Easy Homeschool Plan: Spiral Notebook Homeschool Scheduling SIMPLIFIED
Like this simple and easy homeschool planning? Please share so other overwhelmed homeschoolers can find simple :).
Minimalist homeschooling means I like my time, especially in the evenings, and I like simple. So, instead of writing what my kids have to do the next day every. single. night, here is my homeschool spiral notebooking schedule SIMPLIFIED. This minimal homeschool schedule is a bullet-journal homeschool planner for record-keeping and lesson plans. Let's get your simple homeschool plan all ready for the whole year in record time!
Minimalist Homeschooling requires a simple plan, and I cannot spend 5 minutes every night per child reinventing the wheel for spiral notebook scheduling. I just can't. Plus... attendance records - check. Lesson plan and weekly schedule - check. Reading list - check. Resources list - check. Field trips and other activities - check. Sample work and student portfolio - check. All in one 10 cent notebook and about an hour for the whole year! No reinventing the wheel every. single. night. Simple is the New Smart.
Leave a comment, and please share so more stressed and overwhelmed homeschoolers can find a simple way!
Subscribe to this channel to see new videos as they are released.
Here are Post-It Tabs (afflink): www.amazon.com...
Here are colored erasable pens (afflink): www.amazon.com...
Find out more about Zara Fagen, PhD here: www.zaraphd.com...
Here are more ways I can help:
Get the book on Minimalist Homeschooling in Audio:
resources.zara...
Or, get the book on Minimalist Homeschooling from Amazon (afflink): www.amazon.com...
Check-out the Minimalist Homeschooling Course: Simple is the New Smart, and get your FREE GOODY BAG: resources.zara...
Come join our facebook group of homeschoolers who are "Awesome," instead of "It All:" / minimalisthomeschoolin...
Get a FREE Space-Simplifying Quick-Guide: resources.zara...
Check out the minimalist homeschooling blog for more simple, minimal homeschool ideas: www.zaraphd.com
Пікірлер: 209
THIS SAVED ME!! I was going insane and feeling so inadequate watching all of the other homeschool planning videos. Thank you thank you!!!! I'm a minimalist and like to keep things as simple as possible. Like you I also value my time!
@ZaraPhD
5 жыл бұрын
Awesome Autumn! I'm so happy to help! Spread the word that homeschooling doesn't have to be crazy-complicated!
I love this so much! Was about to spend $45 on a planner for a 3 year old homeschooled child. Thank you so much for this. :)
@ZaraPhD
2 жыл бұрын
You are so very welcome! Have a great year!
I just bought a spiral notebook for hs planning (fancy planners dont work for me) and wasnt sure how to start, This is EXACTLY the guidance I was looking for. THANKS So MUCH!!!!👍📒📚📏😆
@ZaraPhD
5 жыл бұрын
Hooray! So glad to hear you're off and running :). Hope to see you around...
I have implemented this over the past year and it is genius!! Next year, I will add a section to record info around my son’s interests that seem to defy categories. Thank you!
@ZaraPhD
4 жыл бұрын
Oh! What a great idea! Thank you for coming back and letting me know how it went!
I have homeschooled for many years but never found a recordkeeping method I liked and didn't take forever. I have taken this method and adapted it to fit our home and I love it. I can't imagine ever using anything else.
@ZaraPhD
4 жыл бұрын
Margie! Thank you so much for this feedback. I'm so happy that this method found a happy home in your homeschool. 😁
This was so helpful! I struggle to keep track of notebooks so I did it in a spreadsheet using a tab for each page you listed! I can easily add or move things around and I can find it anytime I need it as it is saved in my drive!
I can't believe I've been storing huge binders all over the house when this would have solved a lot of my problems. Thanks so much for this video. I'm getting us some notebooks asap.
@ZaraPhD
2 жыл бұрын
Ha ha ha. I'm so glad this helped!
This was exactly what I was looking for thank you so much for keeping it super simple! its perfect!
I think this and having a good plan in place will make SUCH a difference for our homeschool this year! Thank the Lord! I'm getting so excited 😊 🤗 hope everyone has a wonderful year!
@ZaraPhD
Жыл бұрын
Wishing you a fantastic year!!! Thanks so much for taking the time to leave this kind comment!
