5](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Creating-Transcripts-5.jpg) ![Creating Transcripts in your homeschool planner step 6](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Creating-Transcripts-6.jpg) ### A few things to consider~ 1. You can also update a previously created Transcript by following steps 1 and 2 above, then selecting the View/Edit link next to the graduation date of the Transcript. 2. Credits~ different states have different standards for credits allowed per course, or per number of hours, for awarded credit. Be sure to check what the standards are for the state you reside in. 3. GPA~ You may wish to indicate whether your student’s GPA is weighted or unweighted in the Notes box. You may also want to create TWO Transcripts, one with a weighted grade and another with an unweighted GPA as different learning institutions have different requirements. 4. You can leave a grade blank and have it say “In Progress” if the class is not finished or you don’t have a grade yet. It will not calculate the GPA to include this class but you can always go back in and change it once you do have the grade and the GPA will calculate accordingly. 5. Consider purchasing Transcript Paper for this important document. A quick Google search will bring up several establishments where this can be purchased. 6. We recommend you save a copy of your Transcript in PDF format on your computer’s hard drive so it is always available. If you need directions to this we have provided them [here.](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/saving-as-a-pdf-using-the-print-feature/) ### **Transcript Video Tutorial** ***As always, feel free to reach out to us with any questions at . We are here to help you!*** **Not a subscriber yet? Check out Homeschool Planet for yourself with a [30-day FREE trial](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/). No credit card information is necessary to give it a try!** ![Homeschool Planet World's best planner button](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/728x90-1.png) **With [Homeschool Planet lesson plans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/), homeschooling has never been easier!** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/HSP-Marketplace-Logo-Image-1.png) **Categories:** Reports **Tags:** Reports, Transcript, User Guide --- ### [Daily Bible Verse Widget](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/daily-bible-verse-widget/) **Published:** May 21, 2020 **Author:** Robyn **Content:** **Are you a family of faith that would like a Bible verse on your desktop to encourage you and your children? If so, the Homeschool Planet Daily Bible Verse Widget is for you! To find out how to apply this widget to your desktop and how select the version of Scripture you prefer keep reading.** ![Homeschool Planet Widgets User Guide button](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Widgets-top-1024x576.png) ### Adding & Using a Homeschool Planet Daily Bible Verse Widget - To add a Daily Bible Verse Widget to your desktop select the add a widget button and then from the drop down menu that reads, “Choose a Widget” select Daily Bible Verse. - Next, select the version of Scripture you prefer by clicking on the settings icon within the widget, choosing the Bible version you desire, and hitting OK. ~ The settings icon is the one that looks like a flower and is closet to the Daily Bible Verse header. - A different Bible verse will appear in your widget each morning. - If you would like to see the verse in context, or in another version, selecting the Scripture address within the widget will take you to the Bible Gateway website. ![Daily Bible Verse Widget 1](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Bible-Verse-Widget-1.jpg) ## Daily Bible Verse Widget Video Tutorial ***As always, feel free to reach out to us with any questions at . We are here to help you!*** ### **Here are other User Guide entries all about Homeschool Planet Widgets:** - **[Widget Basics](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/widget-basics/)** - **[Daily Quote Widget](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/daily-quote-widget/)** - [**Messages Widget**](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/messages-widget/) - **[Reading List Widget](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/reading-list-widget/)** - **[Shopping List Widget](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/shopping-list-widget/)** - **[To Do List Widget](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/to-do-list-widget/)** - **[Weather Widget](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/weather-widget/)** - **[Look-up Widget](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/look-up-widget/)** **Not a Subscriber yet? Check out Homeschool Planet for yourself with a [30-day FREE trial](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/). No credit card information is necessary to give it a try!** ![Homeschool Planet the world's best planner button](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/728x90-1.png) **With [Homeschool Planet lesson plans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/), homeschooling has never been easier!** ![A growing collection of plug-in lesson plans for popular curricula](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/HSP-Marketplace-Logo-Image-1.png) **Categories:** Widgets **Tags:** BIble, Desktop, Scripture, Widget --- ### [Assignment Lists](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/assignment-lists/) **Published:** February 29, 2020 **Author:** Robyn **Content:** **Create and customize an Assignment List so your students, or you, can track what needs to be completed in a day, week, month, or timeline that you specify with your Homeschool Planet planner. The step-by-step directions below will help you to customize this report so it works best for YOUR family’s needs!** ![Homeschool Planet Assignments User Guide](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Assignments-top-1024x576.png) At Homeschool Planet, users who want **a printout of work assigned** can choose between three basic formats. Each format can be printed for a single day, a week, or a month. Additionally it can be printed for one student at a time, all students, or a combination of students. Some parents want a printed list for their grammar students but allow their middle school and high school students to log into Homeschool Planet directly. Since each family has unique needs we have tried to create multiple options. We recommend you play around with views and combinations to find what suits your family the best. ### **The three formats for assignment printouts~** - ***An Assignment List*** is a list of individual assignments to be completed (or that have been completed) over a specific range of time. The assignments are in a list format down the page. It is printed in black and white. - ***The Planner View*** lists the same assignments in the same format as what you see on the screen while in Planner Mode. It is also in list format, but with much more “white space”~ some parents enjoy the less cluttered look and others find it takes too much paper to print using this format. It can be printed in black and white or in color. - ***The Calendar View*** prints again, like the format seen in the Calendar view on your computer screen. It looks more like a typical “planner” or “calendar” view with the days of the week across the top and the assignments for each day in columns under the appropriate headings. It also can be printed in black and white or color. ### **Screenshot images of the three types of assignment printouts~** ![Assignment printout option in Homeschool Planet](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Assignment-List-Report.jpg) ![Juliana's plan for week of March 29th in Homeschool Planet](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Assignment-List-Planner-View.jpg) ![Weekly lesson plan overview online in Homeschool Planet](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Assignment-List-Calendar-View.jpg) **Customizing Your Assignment List** 1. First select Assignment Lists from the Reports menu. 2. Next choose “customize” from the lower right hand corner. 3. Make selections for each of the drop down boxes. \* *Student*– decide which students you wish to be included in the Assignment List by placing a check mark next to their name. You will be able to separate the list by student (and have each one print on a separate page) later in these directions. \* *Subject/Category*– If you wish to limit the assignments or activities included select only those you desire with a check mark. If you want all items to appear you mean leave them all unchecked. \* *No Earlier Than/No Later Than*– The default is to print just “today’s” lessons. If you wish to change the date parameters do so by adjusting the dates included here. It can be in the past or in the future. \* *School Year*– Select the school year you wish to create the report for. \* *Category*– Limit the grading categories included by checking only those you wish to see in the report or leave them all unchecked to see all assignments. \* *Completion*– Choose whether to use completed assignments, uncompleted assignments, or both. \* *Resources*– Make the appropriate selection for which resources you desire to be included. \* Show Notes~ Choose whether you would like Notes included in your report and which Notes you would like to see. \* Select OK to save your choices. 4. There is a “Layout” menu across the top of the pop-up. Choose the option that best meets your needs. 5. Decide whether to have each students assignment list start on a new page and check the box in the bottom center of the pop-up if this is your pick. Unchecking the box will have all student’s lists roll into a continuous document. 6. Select Print from the lower right hand corner. ### **See Screenshots below for more help!** ![Assignment List 1](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Assignment-Lists-1.jpg) ![Assignment List 2](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Assignment-Lists-2.jpg) ![Assignment List 3](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Assignment-Lists-3.jpg) ![Assignment List 4](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Assignment-Lists-4.jpg) ![Assignment List 5](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Assignment-Lists-5.jpg) ### **Creating Assignment Lists Video Tutorial** ***As always, feel free to reach out to us with any questions at . We are here to help you!*** ### **For more User Guide entries about Assignments, please see the links below:** - [**Assignment Generator**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/assignment-generator/) - [**Rescheduling Helper**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/the-rescheduling-helper/) - [**Adding an Additional Assignment to a Day**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/add-an-additional-assignment/) - [**Same Assignment Every Day**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/adding-the-same-assignment-every-day/) - [**Creating Multiple Assignments per Day**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/creating-multiple-assignments-per-day/) - [**Adding Shared Assignments**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/add-shared-assignments/) - [**Adding Notes to Assignments**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/adding-notes-to-assignments/) - [**Adding a Reminder**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/add-a-reminder/) - [**Checking Off Future Assignments**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/checking-off-future-assignments/) - [**Delete an Assignment**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/deleting-a-single-assignment/) - [**Delete Multiple Assignments**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/deleting-multiple-assignments/) - [**Editing Assignments**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/editing-assignments/) - [**Hide Completed Assignments**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/hide-a-completed-assignment/) - [**Meaning of Colored Checkboxes**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/meaning-of-colored-checkboxes/) - [**Marking Several Assignments Complete**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/marking-several-assignments-complete/) - [**Moving Assignments**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/moving-assignments/) - [**Assignments Not Showing Up in Digests**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/assignments-not-showing-up-in-digests/) **Not a Subscriber yet? Check out Homeschool Planet for yourself with a [30-day FREE trial](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/). No credit card information is necessary to give it a try!** ![Homeschool Planet World's best planner button](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/728x90-1.png) **With [Homeschool Planet lesson plans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/), homeschooling has never been easier!** ![A growing collection of plug-in lesson plans for popular curricula](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/HSP-Marketplace-Logo-Image-1.png) **Categories:** Assignments, Reports **Tags:** Assignment List, Reports, User Guide --- ### [Create a Lesson Plan](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/create-a-lesson-plan/) **Published:** December 2, 2024 **Author:** Robyn **Content:** Whether you’re a homeschooling veteran or a newcomer, crafting effective lesson plans is essential for staying organized and keeping your students on track. In this article, we’ll walk you through how to create a custom lesson plan, from basic steps to advanced features. ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Create-A-Lesson-Plan-1024x576.png) ### **Create a Lesson Plan** After logging into your account, click on the drop-down menu labeled “Calendar” in the upper left-hand side of your screen and choose the “Lesson Plans” option. At the bottom of this page, you’ll find an option to Create My Own Lesson Plan. Click on this button to start building your lesson plan. You will be prompted with a pop-up that explains some key features of the platform. If you prefer not to see this message each time, you can select the option to hide it in the future. #### **Step 1: Name Your Lesson Plan** The first step is to give your lesson plan a title. For example, let’s say you’re creating a Spelling and Vocabulary plan for your student. You might name it “Spelling and Vocabulary 5.” The title should be clear and specific to the subject and grade level you’re planning for. #### **Step 2: Set the Frequency of the Plan** Next, decide how many days a week you want the lesson plan to run. You can choose between 1 to 7 days per week. For this example, let’s assume you’re planning for 5 days a week, since you want your student to work on spelling and vocabulary every weekday. #### **Step 3: Add Assignments** This is where things get interesting. You can either add assignments manually for each day or use the assignment generator to automate the process. **Manual Entries:** You can create specific assignments for each day of your lesson plan. To do this simply add the assignment(s)to the day you would like them scheduled on. *A few tips for adding manual assignments~* - **This is a text field and as such it takes text only. If you enter images in this field your lesson plan will likely encounter difficulty with saving.** - You can type in the assignments directly or copy and paste from a document. - Each box will create a new assignment checkbox. If you have multiple assignments for a single day click more (found to the far right of the day’s assignment box and then select “Add another assignment to this date” to add another assignment entry. - You can also add an additional assignment box to a day when holding down the control key and hitting return/enter on your keyboard. **Automated Assignment Generator:** If you prefer a more automated approach, Homeschool Planet offers an assignment generator. This tool allows you to set recurring patterns for assignments, such as weekly spelling quizzes or vocabulary word lists. The Assignment Generator is a powerful tool with many options. Learn all about the Assignment Generator in our User Guide entry, [Assignment Generator](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/assignment-generator/). #### **Step 4: Customize Notes**: You can add notes at the top of each lesson plan page, which will appear as helpful reminders and further information for both you and your student. To add a note to an assignment select the tab “Notes” found to the right of the “Assignments” tab you started on. The User Guide entry, [Notes](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/adding-notes-to-assignments/), will provide more information about this process. #### **Step 5: Add Grading and Resources** After you’ve set up the basic structure of your lesson plan, it’s time to think about grading and resources. **Grading Categories:** You can add grading categories like “Homework” or “Test,” and assign percentage values. For example, you might give 40% weight to homework (e.g., daily practice), 20% to projects, 10% to quizzes, and 30% to tests. Learn about all your grading options in the [Grading User Guide](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/adding-grading-to-a-class-or-lesson-plan/) entry. **Adding Resources:** You can enhance your lesson plan with extra resources, such as links to websites or PDFs and documents. If you want your student to reference a particular site for research, you can easily add a website link directly using the More menu found to the right of your assignment box. This saves you time and provides the student with immediate access to relevant materials. You can add page numbers, labels, or even adjust how the resources appear. This helps ensure the lesson plan is clear and easy to follow. #### **Step 6: Review and Save Your Plan** Your lesson plan does not automatically save so be sure to hit the save button periodically as you are working on your lesson plan. Then, once you’ve entered all your assignments, resources, and grading details, take a moment to review everything. Make sure the lesson plan looks just the way you want it. When you’re satisfied with the setup, click Save and Close. You will now find your completed lesson plan in the “My Lesson Plans” section of the Lesson Plan Library. Homeschool Planet allows for flexibility. You can always come back to make adjustments if something needs tweaking, such as adding new assignments or changing the grading scale. You can access (and edit your plan further) at any time by choosing the Edit button next to the name of your lesson plan. *See the Video tutorial below for more in-depth help!* If you run into any issues or need help optimizing your plan, Homeschool Planet’s support team is just a click away. You can contact them directly via the Help menu of your planner or by emailing us at support@homeschoolplanet.com. ### **Create a Lesson Plan** Screenshots: ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Create-a-Lesson-Plan-1.jpg) ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Create-a-Lesson-Plan-2.jpg) ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Create-a-Lesson-Plan-3.jpg) ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Create-a-Lesson-Plan-4.jpg) ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Create-a-Lesson-Plan-5.jpg) ### Create a Lesson Plan Video Tutorial: *As always, feel free to reach out to us with any questions at . We are here to help you!* #### **Here are other actions** **to take when just getting started using your Homeschool Planet planner:** - [Setting Up Your School Year](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/setting-up-a-school-year/) - [Create Family Profiles](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/step-2-setting-up-family-profiles/) - [Add an Integrated Lesson Plan](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/adding-a-plug-in-lesson-plan/) - [Customize Your Background Theme](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/customizing-display-settings/) - [Setting Up Attendance Tracking](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/attendance-tracking/) - [Tracking Class and Activity Hours](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/tracking-class-and-activity-hours/) --- ![Homeschool Planet World's best planner button](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/728x90-1.png) Not a Subscriber yet? Check out Homeschool Planet for yourself with a [30-day FREE trial](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/). No credit card information is necessary to give it a try! [![Homeschool Planet Marketplace logo - Homeschool Planet is the world's leading homeschool planning software - We work with these popular homeschool publishers and so many more image](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/HSP-Marketplace-Logo-Image-1024x683.png)](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/) **Categories:** Getting Started, Lesson Plans **Tags:** Getting Started, Lesson Plans, User Guide --- ### [Shopping List Widget](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/shopping-list-widget/) **Published:** May 24, 2020 **Author:** Robyn **Content:** **Have you ever compiled a shopping list and then left it at home? Me too! If that happens with a Shopping list you have created using the Homeschool Planet Shopping Widget you can just text your account and Homeschool Planet will deliver it straight to your phone! How great is that!?! Read more about the Shopping Widget below!** ![Homeschool Planet Widgets User Guide button](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Widgets-top-1024x576.png) ### Setting Up a Homeschool Planet Shopping List Widget - To add a Shopping List Widget to your desktop select the add a widget button and then from the drop down menu that reads, “Choose a Widget” select Shopping List. - If this is the first time you have made a Shopping List you will be prompted to “Click to select” before choosing, “Create New List” and entering the name of the store you want to shop at. - If you have already created other shopping lists you may create additional lists by clicking anywhere in a store title box and then choosing “Create New List”, entering your next title, and selecting OK. - You may create as many Shopping Lists as you wish. ### Using the Shopping List Widget - Add items to the list by simply typing on an empty line. When you hit return a new blank entry line will be automatically created. - Delete items from the list by selecting the red X to the right of the item. - Reorder items by selecting the black double ended arrow and drag items up or down to the order you desire. - Mark items complete by selecting the checkbox next to the completed item. - When you close a Shopping List, or any widget, the data remains stored in the widget. This means if you open a Shopping List, add items, and close the Shopping List the items will still be present when you open it again. ### Sending Shopping Lists Select the “Send this list…” text and a pop-up allowing you to select who to send the list to will appear. The options for who data may be sent to will include any members who have logins within the account and have email addresses and/or cell phone numbers entered. Data may be sent to a single person or multiple people at once. Once you have chosen who to send the info to choose select close and then hit send. ### Not Home and Need Your List? A favorite feature of the Shopping List Widget is the ability the have Homeschool Planet text a list to you when you aren’t home. To activate this feature simply text “SHOP” to 234-319-9231 and your list will arrive on your phone via text! How convenient is that!?! If you have more than one Shopping List text the word “SHOP” plus the first word of your Shopping List title. So for example if you need your Target Shopping list text “SHOP TARGET” to the number above. ### Printing To Do Lists To print data and lists from within widgets choose the print button. A pop-up will appear allowing you to select what data from the widget which you wish to include. After making your selection choose print and then complete the action from your printer software. ### Shopping List Screenshot ![Shopping List Widget 1](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Shopping-List-Widget-1.png) ![Shopping List Widget 2](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Shopping-List-Widget-2.png) ***As always, feel free to reach out to us with any questions at . We are here to help you!*** ### **Here are other User Guide entries all about Homeschool Planet Widgets:** - **[Widget Basics](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/widget-basics/)** - **[Daily Bible Verse Widget](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/daily-bible-verse-widget/)** - **[Daily Quote Widget](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/daily-quote-widget/)** - [**Messages Widget**](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/messages-widget/) - **[Reading List Widget](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/reading-list-widget/) - **[To Do List Widget](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/to-do-list-widget/)** - **[Weather Widget](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/weather-widget/)** - **[Look-up Widget](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/look-up-widget/)** **Not a Subscriber yet? Check out Homeschool Planet for yourself with a [30-day FREE trial](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/). No credit card information is necessary to give it a try!** ![Homeschool Planet World's best planner button](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/728x90-1.png) **With [Homeschool Planet lesson plans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/), homeschooling has never been easier!![A growing collection of plug-in lesson plans for popular curricula](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/HSP-Marketplace-Logo-Image-1.png)** **Categories:** Widgets **Tags:** Shopping List, widgets --- ### [Daily Quote Widget](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/daily-quote-widget/) **Published:** May 22, 2020 **Author:** Robyn **Content:** **Quotes inspire, uplift, and encourage us. There are whole books filled with quotes, websites devoted to quotes, and who can pass up a T-shirt with great quote? Not me! Learn how to use the Homeschool Planet Daily Quote Widget so you can get your quote on and be inspired today!** ![Homeschool Planet Widgets User Guide button](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Widgets-top-1024x576.png) ### Adding & Using a Homeschool Planet Daily Quote Widget - To add a Daily Quote Widget to your desktop select the add a widget button and then from the drop down menu that reads, “Choose a Widget” select Daily Quote. - Next, select the category of quotes you prefer by clicking on the settings icon within the widget, choosing the category you desire (choices include General, Art, Funny, Love, and Nature), and hitting OK. ~ The settings icon is the one that looks like a flower and is closet to the Daily Quote header. - A different quote from your category will appear in your widget each morning. - How simple is that for something that can perk up your days! ### Daily Quote Widget Video Tutorial ***As always, feel free to reach out to us with any questions at . We are here to help you!*** ### **Here are other User Guide entries all about Homeschool Planet Widgets:** - **[Widget Basics](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/widget-basics/)** - **[Daily Bible Verse Widget](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/daily-bible-verse-widget/)** - [**Messages Widget**](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/messages-widget/) - **[Reading List Widget](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/reading-list-widget/)** - **[Shopping List Widget](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/shopping-list-widget/)** - **[To Do List Widget](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/to-do-list-widget/)** - **[Weather Widget](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/weather-widget/)** - **[Look-up Widget](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/look-up-widget/)** **Not a Subscriber yet? Check out Homeschool Planet for yourself with a [30-day FREE trial](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/). No credit card information is necessary to give it a try!** ![Homeschool Planet World's best planner button](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/728x90-1.png) **With [Homeschool Planet lesson plans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/), homeschooling has never been easier!** ![A growing collection of plug-in lesson plans for popular curricula](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/HSP-Marketplace-Logo-Image-1.png) **Categories:** Widgets **Tags:** Inspiration, Quotes --- ### [Student Profile Notes](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/student-profile-notes/) **Published:** December 4, 2022 **Author:** Robyn **Content:** **Homeschool families have so very many things to keep track of and they don’t always fit in a neat category! Since it’s handy to have a place to jot down notes about your student or their progress or their meds or their funny comments or anything else that you want to remember Homeschool Planet’s engineers have added a Notes field to the student profile so you can track (and print) any info you would like.** ![Student Management User Guide](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Student-Management-top-1024x576.png) ### **Adding a Student Note** 1. After logging into your planner, locate and select your student’s icon in your family list on the left side of your planner. Then select the “Edit (name)’s Profile” text link at the top of the pop-up window. 2. Select the tab on the left hand side that reads “Notes” and drag the box using the three lines in the lower right hand corner to make it any size you like. 3. You can add any text you wish about any topic. Click Save (found in the lower right hand corner of the pop-up) when you have completed entering your information. 4. When you are done working in the Profiles section choose Save and Close. ### Printing a Student Note 1. If you wish to print your student Notes simply navigate to the Notes screen (using the instructions above) and then select Print. 2. Follow your printers dialogue box and print a hard copy or save as a PDF. ### **Student Profile Notes** Screenshots ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Student-Notes-1.jpg) ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Student-Notes-2.jpg) ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Student-Notes-3.jpg) ### **Student Profile Notes** Video Tutorial ***As always, feel free to reach out to us with any questions at . We are here to help you!*** ### Not a Subscriber yet? Check out Homeschool Planet for yourself with a [30-day FREE trial](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/). No credit card information is necessary to give it a try! ![Homeschool Planet World's best planner button](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/728x90-1.png) **With [Homeschool Planet lesson plans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/), homeschooling has never been easier!** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/HSP-Marketplace-Logo-Image-1.png) **Categories:** Students **Tags:** Student Notes, Parent Notes --- ### [Class Hours Reports](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/creating-class-hours-reports/) **Published:** March 21, 2020 **Author:** Robyn **Content:** **If you need help Creating and Customizing a Class Hours Report for your student, you have found the right entry! The directions below will show you how to create a report to show your student’s hours spent on core and non-core classes as well as on activities. Want to include some classes but not others? No worries~ you can do that too! To create this report, you must have Hours Tracking set up already. For instructions on how to Set-Up Hours Tracking for your student, view the instructions~ [Setting Up Tracking Hours ](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/tracking-class-and-activity-hours/).** ![Homeschool Planner User Guides Reports](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Reports-top-1024x576.png) ### **Creating a Class Hours Report** 1. Select Class Hours from the Reports menu. 2. Choose the Layout that works best for your needs. The four options are as follows: \* **Core v Non-Core**~ this report will give a total of the hours logged in Core and Non-Core classes. Classes are designated as Core or Non-Core by which Subject they are assigned to. To change the Core or Non-Core designation for a class go to the Settings Menu, choose the Subjects tab, and then change the designation for the Subject the class is assigned to. Activities may be adjusted from the Category tab. \* **Breakdown by Subject**~ this report will give a total of hours in any given Subject category (English, Math, Foreign Language, etc.) \* **Breakdown by Class**~ this breakdown will show the total number of hours for each class. It will also include a total for Core and Non-Core designations. \* **Detailed Report**~ this Report will show every individual timed entry with the date and amount of time logged. 3. Decide whether to start a new page for each school year and student by checking the box across the bottom of the Pop-up. 4. Print! If you would like to further customize the Class Hours Report see the directions below under Customization. ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Class-Hours-Report-1.jpg) ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Class-Hours-Report-2.jpg) ### **Customizing Your Hours Tracking Report** You may customize each of the following aspects of your Hours Tracking Report 1. *Student*– decide which students you wish to be included in the Class Hours Report by placing a check mark next to their name. 2. *Subject/Category*– If you wish to limit the assignments or activities included select only those you desire with a check mark. If you want all items to appear you mean leave them all unchecked. 3. *No Earlier Than/No Later Than*– The default is to print just this school year’s classes and activities. If you wish to change the date parameters do so by adjusting the dates included here. 4. *School Year*– Select the school year you wish to create the report for, if it not the current year. 5. *Category*– This will let you select just certain grading categories to include in your Hours Report. 6. *Completion*– Choose whether to use completed assignments, uncompleted assignments, or both. 7. *Resources*– Make the appropriate selection for which resources you desire to be included. Select OK to save your choices! If you know that you plan to use the same parameters for this report again we suggest that you Save the Report with a name that will easily identify the report in the future. ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Class-Hours-Report-3.jpg) ### **Class Hours Video Tutorial** ***As always, feel free to reach out to us with any questions at . We are here to help you!*** **Not a Subscriber yet? Check out Homeschool Planet for yourself with a [30-day FREE trial](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/). No credit card information is necessary to give it a try!** **With [Homeschool Planet lesson plans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/), homeschooling has never been easier!** ![A growing collection of plug-in lesson plans for popular curricula](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/HSP-Marketplace-Logo-Image-1.png) **Categories:** Reports **Tags:** Hours report, tracking, User Guide --- ### [Editing Transcripts](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/editing-transcripts/) **Published:** May 13, 2022 **Author:** Robyn **Content:** **In Homeschool Planet, you can edit your student’s Transcript to highlight information, change course names, add additional details, and make a variety of other edits quickly and easily! To learn about editing transcripts see the directions below.** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Reports-top-1024x576.png) ### **Editing a Transcript** If you have not first begun to create your transcript, [here is our User Guide entry on getting started with that](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/creating-a-transcript/). 1. After logging into your account, hover over the “Reports” icon at the top of your screen and choose “Transcripts” from the drop-down menu. 2. When the “Transcripts” window opens, locate your student and the saved transcript you would like to edit. Click the “View/Edit” link to the right of the saved transcript. 3. In the “View/Edit Transcript” window, you will see blue links that say “Edit” next to each section of the transcript. Click on the blue link in the appropriate section to open the edit window. 4. You will find a variety of editing options including the ability to add courses, change the course name, credits, grade, and GPA. You can also choose to exclude classes from the GPA totals. 5. When you are satisfied with your changes, select the “Save” button in the lower right. The system will generate the updated transcript for you to review. 6. You can also print your transcript in the “View/Edit Transcript” window by selecting the “Print” option in the lower-left corner. ### **Screenshot Images** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Editing-Transcripts-1.jpg) ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Editing-Transcripts-2.jpg) ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Editing-Transcripts-3.jpg) ### **A few things to consider~** 1. Credits~ different states have different standards for credits allowed per course, or per number of hours, for awarded credit. Be sure to check what the standards are for the state you reside in. 2. GPA~ You may wish to indicate whether your student’s GPA is weighted or unweighted in the Notes box. You may also want to create TWO Transcripts, one with a weighted grade and another with an unweighted GPA as different learning institutions have different requirements. 3. You can leave a grade blank and have it say “In Progress” if the class is not finished or you don’t have a grade yet. It will not calculate the GPA to include this class but you can always go back in and change it once you do have the grade and the GPA will calculate accordingly. 4. Consider purchasing Transcript Paper for this important document. A quick Google search will bring up several establishments where this can be purchased. 5. We recommend you save a copy of your Transcript in PDF format on your computer’s hard drive so it is always available. If you need directions to this we have provided them [here](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/saving-as-a-pdf-…he-print-feature/). ### **Editing Transcripts Video Tutorial** ***As always, feel free to reach out to us with any questions at . We are here to help you!*** **Not a subscriber yet? Check out Homeschool Planet for yourself with a [30-day FREE trial](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/). No credit card information is necessary to give it a try!** ![Homeschool Planet World's best planner button](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/728x90-1.png) **With [Homeschool Planet lesson plans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/), homeschooling has never been easier!** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/HSP-Marketplace-Logo-Image-1.png) **Categories:** Reports --- ### [Printing Transcripts](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-transcripts/) **Published:** February 28, 2020 **Author:** Robyn **Content:** **Need to print a hard copy of the transcript your student has worked so hard to earn? No problem! You have come to the right place to find out just how to do that!** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Printing-top-1024x576.png) *These directions assume you have already created a transcript for your student. If you need to create a transcript, please see [this article](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/creating-a-transcript/) for complete directions on [Transcript Creation](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/creating-a-transcript/).* ### **Printing Your Transcript** 1. Select the “Reports” icon from the top of your screen and choose “Transcripts”. 2. Find the student you wish to print a Transcript for and select the view/edit link. 3. Make any edits to your Transcript (don’t forget to hit Save if you make changes) and then choose the Print button in the lower left hand corner. 4. A dialogue box from your printer software will pop up. We always recommend choosing a fine print quality for important documents, while draft mode is fine if this is just a working copy! *The screenshots below show each of these steps.* As always, feel free to reach out to us with any questions at . We are here to help you! And hey, congrats on needing a transcript! ### **Screenshot Images** ![](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Creating-Transcript-1.jpg) ![](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Printing-Transcript-2.jpg) ![](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Printing-Transcripts-3.jpg) **And now you have a transcript! Congrats!** ### **Printing a Homeschool Planet Transcript Video Tutorial** ### **To learn more about Printing in Homeschool Planet, see the following links:** - **[Printing Basics](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-basics/)** - **[Printing Assignment Lists](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-assignment-lists/)** - **[Printing Attendance Records](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-attendance-records/)** - **[Printing Class Hours Reports](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-a-class-hours-report/)** - **[Printing Grade Reports](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-grade-reports/)** - **[Printing Lesson Plans](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-lesson-plans/)** - **[Printing Report Cards](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-report-cards/)** - **[Printing Resource Lists](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-resource-lists/)** - **[Printing to a PDF](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/saving-as-a-pdf-using-the-print-feature/)** - [**Printing School Year Calendars**](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-a-school-year-calendar/) **Not yet a subscriber? Check out Homeschool Planet for yourself with a [30-day FREE trial](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/). No credit card information is necessary to give it a try!** ![Homeschool Planet World's best planner button](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/728x90-1.png) **With [Homeschool Planet lesson plans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/), homeschooling has never been easier!** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/HSP-Marketplace-Logo-Image-1.png) **Categories:** Printing **Tags:** Printing, Transcript, User Guide --- ### [Calendar View: 5 or 7 Day Week](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/calendar-view-5-or-7-day-week/) **Published:** May 4, 2022 **Author:** Robyn **Content:** **Confused about how to switch the Calendar View of your classes between a 5 or a 7 day week? Learn how easy it is to change how many days you see on your weekly calendar below!** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Classes-top-1024x576.png) ### **How to Change the Class Calendar View between a 5 or 7 Day Week** 1. After logging into your account, select the Calendar tab from the left hand drop-down menu. 2. Next select the “Week” or “Month” option from the Day/Week/Month bar to the right of the date line. 3. You will notice an “S” in a box on both the right and left hand corners of the line with the days of the week. The “S” button will be white when in the 7-day mode and colored in the 5-day mode. 4. To switch between a full week (Sunday through Saturday) or a weekdays *only* (Monday through Friday) view, click either “S” button and the view will change. 5. That’s all there is to it! *Note: You can also change whether your week begins on Saturday, Sunday, or Monday by following the path Settings>General>Time & Date and selecting your preferred start day under the section **Week starts on** from the drop-down menu.* ### **Changing the Class Calendar View between a 5 or 7 Day Week** Screenshots: ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Calendar-View-1.jpg)![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Calendar-View-2.jpg) ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Calendar-View-3.jpg) ### **Changing the Class Calendar View between a 5 or 7 Day Week** Video Tutorial ***As always, feel free to reach out to us with any questions at . We are here to help you!*** ### **For more information on setting up and using Classes in your Homeschool Planet account see the following entries:** - **[Lesson Plan or Class?](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/lesson-plan-or-class/)** - **[A Word about Subjects](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/a-word-about-subjects/)** - **[Adding a Class](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/adding-a-class/)** - **[Deleting a Class](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/delete-a-class/)** - **[Editing a Class](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/edit-a-class/)** - **[Changing a Class Schedule](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/change-a-class-schedule/)** - **[Changing the End Date of a Class](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/change-the-end-date-of-a-class/)** - **[Copying a Class](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/copy-a-class/)** - **[Adding a Field Trip](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/adding-a-field-trip/)** - **[Classes on Different Days and Times](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/classes-on-different-days-and-times/)** - **[Classes with More than 1 Student](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/classes-with-more-than-1-student/)** - **[Adding an Extra Day to a Class Outside Usual Schedule](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/add-an-extra-day-to-a-class-outside-usual-schedule/)** - **[Setting Up Subjects](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/setting-up-subjects/)** **Not a Subscriber yet? Check out Homeschool Planet for yourself with a [30-day FREE trial](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/). No credit card information is necessary to give it a try!** ![Homeschool Planet World's best planner button](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/728x90-1.png) **With [Homeschool Planet lesson plans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/), homeschooling has never been easier!** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/HSP-Marketplace-Logo-Image-1.png) **Categories:** Classes --- ### [Changes to Your School Calendar](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/changes-to-your-school-calendar/) **Published:** May 10, 2022 **Author:** Robyn **Content:** When unexpected events pop up making changes to your school calendar is an easy task in Homeschool Planet! To learn how to adjust your School Year calendar see the entry below! ![Changes to your School Calendar guide cover photo](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Changes-to-your-School-Calendar-1024x576.png) ### **Changing Your School Year Calendar** Changes can be made to your School Year Calendar by following these steps: 1. After logging into your Homeschool Planet account, hover over the “Settings” option in the upper menu above your planner and to the right of the screen. 2. From the drop-down menu, select the “School Year & Vacations” option. 3. When the “School Years” window opens, you will see your current year’s calendar at the top of this section. 4. School days are indicated with green checkmarks and off days are marked with red X’s. 5. Locate the date for which you need to make a change and click the current mark to switch to the other. For example, if the date is marked as a vacation/holiday with a red X, click that X to change to the green checkmark, changing that day’s status from an off day to a school day. 6. Repeat step 5 for all desired changes. 7. When you are satisfied with your changes, scroll to the bottom of the window and select the “Save” button. 8. Please note that if you change a school day to an off day when you select the “Save” button and you have assignments scheduled for that day, the “Reschedule Assignments” window will open prompting you to decide what to do with the assignments that were previously scheduled on that day. Select the options you wish for each assignment, select the “OK” button at the bottom of the window, and you will be good to go! ### Changes to the School Calendar Screenshot Images ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Changing-the-School-Calendar-1.jpg) ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Changing-the-School-Calendar-2.jpg) ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Changing-the-School-Calendar-3.jpg) ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Changing-the-School-Calendar-4.jpg) ### Changes to the School Calendar Video Tutorial *As always, feel free to reach out to us with any questions at . We are here to help you!