Interest-led Learning: 5 Simple Homeschool Record-Keeping Ideas

ByKelly Eckenrode Posted on

Are you an unschooling family struggling with homeschool record-keeping?

Record-keeping in our homeschool was one of my greatest concerns when we first began unschooling.

How would I provide evidence of learning if I didn’t have a curriculum, grades, and samples, especially in worksheet form??

I began researching other unschooling families and soon discovered a variety of ways that I could log my child’s learning without those pesky worksheets, expensive boxed curriculum, and unnecessary “grading”.

Before you begin homeschooling know your state’s laws and requirements. They vary greatly from state to state.

Homeschool Record-Keeping: 5 Simple Ways (Starting with My Favorite One!)

1. Facebook Page

This is, by far, my favorite way to record my child’s interest-led learning. Since most of the learning for a self-guided or interest-led learner occurs “outside of the box” pictures are a great way to document what the learner is exploring.

A Facebook page is the PERFECT way to quickly snap a picture and document whatever your child is doing. Share that page with your evaluator (if you are in PA) so they can easily see what your child has been learning all year.

I choose to leave my child’s unschooling Facebook page private as it’s just a record for us, but you can share yours with whomever you want.

2. Evernote

If going digital is your thing, using Evernote is another great way to record your child’s learning.

You can create digital notebooks for your child(ren) and record their learning this way. You can add pictures to these notebooks as well.

Some of my favorite unschooling moms use this method with great success. Karla Marie Williams, author, speaker, and homeschool coach, has an excellent YouTube video on how she uses Evernote to record the learning of all SIX of her unschoolers. You can find that video (and many others!) on the above-linked page.

I should note that while I loved the idea of this as a way to document (especially since you can also get Evernote in an app!), I could not make this way of recording work for me. I found myself consistently reverting to my private Facebook page.

3. Good Ole’- Fashioned Notebook/ Binder

Maybe digital recording isn’t your thing. That’s okay! When we first began homeschooling, I documented my son’s learning in a spiral notebook. I chose to write a synopsis daily, which I DO NOT recommend. A weekly or monthly synopsis is plenty to show progress. Whatever works for you!

Additionally, a three-ring binder divided into subjects can be used to jot down learning activities as they occur. You can separate the sections into subjects and record them as completed. Easy peasy!

4. File Folders

File folders provide another easy way to organize your documentation. Simply create a folder for each subject and place photos, pamphlets of places visited, artwork, handwritten notes of activities, etc. into each one.

5. Teacher Plan Book

So I am a teacher at heart. (Yes, I loved playing school as a child!) And when I first began teaching in a traditional classroom, I LOVED organizing my lessons in my plan book. I know I’m weird. LOL

But did you know that planning books can also be used in reverse? Instead of planning your lessons, purchase a teacher plan book and write down what happened after the week (or day) is complete.

A teacher plan-book can provide an excellent way to record your child's learning.

The #1 Homeschool Record-Keeping Rookie Mistake I Made (But You Don’t Have To!)

Once you decide on which method of recording best suits your style, please be careful not to get sucked into the feeling that it is necessary to record EVERY SINGLE DETAIL.

This was a trap that I fell into in the beginning. I found myself meticulously writing down everything. It made me feel like I was less likely to miss something. The reality is, that it’s just not necessary.

Particularly in Pennsylvania, where I am an evaluator, we need to see that progress is being made, or that “an appropriate education is occurring.” We DO NOT need to know what has happened on all 180 clocked school days. Don’t stress over the details.

Do not stress when trying to record your child's learning!

Homeschool Record-Keeping Wrap Up

Record-keeping in your homeschool can be overwhelming, especially if you have an interest-led learner. Choosing a method that fits your style will make all of the difference. Don’t be afraid to try a few methods to find what best suits you. The less stressed you are about how to record your child’s learning, the more you will enjoy the ride!