This is brilliant. I think another alternative would be blank paper in a binder...for those of us who move stuff around a lot. 😀
@ZaraPhD
2 жыл бұрын
Of course! Do it your way!
This video was awesome! So helpful in really simplifying the planning process for me. Thank you!
Best video EVER!!!! No more planners for me!!!! Thank you!!!!!!!
@ZaraPhD
Жыл бұрын
You're so welcome!!! Have a very happy New Year!
I am only half way through this video. I love this system so much. We are new to homeschooling and struggling to find our feet. This looks like it would work for us. Thank you so much for sharing
@ZaraPhD
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much for taking the time to comment! Welcome to homeschooling and welcome to my channel. Wishing you a wonderful year!
Best video HANDS DOWN!!!! I’m going with this method. Thank you!
@ZaraPhD
5 жыл бұрын
Yay! Thanks! And, I'm so glad it helped!
Omg, you are a life-saver!!! I was not prepared to home-school and work full-time. This has helped me tremendously! God bless you! 🙏🙏🙏
@ZaraPhD
4 жыл бұрын
Yay! You got this!
@analigiasoeiro
3 жыл бұрын
Same here. Working full time, starting homeschooling and have a 1 year old at home is not easy and leaves me no time. Just finished setting up this notebook and I’m so excited!!
I am a retired teacher, working with 2 grandsons. I am grateful for this video. I have been searching for a way to get this started. I spent hours making plans at school and standing over copy machines. Don’t want to do that anymore. I like simple, too.
@ZaraPhD
Жыл бұрын
Welcome to homeschooling! I hope you have a great year!
I really like this way of planning, it looks so easy and so inexpensive. I will be using it for my kiddos. Thank you.
@ZaraPhD
4 жыл бұрын
Brisset Cousin Yay! You’re welcome!!!
I love this!! Thank you so much!!
I love this! Thank you!!
I love this!!!! Thank you!! Such a lightbulb moment!!
@ZaraPhD
4 жыл бұрын
Sarita Mendoza you are so welcome! 😘
I was struggling to keep up my homeschool plans but I'm much more relieved of achieving unrealistic plans. Very much great idea- i needn't to worry about every single night about lesson plan but now i need to remind myself only after every 6weeks. It's very very realistic and achievable.
Were in n Australia and our school year starts in January... Yesterday, i got all our school aged children a spiral notebook and have drawn out the year... I Left 2 pages between our weeks as one is the spare and the second for our coop work.. (we do 3 weeks a month schooling so i know we wont need more than a page for coop) Im so excited BRING ON JANUARY 7th when we start!! Youve brought passion back for me THANK YOU!!
@ZaraPhD
5 жыл бұрын
Hooray! Thanks so much for the feedback, and I hope you have a GREAT year with your kiddos!
@sheridanfox5733
5 жыл бұрын
Thanks Zara!!! Wondering.... how do you keep your files and general stuff together?? Extra notes, spelling words, books to have on hand
@ZaraPhD
5 жыл бұрын
@@sheridanfox5733, Thanks for asking! Maybe I'll have to do a video on that! You bring up a few different things, so I'll try to address them briefly. I have a "control binder" with dividers for personal, school, business, etc. Each section also has a folder. So, I put school ideas hole-punched there, and any random assignments I'd like to do in the folder. Having just one folder limits the amount of random things I collect. Our spelling is an all-in-one book: www.amazon.com/gp/product/188882719X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=zaraphd-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=188882719X&linkId=68db08592a191a825eb2516de0b6e3d4 (afflink). Finally, I try to keep my "books to have on hand" to a minimum. If it's not the best way to learn it, I don't keep it; and if we're not studying it now, it's not in our daily space. I have a shelf in a hall closet for the books to be passed down, or subjects we're not studying right now. Each of my kids has one magazine holder for their "school books," and I have 2 for my teaching manuals and odds and ends: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06ZZD11YH/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=zaraphd-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B06ZZD11YH&linkId=785b2a4f2732d6db83fe6bafb8703362 (afflink). I hope that helps!