* ### **Here are other actions to take when just getting started using Homeschool Planet:** - [Setting Up Your School Year](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/setting-up-a-school-year/) - [Create Family Profiles](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/step-2-setting-up-family-profiles/) - [Add an Integrated Lesson Plan](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/adding-a-plug-in-lesson-plan/) - [Create a Lesson Plan](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/create-a-lesson-plan/) - [Customize Your Background Theme](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/customizing-display-settings/) - [Setting Up Attendance Tracking](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/attendance-tracking/) - [Tracking Class and Activity Hours](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/tracking-class-and-activity-hours/) ![Homeschool Planet World's best planner button](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/728x90-1.png) Not a Subscriber yet? Check out Homeschool Planet for yourself with a [30-day FREE trial](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/). No credit card information is necessary to give it a try! [![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/HSP-Marketplace-Logo-Image-1.png)](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/) **Categories:** Getting Started **Tags:** Changes, Calendar, User Guide --- ### [Widget Basics](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/widget-basics/) **Published:** May 24, 2020 **Author:** Robyn **Content:** **Homeschool Planet Widgets are small windows with mini apps that make daily tasks easier, more efficient, and definitely more fun! Whether you are tracking your grocery list and texting it to a family member on their way home from work, creating To Do lists for everyone in the family, or posting inspirational quotes to motivate you, we know that you will appreciate widgets and find them an essential part of your day!** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Widgets-top-1024x576.png) ### Adding Widgets 1. Widgets can be added either across the bottom or down the right side of your calendar. Locations they can be added are indicated by a “+” sign and the words “Add a widget” within a box. 2. Click on the “+” sign and a drop down box will appear. 3. There are several types of widgets. Choose the one you wish to add~ Weather, To Do, Shopping List, Reading, Bible Verse, Daily Quote, Lookup, and Messages. 4. Once you choose the widget you prefer enter the applicable information. 5. Widgets can dragged and dropped into any order you prefer. ![](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Widget-1.jpg) ![](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Widget-2.jpg) ### Sending Data from Widgets When the data in a widget can be sent to someone you will see the words, “Send this list” or a send button within the widget. To utilize this function simply select the wording or the button and then choose who to send it to. The options for who data may be sent to will include any members who have logins within the account and have email addresses and/or cell phone numbers entered. Data may be sent to a single person or multiple people at once. ### Not Home and Need Your List? A favorite feature of both the To Do List and Shopping List Widgets is the ability the have Homeschool Planet text a list to you when you aren’t home. To activate this feature simply text “TODO” or “SHOP” to 234-319-9231 and your list will arrive via text! ### Printing Data from Widgets To print data and lists from within widgets choose the print button. A pop-up will appear allowing you to select what data from the widget which you wish to include. After making your selection choose print and then complete the action from your printer software. ![](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Widget-3.jpg) ### Students and Widgets When students have been granted access to login with their own account you can choose whether to allow them access to see and update widgets. To ***allow*** this access follow these steps. 1. Select the picture of the student you wish to grant access to and then choose Edit <> Profile. 2. Click on the Login tab on the left. 3. Scroll to the bottom and place a check mark in the box that reads, “Allow <> to see and update widgets. Once students have access they will be able to add and remove widgets from their profile as well as update the data in them. While students can have their own layout of widgets, the data is shared between accounts. ### Widget Controls 1. To hide a Widget select the “X” in the upper right hand corner of the widget. This will NOT delete the data in the widget but simply hide it until you select it again. 2. The small box next to the “X” in the upper right hand corner of the widget will maximize the widget. This means it will make the widget much larger for ease in entering info. It can be toggled back to the smaller size by selecting the same box again. 3. To add data use the Plus sign next too the words Add item. 4. To delete data in a widget use the red X next to the item you wish to delete. 5. Items can be dragged and dropped into a different order by using the double sided arrow next to an item. ### Widget Basics Video Tutorial ***As always, feel free to reach out to us with any questions at . We are here to help you!*** ### **Here are other User Guide entries all about Homeschool Planet Widgets:** - **[Daily Bible Verse Widget](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/daily-bible-verse-widget/)** - **[Daily Quote Widget](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/daily-quote-widget/)** - [**Messages Widget**](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/messages-widget/) - **[Reading List Widget](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/reading-list-widget/)** - **[Shopping List Widget](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/shopping-list-widget/)** - **[To Do List Widget](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/to-do-list-widget/)** - **[Weather Widget](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/weather-widget/)** - **[Look-up Widget](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/look-up-widget/)** **Not a Subscriber yet? Check out Homeschool Planet for yourself with a [30-day FREE trial](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/). No credit card information is necessary to give it a try!** ![Homeschool Planet World's best planner button](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/728x90-1.png) **With [Homeschool Planet lesson plans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/), homeschooling has never been easier!** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/HSP-Marketplace-Logo-Image-1.png) **Categories:** Widgets **Tags:** Basics, User Guide --- ### [Weather Widget](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/weather-widget/) **Published:** May 24, 2020 **Author:** Robyn **Content:** **Have you ever noticed that what the weather looks like out the window isn’t necessarily an accurate gauge of the actual temperature! Sometimes a bright sunshiny day is bitter cold and sometimes a rainy day is as hot as Mississippi in the middle of a summer rainstorm! Granted, we can make a good guess based on the season of the year and the temperature yesterday but often we find the weather isn’t what we expected. The Homeschool Planet Weather Widget gives you an accurate analysis of the weather with a quick glance at your screen!** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Widgets-top-1024x576.png) ### **Setting up the Weather Widget** - To add a Weather Widget to your desktop select the add a widget button and then from the drop down menu that reads, “Choose a Widget” select Weather. - To find the weather report for your local area click on the Zip code next to “Weather for”, enter the 5 digit Zip code you wish a weather report and then choose F (for Fahrenheit) or C (For Celsius), and select OK. - You may open Weather Widgets for as many Zip codes as you wish. - That’s all there is to it! Really! ### Screenshot Image ![](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Weather-Widget-1.png) ### Weather Widget Video Tutorial ***As always, feel free to reach out to us with any questions at . We are here to help you!*** ### **Here are other User Guide entries all about Homeschool Planet Widgets:** - **[Widget Basics](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/widget-basics/)** - **[Daily Bible Verse Widget](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/daily-bible-verse-widget/)** - **[Daily Quote Widget](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/daily-quote-widget/)** - [**Messages Widget**](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/messages-widget/) - **[Reading List Widget](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/reading-list-widget/)** - **[Shopping List Widget](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/shopping-list-widget/)** - **[To Do List Widget](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/to-do-list-widget/)** - **[Look-up Widget](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/look-up-widget/)** **Not a Subscriber yet? Check out Homeschool Planet for yourself with a [30-day FREE trial](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/). No credit card information is necessary to give it a try!** ![Homeschool Planet World's best planner button](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/728x90-1.png) **With [Homeschool Planet lesson plans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/), homeschooling has never been easier!** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/HSP-Marketplace-Logo-Image-1.png) **Categories:** Widgets **Tags:** Temperature, Weather, widgets --- ### [To Do List Widget](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/to-do-list-widget/) **Published:** May 19, 2020 **Author:** Robyn **Content:** **Do you know anyone who doesn’t need a To Do list handy, especially in the middle of their homeschool planning, teaching, and grading? Neither do I! The Homeschool Planet Widget To Do Lists are convenient, easily accessible across parent and student accounts, and can even be emailed, texted, or printed! Find out more below!** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Widgets-top-1024x576.png) ### Setting Up a Homeschool Planet Widget To Do List - To add a To Do List Widget to your desktop select the add a widget button and then from the drop down menu that reads, “Choose a Widget” select To Do. - You will find a dropdown box listing To Do lists for every person in your account. You may select one of those or use “Create New List” to create a list with a different title. - You may have as many To Do Lists on your desktop as you would like. ### To Do List Features - Add items to the list by simply typing on an empty line. When you hit return a new blank entry line will be automatically created. - Delete items from the list by selecting the red X to the right of the item. - Reorder items by selecting the black double ended arrow and drag items up or down to the order you desire. - Mark items complete by selecting the checkbox next to the completed item. - When you close a To Do List, or any widget, the data remains stored in the widget. This means if you open an account member’s To Do List, add items, and close the To Do List the items will still be available to the other member. ### Sending To Do Lists Select the “Send this list…” text and a pop-up allowing you to select who to send the list to will appear. The options for who data may be sent to will include any members who have logins within the account and have email addresses and/or cell phone numbers entered. Data may be sent to a single person or multiple people at once. Once you have chosen who to send the info to choose select close and then hit send. ### Not Home and Need Your List? A favorite feature of the To Do List Widget is the ability the have Homeschool Planet text a list to you when you aren’t home. To activate this feature simply text “TODO” to 650-564-3071 and your list will arrive on your phone via text! How convenient is that!?! ### Printing To Do Lists To print data and lists from within widgets choose the print button. A pop-up will appear allowing you to select what data from the widget which you wish to include. After making your selection choose print and then complete the action from your printer software. ### To Do List Screenshot ### ![](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/To-Do-List-1.png) ### To Do List Widget Video Tutorial ***As always, feel free to reach out to us with any questions at . We are here to help you!*** ### **Here are other User Guide entries all about Homeschool Planet Widgets:** - **[Widget Basics](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/widget-basics/)** - **[Daily Bible Verse Widget](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/daily-bible-verse-widget/)** - **[Daily Quote Widget](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/daily-quote-widget/)** - [**Messages Widget**](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/messages-widget/) - **[Reading List Widget](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/reading-list-widget/)** - **[Shopping List Widget](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/shopping-list-widget/)** - **[Weather Widget](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/weather-widget/)** - **[Look-up Widget](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/look-up-widget/)** **Not a Subscriber yet? Check out Homeschool Planet for yourself with a [30-day FREE trial](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/). No credit card information is necessary to give it a try!** ![Homeschool Planet World's best planner button](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/728x90-1.png) **With [Homeschool Planet lesson plans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/), homeschooling has never been easier!** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/HSP-Marketplace-Logo-Image-1.png) **Categories:** Widgets **Tags:** Get it done!, Helps, To Do Lists --- ### [Reading List Widget](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/reading-list-widget/) **Published:** May 24, 2020 **Author:** Robyn **Content:** **If there is one thing a homeschool family tends to compile lists about it is books! What to read, what has been read, what was wonderful, what wasn’t so great, what to buy~ Homeschoolers NEED reading lists and the Homeschool Planet widget gives you an easy location to track as many different lists as you need!** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Widgets-top-1024x576.png) ### **Reading List Widget Commands** - To add a Reading List Widget to your desktop select the add a widget button and then from the drop down menu that reads, “Choose a Widget” select Reading List. - Another drop down menu will pop up where you can choose a previously created Reading list or to “Create New List”. - Items can be added to the list by choosing Add item from the lower right corner. A title is necessary but the Author, Date Started, Date Finished, and Hours Read fields are optional. - To edit an item on the list choose the small pencil icon next to the item you wish to edit. - To edit the title of any list select the black triangle next to the title you area currently viewing and a pop-up will appear. When you hover your mouse over a title an option to edit will appear. Once you select that you can change the title and then save by selecting OK. - To rearrange the order of items in your list use the double ended black arrow next to the editing pencil. - To delete items from the list select the red “X” and then confirm that you wish to delete the item. - To delete an entire list bring up the list in the same manner you use to edit (above) and then click on the trash can. You will be asked to confirm if you wish to delete this list. - To print your Reading List select the small triangle to the left of the text “Print lists” (found at the bottom of the widget) and then hit the print button that appears. - If you would like to print more than one Reading List at once select the black triangle before you hit Print, choose all the widgets you would like to print at once, select close, and then print. There is no limit to the number of Reading Lists you can have. Some families choose to create a reading list for each student, others create one for each class or grade level and others use reading lists as a way to track info that they would like to keep handy such as passwords, ideas, and handy links. When you hide a Widget the data remains intact and you can view it all as soon as you open the widget again. ### Screenshots ### ![](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Reading-List-Widget-1.png) ![](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Reading-List-Widget-2.png) ### Reading List Widget Video Tutorial ***As always, feel free to reach out to us with any questions at . We are here to help you!*** ### **Here are other User Guide entries all about Homeschool Planet Widgets:** - **[Widget Basics](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/widget-basics/)** - **[Daily Bible Verse Widget](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/daily-bible-verse-widget/)** - **[Daily Quote Widget](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/daily-quote-widget/)** - [**Messages Widget**](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/messages-widget/) - **[Shopping List Widget](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/shopping-list-widget/)** - **[To Do List Widget](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/to-do-list-widget/)** - **[Weather Widget](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/weather-widget/)** - **[Look-up Widget](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/look-up-widget/)** **Not a Subscriber yet? Check out Homeschool Planet for yourself with a [30-day FREE trial](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/). No credit card information is necessary to give it a try!** ![Homeschool Planet World's best planner button](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/728x90-1.png) **With [Homeschool Planet lesson plans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/), homeschooling has never been easier!** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/HSP-Marketplace-Logo-Image-1.png) **Categories:** Widgets **Tags:** books, Reading lists, widgets --- ### [Look-up Widget](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/look-up-widget/) **Published:** June 27, 2022 **Author:** Robyn **Content:** **The Look-up reference tool searches a dictionary/thesaurus, movies, Wikipedia, the Bible, Google, and Bing right within your Homeschool Planet planner. To get searching today continue with this entry!** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Widgets-top-1024x576.png) ### **Using the Look-Up Widget** - To add the Look-Up Widget to your desktop select the add a widget button and then from the drop down menu that reads, “Choose a Widget” select Lookup. - A box with the words “Where do you want to search?” will appear. Select the arrow on the right side of this box and choose one or a combination of the options. - The first four options will return results right in the widget in your planner, with an option to open to more info in a browser tab. - *Bible*– You can use the option to search for particular text by choosing Text Search. All incidences where the word or words you enter appear in the Bible will be returned in a list. If you choose Lookup passage, such as Genesis 1:1, the Bible quote will appear. To see the verse in context select the bold text and a window will open in your browser. - *Wikipedia*– This will link you to the Wikipedia articles with the term you enter in the search bar. Click the bold entry for the article you wish to see and it will open in a new browser tab. - The two Web Search options will automatically open a new tab in your browser. - *Google-* This will take you directly to a browser tab just as though you had searched Google directly. - *Bing-* This will take you directly to a browser tab just as though you had searched Bing directly. - Once you have selected the tool you would like to use to search enter the word or phrase in the bar that reads, “Search for what?” and select Search. ### Screenshots ### ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Lookup-1.jpg) ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Lookup-2-.jpg) ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Lookup-3.jpg) ### **Look-Up Widget Video Tutorial** ***As always, feel free to reach out to us with any questions at . We are here to help you!*** ### **Here are other User Guide entries all about Homeschool Planet Widgets:** - **[Widget Basics](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/widget-basics/)** - **[Daily Bible Verse Widget](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/daily-bible-verse-widget/)** - **[Daily Quote Widget](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/daily-quote-widget/)** - [**Messages Widget**](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/messages-widget/) - **[Reading List Widget](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/reading-list-widget/)** - **[Shopping List Widget](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/shopping-list-widget/)** - **[To Do List Widget](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/to-do-list-widget/)** - **[Weather Widget](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/weather-widget/)** **Not a Subscriber yet? Check out Homeschool Planet for yourself with a [30-day FREE trial](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/). No credit card information is necessary to give it a try!** ![Homeschool Planet World's best planner button](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/728x90-1.png) **With [Homeschool Planet lesson plans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/), homeschooling has never been easier!** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/HSP-Marketplace-Logo-Image-1.png) **Categories:** Widgets --- ### [Saving as a PDF Using the Print Feature](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/saving-as-a-pdf-using-the-print-feature/) **Published:** February 28, 2020 **Author:** Robyn **Content:** **The easiest way to export the various reports available through the Reports Menu in Homeschool Planet is to use your printer software to save the report as a PDF which you can store. Your printer software doesn’t offer that feature? No worries, we have a solution for you too!** ![Homeschool Planet Printing User Guide](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Printing-top-1024x576.png) ### **Printing to PDF** Printing to PDF (which actually saves a PDF to your computer) is something that is provided by most printer software. When you select print for any report in the Homeschool Planet Reports menu your printer dialogue window should open up on your computer. At this point you should see a “Print to PDF” or “Save as a PDF” option or something along those lines. With HP printer software there is a dropdown box simply called “PDF” which contains several options. Once you know you can print to PDF, open up one of the reports (like the Assignment List), and choose the Customize… button at the bottom. At this point you can make your selections and then save. ### **My Printer Software Doesn’t Do That** If there is not an option for “Print to PDF” with your printer software you can download the free software called CutePDF (at ) that will add that feature. *As always, feel free to reach out to us with any questions at . We are here to help you!* ### **Screenshot Image** ![Print To Pdf](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Print-To-Pdf-1.jpg) ### **Printing to PDF Video Tutorial** ### **To learn more about Printing in Homeschool Planet, see the following links:** - **[Printing Basics](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-basics/)** - **[Printing Assignment Lists](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-assignment-lists/)** - **[Printing Attendance Records](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-attendance-records/)** - **[Printing Class Hours Reports](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-a-class-hours-report/)** - **[Printing Grade Reports](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-grade-reports/)** - **[Printing Lesson Plans](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-lesson-plans/)** - **[Printing Report Cards](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-report-cards/)** - **[Printing Resource Lists](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-resource-lists/)** - **[Printing Transcripts](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-transcripts/)** - **[Printing School Year Calendars](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-a-school-year-calendar/)** **Not a subscriber yet? Check out Homeschool Planet for yourself with a [30-day FREE trial](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/). No credit card information is necessary to give it a try!** **With [Homeschool Planet lesson plans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/), homeschooling has never been easier!** ![A growing collection of plug-in lesson plans for popular curricula](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/HSP-Marketplace-Logo-Image-1.png) **Categories:** Printing **Tags:** Printing, Save as a PDF, User Guide --- ### [Printing Resource Lists](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-resource-lists/) **Published:** February 29, 2020 **Author:** Robyn **Content:** **Can you believe how many resources we have as homeschooling families!?! Homeschool Planet lets you add them to your classes, lesson plans, and assignments. Then, if you need to print your resource list you can easily do so using the directions below!** ### **![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Printing-top-1024x576.png)** ### **To print a list of resources you have entered in Homeschool Planet follow these directions:** 1. Click on the drop-down menu labeled “Calendar” and choose “Resources”. 2. If you would like, you can delete or edit any resources by using the corresponding blue buttons on the far right of the entry. 3. If you would like previously archived resources to be included please check the Show Archived Resources box. 4. In the drop down menu next to the “Resources” tab, there is a list of choices (Alphabetical, Recently Changed, By Type, By Subject, By Student, and By School Year). Choose the option that best suits how you would like your list sorted. 5. You may also pull up just a particular title by using the Search resources box. 6. Next, click the “Print” icon at the top of your screen and choose “Economy” or “Color”. 7. In the “Print Preview”, you can choose your layout, display, etc., in the left margin before selecting the “Print” button (located at the bottom right corner of the pop-up window). 8. Finally, once you are directed to your printer software’s dialogue box you can choose how many pages to print (or all!) and with most printer software you will have the option to also save as a PDF. *The screenshots below show each of these steps.* ### **Screenshot Images** ![](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Printing-Resource-list-1.jpg) ![](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Printing-Resources-2.jpg) ![](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Printing-Resources-3.jpg) ### **Printing Resource Lists Video Tutorial** ***As always, feel free to reach out to us with any questions at . We are here to help you!*** ### **To learn more about Printing in Homeschool Planet, see the following links:** - **[Printing Basics](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-basics/)** - **[Printing Assignment Lists](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-assignment-lists/)** - **[Printing Attendance Records](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-attendance-records/)** - **[Printing Class Hours Reports](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-a-class-hours-report/)** - **[Printing Grade Reports](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-grade-reports/)** - **[Printing Lesson Plans](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-lesson-plans/)** - **[Printing Report Cards](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-report-cards/)** - **[Printing Transcripts](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-transcripts/)** - **[Printing to a PDF](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/saving-as-a-pdf-using-the-print-feature/)** - [**Printing School Year Calendars**](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-a-school-year-calendar/) **Not a Subscriber yet? Check out Homeschool Planet for yourself with a [30-day FREE trial](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/). No credit card information is necessary to give it a try!** ![Homeschool Planet World's best planner button](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/728x90-1.png) **With [Homeschool Planet lesson plans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/), homeschooling has never been easier!** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/HSP-Marketplace-Logo-Image-1.png) **Categories:** Printing **Tags:** Printing, Resource List, User Guide --- ### [Printing Report Cards](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-report-cards/) **Published:** February 29, 2020 **Author:** Robyn **Content:** **Need to print a Report Card to show Grandma how GREAT your children are doing homeschooling, or maybe to get that free ice-cream cone from your local ice-cream parlor for having all A’s, or to hang on your fridge and remind you that your efforts are paying off? Read how to print out your Homeschool Planet Report Card here!** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Printing-top-1024x576.png) These directions assume you have already *created* a report card for your student. If you still need to create a report card and have questions about how to do that, please see this article for [complete directions on Report Card *Creation*.](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/creating-a-report-card/) ### **Printing Your Homeschool Planet Report Card** 1. Select the “Reports” icon from the top of your screen and choose “Report Cards”. 2. Find the student you wish to print a Report Card for and select the view/edit link. 3. Make any desired edits to your Report Card and then choose the Print button in the lower left hand corner. 4. A dialogue box from your printer software will pop up. We always recommend choosing a fine print quality for important documents, while draft mode is fine if this is just a working copy! (Don’t forget to hit Save if you made any changes before printing!) *The screenshots below show each of these steps.* ### **Screenshot Images** ![](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Printing-Report-Cards-1.jpg) ![](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Printing-Report-Cards-2.jpg) ![](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Printing-Report-Cards-3.jpg) ### **Printing a Homeschool Planet Report Card Video Tutorial** ***As always, feel free to reach out to us with any questions at . We are here to help you!*** ### **To learn more about Printing in Homeschool Planet, see the following links:** - **[Printing Basics](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-basics/)** - **[Printing Assignment Lists](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-assignment-lists/)** - **[Printing Attendance Records](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-attendance-records/)** - **[Printing Class Hours Reports](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-a-class-hours-report/)** - **[Printing Grade Reports](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-grade-reports/)** - **[Printing Lesson Plans](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-lesson-plans/)** - **[Printing Resource Lists](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-resource-lists/)** - **[Printing Transcripts](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-transcripts/)** - **[Printing to a PDF](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/saving-as-a-pdf-using-the-print-feature/)** - [**Printing School Year Calendars**](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-a-school-year-calendar/) **Not a Subscriber yet? Check out Homeschool Planet for yourself with a [30-day FREE trial](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/). No credit card information is necessary to give it a try!** ![Homeschool Planet World's best planner button](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/728x90-1.png) **With [Homeschool Planet lesson plans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/), homeschooling has never been easier!** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/HSP-Marketplace-Logo-Image-1.png) **Categories:** Printing **Tags:** Printing, Report Cards, User Guide --- ### [Printing Grade Reports](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-grade-reports/) **Published:** February 28, 2020 **Author:** Robyn **Content:** **Wondering what the difference between a Grade Report and a Report Card is? That’s a fair question! In short a Report Card is a list of classes with final grades from a specific period of time like a semester or a school year while a Grade Report can include a list of grades for individual assignments or a summary by category. If you are looking for how to print a Grade Report see the directions below. If you need to print a Report Card you can find those directions by going [here](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-report-cards/).** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Printing-top-1024x576.png) These directions assume you are familiar with [*Creating* a Grade Report in Homeschool Planet](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/creating-a-grade-report/) and just need to get a fresh copy printed. If however, you still need to create your report and would like more info than is included below you can find more info [here!](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/creating-a-grade-report/) ### **Printing a Grade Report** 1. Click on the “Reports” icon at the top of your screen and choose “Grade Report”. 2. Next, select “Customize” from the lower left corner of the pop-up box. 3. Select the parameters for each of the categories available and hit “OK” to return to the previous screen. 4. From the Layout Drop down menu select the option you wish to print and decide whether or not to check the button which will cause each student to print on a new page. 5. Now click on print button in the right hand corner and a dialogue box from your printer software will pop up so you can finish printing. *The screenshots below show each of these steps.* As always, feel free to reach out to us with any questions at . We are here to help you! ### **Screenshot Images** ![](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Printing-a-Grade-Report-1-PNG.png) ![](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Printing-Grade-Reports-2.jpg) ![](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Printing-Grade-Reports-3.jpg) ![](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Printing-Grade-Reports-4.jpg) ![](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Printing-Grade-Reports-5.jpg) ### **Video Tutorial for Printing a Grade Report** ### **To learn more about Printing in Homeschool Planet, see the following links:** - **[Printing Basics](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-basics/)** - **[Printing Assignment Lists](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-assignment-lists/)** - **[Printing Attendance Records](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-attendance-records/)** - **[Printing Class Hours Reports](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-a-class-hours-report/)** - **[Printing Lesson Plans](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-lesson-plans/)** - **[Printing Report Cards](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-report-cards/)** - **[Printing Resource Lists](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-resource-lists/)** - **[Printing Transcripts](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-transcripts/)** - **[Printing to a PDF](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/saving-as-a-pdf-using-the-print-feature/)** - **[Printing School Year Calendars](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-a-school-year-calendar/)** ### **Not a Subscriber yet? Check out Homeschool Planet for yourself with a [30-day FREE trial](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/). No credit card information is necessary to give it a try!** ![Homeschool Planet World's best planner button](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/728x90-1.png) **With [Homeschool Planet lesson plans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/), homeschooling has never been easier!** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/HSP-Marketplace-Logo-Image-1.png) **Categories:** Printing **Tags:** Grade Reports, Printing, User Guide --- ### [Printing Class Hours Reports](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-a-class-hours-report/) **Published:** February 29, 2020 **Author:** Robyn **Content:** **Do you need to report the hours your student has spent on academic pursuits and other activities? Learn how to print that report here!** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Printing-top-1024x576.png) *This article assumes that you have already set up hours tracking for your classes and activities. If you need to learn how to do that you will find directions on how to do so by clicking [this link](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/tracking-class-and-activity-hours/)!* ### **Printing Class Hours Reports** 1. Click on the “Reports” icon at the top of your screen and select “Class Hours” to begin this process. 2. Next choose from the four layouts available: Core v Non-Core, Breakdown by Subject, Breakdown by Class, and Detailed Report 3. If you would like to set parameters for your Hours Report click the “Customize” button at the lower left corner of the pop up box. You will be able to select choices regarding Students, Subject/Category, Date Range, School Year, Category, Completion, and Resources. 4. Once you finish making your selections, hit “OK” which will generate your report. 5. Select print from the right hand corner and then make the appropriate choices from your printer software. *The screenshots below show each of these steps.* **To learn more about tracking your student’s class and activity hours [use this link](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/tracking-class-and-activity-hours/)!** *As always, feel free to reach out to us with any questions at . We are here to help you!* ### **Screenshot Images** ![](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Printing-Report-Hours-1.jpg) ![](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Printing-Hours-Reports-2.jpg) ![](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Printing-Hours-Reports-3.jpg) ### **Printing a Class Hours Report Video Tutorial** ### **To learn more about Printing in Homeschool Planet, see the following links:** - **[Printing Basics](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-basics/)** - **[Printing Assignment Lists](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-assignment-lists/)** - **[Printing Attendance Records](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-attendance-records/)** - **[Printing Grade Reports](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-grade-reports/)** - **[Printing Lesson Plans](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-lesson-plans/)** - **[Printing Report Cards](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-report-cards/)** - **[Printing Resource Lists](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-resource-lists/)** - **[Printing Transcripts](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-transcripts/)** - **[Printing to a PDF](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/saving-as-a-pdf-using-the-print-feature/)** - **[Printing School Year Calendars](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-a-school-year-calendar/)** **Not a Subscriber yet? Check out Homeschool Planet for yourself with a [30-day FREE trial](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/). No credit card information is necessary to give it a try!** ![Homeschool Planet World's best planner button](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/728x90-1.png) **With [Homeschool Planet lesson plans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/), homeschooling has never been easier!** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/HSP-Marketplace-Logo-Image-1.png) **Categories:** Printing **Tags:** Class Hours, Printing, Reports, User Guide --- ### [Printing Basics](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-basics/) **Published:** February 29, 2020 **Author:** Robyn **Content:** **You can print a hard copy of your daily, weekly, or even monthly schedule! The easiest rule of thumb to follow is that what you see on your screen within the Calendar or Planner window when you select the print icon is what will be printed. Following are some tips for making your selections!** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Printing-top-1024x576.png) ### **Printing in Homeschool Planet** 1. First, choose whether you prefer the layout in the Calendar or Planner view by toggling between the options to the left of the month and year at the top of your planner. 2. Next choose whether you would like to see the Day, Week, or Month for this print out by selecting the appropriate option. 3. Click on the drop-down menu on the right side of the calendar labelled “Show calendars for:” and choose all the schedules you would like to be printed. You can choose just one person, a combination of people, or everyone. 4. You can even choose to limit the activities shown on the calendar by choosing “More Options” within the “Show Calendars for” menu and selecting/deselecting particular items. 5. Now that you have chosen what to print you can click on the “Print” icon at the top of your screen and choose “Economy” or “Color”. As you suspect, Economy will print in black and white while Color will utilize any different color options you have chosen for different students, subjects, and activities. Note: Sometimes everything won’t fit so a great idea is to condense the view. If you go to the bottom of your calendar you will see a box you can check labeled “Use condensed view”~ this will shrink things down a bit, by placing your timed and un-timed items in the same window, which generally is a more pleasing view. ### ![](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Condensed-View-1.jpg) For directions to print just a list of assignments which can be customized by student, student activities, as well as graded or ungraded work see the entry [Printing Assignment Lists.](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-assignment-lists/) We hope this has been helpful! ### **For directions on specific printing applications (like Transcripts, Grade Reports, and Attendance) please see our additional printing articles.** ***Don’t see the answer you need? Please reach out to us with any questions at . We are here to help you!*** ### Printing Basics Video Tutorials ### **To learn more about Printing in Homeschool Planet, see the following links:** - **[Printing Assignment Lists](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-assignment-lists/)** - **[Printing Attendance Records](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-attendance-records/)** - **[Printing Class Hours Reports](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-a-class-hours-report/)** - **[Printing Grade Reports](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-grade-reports/)** - **[Printing Lesson Plans](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-lesson-plans/)** - **[Printing Report Cards](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-report-cards/)** - **[Printing Resource Lists](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-resource-lists/)** - **[Printing Transcripts](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-transcripts/)** - **[Printing to a PDF](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/saving-as-a-pdf-using-the-print-feature/)** - [**Printing School Year Calendars**](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-a-school-year-calendar/) ### **Not a Subscriber yet? Check out Homeschool Planet for yourself with a [30-day FREE trial](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/). No credit card information is necessary to give it a try!** ![Homeschool Planet World's best planner button](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/728x90-1.png) ***At last*** — an easy, flexible, full-featured online planner that doesn’t require *hours* to learn. Just launch, click on the calendar, and start adding classes, assignments, and appointments! **With [Homeschool Planet lesson plans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/), homeschooling has never been easier!** ![Homeschool Planet growing collection of Lesson Plans button](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/growing-collecton-lesson-plans.jpg) **Categories:** Printing **Tags:** Printing, User Guide --- ### [Printing Attendance Records](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-attendance-records/) **Published:** February 28, 2020 **Author:** Robyn **Content:** **If you have set up Attendance Tracking and need to know how to Print a Report in your Homeschool Planet planner you have come to the right place! If you need to know how to set up [Attendance Tracking](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/attendance-tracking/) you might want to take a look at [this article first](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/attendance-tracking/)!** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Printing-top-1024x576.png) ### **Follow these instructions to print your Attendance record today!** 1. Select the icon or picture on the left hand side of the screen of the person you want an attendance record for. 2. Choose “Edit Profile” and then select the Attendance tab on the left. 3. Next just select the print button on the right and you will have an attendance report! *The screenshots below show each of these steps.* Did you know there is a fun bonus way to get to your child’s attendance chart? When you are tracking attendance the names of the students being tracked appear at the top of each day with a small checkbox. If you take your mouse and move the cursor to hover over the name of a student a small calendar icon will pop up to the left of the name. If you then click on that calendar it will take you straight to the attendance screen for that student. Doesn’t Homeschool Planet have the BEST programmers!?! *As always, feel free to reach out to us with any questions at . We are here to help you!* ### **Screenshot Images** ![](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Printing-Attendance-1.jpg) ![](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Printing-Attendance-2.jpg) ![](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Printing-Attendance-3.jpg) ### **Printing Attendance Records Video Tutorial** ### **To learn more about Printing in Homeschool Planet, see the following links:** - **[Printing Basics](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-basics/)** - **[Printing Assignment Lists](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-assignment-lists/)** - **[Printing Class Hours Reports](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-a-class-hours-report/)** - **[Printing Grade Reports](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-grade-reports/)** - **[Printing Lesson Plans](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-lesson-plans/)** - **[Printing Report Cards](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-report-cards/)** - **[Printing Resource Lists](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-resource-lists/)** - **[Printing Transcripts](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-transcripts/)** - **[Printing to a PDF](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/saving-as-a-pdf-using-the-print-feature/)** - **[Printing School Year Calendars](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-a-school-year-calendar/)** ## Not a Subscriber yet? Check out Homeschool Planet for yourself with a [30-day FREE trial](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/). No credit card information is necessary to give it a try! ![Homeschool Planet World's best planner button](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/728x90-1.png) **With [Homeschool Planet lesson plans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/), homeschooling has never been easier!** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/HSP-Marketplace-Logo-Image-1.png) **Categories:** Printing **Tags:** Attendance, Printing, User Guide --- ### [Printing a School Year Calendar](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-a-school-year-calendar/) **Published:** September 5, 2020 **Author:** Robyn **Content:** **To obtain and print a record of your School Year Calendar, for the current school year or past school years follow the directions found here!** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Printing-top-1024x576.png) These directions assume you have already *created* a School Year calendar for your family please see the directions in this post titled, [Setting Up Your School Year Calendar](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/setting-up-a-school-year/). ### **Printing Your School Year Calendar** 1. Go to the Settings menu found in the menu bar and select School Year & Vacations. 2. Scroll through your school years, stopping on the calendar you wish to print. 3. Click the print button in the upper right hand corner of the calendar you would like to print. 4. Follow the prompts of your printer software. 5. That’s it!!! *The screenshots below show each of these steps.* ### **Screenshot Images** ![](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/School-Year-1.png) ![](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/School-Year-2.png) ### **Video Tutorial for Printing a School Year** ***As always, feel free to reach out to us with any questions at . We are here to help you!