Tools & Templates

This template has been designed to assist you to plan your term. No matter what philosophy or approach you have to homeschooling for your whānau whaiaro (family), planning can aid you to create a rhythm to your term, drawing out themes and fostering connections between activities and learning objectives. Whether you follow a structured curriculum, embrace unschooling, or prefer a mix of approaches, this tool is here to support your family’s unique learning journey.

By using this template, you can map out ideas and set flexible goals in a way that aligns with your educational values. Please use this form in any way that suits you ... write something for one or all of the questions below, complete the enquiries you wish, in any way that works for you, and as often as you like.

This form has been created by the National Council of Home Educators NZ for member use. If you have any feedback regarding this template please email info@nchenz.org.nz.

Access the template here.

This short form enables you to quickly note how the last week/month/term has progressed. If you are after something more comprehensive, please see our other templates.

This form has been created by the National Council of Home Educators NZ for member use. If you have any feedback regarding this template please email info@nchenz.org.nz.

Access the template here.

This self-reflection template has been designed for those following a child-led approach to their home education - whether unschooling, natural learning, or following an integrated holistic framework. Please use this form in any way that suits you ... write something for one or all of the questions below, complete the enquiries you wish, in any way that works for you, and as often as you like. The template below covers one child, however you are able to come back into the form after clicking SUBMIT, to complete it again for any additional children.

Why reflect? Reflecting is a powerful practice, especially when homeschooling, because it encourages awareness, growth, and adaptability. Reflection helps you notice the skills, interests, and knowledge your child has developed. This awareness gives you a clearer picture of educational growth that goes beyond formal assessments. Is your approach working for your child or do you need to consider adjustments? What are you doing well, and where can you improve? What resources might be available for you to deep dive into a topic of interest with your child? Reflecting on what went well (or didn’t) helps guide future learning experiences, making each week more tailored to a child’s needs and interests. In essence, reflection supports a holistic view of learning that goes beyond just "what was learned" to include "how we learned, grew, and adapted."

This form has been created by the National Council of Home Educators NZ for member use. If you have any feedback regarding this template please email info@nchenz.org.nz.

Access the template here.

This self-assessment template has been designed for those leaning towards a more traditional school-at-home approach to their home education, with a reasonably high level of structure. Please use this form in any way that suits you ... write something for one or all of the questions below, complete the enquiries you wish, in any way that works for you, and as often as you like.

Why assess? Assessment in homeschooling provides valuable insight into your child’s progress, strengths, and areas needing support. Rather than just focusing on grades or milestones, assessment helps you recognise your child’s unique learning journey - from newly acquired skills to evolving interests. Regular assessment helps you gauge whether your current approach aligns with their needs, highlights areas to enhance or adjust, and reveals opportunities for further exploration. Effective assessment is a tool not only to track growth but also to refine educational goals, making your child’s learning experience more meaningful, relevant, and tailored to their individual path.

This form has been created by the National Council of Home Educators NZ for member use. If you have any feedback regarding this template please email info@nchenz.org.nz.

Access the template here.

This self-reflection guide has been designed for homeschooling parents/caregivers to take a moment for themselves amidst the busyness of home educating. It encourages you to reflect on your wellbeing, assess how you’re managing your own needs, and recognise your strengths as your child's teacher, supporter and advocate. Use this opportunity to step back and consider how you’re doing in balancing your needs with those of your child. Reflect on what you’re doing well, acknowledge the challenges you face, and consider how you can create a sustainable homeschooling environment that supports both you and your child. Ultimately, this guide invites you to prioritise your personal journey while nurturing your child's unique learning experience.

This form has been created by the National Council of Home Educators NZ for member use. If you have any feedback regarding this template please email info@nchenz.org.nz.

Access the template here.

This self-reflection template has been designed for older homeschooling students following a child-led approach to their home education - whether unschooling, natural learning, or similar. Reflection enables teens to notice the skills, interests, and knowledge they've developed. This awareness gives both them and their caregiver a clearer picture of educational and personal growth that goes beyond formal assessments. Reflecting on what went well (or didn’t) helps guide future learning experiences, making each week more tailored to an individual’s needs and interests. Please use this form in any way that suits you ... write something for one or all of the questions below, complete the enquiries you wish, in any way that works for you, and as often as you like.

We have two templates geared toward teens - this reflection-oriented one, and another which covers specific subject areas. You are welcome to utilise both.

This form has been created by the National Council of Home Educators NZ for member use. If you have any feedback regarding this template please email info@nchenz.org.nz.

Access the template here.

This self-review template has been designed for older homeschooling students with a structured approach to their home education. It's designed to help them notice the skills, interests, and knowledge they've developed. This awareness gives both the teen and their caregiver a clearer picture of educational growth that goes beyond formal assessments. Reflecting on what went well (or didn’t) helps guide future learning experiences, making each week more tailored to an individual’s needs and interests. Please use this form in any way that suits you ... write something for one or all of the questions below, complete the enquiries you wish, in any way that works for you, and as often as you like.

We have two templates geared toward teens - this subject-oriented one, and another which includes personal growth and has been developed for unschoolers. You are welcome to utilise both.

This form has been created by the National Council of Home Educators NZ for member use. If you have any feedback regarding this template please email info@nchenz.org.nz.

Access the template here.