Well, it is getting to be that time of year when we have our evaluations . How is everyone doing with their portfolios? I have most of my daughters' done, but I still need to write down what we did. For some reason, I just don't like to do this and I wait until the last minute to write it down . Since I wait until the last minute, I'll just to a monthly journal type thing. I also hope for better organization for next year.

I have all of her awards, field trip photos, work examples already in place. The only things left to put in there are the monthly journals, a portfolio cover, one field trip photos, and list of books we used for the year. I also will be adding to her reading list every day. I have already typed up five pages of her reading books .

We will be taking her portfolio and her body study book with us to her evaluation.
I also have my son's portfolio to finish, but I am not in much of hurry for his to be completed. He will be tested and does not need a portfolio, but our state requires that we keep one for two years. Just need to do the list of books we have used and the monthly journal for his book.

I am up to date on the daily log and examples of their work but I need to make a list of field trips and activities and get pictures developed and placed in there

Ack!!!!

That time already?

I am preparing my kids portfolios for this year. I like to use the Portfolio Covers at donnayoung.org. She has lots to choose from.

Each of my kids are color coded. Example: boy is red, daughter#1 is green, daughter#2 is blue, and daughter#3 is purple. I just print out the portfolios on the color for each child, place them in the sleeve on the front of the binder. I also print up matching spinal covers. That way they can pick up their own books right away.

It gets when you pick up a notebook, bring it to the table, and then realize it is not yours. So, the color coding helps here. I have also used the same colors for their rulers, pencils, spiral notebooks, and pencil holders.

WOW! These are really nice portfolio covers that are easy to print. I just printed one to check it out. I will be using more of these in the future...

Even my kids agree that we were a little disorganized last year. My only excuse is that it was our first year and we tweaked the system quite a bit, which made organization difficult. This year, we've a much clearer plan of what we are trying to accomplish and better lesson plans. I would now like to tackle the output hurdle. I know we want to do some kind of portfolio for history/ literature, but for the book learning type classes that are more structured, I'm at a loss. For example, I don't want individual math lessons spread all over the work area along with other loose papers. My idea was a notebook, but the girls don't like that idea. They are older, so they don't want anything too much like ps or like little kids. Any suggestions?

My daughter puts her finished work in a file folder ( the ones that go in a file cabinet) on my desk. I grade it, she corrects any work if needed and then we put it away in her file in the file cabinet. a lot of other stuff stays in her zippered binder, and she has a spiral notebook for Bible verses/copywork. DS has the same system but I put his papers in the files. He is too young to do it.

I throw all the daily lessons away as soon as they're graded and corrected.

This would is a good idea, unless you need to keep a sample of the work. You will need to keep this in a portfolio, deeps on your state requirements.

I would either put the work in a file folder or make the kids keep them neat and orderly in a notebook. They will need to know how to do this, if they go on to college. I think it is important to teach a child to keep their work orderly in a notebook. Just my .

This is my goal.

Angie, sounds like we're in the same boat! We are going into the second year here as well. I'd have to say that we use the spiral notebooks for math. But only for math. This is the easiest way to keep everything together.

The only problem I could see with throwing the lessons away is with older kids in higher level math (algebra and up). They may need the worked problems to study for a test. But that wouldn't be necessary for the younger ones.

With notebooking in almost every other subject, my dc haven't complained too much of using spirals for math. I think it is actually easier for them to just grab that & their textbook & do their work.

That's my problem. I am trying to teach the kids orderliness but momma needs to be an example.

I am determined to be more organized and better prepared this year.

We had a rough time and my daughter wrote me a note telling me we were missing too much work. Not that she particularly wanted to do the work but thought I might need to know this.

Out of the mouth of babes ... ... ..?

I bought those portable file folder boxes with handles. We use the boxes as personal file boxes with hanging folders for each subject. The dc and I each have a box. It is easy to look things up if we need to refer back, and it makes it easy to cull out when necessary. For example, if we are studying a topic for a period of time, we put a file folder with the topic's label behind the appropriate subject. Upon completion of the topic study, we can move the folder to the big filing cabinet or keep it in the personal boxes, depending on whether dc will want to access the file later. It makes it easier than putting everything right into the big file cabinet because it provides us quicker and faster access until we are completely finished with something. Dc often like to make books, etc. of what has been learned. This system makes it easy to hold work until it is ready to be put into a final presentation format. For us, this method is more compact, portable and user-friendly than other methods.

Thanks for all your suggestions. Sometimes it just takes an outside look to help you see what's in front of you.

I have a question about this.

For those who have their children evaluated, do you have to keep every paper that they do? or do you keep like a paper a week, or what?

