Record Keeping For Homeschooling

Record-keeping is almost always brought up in homeschooling meetings. No matter how fluid the system of homeschooling is, record-keeping should still be done to keep track of your child's development. In some states, it's even required. Interest-driven homeschooling operators will most-likely put genuine effort in preparing topics and conducting classes. With the usually unformatted nature of homeschooling, it can prove to be challenging to prepare quarterly reports for the school district's evaluation.

Above complying with regulations, record keeping is important in monitoring not just your child's progress but also as an effective checking tool you can make use of to improve your own performance as a teacher. It is also fun to document the whole process as you will be encouraged to become even more observant. You will start to notice even the little points that make big impacts. If most of the learning is done through play and there is an even more indistinct identification of the topics involved, it will be recommended for you to keep a log to keep track of the child's advancement.

Record keeping can be just like keeping a journal or a diary. Just like in conducting your classes, you can also be creative in your way of documentation by using different media like videos, audio and pictures. If you're part of a group, you may have some set of forms as requirement.

To help you start on track, here are some basic record-keeping methods used by various homeschools:

Daily planner:

This works almost the same as a normal teacher's planning notebook. You can prepare a daily table and tick on the items that have been covered. Maintain a separate area where you can record changes that can't simply be concluded in checklists. This may include journals on field trips, media viewing, etc. Miscellaneous topics that have been discussed can also be written in this area. Make a summary report every month then every quarter.

Journal:

This can be maintained by the teacher, student or even both. This aims to keep a more personalized record on what has been learned or taught. Memorable events during the course of classes can be written, as well, just like how one would do it in a diary.

Portfolios:

Portfolios are a presentation that can be made of different materials and varied media. It will contain all the child's achievement. This method gives a structure to the fluid nature of homeschooling. A drawing portfolio can consist of sketches, paintings or any visually communicative medium. A language portfolio, on the other hand, is almost like a journal that makes use of different writing techniques such as essays, stories, spelling samples, letters, quiz samples, etc. Progress in almost all subjects can be recorded through this method. Most of all, a tangible record of a child's achievement is like a trophy. It will inspire the child to do even better.

Apart from the methods mentioned above, there are also ready-to-be-used checklists that are commercially available. Some can even be personalized, especially those that come in the form of softwares.

Record keeping, in whichever method you perceive it to suit you and your child's needs most, is always as important. In the end, your child's homeschooling records are not just a well-kept memorabilia your family can treasure alongside your family vacation albums. It could be your child's future well-kept and well-prepared for.

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