Q: Our state doesn't require records be submitted for review to anyone. Why should I bother keeping them? I'm happy with what my children are learning.

A: Even though the records aren't required, there are good reasons to have them. It might be that at some point your child returns to school and a transcript or record of their studies may help place him or her in the correct grade. College entrance requirements, scholarship applications, and even some educational camps may ask for a report card or school transcript. If you should move to another state, they might also be required. Records don't need to be detailed in a situation such as this, but something that documents the many, many learning experiences your child has had can be very useful.

Q: Our state requires that we have 180 days of school, so I've never considered traveling during that time. Can you really count a travel day as a school day?

A: A learning day can occur in a park, in a car, or on the top of a mountain. If you're concerned about documenting a travel day as a school day, take along the books you've been working on or assign special projects for the week. Spend a few minutes at the end of each day recording the new experiences and school work you're child has done and you may be surprised how educational it's been!