You may think that because you are unorganized you'll be facing a next to impossible task, when it comes to planning your child's homeschool curriculum. You'll be happy to learn that, with the help of the Internet, even the most disorganized Mom can achieve lesson-planning success.

Probably the simplest way to ensure your lesson plans will be organized is to purchase a complete curriculum package. There are many online vendors that offer this option. These packages are readily available for all grade levels, and are very comprehensive.

Unfortunately, these packages are a bit on the pricey side. This re-enforces the fact that convenience does not come cheap. But, if your budget allows, many parents can tell you this is the way to go.

If you find that you can't afford to purchase a curriculum program that covers the entire school year, consider purchasing packages that cover just one or two subjects. If you choose this option, you may want to choose packages that cover subjects you aren't particularly fond of and would find less enjoyable to create yourself.

Many times these packages are made available on popular auction sites, like eBay, at a fraction of the original cost and in like-new condition.

There are many homeschool-related sites on the Internet that provide printables which work wonders when trying to stay organized. Everything from lesson planning forms, to calendars, to grade sheets, to blackline maps, to book report forms, to award certificates, to so much more. Why buy a fancy day planner when you can download this type of printable for just the cost of paper and ink?

Visit your local bookstore or library. There have been a great many books written on the art of organization. The great thing about these principles is that once learned they can be applied to all aspects of your life, not just lesson planning. Your family will be more relaxed in an organized environment and your house so clean.

Buy a file cabinet. It will quickly become your new best friend. Start a separate folder for each subject you will be teaching. Start folders for such things as field trip ideas, completed projects, potential projects, etc.

Try to file away the papers you won't be using for that day, instead of letting them pile up on your desk. Remember you can close a file drawer but you can't close a desktop - unless of course you are lucky enough to have a roll-top desk.

You can be organized while homeschooling. It just takes a little extra effort, but the rewards are worth it.

About the Author

Mrs. Kirk Thomas is a homeschool mom and advocate of homeschooling. She has additional resources available on her website http://www.everythinghomeschool.info. She also maintains the following sites: http://www.diaper-coupon.com and http://www.breastfeedingsource.info