1. Print out the Portfolio intro page and fill in details for every child. (It's in the End-of-year Portfolio section.)

2. Gather 2-3 pages of sample work from each subject, or work samples that show that each subject was covered, i.e. a unit study. I rip out pages from their workbooks or learning journals and use those as examples. Make sure you show some topics like Australian (or American or wherever you live) history, Math, and at least one tidy handwriting sample.

3. Print out the Education Department outcomes list or stage statements (the list of expected learning outcomes for your child's school year) and highlight or mark off the outcomes or education goals they've completed. Also make a note of the ones you are going to focus on or are currently working on. (Moderators love it when you speak their language!) #hinthint

4. Collate a bunch of photos that you've taken of the kids during the last year or since your last moderator visit and create a Word or Pages document and paste 5-6 photos on a page with labels of what they were doing. Do this for each child - yes some photos will be duplicated per child and that's okay.

5. Place all this in a plastic sleeved presentation folder starting with the Intro page, then the stage statements/outcomes, then the work samples (don't forget the art works or photos of them), then the printed photo samples.

6. Now take a deep breath.

7. Prepare an outline of the work you will be covering for the year ahead.

This can be:

- a list of fictional books you want to read,

- topics you will be covering and the subjects you know the topic will link to (show the moderator a printed page of the next level's set of outcomes or stage statements that will "guide" you - speak their language!),

- a Math curriculum (can be as simple as a Targeting Maths workbook or Khan Academy)

- a list of online outings or in person museum trips,

- Scouts/Pathfinders and some of the activities you expect they will cover there,

- some exercise options and social activities for your kids,

- if you have signed up for an online school course show proof of subscription, etc.

8. Show the place you are planning to "do" your homeschool in your home. The dining room table is a good place to show, even though you know school happens EVERYWHERE!

9. Have a place to record what your kids learn - a simple student diary or an Instagram private account, or your digital diary on your phone... whatever you're comfortable with.

10. Plan out a simple weekly outline on how you will be covering the subjects/topics.

11. Remain calm, the worst that can happen is you need to ask for a review. Know that you’ve done your best for your kids.

12. Have a notepad handy and whenever a suggestion is made by the moderator make a big deal about it, e.g. “That’s such a great idea”, “Wow, I never thought of that”, “You’re really experienced at this, aren’t you?” and write the suggestion down in front of them. #psychology

13. Enjoy the results as you receive your 1 year or 2 years registration. Pat yourself on the back.

14. Throw out all that you prepared for the year ahead (unless you were actually planning to do that plan) and enjoy your life with your children. In Australia most moderators won’t ask to see the work from the plan that you had shown at the last visit - life varies and goals change. Take photos, keep tabs of what they’re covering here and there.

15. Step back and watch your children grow in their knowledge and curiosity about the world. Make sure you touch on the topics that your kids wouldn’t generally be curious about, for my kids that has been Maths, and Australian and First Nation history.

Have fun!!