@sheridanfox5733
5 жыл бұрын
AMAZING!!!!! Thank You Zara.... I now have a direction and a new project fo do.. your ideas are perfect and i can see just how well this is going to work for us... A MILLION TIMES THANK YOU
@ZaraPhD
5 жыл бұрын
You are so welcome! Wishing you all the simple things...
A very good model that is changeable for each individual family schedule and number of kids in the family. Thanks
@ZaraPhD
5 жыл бұрын
Yes! I have 4 of my own, and in the past, I have even used this for everyone, not just one child per notebook. Maybe it's time to make a video about that....
@annieslittleblessings3368
4 жыл бұрын
I would love to see a video on 1 notebook for several kids. We have 5 total and it sour first year homeschooling our 3 oldest. 3rd, 1st and kinder and our 3 & 2 year olds school when they want. Thank you for your video.
Thank you for sharing and I love ur handwriting!
@ZaraPhD
5 жыл бұрын
You're so welcome, and thanks!
EVERYTHING about this video is inspiring! ✨💖✨
I just found this video as im searching for advice starting our homeschooling journey. I am so glad I found this now. it makes it all feel so manageable now! thanks so much!
@ZaraPhD
Жыл бұрын
You are so very welcome! Happy to help 😁😁
This just saved me so much money from buying an expensive planner! Thank you!
LOVE this! Just what I was looking for! Super simple is best for my brain :)
@ZaraPhD
5 жыл бұрын
I am so glad this helps! Thank you for your comment, and for watching! Wishing you all the simple things...
I never comment on videos but I had to with this to applaud you. This is definitely a game changer for many and cost effective. I am definitely subscribing. Thanks for sharing
This is an excellent idea, to save on time & resources. Thank you for sharing your knowledge!
@ZaraPhD
4 жыл бұрын
You are so very welcome! Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment :)
Thank you dear heart ..... you are a mother home educating her children.... wanting to spend time with your blessings not a pretty planner. Wishing you joy love.
@ZaraPhD
4 жыл бұрын
Thank you, Meeghan! You nailed it! The time we spend with them is what makes a great homeschool... not the pretty planner. 💝
This is how i think! Finally! Thank you.
I have not finished the video, but I have to laugh at the blank page at the front of the notebook! I NEVER write on the first page and now I know I am not alone!!
@ZaraPhD
4 жыл бұрын
Kristen Trask ha ha ha. There’s probably an Enneagram type or something for people like us! 😂
@sepidehsanaz
4 жыл бұрын
Me too, And I add another page right after That first one in case I want to write anything on the first page...so why really....lol..
Oh My!!! Where has this video been?? Running to the store to get spiral notebooks now!!! Thank you for sharing!!
@ZaraPhD
4 жыл бұрын
Ha ha ha. So happy to help you! Wishing you all the simple things... -Zara
Home schooling this sept...using the notebook.....amazing idea. Love the video..gracias!!!!
@ZaraPhD
4 жыл бұрын
You're so welcome! Thanks for the comment :)
Great!!! I’ve bought different planners and non of them helped me. Definitely, I’m doing this instead. Thank you 😊
Brilliant! Thank you :)
@ZaraPhD
2 жыл бұрын
You are so very welcome!
Thank you, I knew IT had to be a simpler way to plan Home school !!You are amazing Thankyou.! Just keep it Simple!!!
@ZaraPhD
4 жыл бұрын
Ha ha ha! That's what I'm here for! Thank you so much for the feedback :)
Hi zara. Thank you for this video.. you helped me a lot this is what am looking for.. simple, cheap yet it has everything.. New subscriber from Philippines.. Looking forward for more videos.. Thanks... 💕💕
@ZaraPhD
4 жыл бұрын
ma milagros antonio why hello there! I am so happy to help! Welcome ❤️
thanks so much for this video. i am going to do this when planning for this new school year.
@ZaraPhD
5 жыл бұрын
You are so welcome! Hooray for simple planning!
I'm crying as I watch this...as I felt so overwhelmed with planning and making sure they were getting taught what they needed to know
@ZaraPhD
4 жыл бұрын
Awww. I hope this puts your sweet mama's heart at ease :). Wishing you all the simple things this school year!