*** ### **To learn more about Printing in Homeschool Planet, see the following links:** - **[Printing Basics](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-basics/)** - **[Printing Assignment Lists](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-assignment-lists/)** - **[Printing Attendance Records](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-attendance-records/)** - **[Printing Class Hours Reports](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-a-class-hours-report/)** - **[Printing Grade Reports](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-grade-reports/)** - **[Printing Lesson Plans](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-lesson-plans/)** - **[Printing Report Cards](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-report-cards/)** - **[Printing Resource Lists](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-resource-lists/)** - **[Printing Transcripts](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-transcripts/)** - [**Printing to a PDF**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/saving-as-a-pdf-using-the-print-feature/) **Not a Subscriber yet? Check out Homeschool Planet for yourself with a [30-day FREE trial](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/). No credit card information is necessary to give it a try!** ![Homeschool Planet World's best planner button](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/728x90-1.png) **With [Homeschool Planet lesson plans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/), homeschooling has never been easier!** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/HSP-Marketplace-Logo-Image-1.png) **Categories:** Printing **Tags:** School Calendar, Printing, User Guide --- ### [Lesson Plan or Class?](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/lesson-plan-or-class/) **Published:** December 28, 2020 **Author:** Robyn **Content:** **While lesson plans and classes seem like the same thing (they ARE very similar!) they have some definite and important differences. To learn more about the distinction between classes and lesson plans in Homeschool Planet, see below.** ![User Guide for Homeschool Planet Lesson Plans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Lesson-Plans-top-1024x576.png) ### **So what is the difference between a Class and a Lesson Plan?** A Homeschool Planet Lesson Plan is a sequence of assignments with, optionally, associated resources, links to digital content (e.g., websites, online videos, PDFs, etc.), grading categories, and attendance-tracking information. The assignments, notes, and resources in a lesson plan are NOT assigned to any specific dates. A class has the same ingredients as a lesson plan but they are on the Calendar (and thus on the planner) and are assigned to specific dates. Assignments can be marked as complete only when a part of a class. Initially, a lesson plan that you create in the Lesson Plan Library (or purchase in the [Marketplace](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/)) is not scheduled, nor is it associated with any particular, current class in your calendar. However, once created or purchased, you can then “apply” it to your calendar. When you do so, that lesson plan becomes the basis for a new class in your calendar, starting on a date that you specify, with a specific schedule, and assigned to specific students. If you want to create a lesson plan that you will use multiple times, perhaps with different students in different school years, then it makes a lot of sense for you to create the lesson plan in the Lesson Plan Library, then apply it as you need it. However, if you want to create a lesson plan that you will only use once, then you don’t need to create it in the Lesson Plan Library. You can simply create a new Class in the Calendar or Planner views, and edit the class directly. **A couple things to note:** - Changes made to the original lesson plan do not impact the class that has been created from a lesson plan. Edits for the current class should be made directly in the class. - Similarly, edits made to a class do not impact the lesson plan the class came from, if any. - All classes can be saved as lesson plans for future use. ***As always, feel free to reach out to us with any questions at . We are here to help you!*** ### **For more information about using Lesson Plans in your your Homeschool Planet account see the following entries:** - [**Lesson Plan or Class**](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/lesson-plan-or-class/) - **[Applying Lesson Plans](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/applying-lesson-plans/)** - **[Applying a Partial Lesson Plan](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/applying-a-partial-lesson-plan/)** - [**Creating a Lesson Plan from a Class**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/creating-a-lesson-plan-from-a-class/) - **[Deleting a Lesson Plan](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/deleting-a-lesson-plan/)** - [**Finding Purchased Lesson Plans**](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/finding-purchased-lesson-plans/) - **[Sharing Lesson Plans](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/sharing-lesson-plans/)** - [**Purchasing Plug-In Lesson Plans**](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/purchasing-plug-in-lesson-plans/) **Not a Subscriber yet? Check out Homeschool Planet for yourself with a [30-day FREE trial](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/). No credit card information is necessary to give it a try!** **With [Homeschool Planet lesson plans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/), homeschooling has never been easier!** ![A growing collection of plug-in lesson plans for popular curricula](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/HSP-Marketplace-Logo-Image-1.png) **Categories:** Classes, Lesson Plans **Tags:** Lesson Plans, User Guide --- ### [Yearly Updates](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/yearly-updates/) **Published:** June 8, 2021 **Author:** Robyn **Content:** **We are frequently asked what steps need to be taken to finish one school year and begin another. There are no necessary steps but we do have a few recommendations. See what those suggestions are below.** ![Student Management User Guide](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Student-Management-top-1024x576.png) ### **Options for Finishing Your Year and Beginning Another** 1. Print a Report Card for your student to show them their progress. Learn more about [creating a Report Card](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/creating-a-report-card/) and [printing a Report Card](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-report-cards/) with these articles. 2. [Create, Update](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/creating-a-transcript/), or [Print](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-transcripts/) your High School Student’s Transcript. 3. Send required reports to any authorities such as ISP’s, Umbrella Schools, and Charter Schools. - Learn about saving reports as a PDF with this [User Guide entry](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/saving-as-a-pdf-…he-print-feature/) to send electronic copies. 4. Grab your student and let them officially advance their grade level in Homeschool Planet with the following steps: 1. While logged into your planner select the student’s picture on the left hand side of the planner and choose Edit Profile. 2. On the Basic Info tab officially move the student’s grade level to the next level. 3. Select Save. 5. If you have not already set-up the next school year (you can do this at any time, not just at the end of one year) [create your next school year](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/setting-up-a-school-year/) and begin planning again! 6. Don’t forget to take time to celebrate all you and your students have accomplished. ### Closing out a School Year Video Tutorial ***As always, feel free to reach out to us with any questions at . We are here to help you!*** **Not a Subscriber yet? Check out Homeschool Planet for yourself with a [30-day FREE trial](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/). No credit card information is necessary to give it a try!** ![Homeschool Planet World's best planner button](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/728x90-1.png) **With [Homeschool Planet lesson plans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/), homeschooling has never been easier!** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/HSP-Marketplace-Logo-Image-1.png) **Categories:** Students --- ### [Tracking Attendance](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/tracking-attendance/) **Published:** June 4, 2021 **Author:** Robyn **Content:** **Tracking daily attendance in Homeschool Planet is a snap. Learn the most efficient process for tracking attendance in your homeschool planner by reading the article below.** ![Student Management User Guide](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Student-Management-top-1024x576.png) ### **Tracking Attendance** This article focuses on the process of tracking attendance but there is a lengthy article about setting up Attendance Tracking in the User Guide which you can find, [here,](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/attendance-tracking/) if you need helping setting up this useful feature. Once you have set-up Attendance tracking for a student (the “Track attendance for ” box is checked in a student’s profile) there will be a checkbox for each student on your calendar each day. The attendance checkbox will appear in both the Calendar and Planner views. By default, the check box will be marked each day and the student will be considered present. If you would like to mark the student absent you can do so by unchecking the box. To see all of the student’s attendance, and edit as necessary, you can use the following steps: 1. After logging into your Homeschool Planet account, click on the student’s profile picture then chose the “Edit (student name)’s Profile” option at the top of the window. 2. Next, select the “Attendance” tab on left. 3. You will now see the student’s school calendar(s). From here, you can mark sick days by turning a green checkmark to a red “X.” When a student is marked absent, assignments will appear in the “Rescheduling Helper” when you log in the next day. You can also reschedule assignments anytime by hovering over the “Helpers” option in the upper menu, then selecting the “Rescheduling Helper.” ### Follow these instructions to print your Attendance record today! 1. Select the icon or picture on the left hand side of the screen of the person you want an attendance record for. 2. Choose “Edit Profile” and then select the Attendance tab on the left. 3. Next just select the print button on the right and you will have an attendance report! ### **Screensh**ots for Tracking Attendance ![tracking student attendance, 1](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Attendance-1.jpg) ![tracking student attendance, 2](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Attendance-2.jpg) ![tracking student attendance, 3](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Attendance-3.jpg) ### **Tracking Attendance** Video Tutorial ***As always, feel free to reach out to us with any questions at . We are here to help you!*** ### Not a Subscriber yet? Check out Homeschool Planet for yourself with a [30-day FREE trial](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/). No credit card information is necessary to give it a try! ![Homeschool Planet World's best planner button](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/728x90-1.png) **With [Homeschool Planet lesson plans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/), homeschooling has never been easier!** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/HSP-Marketplace-Logo-Image-1.png) **Categories:** Students --- ### [Student Permissions](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/student-permissions/) **Published:** June 12, 2021 **Author:** Robyn **Content:** **A favorite feature for Homeschool Planet users is the ability to set permissions for student accounts. Users with full administrative access can determine just how much each user can see and edit in student accounts with a few simple clicks! Learn how below~** ![Student Management User Guide](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Student-Management-top-1024x576.png) ### **Understanding Permissions** - When you allow an additional user to login you have the ability to determine how much they can see and do. - If you do NOT check the box that reads, “Limit access to selected features and calendars the user will have full access to everyone’s calendar, and can create and edit classes and activities. - If you **DO** check the Limit Access box you will have the ability to choose which calendars the user can view and edit. - You will select individual permissions in each area for each person in the account. - *View* means that the items can be seen but not edited. - *Edit* means permission to edit or add classes and activities has been granted. - *View grades* means that the user can see entered grades for that account. - *Assign grades* means that permission is granted to enter or edit grades. - *Record Time Spent* gives permission to log hours for classes that have hours tracking set up. - The button beneath grants permission to see and update widgets. While users with permission to see and update widgets can choose their own layout and add information be aware that all widgets in an account share the same data. ### **A few possible scenarios for student permissions** - A student you want to log in, see only their assignments and activities, and be able to mark them off but not be able to edit anything~ - Select View next to their name but leave everything else blank. - An older sibling who teaches a younger student a class or two~ - For the older student select View, View Grades and Record Time Spent next to their name - Also select View, Edit, View Grades, Assign Grades, and Record Time Spent for the sibling the older student will be teaching - A grandparent or tutor is overseeing your students a couple days a week but you still set the assignment and pacing choices. - Create an account for the extra user and give them permission to View and Assign Grades to the students they oversee. *There are so many possibilities. Customize your account for the option that works best for you!* ### **Permissions** Screenshot ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Student-Permissions-1.jpg) ### Student Permissions Video Tutorial ***As always, feel free to reach out to us with any questions at . We are here to help you!*** ### Not a Subscriber yet? Check out Homeschool Planet for yourself with a [30-day FREE trial](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/). No credit card information is necessary to give it a try! ![Homeschool Planet World's best planner button](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/728x90-1.png) **With [Homeschool Planet lesson plans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/), homeschooling has never been easier!** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/HSP-Marketplace-Logo-Image-1.png) **Categories:** Students --- ### [Removing and Archiving Students](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/removing-and-archiving-students/) **Published:** June 8, 2021 **Author:** Robyn **Content:** **When you wish to remove a student from your active calendar you have the option to archive their data or to delete them completely. Learn how to do both below.** ![Student Management User Guide](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Student-Management-top-1024x576.png) ### **Removing and Archiving Students Overview** The first step to deleting a student from your homeschool planner is to decide whether you would like to archive their data or remove it completely. When you archive a student’s data all records are preserved but login and selection for new classes is disabled. You can un-archive student data and return a student to full status. Deleting a student’s data is permanent and remove’s all the student’s data including classes and activities. The steps to each of these options are very similar but with very different results. ### Archiving a Student 1. Select the name of the student you would like to archive from the left side of the planner in either Calendar or Planner view and then choose “Edit Profile.” 2. Select the red X in the upper right hand corner of that student’s profile picture across the top of the Manage Family screen. 3. Choose the option “Archive” and then select Save in the lower right hand corner of the screen. To Un-archive the student select the undo button. ### **Archiving a Student** Screenshots ### ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Removing-and-Archiving-Students-1.jpg) ### ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Removing-and-Archiving-Students-2.jpg) ### ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Removing-and-Archiving-Students-3.jpg) ### **Deleting a Student** 1. To delete a student and all their records form your account permanently select the name of the student you would like to delete from the left hand side of your planner and then choose “Edit Profile.” 2. Select the red X in the upper right hand corner of that student’s profile picture across the top of the Manage Family screen. 3. Choose to “Remove all data” if you want all data permanently removed from the account. This cannot be undone. ### **Deleting a Student** Screenshots ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Removing-and-Archiving-Students-4.jpg) ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Removing-and-Archiving-Students-5.jpg) ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Removing-and-Archiving-Students-6.jpg) ### Removing or Archiving a Student Video Tutorial ***As always, feel free to reach out to us with any questions at . We are here to help you!*** **Not a Subscriber yet? Check out Homeschool Planet for yourself with a [30-day FREE trial](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/). No credit card information is necessary to give it a try!** ![Homeschool Planet World's best planner button](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/728x90-1.png) **With [Homeschool Planet lesson plans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/), homeschooling has never been easier!** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/HSP-Marketplace-Logo-Image-1.png) **Categories:** Students --- ### [Daily & Weekly Digests](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/daily-weekly-digests-2/) **Published:** June 11, 2022 **Author:** Robyn **Content:** **A favorite feature of Homeschool Planet users is the ability to have the schedule for a given day or week automatically emailed directly to you, a student, or another parent. Learn about how this helpful feature works below.** ![Student Management User Guide](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Student-Management-top-1024x576.png) ### **Setting up Digests** 1. To set up Daily or Weekly Digests go to the profile page of the person you wish to enable this feature for by selecting their picture on the left hand side of your screen and clicking Edit Profile. 2. On the Basic Info Tab click the box next to either Daily or Weekly Digests to enable them. *Note: If you would like to turn off digests just click an already checked box.* 3. When turning on Digests for a student you can opt to have them receive all student’s schedules, in addition to their own. 4. That’s how easy it is to turn Digests off and on. ### **Adjusting the Time and Days Digests Send** 1. Choose General from the Settings menu at the top of your planner and select the Email tab on the right hand of the pop-up. 2. Select the time you would like digests to send. *Note: All digests sent after 12:00 pm will include the schedule for the next day.* 3. If you have selected Weekly Digests, you can also choose which day they are sent from the drop-down menu. 4. The last choice is whether you would like Digests sent even on days when there are no assignments. 5. Finally select Save from the lower right hand corner. ### **Digest** Screenshots ### ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Digest-1.jpg) ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Digests-2.jpg) ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Digests-3.jpg) ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Digests-4.jpg) ### Daily & Weekly Digests Video Tutorial ***As always, feel free to reach out to us with any questions at . We are here to help you!*** ### Not a Subscriber yet? Check out Homeschool Planet for yourself with a [30-day FREE trial](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/). No credit card information is necessary to give it a try! ![Homeschool Planet World's best planner button](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/728x90-1.png) **With [Homeschool Planet lesson plans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/), homeschooling has never been easier!** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/HSP-Marketplace-Logo-Image-1.png) **Categories:** Students --- ### [Changing a Student Email or Password](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/changing-a-student-email-or-password/) **Published:** June 7, 2021 **Author:** Robyn **Content:** **Thankfully changing a student email or password can be completed quickly and easily by the primary user of an account at any time! The directions below will help you make this change in just moments.** ![Student Management User Guide](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Student-Management-top-1024x576.png) ### **Changing a Student Email or Password** 1. Select the name of the student you would like to change the email or password for from the left side of the planner in either Calendar or Planner view. 2. To **change the student email** used for login in and/or Daily or Weekly Digests enter the email address that you would like to use for this student account on the Basic Info tab. 3. To **change a student password** first go to the Login tab. Next, enter the new password right over the old one and then hit Save and Close. 4. While in the Login tab it is a good time to review the permissions that you have given to your student. Once you know all settings are as you wish select Save and Close. ### **Changing a Student Email or Password** Screenshots ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Change-Email-or-Password-1.png) ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Change-Email-or-Paassword-2.png) ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Change-Email-or-Password-3.png) ### **Changing a Student Email or Password Video Tutorial** ***As always, feel free to reach out to us with any questions at . We are here to help you!*** **Not a Subscriber yet? Check out Homeschool Planet for yourself with a [30-day FREE trial](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/). No credit card information is necessary to give it a try!** ![Homeschool Planet World's best planner button](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/728x90-1.png) #### **With [Homeschool Planet lesson plans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/), homeschooling has never been easier!** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/HSP-Marketplace-Logo-Image-1.png) **Categories:** Students --- ### [Adding a New User](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/adding-a-new-user/) **Published:** June 4, 2021 **Author:** Robyn **Content:** **Tracking your student’s activities, academics, chores, and events is no small feat in this age. Homeschool Planet helps you track all these pieces and more to help simplify and enhance your homeschooling journey. With individual logins available for each student, daily and/or weekly email notifications about upcoming events and assignments, and easy to access reports Homeschool Planet makes student management straightforward and simple to administer. To learn about adding students to your Homeschool Planet account follow the directions below.** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Student-Management-top-1024x576.png) ### **Adding Students and Additional Users to Your Account** 1. First, click on the “Add Person” link under your picture on the left side of the screen. If you have already entered other students this link will be at the bottom of those students. 2. A window titled “Manage Family” will open where you can put in your student’s information. 3. The first tab is for ***Basic Info*** about your student. ***First Name**~* **this field is required while all other fields are optional**. This name is what will appear on your planner. ***Last Name**~* this field is not required but if you wish your student’s last name to appear on Report Cards, Transcripts, and other reports automatically you will want to enter it here. The last name will not appear on the calendar and planner views. ***Grade**~* select the grade your student is currently in. If this is for your spouse, a grandparent, tutor, or someone else who needs access to your account simply select the option “Not a Student” from the drop-down box. ***Color**~* Choose a color to associate with all this person’s activities, events, and assignments. ***E-mail address**~* by adding an email address you will be able to send emails to this person from within Homeschool Planet. Additionally, you will be able to choose to send Daily and Weekly Digests directly to users. ***Cell Phone Number**~* Adding a cell phone number will allow you to send reminders via text message, messages using the Messages widget, and to send them To Do Lists and Shopping lists. ***Photo**~* Upload a photo to personalize your student’s account. We have found that most students LOVE seeing themselves in the planner. We have seen some really fun cartoons and memes in this field as well! Be creative and inspire creativity! 4. The next tab is Attendance. For information on [setting up attendance tracking](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/attendance-tracking/), [recording attendance](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/tracking-attendance/), and [printing attendance](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-attendance-records/) select each link to go directly to instructions for those features. 5. The final tab is titled Login. ~ Selecting the option to, “Allow ((student name)) to log in” will allow students, or other users, to have their own login to Homeschool Planet. ~ Once you have enabled login for a user, enter a password for them. The email used to login will be the one you entered in the *Basic Info* section, above. If you did not enter an email in the *Basic Info* section, the email used for login will be the primary email associated with the account. Please note that you CAN use the same email for both the primary account and additional accounts but the individual user accounts MUST USE DIFFERENT PASSWORDS, so that the system can differentiate between users. ~ The default for users with a login is that they have full access to all user’s calendars and their own. If you would like to customize what a user sees select the checkbox which reads, “Limit ((student’s name)) access to selected features and calendars.” Next select what calendar items you would like available to the user for each person in the account. The categories are as follows: ***View~*** this lets a user simply see the calendar assignments, activities, and events for a person. ***Edit~*** selecting this option lets a user assign, edit, or change assignments, activities, and events for a person. ***View Grades~*** if grades are assigned to a class they can be viewed when this is selected. ***Assign Grades~*** changing and assigning grades for a user is available if this choice in checked. ***Record Time Spent~*** when time tracking has been turned on this option allows people to enter time to be recorded. ~Lastly, you can choose whether to allow the user to see and update widgets. 6. Finally, select “Save and Close” to save all the selections you have made for a user. *There are many possibilities for login options but following are a couple common login scenarios~* ~ A young student may be allowed a login under their parent’s email, with their own password, but would likely have settings enabled to only see their own assignments and activities with no other privileges. ~ An older student may be allowed to login with their own email, view their calendar and grades, edit their widgets, but not have editing access to their classes or grades. ~ An older sibling who is a student but also teaches younger siblings may be able to view their own calendar and record the time they spend on activities, as well as view their siblings schedules and also be allowed to edit assignments, assign grades, and record time spent for their siblings. ~ A tutor may have a login and limited access to just the students they work with. ### **Adding Users and Logins** Screenshots ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Adding-a-User-1.jpg) ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Add-a-User-2.jpg) ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Add-a-User-3.jpg) ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Add-a-User-4.jpg) ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Add-a-User-5.jpg) ### **Student User Video Tutorial** ***As always, feel free to reach out to us with any questions at . We are here to help you!*** **For more information about setting up your Homeschool Planet account see the following entries:** - [**Setting Up a School Year**](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/setting-up-a-school-year/) - **[Setting Up Your Family Profile](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/step-2-setting-up-family-profiles/)** - **[Adding a Plug-in Lesson Plan](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/adding-a-plug-in-lesson-plan/)** - **[Setting Up Attendance Tracking](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/attendance-tracking/)** - **[Setting Up Hours Tracking](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/tracking-class-and-activity-hours/)** **Not a Subscriber yet? Check out Homeschool Planet for yourself with a [30-day FREE trial](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/). No credit card information is necessary to give it a try!** ![Homeschool Planet World's best planner button](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/728x90-1.png) **With [Homeschool Planet lesson plans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/), homeschooling has never been easier!** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/HSP-Marketplace-Logo-Image-1.png) **Categories:** Students --- ### [Understanding Grading Scales](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/understanding-grading-scales/) **Published:** January 29, 2021 **Author:** Robyn **Content:** **Homeschool Planet calculates a numeric score for each class, between 0 and 100, and uses the grading scales set up in your account to convert those scores to letter grades. For information on setting up the numeric to letter equivalents for your homeschool, as well as +/- and pass/fail options see the directions below.** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Grading-top-1024x576.png) ### **Directions for Understanding Grading Scales** 1. The first step to setting up your Grading Scales is to open the Master page for Grading Scales. To do this go to Settings> Grading>Scales. 2. You will see three categories: Standard, Standard +/-, and Pass/No Credit. 3. Homeschool Planet has pre-set each Grading Scale with a traditional scale but you can adjust each section as you see fit. To do so simply type in the numbers you would like to see. Each number represents the minimum score which much be achieved for the corresponding letter grade. - You can find an article on selecting Grading Scales from The Home Scholar, [here](https://www.homehighschoolhelp.com/blogs/how-to-choose-a-homeschool-grading-scale). 4. Please note that Homeschool Planet uses standard rounding metrics so a grade of 89.6 will be counted as a grade of 90. 5. At this point you should select the Grading Scale you intend to use most as your default. You will be able to override this option in any individual class. 6. Don’t forget to hit Save when you have finished adjusting your Grading Scales! ### **Screenshots for Understanding Grading Scales** ![Screenshot to help you locate the grading tab under the settings menu.](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Grading-Scales-1.jpg) ![Screenshot instructions for entering scores you would like to use for your grading scale in Homeschool Planet.](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Grading-scales-2.jpg) ### **Grading Scales Video Tutorial** ***As always, feel free to reach out to us with any questions at . We are here to help you!*** ### **For more information about Grading in your Homeschool Planet account see the following entries:** - **[Setting Up Grading Categories](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/setting-up-grading-categories/)** - **[Adding Grading to a Class](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/adding-grading-to-a-class/)** - **[Adding Grading to a Lesson Plan](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/adding-grading-to-a-class-or-lesson-plan/)** - **[Entering Grades](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/entering-grades/)** - **[Editing Grades](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/editing-grades/)** - **[Grouped Grading](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/grouped-grading/)** - **[The Grading Helper](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/the-grading-helper/)** - **[Grade Reports](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/creating-a-grade-report/)** - **[Report Cards](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/creating-a-report-card/)** - **[Printing Grade Reports](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-grade-reports/)** - **[Printing Report Cards](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-report-cards/)** **Not a Subscriber yet? Check out Homeschool Planet for yourself with a [30-day FREE trial](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/). No credit card information is necessary to give it a try!** ![Homeschool Planet World's best planner button](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/728x90-1.png) **With [Homeschool Planet lesson plans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/), homeschooling has never been easier!** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/HSP-Marketplace-Logo-Image-1.png) **Categories:** Grading **Tags:** Grading Scales, Grades --- ### [The Grading Helper](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/the-grading-helper/) **Published:** February 22, 2021 **Author:** Robyn **Content:** **The Homeschool Planet Grading Helper was designed to make the process of recording grades as straight forward and flexible as possible. You can launch it on demand or ask the software to automatically launch this feature each day when you login. To learn more about this helpful feature see the directions below.** ![User Guide for Grading](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Grading-top-1024x576.png) ### **Launching the Grading Helper Manually** 1. You can launch the Grading Helper at any time to see a list of all assignments which need to have grades added. 2. To do this, simply go to the Helpers menu at the top of the Homeschool Planet menu bar and select the Grading Helper from the drop-down menu. 3. A list of all ungraded assignments will appear. 4. You may adjust the date range by using the two calendars which read Starting on and Ending on. 5. To pull up assignments which do have grades entered simply uncheck the box which reads, “Show only ungraded assignments.” 6. When you finished adding grades select OK to save your entries. ### **Launching the Grading Helper Automatically** 1. You can set the Grading Helper to launch automatically each day when you login so that you can catch up on the previous day’s entries. 2. To set the Grading Helper to run each day go to the Settings menu in the menu bar. 3. Next go to the General tab and then choose the Helpers tab within that section. 4. In Helper Settings set the “Automatically launch Rescheduling and Grading helpers each day” to Yes. 5. Select Save and the helpers will pop-up each day so you can enter grades as instructed above. 6. If you would ever like to stop the helpers from launching automatically simply return to the Helper Settings menu and change the option back to No. ### **Screenshots for Using the Grading Helper** ![Grading helper button from the menu bar across the top of your Homeschool Planet planner](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Grading-Helper-1.jpg) ![Homeschool Planet Automatic Grading Helper screenshot button](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Grading-Helper-2.jpg) ![Automatic grading helper in general settings](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Grading-Helper-3.jpg) ![Homeschool Planner rescheduling and grading helpers](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Grading-Helper-4.jpg) ### **The Grading Helper Video Tutorial** ***As always, feel free to reach out to us with any questions at . We are here to help you!*** ### For more information about Grading in your Homeschool Planet account see the following entries: - **[Setting Up Grading Categories](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/setting-up-grading-categories/)** - **[Understanding Grading Scales](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/understanding-grading-scales/)** - **[Adding Grading to a Class](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/adding-grading-to-a-class/)** - **[Adding Grading to a Lesson Plan](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/adding-grading-to-a-class-or-lesson-plan/)** - **[Entering Grades](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/entering-grades/)** - **[Editing Grades](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/editing-grades/)** - **[Grouped Grading](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/grouped-grading/)** - **[Grade Reports](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/creating-a-grade-report/)** - **[Report Cards](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/creating-a-report-card/)** - **[Printing Grade Reports](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-grade-reports/)** - [**Printing Report Cards**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-report-cards/) ### **Not a Subscriber yet? Check out Homeschool Planet for yourself with a [30-day FREE trial](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/). No credit card information is necessary to give it a try!** ![Homeschool Planet the world's best planner button](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/728x90-1.png) **With [Homeschool Planet lesson plans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/), homeschooling has never been easier!** ![A growing collection of plug-in lesson plans for popular curricula](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/HSP-Marketplace-Logo-Image-1.png) **Categories:** Grading **Tags:** grading helper --- ### [Setting Up Grading Categories](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/setting-up-grading-categories/) **Published:** February 22, 2021 **Author:** Robyn **Content:** **Setting up grading in your Homeschool Planet account begins with choosing the Grading Categories you would like to make available in your classes. To learn how to do this see the directions below.** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Grading-top-1024x576.png) ### **Directions for Setting up Grading Categories** 1. After logging into your account, hover over the “Settings” icon on the upper right side of your screen, then select the “Grading” option. 2. When the window opens, you will be on the “Grading” tab of the “Settings” window. At the top of this window are some instructions for creating categories. 3. If you have not added additional categories previously you will find four Grading Categories: Homework, Project, Quiz, and Test. If you have added other categories to any class or lesson plan they will be in this list as well. 4. If you would like to create a new category, locate and select the “Add a new category” text link, immediately to the right of the Grading Categories title. A new editable field will be added to your list where you can change “New Category” to anything you need. 5. You can edit the name of any Grading Category at any time but please take note that if you change the name of category it will be changed in every location where that Grading Category was used. **It is almost always best to add a new category rather than edit an existing one.** 6. You can also delete a category, which was added in error, by selecting the red X next to the Grading Category. If you delete a category and have assignments in classes which utilize that category they will stay intact, but with a line through them and you will NOT be able to re-add the category. **We strongly recommend not deleting any categories which have been used for grading in any classes.** 7. When you are satisfied with your entries, click the “Save” button in the lower right corner. ### **Screenshots for Setting up Grading Categories** ![To set-up grading categories, first go to the settings menu and select the grading option.](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Grading-Categories-1.jpg) ![Choose "Add a new category" to increase the number of Grading Categories available for your classes and lesson plans.](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Grading-Categories-2.jpg) ![Once you have selected "Add a new category" a blank line will appear where you can enter a title for any grading category.](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Grading-Category-3.jpg) ### **Grading Category Video Tutorial** ***As always, feel free to reach out to us with any questions at . We are here to help you!*** ### **For more information about Grading in your Homeschool Planet account see the following entries:** - **[Understanding Grading Scales](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/understanding-grading-scales/)** - **[Adding Grading to a Class or Lesson Plan](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/adding-grading-to-a-class-or-lesson-plan/)** - **[Entering Grades](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/entering-grades/)** - **[Editing Grades](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/editing-grades/)** - **[Grouped Grading](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/grouped-grading/)** - **[Removing Grading from a Class](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/removing-grading-from-a-class/)** - **[The Grading Helper](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/the-grading-helper/)** - **[Grade Reports](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/creating-a-grade-report/)** - **[Report Cards](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/creating-a-report-card/)** - **[Printing Grade Reports](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-grade-reports/)** - **[Printing Report Cards](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-report-cards/)** **Not a Subscriber yet? Check out Homeschool Planet for yourself with a [30-day FREE trial](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/). No credit card information is necessary to give it a try!** **![Homeschool Planet World's best planner button](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/728x90-1.png)** **With [Homeschool Planet lesson plans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/), homeschooling has never been easier!** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/HSP-Marketplace-Logo-Image-1.png) **Categories:** Grading **Tags:** Grading Categories, Grading, Set Up --- ### [Grouped Grading](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/grouped-grading/) **Published:** February 22, 2021 **Author:** Robyn **Content:** **Grouped Grading is designed for those times when you would like to have two or more separate classes combined for a single grade. An example of this would be setting up separate classes for Spelling, Grammar, and Literature but desiring a single Language Arts grade on your Report Card. Homeschool Planet makes this a snap with our Grouped Grading feature. Learn how to utilize this helpful feature below.** ![User Guide for Grading](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Grading-top-1024x576.png) *Creating a Group for grading allows you more flexibility when scheduling classes by letting you combine the scores from assignments in multiple classes into a single grade. You can schedule different topics in a single subject as separate classes, with different start and end dates, on different days of the week, etc., but still pull all of those grades together into a single grade for the subject.* ### **Directions for Grouped Grading** 1. After logging into your account, locate one the classes which you would like to make part of the grading group, click on the class title, and then choose the “Edit” option. 2. When the “Edit Class” window opens, locate and select the “Grading” tab, then click on the “Setup grading” text link. 3. When the “Setup Grading” window opens, select the “Grouping” tab at the top. 4. You will see a list of current grading groups. You can add the current class to one of those groups or you can Create a new group. - *Note: These instructions assume you are creating a new group.* 5. Select the “Show only (SUBJECT NAME) classes” box at the top to show only classes you have created with the same subject name. 6. Check or uncheck any classes you wish to be included in your group grading then click the “Save” button. 7. You will be back on the “Grouping” tab, where you can edit the “Title of group:” as well as review the “Classes in group:” information. Once you are satisfied with your group, select the “Save” button in the bottom right corner. 8. If you have not set up your grading categories, a pop-up box will appear alerting you to this and you will be able to select either the “Let me select some categories” or “Delete it” buttons. Selecting the “Delete it” option deletes the group you just created. 9. If you do have grading categories set up, but some assignments are not yet categorized, the “Choose New Categories” window will open that shows uncategorized assignments. In this window, you will be able to make choices for how you want them categorized or if you would like to leave them as-is. Once you have made your selections, select the “OK” button in the bottom right corner. 10. You will now be returned to the “Grading” tab. Select the “Save and Close” button in the bottom right of the window. ### **Screenshots for Grouped Grading** ![Selecting a class for your Grading Group](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Grouped-Grading-1.jpg) ![Creating a new grading group](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Grouped-Grading-2.jpg) ![Selecting classes for your Grading group](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Grouped-Grading-3.jpg) ![Grouped grading and categorizing assignments](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Grouped-Grading-4.jpg) ### **Grouped Grading Video Tutorial** ***As always, feel free to reach out to us with any questions at . We are here to help you!*** ### **For more information about Grading in your Homeschool Planet account see the following entries:** - **[Setting up Grading Categories](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/setting-up-grading-categories/)** - **[Understanding Grading Scales](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/understanding-grading-scales/)** - **[Adding Grading to a Class or Lesson Plan](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/adding-grading-to-a-class-or-lesson-plan/)** - **[Entering Grades](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/entering-grades/)** - **[Editing Grades](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/editing-grades/)** - **[Removing Grading from a Class](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/removing-grading-from-a-class/)** - **[The Grading Helper](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/the-grading-helper/)** - **[Grade Reports](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/creating-a-grade-report/)** - **[Report Cards](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/creating-a-report-card/)** - **[Printing Grade Reports](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-grade-reports/)** - [**Printing Report Cards**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-report-cards/) **Not a Subscriber yet? Check out Homeschool Planet for yourself with a [30-day FREE trial](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/). No credit card information is necessary to give it a try!** ![Homeschool Planet the world's best planner button](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/728x90-1.png) **With [Homeschool Planet lesson plans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/), homeschooling has never been easier!** ![A growing collection of plug-in lesson plans for popular curricula](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/HSP-Marketplace-Logo-Image-1.png) **Categories:** Grading --- ### [Editing Grades](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/editing-grades/) **Published:** February 22, 2021 **Author:** Robyn **Content:** **Sometimes a student improves their grade after it has been entered and recorded. Other times you may discover that you have entered a grade incorrectly. Whatever the reason you need to change a grade in your Homeschool Planet account you will find it a very simple process. To learn how see the directions below.** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Grading-top-1024x576.png) ### **Directions for Editing a Grade** The first step to editing a grade you have entered in Homeschool Planet is to locate the grade that needs to changed. There are two options to locate a previously entered grade. Use the one best for your situation. 