Out on the Well-Trained Mind forums the other day, the Hive was discussing daily schedules.  Being the planning-Nazi that I am, I relish looking over how people structure their days.  Sometimes, just skimming someone else’s post reminds me to add something to our schedule.  Likewise, reading about a different thought process helps me to eliminate some extraneous homeschooling activities.

Of course, I like to give something back to the discussion.  At the beginning of this school year, I tested different homeschool planning software.  I really enjoyed Homeschool Tracker, and was in love with the concepts behind Rebecca Keliher’s Well-Planned Day web app.  Unfortunately, I needed something with a bit less of a learning curve than HST and something further down the development pipeline that WPD was at the time.

I wanted something I could print that would:

• be EASY to update
• eliminate the ever-present refrain of “what’s next, Mom?”
• be something each boy could keep in his binder
• have a space for the week number and its overlying topic
• act as a checklist so that said boys could glance at the page and see their progress for the day and week
• list extra work for the week that wasn’t day specific
• have room for chores
• show our activities for the week to trigger reminders for the kids (“oh, we have Scouts on Tuesday… I need to bring x…”)
• track what I was doing with them as read alouds, etc., to enhance recordkeeping

and last, but not least, be PRETTY!  (Does that make me shallow?:-))

So, what to do?  (I know you are all waiting with bated breath…)

I am sorry to say the answer isn’t at all sexy… I simply called on my old friend, Microsoft Excel.  That’s right.  He is like an old ratty sweater – maybe inelegant, but infinitely useful and comfortable.

Anyway…

After posting a screen capture of the weekly plan that I developed using said ratty old sweater:-), I heard from ALOT of people wondering how I created it and whether there is some mysterious app out there that no one knows about.  Based on that feedback, I concluded that a blog post was in order… so, here we are.

To that end, and for your planning enjoyment, I have uploaded a copy of the spreadsheet.  I copy nine weeks of worksheets in each file, so that I have the files setup by quarters.  Feel free to use it as you like.  This is an Excel 2007 file, but those of you who have older software will probably still be able to convert it with minimal loss to the format.

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 Next time, I will give you a little more detail on how I use the planning doc each week.

Planning, second only to God and my family:-)

I enjoy planning anything almost as much as the activity itself.  So, here is what Professor Mom has been planning for the 2008-2009 school year…

For my six-year-old son, I base most of what we do around Sonlight's awesome program.  (The little one – 4K – is using Sonlight's program as well.)  There are a few things that I am doing differently this year based on lessons learned from last year (did I just make a play on words, lol?) 

First, their language arts program was a little too writing intensive for us.  Cole is working 2 grade-levels ahead in reading, but he isn't quite ready for the more advanced grammar lessons that come with that reading level.  I want him to just enjoy his books and pick up his grammar from the masters.  I pieced together a language arts program from three places.  I use Sonlight's readers for his reading practice.  I use Sequential Spelling to get him accustomed to the patterns of language in spelling.  I started this week and that has been a hit so far.  I also picked up First Language Lessons by Jessie Wise.  I found the Ordinary Parent's Guide to Reading (although not the prettiest volume) to have a meaningful approach to teaching reading even at young ages.  When I saw that the first batch of lessons in First Language Lessons focused on an oral approach to grammar, I was sold.  These three components comprise my language arts program for the year. 

I have Sonlight's science program, however, I am not sure whether I want to keep going with that.  Noeo Science's program looks intriguing, and I appreciate the logical, classical (biology, chemistry, physics) progression that they use. 

As far as History and Geography, I do love Sonlight's program.  Having everything bundled together is a BIG help for me.  Their choices are excellent.  You can tell a great deal of thought goes into their book selections.  It is also just an excellent company all-around.  For those who may find Sonlight a little out of their price range, check out Hillsdale's Academy's website and download their Curriculum Guide for FREE.  You still have to gather your materials, but they give you a week-by-week plan and resource list.  This school is second-to-none, as far as I am concerned.  I have visited and talked numerous times with teachers there, as well as the Headmaster.  They are committed to instilling both character and academic excellence with a strong Christian base in their students.  They provide the Curriculum Guide out of the goodness of their hearts to both homeschoolers and private schools because they believe very strongly in their approach.  Also, the College is definitely on the Professor's Approved List for those of you with older children.

Math is Horizons Math, supplemented here and there with Singapore to exercise the brain by giving it a new approach to problem-solving.

Beyond that, we are using Discoveries in Music from Calvert School (I found it at Veritas Press) and Artistic Pursuits, which I purchased from Sonlight.

I enjoy sharing "Leading Little Ones to God" from the Sonlight Bible program with the little guys.  It is a sweet book.  This "leads" me to share what Bible passage has inspired me in my planning.  I couldn't say that just one verse stuck out to me.  What has inspired me is that God is a God of order and, this year, I am seeking to be more like Him.  Scott and I are working very hard to minimize the chaos and build flexible order and enduring joy into our home.

