Scene One - Panicky Homeschool Mom - A Month Before School Begins:

• I'm homeschooling Danny this year. That makes four kids!
• How am I going to keep everyone straight?
• What about scheduling?
• What about lesson plans?

Scene Two - Harried Homeschool Mom - Two Months Later:

• Johnie, you're going to have to use the computer to find that capital. Wait a minute. Debbie's using it for her book report.
  
• We really need a new computer but we're never able to stay on budget.
• No, Danny, I don't know the name of that other library book, but you'd better find it. It's due today!
• *Ring, ring* Hello. I'm sorry Honey. No I don't know what we're having for supper tonight. Could you just pick up a pizza on the way home? Yes I know that we've already had take out three times this week, but I just can't seem to get everything done. This homeschool group planning has really bogged me down. I just don't have time to plan a menu. 

• Debbie when you get done looking that up, it's Johnie's turn to use the computer. Until then, I think there's something about the presidents in our Schoolhouse Planner.
• Only two more months, kids, and we should be able to buy that new laptop. I'm sure thankful for the Schoolhouse Planner's Budget Sheets.
• Danny the list of your library books is posted on the refrigerator on the Schoolhouse Planner's library items list. Check it out, please, and see when they are due.
  
• *Ring, ring* Hello. Yes Dear. I think I'm going to try that new Chicken and Rice recipe I found in the Schoolhouse Planner. What? Oh, no need to pick up anything. I used one of the grocery lists from my Schoolhouse Planner and have everything we need. I love you too Dear. Bye
• *Ring, ring* Oh, hello Babs. Yes, everything is planned for the homeschool group tomorrow. I used the Co-op planning list from my Schoolhouse Planner. I wanted to ask if you got yours yet? Yes, isn't it wonderful?! Since I received mine, I have been so much calmer. Not as much stress. And the kids are calmer, too. Since using the homeschool schedulers from the Planner the day is so much easier. Oh, yes, the lapbook section was worth it all! Have you tried that July recipe... 

Can it really be that easy? Can there really be an amazing thing like the The Old Schoolhouse's (TOS) 2009 Schoolhouse Planner? I have to answer YES! YES! YES!

Oh, ok, I know the above scenerio sounds like "Leave it to Beaver", but being a homeschooling mother (or father ) can be stressful. You have to make sure you have lesson plans, and a grade book, and book report forms, and a schedule, and...and...and! When I first started, I looked all over the internet and downloaded everything I could get. Then I would have to remember which file I stored it all in! Boy, I wish I would have had the Schoolhouse Planner back then. I even wish I had it before then! The Homeschool Planner was written by homeschool parents from suggestions that came from homeschool parents. It has everything you can think of whether it has to do with homeschooling or not. The table of contents(pdf) itself is six (6-SIX) pages long! And, listen to this. When I first downloaded all of those lesson plan forms, schedules, etc. I had to print them out, then fill them out, then put them in a binder, etc. With this downloaded e-book, you can fill everything out right on your computer and then print it out or save it for later! But, let me quit talking about it and show you.

There is a Calender section with timely homeschool articles, resource lists and easy recipes (yes, I said recipes) for each month.

There is a Miscellaneous Educational Information section with all kinds of helpful information from homeschoolers and non-homeschoolers alike.

There's the great, ready to type on, Homeschool Form section with 77 (Seventy Seven!) different forms. Many, like the Nature Journal and the Library Item list, can be used by non-homeschool families as well.

Perhaps the most surprising section is the Household Forms section. This one would be worth the price all by itself. There are over 40 forms in this section. Anything from household chore forms to budget forms to menu planning lists. All, of course, can be typed on straight from the computer.

I know, this sounds too good to be true, but, don't take my word for it, click here and check out the table of contents(pdf) yourself. After you check that out, you can find more information by clicking on any one of the links above or here and you will go to TOS's Homeschool Planner page.

Remember, I told you from the beginning that I would be honest with you about anything that I review here. I would not have thought about buying this until I actually was able to see one for myself. However, after seeing it, I love it and am looking forward to using it this school year. The Homeschool Planner is one of those items where you have to buy it, see it and use it before you are convinced. For some, the price of $39 might scare them away from trying something new. First of all, I can assure you that the Planner is worth it. Second of all, the planner comes with a money back guarantee. So, don't like it, you'll get your money back! If you order before July 12 you even receive all of the 2008 Planner excerpts for FREE! So, what are you waiting for? Whether you homeschool or not, TOS's Homeschool Planner can help you get organized and quit being stressed. Go over to The Old Schoolhouse's website and check it out.

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