1. - If you know the date of the assignment that needs a grade change you can go to that date and class and select the “grades” link for that day. A pop-up box will appear where you can just write over the previously entered grade(s). - If you know the class, but not the exact date of the grade you wish to update, or if you have several grades in one class to edit, you can select the title of the class from anywhere on the calendar and then choose edit. Next navigate to the Grading tab. Uncheck the box which reads, “Show only ungraded assignments” and all the previous entered grades for that class will appear. Once you located the assignment to be changed in that list you can write over the previously entered grade. That is all there is to it! ### **Screenshots for Editing Grades** ![Instructions for editing a grade in Homeschool Planet 1](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Editing-Grades-1.jpg) ![Instructions for editing a grade in Homeschool Planet 2](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Editing-Grades-2.jpg) ![Instructions for editing a grade in Homeschool Planet 3](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Editing-Grades-3.jpg) ### **Editing Grades Video Tutorial** ***As always, feel free to reach out to us with any questions at . We are here to help you!*** ### **For more information about Grading in your Homeschool Planet account see the following entries:** - **[Setting Up Grading Categories](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/setting-up-grading-categories/)** - **[Understanding Grading Scales](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/understanding-grading-scales/)** - **[Adding Grading to a Class](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/adding-grading-to-a-class/)** - **[Adding Grading to a Lesson Plan](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/adding-grading-to-a-class-or-lesson-plan/)** - **[Entering Grades](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/entering-grades/)** - **[Grouped Grading](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/grouped-grading/)** - **[The Grading Helper](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/the-grading-helper/)** - **[Grade Reports](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/creating-a-grade-report/)** - **[Report Cards](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/creating-a-report-card/)** - **[Printing Grade Reports](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-grade-reports/)** - [**Printing Report Cards**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-report-cards/) **Not a Subscriber yet? Check out Homeschool Planet for yourself with a [30-day FREE trial](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/). No credit card information is necessary to give it a try!** ![Homeschool Planet World's best planner button](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/728x90-1.png) **With [Homeschool Planet lesson plans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/), homeschooling has never been easier!** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/HSP-Marketplace-Logo-Image-1.png) **Categories:** Grading **Tags:** changing grades, Grades --- ### [Entering Grades](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/entering-grades/) **Published:** February 22, 2021 **Author:** Robyn **Content:** **Entering Grades in Homeschool Planet can be completed in a number of different ways. To determine which method works best for you see the directions below. Any of the methods can be used for any class or assignment but we have listed them by the most popular for a particular usage.** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Grading-top-1024x576.png) ### **Directions for Entering Grades for Individual Assignments** 1. If grading has been set-up for a class and a grade needs to be entered for a particular day the word “grades” (which is a link) will appear on that day’s schedule. - A class with the word “grades” AND a check mark indicates that a grade has already been entered for any assignments requiring grades for that day. 2. Select the link and then enter the grade desired. - If you enter the number correct out of how many possible the software will calculate the percentage for you or you may enter a percentage directly. You may also select the editing pencil and choose a letter grade, or select a percentage. 3. When you have entered all the grades for that day’s assignments select OK. ### **Directions for Entering Grades for Several Assignments in a Single Class** 1. To enter grades for several days in a single class select the title of the class from the calendar and then choose edit. 2. Next select the grading tab and enter grades for all assignments in that class. - By default only assignments missing grades are shown. To see all grades entered for this class deselect the button which reads, “Show only ungraded assignments.” 3. If you enter the number correct out of how many possible the software will calculate the percentage for you or you may enter a percentage directly. You may also choose a letter grade, or select a percentage. 4. When all grades for the class have been entered select Save and Close. ### **Directions for Entering Grades for Several Assignments in a Several Classes at Once** 1. Select the Grading helper from the Helpers menu across the top of your planner. 2. All assignments in your Homeschool Planet account which need grades will appear. You can select a date range for assignments using the *Starting On* and *Ending On* boxes across the top of the pop-up box. 3. If you enter the number correct out of how many possible the software will calculate the percentage for you or you may enter a percentage directly. You may also select the editing pencil and choose a letter grade, or select a percentage. 4. Enter grades for each assignment listed and then select OK. ### **Screenshots for Entering Grades** ![Locating the "grades" link on your homeschool calendar](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Entering-Grades-1.jpg) ![Entering grades with Homeschool Planet's Grading Helper](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Entering-Grades-2.jpg) ![Locating the Grading Helper in Homeschool Planet](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Entering-Grades-3.jpg) ### **Entering Grades Video Tutorial** ***As always, feel free to reach out to us with any questions at . We are here to help you!*** ### **For more information about Grading in your Homeschool Planet account see the following entries:** - **[Setting up Grading Categories](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/setting-up-grading-categories/)** - **[Understanding Grading Scales](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/understanding-grading-scales/)** - **[Adding Grading to a Class or Lesson Plan](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/adding-grading-to-a-class-or-lesson-plan/)** - **[Editing Grades](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/editing-grades/)** - **[Grouped Grading](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/grouped-grading/)** - **[Removing Grading from a Class](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/removing-grading-from-a-class/)** - **[The Grading Helper](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/the-grading-helper/)** - **[Grade Reports](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/creating-a-grade-report/)** - **[Report Cards](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/creating-a-report-card/)** - **[Printing Grade Reports](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-grade-reports/)** - [**Printing Report Cards**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-report-cards/) **Not a Subscriber yet? Check out Homeschool Planet for yourself with a [30-day FREE trial](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/). No credit card information is necessary to give it a try!** ![Homeschool Planet World's best planner button](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/728x90-1.png) **With [Homeschool Planet lesson plans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/), homeschooling has never been easier!** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/HSP-Marketplace-Logo-Image-1.png) **Categories:** Grading **Tags:** Grading --- ### [Adding Grading to a Class or Lesson Plan](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/adding-grading-to-a-class-or-lesson-plan/) **Published:** February 22, 2021 **Author:** Robyn **Content:** **With Homeschool Planet you can add grade tracking to any class in just a few simple steps. To find out how, see below!** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Grading-top-1024x576.png) ### **Directions for Adding Grading to a Class** 1. Select the title of the class you would like to add grading to from the Calendar and choose edit. 2. Click on the Grading tab and then choose Setup grading. 3. Choose the grading scale you would like to use. - For more info about setting up and selecting Grading Scales see the post, [Understanding Grading Scales](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/understanding-grading-scales/). 4. Place a check mark next to the grading categories you would like to use. - You can edit the categories by selecting the add or edit categories link. 5. For each category you checked, enter the percent (0-100), that category contributes to the final grade of the class. - Example: Homework (30), Test (70). Make sure the percentage equals 100 % and then select Save. 6. Once you select Save, a list of all assignments already added to the class will appear. Select a grading category for each assignment and then choose OK. - The radio button at the top of each grading option will select that category for all assignments. So if 90% of the assignments are homework and 10% are tests it would be easiest to first select the top button under Homework and then change just tests to the Test category. - The not graded category is for assignments you would like to be checked off, but do not need a grade. ### **Directions for Adding Grading to a Lesson Plan** 1. Go to the Lesson Plan Library and select the edit link next to the title of the plan you would like to add grading to. *Note: Grading can only be added to lesson plans you have created. If this is a purchased lesson plan you will need to add it to the calendar as a class in order to add grading.* 2. The lesson plan will open to the Assignments tab. There is a column called “Category” next to the “Do this” (assignment) column. 3. Choose the category for each assignment from the drop-down menu. - If you need to add additional Grading Categories you can do that from the Grading tab. 4. Once you have selected the category for each assignment select the Grading tab. 5. For each grading category which has at least one active assignment enter the percent (0-100), that category contributes to the final grade of the class. - Example: Homework (30), Test (70). Make sure the percentage equals 100 % and then select Save. - Categories which have not been given any assignments will be grayed out. 6. Select save and close. *Please note you can apply a lesson plan to the calendar, thereby making it a class, and use Adding Grading to a Class directions as well.* ### **Screenshots for Adding Grading to a Class** ![](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Adding-Grading-to-a-Class-1.png) ![](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Adding-Grading-to-a-Class-2.png) ![](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Adding-Grading-to-a-Class-3.png) ![](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Adding-Grading-to-a-Class-4.png) ### **Adding Grading to a Class Video Tutorial** ***As always, feel free to reach out to us with any questions at . We are here to help you!*** ### For more information about Grading in your Homeschool Planet account see the following entries: - **[Setting Up Grading Categories](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/setting-up-grading-categories/)** - **[Understanding Grading Scales](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/understanding-grading-scales/)** - **[Entering Grades](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/entering-grades/)** - **[Editing Grades](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/editing-grades/)** - **[Grouped Grading](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/grouped-grading/)** - **[The Grading Helper](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/the-grading-helper/)** - **[Grade Reports](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/creating-a-grade-report/)** - **[Report Cards](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/creating-a-report-card/)** - **[Printing Grade Reports](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-grade-reports/)** - [**Printing Report Cards**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-report-cards/) **Not a Subscriber yet? Check out Homeschool Planet for yourself with a [30-day FREE trial](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/). No credit card information is necessary to give it a try!** ![Homeschool Planet World's best planner button](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/728x90-1.png) **With [Homeschool Planet lesson plans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/), homeschooling has never been easier!** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/HSP-Marketplace-Logo-Image-1.png) **Categories:** Grading --- ### [Adding Community Service Hours](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/adding-community-service-hours/) **Published:** May 5, 2022 **Author:** Robyn **Content:** **Yes, you can track your students’ Community Service hours within a class or activity created in Homeschool Planet. You will be able to record hours served and then pull a “Class Hours” report at any time to find the cumulative amount of service your student has completed. For directions to set up this helpful feature, see below.** ![User Guide for Homeschool Planet Activities](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Activities-top-1024x576.png) ### **How to Add Community Service Hours** ***Note: This article assumes you have already enabled Hours Tracking in your planner. To learn how to set up Hours Tracking if you have not already done so please see [this article](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/tracking-class-and-activity-hours/)!*** 1. After logging into your account, click on a blank space in your calendar, then select the “Everything Else” option. 2. In the “Create Activity” window, first name your Activity. Then use the drop-down menu in the “Category” field to select the category you need or select “Add a Category” if needed. 3. Select a color from the Color field if you would like a different color than the default for the Category you selected. 4. Now select the student(s) whose Community Service Hours you will be tracking. 5. Next, you will want to determine the time frame for your Community Service Hours using the drop-down menu for the “When” field. The default is that the event will occur only on the date it is applied to the calendar but there are quite a few preset options as well as a “More choices” option for creating a customized schedule. 6. Set a start and end date for your activity if you do not want them to follow the pre-selected default. 7. Choose whether this is an All day event or an event that occurs at a specific time. 8. Next go to the Tasks tab and enter any additional needed information. You may use the “To every day/week, add this” field to enter the same info, such as a location or other pertinent information, to each day this activity occurs. - You can upload documents, add convenient reminders, or link to websites if needed. 9. Next select the “Track Hours” tab and make sure you have enabled and selected the recording method you prefer. 10. That’s it for the set-up! Select Save & Close! 11. For information about how to record Community Service Hours please see the entry titled [Getting Started Tracking Class and Activity Hours. ](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/tracking-class-and-activity-hours/) 12. To create a report to see the Community Service Hours your student has completed see the entry [Creating Class Hours Reports](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/creating-class-hours-reports/). ### **Adding Community Service Hours Screenshots** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Community-Service-Hours-1-1.jpg) ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Community-Service-2.jpg) ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Community-Service-Hours-3-1.jpg) ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Community-Service-Hours-4-1.jpg) ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Community-Service-Hours-5-1.jpg) ### **Adding Community Service Hours Video Tutorial** ***As always, feel free to reach out to us with any questions at . We are here to help you!*** ### **Check out these other entries about Activities you can add to your planner:** - **[Adding an Activity](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/adding-an-activity/)** - **[Adding Events](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/adding-events/)** - **[Adding Appointments](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/adding-appointments/)** - **[Adding Birthdays](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/adding-birthdays/)** - **[Adding Chores](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/adding-chores/)** **Not a Subscriber yet? Check out Homeschool Planet for yourself with a [30-day FREE trial](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/). No credit card information is necessary to give it a try!** ![Homeschool Planet World's best planner button](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/728x90-1.png) **With [Homeschool Planet lesson plans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/), homeschooling has never been easier!** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/HSP-Marketplace-Logo-Image-1.png) **Categories:** Activities --- ### [Subscribing after a Free Trial](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/subscribing-after-a-free-trial/) **Published:** May 7, 2021 **Author:** Robyn **Content:** **If you need to know how to convert from your free trial to a paid Homeschool Planet subscription you have come to the right place! See directions below for how to seamlessly convert from the trial to a subscription while keeping all the work you have done so far intact!** ![Account User Guide](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Account-top-1024x576.png) ### **Subscribing after a Trial** We are so excited that you want to subscribe to Homeschool Planet once your trial is over. There is a link in the upper left hand corner of the planner when you are signed in that can help you upgrade to a paid subscription. If your trial has expired the link will read, Upgrade Now, and if it is still in force it will read, Buy Now. If you are not logged in, you can also subscribe directly from these links for either a monthly or an annual subscription. Either way, when the window opens, enter your information into the Login form, select the option you would like, either a [monthly](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-monthly-subscription/) or an [annual](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-one-year-subscription/) subscription, and then proceed through the ordering process. Once your order has been processed, you will have access to your account and all of your previous information will be intact. ### **Screenshots** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Subscribe-1.jpg) ### **Converting from a Free Trial** Video Tutorial ***As always, feel free to reach out to us with any questions at . We are here to help you!*** ### **See the following entries for help with other related questions you may have about your Account:** - **[Accessing Account Info](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/accessing-account-info/)** - **[Changing an Email Address](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/change-an-email-address/)** - **[Changing a Password](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/changing-a-password/)** - **[Changing Payment Info](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/changing-payment-info/)** - **[Changing from Monthly to an Annual Subscription](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/changing-from-monthly-to-an-annual-subscription/)** - **[Adding a Custom Photo for Your Background Theme](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/adding-a-custom-theme/)** - **[Daily & Weekly Digests](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/daily-weekly-digests/)** - **[How Many Students Can I Have?](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/how-many-students-can-i-have/) - **[How to Cancel your Subscription](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/how-to-cancel-your-subscription/)** **Not a Subscriber yet? Check out Homeschool Planet for yourself with a [30-day FREE trial](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/). No credit card information is necessary to give it a try!** ![Homeschool Planet World's best planner button](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/728x90-1.png) **With [Homeschool Planet lesson plans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/), homeschooling has never been easier!** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/HSP-Marketplace-Logo-Image-1.png) **Categories:** Account --- ### [Changing a Password](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/changing-a-password/) **Published:** May 6, 2021 **Author:** Robyn **Content:** **Need to change your password? We are happy to help! To learn how to complete this simple task follow the directions below.** ![Account User Guide](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Account-top-1024x576.png) ### **Changing a Password** *Note*: These directions are for changing the primary user’s password. For info about changing a sub-account password see [this entry](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/changing-a-student-email-or-password/) titled: [Changing a Student Email or password](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/changing-a-student-email-or-password/). 1. After logging into your planner, locate your name in your family list in the “My Family” section on the left side of your planner, click your picture icon and then select the “Edit My Profile” link. 2. On the “Basic Info” tab, ensure that the correct E-mail address is in that field. 3. Next, select the “Login” tab on the left side. 4. On this tab, you will see a “Change Password” button. Select this. 5. When the window opens, enter your current password and your new password information into the appropriate fields. 6. Select the “Set Password” button in the lower right of the window. Alternatively, you can change your password from your “Dashboard” after logging in. If you are not taken there directly after logging in and are in your planner, you can reach your “Dashboard” by hovering over your account name in the far upper right corner of your planner and selecting “Account Info” from the drop-down. Once in your account dashboard, locate the “Account details” option in the right-hand menu and make your necessary changes. Be sure to select the “Save Changes” button on the bottom of the form. The next time you log into your account you will need to use the new password you selected. **Screenshots** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Change-Password-1.jpg) ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Change-Password-2.jpg) ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Change-Password-3.jpg) ### **Changing a Password Video Tutorial** ***As always, feel free to reach out to us with any questions at . We are here to help you!*** ### **For help with other questions you may have relating to your Account, see the following entries:** - [**Accessing Account Info**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/accessing-account-info/) - **[Changing an Email Address](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/change-an-email-address/)** - **[Changing Payment Info](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/changing-payment-info/)** - **[Changing from Monthly to an Annual Subscription](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/changing-from-monthly-to-an-annual-subscription/)** - [**Adding a Custom Photo for Your Background Theme**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/adding-a-custom-theme/) - [**Daily & Weekly Digests**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/daily-weekly-digests/) - **[How Many Students Can I Have?](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/how-many-students-can-i-have/)** - **[Subscribing after a Free Trial](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/subscribing-after-a-free-trial/)** - **[How to Cancel your Subscription](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/how-to-cancel-your-subscription/)** **Not a Subscriber yet? Check out Homeschool Planet for yourself with a [30-day FREE trial](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/). No credit card information is necessary to give it a try!** ![Homeschool Planet World's best planner button](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/728x90-1.png) **With [Homeschool Planet lesson plans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/), homeschooling has never been easier!** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/HSP-Marketplace-Logo-Image-1.png) **Categories:** Account --- ### [Adding a Custom Photo to Your Theme](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/adding-a-custom-theme/) **Published:** May 19, 2022 **Author:** Robyn **Content:** **Homeschool Planet users can select from any of our pre-selected themes or upload their own favorite photo as a background image! To learn how to create a background with your own image follow the directions below.** ![Account User Guide](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Account-top-600x338.png) ### **Upload a Custom Photo for Your Planner** If you change your theme often, you might want to consider dragging your favorite images to your desktop or creating a folder to store them for easy access. 1. Select Theme & Colors from the Settings drop-down menu, located at the top right of the Homeschool Planet page. 2. There are seven color template options (used for frames, text, striping, and pop-ups). Simply click on the selection of the background you prefer. 3. Select the desired photo from your computer menu and crop as needed. 4. Select Save crop followed by Save. You can adjust and change photos as often as you like by following the steps above. 5. Other family members who have been given their own login can customize their themes by following the same steps. ### **Adding a Custom Photo** Screenshots ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Custom-photo-1.jpg) ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Custom-photo-2.jpg) ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Custom-photo-3-1.jpg) ### Custom Photo Video Tutorial ***As always, feel free to reach out to us with any questions at . We are here to help you!*** ### **For help with other questions you may have relating to your Account, see the following entries:** - **[Accessing Account Info](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/accessing-account-info/)** - **[Changing an Email Address](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/change-an-email-address/)** - **[Changing a Password](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/changing-a-password/)** - **[Changing Payment Info](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/changing-payment-info/)** - **[Changing from Monthly to an Annual Subscription](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/changing-from-monthly-to-an-annual-subscription/)** - **[Daily & Weekly Digests](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/daily-weekly-digests/)** - **[How Many Students Can I Have?](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/how-many-students-can-i-have/)** - **[Subscribing after a Free Trial](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/subscribing-after-a-free-trial/)** - **[How to Cancel your Subscription](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/how-to-cancel-your-subscription/)** **Not a Subscriber yet? Check out Homeschool Planet for yourself with a [30-day FREE trial](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/). No credit card information is necessary to give it a try!** ![Homeschool Planet World's best planner button](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/728x90-1.png) **With [Homeschool Planet lesson plans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/), homeschooling has never been easier!** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/HSP-Marketplace-Logo-Image-1.png) **Categories:** Account --- ### [Adding Notes to Assignments](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/adding-notes-to-assignments/) **Published:** April 6, 2020 **Author:** Robyn **Content:** **Notes are helpful additions to your assignments. They remind you of information, add clarity to your assignments, and make schooling easier! To learn more about adding notes to assignments the directions below.** ![Homeschool Planet Assignments User Guide](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Assignments-top-1024x576.png) ### **First a word about Notes~** One of the largest differences is that notes do not have checkboxes while assignments do. If you want the information on a day to have a checkbox you will enter it as an assignment. If you do not, then add a note. A second important item to understand about notes is how they are pinned. All notes are automatically pinned to assignments which are entered on the same day. ### **Adding Notes to Assignments** 1. After logging into your account, find the class that includes the assignment for which you want to add the note, click on the class title, then select the “Edit” option. 2. Once the “Edit Class” window opens, locate the tab labeled “Notes” and select it. 3. When you are in the “Note” tab, you can do a few things: 1. Set your date range using the “Show” section. 2. In the “To every class, *add* this:” field, you can add the same information to every date. 3. The “Assignment generator options…” text link opens the “Note Generator” that provides a variety of choices for creating your note(s) including repeating the same information over specific date range, recurring patterns, and more. Follow the prompts to use this feature. 4. You can also just type in notes on any given day that you choose. If a note already exists on the date you wish to add a note and you do not want to change the content of that note, you can add another note to that day by using the dropdown menu on the far right under “Options” by the date you wish to add the note to and select “Add another note to this date”. 4. You will need to select who the note is “Visible to ?” by using the drop-down menu in that field. 5. When you have finished adding your information, select the “Save and close” button in the lower right corner of the window. ### **Adding Notes to Assignments Screenshots** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Notes-1.png) ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Notes-2.png) ### ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Notes-3.png) ### **Adding Notes to Assignments Video Tutorial** ***As always, feel free to reach out to us with any questions at . We are here to help you!*** ### **For more User Guide entries about Assignments, please see the links below:** - [**Assignment Generator**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/assignment-generator/) - [**Rescheduling Helper**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/the-rescheduling-helper/) - [**Assignment Lists**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/assignment-lists/) - [**Adding an Additional Assignment to a Day**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/add-an-additional-assignment/) - [**Same Assignment Every Day**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/adding-the-same-assignment-every-day/) - [**Creating Multiple Assignments per Day**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/creating-multiple-assignments-per-day/) - [**Adding Shared Assignments**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/add-shared-assignments/) - [**Adding a Reminder**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/add-a-reminder/) - [**Checking Off Future Assignments**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/checking-off-future-assignments/) - [**Delete an Assignment**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/deleting-a-single-assignment/) - [**Delete Multiple Assignments**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/deleting-multiple-assignments/) - [**Editing Assignments**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/editing-assignments/) - [**Hide Completed Assignments**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/hide-a-completed-assignment/) - [**Meaning of Colored Checkboxes**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/meaning-of-colored-checkboxes/) - [**Marking Several Assignments Complete**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/marking-several-assignments-complete/) - [**Moving Assignments**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/moving-assignments/) - [**Assignments Not Showing Up in Digests**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/assignments-not-showing-up-in-digests/) **Not a Subscriber yet? Check out Homeschool Planet for yourself with a [30-day FREE trial](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/). No credit card information is necessary to give it a try!** ![Homeschool Planet World's best planner button](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/728x90-1.png) **With [Homeschool Planet lesson plans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/), homeschooling has never been easier!** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/HSP-Marketplace-Logo-Image-1.png) **Categories:** Assignments --- ### [Adding a Reminder](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/add-a-reminder/) **Published:** August 19, 2021 **Author:** Robyn **Content:** **Sometimes we all need helpful reminders! Homeschool Planet allows you to send reminders via email or text to your account users. Learn how to remind yourself to shop for those Science lab items, how to send a gentle (or firm) reminder to your students, and how to use reminders in the best way for your family!** ![Homeschool Planet Assignments User Guide](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Assignments-top-1024x576.png) ### **Adding a Reminder to Assignments** 1. After logging into your account, find the class that includes the assignment for which you want to add the reminder, click on the class title, then select the “Edit” option. 2. Once the “Edit Class” window opens, scroll down through the assignments to find the one for which you want to add the reminder. 3. At the end assignment row to the far right, click on the “More…” drop-down menu and choose the “Add a reminder” option. 4. A notification window will open explaining that Homeschool Planet automatically sends a Daily Digest email if this feature is turned on in your student’s profiles. Below this, you will see the “Add a reminder anyway” button. Select this. 5. You will now be back to your assignment list and the “Reminders” options will appear under the assignment. 6. Make your selections in the different fields using the drop-down menus. Select the “Add a message” text link to open the field to create a personal message. You can also preview the message or add another reminder by selecting the appropriate text links. 7. When you have finished, select the “Save and close” button in the lower right corner of the window. ### **Adding a Reminder to Assignments** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Add-a-reminder-1.jpg) ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Add-a-reminder-2.jpg) ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Add-a-reminder-3.jpg) ### **Adding a Reminder to Assignments Video Tutorial** ***As always, feel free to reach out to us with any questions at . We are here to help you!*** ### **For more User Guide entries about Assignments, please see the links below:** - [**Assignment Generator**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/assignment-generator/) - [**Rescheduling Helper**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/the-rescheduling-helper/) - [**Assignment Lists**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/assignment-lists/) - [**Adding an Additional Assignment to a Day**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/add-an-additional-assignment/) - [**Same Assignment Every Day**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/adding-the-same-assignment-every-day/) - [**Creating Multiple Assignments per Day**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/creating-multiple-assignments-per-day/) - [**Adding Shared Assignments**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/add-shared-assignments/) - [**Adding Notes to Assignments**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/adding-notes-to-assignments/) - [**Checking Off Future Assignments**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/checking-off-future-assignments/) - [**Delete an Assignment**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/deleting-a-single-assignment/) - [**Delete Multiple Assignments**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/deleting-multiple-assignments/) - [**Editing Assignments**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/editing-assignments/) - [**Hide Completed Assignments**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/hide-a-completed-assignment/) - [**Meaning of Colored Checkboxes**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/meaning-of-colored-checkboxes/) - [**Marking Several Assignments Complete**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/marking-several-assignments-complete/) - [**Moving Assignments**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/moving-assignments/) - [**Assignments Not Showing Up in Digests**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/assignments-not-showing-up-in-digests/) **Not a Subscriber yet? Check out Homeschool Planet for yourself with a [30-day FREE trial](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/). No credit card information is necessary to give it a try!** ![Homeschool Planet World's best planner button](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/728x90-1.png) **With [Homeschool Planet lesson plans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/), homeschooling has never been easier!** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/HSP-Marketplace-Logo-Image-1.png) **Categories:** Assignments --- ### [Hiding a Completed Assignment](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/hide-a-completed-assignment/) **Published:** August 26, 2021 **Author:** Robyn **Content:** **Many students are encouraged when they see the assignments they have completed disappear from the calendar when they have marked them complete! Learn how to turn this handy feature on, and off, below.** ![Homeschool Planet Assignments User Guide](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Assignments-top-1024x576.png) ### **Hide an Assignment** 1. After logging into your account, select the “Settings” option in the upper right of your planner, then choose the “General” option. 2. Select the “My Choices” tab on the left, then under “Display Options” you will see the “Hide completed assignments” choice. 3. From the drop-down menu, select “yes”. 4. Click the “Save” button in the lower right of the “Settings” window. 5. To make completed assignments visible again simply turn this back to “no” and select save. Please note that when you have this set, you will still see the class in your planner but the assignment information will be hidden. ### **Hide an Assignment Screenshots** ![hiding completed assignments in your homeschool planner step 1](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Hiding-Assignments-1.jpg) ![hiding completed assignments in your homeschool planner step 2](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Hiding-Assignments-2.jpg) ### **Hide an Assignment Video Tutorial** ***As always, feel free to reach out to us with any questions at . We are here to help you!*** ### **For more User Guide entries about Assignments, please see the links below:** - [**Assignment Generator**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/assignment-generator/) - [**Rescheduling Helper**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/the-rescheduling-helper/) - [**Assignment Lists**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/assignment-lists/) - [**Adding an Additional Assignment to a Day**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/add-an-additional-assignment/) - [**Same Assignment Every Day**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/adding-the-same-assignment-every-day/) - [**Creating Multiple Assignments per Day**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/creating-multiple-assignments-per-day/) - [**Adding Shared Assignments**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/add-shared-assignments/) - [**Adding Notes to Assignments**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/adding-notes-to-assignments/) - [**Adding a Reminder**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/add-a-reminder/) - [**Checking Off Future Assignments**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/checking-off-future-assignments/) - [**Delete an Assignment**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/deleting-a-single-assignment/) - [**Delete Multiple Assignments**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/deleting-multiple-assignments/) - [**Editing Assignments**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/editing-assignments/) - [**Meaning of Colored Checkboxes**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/meaning-of-colored-checkboxes/) - [**Marking Several Assignments Complete**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/marking-several-assignments-complete/) - [**Moving Assignments**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/moving-assignments/) - [**Assignments Not Showing Up in Digests**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/assignments-not-showing-up-in-digests/) **Not a Subscriber yet? Check out Homeschool Planet for yourself with a [30-day FREE trial](https://homeschoolplanet.com#pricing). No credit card information is necessary to give it a try!** ![Homeschool Planet World's best planner button](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/728x90-1.png) **With [Homeschool Planet lesson plans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/), homeschooling has never been easier!** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/HSP-Marketplace-Logo-Image-1.png) **Categories:** Assignments --- ### [Sharing Lesson Plans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/sharing-lesson-plans/) **Published:** December 28, 2020 **Author:** Robyn **Content:** **Homeschooling with a friend, or in a small group and need to share your lesson plan with them? Homeschool Planet allows users to share lesson plans they have created with others users to make the journey easier. For directions on sharing lesson plans see below!** ![User Guide for Homeschool Planet Lesson Plans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Lesson-Plans-top-1024x576.png) ### **Sharing a Lesson Plan can be done by following these steps~** 1. After logging into your account, click on the drop-down menu labeled “Calendar” in the upper right-hand side of your screen and choose the “Lesson Plans” option. 2. On this screen, scroll to your “My Lesson Plans” section and find the lesson plan you would like to share. 3. Locate and select the blue “Share” text link beside the name of your plan. 4. The “Share Lesson Plan (PLAN NAME)” window will open. Click the “+Add” button. 5. A new window will open (“Sharing Lesson Plans”) with information about sharing plans. Review this information, then select the “Ok” button in the lower-left corner. 6. When the next window opens, fill in your friend’s name and email address in the “To” field. You can also personalize your subject line as well as the email message body. After filling in the information, select the “OK” button in the lower-left corner. 7. Our system will send an email to your friend with a link to add the lesson plan to their lesson plan page. 8. If you make changes to your lesson plan, anyone you have shared the plan with will receive a message in Homeschool Planet notifying them of the changes. They can view the changes and can either choose to accept or ignore them. 9. If someone you have shared your plan with would like to use your lesson plan but make changes to it, they will need to make a copy of the plan and then save it in their “My Lesson Plan” section. Then they can make changes to this new, saved copy. ### **Sharing Lesson Plan Screenshots** ![Locate the Lesson Plan you would like to share in the My Lesson Plans section and click the "share" link in Homeschool Planet](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Sharing-a-Lesson-Plan-1.jpg) ![Add button for sharing lesson plans in Homeschool Planet](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Sharing-a-Lesson-Plan-2.jpg) ![Fill in the name and email of the person you would like to share the lesson plan with and select OK in Homeschool Planet](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Sharing-a-Lesson-Plan-3.jpg) ### **Lesson Plan Video Tutorial:** ***As always, feel free to reach out to us with any questions at . We are here to help you!*** ### **For more information about using Lesson Plans in your your Homeschool Planet account see the following entries:** - [**Lesson Plan or Class**](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/lesson-plan-or-class/) - **[Applying Lesson Plans](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/applying-lesson-plans/)** - **[Applying a Partial Lesson Plan](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/applying-a-partial-lesson-plan/)** - [**Creating a Lesson Plan from a Class**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/creating-a-lesson-plan-from-a-class/) - **[Deleting a Lesson Plan](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/deleting-a-lesson-plan/)** - [**Finding Purchased Lesson Plans**](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/finding-purchased-lesson-plans/) - [**Purchasing Plug-In Lesson Plans**](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/purchasing-plug-in-lesson-plans/) ### **Not a Subscriber yet? Check out Homeschool Planet for yourself with a [30-day FREE trial](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/). No credit card information is necessary to give it a try!** ![Homeschool Planet the world's best planner button](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/728x90-1.png) #### **With [Homeschool Planet lesson plans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/), homeschooling has never been easier!** ![A growing collection of plug-in lesson plans for popular curricula](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/HSP-Marketplace-Logo-Image-1.png) **Categories:** Lesson Plans **Tags:** Lesson Plans, User Guide --- ### [Purchasing Plug-In Lesson Plans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/purchasing-plug-in-lesson-plans/) **Published:** December 28, 2020 **Author:** Robyn **Content:** **Are you looking for more plug-in lesson plans after seeing how quick and easy our professionally designed plug-in lesson plans make scheduling out your entire year? Thankfully, finding plans is as easy as applying them! Find the directions to get started locating lesson plans and populating your calendar today below!** ![User Guide for Homeschool Planet Lesson Plans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Lesson-Plans-top-1024x576.png) ### Finding Plug-in Lesson Plans All of Homeschool Planet’s plug-in lesson plans can be found in the Lesson Plan & Curriculum Marketplace, which is located [here](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/). You can also access the Marketplace from your planner by selecting the “Homeschool Planet” logo in the upper left corner. Clicking the logo will directly bring you to the marketplace. From there, explore through the lesson plans by category or search for lesson plans with the search bar near the top of the page above the categories. Once you have arrived on the Lesson Plan Family page you will find a description of the lesson plan as well as screenshots to show you how the plans will appear on the Calendar. Additionally, you will find a list of what is included in the lesson plan, under the section **What you Get**. While a few of our lessons plans have curriculum embedded or downloadable, most do not include curriculum. You will find a note which will confirm whether curriculum is included or not. To learn more about the curriculum the lesson plan is for check to see if there is a “More info” link on the individual plan. This link may even provide an affiliate link directly to the curricula which corresponds to the lesson plan for ease in purchasing. ***Not able to find the lesson plan you are looking for?*** Drop us a note at and we will be happy to add your request to our list of requested lesson plans! ### **Finding the Marketplace Screenshots** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Purchasing-Lesson-Plans.jpg) ### **Lesson Plan Video Tutorial:** ***As always, feel free to reach out to us with any questions at . We are here to help you!