$34.99
weekly | undated | non-religious | up to 7 kids | monday weekly start
8.5×11 | disc binding
*Note: This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase using the link. Please see my disclosure for more details.
*This planner is no longer in print. Look into the 2023 Subtle Sophisticated Happy Planner with a Big Homeschool Layout instead!
Happy Planner has released a full-year Wake Up and Teach Homeschool Planner. It is the “Big” size, which is 8.5×11. The cover is a thick laminate.
The Wake up and Teach Homeschool Planner is a basic 12 month planner with the unique Happy Planner disc binding. Plastic discs are included with this planner.
At the front of the planner, there is a basic annual calendar spread, followed by a 4 page yearly overview.
Each month is tabbed with sturdy teaching-themed dividers. The monthly calendar spread is straightforward and has small sections for a to-do list, deadlines, and chore list. Following each monthly calendar spread are a grade tracker, two class overview pages, and a reading list page.
The class overview page has space to track projects, deadlines, and other important information for a class, subject, or project. This could be helpful for unit studies or a coop class.
There are several dated weekly spreads following the monthly pages. The columns are labeled with the day and date. Saturday and Sunday each have a column, though they are not as big. The weekly spread begins with Monday.
There are rows as well on the weekly spread, but there is no obvious space to label them. Of course, writing along the side works just fine. Rows could be used for kids, subjects, hour blocks, or other things like meals or work.
There is space on each weekly page to note assignments, activities, a weekly focus, and a short list labeled “Don’t Forget”. There is also a space for notes.
Disc binding
My favorite part of a Happy Planner is the binding. Disc binding is an interesting combo between spiral binding and the agility of a 3 ring binder. Several loose discs basically snap into the side of the pages with special mushroom-shaped disc punches to hold the pages together.
The beauty of the discs is that you can move, add, or remove a page very easily. This allows for you to not be stuck with the way someone else designs a planner. You can use the Happy Planner pages as a base, then add in other pages you have found on the internet, or your own!
All you need is a disc hole punch for the pages. They can be a little pricy. If you use them often, it may be worth the expense.
Happy Planner Hole Punch
Enjoy Myself Discbound hole punch
Happy Planner Hole Punch
Enjoy Myself Discbound hole punch
Disc binding is fairly sturdy. If you are pretty rough on planners, it may not be for you. For me, occasionally a page may come a little loose. But it does feel secure enough that most people shouldn’t have trouble.
Another lovely thing about the disc system is that there are several sizes of discs. Mini, classic (medium), and expander size. This is all about the amount of pages you will bind.
So if you can’t stand a thick planner, you can take out a lot of the pages and use mini size discs. Or if you need it all together, expander size it is! You could even get multiple sets of discs and separate your monthly pages from your planning pages if you’d like.
I disc bound my current planner, and I have 6 months worth of the planner plus all my planning pages. It fits great in classic size discs.
Discs come in plastic or metal as well as many colors. Most of them have a heart cut out in the center with Happy Planner brand, but they also have some other options. Some of these options are Disney Mickey Mouse, a rainbow, a smiley face, and a cross. Check them out here!
Happy Planner has a couple other homeschool options as well. Including the Happy Planner Homeschool Classic Extension Pack and the Peachy Homeschool Big Accessory Pack. Also check out the Subtle Sophisticated Happy Planner.
Happy Planner sells many other styles and types of planners. They also have great stickers and other accessories.
Shipping directly from Happy Planner (AKA Me and My Big Ideas) can be pricy so watch for sales, or check out their products at Amazon, Michaels, and Joann.
You can check out more info on Homeschool products from Happy Planner here on the Happy Planner website.
Things we like
- Unique disc binding
- Fun teaching themed dividers
Things we don’t like
- Very basic
- Not many planning pages
- No annual attendance sheet
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