I had been using a paper and pencil planner since we first began homeschooling. In fact, I was using a paper and pencil planner before I even considered homeschooling. Planning weekly lessons and unit studies in my spiral planner was what I had grown accustomed to since I first began my professional teaching career.
Over the years I’d tried a few online planners but I had never found one that had all the components I desired. These planners were rigid in what view options they provided. I wasn’t able to slide everything forward if we missed a day due to illness or an unexpected detour. I grew skeptical.
Recently, my life took a dramatic turn. We recently made the decision to move back to Oregon. In doing so, our financial situation changed and I thus have returned to working outside the home. I am teaching again in the public schools and as such, I found that my planning system was not working. I needed to find a way to better communicate with my own children what was expected of them.
I received a subscription to Homeschool Planet and compensation for my time in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are true and completely our own.
I had been hearing a lot of good things about Homeschool Planet. When the opportunity arose to review the program, I knew it was time. Perhaps this was the system that would work for us.
I couldn’t not have been a better choice! We LOVE Homeschool Planet. Homeschool Planet has eliminated the stress and anxiety that comes with lesson planning.
My Favorite Homeschool Planet Features
There are many great features to Homeschool Planet. In an effort not to overwhelm you, I will highlight those I like best.
Flexibility
I love the flexibility of the program. I have the choice of using three different calendar views – daily, weekly, or monthly. I can also see everyone’s calendar or narrow the scope to single individuals.
Individualized
As my kiddos approach high school, more and more of their work is done independently. I love that each child has their own login with which they can view and check off their assignments when completed.
Tracking Made Easy
In the elementary school years, I didn’t keep a grade book. As they near high school, it is critical that I begin to do so. Homeschool Planet makes attendance tracking, grading, and transcript creation easy. Currently there is not a way to set up semesters or terms. Members can, however, print out date specific grade reports.
Digest Emails
Perhaps the best feature – in my opinion – are the digest emails that are sent to everyone in the family. The daily digest is essentially a list of the individual’s own schedule, assignments, and chores for the day. This is perfect for my son who needs to be reminded regularly of what he needs to complete! My daughter, on the other hand, prefers the weekly digest.
How I Use the Online Homeschool Planner
One of the great things about the program is the flexibility. Homeschool Planet provides many video tutorials to help you get started with the program. They will walk you through the process of setting up your classes and adding assignments. Once you’ve done that, the true fun begins as you begin to explore the functionality of the program and begin to tweak little things here and there to make it work best for you and your family.
Let me walk you through how I use the Homeschool Planet online planner system:
With this online homeschool planner, I can rest knowing that my children are aware of what lessons are expected of them.
Try It Today
Homeschool Planet costs $65 for a 1 year subscription OR $6.95/month. They also provide a FREE 30-trial subscription. Give it a try today. You have nothing to lose!
If you like the product – as I know you will – at the end of the trial month they will convert your trial subscription to a paid-for account and add 365 days to your trial subscription.
Learn more! Click on the link to learn more about Homeschool Planet or follow them on social media (Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and/or Google+).