Teresa's (Homeschoolmom28) Record-Keeping question

[Dianna]

Thanks Dianna for the welcome. I am really glad that I have joined this discussion forum. I am sure I will have a lot of questions. Monica has a tutor and she has been a great help in the homeschooling process.

I have a question about record keeping. I have the demo disk of Homeschool Minder. I have not used it yet but it looks like it may be OK. Have you every used it? Last year Monica started homeschooling in February and I did not feel that I kept the records quick as good as I needed. This school year I want to really stay on top of it. I am the type of person that like things well organized. Things just seem to go better that way. Any information would be great.

Thanks,
Teresa

Teresa, I've never used that software, but I hope someone else here has and can comment on it.

Regarding record-keeping, I used various methods for my oldest (graduated last year).

When he used a text to study a subject, I just made a copy of the table of contents and wrote the date beside each topic as he studied it. If he took tests, and/or wrote an essay/paper for the course, I kept those in his portfolio. I didn't really keep track of the total numbers of days or hours he spent studying the subject because I granted one credit (or half a credit, whichever was appropriate) for finishing the text.

When we used other, non-textbook methods of learning (documentaries, apprenticeships, self-study, etc), I used different record-keeping methods.

I'd be happy to talk more about specific record-keeping strategies if you (or anyone else) don't mind sharing what your approach is for the different subject areas.

Dianna

[hh_spring]

Hi TeresaNever used the software you mentioned.
I use the free Homeschool Tracker it was a free download.
It has many features but I really don't use them all....I keep a daily journal with the tracker and just list all we covered on that day! I have to work closely with my son, we are working toward more independence, I use a unit study curriculum and he can check the day of the week we are on to see what he needs to do and ask for help. When the day is done, I just list all we covered! The proggie also has a calender, which I love I just click the day, so I can keep count for the magic 180. Seems like most programs are a headache to use and if this proggie hadn't been free, probably would just keep a running journal in Word program(burn to disc daily). He loves taking Dianna's classes....that is always the first thing he wants to do, before he starts his other work!!

Simple as I can get is what I find to be the best! Ever evolving thats for sure!!
:biggrin2: Harriet

[LeesHomeEd]

Just wanted to add that we just started with the Homeschool Tracker (free download) and seems like it is going to work fine. Especially for keeping hours & attend. Last year I freaked the whole time with a paper trail :). This is so much better (so far). Have a GREAT night!
Beth

[Dianna]

Hi Beth, would you like me to add you to our High School Homeschooling member list? We'd love to have you join us... the more, the merrier! :smile2:

Dianna

[LeesHomeEd]

I would love it! I meant to ask the other day and got side tracked. It is nice that there is a place like this for this "newbie" to find some great advice :)

[Homeschoolmom28]

Harriet, Beth or anyone else that may Know. Where can I go to download Homeschool Tracker? I went to the web site of the Homeschool minder and it cost a little under $40.00 a year to use their software I don't think that it is worth that. I just need something to help me keep track and I think the Homeschool Tracker will be good enough along with a journal. $40.00 per year is a little more than I thought it would be. I have not started using any means of record keeping as of yet. We are starting our classes on September 6th. Monica did not finish up the 9th grade until the 1st of August and she had a chance to go to Chicago and I thought that would be a good learning experience for her. Her first week we are going to ease into things and I am having her write a report on her trip. So if someone could get me the web address to Homeschool Tricker so I can get it down loaded before I get started teaching. I hate not being organized. Thanks everyone for your help.

Teresa from Gaffney (Mom to and teach to Monica a 10th grader)

[LeesHomeEd]

Hi Teresa - The site for the one I use is www.Homeschooltracker.com, on the bottom of the welcome page it has two choices, basic is free and the other is priced about like what you described it was nice and colorful but in my opinion the basic will do the same for us. And it is alot better than what we have tried in the past. Hope this helps :) Have a great afternoon!!

[SChomemomof3]

I just write everything into a notebook and keep it that way. I worry about computer crashes.