So, that's my plan.  I will keep the blog posted if I hear of any have-to-try products out there.

By the way, I want to share a piece of news that brought me great joy.  Last week, I received the official word from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (doesn't that sound official:-) that Professor Mom has officially been registered in my name.  This is a joy to me, as I am excited to keep providing content and resources to support all of you other "Professor Moms" in the world.

No, it's mid-August and time to prepare for the start of another school year.  How is yours going to look?

Try this on for size…

Every morning, you wake up refreshed after a full night's rest.  You walk into your clean kitchen and make a cup of your favorite herbal tea.  The kids are still asleep so you head upstairs and savor a rare moment of watching them while they sleep.  It is amazing how beautiful and innocent they are while they are sleeping. 

A glance at the clock breaks you out of your reverie, and you start rousing them one by one.  They know what to do so while you go back downstairs to make breakfast, they start their morning routine (wash up, get dressed, make beds, etc.) 

After breakfast, you start your school day.  Your curriculum is organized and each child has their own station, holding their current work and reflecting their own unique personality.  You pause a moment to smile and wonder at the differing personalities that can come from one family. 

You move through the day as a guide.  Whether teaching math facts or listening to a read-aloud, you are patient and encouraging.  During teaching time, you remain present in each moment, instead of being sucked into thinking about the next 20 items on your to-do list. 

After you enjoy a healthy lunch, the kids stretch their legs and play while you tend to some chores and allow yourself to catch up on a little knitting.  Then, it's back to the books, and the rest of the school day progresses until it is time to switch gears for family time.

Next, it's a quick trip to the backyard to breath some fresh air and cut some lovely flowers.  You get dinner started (based on the menu plan you made earlier this week.)  The house is buzzing with after-school activity.  You let it energize you as you splash some cold water on your face, run a brush through your hair and apply a fresh coat of lipstick.  Your face holds the glow that comes from a day of challenging, meaningful work.  Throw in a load of laundry, have the kids set the table and you are ready for Dad to walk in the front door.

The football is flying around the backyard as Dad and the kids tackle each other in the fall leaves.  The sound of laughter and good-natured teasing is your background music as you make your list for tomorrow.  Looks like it's time for a trip to the farmer's market for some plump, red tomatoes.  You decide a lesson in making homemade pasta sauce will be on the agenda for tomorrow afternoon.

When the kids are safely tucked into their beds, you do a quick pick up around the house, wipe down the countertops (yes, the dishes are done… the kids did them right after dinner) and sink into your softest cotton pjs.  You and Dad talk over the day and share funny anecdotes about the office and the kids.

Instead of watching TV, you write in your journal or get lost in a new novel for a while.  You are suddenly quite sleepy.  Time to turn off the light, sink into the blankets and drift off to sleep, satisfied and thankful for the many blessings in your life.

OK, OK…I know what you are thinking.  "She must be mad!  Who lives like that?"

Don't write off the fantasy just yet.  Allow yourself to see the possibilities of what could be, instead of wallowing in what is.

We are capable of doing so much more than we think we can.  The secret is to work smarter and make choices that reflect your priorities. 

Here's the challenge… pick just one thing.  That's right, which piece of our fantasy scenario tugged the most at your heart-strings?  Was it waking up refreshed?  Or was getting the kids on a routine the most appealing thought?  My personal favorite (and the current bane of my existence) is getting a real dinner on the table each and every night. 

How do we turn these heartfelt desires into reality?  Here are some tips for aligning your reality with your vision:

The Power of Planning – A good day starts the night before.  In order to feel centered, you need to eliminate the fear that you may be forgetting something important.  No voyager ever reached his destination without first charting his course.  Look at your calendar, lay out your clothes, and create an action list each and every day.  If you need extra motivation to build this habit, hit a stationary store and buy some paper that makes your heart sing.  Get into this daily habit, and you will feel stress lifting from your life.

Rut or Rescue? – Routine, it's a word that has been given an unfair hand in the world of connotations.  Often cited as boring, stifling or uninspired, routine is anything but.  I prefer words like life-giving, freeing, and energizing to describe my chosen routines.  Imagine those words when you create routines for yourself and your family.  When you have structure for the day-to-day things you must do, your mind is free to dwell on higher-level thoughts and activities.   