*** **For more information about using Lesson Plans in your your Homeschool Planet account see the following entries:** - [**Lesson Plan or Class**](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/lesson-plan-or-class/) - **[Applying Lesson Plans](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/applying-lesson-plans/)** - **[Applying a Partial Lesson Plan](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/applying-a-partial-lesson-plan/)** - [**Creating a Lesson Plan from a Class**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/creating-a-lesson-plan-from-a-class/) - **[Deleting a Lesson Plan](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/deleting-a-lesson-plan/)** - [**Finding Purchased Lesson Plans**](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/finding-purchased-lesson-plans/) - **[Sharing Lesson Plans](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/sharing-lesson-plans/)** **Not a Subscriber yet? Check out Homeschool Planet for yourself with a [30-day FREE trial](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/). No credit card information is necessary to give it a try!** ![Homeschool Planet the world's best planner button](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/728x90-1.png) **With [Homeschool Planet lesson plans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/), homeschooling has never been easier!** ![A growing collection of plug-in lesson plans for popular curricula](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/HSP-Marketplace-Logo-Image-1.png) **Categories:** Lesson Plans **Tags:** Lesson Plans, User Guide --- ### [Finding Purchased Lesson Plans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/finding-purchased-lesson-plans/) **Published:** January 10, 2021 **Author:** Robyn **Content:** **Wondering where your purchased (and created) Lesson Plans are stored? Look no further~ this article will help you find them in a snap!** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Lesson-Plans-top-1024x576.png) ### **Directions for finding your lesson plans** 1. First log into your Homeschool Planet account. 2. Click on the drop-down menu labeled “Calendar” in the upper left-hand side of your screen and choose the “Lesson Plans” option. 3. This will take you to the Lesson Plan Library. 4. On this screen, you will see all your lesson plans listed in two sections, one for your “Purchased Lesson Plans” (those you have purchased from the Marketplace) and the other for “My Lesson Plans” (those that you have either created from a class or made from scratch). *There is also a third category “Shared Lesson Plans” which will only appear if another user has shared lesson plans with you.* 5. To find directions for editing, sharing, or applying lesson plans see the individual posts for those tasks. ### **Finding Lesson Plans Screenshots** ![Click on the drop down menu found on the left hand side of your planner and choose Lesson plans in Homeschool Planet](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Finding-Lesson-Plans-1.jpg) ![Screenshot demonstrating that the Homeschool Planet logo is a link to take you to the home page.](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Finding-Lesson-Plans-2.jpg) ***As always, feel free to reach out to us with any questions at . We are here to help you!*** ### **For more information about using Lesson Plans in your your Homeschool Planet account see the following entries:** - [**Lesson Plan or Class**](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/lesson-plan-or-class/) - **[Applying Lesson Plans](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/applying-lesson-plans/)** - **[Applying a Partial Lesson Plan](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/applying-a-partial-lesson-plan/)** - [**Creating a Lesson Plan from a Class**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/creating-a-lesson-plan-from-a-class/) - **[Deleting a Lesson Plan](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/deleting-a-lesson-plan/)** - **[Sharing Lesson Plans](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/sharing-lesson-plans/)** - [**Purchasing Plug-In Lesson Plans**](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/purchasing-plug-in-lesson-plans/) ### **Not a Subscriber yet? Check out Homeschool Planet for yourself with a [30-day FREE trial](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/). No credit card information is necessary to give it a try!** ![Homeschool Planet World's best planner button](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/728x90-1.png) **With [Homeschool Planet lesson plans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/), homeschooling has never been easier!** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/HSP-Marketplace-Logo-Image-1.png) **Categories:** Lesson Plans **Tags:** find my stuff, Lesson Plans, User Guide --- ### [Doubling Up Assignments](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/doubling-up-assignments/) **Published:** May 11, 2022 **Author:** Robyn **Content:** **Sometimes a student needs, or wants, to move at a faster pace than is normally recommended in a class. Homeschool Planet can help you easily schedule a lesson plan for a class just as easily as you can apply a lesson plan at normal pacing. Learn how below!** ### **![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Lesson-Plans-top-1024x576.png)** ### **Doubling up Assignments from Lesson Plans** The **best** way to assign multiple assignments to a day is to do it when first applying the lesson plan to your schedule. Here are some steps for doing this: 1. After logging into your account, click on the drop-down menu labeled “Calendar” in the upper right-hand side of your screen and choose the “Lesson Plans” option. 2. On this screen, you will see all your lesson plans listed in two sections, one for your “Purchased Lesson Plans” (those you have purchased from the Marketplace) and the other for “My Lesson Plans” (those that you have either created from a class or made from scratch). 3. Locate the lesson plan that you would like to use, then select the “Apply this lesson plan” text link to the far right of the plan name. 4. When the “Apply (PLAN NAME) Lesson Plan” window opens, select either the “Create a new class” or “Apply to an existing class” option. Then click the “Next” button. Depending on which option you have selected, a different set of windows will open. 5. Follow the prompts, making your selections until you reach the “What is the schedule for the class?” window. 6. In this window, select the “Some other dates” radio button. You will need to do a little math at this point to determine an end date for the plan. Take the number of lessons and divide them by the number of lessons you want per day. This information will help you to calculate the “Through:” date. Fill in the “Starting” and the “Through” dates, the “On these days:” and “At this time:” fields. At the bottom of the window, select the “Double (or triple, etc) up assignments to fit the schedule” option. 7. Select the “OK” button and your lesson plan will now be applied to your planner. Homeschool Planet will automatically apply multiple assignments to each day. Once the plan has been applied to your schedule, you can click on the class title to make any edits that you may need to make. ### **Screenshot Images** ![Doubling Up Assignments step 1 in your homeschool planner image](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Doubling-Up-Lesson-Plans-1.jpg) ![Doubling Up Assignments step 2 in your homeschool planner image](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Doubling-Up-Lesson-Plans-2.jpg) ![Doubling Up Assignments step 3 in your homeschool planner image](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Doubling-Up-Lesson-Plans-3.jpg) ![Doubling Up Assignments step 4 in your homeschool planner image](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Doubling-Up-Lesson-Plans-4.jpg) ### **Doubling Up Assignments Video Tutorial:** ### **For more information about using Lesson Plans in your your Homeschool Planet account see the following entries:** - [**Lesson Plan or Class**](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/lesson-plan-or-class/) - **[Applying a Partial Lesson Plan](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/applying-a-partial-lesson-plan/)** - [**Creating a Lesson Plan from a Class**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/creating-a-lesson-plan-from-a-class/) - **[Deleting a Lesson Plan](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/deleting-a-lesson-plan/)** - [**Finding Purchased Lesson Plans**](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/finding-purchased-lesson-plans/) - **[Sharing Lesson Plans](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/sharing-lesson-plans/)** - [**Purchasing Plug-In Lesson Plans**](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/purchasing-plug-in-lesson-plans/) ### **Not a Subscriber yet? Check out Homeschool Planet for yourself with a [30-day FREE trial](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/). No credit card information is necessary to give it a try!** ![Homeschool Planet World's best planner button](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/728x90-1.png) **With [Homeschool Planet lesson plans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/), homeschooling has never been easier!** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/HSP-Marketplace-Logo-Image-1.png) **Categories:** Lesson Plans --- ### [Deleting a Lesson Plan](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/deleting-a-lesson-plan/) **Published:** December 28, 2020 **Author:** Robyn **Content:** **Sometimes you want to delete a lesson plan from the lesson plan library because you know you won’t use it again, you have a saved a newer version of the lesson plan, you have changed curriculum, or for some other reason. To find out how to delete a lesson plan from your Lesson Plan library see the directions below.** ### ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Lesson-Plans-top-1024x576.png) ### A Reminder about Lesson Plans and Classes Once a lesson plan has been applied to the calendar it is considered a class. These directions are for deleting lesson plans from the Lesson Plan Library. If you need to learn how to delete a lesson plan from your calendar please see the directions for Deleting a Class. ### **Directions for Deleting Lesson Plans** The Lesson Plan Library can hold three types of Lesson Plans. The first are purchased lesson plans. These cannot be deleted. The second type of lesson plans listed are those that were “Shared with Me” and can be deleted as can those in the category, “My Lesson Plans.” To delete a lesson plan, locate the plan you wish to delete and select the text which reads “delete” to the right of the plan. Next, confirm your decision to delete when the pop-up box asks if you are sure you wish to delete the lesson plan. That’s it! Your lesson plan has now been deleted. ### **Screenshot for Deleting Lesson Plans** ![Deleting a lesson plan button in Homeschool Planet](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Deleting-Lesson-Plans.jpg) ***As always, feel free to reach out to us with any questions at . We are here to help you!*** ### **For more information about using Lesson Plans in your your Homeschool Planet account see the following entries:** - [**Lesson Plan or Class**](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/lesson-plan-or-class/) - **[Applying Lesson Plans](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/applying-lesson-plans/)** - **[Applying a Partial Lesson Plan](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/applying-a-partial-lesson-plan/)** - [**Creating a Lesson Plan from a Class**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/creating-a-lesson-plan-from-a-class/) - [**Finding Purchased Lesson Plans**](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/finding-purchased-lesson-plans/) - **[Sharing Lesson Plans](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/sharing-lesson-plans/)** - [**Purchasing Plug-In Lesson Plans**](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/purchasing-plug-in-lesson-plans/) ### **Not a Subscriber yet? Check out Homeschool Planet for yourself with a [30-day FREE trial](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/). No credit card information is necessary to give it a try!** ![Homeschool Planet World's best planner button](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/728x90-1.png) **With [Homeschool Planet lesson plans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/), homeschooling has never been easier!** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/HSP-Marketplace-Logo-Image-1.png) **Categories:** Lesson Plans **Tags:** Lesson Plans, User Guide --- ### [Creating a Lesson Plan from a Class](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/creating-a-lesson-plan-from-a-class/) **Published:** December 28, 2020 **Author:** Robyn **Content:** **Saving classes as lesson plans is as easy as 1, 2, 3 in your Homeschool Planet account. To learn how to save a class as a lesson plan see the directions below.** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Lesson-Plans-top-1024x576.png) ### **Creating a Lesson Plan from a Class** If you have created a class directly on the Calendar and would like to save it as a lesson plan for use with future students you can do so by following these steps: 1. After logging into your account, locate the class that you would like to make a lesson plan from, and click on the class title. 2. When the window opens, find and select the “Create a lesson plan based on this class” text link. 3. In the “Create Lesson Plan Based on “(CLASS NAME)” window it will ask “Which assignments do you want to include?” From the drop-down menu, select either “All assignments in the class” or “Only the assignments I select” option, whichever works best for you. 4. If you want to include all assignments in your lesson plan, including those that have been completed, be sure to check the “include completed assignments” box. 5. Select the “OK” button in the lower right corner. 6. The “Create Lesson Plan” window will now open where you are able to make any changes you need to make. 7. When you are satisfied with your lesson plan, select the “Save and Close” button in the bottom right corner. 8. The class will now appear as a lesson plan in your Homeschool Planet Lesson Plan Library! ### **Creating a Lesson Plan from a Class Screenshots** ![Locate and select the title of the class you wish to turn into a lesson plan in Homeschool Planet](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/LP-Based-on-a-class-1.jpg) ![Choose whether you want to include all assignments or just those you select in Homeschool Planet](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/LP-Based-on-a-class-2.jpg) ![Edit or delete any assignments you do not want to include in the lesson plan and then select Save and Close in Homeschool Planet](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/LP-Based-on-a-class-3.jpg) ![Locate your lesson plans under the My Lesson Plans section of your Library in Homeschool Planet](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/LP-Based-on-a-class-4.jpg) ### **Lesson Plan Video Tutorial:** ***As always, feel free to reach out to us with any questions at . We are here to help you!*** ### **For more information about using Lesson Plans in your your Homeschool Planet account see the following entries:** - [**Lesson Plan or Class**](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/lesson-plan-or-class/) - **[Applying Lesson Plans](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/applying-lesson-plans/)** - **[Applying a Partial Lesson Plan](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/applying-a-partial-lesson-plan/)** - **[Deleting a Lesson Plan](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/deleting-a-lesson-plan/)** - [**Finding Purchased Lesson Plans**](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/finding-purchased-lesson-plans/) - **[Sharing Lesson Plans](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/sharing-lesson-plans/)** - [**Purchasing Plug-In Lesson Plans**](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/purchasing-plug-in-lesson-plans/) **Not a Subscriber yet? Check out Homeschool Planet for yourself with a [30-day FREE trial](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/). No credit card information is necessary to give it a try!** ![Homeschool Planet World's best planner button](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/728x90-1.png) **With [Homeschool Planet lesson plans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/), homeschooling has never been easier!** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/HSP-Marketplace-Logo-Image-1.png) **Categories:** Lesson Plans **Tags:** Lesson Plans, User Guide --- ### [Archiving Lesson Plans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/archiving-lesson-plans/) **Published:** July 21, 2022 **Author:** Robyn **Content:** **Is your Lesson Plan library full of lesson plans you have both purchased and those you have created? Homeschool Planet allows you to archive lesson plans so that they are still there but don’t clutter up the list of what you plan to apply in the current year! To learn how to easily archive plans for future reference and use see the directions below!** ### ![User Guide for Homeschool Planet Lesson Plans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Lesson-Plans-top-1024x576.png)What is archiving? Archiving a lesson plan means that you would like to hide it from view when you are looking at your list of lesson plans but that you would also like to keep it for future use and reference. When you have lesson plans archived you will still be able to view all of them with a single click and will be able to unarchive individual plans, as well as all of those purchased in a bundle, by simply choosing the unarchive option on a a single plan or bundle at any time. ### **Finding your Lesson Plans** The first step to archiving a Homeschool Planet plug-in lesson plan is finding it! After logging into your account, all lesson plans are found in your *Lesson Plan Library* by clicking on the drop-down menu labeled “Calendar” in the upper right-hand side of your screen and choosing the “Lesson Plans” option. On this screen, you will see all your lesson plans listed in two sections, one for your “Purchased Lesson Plans” (those you have purchased from the Marketplace) and the other for “My Lesson Plans” (those that you have either created from a class or made from scratch). ### **Archiving a lesson plan** 1. Locate the lesson plan that you would like to archive, then select the “Archive” button to the far right of the plan name. 2. That’s it! The plan will then “disappear” from your line-up unless you have the “Show Archived Lesson Plans” button at the top right of your Lesson Plan Library selected. *Note: Lesson plans which have been purchased from the Marketplace in a bundle are treated a s a single product so archiving one lesson plan in a bundle will archive the entire bundle.* ### **Viewing Archived Lesson Plans** 1. To view the lesson plans which you have archived simply check the box at the top righthand corner of your Lesson Plan Library which reads “Show Archived Lesson Plans” and all the lesson plans will appear. 2. When this button is selected archived lesson plans will have a red button that reads “Unarchive” in the spot where the Archive button usually resides. 3. Deselect the “Show Archived Lesson Plans” buttons to hide them once again. *Note: The Marketplace and My Lesson Plans sections each have their own Show Archived Lesson Plans control.* ### **Unarchiving Lesson Plans** 1. Unarchiving lesson plans follows the reverse process of archiving them. 2. Simply check the “Show Archived Lesson Plans” to view the plans. 3. Next, choose the “Unarchive” button and they will appear in your library permanently. Well, unless you archive them again! 🙂 *The screenshots below show each of these steps.* ### **Screenshot Images** ![Archive lesson Plan step 1 in Homeschool Planet image 2](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Archive-a-lesson-plan-1.jpg) ![Archive Lesson Plan step 2 in Homeschool Planet image](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Archive-a-lesson-plan-2.jpg) ![Archive Lesson Plan step 3 in Homeschool Planet image](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Archive-a-lesson-plan-3.jpg) ### **Archiving a Lesson Plan Video Tutorial:** ***As always, feel free to reach out to us with any questions at . We are here to help you!*** ### **For more information about using Lesson Plans in your your Homeschool Planet account see the following entries:** - [**Lesson Plan or Class**](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/lesson-plan-or-class/) - **[Applying a Partial Lesson Plan](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/applying-a-partial-lesson-plan/)** - [**Creating a Lesson Plan from a Class**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/creating-a-lesson-plan-from-a-class/) - **[Deleting a Lesson Plan](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/deleting-a-lesson-plan/)** - [**Finding Purchased Lesson Plans**](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/finding-purchased-lesson-plans/) - **[Sharing Lesson Plans](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/sharing-lesson-plans/)** - [**Purchasing Plug-In Lesson Plans**](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/purchasing-plug-in-lesson-plans/) **Not a Subscriber yet? Check out Homeschool Planet for yourself with a [30-day FREE trial](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/). No credit card information is necessary to give it a try!** ![Homeschool Planet the world's best planner button](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/728x90-1.png) **With [Homeschool Planet lesson plans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/), homeschooling has never been easier!** ![A growing collection of plug-in lesson plans for popular curricula](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/HSP-Marketplace-Logo-Image-1.png) **Categories:** Lesson Plans --- ### [Applying a Partial Lesson Plan](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/applying-a-partial-lesson-plan/) **Published:** January 10, 2021 **Author:** Robyn **Content:** **Sometimes you just need a portion of a lesson plan. Whether you are already part way through your curriculum or only want to include certain types of assignments and activities, follow the directions below to apply a partial lesson plan.** ### ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Lesson-Plans-top-1024x576.png) ### **Applying a Partial Lesson Plan** 1. After logging into your account, click on the drop-down menu labeled “Calendar” in the upper right-hand side of your screen and choose the “Lesson Plans” option. 2. Locate the lesson plan that you would like to use, then select the “Apply this lesson plan” text link to the far right of the plan name. 3. When the “Apply (PLAN NAME) Lesson Plan” window opens, select either the “Create a new class” or “Apply to an existing class” option. Then click the “Next” button. Depending on which option you have selected, a different set of windows will open. Follow the prompts until the “Which assignments do you want to include?” window opens. 4. In the “I want to include:” field, select the “Only the assignments I select” option. A list of the plan’s assignments will appear. Select which assignments you want as well as if you would like to “include notes” when the plan is applied by checking or unchecking the boxes. When you are satisfied with your selections, click the “Next” button. 5. The next window will prompt you to select the subject of the class. You can also select the “Add a Subject” text link at the bottom of the list to open the field for creating a new subject. Once you select a subject, the “Next” button will be available to click. 6. In the next window, you will be asked “To whom do you want to assign this class?” Check the box(es) beside the appropriate student(s), and click the “Next” button. 7. The next window will ask “What is the schedule for the class?” Select the options that fit your needs, then click the “OK” button in the lower right of the window. 8. A confirmation window will pop-up. Select the “OK” button and your lesson plan will now be applied to your planner. *The screenshots below show steps 3-5.* As always, feel free to reach out to us with any questions at . We are here to help you! ### **Screenshot Images** ![Option which reads "only the assignments I select" in Homeschool Planet](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Partial-Lesson-Plan-1.jpg) ![Tab for selecting which assignments you'd like to include Homeschool Planet](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Partial-Lesson-Plan-2.jpg) ![Button for selecting the proper subject of a class Homeschool Planet](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Partial-Lesson-Plan-3.jpg) ### **Applying a Partial Lesson Plan Video Tutorial:** ***As always, feel free to reach out to us with any questions at . We are here to help you!*** ### **For more information about using Lesson Plans in your your Homeschool Planet account see the following entries:** - [**Lesson Plan or Class**](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/lesson-plan-or-class/) - **[Applying Lesson Plans](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/applying-lesson-plans/)** - [**Creating a Lesson Plan from a Class**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/creating-a-lesson-plan-from-a-class/) - **[Deleting a Lesson Plan](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/deleting-a-lesson-plan/)** - [**Finding Purchased Lesson Plans**](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/finding-purchased-lesson-plans/) - **[Sharing Lesson Plans](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/sharing-lesson-plans/)** - [**Purchasing Plug-In Lesson Plans**](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/purchasing-plug-in-lesson-plans/) **Not a Subscriber yet? Check out Homeschool Planet for yourself with a [30-day FREE trial](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/). No credit card information is necessary to give it a try!** ![Homeschool Planet World's best planner button](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/728x90-1.png) **With [Homeschool Planet lesson plans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/), homeschooling has never been easier!** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/HSP-Marketplace-Logo-Image-1.png) **Categories:** Lesson Plans **Tags:** Lesson Plans --- ### [Applying Lesson Plans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/applying-lesson-plans/) **Published:** October 23, 2020 **Author:** Robyn **Content:** **Planning your school year has never been easier than when you are applying Homeschool Planet’s plug-in lesson plans to your school calendar. Simply choose your students, a date range, which lessons to apply, and voila! Your whole class scheduled in minutes. For detailed instructions, see below.** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Lesson-Plans-top-1024x576.png) ### **Finding your purchased Lesson Plans** The first step to applying a Homeschool Planet plug-in lesson plan is finding it! After logging into your account, all lesson plans are found in your *Lesson Plan Library* by clicking on the drop-down menu labeled “Calendar” in the upper right-hand side of your screen and choosing the “Lesson Plans” option. On this screen, you will see all your lesson plans listed in two sections, one for your “Purchased Lesson Plans” (those you have purchased from the Marketplace) and the other for “My Lesson Plans” (those that you have either created from a class or made from scratch). ### **Applying the lesson plan** 1. Locate the lesson plan that you would like to use, then select the “Apply this lesson plan” text link to the far right of the plan name. 2. When the “Apply (PLAN NAME) Lesson Plan” window opens, select either the “Create a new class” or “Apply to an existing class” option. Then click the “Next” button. Depending on which option you have selected, a different set of windows will open. **\*If you select the “Create a new class” option:** 1. The next window will ask “Which assignments do you want to include?” 2. In the “I want to include:” field, select either the “All assignments in the lesson plan” or the “Only the assignments I select” option. 1. If the “All assignments in the lesson plan” option is chosen, click the “Next” button. 2. If the “Only the assignments I select” option is selected, a list of the plan’s assignments will appear. Select which assignments you want as well as if you would like to “include notes” when the plan is applied by checking or unchecking the boxes. When you are satisfied with your selections, click the “Next” button. 3. The next window will prompt you to select the subject of the class. You can also select the “Add a Subject” text link at the bottom of the list to open the field for creating a new subject. Once you select a subject, the “Next” button will be available to click. 4. In the next window, you will be asked “To whom do you want to assign this class?” Check the box(es) beside the appropriate student(s), and click the “Next” button. 5. The next window will ask “What is the schedule for the class?” Select the options that fit your needs, then click the “OK” button in the lower right of the window. 6. A confirmation window will pop-up. Select the “OK” button and your lesson plan will now be applied to your planner. **\*If you select the “Apply to existing class” option:** 1. The next window will ask you to “Choose the class to which to apply this lesson plan.” There is also a “Change which classes are listed here…” text link above the list that can be selected to open the “Select Classes” window. Here you can refine the classes list by student, subject/category, and time frame. Select the class you want the plan to be applied to then click the “Next” button. 2. Continue by following all the steps above in the “If you select the “Create a new class” option:” section. ### **A few more things to note:** Purchased lesson plans from the Marketplace have a specific number of days and weeks recommended by the publisher. If a lesson plan has already been applied to a class and you select the same class to apply the plan again, a pop-up window will appear asking “On what date do you want the assignments to start?” If you intend to apply the plan again, make your selection, click the “OK” button, and the plan will be applied without any further steps. Grading and editing of plans can be done after they have been applied to your planner. *The screenshots below show each of these steps.* ### **Screenshot Images** ![Homeschool Planet assignment list button 1](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Applying-a-Lesson-Plan-1.jpg) ![Homeschool Planner assignment list button 2](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Applying-a-lesson-plan-2.jpg) ![Lesson Planner assignment list in Homeschool Planet button 3](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Applying-a-Lesson-Plan-3.jpg) ![Homeschool Planet assignment list button 4](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Applying-lesson-plans-4.jpg) ![Homeschool Planner assignment list button 5](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Applying-lesson-plans-5.jpg) ![Lesson Planner assignment list in Homeschool Planet button 6](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Applying-a-Lesson-Plan-6.jpg) ![Applying lesson plans in your homeschool planner image 7 button for User Guide](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Applying-a-lesson-plan-7.jpg) ### **Applying a Lesson Plan Video Tutorial:** ***As always, feel free to reach out to us with any questions at . We are here to help you!*** ### **For more information about using Lesson Plans in your your Homeschool Planet account see the following entries:** - [**Lesson Plan or Class**](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/lesson-plan-or-class/) - **[Applying a Partial Lesson Plan](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/applying-a-partial-lesson-plan/)** - [**Creating a Lesson Plan from a Class**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/creating-a-lesson-plan-from-a-class/) - **[Deleting a Lesson Plan](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/deleting-a-lesson-plan/)** - [**Finding Purchased Lesson Plans**](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/finding-purchased-lesson-plans/) - **[Sharing Lesson Plans](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/sharing-lesson-plans/)** - [**Purchasing Plug-In Lesson Plans**](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/purchasing-plug-in-lesson-plans/) **Not a Subscriber yet? Check out Homeschool Planet for yourself with a [30-day FREE trial](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/). No credit card information is necessary to give it a try!** ![Homeschool Planet World's best planner button](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/728x90-1.png) **With [Homeschool Planet lesson plans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/), homeschooling has never been easier!** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/HSP-Marketplace-Logo-Image-1.png) **Categories:** Lesson Plans **Tags:** Lesson Plans --- ### [Accessing Account Info](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/accessing-account-info/) **Published:** April 30, 2021 **Author:** Robyn **Content:** **Accessing your account information such as previous orders, available downloads, payment methods, and other details is as quick as a couple clicks. To learn how to see your account info follow the directions below.** ![Account User Guide](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Account-top-1024x576.png) ### **Accessing Your Account** ***Option 1***– To login from the main screen, [found here](https://homeschoolplanet.com), ([homeschoolplanet.com](https://homeschoolplanet.com)) simply hover over the text “Sign In” in the upper right hand corner and click on “Account Info.” Next enter your email and password and then choose Log In. You will be taken to the information page of your account. Choose the option you are looking for to see specifics for that item. ***Option 2***– If you are logged into your planner you will see your name (or “Me” if you haven’t changed your profile name yet) in the upper right hand corner of the screen with an upside down triangle. Hover over your name and then click the “Account Info” option to be taken to that page. ### **Accessing Your Account Screenshots** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Account-Info-1.jpg) ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Accessing-Account-2.jpg) ### Accessing Your Account Video Tutorial ***As always, feel free to reach out to us with any questions at . We are here to help you!*** ### **See the following entries for help with related questions you may have about your Account:** - **[Changing an Email Address](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/change-an-email-address/)** - **[Changing a Password](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/changing-a-password/)** - **[Changing Payment Info](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/changing-payment-info/)** - **[Changing from Monthly to an Annual Subscription](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/changing-from-monthly-to-an-annual-subscription/)** - **[Adding a Custom Photo for Your Background Theme](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/adding-a-custom-theme/)** - **[Daily & Weekly Digests](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/daily-weekly-digests/)** - **[How Many Students Can I Have?](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/how-many-students-can-i-have/)** - **[Subscribing after a Free Trial](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/subscribing-after-a-free-trial/)** - **[How to Cancel your Subscription](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/how-to-cancel-your-subscription/)** **Not a Subscriber yet? Check out Homeschool Planet for yourself with a [30-day FREE trial](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/). No credit card information is necessary to give it a try!** ![Homeschool Planet World's best planner button](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/728x90-1.png) **With [Homeschool Planet lesson plans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/), homeschooling has never been easier!** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/HSP-Marketplace-Logo-Image-1024x683.png)\#image\_title **Categories:** Account --- ### [Adding the Same Assignment Every Day](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/adding-the-same-assignment-every-day/) **Published:** September 14, 2021 **Author:** Robyn **Content:** **It is very common to have multiple things that you do each day, such as practicing times tables or reviewing previous materials, so Homeschool Planet has a feature to let you add the same assignment to every day in just a couple steps! Learn how in this entry.** ![Homeschool Planet Assignments User Guide](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Assignments-top-1024x576.png) ### **Adding the Same Assignment Every Day** If you are adding the same assignment each day to a class that is already set-up go straight to step #5 1. After logging into your account, click on a blank space in your calendar, then select the “Class” option. 2. In the “Create Class” window, use the drop-down menu in the “Subject:” field to select the subject or to “Add a Subject.” Next, fill in the title field if you would like. Use the “For Whom:” drop-down menu to select your student(s). 3. Next, you will want to determine the time frame for your class using the drop-down menu for the “When” field. There are quite a few preset options as well as a “More choices” option for creating a customized schedule. Here are the steps for creating a customized schedule: 1. Select the “More choices” option in the drop-down menu which will open the “Edit custom schedule” window. 2. In the “When” drop-down menu, select “Custom schedule…” at the bottom of the list. 3. When this option is select, you will be able to choose a repeat pattern, specific days, and times. To the left of these fields, you will also be able to set the “Starting” and “Until” dates. 4. When you are satisfied with your schedule selections, click the “Save” button in the bottom left of the window which will take you back to the “Create Class” window. 4. If you have chosen one of the preset options in step 3, choose your “Starting:” and “Until” dates and an “At this time:” if you want the class to be held at a specific time. Go to Step #6. 5. If you are planning to add assignments to a class that is already set-up simply choose the title of the class from the Calendar and then choose Edit from the pop-up box. 6. Next go to the Assignments tab, in the “Show” fields, select your “From:” and “Through:” time frame for the repeating assignment. 7. Below the “Show:” section, locate the “To every class day, add this:” field and enter your information. 8. Select the “Add” button and a confirmation window will open. Review the information, select the appropriate button to either fix or make them all the same. If you are happy with your plan, select the “Yes, make them all the same” option, and another confirmation window will open. Review the information in this window, then select the “OK, add them” button. 9. If you do not simply want to add one assignment to every class day (ex. You need to split up a reading assignment across a certain period of time), then check out some other assignment creation options in the “Assignment generator options…” text link and read about these options in our [Assignment Generator](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/assignment-generator/) user guide. 10. That’s it! ### **Same Assignment Every Day Screenshots** ![same every day, 1](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Same-assignment-every-day-1.jpg) ![same every day, 2](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Same-assignment-every-day-2.jpg) ### **Same Assignment Every Day Video Tutorial** ***As always, feel free to reach out to us with any questions at . We are here to help you!*** ### **For more User Guide entries about Assignments, please see the links below:** - [**Assignment Generator**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/assignment-generator/) - [**Rescheduling Helper**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/the-rescheduling-helper/) - [**Assignment Lists**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/assignment-lists/) - [**Adding an Additional Assignment to a Day**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/add-an-additional-assignment/) - [**Creating Multiple Assignments per Day**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/creating-multiple-assignments-per-day/) - [**Adding Shared Assignments**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/add-shared-assignments/) - [**Adding Notes to Assignments**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/adding-notes-to-assignments/) - [**Adding a Reminder**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/add-a-reminder/) - [**Checking Off Future Assignments**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/checking-off-future-assignments/) - [**Delete an Assignment**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/deleting-a-single-assignment/) - [**Delete Multiple Assignments**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/deleting-multiple-assignments/) - [**Editing Assignments**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/editing-assignments/) - [**Hide Completed Assignments**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/hide-a-completed-assignment/) - [**Meaning of Colored Checkboxes**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/meaning-of-colored-checkboxes/) - [**Marking Several Assignments Complete**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/marking-several-assignments-complete/) - [**Moving Assignments**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/moving-assignments/) - [**Assignments Not Showing Up in Digests**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/assignments-not-showing-up-in-digests/) **Not a Subscriber yet? Check out Homeschool Planet for yourself with a [30-day FREE trial](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/). No credit card information is necessary to give it a try!** ![Homeschool Planet World's best planner button](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/728x90-1.png) **With [Homeschool Planet lesson plans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/), homeschooling has never been easier!** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/HSP-Marketplace-Logo-Image-1.png) **Categories:** Assignments --- ### [Adding an Additional Assignment](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/add-an-additional-assignment/) **Published:** September 2, 2021 **Author:** Robyn **Content:** **Sometimes you will need to adjust your plans and add an assignment to a school day. Thankfully this is a straightforward and simple process with Homeschool Planet, your favorite online homeschool planner! Learn how to do this in this brief entry!** ![Homeschool Planet Assignments User Guide](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Assignments-top-1024x576.png) ### **Adding an Assignment to a Particular Day** 1. After logging into your account, locate the class want to modify, select the title from the calendar, and choose the “Edit” option. 2. Once the “Edit Class” window opens, locate the day for which you need to add another assignment in the “Assignments” tab. 1. At the end of the assignment row, in the “Options:” column, click the “More…” drop-down menu, and select the “Add another assignment to this date” option in the “For this day:” section. A new blank assignment field will populate in the “Do this:” section for you to add your information. ***OR*** 2. In the “Edit Class” window, click on an existing assignment under the “Do this:” column that is for the day you wish to add additional assignments to. On your computer’s keyboard, click on your CTRL key, then simultaneously press the ENTER key. This will add a new blank assignment box to the same day! (You can also use the TAB and arrow keys on your keyboard to move between fields in the “Edit Class” window without ever having to grab your mouse, to save time.) 3. You can repeat step 2 as many times as needed. When you have finished adding assignments, select the “Save and Close” button in the bottom right. Your new assignment(s) will appear in your planner on the date that they were added and each assignment will have its own checkbox for marking its status. ### **Adding an Assignment Screenshots** ![Adding an Assignment in Homeschool Planet 1 screenshot](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Add-an-Assignment-1.jpg) ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Add-an-Assignment-2.jpg) ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Add-an-Assignment-3.jpg) ### **Adding an Assignment Video Tutorial** ***As always, feel free to reach out to us with any questions at . We are here to help you!*** ### **For more User Guide entries about Assignments, please see the links below:** - [**Assignment Generator**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/assignment-generator/) - [**Rescheduling Helper**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/the-rescheduling-helper/) - [**Assignment Lists**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/assignment-lists/) - [**Same Assignment Every Day**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/adding-the-same-assignment-every-day/) - [**Creating Multiple Assignments per Day**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/creating-multiple-assignments-per-day/) - [**Adding Shared Assignments**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/add-shared-assignments/) - [**Adding Notes to Assignments**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/adding-notes-to-assignments/) - [**Adding a Reminder**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/add-a-reminder/) - [**Checking Off Future Assignments**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/checking-off-future-assignments/) - [**Delete an Assignment**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/deleting-a-single-assignment/) - [**Delete Multiple Assignments**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/deleting-multiple-assignments/) - [**Editing Assignments**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/editing-assignments/) - [**Hide Completed Assignments**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/hide-a-completed-assignment/) - [**Meaning of Colored Checkboxes**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/meaning-of-colored-checkboxes/) - [**Marking Several Assignments Complete**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/marking-several-assignments-complete/) - [**Moving Assignments**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/moving-assignments/) - [**Assignments Not Showing Up in Digests**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/assignments-not-showing-up-in-digests/) **Not a Subscriber yet? Check out Homeschool Planet for yourself with a [30-day FREE trial](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/). No credit card information is necessary to give it a try!** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/728x90-1.png) **With [Homeschool Planet lesson plans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/), homeschooling has never been easier!** ![A growing collection of plug-in lesson plans for popular curricula](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/HSP-Marketplace-Logo-Image-1.png) **Categories:** Assignments --- ### [Setting Up Subjects](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/setting-up-subjects/) **Published:** June 11, 2022 **Author:** Robyn **Content:** **This entry is designed to explain how to set up Subjects in Homeschool Planet for the greatest long term results. We want it to be easy to organize your Report cards, Transcripts, and all homeschool tracking!** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Classes-top-1024x576.png) ### **A Word about the Difference Between Subjects and Class Names~** Class names and Subject names definitely have some overlap, and can be confused. The best advice we can give you is to keep your subject names simple and save the details for your class names. - Some examples of Subject names: Math, Language Arts, History, Science, Bible, PE, Electives, etc. - Examples of Class names for the subject Math would be: Algebra 1, or Saxon 6/5, Horizons 3, Thinkwell 7th grade math, etc… This will make organizing far easier as you use Homeschool Planet more and more! Using too many Subject titles is the number one thing that causes trouble down the road because users end up with too many separate subject names. A good way to think about this is to think about the Categories you would see on a High School Transcript. For example you would not see Spelling, but you would see Language Arts. ### **Steps for Setting up Your Subjects** 1. After logging into your Homeschool Planet account, hover over the “Settings” link in the upper left menu above your planner, then select the “Subjects & Categories” option. 2. When the window opens, check that you are on the “Subject” tab. Locate and select the “Add a new subject” text link at the top of the column. 3. A new item that says “New Subject” will be added to the bottom of the list. 4. Edit this field to add the name of your subject. 5. In the “Core?” column, select whether your subject is a core subject or not. Some states have a pre-determined list of what Core subjects are and others never use the terminology. You will want to be familiar with the guidelines where you reside. 6. You can assign a color to your subject by using the color box to the left of the subject name. 7. When you are finished adding your information, select the “Save” button in the lower right corner. ### **Setting Up a Subjects** Screenshots ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Setting-Up-Subjects-1.jpg) ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Setting-Up-Subjects-2.jpg) ### **Setting Up Subjects Video Tutorial** ***As always, feel free to reach out to us with any questions at . We are here to help you!