This is one of the main reasons why I don't do evaluations because I just can't stand all the papers everywhere.

We used spiral notebooks too. They didn't tear out any pages, just worked through the notebook until it was full and started a new one. We do it for spelling too.

Chocolate,
We only have to keep a sample of their work. Usually all the tests and a few lessons that show improvement. I keep all the work and then use the best examples of improvement at the end of the year. Then I'm going to try to make myself throw the rest away. I am a packrat But I'm working on it. I have 6 more bags going to the thrift store today I've been taking the clutter out of my house a little each week. It feels great

Our math, Abeka, is pulled out of the book for my sone He doesn't like to work in the workbook. Then we 3 hole punch it and put it in a notebook. My daughter, likes to keep it in her workbook, so we do. I save a couple of pages from beginning, middle and end, to show progress. I try to be more and more organized every year. This is our 6th year. Whew! Can't believe that one!

This year we will use spirals for math, spelling, grammar, copy work and Home-Ec/Wood Working/Shop and journals for nature and writing. Big Binders for History and Science we are going to use file folder lapbooks and place them in a clear sleeve protectors. Each will have an index, reference pages, reading book log from year to date. Divisions for Units or Time periods, and biographies, inventions,maps etc,etc. Still planning their requirements and check lists for each book .

I will have them design their binders cover using their own sketches/paintings and use Donna's labels for the sides.(These have the slip covers on them)

They each have their own 2-drawer file cabinets to keep their notebooks and files for paper research in. And a bin to keep their school supplies we use in class. We had a problem of them not having supplies available for class work so we doubled up and now they have their own personal supply kept in their room for their creative moments.

I even have supply box for each of the grandchildren when they come, they want to play school too.

Simplifying my life is my goal and more independent work for my older two dc

I like spiral books, but my son is left handed and hates to write in them. He likes to take one page out of a workbook, notebook, or whatever and put it on a clipboard. One sheet at a time, can't have two. Afterwards he is suppose to put them in his 3 ring binder. I have to get onto him about that almost every day.

We are doing something similar, if and when I can get the boys to write that much. Otherwise, a lot of fill in the blank from their literature readings, adding to a 3-ring binder (whether they use the 3-ring, or I just pull from it each day for them). Then I will transfer it to a clear protector (love those!) to their portfolio as we go along. ~Strict state requirements.

But, last year, I used an expandable folder with the 5 sections, for each child. This worked well to put their 'work to keep' organized.

(This is our second year too.)

we switched to a 3 ring binder a couple of months ago and it is really nice. I printed out Donna's divider pages for lang. arts, science, history and art put them in page protector's so that I can just add the pages as we go. We use a workbook for math and phonics so I keep them in the book. Although I need to take out a few for our portfolios, I do that at the end of the year.

With the page protector's in there it looks so fresh and neat and is very pleasing to the eye.

Hi Gals---
I am feeling I need to use a lesson planner---How many of you use them and which and where can you get the best one--- I have not checked any site yet ( including yours Donna) as I am typing this something tells me I have seen one at your site--Any hoo .. How necessary do you who use planners feel they are or aren't? I trying to be Very prepared for full time mode!!

Ok Dork alert-- --Sorry Donna-- they don't call me Dory for nothing you have a wide range----------thanks
But is still like all of your input on the necessity of them--please

Donna has some great ones on her web page and the CD, but I chose to go ahead and purchase one from Staples. Actually, I have one for each girl and I really like having them.

We are having printer difficulties and so I can never be sure when I will be able to print. (We need a new one.) Having the at-hand lesson planner is much easier for me bc I plan only a week at a time.

I use the planners that I have on my web site. I used to keep them in a notebook, but for the past few years, I have been gluing the lesson plan right into the books so the kids can work independently. I still keep my master set in one place though. (The master set basically consists of semester planners, one subject per planner page, with the entire year planned)

I use the ones on Donna's site. Love love love them thank you so much. I have to do a lesson plan or i'd lose my mind

I ended up making my own template in Word. I tried several and couldn't find exactly what I wanted (not enough journal space, or the blocks were too small for my writing, etc.) I have a two-page spread for the week with another two-page spread behind it that lists the books that my daughter read for the week, any field trips we took, events we have coming up, etc. I have additional lined journal pages in the back for when I want to add more lengthy notes. Once I got it the way that I wanted I printed off the sheets for a years use and had it spiral bound at Kinko's for about $5. They put a nice clear cover on the front/black on the back, and my daughter even designed a cover for me. That's my favorite part. I plan on doing the same thing next year because it's really been handy. Oh - I also keep a calendar in the front with the ps days off marked since my daughter has a lot of friends in the neighborhood.

