There's no excuse. You absolutely MUST document in detail what you are doing with your homeschooled children. This means much, much more than writing down what pages you did for that day. Documenting is not only WHAT you teach, but HOW you teach. Could someone step in if you were hurt in a car accident? Killed?

Grim thought, isn't it? I am providing a print out of questions for you to answer and put with your homeschooling material. This should serve as the beginning of your explanation for your homeschooling efforts; expand and write down ANYTHING that pertains to your child and their learning environment.

Hopefully we will all be around for many, many years. If we aren't, though...our children need to be taken care of. Their lives will be shattered. Any counselor who has dealt with grief will tell you that children and family members need familiar routines to hold the family together. As they struggle to continue without you, leave behind the necessary information to help your children. Be prepared. Make a bad situation a little easier for those whose lives and hearts must go on.

1. List the main books you use with each subject. List the workbooks you use with each subject. Your daily lesson plans should show where you are in EACH book.

2.) List where you bought/obtained the main books and the workbooks. If you order from internet sites, list the URL pages and ordering information. If there are any sites /companies you plan to use in the FUTURE which you aren't using now, jot down your plans and that information!

3.) If you order / visit a homeschool store or other stores for texts or workbooks, list the address, phone number, and directions how to get to the store.

4.) If you buy supplies from the internet or from a particular store, supply the URL's and store information. Write down the supplies which constantly need restocking, and where you keep them in your home if you don't have them located in one area.

5.) Your daily lesson plans should be in one folder, or lesson plans should be with each subject. Put the current one on top.

6.) Have a concept list which shows the skills/concepts which have been passed. Identify what skill/concept you are currently working on. How do you test? Where do you get the material? How often is testing required? What are your state laws which you need to comply with?

7.) List your typical daily routine. For example, the time you begin, how long until you typically give a break, any unusual fun things you do (like walking the neighborhood while memorizing math facts) and when you typically end the day.

8.) Be sure and note routine "get togethers" with other children. List their names and phone numbers. If you go to a park, name it and give directions.

9.) List any homeschooling support groups that you belong to and include their website URL's and phone numbers. Note which homeschool moms you know who may be able to give advice/ help in your absence.

10.) Write down your child's learning style. Does he / she do better with rote memorization on math, or with manipulatives and rote? Is your child easily bored? What subjects are more difficult? How much time do you normally spend on each subject?

11.) What level is your child reading books? What books have they read? Make a list, and a list of recommended books. List the URL's of websites which provide book reviews and lists of books by ages.

12.) Are there any relatives, friends, or neighbors who would be good coaches for a particular subject area? Write down their names and numbers. Many people may volunteer to help (in the beginning!) and you may prefer certain people. Make your wishes known.

I also keep all my receipts in one folder of textbook purchases. If I ever want to resell them, I know what I paid!