Planning isn’t about a perfect schedule. It’s about preparing for the days you’ll actually have, not just the good ones.
Here’s how I plan our homeschool year, month and week with six kids, the two planners I love right now, and how we build margin into our days.
Disclosure: Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them, at no extra cost to you. I only recommend resources I’ve personally used and trust.
Start with ABC scheduling
This is my signature approach to homeschool routines: how to prepare for the days you’ll actually have, and set yourself up for success.
Build margin into your day
A plan with no breathing room breaks on the first hard day. These are the ways we build margin into ours:
🗓️ Plan for real days
ABC scheduling plans for the days you’ll actually have, not just the perfect ones.
🤫 Daily quiet time
Nap time isn’t just for littles. Quiet time is one of my secrets to homeschooling without burning out.
📦 A Bad Day Box
A box, basket or shelf of fun, no-prep learning activities that keep learning going on a bad day.
🔄 A plan for restarting
Five steps to restart your homeschool after a chaotic season.
Plan your year
My step-by-step process for turning a stack of curriculum into a realistic plan for the whole year, and the three-layer system I use to keep it organized.
How I plan month to month:
My favorite planners
You don’t need a specific planner to plan well, but these are the two I use and love right now.
📒 Paper: Plan Prep Pray Planner
My favorite paper planner. Use code PPPKATIE101 for 10% off.
Plan Prep Pray Planner (aff link)
Videos: what you need to know · what’s new for 2026–2027 · plan with me (ADHD edition)
💻 Digital: Homeschool Curriculum Planner
My favorite digital planner. It also builds your high schooler’s transcript as you go.
Homeschool Curriculum Planner (aff link)
Videos: full walkthrough · planning high school with it
Daily routines & checklists
What our days actually look like with six kids, and the checklist and schedule systems that work for different families.
How we start our school day: see my Morning Menus page for the free printable pack and how we use ours.
More help inside Made2Homeschool
Planning is easier with people in your corner. My community has workshops, encouragement and moms who understand real homeschool days.
There’s a free plan, so you can look around before you commit.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me on social media or by email at lifeinthemundane@gmail.com.