@troninawiggins49
4 жыл бұрын
@@ZaraPhD thank you so much...much love to you and your family🤗
I will be experimenting with this Fall 2020
@ZaraPhD
4 жыл бұрын
Wishing you a simple year!
Loved your video...keeping it simple. 😊
@ZaraPhD
6 жыл бұрын
Thanks! Simple is the new smart ;).
This is great! Thanks for sharing.
@ZaraPhD
4 жыл бұрын
You are so welcome! Thank you for commenting!
Exactly what I need! Thank you new subscriber here
@ZaraPhD
4 жыл бұрын
You are so very welcome! Thank you for the feedback, and welcome!
This is GENIUS. Thank you thank you!
@ZaraPhD
5 жыл бұрын
You are very welcome :)
That’s a great idea to start my bullet journal. Thank you for a great video.
@ZaraPhD
5 жыл бұрын
You are so welcome! I am so glad that this helps. Thanks for watching, and for your feedback :).
What do you consider major and minor subjects? Loved this way to plan 😍 Thanks for sharing.
@ZaraPhD
5 жыл бұрын
Hi there! You're so welcome! The major and minor subjects are based on the Minimalist Homeschooling process laid out in the Minimalist homeschooling book and the Master Class Simple is the New Smart: resources.zaraphd.com/simple-is-the-new-smart. It would be hard for me to do it justice in a sentence or two since it depends on your particular homeschool :).
I like your handwriting!
@ZaraPhD
3 жыл бұрын
Awww, shucks. Thanks! 😁
Wish I can like this video more than one time
THANK YOU SO MUCH!! I have been looking for a simplified way. I have 1 child left. I needed simple and I am thrilled I found you! 💕
@ZaraPhD
5 жыл бұрын
Yay! I'm thrilled you found me, too! Thanks so much for the comment
Thank you Zara! New subscriber from England 😊🙋 this is just what I have been looking for, simple, clear, to the point and all boxes ticked! I'm going to watch some more of your videos now for some more inspiration!! Thanks again 😁
@ZaraPhD
5 жыл бұрын
Hi Jo from England!!! I'm so happy this helps :). I hope you have a great year!
LOOOOOOOVE THIS!!!
@ZaraPhD
5 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the feedback!
I love this idea and am thinking of testing homeschooling this summer. How can I use this program for middle and high school students?
Great idea! 👏🏽
@ZaraPhD
4 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the comment! :)
11:36 so the students use the same book to do written assignments in. If that’s what it means, it’s a fantastic idea!! My kids already started their books but I can always use the back of the book for these things.
@ZaraPhD
2 жыл бұрын
Yes! The book probably won't fit all of their written assignments (unless you get a multi-subject one - great idea!), but I definitely use it as a portfolio for sample work.
@ninilovenana
2 жыл бұрын
@@ZaraPhD thanks. My kids are young and don’t write to much currently but I’m sooo doing this.
It seems great I a got lost mid way ... I wanna try it
You’re a genius ♥️
@ZaraPhD
3 жыл бұрын
Ha ha ha. We all have a bit of genius in us, don't we 😉. Thanks for taking the time to brighten my day!
Excellent thank you
@ZaraPhD
4 жыл бұрын
You are welcome! And thank YOU for taking the time to comment :)
Thank you for this!!!!!
@ZaraPhD
5 жыл бұрын
You're so very welcome! :)
Do you use this or do the kids use this? I love the simplicity of this. Have you ever used a notebook for more of an instructional guide for what you will be teaching? I would love to see one.
@ZaraPhD
3 жыл бұрын
When my kids are younger, I use it. As they get older, they use it. I'm not sure what you mean about an "instructional guide." Can you tell me more about what information you mean?
This what great! Simple and flexible. Do you still use this system?
@ZaraPhD
Жыл бұрын
Yes! I have modified it a bit, but yes, it still works.
@Dreblueskies
Жыл бұрын
@@ZaraPhD Please consider a video showing your updates to it 🙂 I have used several planners and they always feel like too much and then it’s a waste of money. 🤦🏻♀️
@ZaraPhD
Жыл бұрын
@@Dreblueskies It is virtually the same. Try it out! If you find you do/or don't need some information, it is so easy to tweak 😁.
super simple thanks
@ZaraPhD
5 жыл бұрын
You are so very welcome! Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment!