Next year I'm thinking of adding in blank calendar sheets for each month to keep in the beginning of the planner so I can keep from carrying around a planning calendar for appointments and activities, etc. Still in the planning stages.

I started out using lesson planners, but the kids have caught on and are doing everything themselves now. I did feel more in control doing them though... may havta get em out again.

I purchased the Garden Patch CD and use some of them along with many of Donna's. I kind of take what I need from where ever. BUT, being a former financial analyst/accountant I have made several forms in excel. I love excel because you can do just about anything you want in it. I find it much easier than using Word. But, whatever works?! I have a binder for myself and each of my three children. (and then there's my daily planner for my purse, my home management binder... just call me binder queen ) I have downloaded the free version of Homeschool tracker but have yet to really use it. Until I can get my computer in the same room where the kids work, I find I won't use it.

I've used the planner pages from Donna's site and others that I've found. I need to get back to having one for each of the kids for those subjects that they do independently. I too feel more in control when I do the planning out on paper. I don't use any computer programs as I can't depend on my computer to cooperate with the printer. I print out one copy when I can for a master and then make copies as I need them.

I've not tried using the purchased planners - just can't spend the money when I know that I can make my own or print them off the net or Donna's CD whenever I need them.

I really do love Donna's CD as there is so much so much on there. Lots of extras that aren't on the net.

Here is a time saver when using homemade lesson plan forms. Before making copies of your forms, write in anything that you repeat every week like spelling tests or the name of you dc's workbook. Then, you just have to fill in the page numbers or any information that changes. If you purchase a lesson plan book, you can make a copy of these routine items to glue or staple in every week. I'm sure many of you do this already, but I thought it was worth mentioning. Hope it helps someone! Also, Post-it notes have made my life much easier lately with our ever-changing semi-unschooling / unit studies situation. My dc helps choose the units, but my husband and I make the plans to ensure that we cover all the necessary information and all the essential skills. I tend to over plan, so if I want to use an idea that we don't get to, I can move it to the next week without rewriting it. I also use Post-its to make notes to myself throughout the day about topics or skills that I need to address later. I can quickly put a note on the next day's or week's plan, so I don't forget to take care of it.

I like this idea. I made the mistake of NOT using a lesson planner. I tried using the one that came in each of the books from BJU and ABEKA and ended up totally lost. I am now a huge advocate of lesson planners.

Could that be why I got so far behind?

I'm really starting to get that "itch"! I don't know why exactly. I have about 90% of our texts already and I'm raring to get started.

I'm one of these people who likes to have everything done WAY before I'm supposed too. LOL!

Yes we're doing AO and gathering books for yrs 4 and 5.

I love to plan, and replan, and then plan some more . . . . and how much actually gets done?

love to plan, and replan, and then plan some more . . . . and how much actually gets done?

Boy does this sound familiar

This is why I started using pencils. I'm wondering if my hubby can make a program that I can type in our weeks schedule and hit delete when I need to change something and print it out at the end of the week to put in my notebook.

I just bought a book for next year ... I found it on Ebay yesterday and decided to get it before it was gone! Who HOO!

I love to make planning sheets! I've made all kinds of basic sheets using Word and the table function. Now, if I would just implement all of the planning!

This is what I did (as mentioned earlier) using Word. I made a template with days across the top and subjects down the side. At the beginning of each week I type in my girls' assignments and then print out a sheet for each of them with duplicate copies for me. Then they just check off each thing as they get it done. I use my sheet as a reminder of what work of theirs I need to check. It also contains the books that I need to read aloud to them. I LOVE making up these sheets. Silly, aren't I?

Yes I am planning for next year, but the planning is also becoming the "prayfer" list, since we don't have money yet to buy the materials needed!!! So I will plan and pray and plan and pray ...

Someday's I need a checklist to do the checklist. And some days we do really great and finish quickly and I feel we forgot something So I double check.

And tell them you guys are to good. Your finished for the day and its 1:00.

I love days like that.

I understand all of you alls comments so much. Plan and replan--rethink--reschdule and not much actually gets done.

I have just bought the Office in A Bag from FLYLADY and starting to get "organized" (see my top comment) and i was up late last night printing forms off donnayoung-disk and the web pages. To get my life organized. . . still adding to the calendar all my "bills" to be paid on which date--helps me in seeing it all on one page--instead of digging thru piles and piles of envelopes and such. Dr appointments for the kids----and bday/anniv for family. Hoping this time it will work.

