Have you been having a hard time trying to figure out how to keep track of your kids' schooling? What to keep, how to keep it, do you really need everything? It is hard to keep track of everything that your kids are learning, especially if you are a relaxed homeschooler.
I was at a Mary Hood speaking engagement and she mentioned just keeping a journal. Great idea! At first I was just putting it all in on my iPad in a lesson plan app. That wasn't working for me. By the time I got on my iPad to type it in I would get sidetracked and forget to put it in altogether. So, what did I do? I bought a one year small sized planner. There are monthly calendars and daily calendars. The daily calendars have plenty of space to write in all of the learning opportunities throughout our day. This planner only has 2 days per page. Some days I have to cram things in, but not usually. You can use even just a notebook and set it up how ever you like. I do need to add some sections to it I think, like book lists, field trips, etc. Everyday during the day I have it sitting with a pencil right on my dining room table. I have to pretty much pass it no matter where I go in the house. If we are doing a few things in the school room then I will carry it in there with me. When I pass it I write down things that the kids have done since the last time I walked by it, or at least think if the kids have done anything else since I last wrote in the journal. In that minute that you have between helping one kid or the other write in what they are doing. If the activity is something that they both have done I will just write it in. If it is something that only one child has done I will mark it with an initial. I also try to abbreviate things that are done a lot, for example, Mom read to D - MRTD. In the journal make sure you make a list of what the abbreviations mean. I hope this has helped to organize you a little, or at least the thought of organizing. Remember, I am from a state that I do not need to test or turn in anything at the end of the year. This may not work exactly the way I use it for all of the homeschoolers out there, but it can be modified to your needs. This will also help those like me who don't turn in anything if some day I need to prove that my kids actually learned something. On the side, I also keep a binder of actually work sheets that are completed.
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About UsTake a step into the life of Auer (pronounced like our) homeschool. We are a family that likes to learn through life experiences. We would like to share our experiences so maybe we can make a difference in the lives of others. Don't forget to follow us on Facebook to get the smaller activities that go on that don't always make it to the blog. Archives
May 2019
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