Bless you!!!!!!❤️❤️❤️🐐
@ZaraPhD
2 жыл бұрын
What??!!! I got a 🐐!!! I'm not freaking out or anything. Really. Ok. Maybe I am a little. And blushing. 😘
What about daily task? In the weekly sections, it list subjects but no task with those subjects. They change weekly by week, so you would have to plan it weekly
@ZaraPhD
10 ай бұрын
kzread.info/dash/bejne/lJ-amLF8YNXIY5M.html
I saw your address when you sent me my SITNS stuff... DC is a heck of a field trip from there!
@ZaraPhD
4 жыл бұрын
That's where I am originally from, and most of my family is still there! So, luckily, we get to take an annual trip, and we always try to do at least one field trip :).
So would you have to make a separate notebook for each child?
@ZaraPhD
Жыл бұрын
Short answer: Yup. See other comments for more discussion on this 👇
How might this work for a less formal schedule, like where would you reference exam days, exhibitions, or recitation programs--they are not on the normal schedule and they don't technically fall under resources, books, or field trips? Also, where would daily assignments come in--whereas the schedule would reference general subjects, how would you include either what was done or what should be done next, e.g., math less 12?
@ZaraPhD
4 жыл бұрын
Hey there! Thanks for asking! I put any not-on-the-schedule activities on its own page, or label the field trips page "Field Trips & Activities." So, standardized testing days, summer camps, and such would go there, for me, for example. As for daily assignments, I am going to link to another video... kzread.info/dash/bejne/lJ-amLF8YNXIY5M.html. I HIGHLY recommend that video, but a quick summary is: I specify quantities of work, not specific details. As in, I would say something like 20 minutes, 45 minutes, 1 chapter, 2 lessons... so every day is "do the next thing" in that subject.
Love this concept:). My question is...how do you add in homework from coop into the 6 subjects? Do you make coop homework 1 of the major subjects or 1 of the minor subjects or do you not include it in the 3 major or 3 minor and just add it before or after the 6 subjects?:). Thanks!!!
@ZaraPhD
5 жыл бұрын
Hi Samantha! Clearly you're referring to the minimalist homeschooling planning process, and the quick answer is that it depends on whether the subjects that they're learning in coop are major or minor, and then treat them appropriately. Thanks for stopping by facebook to chat more about this :).
I really enjoyed your video. It is a great way to do scheduling! One question, when you say you leave space for sample work, how does that look? My girls are pretty young, so I'm just now needing to have portfolios and show work. Is it like they right in it, or you you write up something for them to look at...? Thanks.
@ZaraPhD
5 жыл бұрын
I think you can do it however works best for your child, and depending on what is required for your portfolio. What do you need to include in your portfolio? How much sample work do you need, and of what? Or, do you need summaries? How often? How much of that can they do, or you do in the notebook?
So is this one spiral notebook per child or one spiral notebook for the homeschool?
@ZaraPhD
9 ай бұрын
Yes. See replies to similar comments below for more info...
Do you use one notebook for all children? Or does each child need his own?
@ZaraPhD
2 жыл бұрын
This is one for each child. I really need to make a video of how I use one notebook for all of us...
How do you use this system to log hours? Our state requires hours logged in addition to a plan book and work samples.
@ZaraPhD
5 жыл бұрын
Our state doesn't require hours, just days, so I am not sure what the requirements exactly have to be. In this case, each line represents a certain amount of time (you can choose), so you can always put the hours up at the top of each day's columns, and multiply by the number of dates that you complete that schedule. Or, use several pages at the beginning of the book with columns where you simply write date and hours. Will that work?
What is the measurement for making the columns in the daily schedule? This is great! Thank you!
@ZaraPhD
5 жыл бұрын
I replied to another comment... if I remember correctly, they are about 3cm wide for 5 columns in a standard spiral notebook :).
So you only write down six weeks at a time? Then do another six when those six are up? How do you use the rest of the book for written assignments? Do you just write down what they did for the day or six weeks or do you take completes work in there?