Keep up the good work. . .striving for my organization to work on bills, home, and HS.

That is so funny! I love to plan and research and plan, but when it comes down to actually doing the stuff... well thats another story. I wish I wasn't like that though. I need a job planning for other people, that way I can do what I love but not have to do the "other" work, LOL

I can't wait to go to a homeschool convention this year to start planning for next year. The first year I went, we weren't actually homeschool yet (needless to say--I wa overwhelmed!). So now I get to go with some sort of experience under my belt and I know exactly what I am looking for!

I'm a dreamer - I'm always planning something! Yes, I've already started making schedules that I won't follow for '05-'06, and I'm having lots of fun doing it! I figure if I get half as much accomplished as what's in my planning notebooks I'll be a winner.

Boy am I glad to hear I'm not the only one! Dh thinks I've lost my mind when I start planning so early.

I also love to make planning sheets. It's fun!

I thought it was just me.. lol. So glad to see I'm not alone!

I already have 50% of next year's books and supplies, I think. I also love the planning phase since it is so full of possibilities.

I have a list for each child and keep looking on my swap boards to pick up what I can second hand. It has been working well that way.

Oh yes, I was at a stuck point ... not in resources, not in living each day with my children ... but with conforming to the rigours of providing a portfolio for each child and daily maintaining our planner. seemingly after the facts.

I've come to the conclusion this past week ~I need to redo our mission statement for our home; and provide a new statement of intent for each child. This has helped immensely in my refocus.

I havent got the itch yet. That usually happens in July/Aug for me, but I do try to keep an eye out for bargains at booksells and flea markets. I love when school supplies go on sale during that time too.

Guess I am too wrapped up on trying to finish up this years schooling plus coop is going to start soon so I have to get that all planned for my K class. Thats so wonderful that y'all are planning ahead. I dont do it till last min ;p though I am trying to organize my movie unit studys to put on my web site so I can better find when my son is old enough to use.

.

Just make a table in word make it look like a lesson plan book page and put in what you PLAN to do print it and then make changes as they hapen before you print a copy to FILE with what actually got done.

I want to get started planning too, but first I have to get this years stuff ready for review! and on top of all of that we will be moving soon.
I have said that once we move we will start again, but the other day I bought a summer book getting ready for 3rd grade so we might start that now.

I'm starting to get that itch.
I just love planning ... ... It's the implementation of my plans that is the trouble.

Well, my itch has been stalled by other stuff happening. But I am trying to move ahead on that. Since we will be schooling year round, we'll just kind of blend one year into the next. We'll just take a break here and there to let me regroup. But I bought this new curriculum--Blaise mentioned it in a post somewhere--and I really like it. It's Robinson Curriculum, and then I also got Accelerated Achievement which is similar but has a little more of the language arts.
But I'm really excited to get going on it.

I USE to quilt ... before homeschooling... I picked this name out a REALLY long time ago!

I have finished a few projects since starting...but very few ...

You're welcome... glad to help ... my hubby is gone...suffering for his nation in Paris... I need to talk to someone ... you all just happen to be close by ...

I had the itch scratched it and am now ready for everything. I love buying new books. so when the opportunity arises I stand at attention.

By the way... had to share...

I posted above at 8:46 pm...according to the clock on this web site, that I was going to go plan my son's math lessons. I also chatted with you all a bit...
Granted I am copying a lesson plan from the year we are finishing and reordering it ... but I am now DONE with planning 155 lessons (an entire year's worth of assignments) ... look at the time this post was done...

Had to spark your interest! In the beginning data input is a lot of work and time consuming ... I've been using this 1 1/2 years ... but it gets easier and faster with the tools this program offers!

Thanks I will check it out tomorrow morning saved the site url already though

I'm not itching, but I am planning ...

I feel rather burnt out on so many different levels ... and it just doesn't seem to stop ...

I think the problem is that, so many of us are Type A and we can't stand not doing something.

I think that we should all have down time, when we aren't accomplishing a thing, but taking care of ourselves. Even for an hour or two. We are worth it!

It is certainly okay to plan a week, without anything urgently being cleaned, sorted or planned.

<OMG, did I say that!>

I'm still just in the thinking about it stage, which is bad because I'm such a procrastinator. That's probably one of the main cons to my homeschooling, it's just so easy to put whatever off until tomorrow. We started Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons when Dd6 was 4 (she is a December baby, so all her friends were in K), and we've now done a total of maybe 20 lessons. The good news is she has learned to read anyway, but really, I am so pathetic! I'm thinking about doing Ambleside Online, but I am going to HAVE to stick to some kind of schedule or I am going to drown in a major way!!!