Coping with Curriculum- You have chosen to educate your children at home.  Own that!  If that means switching to a curriculum that gives you a daily plan, like Sonlight, then do it.  If you are a lover of living books, then the Charlotte Mason method is the way to go.  Don't get married to your curriculum unless it truly fits both your education goals andyour lifestyle.  Remember, the more peaceful you are throughout the day, the more your children will learn and love to learn.  It's a proven fact!  (At least it is in our household:-)

Organizing your Home- Yes, there are libraries filled with books on how to do this.  Wasn't it Thoreau who said, "Simplify, simplify"?  Be merciless with clutter; get rid of what you don't love or need.  Be diligent with cleaning in small chunks regularly.  And, employ help.  Do I mean hire a house cleaner?  Only if you can afford it.  Otherwise, make sure that each family member is contributing to the well-being of the household.  Side benefit - your kids will also learn some excellent lessons in responsibility and service.

Meal Planning- I admit with chagrin that this piece is my downfall.  I struggle with this daily and have for years.  I dislike grocery shopping (although I really don't know why.)  I am not a stellar cook and have no real affinity for cooking.  I also eat weird food at weird times of the day (a long story for another time:-).  Getting three squares on the table for my husband and sons isn't my strong suit.  My best advice is to make a meal plan, shop ahead, and keep it simple!  Unless you are a closet culinary contessa (and I know some of you are), keep the prep to a minimum.  Shoot for healthy, simple, satisfying food combinations and you can't go wrong.  Note:  To you culinary contessas, email me with your favorite meal-planning sites, and I will put them in a future post.

Avoiding Brain Drain- What drains you?  My top 4 brain drains are television, most news (papers, radio, magazines), clutter, and too much time without adult conversation.  (I'll get into the whole introvert/extrovert thing at a later date.)  For now, identify your brain drains and minimize them as much as possible.  For example, Scott and I have been on a news fast for a few weeks.  Amazingly, we are not any less knowledgeable about important world events.  We are, however, noticeably less cranky and preoccupied because we are no longer wasting our energy on things outside of our circle of influence.

Renewing your Spirit – On the flip side, look at what energizes you and gives you peace.  For me, exercise, reading, prayer, and laughing with just about anyone are at the top of my list.  Also, realize that when you feed your body healthy food, feed your spirit noble thoughts, and feed your system with enough sleep, you are renewing yourself as well.

There you have it… a preview of the year to come, along with all of the tools you need to truly make it your own.  Cheers!

If you knew me, you would know that I love all things time-management related.  I buy planners for fun and enjoy creating mind maps.  Categorizing a to-do list is my idea of a good time.  Personal productivity tools energize me in a way I can't even explain.  (All of you "paper lovers" out there can probably relate.)  Needless to say, any approach that maximizes my time and gets me working effectively draws my attention in a big way.  Over the years, though, I have become less enamored with the results I get from multi-tasking.

Goals by definition, are meaningful, focused outcomes, right?  If so, shouldn't we be working on a meaningful, focused outcome in a meaningful, focused way?  Maybe it's time to go back to the old adage of "do one thing and do it well." 

I do think multi-tasking has its place.  Nothing is taken from my phone conversations if I do a load of laundry or dust while I talk.  Similarly, if I go grocery shopping, it only makes sense that I stop at the dry cleaners and the library as well.

When I am writing an article or grading papers, however, I must focus completely on the task at hand or the quality of my effort suffers.  In order to produce my best work (and this also applies to the time I spend teaching the boys), I need to be in a focused state of mind.  A focused mind is clearer, it isn't cluttered up with the next three things on my to do list.  A focused mind is efficient, it doesn't waste valuable time and energy flipping between activities.  Most of all, a focused mind is effective.  By freeing the mind to concentrate on one thing and one thing only, it has more capacity for generating original thoughts and logically developing them. The yield… quality results and work I can be proud of.  Sometimes, I find myself in the "supermom" mentality, where I seek a greater quantity of activities, which makes me feel more productive.  But feeling productive and being productive are not one in the same.  To be productive, I want my efforts to yield excellence.

For instance, when I wrote the curriculum for my business communication course, I took chunks of time at night when the rest of the house was asleep rather than trying to cram it into my day.  I wouldn't have been able to focus on the task because it would have been competing with too many other tasks.  My thought process would have been continuously interrupted by the boys, the phone, the cat and the glaring eyes of my dust bunnies:-)

Instead, after getting the wee ones tucked into their beds, I took a hot shower, brushed my teeth (this always wakes me up!) and, with a cup of tea in hand, retreated upstairs to work.  I kept all of my materials in one basket where I could easily pick up where I left off the night before.

I then would decide how much time I wanted to spend on the project ahead of time.  Some nights I was ready to drop by 8pm (hmmm, anyone else out there know that feeling?)  Those are the nights I set myself to a half hour of easy tasks.  Other nights, I was really energized and could commit to three hours.  On those nights, I would see huge chunks of quality work just falling out of my brain.  When it was time for bed, I had a great sense of peace because I felt that I had truly produced my best work.

Over the next month, try focusing on your meaningful projects even just a little more.  Save the multi-tasking for the brainless, routine activities and concentrate the best parts of you on the work that will best fulfill the vision you have for your life!