How to Use a Bullet Journal as Your Homeschool Planner

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If your current homeschool planner system is just not working for you, then maybe it’s time to consider using a bullet journal as your homeschool planner. A bullet journal is everything that makes homeschooling unique – DIY, flexible, customizable and unique to you! Here’s what you need to know about transitioning to a bullet journal as your homeschool planner. Plus grab a FREE goal setting PDF at the end of this post.

The Magic of the Index Page

The bullet journal works primarily because of the index page. This is the chronological list of pages you add to your journal. It doesn’t need to be alphabetized, and in fact it can’t be! You just add the page title and page number to your magic index page each time you create new information in your bullet journal.

Here’s what I mean.

Manufactured planners will tell you exactly what needs to be on each page and how the calendar needs to be set up. But with a bullet journal, you’re in charge and can make it work for your life.

So, the index page will continue to grow as your bullet journal expands. In order to find the page you’re looking for, just scan the index for the correct page number.

If one of your topics runs out of room (Christmas gift list), then just start a new page for it and record the page number in your index.

So simple!

Here’s an explanation of the bullet journal by the original creator of this organization system:

Everything else is up to you

The true beauty of a bullet journal is in its flexibility and customization. Why rely on a manufacturer or popular blogger to tell you what to include in your planner? Do they know all the aspects of your life?

I’ve tried and failed to make “normal” planners work for me. But I really needed a bullet journal because I don’t simply keep dates on a calendar. I keep lists! And tons of them. I constantly need to dump the contents of my brain on paper, and a bullet journal lets me keep all that information organized.

So, while a bullet journal can be anything you want it to be, I do think it’s particularly useful for list nerds.

And who has more lists that need to be juggled than a homeschool mom?

Supplies for Getting Started

You could technically use any type of journal or notebook. You could even use a spiral school notebook if you don’t want to spend more than $1.

But if you want a beautiful piece that will also stay together through much use, then I’ll link to the notebook that I’m using right now – its pages are sewn in, which keeps it sturdy, and the cover looks and feels like soft leather.

You could also go simple and use a ballpoint pen in your bullet journal, but I find myself more inspired and motivated by color! Check below for the pens I’m currently using for everything. And best of all – they have vibrant color but do not bleed through the bullet journal pages.

You could also get really artistic in a bullet journal, and there are plenty of beautiful images on Pinterest to inspire you. But I don’t have time (or desire) for that, so my bullet journal is just my written notes, ideas, lists, and due-dates. In other words, if you want simple, then do it. If you want artsy and graphics, then do it.

Simplicity is the key with a bullet journal. Don’t make it a complicated system, or you won’t use it. The power of a bullet journal comes in its daily use. So make it work for you and see your productivity explode!

How to use a bullet journal for homeschool planning

Instead of having multiple planners – like your personal calendar, meal planning list, kids school calendars, and curriculum lists & plans – you can combine it all into one bullet journal. This is great for consistency and efficiency since everything is in one place.

What do you normally plan out for homeschool? Just include those planning pages in your bullet journal.

A bullet journal can function just like a typical homeschool planner. Here are some ideas of what you could include in your bullet journal for homeschooling :

Mapping out unit studies
List of books your child has read
Charting out your K-8 plan
Organizing your curriculum plan & goals for high school
List of curriculum to purchase
Denoting each child’s individual plan for the year
Keeping track of online course login information
Charting out habits & life skills for your kids to work on

Goal Setting

Bullet Journals are amazing tools for setting goals and then accomplishing them. Because you have all your data, lists, brainstorming, calendars, and lists of quarterly goals all in one place, you’re able to set weekly tasks more efficiently and also make sure they get done.

If you want some help in setting meaningful goals, then you can grab a free goal setting guide at 4onemore.com

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Abby Banks

Abby is a former public school teacher, now homeschooling her five children. She’s in the trenches just like you and knows it can be challenging to be home with your kids all day while you struggle to keep up with the housework and educate your kids (and maybe even work on the side!). She blogs over at www.4onemore.com and hosts the Homeschool with Moxie podcast.