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!
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 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!
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.
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!!!!👍📒📚📏😆
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!
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.
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
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....
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.
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.
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!
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!!
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.
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.
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!!
@@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!
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
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.
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
@@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. 🤦🏻♀️
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.
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
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!!
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... 💕💕
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 :).
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 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?
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.
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.
@@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: th-cam.com/video/bkf6OC0rb30/w-d-xo.html
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.
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?
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.
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
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.
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!!!
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.
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?
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?
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... th-cam.com/video/bkf6OC0rb30/w-d-xo.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.
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?
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 😁
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. :)
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"?
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?
@@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.
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.
@@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!
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?
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!
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?
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 😊.
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. ❤️
@@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?
@@sepidehsanaz I have a facebook community facebook.com/groups/minimalisthomeschoolingzara specifically for people implementing minimalist homeschooling. I'd love to see you there!
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?
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?
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.
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?
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 - 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 TH-cam 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!
@@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?
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: th-cam.com/video/bkf6OC0rb30/w-d-xo.html
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 ;).
🔥 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!!!
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.
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.
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?
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."
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!
Awesome Autumn! I'm so happy to help! Spread the word that homeschooling doesn't have to be crazy-complicated!
This was exactly what I was looking for thank you so much for keeping it super simple! its perfect!
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 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. :)
You are so very welcome! Have a great year!
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!
Oh! What a great idea! Thank you for coming back and letting me know how it went!
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.
Ha ha ha. I'm so glad this helped!
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!!!!👍📒📚📏😆
Hooray! So glad to hear you're off and running :). Hope to see you around...
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!
Wishing you a fantastic year!!! Thanks so much for taking the time to leave this kind comment!
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.
Margie! Thank you so much for this feedback. I'm so happy that this method found a happy home in your homeschool. 😁
Best video EVER!!!! No more planners for me!!!! Thank you!!!!!!!
You're so welcome!!! Have a very happy New Year!
This video was awesome! So helpful in really simplifying the planning process for me. Thank you!
This is brilliant. I think another alternative would be blank paper in a binder...for those of us who move stuff around a lot. 😀
Of course! Do it your way!
Thanks for sharing! It seems so simple and that’s what makes it so brilliant. Wishing you all the best.
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
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!
Yay! Thanks! And, I'm so glad it helped!
A very good model that is changeable for each individual family schedule and number of kids in the family. Thanks
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....
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.
I really like this way of planning, it looks so easy and so inexpensive. I will be using it for my kiddos. Thank you.
Brisset Cousin Yay! You’re welcome!!!
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.
Welcome to homeschooling! I hope you have a great year!
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!
You are so very welcome! Happy to help 😁😁
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! 🙏🙏🙏
Yay! You got this!
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 love this!!!! Thank you!! Such a lightbulb moment!!
Sarita Mendoza you are so welcome! 😘
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.
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.
@@ZaraPhD thanks. My kids are young and don’t write to much currently but I’m sooo doing this.
Thank you for sharing and I love ur handwriting!
You're so welcome, and thanks!
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!!
Hooray! Thanks so much for the feedback, and I hope you have a GREAT year with your kiddos!
Thanks Zara!!!
Wondering.... how do you keep your files and general stuff together?? Extra notes, spelling words, books to have on hand
@@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!
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
You are so welcome! Wishing you all the simple things...
This is an excellent idea, to save on time & resources. Thank you for sharing your knowledge!
You are so very welcome! Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment :)
Home schooling this sept...using the notebook.....amazing idea. Love the video..gracias!!!!
You're so welcome! Thanks for the comment :)
This is how i think! Finally! Thank you.
LOVE this! Just what I was looking for! Super simple is best for my brain :)
I am so glad this helps! Thank you for your comment, and for watching! Wishing you all the simple things...
EVERYTHING about this video is inspiring! ✨💖✨
I will be experimenting with this Fall 2020
Wishing you a simple year!
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.
It seems great I a got lost mid way ... I wanna try it
This just saved me so much money from buying an expensive planner! Thank you!
Oh My!!! Where has this video been?? Running to the store to get spiral notebooks now!!! Thank you for sharing!!
Ha ha ha. So happy to help you! Wishing you all the simple things... -Zara
thanks so much for this video. i am going to do this when planning for this new school year.
You are so welcome! Hooray for simple planning!
Brilliant! Thank you :)
You are so very welcome!
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
Thank you, I knew IT had to be a simpler way to plan Home school !!You are amazing Thankyou.! Just keep it Simple!!!
Ha ha ha! That's what I'm here for! Thank you so much for the feedback :)
This is great! Thanks for sharing.
You are so welcome! Thank you for commenting!
This what great! Simple and flexible. Do you still use this system?
Yes! I have modified it a bit, but yes, it still works.