*** ### **For more information on setting up and using Classes in your Homeschool Planet account see the following entries:** - **[Lesson Plan or Class?](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/lesson-plan-or-class/)** - **[A Word about Subjects](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/a-word-about-subjects/)** - **[Adding a Class](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/adding-a-class/)** - **[Deleting a Class](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/delete-a-class/)** - **[Editing a Class](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/edit-a-class/)** - **[Changing a Class Schedule](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/change-a-class-schedule/)** - **[Changing the End Date of a Class](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/change-the-end-date-of-a-class/)** - **[Copying a Class](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/copy-a-class/)** - **[Adding a Field Trip](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/adding-a-field-trip/)** - **[Classes on Different Days and Times](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/classes-on-different-days-and-times/)** - **[Classes with More than 1 Student](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/classes-with-more-than-1-student/)** - **[Adding an Extra Day to a Class Outside Usual Schedule](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/add-an-extra-day-to-a-class-outside-usual-schedule/)** - **[Calendar View: 5 or 7 Day Week](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/calendar-view-5-or-7-day-week/)** ### **Not a Subscriber yet? Check out Homeschool Planet for yourself with a [30-day FREE trial](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/). No credit card information is necessary to give it a try!** ![Homeschool Planet World's best planner button](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/728x90-1.png) **With [Homeschool Planet lesson plans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/), homeschooling has never been easier!** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/HSP-Marketplace-Logo-Image-1.png) **Categories:** Classes --- ### [Adding an Extra Day to a Class Outside Usual Schedule](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/add-an-extra-day-to-a-class-outside-usual-schedule/) **Published:** February 10, 2022 **Author:** Robyn **Content:** **Life happens and sometimes you need to add a day outside your normally scheduled days. To learn how to add a day to your normal schedule please see the directions below.** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Classes-top-1024x576.png) ### **Adding an Extra Day to your Class Schedule Directions** **If your class is scheduled for certain days (such as Monday/Wednesday/Friday, or Tuesday/Thursday), but then your student ends up spontaneously doing a lesson on an extra day outside of that regular schedule, you can follow the instructions below to add that day to the schedule for that particular class:** 1. After logging into your account, click on the class you want to modify from the Calendar and choose the “Edit” option. 2. In the “Edit Class” window, locate the “Change schedule” button under the “When” field. 3. In the “Change Schedule” window, select the “Add or remove individual dates” button~ when selecting this button you will see your entire calendar with all currently scheduled dates circled. To add the extra date to your class, simply click on it and a green plus will appear, adding it to the schedule. *Alternatively, to remove a date at any point from a class schedule you can simply click on it again until a red x appears, indicating it has been removed.* 4. When your extra day(s) are added to the schedule as you wish, then click the “OK” button at the bottom of the pop-up window. 5. **Take note:** When you add days to the schedule the system will add blank assignments to those dates in the Edit Class screen. You will need to either enter the desired assignment information in that blank if you wish to add an assignment not already in your schedule or manually shift the assignments back from the originally scheduled dates to fill those new gaps in the Edit Class screen. - You can shift all future assignments back at once by going to the first empty date in the schedule and choosing the *Eliminate gaps in the schedule from this day forward* option from the “More…” drop-down menu in the furthermost righthand column in the Edit Class screen. This will cause all the assignments to shift up and fill in the dates without assignments. 6. When you are satisfied with your changes to your class, click the “Save and Close” button in the lower right of the window. ***As always, feel free to reach out to us with any questions at . We are here to help you!*** ### **For more information on setting up and using Classes in your Homeschool Planet account see the following entries:** - **[Lesson Plan or Class?](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/lesson-plan-or-class/)** - **[A Word about Subjects](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/a-word-about-subjects/)** - **[Adding a Class](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/adding-a-class/)** - **[Deleting a Class](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/delete-a-class/)** - **[Editing a Class](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/edit-a-class/)** - **[Changing a Class Schedule](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/change-a-class-schedule/)** - **[Changing the End Date of a Class](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/change-the-end-date-of-a-class/)** - **[Copying a Class](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/copy-a-class/)** - **[Adding a Field Trip](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/adding-a-field-trip/)** - **[Classes on Different Days and Times](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/classes-on-different-days-and-times/)** - **[Classes with More than 1 Student](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/classes-with-more-than-1-student/)** - **[Calendar View: 5 or 7 Day Week](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/calendar-view-5-or-7-day-week/)** - **[Setting Up Subjects](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/setting-up-subjects/)** **Not a Subscriber yet? Check out Homeschool Planet for yourself with a [30-day FREE trial](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/). No credit card information is necessary to give it a try!** ![Homeschool Planet World's best planner button](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/728x90-1.png) **With [Homeschool Planet lesson plans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/), homeschooling has never been easier!** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/HSP-Marketplace-Logo-Image-1.png) **Categories:** Classes --- ### [Classes with More than 1 Student](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/classes-with-more-than-1-student/) **Published:** August 17, 2021 **Author:** Robyn **Content:** **Homeschool Planet gives you the ability to add two or more students to the same class right in the planner. Learn how to do this with this helpful User Guide entry.** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Classes-top-1024x576.png) ### **Adding a Class with more than 1 Student** These directions assume that you are familiar with the basics of adding a class to your planner. If you are not we recommend you first [read this post](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/adding-a-class/) for information about adding classes. A few things to note about classes shared between two or more students. - This feature is intended for students who largely have the same assignments to complete daily. If you have a 3rd, 5th, and 9th grader who are each taking different Math classes you would want to create a separate class for each of them rather than have a single Math class with all different assignments for each student. - If your students share the majority of assignments but have a few differences you will be able to address those diifferences in each student’s tab. - Each student will only be able to mark their own assignments UNLESS you give them permission to mark each other’s assignments in their student profile. - A red exclamation point next to an assignment alerts you that the students in a shared class are out of sync with each other. **Let’s get started:** 1. After logging into your account, click on a blank space in your calendar, then select the “Class” option. 2. In the “Create Class” window, use the drop-down menu in the “Subject:” field to select the subject or to “Add a Subject.” Next, fill in the title field. Use the “For Whom:” drop-down menu to select your students. You add all the students you wish to be in this class. 3. Next, you will want to determine the time frame for your class using the drop-down menu for the “When” field. There are quite a few preset options as well as a “More choices” option for creating a customized schedule. Here are the steps for creating a customized schedule: - Select the “More choices” option in the drop-down menu which will open the “Edit custom schedule” window. - In the “When” drop-down menu, select “Custom schedule…” at the bottom of the list. - When this option is select, you will be able to choose a repeat pattern, specific days, and times. To the left of these fields, you will also be able to set the “Starting” and “Until” dates. - When you are satisfied with your schedule selections, click the “Save” button in the bottom 4. Set a start and end date for your class if you do not want them to follow the pre-selected defaults. 5. Decide if you would like this class to occur at a particular time or no particular time and make the appropriate selection. 6. Choose Save. ### **Adding Assignments** 1. You will add assignments under the first tab called Shared Assignments that you want to appear for both students. 2. You can then edit assignments under each student’s individual tab. The items under the More menu work as follows with shared classes: - *Add a reminder*– when you add a reminder in either the shared or individual tabs it will default to send the reminder to all students but you can override this option and deselect any students you do not wish to receive reminders. - *Add a website*, *Upload a file*, *Assign a resource*, *Remove this shared assignment*, and *Move this shared assignment* options will apply to all students if they are utilized under the Shared Assignments tab but to only one student if they are selected under a single student’s tab. - *Add another assignment to this date* for under the shared tab will add an assignment to all students while one in an individual’s tab will add the assignment only to that individual. - *Remove this date from the schedule* applies to the entire class regardless of what tab it is selected in. - *Merge this day with the previous one.*.. applies to all students when used in the Shared Assignments tab, and individual students when used in their tabs. - *Shift this and the following assignments down*, applies to all students when used in the Shared Assignments tab, and individual students when used in their tabs. - *Shift entire schedule out* and *Eliminate gaps*… apply to all students when used in the Shared Assignments tab, and individual students when used in their tabs. ### **Classes with more than 1 Student Video Tutorial** ***As always, feel free to reach out to us with any questions at . We are here to help you!*** ### **For more information on setting up and using Classes in your Homeschool Planet account see the following entries:** - **[Lesson Plan or Class?](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/lesson-plan-or-class/)** - **[A Word about Subjects](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/a-word-about-subjects/)** - **[Adding a Class](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/adding-a-class/)** - **[Deleting a Class](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/delete-a-class/)** - **[Editing a Class](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/edit-a-class/)** - **[Changing a Class Schedule](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/change-a-class-schedule/)** - **[Changing the End Date of a Class](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/change-the-end-date-of-a-class/)** - **[Copying a Class](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/copy-a-class/)** - **[Adding a Field Trip](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/adding-a-field-trip/)** - **[Classes on Different Days and Times](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/classes-on-different-days-and-times/)** - **[Adding an Extra Day to a Class Outside Usual Schedule](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/add-an-extra-day-to-a-class-outside-usual-schedule/)** - **[Calendar View: 5 or 7 Day Week](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/calendar-view-5-or-7-day-week/)** - **[Setting Up Subjects](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/setting-up-subjects/)** **Not a Subscriber yet? Check out Homeschool Planet for yourself with a [30-day FREE trial](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/). No credit card information is necessary to give it a try!** ![Homeschool Planet World's best planner button](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/728x90-1.png) **With [Homeschool Planet lesson plans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/), homeschooling has never been easier!** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/HSP-Marketplace-Logo-Image-1.png) **Categories:** Classes --- ### [Classes on Different Days and Times](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/classes-on-different-days-and-times/) **Published:** August 17, 2021 **Author:** Robyn **Content:** **Sometimes life is sweet and neat and you can do Math class every day at 9 am but often times homeschool families have Co-ops and outside classes and all kinds of activities and they need to schedule the same class at different times on different days of the week! Homeschool Planet lets you schedule the same class at different times on different days for situations like this. Learn how below!** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Classes-top-1024x576.png) ### **Setting Up a Class to appear at different times on different days of the week** 1. You will begin set up like any other class- Click on the Calendar and choose the Class to initiate a new class. 2. Choose your subject, a Title for the class, and whom the class is for. 3. Next under the *When* drop-down menu choose the bottom option which reads *More choices…* 4. Choose a starting and an end date for your class. 5. Use the When drop-down box to decide whether class will be one day per week, all weekdays, all days, a combination of days, etc. 6. Select the radial button next to the line that says Different times on different days. 7. You will get a pop-up showing each day you have selected for class. Enter the time you want class to be on each day of the week and then choose Save. ### **Editing a Class to appear at different times on different days of the week** 1. Select the title of the class you wish to change from the calendar and choose the edit button. 2. Select the button labeled *Change schedule* under the When line. 3. Choose the bottom option- *Change the schedule in other ways*. 4. First select the date range you wish to change classes for across the top of the pop-up box. 5. Next choose the radial button which reads *Different times on different days.* 6. You will get a pop-up showing each day you have selected for class. Enter the time you want class to be on each day of the week and then choose Save. ### **Classes with Different Times on Different Days** Screenshots ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Differnet-Days-and-Times-1.png) ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Differnet-Days-and-Times-2.png) ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Differnet-Days-and-Times-3.png) ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Different-Days-and-Times-4.png) ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Different-Days-and-Times-5.png) ### **Classes with Different Times on Different Days Video** Tutorial ***As always, feel free to reach out to us with any questions at . We are here to help you!*** ### **For more information on setting up and using Classes in your Homeschool Planet account see the following entries:** - **[Lesson Plan or Class?](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/lesson-plan-or-class/)** - **[A Word about Subjects](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/a-word-about-subjects/)** - **[Adding a Class](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/adding-a-class/)** - **[Deleting a Class](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/delete-a-class/)** - **[Editing a Class](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/edit-a-class/)** - **[Changing a Class Schedule](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/change-a-class-schedule/)** - **[Changing the End Date of a Class](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/change-the-end-date-of-a-class/)** - **[Copying a Class](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/copy-a-class/)** - **[Adding a Field Trip](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/adding-a-field-trip/)** - **[Classes with More than 1 Student](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/classes-with-more-than-1-student/)** - **[Adding an Extra Day to a Class Outside Usual Schedule](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/add-an-extra-day-to-a-class-outside-usual-schedule/)** - **[Calendar View: 5 or 7 Day Week](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/calendar-view-5-or-7-day-week/)** - **[Setting Up Subjects](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/setting-up-subjects/)** **Not a Subscriber yet? Check out Homeschool Planet for yourself with a [30-day FREE trial](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/). No credit card information is necessary to give it a try!** ![Homeschool Planet World's best planner button](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/728x90-1.png) **With [Homeschool Planet lesson plans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/), homeschooling has never been easier!** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/HSP-Marketplace-Logo-Image-1.png) **Categories:** Classes --- ### [Copying a Class](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/copy-a-class/) **Published:** August 12, 2021 **Author:** Robyn **Content:** **One of my favorite things is when I go to set up a class for a child who had an older sibling take the same class previously and I can just copy the original class right to the current year! Learn how to do this with the following directions~** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Classes-top-1024x576.png) ### **Copy a Class Directions** 1. First, if you are copying a class from an old year to a new one be sure that you have created the new school year by going to the “Settings” icon at the top right of your screen and choosing the “School Year & Vacations” option. 2. Once your new school year is created, locate the class in your calendar and select the title of the original class from your calendar. - You can use the Search bar or scroll through the dates to find an old class. 3. Choose “Make a copy of this class” which is found in the lower left hand corner of the pop-up box. 4. A new window will open and ask “Which assignments do you want to include?” Use the drop-down menu to choose the option that best fits your needs. 5. Make sure that you check the box at the bottom that says “include completed assignments” to be sure all assignments are included in your copied class. Click the “Next” button. 6. In the next window, choose which student(s) you wish to assign to this copied class then click the “Next” button. 7. In the new window, choose the option that fits your needs then select the “OK” button. 8. A confirmation window will ask that you “Verify Dates and Assignments.” Click the “OK” button in this window to access the copied class. From here you can make any changes that you need to the class. 9. Once you are satisfied with the changes, click the “Save” button in the lower right corner of the window. 10. That’s it! Enjoy the fruit of your previous labor! ### **Copy a Class** Screenshots ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Copy-a-Class-1.png) ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Copy-a-Class-2.png) ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Copy-a-Class-3.png) ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Copy-a-Class-4.png) ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Copy-a-Class-5.png) ### **Copy a Class** Video Tutorial ***As always, feel free to reach out to us with any questions at . We are here to help you!*** ### **For more information on setting up and using Classes in your Homeschool Planet account see the following entries:** - **[Lesson Plan or Class?](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/lesson-plan-or-class/)** - **[A Word about Subjects](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/a-word-about-subjects/)** - **[Adding a Class](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/adding-a-class/)** - **[Deleting a Class](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/delete-a-class/)** - **[Editing a Class](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/edit-a-class/)** - **[Changing a Class Schedule](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/change-a-class-schedule/)** - **[Changing the End Date of a Class](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/change-the-end-date-of-a-class/)** - **[Adding a Field Trip](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/adding-a-field-trip/)** - **[Classes on Different Days and Times](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/classes-on-different-days-and-times/)** - **[Classes with More than 1 Student](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/classes-with-more-than-1-student/)** - **[Adding an Extra Day to a Class Outside Usual Schedule](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/add-an-extra-day-to-a-class-outside-usual-schedule/)** - **[Calendar View: 5 or 7 Day Week](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/calendar-view-5-or-7-day-week/)** - **[Setting Up Subjects](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/setting-up-subjects/)** ### **Not a Subscriber yet? Check out Homeschool Planet for yourself with a [30-day FREE trial](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/). No credit card information is necessary to give it a try!** ![Homeschool Planet World's best planner button](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/728x90-1.png) **With [Homeschool Planet lesson plans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/), homeschooling has never been easier!** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/HSP-Marketplace-Logo-Image-1.png) **Categories:** Classes --- ### [Changing the End Date of a Class](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/change-the-end-date-of-a-class/) **Published:** August 12, 2021 **Author:** Robyn **Content:** **If anything is true in the world it is that change happens! Homeschool Planet recognizes this and makes the ability to change the end date (or the start date!) of class simple and straightforward. The steps below will walk you through how to accomplish this task.** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Classes-top-1024x576.png) ### **Changing the End Date of a Class Directions** Classes can be set to start and end on any date. To change an individual class end date follow these directions: - Select the class from the calendar and choose edit. - Choose the button that says *Change Schedule* and select *Change the start/end date.* - Then select your new end date, click on OK, and then Save. - That really is it! Please note~ If you change the end date to occur before the end of previously scheduled assignments those assignments will now be listed in your calendar as unscheduled. You can leave them that way if you do not wish to complete them or you can drag them to dates within the range you have now set if you wish for them to remain assigned. ### **Changing the End Date of a Class** Screenshots ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Changing-the-Enda-Date-1.png) ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Changing-the-End-Date-2.png) ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Changing-the-End-Date-3.png) ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Changing-the-End-Date-4.png) ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Changing-the-End-Date-5-1.png) ### **Changing the End Date of a Class** Video Tutorial ***As always, feel free to reach out to us with any questions at . We are here to help you!*** ### **For more information on setting up and using Classes in your Homeschool Planet account see the following entries:** - **[Lesson Plan or Class?](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/lesson-plan-or-class/)** - **[A Word about Subjects](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/a-word-about-subjects/)** - **[Adding a Class](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/adding-a-class/)** - **[Deleting a Class](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/delete-a-class/)** - **[Editing a Class](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/edit-a-class/)** - **[Changing a Class Schedule](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/change-a-class-schedule/)** - **[Copying a Class](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/copy-a-class/)** - **[Adding a Field Trip](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/adding-a-field-trip/)** - **[Classes on Different Days and Times](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/classes-on-different-days-and-times/)** - **[Classes with More than 1 Student](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/classes-with-more-than-1-student/)** - **[Adding an Extra Day to a Class Outside Usual Schedule](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/add-an-extra-day-to-a-class-outside-usual-schedule/)** - **[Calendar View: 5 or 7 Day Week](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/calendar-view-5-or-7-day-week/)** - **[Setting Up Subjects](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/setting-up-subjects/)** **Not a Subscriber yet? Check out Homeschool Planet for yourself with a [30-day FREE trial](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/). No credit card information is necessary to give it a try!** ![Homeschool Planet World's best planner button](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/728x90-1.png) **With [Homeschool Planet lesson plans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/), homeschooling has never been easier!** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/HSP-Marketplace-Logo-Image-1.png) **Categories:** Classes --- ### [Changing a Class Schedule](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/change-a-class-schedule/) **Published:** August 14, 2021 **Author:** Robyn **Content:** **When you need to change your class schedule Homeschool Planet can help make that happen in just a few steps! Learn how to switch days, times, frequency, and more below!** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Classes-top-600x338.png) ### **How to Change an Individual Class Schedule** 1. After logging into your account, click on the class you want to modify from the Calendar and choose the “Edit” option. 2. In the “Edit Class” window, locate the “Change schedule” button under the “When” field. 3. In the “Change Schedule” window, select the option that best fits your needs. 1. Add or remove individual dates~ when selecting this button you will see your entire calendar with all currently scheduled dates circled. To add a date simply click on it and a green plus will appear, adding it to the schedule. To remove a date click on it and a red x will appear, indicating it has been removed. To change either selection re-click the date. 2. Change the start/end date~ enter your new start or end date and then select ok. This will shorten or lengthen your class. This will change an individual class- not your entire school schedule. 3. Change the class time on a particular day~ adjust the time for one day’s class. 4. Change the schedule in other ways~ all other changes fall in this category. You can change what days the class occurs, what time it occurs, set different times on different days, etc. You can even change the schedule for a certain period of time. If you use this option make sure you pay attention to the area at the top of the pop-up box that let’s you indicate when you would like the change to begin and end. 4. Depending on which option you select, make your changes as needed, then click the “OK” button at the bottom of the pop-up window. 5. When you are satisfied with your changes, click the “Save and Close” button in the lower right of the window and the new schedule will be updated in your calendar. Take note: - Assignments will move back if you remove a day from the schedule but if you add days to the schedule the assignments will not automatically shift. You can shift them all at once by going to the first empty date in the schedule and choosing *Eliminate gaps in the schedule from this day forward* from the drop-down menu on the right. This will cause all the assignments to shift up and fill in the dates without assignments. - Alternatively, you can use the “More…” drop-down menu in the “Options” column on the right side of the assignments. There are options to move assignments to different dates, eliminate gaps in the schedule, remove dates, merge with the previous day, and more. Select the option that best fits your needs. - Please note that changing your school calendar does not change the individual class schedules. These must be done in the “Edit Class” window. ### **How to Change a Class Schedule** Screenshots ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Change-a-Class-1.png) ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Change-a-Class-2.png) ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Change-a-Class-3.png) ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Change-a-Class-4.png) ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Change-a-Class-5.png) ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Change-a-Class-6.png) ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Change-a-Class-7.png) ### **How to Change a Class Schedule** Video Tutorial ***As always, feel free to reach out to us with any questions at . We are here to help you!*** ### **For more information on setting up and using Classes in your Homeschool Planet account see the following entries:** - **[Lesson Plan or Class?](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/lesson-plan-or-class/)** - **[A Word about Subjects](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/a-word-about-subjects/)** - **[Adding a Class](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/adding-a-class/)** - **[Deleting a Class](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/delete-a-class/)** - **[Editing a Class](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/edit-a-class/)** - **[Changing the End Date of a Class](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/change-the-end-date-of-a-class/)** - **[Copying a Class](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/copy-a-class/)** - **[Adding a Field Trip](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/adding-a-field-trip/)** - **[Classes on Different Days and Times](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/classes-on-different-days-and-times/)** - **[Classes with More than 1 Student](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/classes-with-more-than-1-student/)** - **[Adding an Extra Day to a Class Outside Usual Schedule](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/add-an-extra-day-to-a-class-outside-usual-schedule/)** - **[Calendar View: 5 or 7 Day Week](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/calendar-view-5-or-7-day-week/)** - **[Setting Up Subjects](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/setting-up-subjects/)** **Not a Subscriber yet? Check out Homeschool Planet for yourself with a [30-day FREE trial](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/). No credit card information is necessary to give it a try!** ![Homeschool Planet World's best planner button](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/728x90-1.png) **With [Homeschool Planet lesson plans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/), homeschooling has never been easier!** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/HSP-Marketplace-Logo-Image-1.png) **Categories:** Classes **Tags:** User Guide --- ### [The Rescheduling Helper](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/the-rescheduling-helper/) **Published:** September 14, 2021 **Author:** Robyn **Content:** **Of all the features that set our online planner apart, none is more exciting (or saves more eraser time!) than the Rescheduling Helper. Bump things out, move them back,** ![Homeschool Planet Assignments User Guide](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Assignments-top-1024x576.png) ### **The Rescheduling Helper!** Typically, the Helpers (there is a Grading Helper in addition to the Rescheduling Helper) are set to automatically launch when you first log into your account. If this is not the case, you can change the settings for the Helpers by hovering over the “Settings” icon in the upper right menu, then select the “General” option. When this window opens, click the “Helpers” tab on the left, then choose the “Yes” option from the drop-down menu beside the “Automatically launch the Rescheduling and Grading Helpers each day” statement. Be sure to click the “Save” button in the lower right-hand corner of the screen to save your changes. If you would like to access the Rescheduling Helper any other time, this can be done by hovering over the “Helpers” icon in the upper right menu, then selecting it from the drop-down menu. The “Reschedule Assignments” window will open with a few options from which to choose. Select the one that best fits your needs. If you select the “***Reschedule overdue assignments only***” or the “***Reschedule overdue AND today’s assignments as well***” options, the “Reschedule Assignments” window will open just as it does when you first log into your account. If you choose the “***Reschedule an entire day’s assignments by making it a day off***” option, you will be taken to the “School Years” tab of your settings, where you can mark the day as a non-school day by clicking on it, changing it from a green checkmark to a red X. If there are any assignments for that day, the “Reschedule Assignments” window will open for you to make your selections. When in the “Reschedule Assignments” window, you will see the assignments and scheduled dates in a list on the left. Next to the “Assignment” column header, there is a “Customize…” text link. If you select this link, the “Select Assignments” window will open allowing you to refine which assignments you want to see. They can be refined in a variety of ways including by student, subject, time frame, class, and more. Beside each assignment, there are the rescheduling options radio buttons. There are colored vertical lines connecting each option to the corresponding radio buttons to help in locating the correct option when marking assignments. These options include: - Ask me next time and leave it as-is for now (yellow) - Never show this one again (gray) - Mark complete (green) - Delete this item (red) - Carry forward and leave the rest of the schedule alone (orange) - Carry forward and shift schedule by one day (blue) At the very top of the columns of radio buttons, there is a “mark all” option. When an option from the list above is selected in this row, all of the assignments below will also be marked with this option. This is very helpful when you know you want everything marked the same. Individual assignments can still be changed to a different option even though the “mark all” option has been selected. After you are satisfied with your choices, select the “OK” button in the bottom right-hand corner and your assignments will be saved as you have marked them. ### **Rescheduling Helper Screenshots** ![rescheduling helper, 1](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Rescheduling-Helper-1.jpg) ![rescheduling helper, 2](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Rescheduling-Helper-2.jpg) ![rescheduling helper, 3](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Rescheduling-Helper-3.jpg) ![rescheduling helper, 4](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Rescheduling-Helper-4.jpg) ![rescheduling helper, 5](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Rescheduling-Helper-5.jpg) ![rescheduling helper, 6](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Rescheduling-Helper-6.jpg) ### **Rescheduling Helper Video Tutorial** ***As always, feel free to reach out to us with any questions at . We are here to help you!*** ### **For more User Guide entries about Assignments, please see the links below:** - [**Assignment Generator**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/assignment-generator/) - [**Assignment Lists**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/assignment-lists/) - [**Adding an Additional Assignment to a Day**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/add-an-additional-assignment/) - [**Same Assignment Every Day**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/adding-the-same-assignment-every-day/) - [**Creating Multiple Assignments per Day**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/creating-multiple-assignments-per-day/) - [**Adding Shared Assignments**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/add-shared-assignments/) - [**Adding Notes to Assignments**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/adding-notes-to-assignments/) - [**Adding a Reminder**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/add-a-reminder/) - [**Checking Off Future Assignments**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/checking-off-future-assignments/) - [**Delete an Assignment**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/deleting-a-single-assignment/) - [**Delete Multiple Assignments**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/deleting-multiple-assignments/) - [**Editing Assignments**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/editing-assignments/) - [**Hide Completed Assignments**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/hide-a-completed-assignment/) - [**Meaning of Colored Checkboxes**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/meaning-of-colored-checkboxes/) - [**Marking Several Assignments Complete**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/marking-several-assignments-complete/) - [**Moving Assignments**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/moving-assignments/) - [**Assignments Not Showing Up in Digests**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/assignments-not-showing-up-in-digests/) **Not a Subscriber yet? Check out Homeschool Planet for yourself with a [30-day FREE trial](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/). No credit card information is necessary to give it a try!** ![Homeschool Planet World's best planner button](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/728x90-1.png) **With [Homeschool Planet lesson plans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/), homeschooling has never been easier!** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/HSP-Marketplace-Logo-Image-1.png) **Categories:** Assignments --- ### [Assignment Generator](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/assignment-generator/) **Published:** September 16, 2021 **Author:** Robyn **Content:** **The Assignment Generator makes creating lesson plans and classes a snap! Learn how to use this powerful tool below.** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/The-Assignment-Generator-no-arrow-1024x576.jpg) ### **Assignment Generator Directions** **First set up your class, if you have already done this begin with the section, names Assignment Creation Options. .** 1. After logging into your account, click on a blank space in your calendar, then select the “Class” option. 2. In the “Create Class” window, use the drop-down menu in the “Subject:” field to select the subject or to “Add a Subject.” 3. Next, fill in the title field. Use the “For Whom:” drop-down menu to select your student(s). 4. Next, you will want to determine the time frame for your class using the drop-down menu for the “When” field. There are quite a few preset options as well as a “More choices” option for creating a customized schedule. Here are the steps for creating a customized schedule: - Select the “More choices” option in the drop-down menu which will open the “Edit custom schedule” window. - In the “When” drop-down menu, select “Custom schedule…” at the bottom of the list. - When this option is selected, you will be able to choose a repeat pattern, specific days, and times. To the left of these fields, you will also be able to set the “Starting” and “Until” dates. - When you are satisfied with your schedule selections, click the “Save” button in the bottom 5. Set a start and end date for your class if you do not want them to follow the pre-selected defaults. 6. Decide if you would like this class to occur at a particular time or no particular time and make the appropriate selection. 7. Choose Save. **Assignment Creation Options:** 1. 1. **Enter single assignments for each day** 1. While in the Assignments tab, type in the task or assignment in the “Do this:” space next to the proper date. 2. See our other entries for utilizing the More… drop-down menu to the right of the assignments. 3. As with any software which connects to the internet, we recommend selecting *Save* after every few entries. 4. When you have finished your entries select *Save and Close* from the lower right hand corner. 2. **Same assignment every day** 1. On the Assignments tab, in the “Show” fields, select your “From:” and “Through:” time frame for the repeating assignment. 2. Below the “Show:” section, locate the “To every class day, add this:” field and enter your information. 3. Select the “Add” button and a confirmation window will open. Review the information, select the appropriate button to either fix or make them all the same. If you are happy with your plan, select the “Yes, make them all the same” option, and another confirmation window will open. Review the information in this window, then select the “OK, add them” button. 3. **Simple recurring pattern (Lesson 1, Lesson 2, Lesson 3, etc.)** 1. Follow steps 1-3 above except when entering your information in the “To every class day, add this:” field, add the braces {1} with information such as a number or a letter in them after your leading text (Lesson {1}). This tells our system to generate assignments in sequential order (ex: Lesson 1, Lesson 2, Lesson 3, etc…). 4. **Complex recurring pattern** 1. In the “Assignments” tab, to the right of the entry space for the “To every class day, add this:” field you will see the “Assignment generator options…” text link. Select this link to open the “Assignment Generator.” 2. In the “Assignment Generator” window you will see several options to choose from to auto-create your assignments. Select the best option to fit your needs then click the “Next” button. 3. In the next window, fill in the date fields and other relevant information, depending on which option you selected in step 2. Click the “Next” button. 4. In this window, you will enter the information for your assignments in the “Do this:” section. There are specific instructions for this at the top of the window. - Be sure to keep the braces {1} for our system to create the sequential pattern. - A preview of your assignments will populate below. - Make changes to your assignments until they appear the way you want them to in the preview section. 5. Once you are happy with how everything looks in the preview section, click the “OK” button in the lower right-hand of the window. After following the steps for one of the options above, the reoccurring assignments will now be in the assignments tab. At this point, you should select the “Save” button in the lower right-hand corner of the window to ensure your work will not be lost. You can fine-tune your assignments by adding resources, additional reminders, and more, by using the “More…” drop-down menu in the “Options:” column. You can also add notes to your schedule on the “Notes” tab in a similar manner as creating assignments. When you are completely satisfied with your assignment set-up, click the “Save and Close” option in the lower right-hand corner of the window and the reoccurring assignments will be applied to your planner. ### **Assignment Generator Screenshots** ![how to add a class, 1](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Assignment-Generator-1-1.jpg) ![how to add a class, 2](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Assignment-Generator-2-1.jpg) ![how to add a class, 3](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Assignment-Generator-3-1.jpg) ![how to add a class, 4](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Assignment-Generator-4-1.jpg) ![how to add a class, 5](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Assignment-Generator-5-1.jpg) ### **Assignment Generator Video Tutorial** ***As always, feel free to reach out to us with any questions at . We are here to help you!*** ### **For more User Guide entries about Assignments, please see the links below:** - [**Rescheduling Helper**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/the-rescheduling-helper/) - [**Assignment Lists**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/assignment-lists/) - [**Adding an Additional Assignment to a Day**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/add-an-additional-assignment/) - [**Same Assignment Every Day**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/adding-the-same-assignment-every-day/) - [**Creating Multiple Assignments per Day**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/creating-multiple-assignments-per-day/) - [**Adding Shared Assignments**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/add-shared-assignments/) - [**Adding Notes to Assignments**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/adding-notes-to-assignments/) - [**Adding a Reminder**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/add-a-reminder/) - [**Checking Off Future Assignments**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/checking-off-future-assignments/) - [**Delete an Assignment**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/deleting-a-single-assignment/) - [**Delete Multiple Assignments**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/deleting-multiple-assignments/) - [**Editing Assignments**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/editing-assignments/) - [**Hide Completed Assignments**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/hide-a-completed-assignment/) - [**Meaning of Colored Checkboxes**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/meaning-of-colored-checkboxes/) - [**Marking Several Assignments Complete**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/marking-several-assignments-complete/) - [**Moving Assignments**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/moving-assignments/) - [**Assignments Not Showing Up in Digests**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/assignments-not-showing-up-in-digests/) **Not a Subscriber yet? Check out Homeschool Planet for yourself with a [30-day FREE trial](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/). No credit card information is necessary to give it a try!** ![Homeschool Planet World's best planner button](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/728x90-1.png) **With [Homeschool Planet lesson plans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/), homeschooling has never been easier!** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/HSP-Marketplace-Logo-Image-1.png) **Categories:** Assignments --- ### [Editing a Class](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/edit-a-class/) **Published:** August 14, 2021 **Author:** Robyn **Content:** **Field trips are one of the best parts of school! When an unexpected opportunity for a field trip comes up you can use the Homeschool Planet features to adjust your schedule in just a couple steps!** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Classes-top-1024x576.png) ### **Edit a Class** After logging into your account, locate the class you need to modify, click on the class title, then choose the “Edit” option. Once the “Edit Class” window opens, you will be able to select the appropriate tab to view information and make changes to the schedule, add new assignments, setup grading, add notes, and more. **Using the Options/More Drop-down menu** 1. In the assignment window, at the end of an assignment row to the far right there is a “More…” drop-down menu with a variety of options to select including add reminders, move assignments, remove assignments, and more. - The items in the *For this Assignment* section allow you to make changes to a single assignment. They include adding reminders and websites, uploading files and documents, assigning resources, and moving or removing single assignments. - The items in the *For this Day* section help add additional assignments to a particular date, remove a date from the schedule altogether (for that class only), and shift the assignment and those after it each down by one day. - When you choose **Shift entire schedule out from this day forward** in the *Other* section you can move assignments down by two or more days. - The **Eliminate gaps in schedule, from this day forward** option in the *Other* section will move all classes up filling any empty dates caused by adjusting the schedule. 2. When you have finished making your edits, click the “Save and Close” button in the lower right for your changes to be in effect. **Using the editing button found on the Assignments tab on the Show dates line** 1. First select the black Editing triangle to reveal the editing options. 