Homeschooling Resources – How To Compile A Reading List

In addition to course descriptions and transcripts, most colleges appreciate receiving a reading list from their applicants. A reading list gives a college a little more information about what a student is interested in, what their reading level is, and how good a match they are with the academic level of the college. But how do you put a reading list together?

The easiest way to keep track of what your student has read is for them to keep a list. I was never very successful with that strategy myself, because my children just couldn’t seem to keep the list current.  Instead, each summer as I compiled the previous year’s work, I had to think of other ways to recreate the information. Here are some ideas I came up with:

• Keep your library receipts – they often include the title of books you have checked out.
• Keep bookstore receipts and records from curriculum suppliers.
• List the books, audio books, and videos that you have required your students to read, as well as reading for pleasure.
• Have your kids bring you all the books they have read in the past year, and put them in a pile.
• Read book lists and curriculum catalogs to refresh your memory.

However you do it, keeping a list of what your children have read is important, so figure out a strategy that works for you all. When it comes time to submit applications to colleges, you’ll be ready!