@ZaraPhD
Жыл бұрын
I'm not sure that I understand all of your question, but yes, I do 6 weeks at a time, and then plan another 6 weeks because life changes. But sometimes I use the same schedule for 9 weeks, or more. You can use it for as long as it works for you. The back of the book is used as a "portfolio," which has representative samples of work.
@KriziaWorkAtHome
11 ай бұрын
I'm confused heavy about this as well. And understand your questions cause I have the same ones. I don't see 6 weeks of planning besides writing down lists. I would love for this to be helpful for me but I am so lost on the method.
@ZaraPhD
11 ай бұрын
@@KriziaWorkAtHome Yes, it is a daily routine: a to-do list of which subjects will be covered, at what time each day. This video will help with the concept of not using detailed lesson plans: kzread.info/dash/bejne/lJ-amLF8YNXIY5M.html
Would you be able to do a more in depth video on how this should work for homeschooling ? I am new to homeschooling and feel kind of lost watching this.
@ZaraPhD
5 жыл бұрын
Hi Segarra! Welcome to homeschooling! Maybe what is missing is your specific subjects. You would decide on 6-7 things to learn, and write those subjects in either every day, or every other day, or once a week, etc. I'm all about keeping things simple. The WHOLE process is in my book, Minimalist Homeschooling (see the links above), or you are always welcome to come see us in the Simple is the New Smart membership where we work on designing the homeschool you imagine in real-time :). resources.zaraphd.com/simple-is-the-new-smart
@KriziaWorkAtHome
11 ай бұрын
I have been homeschooling for 7 years and confused by this method as well. Confused on how it's simplified and minimal. I'm a minimalist as well and see this is just a manual way to do a general task in homeschooling.
This is great! I’m doing more or less the same but in Evernote, although I’ve always preferred the writing down part (I remember it better). Do you use this same notebook for all children’s subjects?
@ZaraPhD
5 жыл бұрын
I use one notebook for one child in this example - and yes, for all of that child's subjects. I have also used one notebook for planning multiple children in the past, when they were younger - again, for all subjects. Thanks for watching!
So, you are using that week schedule you wrote out for 6 Weeks?!
@ZaraPhD
2 жыл бұрын
Yes! The key word here is "schedule," not "lesson plan." This schedule allocates time to work on specific subjects, so yes, you would keep making progress in those subjects over several weeks. This follow-up video may clarify that logic: kzread.info/dash/bejne/lJ-amLF8YNXIY5M.html
Thank you!
@ZaraPhD
5 жыл бұрын
You are so very welcome!
New subbie
@ZaraPhD
4 жыл бұрын
Regina Crystal Cordoba welcome!
on the weekly schedule you didn't use one inch and didn't note the spacing. what works best?
@ZaraPhD
5 жыл бұрын
I think it depends on the size of your notebook. For 5 days, and a standard spiral notebook, I make each column 1-1/8 inch, or 3 cm.
You are so smart
@ZaraPhD
4 жыл бұрын
WOW! Thanks! ;). I'm so glad this helped!
🔥 AMAZING! 🔥Yessir , I had been watching video after video and screen shot so many good ideas but ones I will probably never get around to 🤦replicating ! UNTIL I came across your channel and immediately felt stress melt away!😍 Love the vibe as a fellow homeschool mama and this is SIMPLE and right up my alley my lady💯🙌🔥💪💜NEW SUBSCRIBER!!!
Would you add read aloud books to the kids reading list?
@ZaraPhD
4 жыл бұрын
That really is up to you. Typically, if it is something that I want to remember to read for future children; or readings that contribute to educational requirements that may need to be met, I will be sure to list them. Or, if a child derives a lot of pride or satisfaction out of seeing how many books you have read in total, then keeping an exhaustive list may suit your family. :)
Oh one question! Your resources list... Do you add the resources for all of the subjects you do or do you keep separate resource lists for each core subject? What about unit studies?
@ZaraPhD
5 жыл бұрын
Hi Autumn! I personally don't use unit studies, but I think that the answer would be the same either way. I just write down all the resources on one page as they come. I often add resources as the year goes on, and so they all end up on one page. If I did a unit study, I imagine I would write a title for the unit study on that page. You can write the subject for that resource next to it if you need more details for reporting purposes.