2. Set the date range in the From and Through section for the assignment window you wish to edit assignments in. - Adding text in the box labeled Containing will bring up all entries (within the selected date range) with that term. Add the term in the Find this box and enter a new term in the Replace with field and then select the Replace in Selected Items to replace text. If you would like to delete a term, select, delete Selected Items after bringing them up with the Containing field. - NOTE: Your changes will apply to all boxes with a checkmark in the box so if you would like to exclude items from your change or deletion deselect the checkbox. You will be given an “are you sure” box, once you proceed your changes are not reversible. ### **Edit a Class** Screenshots ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Editing-a-Class-1.png) ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Editing-a-Class-2.png) ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Editing-a-Class-3.png) ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Editing-a-Class-4.png) ### **Edit a Class Video Tutorial** ***As always, feel free to reach out to us with any questions at . We are here to help you!*** ### **For more information on setting up and using Classes in your Homeschool Planet account see the following entries:** - **[Lesson Plan or Class?](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/lesson-plan-or-class/)** - **[A Word about Subjects](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/a-word-about-subjects/)** - **[Adding a Class](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/adding-a-class/)** - **[Deleting a Class](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/delete-a-class/)** - **[Changing a Class Schedule](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/change-a-class-schedule/)** - **[Changing the End Date of a Class](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/change-the-end-date-of-a-class/)** - **[Copying a Class](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/copy-a-class/)** - **[Adding a Field Trip](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/adding-a-field-trip/)** - **[Classes on Different Days and Times](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/classes-on-different-days-and-times/)** - **[Classes with More than 1 Student](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/classes-with-more-than-1-student/)** - **[Adding an Extra Day to a Class Outside Usual Schedule](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/add-an-extra-day-to-a-class-outside-usual-schedule/)** - **[Calendar View: 5 or 7 Day Week](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/calendar-view-5-or-7-day-week/)** - **[Setting Up Subjects](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/setting-up-subjects/)** **Not a Subscriber yet? Check out Homeschool Planet for yourself with a [30-day FREE trial](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/). No credit card information is necessary to give it a try!** ![Homeschool Planet the world's best planner button](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/728x90-1.png) **With [Homeschool Planet lesson plans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/), homeschooling has never been easier!** ![A growing collection of plug-in lesson plans for popular curricula](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/HSP-Marketplace-Logo-Image-1.png) **Categories:** Classes --- ### [Adding a Class](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/adding-a-class/) **Published:** July 29, 2021 **Author:** Robyn **Content:** **This entry is designed to teach you the basic steps needed to add a class once you have set up your school year and added students. Directions for selecting options in this process are below.** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Classes-top-1024x576.png) **Adding a Class Directions** 1. After logging into your account, click on a blank space in your calendar, then select the “Class” option. 2. In the “Create Class” window, use the drop-down menu in the “Subject:” field to select the subject or to “Add a Subject.” Next, fill in the title field. Use the “For Whom:” drop-down menu to select your student(s). 3. Next, you will want to determine the time frame for your class using the drop-down menu for the “When” field. There are quite a few preset options as well as a “More choices” option for creating a customized schedule. Here are the steps for creating a customized schedule: - Select the “More choices” option in the drop-down menu which will open the “Edit custom schedule” window. - In the “When” drop-down menu, select “Custom schedule…” at the bottom of the list. - When this option is select, you will be able to choose a repeat pattern, specific days, and times. To the left of these fields, you will also be able to set the “Starting” and “Until” dates. - When you are satisfied with your schedule selections, click the “Save” button in the bottom 4. Set a start and end date for your class if you do not want them to follow the pre-selected defaults. 5. Decide if you would like this class to occur at a particular time or no particular time and make the appropriate selection. 6. Choose Save. **Assignment Creation Options:** 1. 1. **Enter single assignments for each day** 1. While in the Assignments tab, type in the task or assignment in the “Do this:” space next to the proper date. 2. See our other entries for utilizing the More… drop-down menu to the right of the assignments. 3. As with any software connect to the internet, we recommend selecting *Save* after every few entries. 4. When you have finished your entries select *Save and Close* from the lower right hand corner. 2. **Same assignment every day** 1. On the Assignments tab, in the “Show” fields, select your “From:” and “Through:” time frame for the repeating assignment. 2. Below the “Show:” section, locate the “To every class day, add this:” field and enter your information. 3. Select the “Add” button and a confirmation window will open. Review the information, select the appropriate button to either fix or make them all the same. If you are happy with your plan, select the “Yes, make them all the same” option, and another confirmation window will open. Review the information in this window, then select the “OK, add them” button. 3. **Simple reoccurring pattern (Lesson 1, Lesson 2, Lesson 3, etc.)** 1. Follow steps 1-3 above except when entering your information in the “To every class day, add this:” field, add the braces {1} with information such as a number or a letter in them after your leading text (Lesson {1}). This tells our system to generate assignments in sequential order (ex: Lesson 1, Lesson 2, Lesson 3, etc…). 4. **Complex reoccurring pattern** 1. In the “Assignments” tab, to the right of the entry space for the “To every class day, add this:” field you will see the “More options…” text link. Select this link to open the “Assignment Generator.” 2. In the “Assignment Generator” window you will see several options to choose from to auto-create your assignments. Select the best option to fit your needs then click the “Next” button. 3. In the next window, fill in the date fields and other relevant information, depending on which option you selected in step 2. Click the “Next” button. 4. In this window, you will enter the information for your assignments in the “Do this:” section. There are specific instructions for this at the top of the window. - Be sure to keep the braces {1} for our system to create the sequential pattern. - A preview of your assignments will populate below. - Make changes to your assignments until they appear the way you want them to in the preview section. 5. Once you are happy with how everything looks in the preview section, click the “OK” button in the lower right-hand of the window. After following the steps for one of the options above, the reoccurring assignments will now be in the assignments tab. At this point, you should select the “Save” button in the lower right-hand corner of the window to ensure your work will not be lost. You can fine-tune your assignments by adding resources, additional reminders, and more, by using the “More…” drop-down menu in the “Options:” column. You can also add notes to your schedule on the “Notes” tab in a similar manner as creating assignments. When you are completely satisfied with your assignment set-up, click the “Save and Close” option in the lower right-hand corner of the window and the reoccurring assignments will be applied to your planner. **Adding a Class** Screenshots ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Assignment-Generator-1-1.jpg) ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Assignment-Generator-2-1.jpg) ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Assignment-Generator-3-1.jpg) ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Assignment-Generator-4-1.jpg) ### ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Assignment-Generator-5-1.jpg) **Adding a Class Video Tutorial** ***As always, feel free to reach out to us with any questions at . We are here to help you!*** ### **For more information on setting up and using Classes in your Homeschool Planet account see the following entries:** - **[Lesson Plan or Class?](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/lesson-plan-or-class/)** - **[A Word about Subjects](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/a-word-about-subjects/)** - **[Deleting a Class](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/delete-a-class/)** - **[Editing a Class](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/edit-a-class/)** - **[Changing a Class Schedule](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/change-a-class-schedule/)** - **[Changing the End Date of a Class](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/change-the-end-date-of-a-class/)** - **[Copying a Class](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/copy-a-class/)** - **[Adding a Field Trip](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/adding-a-field-trip/)** - **[Classes on Different Days and Times](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/classes-on-different-days-and-times/)** - **[Classes with More than 1 Student](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/classes-with-more-than-1-student/)** - **[Adding an Extra Day to a Class Outside Usual Schedule](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/add-an-extra-day-to-a-class-outside-usual-schedule/)** - **[Calendar View: 5 or 7 Day Week](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/calendar-view-5-or-7-day-week/)** - **[Setting Up Subjects](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/setting-up-subjects/)** **Not a Subscriber yet? Check out Homeschool Planet for yourself with a [30-day FREE trial](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/). No credit card information is necessary to give it a try!** ![Homeschool Planet World's best planner button](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/728x90-1.png) **With [Homeschool Planet lesson plans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/), homeschooling has never been easier!** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/HSP-Marketplace-Logo-Image-1.png) **Categories:** Classes --- ### [Assignments Not Showing up in Digests](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/assignments-not-showing-up-in-digests/) **Published:** May 11, 2022 **Author:** Robyn **Content:** **Are you wondering why your students’ work is not showing up in your digest emails? This entry will explain how to make sure you have entered actual assignments to check off and not just class subjects and titles. Read on, friends!** ![Homeschool Planet Assignments User Guide](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Assignments-top-1024x576.png) ### **Making sure you have entered assignments!** It can be confusing to get a Daily or Weekly Digest and see no assignments listed in your emails! When there is nothing entered in the assignments tab, the system does not recognize assignments scheduled for that particular day of class. The class is scheduled for that day but no work has yet been “assigned”. The class is simply acting as a placeholder on your calendar until you enter some assignment information. Here are some User Guide articles that will help you as you get started entering assignment text into your calendar, after which the digest emails will populate with the information you enter in that tab for each class. These entries have video tutorials that will be of benefit to you so you can visualize what we mean when we use the term “assignment”: - [Assignment Generator](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/assignment-generator/) - [Editing Assignments](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/editing-assignments/) - [Adding the Same Assignment Every Day](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/adding-the-same-assignment-every-day/) - [Add an Additional Assignment](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/add-an-additional-assignment/) - [Assignment Lists](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/assignment-lists/) - [Adding Notes to Assignments](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/adding-notes-to-assignments/) ### **Video Tutorial** ### ***As always, feel free to reach out to us with any questions at . We are here to help you!*** ### **For *even more* User Guide entries about Assignments, please see the links below:** - [**Rescheduling Helper**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/the-rescheduling-helper/) - [**Creating Multiple Assignments per Day**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/creating-multiple-assignments-per-day/) - [**Adding Shared Assignments**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/add-shared-assignments/) - [**Adding a Reminder**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/add-a-reminder/) - [**Checking Off Future Assignments**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/checking-off-future-assignments/) - [**Delete an Assignment**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/deleting-a-single-assignment/) - [**Delete Multiple Assignments**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/deleting-multiple-assignments/) - [**Hide Completed Assignments**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/hide-a-completed-assignment/) - [**Meaning of Colored Checkboxes**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/meaning-of-colored-checkboxes/) - [**Marking Several Assignments Complete**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/marking-several-assignments-complete/) - [**Moving Assignments**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/moving-assignments/) **Not a Subscriber yet? Check out Homeschool Planet for yourself with a [30-day FREE trial](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/). No credit card information is necessary to give it a try!** ![Homeschool Planet World's best planner button](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/728x90-1.png) **With [Homeschool Planet lesson plans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/), homeschooling has never been easier!** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/HSP-Marketplace-Logo-Image-1.png) **Categories:** Assignments --- ### [Moving Assignments](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/moving-assignments/) **Published:** September 15, 2021 **Author:** Robyn **Content:** **Users of Homeschool Planet particularly appreciate the capability to shift assignments between days without needing to go through the laborious process of erasing and rescheduling assignments by hand.** ![Homeschool Planet Assignments User Guide](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Assignments-top-1024x576.png) **Moving Assignments** Following are different ways to move assignments in our online homeschool planner! **Drag and Drop** 1. After logging into your account, click on the assignment or activity you want to move and drag it to the date you want. (This is more easily done in the Calendar mode as opposed to the Planner mode, although it can be done in either view.) 2. A pop-up message will appear asking if you are sure you want it to change the date for this one class. To confirm the move, click the “OK, change only this one” button. 3. A new screen will appear, giving you choices (Leave it where it is, Carry forward and leave the rest of schedule alone, or Carry forward and shift schedule by one day). Make a selection, then click the “OK” button. Your assignment(s) will now be on the new date(s), depending on the option you selected. *Please note that if you drag an assignment to the day previous and tell the software you want the “schedule” or “scheduled assignment” shifted it will move the assignment which is already scheduled on that day.* **Edit Class Screen** 1. Click on the class you want to modify and choose the “Edit” option. 2. In the “Edit Class” screen, locate the assignment you want to move and select the “More…” drop-down menu at the end of the assignment row on the far right. You will see several options for moving the assignment. Select the option that best suits your needs. 3. Alternatively, you can hover over the assignment to the left of the assignment and a double-ended arrow will appear. This will allow you to drag and drop the assignment where you want. 4. When you are satisfied with your changes, click “Save and Close” button in the lower right of the window. **Rescheduling Helper** 1. Hover over the “Helpers” icon in the upper menu, then choose the “Rescheduling Helper” option. [You can view a more detailed entry about using the Rescheduling Helper, here.](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/the-rescheduling-helper/) 2. When the selection window opens, choose the option that best describes your needs. 3. After making your selection, a new box will open. You will see a list of assignments to the left and available actions that can be taken listed across the top on the right. The colored lines coming down from the actions help with finding the correct action you need for the assignment. 4. Choose the appropriate option you want for each assignment. 5. Once all the assignments are marked, click the “OK” button in the lower right-hand corner of the window. Your changes will now be displayed on your calendar. **Moving Assignments Video Tutorial** ***As always, feel free to reach out to us with any questions at . We are here to help you!*** ### **For more User Guide entries about Assignments, please see the links below:** - [**Assignment Generator**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/assignment-generator/) - [**Rescheduling Helper**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/the-rescheduling-helper/) - [**Assignment Lists**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/assignment-lists/) - [**Adding an Additional Assignment to a Day**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/add-an-additional-assignment/) - [**Same Assignment Every Day**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/adding-the-same-assignment-every-day/) - [**Creating Multiple Assignments per Day**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/creating-multiple-assignments-per-day/) - [**Adding Shared Assignments**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/add-shared-assignments/) - [**Adding Notes to Assignments**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/adding-notes-to-assignments/) - [**Adding a Reminder**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/add-a-reminder/) - [**Checking Off Future Assignments**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/checking-off-future-assignments/) - [**Delete an Assignment**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/deleting-a-single-assignment/) - [**Delete Multiple Assignments**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/deleting-multiple-assignments/) - [**Editing Assignments**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/editing-assignments/) - [**Hide Completed Assignments**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/hide-a-completed-assignment/) - [**Meaning of Colored Checkboxes**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/meaning-of-colored-checkboxes/) - [**Marking Several Assignments Complete**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/marking-several-assignments-complete/) - [**Assignments Not Showing Up in Digests**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/assignments-not-showing-up-in-digests/) **Not a Subscriber yet? Check out Homeschool Planet for yourself with a [30-day FREE trial](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/). No credit card information is necessary to give it a try!** ![Homeschool Planet the world's best planner button](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/728x90-1.png) **With [Homeschool Planet lesson plans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/), homeschooling has never been easier!** ![A growing collection of plug-in lesson plans for popular curricula](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/HSP-Marketplace-Logo-Image-1.png) **Categories:** Assignments --- ### [Marking Several Assignments Complete](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/marking-several-assignments-complete/) **Published:** September 15, 2021 **Author:** Robyn **Content:** **So what happens when you and your students have been doing the work but not marking it complete and you have a ton of assignments to mark off at once? Well, if you use Homeschool Planet we have a tool to help you mark them all as complete at once! Learn how below!** ![Homeschool Planet Assignments User Guide](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Assignments-top-1024x576.png) ### **Marking Several Assignments Complete at Once** 1. After logging into your account, hover over the “Helpers” icon in the upper menu, then choose the “Rescheduling Helper” option. 2. When the selection window opens, choose either *Reschedule overdue assignments only* (if you just want to mark past assignments complete) or *Reschedule overdue AND today’s assignments as well* (if you want to include the current day’s assignments). 3. After making your selection, a new box will open. You will see a list of assignments to the left and available actions that can be taken listed across the top on the right. The colored lines coming down from the actions help with finding the correct action you need for the assignment. 4. Choose the appropriate option you want for each assignment. - The green line labeled *Mark complete* will do just that~ mark all assignments with that dot checked complete. Note that by checking the button at the top of a category all items will receive that designation. 5. Once all the assignments are marked, click the “OK” button in the lower right-hand corner of the window. The assignments now will be marked from the choices you selected. ### **Marking Several Assignments Complete at Once Screenshots** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Marking-Assignments-1-.png) ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Marking-Assignments-2.png) ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Marking-Assignments-3.png) ### **Marking Several Assignments Complete at Once Video Tutorial** ***As always, feel free to reach out to us with any questions at . We are here to help you!*** ### **For more User Guide entries about Assignments, please see the links below:** - [**Assignment Generator**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/assignment-generator/) - [**Rescheduling Helper**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/the-rescheduling-helper/) - [**Assignment Lists**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/assignment-lists/) - [**Adding an Additional Assignment to a Day**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/add-an-additional-assignment/) - [**Same Assignment Every Day**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/adding-the-same-assignment-every-day/) - [**Creating Multiple Assignments per Day**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/creating-multiple-assignments-per-day/) - [**Adding Shared Assignments**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/add-shared-assignments/) - [**Adding Notes to Assignments**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/adding-notes-to-assignments/) - [**Adding a Reminder**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/add-a-reminder/) - [**Checking Off Future Assignments**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/checking-off-future-assignments/) - [**Delete an Assignment**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/deleting-a-single-assignment/) - [**Delete Multiple Assignments**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/deleting-multiple-assignments/) - [**Editing Assignments**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/editing-assignments/) - [**Hide Completed Assignments**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/hide-a-completed-assignment/) - [**Meaning of Colored Checkboxes**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/meaning-of-colored-checkboxes/) - [**Moving Assignments**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/moving-assignments/) - [**Assignments Not Showing Up in Digests**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/assignments-not-showing-up-in-digests/) ### **Not a Subscriber yet? Check out Homeschool Planet for yourself with a [30-day FREE trial](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/). No credit card information is necessary to give it a try!** ![Homeschool Planet World's best planner button](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/728x90-1.png) #### **With [Homeschool Planet lesson plans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/), homeschooling has never been easier!** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/HSP-Marketplace-Logo-Image-1.png) **Categories:** Assignments --- ### [Editing Assignments](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/editing-assignments/) **Published:** September 16, 2021 **Author:** Robyn **Content:** **There are many reasons you wish to edit assignments and whether you want to change just one, or many at once, you can learn how to edit your assignments in the tutorial below!** ![Homeschool Planet Assignments User Guide](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Assignments-top-1024x576.png) ### **Editing a Single Assignment** 1. After logging into your account, on your calendar or planner view, locate the class that you need to modify, select the assignment, and choose the “Edit” option. 2. When the “Edit Class” window opens, locate the assignment you want to edit from the list in the “Assignments” tab. 3. Simply type over the existing assignment to change it to what you would like it to be and then hit Save and Close. ### **Editing Several Assignments at Once** 1. After logging into your account, locate the class that you need to modify, click on the class title , and choose the “Edit” option. 2. When the “Edit Class” window opens, on the “Assignments” tab, select the time frame for the assignments you wish to edit in the “Show:” date range fields, then locate the “Containing:” blank field. 3. In the “Containing:” field, type a word that is specific to the assignments you want to edit, preferably something they all have in common (ex: lab). This will populate a list of assignments with this term in them. Alternatively, if there is not a common word for the assignments you need to edit, skip this step and continue below. 4. Next to the “Containing:” field, you will see the “Edit” option with a small drop-down arrow. Select this and the system will display marked checkboxes beside your assignments. It will also display the “Edit:” fields, “Find this:” and “Replace with:” as well as 2 action buttons, “Replace in Selected Items” and “Delete Selected Items.” 5. Review the checked assignments and uncheck any that you want to edit. To uncheck all assignments, look for the “And on this day…” option and uncheck the box beside it. Anything you leave marked with a checkmark will be edited in the next step so review carefully. 6. Complete the “Find this:” and “Replace with:” fields with the information you wish to change. 7. Once you have made your selections, click the “Replace in Selected Items” button. This will edit all the selected items. 8. Click the “Save and Close” option in the bottom left of the window. ### **Editing Assignments Screenshots** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Edit-Assignments-1.png) ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Edit-Assignments-2.png) ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Edit-Assignments-3.png) ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Edit-Assignments-4.png) ### **Editing Assignments Video Tutorial** ***As always, feel free to reach out to us with any questions at . We are here to help you!*** ### **For more User Guide entries about Assignments, please see the links below:** - [**Assignment Generator**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/assignment-generator/) - [**Rescheduling Helper**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/the-rescheduling-helper/) - [**Assignment Lists**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/assignment-lists/) - [**Adding an Additional Assignment to a Day**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/add-an-additional-assignment/) - [**Same Assignment Every Day**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/adding-the-same-assignment-every-day/) - [**Creating Multiple Assignments per Day**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/creating-multiple-assignments-per-day/) - [**Adding Shared Assignments**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/add-shared-assignments/) - [**Adding Notes to Assignments**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/adding-notes-to-assignments/) - [**Adding a Reminder**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/add-a-reminder/) - [**Checking Off Future Assignments**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/checking-off-future-assignments/) - [**Delete an Assignment**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/deleting-a-single-assignment/) - [**Delete Multiple Assignments**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/deleting-multiple-assignments/) - [**Hide Completed Assignments**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/hide-a-completed-assignment/) - [**Meaning of Colored Checkboxes**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/meaning-of-colored-checkboxes/) - [**Marking Several Assignments Complete**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/marking-several-assignments-complete/) - [**Moving Assignments**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/moving-assignments/) - [**Assignments Not Showing Up in Digests**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/assignments-not-showing-up-in-digests/) **Not a Subscriber yet? Check out Homeschool Planet for yourself with a [30-day FREE trial](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/). No credit card information is necessary to give it a try!** ![Homeschool Planet the world's best planner button](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/728x90-1.png) **With [Homeschool Planet lesson plans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/), homeschooling has never been easier!** ![A growing collection of plug-in lesson plans for popular curricula](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/HSP-Marketplace-Logo-Image-1.png) **Categories:** Assignments --- ### [Deleting Multiple Assignments](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/deleting-multiple-assignments/) **Published:** September 2, 2021 **Author:** Robyn **Content:** **When you need delete an entire category or group of assignments Homeschool Planet can help you accomplish the task with a few simple steps. Learn how in this User Guide entry.** ![Homeschool Planet Assignments User Guide](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Assignments-top-1024x576.png) ### **Deleting Multiple Assignments at Once** 1. After logging into your account, locate the class that you need to modify, select the assignment, and choose the “Edit” option. 2. When the “Edit Class” window opens, on the “Assignments” tab, select the time frame for the assignments in the “Show:” date range fields, then locate the “Containing:” blank field. 3. In the “Containing:” field, type a word that is specific to the assignments you want to delete, preferably something they all have in common (ex: lab). This will populate a list of assignments with this term in them. Alternatively, if there is not a common word for the assignments you need to delete, skip this step and continue below. 4. Next to the “Containing:” field, you will see the “Edit” option with a small drop-down arrow. Select this and the system will display marked checkboxes beside your assignments. It will also display the “Edit:” fields, “Find this:” and “Replace with:” as well as 2 action buttons, “Replace in Selected Items” and “Delete Selected Items.” 5. Review the checked assignments and uncheck any that you want to keep. To uncheck all assignments, look for the “And on this day…” option and uncheck the box beside it. Anything you leave marked with a checkmark will be deleted in the next step so review carefully. 6. Once you have made your selections, click the “Delete Selected Items” button. This will delete all the selected items. 7. Click the “Save and Close” option in the bottom left of the window. Please note that once you save, this operation cannot be undone. ### **Deleting Multiple Assignments Screenshots** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Delete-Multiple-Assignments-1.png) ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Delete-Multiple-Assignments-2.png) ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Delete-Multiple-Assignments-3.png) ### **Deleting Multiple Assignments Video Tutorial** ***As always, feel free to reach out to us with any questions at . We are here to help you!*** ### **For more User Guide entries about Assignments, please see the links below:** - [**Assignment Generator**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/assignment-generator/) - [**Rescheduling Helper**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/the-rescheduling-helper/) - [**Assignment Lists**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/assignment-lists/) - [**Adding an Additional Assignment to a Day**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/add-an-additional-assignment/) - [**Same Assignment Every Day**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/adding-the-same-assignment-every-day/) - [**Creating Multiple Assignments per Day**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/creating-multiple-assignments-per-day/) - [**Adding Shared Assignments**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/add-shared-assignments/) - [**Adding Notes to Assignments**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/adding-notes-to-assignments/) - [**Adding a Reminder**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/add-a-reminder/) - [**Checking Off Future Assignments**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/checking-off-future-assignments/) - [**Delete an Assignment**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/deleting-a-single-assignment/) - [**Editing Assignments**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/editing-assignments/) - [**Hide Completed Assignments**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/hide-a-completed-assignment/) - [**Meaning of Colored Checkboxes**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/meaning-of-colored-checkboxes/) - [**Marking Several Assignments Complete**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/marking-several-assignments-complete/) - [**Moving Assignments**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/moving-assignments/) - [**Assignments Not Showing Up in Digests**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/assignments-not-showing-up-in-digests/) **Not a Subscriber yet? Check out Homeschool Planet for yourself with a [30-day FREE trial](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/). No credit card information is necessary to give it a try!** ![Homeschool Planet World's best planner button](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/728x90-1.png) **With [Homeschool Planet lesson plans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/), homeschooling has never been easier!** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/HSP-Marketplace-Logo-Image-1.png) **Categories:** Assignments --- ### [Deleting a Single Assignment](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/deleting-a-single-assignment/) **Published:** August 19, 2021 **Author:** Robyn **Content:** **Despite our best laid plans sometimes we need to tweak and change assignments. The ability to change assignments for the best needs of our student’s is a snap with Homeschool Planet. Learn how to delete a single assignment below.** ![Homeschool Planet Assignments User Guide](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Assignments-top-1024x576.png) ### **Deleting a Single Assignment** 1. After logging into your account, on your calendar or planner view, locate the class that you need to modify, select the assignment, and choose the “Edit” option. 2. When the “Edit Class” window opens, locate the assignment you want to delete from the list in the “Assignments” tab. 3. At the end of the assignment row, look for the “Options” column and select the arrow on the drop-down menu (the field will show the “More…” option before clicking the arrow). 4. From the menu, select “remove this assignment”. This will delete this assignment from that day. 5. Click the “Save and Close” option in the bottom left of the window. 6. That’s it! ### **Deleting an Assignment Screenshots** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Delete-and-Assignment-1.png) ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Delete-and-Assignment-2.png) ### **Deleting an Assignment Video Tutorial** ***As always, feel free to reach out to us with any questions at . We are here to help you!*** ### **For more User Guide entries about Assignments, please see the links below:** - [**Assignment Generator**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/assignment-generator/) - [**Rescheduling Helper**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/the-rescheduling-helper/) - [**Assignment Lists**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/assignment-lists/) - [**Adding an Additional Assignment to a Day**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/add-an-additional-assignment/) - [**Same Assignment Every Day**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/adding-the-same-assignment-every-day/) - [**Creating Multiple Assignments per Day**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/creating-multiple-assignments-per-day/) - [**Adding Shared Assignments**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/add-shared-assignments/) - [**Adding Notes to Assignments**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/adding-notes-to-assignments/) - [**Adding a Reminder**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/add-a-reminder/) - [**Checking Off Future Assignments**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/checking-off-future-assignments/) - [**Delete Multiple Assignments**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/deleting-multiple-assignments/) - [**Editing Assignments**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/editing-assignments/) - [**Hide Completed Assignments**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/hide-a-completed-assignment/) - [**Meaning of Colored Checkboxes**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/meaning-of-colored-checkboxes/) - [**Marking Several Assignments Complete**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/marking-several-assignments-complete/) - [**Moving Assignments**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/moving-assignments/) - [**Assignments Not Showing Up in Digests**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/assignments-not-showing-up-in-digests/) **Not a Subscriber yet? Check out Homeschool Planet for yourself with a [30-day FREE trial](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/). No credit card information is necessary to give it a try!** ![Homeschool Planet World's best planner button](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/728x90-1.png) **With [Homeschool Planet lesson plans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/), homeschooling has never been easier!** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/HSP-Marketplace-Logo-Image-1.png) **Categories:** Assignments --- ### [Checking off Future Assignments](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/checking-off-future-assignments/) **Published:** September 2, 2021 **Author:** Robyn **Content:** **We never want to stifle our student’s work, so when they want to work ahead LET THEM! Find out below how to deal with this in your favorite online homeschool planner.** ![Homeschool Planet Assignments User Guide](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Assignments-top-1024x576.png) ### **Checking off Future Assignments** 1. After logging into your planner, check that your “Assignments display” option at the bottom of the calendar window is not set to “None” so that assignment checkboxes are visible. 2. Locate the assignment you want to mark as done, then click the checkbox next to the assignment you want to mark complete. 3. Because the assignment is scheduled for the future, the “Assignment Scheduled for Future Date” popup window will open. 4. Review the available options and select the one that best fits. - *Mark it complete and leave the rest of the schedule unchanged.* This option will mark the future assignment complete but no assignments will move. - *Mark it complete and move it to today, but leave the rest of the schedule unchanged.* This option will move the assignment marked complete to the day it was completed but no other assignments will move. - *Mark it complete, move it to today, and shift the rest of the schedule for this class forward.* This option will move the completed assignment to the day it is marked complete and move other future assignments back to the next empty date. Note that if there are assignments between the newly completed assignment and the date the assignment was originally scheduled no assignments will move as assignments only move into empty days. 5. Click the “OK’ button in the bottom right-hand corner. Your assignments and applicable plan changes will be made according to the option you selected. **Note:** In step 4, you will also see a checkbox at the bottom of the option list for “Always do this when I mark future assignments.” If you check this box, then whatever option you have selected will happen every time you mark a future assignment. Also, when checking this box, then selecting the “OK” button, a “How to Change Settings” popup window will open providing information about changing this setting with a text link to “Take me there now.” if you would like to change the setting immediately. If you check this option and then later change your mind, here are some steps for changing the setting: 1. In your calendar, in the upper right menu above your planner, hover over the “Settings” icon, then select “General” from the dropdown menu. 2. If you are not already brought to your “My Choices” tab, select it on the left-hand side. 3. Look for the “Marking Assignments” section and use the dropdown menu to make your change. 4. In the lower right, click the “Save” button. ### **Checking off Future Assignments Screenshots** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Future-Assignments-1.jpg) ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Future-Assignments-2.jpg) ### **Checking off Future Assignments Video Tutorial** ***As always, feel free to reach out to us with any questions at . We are here to help you!*** ### **For more User Guide entries about Assignments, please see the links below:** - [**Assignment Generator**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/assignment-generator/) - [**Rescheduling Helper**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/the-rescheduling-helper/) - [**Assignment Lists**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/assignment-lists/) - [**Adding an Additional Assignment to a Day**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/add-an-additional-assignment/) - [**Same Assignment Every Day**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/adding-the-same-assignment-every-day/) - [**Creating Multiple Assignments per Day**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/creating-multiple-assignments-per-day/) - [**Adding Shared Assignments**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/add-shared-assignments/) - [**Adding Notes to Assignments**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/adding-notes-to-assignments/) - [**Adding a Reminder**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/add-a-reminder/) - [**Delete an Assignment**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/deleting-a-single-assignment/) - [**Delete Multiple Assignments**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/deleting-multiple-assignments/) - [**Editing Assignments**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/editing-assignments/) - [**Hide Completed Assignments**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/hide-a-completed-assignment/) - [**Meaning of Colored Checkboxes**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/meaning-of-colored-checkboxes/) - [**Marking Several Assignments Complete**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/marking-several-assignments-complete/) - [**Moving Assignments**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/moving-assignments/) - [**Assignments Not Showing Up in Digests**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/assignments-not-showing-up-in-digests/) **Not a Subscriber yet? Check out Homeschool Planet for yourself with a [30-day FREE trial](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/). No credit card information is necessary to give it a try!** ![Homeschool Planet World's best planner button](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/728x90-1.png) **With [Homeschool Planet lesson plans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/), homeschooling has never been easier!** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/HSP-Marketplace-Logo-Image-1.png) **Categories:** Assignments --- ### [Adding Shared Assignments](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/add-shared-assignments/) **Published:** September 14, 2021 **Author:** Robyn **Content:** **Isn’t it the best when two students can take the same class? This tutorial will show you how to create a class, or activity, where more than one student completes the same assignments.** ![Homeschool Planet Assignments User Guide](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Assignments-top-1024x576.png) ### **Adding Shared Assignments in a Class** 1. After logging into your account, click on a blank space in your calendar, then select the “Class” option. 2. In the “Create Class” window, use the drop-down menu in the “Subject:” field to select the subject or to “Add a Subject.” Next, fill in the title field if you would like. 3. In the “For Whom:” field, use the drop-down menu to choose the students who will share these assignments. (Note: After selecting your first student, you will need to click the drop-down again to add more students.) 4. Once more than one student has been selected, you will see a “Shared Assignments” tab below as well as tabs for each student you have chosen. 5. Fill in the remaining fields in the upper section (when, date range, and time). 6. You are now ready to enter the assignments in the “Do this:” fields. Please note the following: 1. Assignments entered in the “Shared Assignments” will be applied to ***all*** the students you have selected. 2. If you would like to create an assignment for only one of your students, select the tab with their name, then add the information there. This assignment will apply to only this student and will **not** be shared. 7. Once you have finished entering your information, select the “Save and close” button in the lower right corner of the window. 8. Your newly created class will appear on your calendar/planner. In addition to the assignment information, you will also see the names of the students who share the assignment. **Marking assignments complete options**: 1. If you want to mark assignments complete for all students, you can click the assignment checkbox as you normally do for non-shared assignments. 2. If you need to mark a specific student’s assignment(s) as complete, select the *Show Both* link. When you click this link, a new window will open revealing all the students’ names who share the assignment. You can check the box here for the applicable student(s). 3. If you would like to see individual checkboxes for all your students all the time: 1. Select the “Settings” option in the upper right of your planner, then choose the “General” option. 2. When the “Settings” window opens, locate and click the “Display” tab. 3. In the drop-down menu for the “Display one checkbox for Shared Assignments,” select ‘No” 4. Click the “Save” button in the lower right of the “Settings” window. 5. When your calendar/planner reloads you will now see checkboxes for all students who share an assignment. ### **Adding Shared Assignments Screenshots** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Shared-Assignments-1.png) ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Shared-Assignments-2.png) ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Shared-Assignments-3.png) ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Shared-Assignments-4.png) ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Shared-Assignments-5.png) ### **Adding Shared Assignments Video Tutorial** ***As always, feel free to reach out to us with any questions at . We are here to help you!