Homeschool Record Keeping

Record keeping is not only important for regulations' sake but it is also exciting because you will get to see your child's learning process. This is especially true if you are an unschooler and most of your child's learning is done through play, meaning that you don't have a clear cut set of topics to cover. Regardless of your homeschool style though, there are numerous ways in which you can handle your record keeping.

Journaling

Both teachers and students can maintain journals for themselves. The goal here is to simply create a log of what was learned and how this learning took place. It is also a good idea to keep track of memorable events so that you can look back on them later on.

Using A Daily Planner

For those who are more structured homeschoolers, you may wish to lay out your plans and assignments for the week in a teacher's calendar. Once this is done, it is simply a matter of checking off each item as you cover it. Of course, it is a good idea to also have a separate area where you can make notes of any additional items that you have covered (i.e. field trips, videos, additional topics covered). You can then write up a summary of this information every quarter.

Creating Portfolios

A portfolio is simply a collection of the various materials that your child does. It demonstrates what they have achieved throughout the school year. This is a rather effective way in which to chart your child's progress since it structures what is otherwise a loose and flexible schooling atmosphere. Some of the things that you may wish to include within your child's portfolio are artwork, essays, read9ing logs, math worksheets and, of course, you will also want to demonstrate that they have done science and history or social studies (depending upon your child's grade level). One of the biggest advantages to this is that your child will be in control and once they begin to get a visual of their progress, they will want to grow and progress even more.

A Final Word On Record Keeping

Every family will find that something different works well for them. Regardless of what you choose to use, the important thing is to make sure that you are comfortable using it. After all, it is important to keep track of what your child has learned throughout the school year so that you have records whenever they are requested from you.