@@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. 🤦🏻♀️
@@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 😁.
I love this!! Thank you so much!!
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.
Thank you, Meeghan! You nailed it! The time we spend with them is what makes a great homeschool... not the pretty planner. 💝
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
th-cam.com/video/bkf6OC0rb30/w-d-xo.html
Great!!! I’ve bought different planners and non of them helped me. Definitely, I’m doing this instead. Thank you 😊
I like your handwriting!
Awww, shucks. Thanks! 😁
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!!
Kristen Trask ha ha ha. There’s probably an Enneagram type or something for people like us! 😂
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..
This is GENIUS. Thank you thank you!
You are very welcome :)
So would you have to make a separate notebook for each child?
Short answer: Yup. See other comments for more discussion on this 👇
I love this idea and am thinking of testing homeschooling this summer. How can I use this program for middle and high school students?
Wish I can like this video more than one time
That’s a great idea to start my bullet journal. Thank you for a great video.
You are so welcome! I am so glad that this helps. Thanks for watching, and for your feedback :).
Exactly what I need! Thank you new subscriber here
You are so very welcome! Thank you for the feedback, and welcome!
What is the measurement for making the columns in the daily schedule? This is great! Thank you!
I replied to another comment... if I remember correctly, they are about 3cm wide for 5 columns in a standard spiral notebook :).
LOOOOOOOVE THIS!!!
Thanks for the feedback!
Bless you!!!!!!❤️❤️❤️🐐
What??!!! I got a 🐐!!! I'm not freaking out or anything. Really. Ok. Maybe I am a little. And blushing. 😘
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... 💕💕
ma milagros antonio why hello there! I am so happy to help! Welcome ❤️
Loved your video...keeping it simple. 😊
Thanks! Simple is the new smart ;).
What do you consider major and minor subjects? Loved this way to plan 😍 Thanks for sharing.
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'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
Awww. I hope this puts your sweet mama's heart at ease :). Wishing you all the simple things this school year!
@@ZaraPhD thank you so much...much love to you and your family🤗
You’re a genius ♥️
Ha ha ha. We all have a bit of genius in us, don't we 😉. Thanks for taking the time to brighten my day!
I saw your address when you sent me my SITNS stuff... DC is a heck of a field trip from there!
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 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?
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.
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.
@@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: th-cam.com/video/bkf6OC0rb30/w-d-xo.html
So is this one spiral notebook per child or one spiral notebook for the homeschool?
Yes. See replies to similar comments below for more info...
Great idea! 👏🏽
Thanks for the comment! :)
Thank you for this!!!!!
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.
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?
super simple thanks
You are so very welcome! Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment!
So it’s one per kid?
Short answer: Yup. See other comments for more discussion on this 👇
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.
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
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.
You are so smart
WOW! Thanks! ;). I'm so glad this helped!
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!!!
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.
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?
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?
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... th-cam.com/video/bkf6OC0rb30/w-d-xo.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.
How do you use this system to log hours? Our state requires hours logged in addition to a plan book and work samples.
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?
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 😁
Hi Jo from England!!! I'm so happy this helps :). I hope you have a great year!
Would you add read aloud books to the kids reading list?
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. :)
Do you use one notebook for all children? Or does each child need his own?
This is one for each child. I really need to make a video of how I use one notebook for all of us...
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"?
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?
@@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.
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.
@@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!
@@jennicane4630, of course! Let me know how it goes! Wishing you all the simple things, Zara
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?
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!
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?
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 😊.
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. ❤️
@@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?
@@sepidehsanaz I have a facebook community facebook.com/groups/minimalisthomeschoolingzara specifically for people implementing minimalist homeschooling. I'd love to see you there!
That was awesome! Do you have one per kid because you stated sample work?
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?
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! 💕
Yay! I'm thrilled you found me, too! Thanks so much for the comment
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?
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.
Thank you!
You are so very welcome!
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?
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!
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.
@@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 TH-cam 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!
@@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.
@@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?
So, you are using that week schedule you wrote out for 6
Weeks?!
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: th-cam.com/video/bkf6OC0rb30/w-d-xo.html
on the weekly schedule you didn't use one inch and didn't note the spacing. what works best?
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.
New subbie
Regina Crystal Cordoba welcome!
One notebook per child?
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 ;).
I do something similar...:)
Simple is the New Smart! Right?
🔥 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!!!
Where do you find these 10 cent notebooks?
Back to school sales Stock up like our mothers did
What he said. Back to school sales for the win!
What state do you live in? I live in Florida. Will this work for Florida?
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.
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.
Thanks for jumping in on this, Lisa! Good to know :).
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?
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."
Excellent thank you
You are welcome! And thank YOU for taking the time to comment :)
I love this! Thank you!!