*** ### **For more User Guide entries about Assignments, please see the links below:** - [**Assignment Generator**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/assignment-generator/) - [**Rescheduling Helper**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/the-rescheduling-helper/) - [**Assignment Lists**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/assignment-lists/) - [**Adding an Additional Assignment to a Day**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/add-an-additional-assignment/) - [**Same Assignment Every Day**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/adding-the-same-assignment-every-day/) - [**Creating Multiple Assignments per Day**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/creating-multiple-assignments-per-day/) - [**Adding Notes to Assignments**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/adding-notes-to-assignments/) - [**Adding a Reminder**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/add-a-reminder/) - [**Checking Off Future Assignments**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/checking-off-future-assignments/) - [**Delete an Assignment**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/deleting-a-single-assignment/) - [**Delete Multiple Assignments**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/deleting-multiple-assignments/) - [**Editing Assignments**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/editing-assignments/) - [**Hide Completed Assignments**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/hide-a-completed-assignment/) - [**Meaning of Colored Checkboxes**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/meaning-of-colored-checkboxes/) - [**Marking Several Assignments Complete**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/marking-several-assignments-complete/) - [**Moving Assignments**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/moving-assignments/) - [**Assignments Not Showing Up in Digests**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/assignments-not-showing-up-in-digests/) **Not a Subscriber yet? Check out Homeschool Planet for yourself with a [30-day FREE trial](https://homeschoolplanet.com#pricing). No credit card information is necessary to give it a try!** ![Homeschool Planet World's best planner button](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/728x90-1.png) **With [Homeschool Planet lesson plans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/), homeschooling has never been easier!** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/HSP-Marketplace-Logo-Image-1.png) **Categories:** Assignments --- ### [Creating Multiple Assignments Per Day](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/creating-multiple-assignments-per-day/) **Published:** September 15, 2021 **Author:** Robyn **Content:** **Do you have a series of items or steps that your student must complete in a class each day? With Homeschool Planet you can utilize our Assignment Generator to add multiple assignments to a single day at once. Read on to find out how!** ![Homeschool Planet Assignments User Guide](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Assignments-top-1024x576.png) ### **Let’s Start Creating Multiple Assignments!** 1. After logging into your account, locate the class want to modify, click the title or somewhere in that Class box, and choose the “Edit” option. 2. Once the “Edit Class” window opens, look on your assignments tab above your assignment list, then select the “Assignment generator options…” text link found to the far right of the “To every class day, add this:” field and the “Add” button. 3. When the “Assignment Generator” window opens, there will be several options to choose from. Any of these options can be selected, but the simplest method is the “I have a specific number of assignments, but no specific end date.” option. (See note below for more information.) 4. In the next window, fill in the fields with your information, then select the “Next” button. 5. In the next screen, review the instructions at the top of the window and create your assignments in the “Do this:” section. It is important to keep the braces in your assignments so that our system will know to create them in sequential order (ex: Lesson {1}, Lesson {2}). You can use the “More…” option at the end of the assignment row just as you do when creating individual assignments on your “Assignment” tab. 6. Your assignments will populate below in the “Preview” section, showing multiple assignments per day. Once you are satisfied with the way your assignments look, click the “OK” button in the lower right-hand corner of the window. A confirmation window will open. Select the “OK, add them” option and the assignments will be applied to your class lesson plan. 7. You will now be back in the “Edit Class” window. Select the “Save and Close” button in the lower right, and the new assignments will be added to your planner. **Note:** You can select different options when the “Assignment Generator” window opens. For most, our system will automatically create the number of assignments per day based upon the entered date range and/or the number of assignments. Whichever option you select, you can follow the basic steps above for creating your assignments. ### **Creating Multiple Assignments Screenshots** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Multiple-Assignments-1.png) ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Multiple-Assignments-2.png) ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Multiple-Assignments-3.png) ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Multiple-Assignments-4.png) ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Multiple-Assignments-5.png) ### **Creating Multiple Assignments Video Tutorial** ***As always, feel free to reach out to us with any questions at . We are here to help you!*** ### **For more User Guide entries about Assignments, please see the links below:** - [**Assignment Generator**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/assignment-generator/) - [**Rescheduling Helper**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/the-rescheduling-helper/) - [**Assignment Lists**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/assignment-lists/) - [**Adding an Additional Assignment to a Day**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/add-an-additional-assignment/) - [**Same Assignment Every Day**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/adding-the-same-assignment-every-day/) - [**Adding Shared Assignments**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/add-shared-assignments/) - [**Adding Notes to Assignments**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/adding-notes-to-assignments/) - [**Adding a Reminder**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/add-a-reminder/) - [**Checking Off Future Assignments**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/checking-off-future-assignments/) - [**Delete an Assignment**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/deleting-a-single-assignment/) - [**Delete Multiple Assignments**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/deleting-multiple-assignments/) - [**Editing Assignments**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/editing-assignments/) - [**Hide Completed Assignments**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/hide-a-completed-assignment/) - [**Meaning of Colored Checkboxes**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/meaning-of-colored-checkboxes/) - [**Marking Several Assignments Complete**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/marking-several-assignments-complete/) - [**Moving Assignments**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/moving-assignments/) - [**Assignments Not Showing Up in Digests**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/assignments-not-showing-up-in-digests/) **Not a Subscriber yet? Check out Homeschool Planet for yourself with a [30-day FREE trial](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/). No credit card information is necessary to give it a try!** ![Homeschool Planet World's best planner button](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/728x90-1.png) **With [Homeschool Planet lesson plans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/), homeschooling has never been easier!** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/HSP-Marketplace-Logo-Image-1.png) **Categories:** Assignments --- ### [Messages Widget](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/messages-widget/) **Published:** May 24, 2020 **Author:** Robyn **Content:** **Need to send an email or text message to your student, spouse, or other member of your account Homeschool Planet account? No problem! You can use the Messages Widget to send a message to one, all, or a combination of your account members right from within your Homeschool Planet account! Learn more about how to do this below.** ### ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Widgets-top-1024x576.png) ### Utilizing the Messages Widget - To add the Messages Widget to your desktop select the add a widget button and then from the drop down menu that reads, “Choose a Widget” select Messages. - Click in the box that reads “Click to select” and a list of all account members with confirmed emails and phone numbers will appear. - Put a check mark next to each person you would like to receive the message you are sending. - If the account member does not yet have an email or phone number entered you can choose the “Manage Family” link text and enter the desired info. - Next simply enter the desired information and hit send. - That’s it! ![](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Messages-Widget-1.png) ***As always, feel free to reach out to us with any questions at . We are here to help you!*** ### **Here are other User Guide entries all about Homeschool Planet Widgets:** - **[Widget Basics](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/widget-basics/)** - **[Daily Bible Verse Widget](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/daily-bible-verse-widget/)** - **[Daily Quote Widget](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/daily-quote-widget/)** - **[Reading List Widget](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/reading-list-widget/)** - **[Shopping List Widget](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/shopping-list-widget/)** - **[To Do List Widget](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/to-do-list-widget/)** - **[Weather Widget](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/weather-widget/)** - **[Look-up Widget](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/look-up-widget/)** **Not a Subscriber yet? Check out Homeschool Planet for yourself with a [30-day FREE trial](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/). No credit card information is necessary to give it a try!** ![Homeschool Planet World's best planner button](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/728x90-1.png) **With [Homeschool Planet lesson plans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/), homeschooling has never been easier!** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/HSP-Marketplace-Logo-Image-1.png) **Categories:** Widgets **Tags:** emailk, messages, texts, widgets --- ### [Shared In Calendars](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/shared-in-calendars/) **Published:** June 12, 2021 **Author:** Robyn **Content:** **“Share in” allows you to display a calendar from another internet calendar application such as Google Calendar or Apple iCal on your Homeschool Planet calendar. Learn how below~** ### ![Student Management User Guide](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Student-Management-top-1024x576.png) ### **Share in an internet calendar application such as Google Calendar or Apple iCal** You can add many such calendars and for each you can choose which students will see that calendar when the student logs in. Before you begin this process you will need to find the internet address for the calendar you wish to add to Homeschool Planet. **To find the Share in Address for a Google Calendar:** 1. Go to your Google calendar page. 2. Find the Google calendar you would like to share in the left column, under the “My calendars” heading. 3. Click on the menu icon, three dots that will appear on the right when you hover over the calendar you want to share. 4. From menu, choose Settings and Sharing. 5. Scroll to the section titled, Integrate calendar 6. Make the address from the section that reads, “Secret address in iCal format” visible by clicking the eyeball 7. Copy the address and store it in your clipboard. 8. Return to Homeschool Planet, and continue with the “Share In” instructions. **To find the Share in address for Apple iCal:** 1. Open the iCal application. 2. Click on whichever calendar you wish to share and then choose the icon on the right. 3. Select the box that reads Public Calendar and then choose done. 4. Select the icon again and this time copy the URL to your clipboard. 5. Return to Homeschool Planet, and continue with the “Share In” instructions. ### To display events from another calendar inside Homeschool Planet follow these steps- 1. Under the Settings menu choose Share. 2. Select Share In tab if it is not already selected. 3. Enter a name for the calendar in the name for this internet calendar field. You can choose anything you want. Homeschool Planet will display this name to you when referring to this calendar. *Note: Click on, “Display scheduled events from another calendar in Homeschool Planet” if you are adding an additional calendar.* 4. Enter the URL address you copied in the step above. 5. Choose a color for this calendar. All events from this internet calendar will be displayed in that color with no highlighting and with square corners to make them easy to identify. 6. Choose which students will be allowed to see this calendar when they log in. Only the students for whom you have enabled log-in in their student profile will be shown on this list. 7. Choose Save from the lower right hand corner. The events from this internet calendar will be displayed on your Homeschool Planet calendar. The information is updated periodically throughout the day and each time you log in to Homeschool Planet. an Apple iCal calendar will load quickly but it may take several minutes for a Google calendar to appear as Google updates when it decides to update! Please give the calendar the time to load. ### **Permissions** Screenshot ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Setting-Permissions.png) ### Video Tutorial ***As always, feel free to reach out to us with any questions at . We are here to help you!*** **Not a Subscriber yet? Check out Homeschool Planet for yourself with a [30-day FREE trial](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/). No credit card information is necessary to give it a try!** ![Homeschool Planet World's best planner button](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/728x90-1.png) **With [Homeschool Planet lesson plans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/), homeschooling has never been easier!** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/HSP-Marketplace-Logo-Image-1.png) **Categories:** Students --- ### [Class Notes Reports](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/creating-a-class-notes-report/) **Published:** April 6, 2020 **Author:** Robyn **Content:** **Creating a Report that contains the Class Notes from your Homeschool Planet classes and lesson plans can help you to track items to be completed prior to your classes, remind you of items to be purchased before assignment time, and aid you in preparing materials for more effective teaching. Straightforward directions for creating and printing these handy Notes Reports can be found below. To learn how to add Notes to Assignments and Lesson Plans see the entry** [**Adding Notes to Assignments.**](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/adding-notes-to-assignments/) ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Reports-top-1024x576.png) ### **Creating and Printing a Notes Report** Homeschooling families use the versatile Notes category for many different purposes. To create a Report of the data you have entered into your Notes follow these directions. 1. Select Class Notes from the Reports menu. 2. Choose your Layout Option from the following two choices \* *By Class*~ this option will be sorted by Class, listing the name of the Class followed by a chronological listing of all dates for that school year with the Notes entered for each date. \* *By Date, then by Class*~ this option is a chronological listing of each date in the school year with the Notes for each Class listed under the appropriate date. 3. Choose whether you would like to begin a new page for each Class or Date (depending upon your selection above) by checking the box with the appropriate designation across the bottom of the pop-up screen. 4. Select print! ![Class Notes Report 1](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Class-Notes-1.jpg) ![Class Notes Report 3](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Class-Notes-2.jpg) ![Class Notes Report 3](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Class-Notes-3.jpg) ### Customizing Your Notes Report Customizing your Notes Report will let you select only the info you need in this format to help make your homeschooling days easier! 1. *Subject/Category*~ Want all your Subjects and Activities included? No problem, just leave it set to all. Or if you would like a single Subject or Activity, or perhaps a limited set of both, place a check mark next to the Subjects and Categories you would like to include. 2. *No Earlier Than/No Later Than*~ The default for this report is the entire current school year. You can set a specific start and end time using these two options. 3. *School Year*~ The current School Year is set as the default but you may change to any years you have previously set up, past or future. 4. *Resources*~ All Resources assigned to Notes, no Resources, or those only visible to the teacher or student, may be added to the Report, depending on who the report is for. When all items have been customized select OK from the lower right hand corner. When you are back to the initial Report pop-up window choose Save from the left hand corner, and name appropriately if this is a report format you will use again in the future. ### **Screenshots** ![Class Notes Report 5a](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Class-Notes-4.jpg) ![Class Notes Report 5](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Class-Notes-5.jpg) ***As always, feel free to reach out to us with any questions at . We are here to help you!*** **Not a Subscriber yet? Check out Homeschool Planet for yourself with a [30-day FREE trial](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/). No credit card information is necessary to give it a try!** ![Homeschool Planet World's best planner button](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/728x90-1.png) **With [Homeschool Planet lesson plans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/), homeschooling has never been easier!** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/HSP-Marketplace-Logo-Image-1.png) **Categories:** Reports **Tags:** Notes, Reports, User Guide --- ### [Printing Lesson Plans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-lesson-plans/) **Published:** February 29, 2020 **Author:** Robyn **Content:** **Wondering if you can print one of our amazing Plug-In Homeschool Planet Marketplace lesson plans?** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Printing-top-1024x576.png) Homeschool Planet lesson plans are plug-ins specially formatted for your Homeschool Planet account, not PDF’s, so unfortunately they cannot be downloaded and printed directly. However, **if you apply a lesson plan to your calendar you can print it from there**. Even better, once a lesson plan has been applied to your calendar it is visible on your Calendar, even without an active subscription to Homeschool Planet. ### **My Lesson Plan says a PDF is included** Occasionally lesson plans DO come with a PDF download. This is always marked clearly in the product description and can usually be found on the first day of the lesson plan where it must be first downloaded and then printed using your normal means of printing documents. *As always, feel free to reach out to us with any questions at . We are here to help you!* ### **To learn more about Printing in Homeschool Planet, see the following links:** - **[Printing Basics](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-basics/)** - **[Printing Assignment Lists](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-assignment-lists/)** - **[Printing Attendance Records](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-attendance-records/)** - **[Printing Class Hours Reports](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-a-class-hours-report/)** - **[Printing Grade Reports](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-grade-reports/)** - **[Printing Report Cards](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-report-cards/)** - **[Printing Resource Lists](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-resource-lists/)** - **[Printing Transcripts](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-transcripts/)** - **[Printing to a PDF](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/saving-as-a-pdf-using-the-print-feature/)** - [**Printing School Year Calendars**](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-a-school-year-calendar/) **Not a subscriber yet? Check out Homeschool Planet for yourself with a [30-day FREE trial](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/). No credit card information is necessary to give it a try!** ![Homeschool Planet World's best planner button](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/728x90-1.png) **With [Homeschool Planet lesson plans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/), homeschooling has never been easier!** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/HSP-Marketplace-Logo-Image-1.png) **Categories:** Printing **Tags:** Lesson Plans, Printing, User Guide --- ### [Removing Grading from a Class](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/removing-grading-from-a-class/) **Published:** February 22, 2021 **Author:** Robyn **Content:** **If you have set up grading for a class and decide you would like to remove it you can do so utilizing the directions below.** ![User Guide for Grading](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Grading-top-1024x576.png) ### **Directions for Removing Grading from a Class** 1. To remove grading from a class where it has been set up first select the title of the class from the Calendar and then choose edit. 2. Next select the Grading tab and then the Setup grading link. 3. Deselect all grading categories and then choose Save. - Take note- this action cannot be undone. If you delete grading all grades which were previously entered will be erased and are not retrievable. 4. Grading has now been removed from this class. ### **Screenshots for Removing Grading from a Class** ![Deleting grades from your homeschool planner 1](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Removing-Grades-1.jpg) ![Deleting grades from your homeschool planner 2](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Removing-Grades-2.jpg) ![Deleting grades from your homeschool planner 3](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Removing-Grades-3.jpg) ***As always, feel free to reach out to us with any questions at . We are here to help you!*** ### **For more information about Grading in your Homeschool Planet account see the following entries:** - **[Setting up Grading Categories](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/setting-up-grading-categories/)** - **[Understanding Grading Scales](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/understanding-grading-scales/)** - **[Adding Grading to a Class or Lesson Plan](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/adding-grading-to-a-class-or-lesson-plan/)** - **[Entering Grades](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/entering-grades/)** - **[Editing Grades](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/editing-grades/)** - **[Grouped Grading](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/grouped-grading/)** - **[The Grading Helper](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/the-grading-helper/)** - **[Grade Reports](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/creating-a-grade-report/)** - **[Report Cards](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/creating-a-report-card/)** - **[Printing Grade Reports](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-grade-reports/)** - [**Printing Report Cards**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/printing-report-cards/) ### **Not a Subscriber yet? Check out Homeschool Planet for yourself with a [30-day FREE trial](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/). No credit card information is necessary to give it a try!** ![Homeschool Planet the world's best planner button](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/728x90-1.png) **With [Homeschool Planet lesson plans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/), homeschooling has never been easier!** ![A growing collection of plug-in lesson plans for popular curricula](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/HSP-Marketplace-Logo-Image-1.png) **Categories:** Grading **Tags:** Grading --- ### [Adding a Field Trip](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/adding-a-field-trip/) **Published:** August 14, 2021 **Author:** Robyn **Content:** **Field trips are one of the best parts of school! When an unexpected opportunity for a field trip comes up you can use the Homeschool Planet features to adjust your schedule in just a couple steps!** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Classes-top-1024x576.png) ### **Adding a Field Trip Directions- use the option which works best for your circumstance** **Option 1: Add a Field Trip to an Existing Class** If you want to add a field trip to a single class period this is the easiest method to employ 1. After logging into your account, click on the class you want to modify and choose the “Edit” option. 2. In the “Edit Class” screen, locate the assignment you want to move and select the “More…” drop-down menu at the end of the assignment row on the far right. You will see several options for moving the assignment. Select the option that best suits your needs. 3. Once your assignment(s) have been moved, you can enter the information for your field trip in the new blank space that was created. 4. When you are satisfied with your changes, click the “Save and Close” button in the lower right of the window and your field trip will now be in your planner with all the assignments moved per your specifications. **Option 2: Create as an Activity** 1. To record your field trip as an activity that does not appear on your report cards as part of a class, click on a blank space on the day for the event, then select the “Everything Else” option. 2. In the “Create Activity” window, fill in the fields. Once the “Activity” and “For Whom” fields have been completed, a blank bar will appear on the “Tasks” tab, where you can enter your field trip information. 3. Click the “Save and Close” button in the lower right of the window and this activity will appear on your calendar. **Option 3: Pre-planned all-day field trip** If you know when you will be going on your field trip, you can add it to your schedule beforehand and move all the day’s assignments out a day. 1. After logging into your Homeschool Planet account, hover over the “Settings” icon, then select the “School Years & Vacations” option. 2. When the window opens, locate the day that you will be taking your field trip and mark it as an off day by changing the green checkmark to a red “X” then select the “Save” button in the lower right corner. 3. After selecting the “Save” button, the “Reschedule Assignments” window will open with a list of the assignments scheduled for that day. There will be options to “Carry forward to nearest class day, and leave rest of schedule alone,” “Carry forward to nearest class day, and shift schedule by one day,” and “Delete this item.” Select the option you want then click the “OK” button. 4. Now, return to the “School Years & Vacations” window, and change the red “X” back to a green checkmark and save. You can now select the day on your calendar and add your field trip to a class or as an activity and the day will still be counted as a school day. Please note that this method will only show class assignments and not activities. You will have to manually move any activities you have scheduled either by dragging them or by using the “Edit” option. **Option 4: Last-Minute Field Trip** If you decide to take a field trip today and want to move all assignments forward before or after you go, you can use the “Rescheduling Helper” to move today’s assignments. 1. Hover over the “Helpers” icon, then select the “Rescheduling Helper” option. 2. When the “Reschedule Assignments” window opens, select the “Reschedule overdue AND today’s assignments as well” option. 3. When the new window opens, you will see all overdue and today’s assignments. Select the appropriate option you want for the assignments, then select the “OK” button. ***As always, feel free to reach out to us with any questions at . We are here to help you!*** ### **For more information on setting up and using Classes in your Homeschool Planet account see the following entries:** - **[Lesson Plan or Class?](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/lesson-plan-or-class/)** - **[A Word about Subjects](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/a-word-about-subjects/)** - **[Adding a Class](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/adding-a-class/)** - **[Deleting a Class](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/delete-a-class/)** - **[Editing a Class](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/edit-a-class/)** - **[Changing a Class Schedule](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/change-a-class-schedule/)** - **[Changing the End Date of a Class](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/change-the-end-date-of-a-class/)** - **[Copying a Class](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/copy-a-class/)** - **[Classes on Different Days and Times](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/classes-on-different-days-and-times/)** - **[Classes with More than 1 Student](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/classes-with-more-than-1-student/)** - **[Adding an Extra Day to a Class Outside Usual Schedule](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/add-an-extra-day-to-a-class-outside-usual-schedule/)** - **[Calendar View: 5 or 7 Day Week](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/calendar-view-5-or-7-day-week/)** - **[Setting Up Subjects](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/setting-up-subjects/)** **Not a Subscriber yet? Check out Homeschool Planet for yourself with a [30-day FREE trial](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/). No credit card information is necessary to give it a try!** ![Homeschool Planet World's best planner button](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/728x90-1.png) **With [Homeschool Planet lesson plans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/), homeschooling has never been easier!** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/HSP-Marketplace-Logo-Image-1.png) **Categories:** Classes --- ### [A Word about Subjects](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/a-word-about-subjects/) **Published:** June 12, 2021 **Author:** Robyn **Content:** **Class names and Subjects names definitely have some overlap, and can be confused. This article seeks to clarify the best practices for using both titles in your Homeschool Planet account.** ### ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Classes-top-1024x576.png) ### **Subject Names and Class Names** The best advice we can give you is to keep your subject names simple and save the details for your class names. Some examples of Subject names: Math, Language Arts, History, Science, Bible, PE, Electives, etc. Class names should be included in the details. Examples of Class names for the subject Math would be: Algebra 1, or Saxon 6/5, Horizons 3, Thinkwell 7th grade math, etc… This will make organizing far easier as you use Homeschool Planet more and more! Using too many Subject titles is the number one thing that causes trouble down the road because users end up with too many separate subject names. A good way to think about this is to think about the Categories you would see on a High School Transcript. For example you would not see Spelling, but you would see Language Arts. ***As always, feel free to reach out to us with any questions at . We are here to help you!*** ### **For more information about setting up and using Classes in your Homeschool Planet account see the following entries:** - **[Lesson Plan or Class?](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/lesson-plan-or-class/)** - **[Adding a Class](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/adding-a-class/)** - **[Deleting a Class](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/delete-a-class/)** - **[Editing a Class](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/edit-a-class/)** - **[Changing a Class Schedule](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/change-a-class-schedule/)** - **[Changing the End Date of a Class](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/change-the-end-date-of-a-class/)** - **[Copying a Class](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/copy-a-class/)** - **[Adding a Field Trip](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/adding-a-field-trip/)** - **[Classes on Different Days and Times](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/classes-on-different-days-and-times/)** - **[Classes with More than 1 Student](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/classes-with-more-than-1-student/)** - **[Adding an Extra Day to a Class Outside Usual Schedule](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/add-an-extra-day-to-a-class-outside-usual-schedule/)** - **[Calendar View: 5 or 7 Day Week](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/calendar-view-5-or-7-day-week/)** - **[Setting Up Subjects](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/setting-up-subjects/)** **Not a Subscriber yet? Check out Homeschool Planet for yourself with a [30-day FREE trial](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/). No credit card information is necessary to give it a try!** ![Homeschool Planet World's best planner button](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/728x90-1.png) **With [Homeschool Planet lesson plans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/), homeschooling has never been easier!** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/HSP-Marketplace-Logo-Image-1.png) **Categories:** Classes --- ### [Meaning of Colored Checkboxes](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/meaning-of-colored-checkboxes/) **Published:** September 2, 2021 **Author:** Robyn **Content:** **Ever wonder what the red, yellow, and green colors that appear in the checkboxes next to assignments mean? Read on to find out!** ![Homeschool Planet Assignments User Guide](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Assignments-top-1024x576.png) ### **Meaning of Checkbox Colors next to Assignments** When you click on a checkbox it will turn green. Click again and it will move to the next color. Missed your color- just click again and cycle through the options! - **Green** indicates that the assignment is finished and ready for grading, provided that grading has been configured for the assignment. - **Yellow** indicates that the assignment is currently in progress. For instance, if a student has started a reading assignment but hasn’t finished it yet, marking it as yellow signifies its ongoing status. Another situation for marking the box as yellow is to signal to the teacher that the assignment requires grading before being changed to green, indicating completion. - **Red** indicates that the assignment has not been completed or is overdue. This is a helpful way to identify when a student hasn’t finished their work, needs additional assistance, or when an assignment has surpassed its due date. Once the assignment has been evaluated by either the parent/teacher or the student, it can be updated to yellow or green accordingly. Students love this feature, as it provides them with a feeling of accomplishment. You can set up a system with your student to allow them some freedom, responsibility, and accountability for their schoolwork. We think that this helps build confidence and character in students. Because parents use the checkboxes in a variety of ways, we hope that you will find the method that will work best for your family. ***Note:* Please remember that if you have the “Hide completed assignments” option set to “Yes,” you won’t be able to modify the status of an assignment once you’ve marked it as complete on the calendar, as it will disappear from view. For more details on this setting, please refer to our guide “Hiding Complete Assignments” available [here](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/hide-a-completed-assignment/).** ***As always, feel free to reach out to us with any questions at . We are here to help you!*** ### **For more User Guide entries about Assignments, please see the links below:** - [**Assignment Generator**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/assignment-generator/) - [**Rescheduling Helper**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/the-rescheduling-helper/) - [**Assignment Lists**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/assignment-lists/) - [**Adding an Additional Assignment to a Day**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/add-an-additional-assignment/) - [**Same Assignment Every Day**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/adding-the-same-assignment-every-day/) - [**Creating Multiple Assignments per Day**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/creating-multiple-assignments-per-day/) - [**Adding Shared Assignments**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/add-shared-assignments/) - [**Adding Notes to Assignments**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/adding-notes-to-assignments/) - [**Adding a Reminder**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/add-a-reminder/) - [**Checking Off Future Assignments**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/checking-off-future-assignments/) - [**Delete an Assignment**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/deleting-a-single-assignment/) - [**Delete Multiple Assignments**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/deleting-multiple-assignments/) - [**Editing Assignments**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/editing-assignments/) - [**Hide Completed Assignments**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/hide-a-completed-assignment/) - [**Marking Several Assignments Complete**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/marking-several-assignments-complete/) - [**Moving Assignments**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/moving-assignments/) - [**Assignments Not Showing Up in Digests**](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/assignments-not-showing-up-in-digests/) **Not a Subscriber yet? Check out Homeschool Planet for yourself with a [30-day FREE trial](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/). No credit card information is necessary to give it a try!** ![Homeschool Planet World's best planner button](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/728x90-1.png) **With [Homeschool Planet lesson plans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/), homeschooling has never been easier!** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/HSP-Marketplace-Logo-Image-1.png) **Categories:** Assignments --- ### [Grade Reports](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/creating-a-grade-report/) **Published:** March 11, 2020 **Author:** Robyn **Content:** **Wondering what the difference between a Grade Report and a Report Card is? That’s a fair question! In short a Report Card is a list of classes with final grades from a specific period of time like a semester or a school year while a Grade Report can include a list of grades for individual assignments or a summary by category. This entry is about creating and customizing a Grade Report. Please see the directions below to learn how to create this useful document. If you need to create a Report Card you can find those directions by going [here](http://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/creating-a-report-card/).** ![Homeschool Planner User Guides Reports](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Reports-top-1024x576.png) ### **Creating a Grade Report** 1. Select “Reports” at the top of your screen and choose “Grade Report” from the drop-down menu. 2. The default report is a list for the current grading period. It can be organized four different ways in the Layout menu. \* ***Summary by student, then by class***~ this format gives the titles of classes with the overall grade for the class as well as the grade for each grading category within the class. It is arranged by student, meaning all the classes for one student are grouped together and then it moves to the next student. \* ***Summary by class, then by student***~ this format is helpful for a teacher needing to assess the progress of a class as a whole. It shows the overall grade as well as individual grading category averages for each student in a given class before moving on to the next class. \* ***Detail by student, then by class***~ this format gives the titles of classes with the overall grade for the class as well as the grade for each grading category within the class PLUS it shows the individual grade for every assignment in the each grading category. This is a comprehensive list of all assignments and grades. It is arranged by student, meaning all the classes for one student are grouped together and then it moves to the next student. \* ***Detail by class, then by student***~ this format is also helpful for a teacher needing to assess the progress of a class as a whole. It shows the overall grade as well as individual grading category averages PLUS individual grades on each assignment within that grading category for each student in a given class before moving on to the next class. 3. Depending on the Layout option you have chosen you will see an option to check a box that reads either, “Start a new page for each student” or “Start a new page for each class” across the bottom of the Pop-up screen. Checking this box will do just what it says- start each student or class on a new page while leaving it unchecked will run the report as a single document. 4. Next select Print from the lower right hand corner. *If you would like to customize the Grade Report (there are MANY options :-)) follow the directions below in the section, Customizing the Grade Report.* ![Creating a Grade Report 1](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Grade-Report-1.jpg) ![Creating a Grade Report 2](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Grade-Report-2.jpg) ### **Customizing the Grade Report** To customize your Grade Report begin by selecting the Customize button in the lower left hand corner and then make selections for the following items. Please note that when you don’t make any selection the default for Homeschool Planet is that you would like all items (students, classes, subjects, etc.) included. 1. ***Student***~ put a check mark next to the students you would like included in this Grade Report. You can have one, all, or any combination of students. 2. ***Subject/Category***~ You can include all subjects (generally academic endeavors) and categories (chores, sports, etc.), just a few, or any combination. Again, a check mark indicates you would like to include a Subject or Category in the Grade Report. 3. ***No Earlier Than/No Later Than***~ Set the dates you would like the Grade Report to cover. 4. ***Reporting Period***~ If you didn’t choose specific dates in the section above you can select an entire Reporting Period here. 5. ***Category***~ This refers to grading categories. You may limit to just test and quiz scores, homework only, or any single or combination of the grading categories you have set up. 6. ***Class***~ Choose just the individual classes you wish to include in the Grade Report or leave it with none checked to select all Classes included from the Subjects/Categories you selected above. 7. ***Graded***~ Select between Graded, Ungraded, and both Graded and Ungraded assignments together. 8. ***Resources***~ Your Grade Report can include All Resources, Resources with are visible only to the teacher, Resources only available to the student, or No Resources at all. Once you have customized your Grade Report select OK, choose a layout as described above under the Creating a Grade Report section, and then print. ### ![Creating a Grade Report 4](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Grade-Report-3.jpg) ### **Grade Reports Video Tutorial** ***As always, feel free to reach out to us with any questions at . We are here to help you!*** **Not a Subscriber yet? Check out Homeschool Planet for yourself with a [30-day FREE trial](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/). No credit card information is necessary to give it a try!** ![Homeschool Planet the world's best planner button](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/728x90-1.png) **With [Homeschool Planet lesson plans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/), homeschooling has never been easier!** ![A growing collection of plug-in lesson plans for popular curricula](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/HSP-Marketplace-Logo-Image-1.png) **Categories:** Reports **Tags:** Grade Report, User Guide --- ### [Adding Chores](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/adding-chores/) **Published:** November 19, 2021 **Author:** Robyn **Content:** **With Homeschool Planet you can track all sorts of things in addition to your student’s academic endeavors. Learn how to add chores to your calendar with the tutorial found below!** ![User Guide for Homeschool Planet Activities](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Activities-top-1024x576.png) ### **Adding Chores** Note: If you are adding the same assignment each day to an Activity that is already set-up go straight to step #6 1. After logging into your planner, click on a blank space in your calendar, then select the “Everything Else” option. 2. In the “Create Activity” window, fill in the name of the chore in the “Activity” field. Use the drop-down menu in the “Category” field to select “Chores” or “Add a Category” to create your own category. Use the “For Whom” drop-down menu to assign the task to specific users. 3. Next, you will want to determine the time frame for your chore using the drop-down menu for the “When” field. There are quite a few preset options as well as a “More choices” option for creating a customized schedule. 4. Set a start and end date for your chore or choose No end date. 5. Choose whether this is an All day event or in a specified window of time. 6. (If you are planning to add chores to an activity that is already set-up simply choose the title of the activity from the Calendar and then choose Edit from the pop-up box.) 7. Next go to the Tasks tab, in the “Show” fields, select your “From” and “Through” time frame for a repeating assignment. 8. For a single chore, below the “Show” section, locate the “To every scheduled day, add this” field and enter your information. 9. Select the “Add” button and a confirmation window will open. Review the information, select the appropriate button to either fix or make them all the same. If you are happy with your plan, select the “Yes, make them all the same” option, and another confirmation window will open. Review the information in this window, then select the “OK, add them” button. 10. For multiple chores per day choose the “Assignment generator options” link and follow the prompts. \*This process follows the same guidelines as adding multiple assignments to class. You can find a tutorial for our Assignment Generator, [here](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/assignment-generator/). 11. That’s it! Select Save & Close! ### **Adding Chores Screenshots** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Chore-1.jpg) ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Chores-2.jpg) ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Chores-3.jpg) ### **Adding Chores Video Tutorial** ***As always, feel free to reach out to us with any questions at . We are here to help you!*** ### **Check out these other entries about Activities you can add to your planner:** - **[Adding an Activity](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/adding-an-activity/)** - **[Adding Events](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/adding-events/)** - **[Adding Appointments](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/adding-appointments/)** - **[Adding Birthdays](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/adding-birthdays/)** - **[Adding Community Service Hours](https://homeschoolplanet.com/knowledge-base/adding-community-service-hours/)** **Not a Subscriber yet? Check out Homeschool Planet for yourself with a [30-day FREE trial](https://homeschoolplanet.com/product/homeschool-planet-30-day-free-trial/). No credit card information is necessary to give it a try!** ![Homeschool Planet World's best planner button](http://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/728x90-1.png) **With [Homeschool Planet lesson plans](https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-marketplace/), homeschooling has never been easier!** ![](https://homeschoolplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/HSP-Marketplace-Logo-Image-1.png) **Categories:** Activities ---