This post is the sixth in a series of six simple homeschool tips that moms can do to rock homeschool and have a wonderful year.
This post is the sixth and final part of our series: You've Got This! Six Ways to Rock Your Homeschool! Over the past five weeks, we have worked on determining our why, what is important to us, envisioning our destination, checking the pulse to determine where we are today, mapping the journey, putting a solid foundation in place, and momculture. We are now ready to consider record keeping.
Homeschool Tip 6: Record Keeping
Good records matter. Whatever method you choose, learn it, and make it a habit. Once you’ve developed the habit, involve your child so they learn the pattern and avoid overwhelm. Keeping records alongside you teaches them valuable lifelong skills.
3 Easy Ways to Keep Homeschool Records
1. A Commonplace Book
The simplest form of record keeping is a commonplace book—a common place to jot down what you want to remember.
I use a simple composition book. At the top right corner of each page, I write the date. Then I divide the page into two sections:
- Top half: family learning—Bible stories, read-alouds, and lessons from The Power of an Hour.
- Bottom half: one-on-one work with each child.When children begin keeping their own commonplace book, they record what I taught them, their one-on-one lessons, learning activities with siblings, and their own interest-led projects.
When children begin keeping their own commonplace book, they record what I taught them, their one-on-one lessons, learning activities with siblings, and their own interest-led projects.
2. Universal Homeschool Record Keeping System
As children grow, expand their skills by teaching them a more detailed and annotated system.
We created a Universal Homeschool Record Keeping System with portfolios designed for ages 6–8, 8–12, and 12–adult. These include pages to track books read, field trips, lectures, book reports, learning commitments, and more.
The Personal Scholar Portfolio can even be used to create a transcript. This system provides a detailed paper trail showing a broad, rich education.
3. Digital Portfolio
Children create so many wonderful things, and not all of it fits neatly on a shelf! A digital portfolio is an easy solution.
- Snap photos of written work, projects, and even three-dimensional creations.
- Record audio or video of presentations, recitations, or performances.
- Store everything in digital folders, organized by child and date.
At the end of the year, invite your child to help choose which digital records to keep.
My Favorite Approach: A Blend
- Personally, I prefer a blend of all three methods:
- A commonplace book for a simple daily ledger.
- Whichever you choose, enjoy the journey.
Together, they provide a clear and meaningful record of learning while keeping things simple and enjoyable.
Whichever method you choose—enjoy the journey!
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You've Got This! Six Ways to Rock Your Homeschool!
Links to the series:
Tip One: A Clear Vision. Here
Tip Two: Checking the Pulse. Here
Tip Three: Mapping the Journey. Here
Tip Four: Lay a Solid Foundation Here
Tip Five: Momculture. Here
Tip Six: Record- Keeping Here (This Post - Scroll Up)