Digital or Paper Homeschool Planner
What kind of planner do you want to use for your homeschool? Do you prefer a binder or a digital planner in a spreadsheet like Excel? Digital or Paper Homeschool Planner?
Surely, there are a lot of Homeschool Planning Ideas that you can try if you check out my awesome list.
I do most of my homeschool planning in an Excel spreadsheet set up with the dates of the week on the side and all of my subjects listed across the top. It’s super easy to see what I need to do each week and it’s also easy to change things around if needed.
I haven’t found an online program that has met all of my needs and that is simple to use so I don’t have any listed here.
There are pros and cons to each but each person really has their own preferences and there are so many options now, it’s amazing. If you’ve been following along in my 31 days to a better-planned homeschool series, we’ve discussed the best time to homeschool plan and how to organize your homeschool room if you’ve missed it.
If you want to know which one is better, a digital or paper homeschool planner, let’s compare!
This post may contain affiliate links meaning I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post. Read my disclosure policy here.
Digital Planners
Online programs may come with a monthly or yearly fee, if you create your own, this would be the more frugal way to go. It’s also a lot easier to customize and make changes as needed. It’s also easy to copy and paste material if needed.
Pros of Digital Planners
- easy to make changes
- customizable
- free if create your own
Cons of Digital Planners
- need to be on a device
- difficult to locate
- must be printed if want a physical copy
Digital Planner Options
Spreadsheet
While I love my Excel spreadsheet, nothing beats writing out your plans and then checking them off. I use my Excel sheet to plan my homeschool year, but write out our weekly schedule to keep track of things and nothing beats physically checking off a task on your to-do list.
Homeschool Planet – Get a 30-day free trial to see if this planning system works for you. It’s a great way to keep track of your children’s progress and have records of their work accessible to you anywhere.
Syllabird – Get a 14-day free trial to see if this simple and colorful planning planning system is right for you.
Recommended Homeschooling Books for Moms
Are you new to homeschooling? Don’t worry, I’ve got you! Here are some of my favorite books that will equip and help you during your journey.
Homeschool Planning Guide for the Unorganized Mom: An easy-to-follow plan for successful homeschooling when you don’t even know where to startThe Brave Learner: Finding Everyday Magic in Homeschool, Learning, and LifeThe Read-Aloud Family: Making Meaningful and Lasting Connections with Your KidsThe Well-Trained Mind: A Guide to Classical Education at HomeA Charlotte Mason Companion: Personal Reflections on the Gentle Art of LearningThe Call of the Wild and Free: Reclaiming Wonder in Your Child’s Education
Paper Planner
Using a paper homeschool planner has several benefits for parents and students. Firstly, it helps keep track of daily assignments, projects, and exams, ensuring that students stay on track with their studies.
A paper planner can help students develop organizational skills, teaching them how to prioritize tasks and manage their time effectively.
Using a paper planner allows students to write down goals and reflect on academic progress, creating a sense of accountability and motivation. However, there are some disadvantages to using a paper planner as well. For example, it can be challenging to make changes to a physical planner once it’s been written in.
Additionally, paper planners can be lost or damaged, leading to important information being lost. Overall, while paper planners may not be perfect, they are still an effective tool for homeschooling families looking to stay organized and prefer to write out their plans on paper.
Pros of Paper Planners
- can write out plans
- easy to add to
- A physical copy of the planner
Cons Paper Planners
- tedious to write out
- difficult to make long-term changes
Need more help getting your homeschool plans together? Grab the Homeschool Planning Guide for the Unorganized Mom or The Unorganized Mom Printable Homeschool Planner to go from chaos to calm.
Paid Homeschool Planners
The Unorganized Homeschool Mom Planner – a printable planner that features a 2-page spread with plenty of room to write.
Weekly homeschool planner from Homeschool Creations $20
Free homeschool planners
Free Printable Homeschool Planner – in a fun pink and yellow theme
Whether you choose to go digital or prefer the feel of pencil and paper, there are many options available to help you organize your curriculum, lesson plans, and daily schedule. Regardless of which method you choose, the most important thing is to find a system that works for you and your family.
With proper planning and organization, you can make your homeschooling journey an enjoyable and stress-free experience for both you and your children.
Remember, as a homeschool mom, you have the flexibility and freedom to tailor your children’s education to their unique learning styles and needs, which is one of the greatest advantages of homeschooling.
So, take advantage of the plethora of resources available at your fingertips and enjoy the journey of homeschooling!
More Homeschool Planner Ideas
Homeschool Planners and Ideas by Donna Young
Free Homeschool Printables by Living Well and Spending Less
You can also grab my printables for a daily, weekly, and monthly homeschool schedule.
Follow along in my 31 Days to a Better Planned Homeschool series.
You’ll also want to check out the other 26 bloggers in this series as well and join our Homeschool Tips 4 Moms Facebook group if you’d like to connect with other homechooling mothers.