To plan a homeschool year, start with each child: note their level, strengths, interests and goals. Then map every subject across three terms with the books or resources you'll use, build a simple weekly timetable, and plan lessons one week at a time. Keep light records as you go (attendance, marks, reading and projects), so you can see progress and show it when needed. The same method works if your child goes to school and you want to organise learning at home.
Step 1: A profile for each child
- Class or level, and the curriculum you follow or align to (for example CBSE, ICSE, IGCSE or your own).
- Strengths, areas to grow, interests and hobbies.
- How they learn best: seeing, listening, reading and writing, or hands-on.
- Two or three goals for the year.
Step 2: Map the year by term
| Subject | Resources | Term 1 | Term 2 | Term 3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maths | Textbook + practice book | Chapters 1–5 | Chapters 6–10 | Chapters 11–14, revision |
| English | Reader, library books | Grammar basics, 5 books | Writing projects, 5 books | Presentation, 5 books |
| Science | Textbook, home experiments | Plants & animals | Matter & energy | Earth & space |
An example layout; fill it in with your own books and topics.
Step 3: A realistic weekly schedule
- Core subjects in the morning, when attention is best, in short blocks with breaks. Younger children usually need much shorter focused sessions than older ones.
- Afternoons for reading, art, music, outdoor play, projects and outings.
- Keep one lighter day for catch-up, field trips or review.
- Plan each week's lessons subject by subject on Sunday, and adjust as you go.
Step 4: Keep simple records
- Attendance: tick each learning day on a monthly grid.
- Marks: date, subject, test or assignment, and score.
- Reading log: title, author, pages and rating.
- Field trips and projects: where you went, what it linked to, and a photo.
- Term progress notes: what went well and what to focus on next.
These records make end-of-term reviews easy and give you a year-end portfolio of your child's work.
What about board exams and certificates?
India has no single homeschooling law, and the rules for exams and school admission change, so check the current position before you decide. Many home-educated students take board exams through the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) or as private candidates where a board allows it. Check the latest eligibility, subjects and deadlines on the official board websites.
Printable planner
The Home School Planner is built for this: 2 student profiles, a curriculum planner by term, a weekly schedule from 8:00 to 4:00, 8 weekly lesson plans by subject, an attendance tracker for 12 months, a grade tracker, a reading log, a field trip log and term progress reports. A4, ₹549. For older students with exams, see the Study Session Planner and our study timetable guide.
Frequently asked questions
How do I plan a homeschool year?
Make a profile and goals for each child, map every subject across three terms with the books you will use, build a weekly timetable, plan lessons one week at a time and keep simple records of attendance, marks and reading.
What should a homeschool weekly schedule look like?
Core subjects in the morning in short focused blocks with breaks, reading, arts and outdoor time in the afternoon, and one lighter day for catch-up, field trips or review.
What records should homeschoolers keep?
Attendance, marks for tests and assignments, a reading log, field trips and projects, and short term progress notes. Together they form a year-end portfolio.
Can homeschooled children in India take board exams?
Many take them through the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) or as private candidates where a board allows it. Check current eligibility and deadlines on the official websites.
Can I use a homeschool planner if my child goes to school?
Yes. The same planning and records help parents organise tuition, extra practice, reading and projects at home.
General planning guidance. Rules for homeschooling, exams and admissions can change; check official sources for your state and board.