Feb 9, 2021

🔖 Keeping Unschool Records

When kids are in school, the record keeping is done for us.

With Unschooling, it's our responsibility. And that can seem scary and overwhelming. The great thing about keeping unschool records is there are no tests needed and no grades to pass or fail.

Why?

There are a few reasons as to why we'd want to record unschooling.

Better to be prepared to quantify life learning to those who may not understand or support it. In the event of some kind of investigation, we don't want to live in fear, nor should we. Keeping unschool records bring peace of mind, a family keepsake to look over in the future and all the information we need to create transcripts, if needed.

How?

Pictures & Video Use those zillions of pics and video clips to your advantage! They are the visual evidence of how your students have spent their time, a great resource for seeing the subjects they are being exposed to. I actually started blogging and vlogging as a way to record our learning adventures as we have been wrongfully and horribly harassed by our province's Child Protection Agency (CAS) in the past and were taking no chances in being unprepared.

Seeing the learning happening is unmistakable for anyone looking.

Artwork & Writing Many worry that without worksheets and tests, there is no way to collect evidence suitable for files and transcripts, but there are lots of things unschoolers can file away for future reference. Our Hope is into drawing so we keep her artwork and can see her growth as an artist through this collection. We also keep her crafts and projects she's created, but will be taking pictures and filing those in the future to make room for new projects. Any of Hope's writing is also filed away. ( I think there's even a few worksheets in there, her choice. )

Journaling

The most conscious way we record is through our Freeschoolin' Journal. Daily, or when I remember, I record the things we did that day in point form so that in the future I can compile the information into a report if I ever need to. I wanted something fun and flexible so I created something that works perfectly for unchoolers and homeschoolers to record their happenings, events and acheivements. It has made successfully recording unschooling stress-free for me and my family. I would highly recommend journaling for any homeschool family to keep a relaxed feel to the data collection process. You can find a free template here to make your own Freeschoolin' Journal or visit our bookstore for a the full copy with 80 illustrations to inspire and adore while you record your unchool days.

THIS WEEK

With our last shopping trip, we noticed our car acted funny and days later pulled out a broken belt that was hanging from the bottom of the car, so we're grounded. Thankfully, our besties, Hope's "Fairy Godparents" who moved close to us last fall, offered to help us out whenever we need. Our area is still on lockdown but the 5 of us together do not break gathering mandates and our families have been part of the same household so we have been keeping safe and healthy together. Hope has presented no major stress from being so isolated thanks to her "Fairy Godparents" and our family making life as fun as possible. Hope was super considerate, and Jaze very helpful getting me all set up for my zoom call with 3 other unchool advocates for The Canadian Online Homeschool Conference. (see link below) It was such a great experience getting to connect with so many like minds and I am so thankful for the opportunity! Hope played with Sarah in the snowfort (best Fairy Godmother evar!) she made by our house, started playing Hollow Night and we've been working on her hair, which has not been fully brushed in over a year, Hope's choice. Her choice is also to do something about it so we're excited to help her out. We'll keep you updated on that and how our whole 30 is going. A week without sugar and we're doing great so far! Last, but definitely not least, Jaze spotted a Snowy Owl in a tree from our living room window so he quickly fetched the binoculars to get a better look. We had a blast stuydying it off and on for over an hour as a family. #nevernotlearning

SUBJECTS Reading, Spelling, Typing, Body Care, Community, Compassion, Technology, Photography, Art, Nutrition, Physical Education, Water Discovery, Independence, Self Regulation, Math, Decision Making, Emotional Intelligence, Socialization, Animal Care, Communication Skills, Risk Assessment, Conflict Resolution, Creative Thinking, Bonding, Music, Design, History, Confidence, Bird Watching, So Much More.

VIDEO

📘 UNSCHOOLING Life, NEW FREESCHOOLIN JOURNAL&MORE! Ep35 Freeschoolin'

MISS MY SPEAKING SESSIONS?

If you'd like to see my sessions at The Canadian Online Homeschool Conference it's not too late! To sign up for an all access, lifetime pass that includes 2 of my speaking sessions, visit my affiliate link and thanks for supporting our family!

MY SESSIONS:

How To Unschool

How To Build A LARP Dagger!

Unschool Zoom Chat with several other Unschool Advocates, including Pam Laricchia and Judy Arnall.

Much Love Always, Wendy BOOKS, CLOTHING & MORE

About the Author

Wendy Elizabeth Hart - Author, Illustrator, is a radical unschooling, homesteading Mom of 2 amazing kids and wife of more than 10 years to her bff, Jaze. Together with their daughter Hope, 10, they live a life of daily discovery in rural Ontario, Canada and share it with the world to connect with other families in the unschooling community.