So it’s one per kid?
@ZaraPhD
Жыл бұрын
Short answer: Yup. See other comments for more discussion on this 👇
That was awesome! Do you have one per kid because you stated sample work?
@ZaraPhD
5 жыл бұрын
Hi Lisa, and thanks! Yup! Right now I have one per kid because my two oldest do a lot of independent work. When they were younger, I did use one spiral notebook for all (the color coded pencils were especially nice), BUT I did one page per day with a column for each kid, instead of one page per week. So we would flip to the correct day in the planner each morning. Does that make sense?
I keep watching this trying to figure out if I am missing something.... Why do I only leave 5 blank pages after weekly schedule? Wouldn't you leave 36 since there are 36 weeks in the school year?
@ZaraPhD
5 жыл бұрын
Hi Shannon, thanks for asking! The weekly schedule you create can be used over and over and over again for several weeks. You are specifying subjects, not specific lesson plans. So, I use each schedule for about 6 weeks, personally, before I switch to new subjects. That's also why I left 6-7 lines at the bottom of the page for dates. Therefore, I have to make a 6-week schedules 6 times. So, 5 extra pages allows me to do that. If you only change subjects every quarter, then you will need fewer pages. I hope that helps!
@shannonhernandez-cruz9980
5 жыл бұрын
Yes that makes much more sense. Thank you. One more question. Do you also do lesson plans daily in this notebook? If so how do you do that.
@ZaraPhD
5 жыл бұрын
@@shannonhernandez-cruz9980 - Nope! No daily lesson plans! You know your subject, you know your resources, so you do the next thing! Nice and simple :). If you're struggling to wrap your head around this sort of simplifying, check out the blog: www.zaraphd.com/minimalist-homeschooling-blog or subscribe to my KZread channel so you can see all of my Minimalist Homeschooling tutorials. I definitely do things differently from what is normally prescribed ;). Wishing you all the simple things!
@sepidehsanaz
4 жыл бұрын
@@ZaraPhD I think you don't need to answer half of my questions that I just posted....lol..Here most people asked them...Thanks for explaining though.
@sepidehsanaz
4 жыл бұрын
@@ZaraPhD What do you mean by before switching to a new subject? Can you give me an example of subjects? I am trying to figure things out, as this September(hopefully) would be my first Homeschooling year. Each subjects is not a lesson ? e.g. Science, Language art, social studies etc?
Hi Zara, trying to follow your tutorial and have some quick questions: how do you use this planner for written assignments (mentioned toward the end)? and do you keep a separate binder to store all the weekly print outs for what you "have" done (from your other vid)? when there are multiple resource books that go along with a spine curriculum, do you list those in the resource section or book list? ie, Teaching Character Through Literature (Beautiful Feet) has a manual along with multiple selected books to read throughout the year. Would you list the TM in resources and then individual books in the book list?
@ZaraPhD
4 жыл бұрын
Hi there! I don't have a lot of weekly print-outs, personally, but my children do have daily math work, for example. Those books are stored separately. I use the back of the book for sample work. For example, if we're going to spend a lot of time doing a great writing project, then I may have them write the final copy in their notebook - or even the whole process to show the development. It's really up to you, and if you have any state requirements. The possibilities are endless. Copywork? Narrations? Science observations? Open-ended space for your child to write things they love? Gratitude journal? Do what suits your school 😊.
@ZaraPhD
4 жыл бұрын
Also, I use either the reverse scheduling, or this daily scheduling - I don't use both at the same time. I think different seasons benefit from different schedules. If you want to use a spiral notebook for reverse scheduling, you would skip making daily column pages, and draw 6 squares on your page, instead. Allow enough room for as many weeks as you will be reverse scheduling. And, yes, I list all of our resources in the resource list - mostly because I don't use a boxed curriculum, and it helps me remember what we used as my younger children grow into the grades I have already taught. Really, don't be paralyzed by details. Include what will be most useful to you. If listing just "Beautiful Feet Teaching Character Through Literature" is sufficient for you, don't feel obligated to write more. Be sure to meet state requirements. ❤️
@sepidehsanaz
4 жыл бұрын
@@ZaraPhD I just purchased your book, the more I read the more I am getting confused...lol..so I go to read your book, but if I had any question, where Can I ask that question?
