Notebooking is a method where students record what they learn using their own words and drawings. It helps them engage with the material and keeps a personal record of their education.
Studies show that homeschooled students are accepted to college at rates comparable to or higher than their traditionally schooled peers, and they tend to earn higher GPAs in their first year of college (Journal of College Admission, 2010). According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), approximately 3.3 million students were homeschooled in the United States as of 2023, representing roughly 6% of the school-age population.
What is notebooking?
Notebooking lets students take charge of their learning. Instead of just filling in worksheet blanks, they use their own words and drawings. This creates a personal notebook that shows what they've learned. The idea goes back to historical figures like Thomas Jefferson and John Locke who kept "commonplace books." In homeschooling, notebooking fits well with Charlotte Mason's narration idea: students read or learn something, then share it through writing and visuals.
Why notebooking works
A 2021 study from the University of Tokyo found that writing on paper sparks more brain activity and helps kids remember better than typing on screens. Many experienced homeschool parents see this too: kids who make notebooks remember and understand more than those who just do worksheets. The key difference is that worksheets often let kids just scan for answers. With notebooking, they need to think about what’s important, organize their thoughts, and express their understanding in their own style. Writing it down helps them remember better than just checking off boxes.
Age-appropriate expectations
Notebooking works for all ages! Preschoolers can create simple alphabet notebooks with their drawings as you write down their words. Young elementary kids start by drawing and then add a sentence or two (like two sentences for second graders). As they grow, upper elementary students write more and illustrate less. Middle schoolers might include research, while high schoolers can create detailed, subject-based notebooks. It’s about setting the right expectations for their age while keeping the core idea of notebooking.
The bottom line
Notebooking turns passive learning into active engagement. Instead of filling out worksheets that get tossed aside, students create personal records of their education. These notebooks can also serve as proof of learning in states that require documentation. This method fits various homeschooling styles and can be used in any subject. Start simple, choose one area, and let your kids personalize their notebooks. For resources and templates, check out NotebookingPages.com, or find free printables on sites like Freedom Homeschooling and The Crafty Classroom.
