The Best Student Planner for You: A Guide to Choosing the Right Planner

The ideal student planner can make all the difference in learners’ academic success and personal organisation. For educators and school administrators, selecting the right planner is crucial in helping students develop effective time management and organisational skills. This guide will explore the key factors to consider when choosing the best planner for your learners.

Why Finding the Right Planner Is Essential for Students

Student planners are more than just stationery. They are comprehensive tools designed to help students navigate their academic journeys. Here’s why choosing the right planner for your students is vital:

• A well-chosen planner helps students manage their workload. It can also help them balance their studies with extracurricular activities.
• The right organiser teaches effective time allocation and prioritisation. It can also reduce procrastination by helping them keep track of deadlines.
• A planner lets students practise and improve their independence and responsibility. It helps students develop essential life skills beyond the classroom.
• A well-organised planner reduces uncertainty and stress. As a result, students feel more in control and less overwhelmed by their workload.
• Planners help students set and track goals. This helps keep students motivated and focused.

Types of Student Planners

Daily Planner Diaries

Daily planners are ideal for students who need to manage their day hour by hour, as they typically feature hourly schedules, detailed daily to-do lists and ample space for notes. 

Weekly Planner Notebooks

Weekly planners, on the other hand, offer a broader view of the week. They have a week-to-view layout, weekly to-do schedules and space for notes, making them perfect for students who prefer a weekly overview.

Monthly Planner Organisers

Monthly planners provide an overview of the entire month, allowing students to plan well in advance. They include monthly calendar views and sections for tracking projects and important dates. They’re ideal for students who like to see the big picture.

Undated Planners

Undated planners offer flexibility, allowing students to start using them at any time of the year. Typically, learners benefit more from dated diaries. However, the undated weekly and monthly layouts are a good choice for students who don’t follow a traditional academic year schedule.

Specialised Academic Planners

There are also specialised types of planners, such as:

• A habit tracker that helps students develop good habits with dedicated tracking sections
• A bullet journal which offers a customisable and creative approach to planning
• An inclusive planner that’s tailored to students with specific learning needs

Keep in mind that comprehensive planners may provide daily, weekly and monthly views. They might also include features like habit trackers and space for journalling.

Considerations When Choosing the Best Academic Planner

1. Student Needs

Different students have different needs. Consider whether your students require detailed daily planning or a broader weekly or monthly overview. For students with specific needs, such as those with ADHD, a productivity planner designed for focus and time management can help them get organised.

2. Customisation Options

Customisation options allow you to tailor the new planner to your school’s specific needs and branding. The ideal planner can help create a sense of unity and pride among your students. Look for a planner that offers:

• Bespoke covers with your school logo and colours
• Personalised content, such as school policies, mission statements and important dates
• Customisable sections for goal setting, habit tracking and personal reflection

When considering customisation options, think about the specific content that would be most valuable for your students. This can range from study tips and mental health resources to subject-specific reference materials.

3. Durability and Quality

It’s essential to choose a planning notebook that’s durable and well-constructed, as students use a planner throughout the school year. Consider the following:

• Binding: Spiral-bound planners lay flat, making them easy to write in. Hardcover planners offer extra protection.
• Paper quality: Look for thick, smooth paper that can handle various pens and highlighters without bleeding through.
• Cover material: A sturdy cover will protect the paper planner from wear and tear.

Investing in a durable planner can save you money in the long run, as students won’t need to replace their planners mid year.

4. Layout and Design

The layout and design of the planner can significantly impact its usability and effectiveness.  It’s essential to consider your students’ specific needs and preferences. For example, younger students may benefit from a planner with a minimalist, easy-to-follow layout. Additionally, consider the amount of writing space available in each section, as some students may require more room for notes and assignments than others.

5. Size: A5 or A6 Planners

Size is another important factor. An A5 or A6 planner is compact and portable, making it easy for students to carry around. However, larger planners provide more space for writing and can include more detailed schedules and checklists.

6. Additional Features

Here are some extra features that might benefit your learners:

• Daily to-do lists to boost student productivity
• Timetable sections that allow students to organise their class schedules
• Checklists so students can track completed tasks and goals
• Reference materials for quick access to important academic information
• Bookmark ribbons for easy navigation
• Pockets for storing loose papers and notes

Choosing the Best Planner 2024 for Different Age Groups

Primary School Students

For younger students, a school planner with colourful designs and simple layouts is ideal. These planners should include sections for homework, reading logs and personal goals. The focus should be on developing basic organisational skills.

Secondary School Students

Secondary students need more detailed planners with sections for tracking assignments, exams and extracurricular activities. A mid-year or academic diary is beneficial, as it aligns with the school calendar.

University and College Students

University and college student planners should offer comprehensive planning tools, including daily, weekly and monthly views. Features like habit trackers, study planners and hourly college planners are crucial for managing a more complex schedule.

Penstripe: Helping Schools Create the Ultimate Planner

Choosing the best student planner for 2024 involves understanding your students’ specific needs and the features that best support their academic and personal growth.

At Penstripe, we understand the importance of providing students with high-quality, customisable student planners that meet the unique needs of your school. Our planners for students are designed to support young people in all aspects of their education, to improve well-being and ultimately increase performance. We offer customisable covers and content, various sizes and binding options, and sections for skill development.

Contact us today to learn more about our bespoke planners or to request a free sample pack. You can reach us by calling 0113 231 0995, emailing info@penstripe.co.uk or completing our online form.