@ZaraPhD
4 жыл бұрын
@@sepidehsanaz I have a facebook community facebook.com/groups/minimalisthomeschoolingzara specifically for people implementing minimalist homeschooling. I'd love to see you there!
One notebook per child?
@ZaraPhD
5 жыл бұрын
In this case, yes, this is one notebook per child. I have used one notebook when the kids were young for the whole family. In that case, you'll need to allow more pages for resource and reading lists (one list per child), and schedule one *day* per page, rather than one *week* per page. Right? So a whole page for Monday would have columns showing what each child does during what time. Then, the next page would show what each child does on Tuesdays. Again, you will need more pages to do you weekly plan, but it works much the same. Perhaps I'll have to do a follow-up video on that ;).
This is great for little ones where I'm in charge of doing the lesson, but how does this work for older kids who do independent work? Do you just check their work every day to be sure they actually did the "next thing"?
@ZaraPhD
5 жыл бұрын
Hi Jenni! I think that depends on the dynamic between you and your children. The example I show here is for my older children, and they use the notebooks largely themselves. I guess I would do that thing where I answer a question with another question: How do you currently supervise your children and make sure that they are doing their work?
@jennicane4630
5 жыл бұрын
@@ZaraPhD Thnx for the reply! Currently I give my older boys a weekly checklist with specific page numbers for each subject for each day, and they must have me sign off on their list each day. It sounds rigid, but before giving them specific assignments, I found that they would they would try to get away with doing as little work as possible- or none at all. Even with the checklist, I still have to follow up and make sure they actually did the assignments and page numbers make it easier for me to keep track. The system works, but it takes time. I would love to streamline the process.
@ZaraPhD
5 жыл бұрын
I get it. My oldest 2 still need to be held accountable. I specify on their list how much I expect them to do - either how many lessons, how many pages, or how many minutes. I am militant about them putting dates on their work so that I know what they did each day. This seems to remedy the need to specify the exact lessons - it's a "do the next thing" with expectations :). Of course, you'll still have to use whatever accountability/consequences work for your family if the work doesn't get done, and keep an eye on them throughout the day.
@jennicane4630
5 жыл бұрын
@@ZaraPhD Requiring dates on the pages is such a great (and simple) idea! I think I will do a test run with one of their subjects to see how they handle it. Thanks again for your time!
@ZaraPhD
5 жыл бұрын
@@jennicane4630, of course! Let me know how it goes! Wishing you all the simple things, Zara
Idk if its just me, but I dont like the idea of coop. I am stingy with my time. My energy and I know its supposed to help me in the process of homeschooling. But to me its wasting time. I guess I am just too minimalist. Does anyone else feel that way?
@ZaraPhD
4 жыл бұрын
I know you're not alone, but I think it depends on each homeschooler's particular set of values, and therefore, priorities. What coops offer are clearly not a priority to your homeschool, and that's cool. Manwhile, coops meet some of the priorities of other homeschoolers. Everyone filling their days with what is most needed and most loved - without the extra - is "minimalist."
Where do you find these 10 cent notebooks?
@gorillacharity9559
4 жыл бұрын
Back to school sales Stock up like our mothers did
@ZaraPhD
4 жыл бұрын
What he said. Back to school sales for the win!
I do something similar...:)
@ZaraPhD
5 жыл бұрын
Simple is the New Smart! Right?
What state do you live in? I live in Florida. Will this work for Florida?
@ZaraPhD
6 жыл бұрын
Hi Elaine. I am not in Florida, so I am not familiar with state requirements there. Always incorporate whatever information your state requires - hopefully as simply as you can! :) PS- Anyone who needs/wants a lot of sample work can use a larger multi-subject notebook with dividers. Use the first section for planning, and the subsequent sections for your student's work.
@lisalizotte3144
5 жыл бұрын
Yes this will work in Florida depending on the evaluator. Florida is a very relaxed state when it comes to homeschool. I am an evaluator/certified teacher and homeschool my children.
@ZaraPhD
5 жыл бұрын
Thanks for jumping in on this, Lisa! Good to know :).