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Record keeping in
Homeschooling
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 is important not only for the sake of regulations. It
is also an exciting way to record and document the learning process
of the child. When most of the learning is done through play and
there is no clear cut index of topics that have to be covered, it is
necessary for the parent to keep some sort of a log which records
the child's progress.
The records you keep can be as simple as a daily journal, or as
elaborate as a software program. If you participate in a support
group, you probably have set forms and requirements. But even so,
keeping track of daily work makes reporting easy and efficient.
There are various record keeping methods used by various homeschools.
Some of the more popular ones are:
Journal:
This can be maintained by the teacher or the student. This basically
aims to keep a log of what was learned and what was done. Recording
memorable events that happened in the course of the year is a great
way to reminisce later on.
Daily planner:
Lay out the plans and the assignments for the week in a teacher's
planning notebook. Check each item as it is covered. Maintain a
separate area where any additional things can be recorded. This
includes educational trips, visits and videos etc. Any extra topics
that were covered are also recorded in this area. Make a summary
every quarter.
Portfolios:
This consists of a collection of varied materials that show what the
child has achieved and done during the course of study. Portfolio
assessment is a very effective way to chart the child's progress. It
gives structure to the otherwise loose and flexible form of
schooling called homeschooling. A drawing portfolio will consist of
some paintings or sketches that are considered the best in that
quarter. A language portfolio may consist of essays, stories,
reading-logs, spelling samples or letters. Progress in
mathematics, fine arts, history, science and social studies can all
be recorded this way. The biggest advantage is that portfolio
assessment places control in the hands of the children. Having a
tangible record of what they have established eggs them on to
greater heights.
Other than the above-mentioned systems, there are also purchased
record-keeping systems that lay out a good checklist. Some of these
allow one to personalize the organizer. Irrespective of the methods
used, record keeping in one form or the other is essential. Your
child's future may well depend on the well-maintained record that
you have meticulously kept over the years. |
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