After you have set and reviewed your long-range goals for your children's education and training in all areas of their lives (see last issue), you are ready to determine specific goals and objectives for each of your children for the coming school year.
For goals to be useful, they need to be:
• Specific - what exactly are you aiming for?
• Measurable - how much and when.
• Obtainable - realistic, not overwhelming, yet challenging.
• Reviewed and revised frequently.
Examples:
• Daniel/Language arts - Learn to read this year.
• Jane/Life skills - Learn to make a main dish each month.
• Ryan/Math - Learn times tables.
• Kayla/Character - Be loving and helpful to little brother.
These specific goals will take your children towards the long-range life goals you have set for them (see last issue). See more complete information in newsletter #81.
2. Plan Multilevel Classes for Fall
Teaching several of your children together with the same material at the same time can be the most efficient use of your time and effort. Consider the following:
Separate Classes
• For basic skills such as reading, handwriting, and math during the early grades.
• For a student who needs individual attention.
• For an older student who can work independently.
Combined Classes
• For history, science, literature, and Bible.
Present lessons in an amplified manner with explanations and extra resources that enable all children to understand.
Combined Classes and Subjects
• For most of your subjects, using unit studies that integrate literature, history, science, Bible, and other subjects around a theme.
3. Gather Your Curriculum
It's time to gather your resources for the coming school year - right around the calendar corner!
• Consider which classes will be taught to more than one of your children (see above), so you know what materials you need.
• Consider using elements from a variety of approaches including traditional textbooks, worktexts, the classical approach, the principle approach, unit studies, books, and life experiences. See information in Newsletter #82.
• Consider using a variety of media to add interest and motivation for all your children and at the same time enhance each child's learning according to his preferred learning style.
• Include books, printed materials, videos and DVDs, supervised Internet studies, computer software, educational games, tools, and manipulatives.
• Order, borrow, or buy any materials needed in addition to what you already have.
• Collect supplemental materials for your family's library such as reference books, time lines, maps, globes, math manipulatives, educational games, and software.
4. Help Someone Start Homeschooling —
Maybe Even Yourself!
Look around you at your church, support group, relatives, or neighbors. Is there anyone who would appreciate a little help in considering or starting to homeschool? Here are ways you can help.
Tell Your Story
Realistically give your convictions and reasons to homeschool and your experience - both challenges and successes.
Provide Information
Point your friend to information. The Teaching Home website offers the most frequently asked Questions & Answers, a series of articles on starting to homeschool, and a Checklist for starting a school year.
Give a Sample
Schedule a day or a week of homeschooling together (call it a Day Camp or something fun!). You could do a simple unit study, work on basic skills, and/or explore just one subject area of interest.
A field trip on the last day would round out a good sampling of homeschool opportunities.
Of course the best way to help someone is to pray for them and be there to answer questions and give encouragement!
