Documentation is important for a variety of reasons in homeschool. The obvious is the meet any state regulations and requirements that may be there. Another encouraging reason is it is a way to track the progress of each child. When play is used in learning, it is very necessary for the parent to provide some sort of record.
A topic that frequently comes up in meetings and forums that deal with homeschooling is record keeping. The importance of record keeping cannot be ignored. It is not only legally required in various States, but also provides important milestones in your child’s learning experience. An interest-initiated homeschooling approach means that the topic of studies is far ranging and multifarious. Thus, it can be something of a challenge to write quarterly reports for the school district, when it is difficult to classify learning into neatly pigeonholed areas.
Record keeping can be a simple or complex process, depending on your style and state requirements. It may be a simple daily journal recording work, or it make be a software program. Some states have set forms that are mandatory for use, or certain groups use a consistent type of record. Whatever is chosen, recording on a daily basis keeps it simple and avoids a mountain of backlog trying to catch up if let go.
Various record keeping methods used by various homeschools. Some popular ones are:
Journal: This can be maintained by the parent or the student if the student is old enough. Basically the goal is to keep a log of what was learned and what was done. Recording highlights that happened in the course of the year is a great way to reflect and remember later on.
Daily Planner: Write in assignments for the week in a teacher’s planning book. Make sure every topic is covered. Document separate entries where any additional things may need to be accounted for. Be sure to include special projects, assignments, field trips, etc. Record a summary every quarter of work done and lessons learned.
Portfolios: This includes of a collection of varied materials that show what the student has achieved and learned during the course of study. Portfolio assessment is a very effective method to document the child’s progress. It provides structure to the otherwise loose and flexible form of schooling called homeschooling. A drawing portfolio will consist of some artwork or drawings that are thought to represent the best in that quarter. A language portfolio may consist of reports, essays, reading-logs, spelling samples or letters. Progress in math, fine arts, history, science and social studies can all be recorded in similar fashion. Having a tangible record of what they have learned encourages them on to greater heights of learning.
Other than the above mentioned systems, there are also purchased software type programs to help record. Some of these allow one to personalize the organizer. Whatever the method used, documentation in one form or the other is vital. Your child’s educational future may well depend on the well-maintained record that you have kept over the years.
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