Lesson Planner

Book cover: 'Lesson Planner'
Author(s): 
Rita Munn
Number of pages: 
96 pages
Copyright: 
2005
Publisher: 
Catholic Heritage Curricula
Binding: 
Spiralbound
Subject(s): 
Review: 
Can a practical, hard-working tool designed for everyday use also be inspiring and elegant? The CHC Lesson Planner is just such a tool. Developed to be used with the CHC Middle School Lesson Plan Guide, it is completely useful at any grade level and with any curriculum. This inexpensive plan book is consumable and designed for all subjects for one student for one academic year. This unusual feature supports the CHC philosophy that a student should gradually grow into independent study; having their own planner helps the student to take pride in their growing ability to work productively and independently. The Planner is specifically for a Catholic teacher and student, with reminders of Feast Days in the planning reminders and other Catholic references throughout.

Clear, uncluttered pages are printed using an easy-on-the-eye brown ink. They are spiral bound in a lay-flat presentation with a "jelly-proof"cover. The inside covers concisely lay out the CHC curriculum suggestions for grades 5-8. The Planner is designed for four nine-week quarters and begins with a "Welcome" section that provides help and advice for the start of a new school year. Warm and encouraging, there are specific suggestions for the entire family as well as the middle school-aged student. Each quarter's section begins with a well-organized planning guide, an independent study chart (described in the Middle School Lesson Plan Guide in detail, but a completed sample is provided), and a motivating reflection for the homeschool teacher to ponder throughout the quarter. Each school week is laid out on a two-page spread with a grid for 8 subjects or goals over 5 days. A sample of a completed week is provided. Each week's spread also includes a section for notes and, my favorite, a motivational reflection that is either a helpful hint, useful advice, or a Biblical quotation. This book helps to make planning an enjoyable task as well as a concise documentation of the student's work for the entire school year.

Reviewed by: 
First reviewed: 
7-30-05