More and more parents are making the decision to homeschool their children.  However, the process can be quite overwhelming with a number of issues to be decided.  This short guide addresses some of the more common issues that arise.

Curriculum

First, one needs a general idea of curriculum content. The World Book Encyclopedia site has just the tool one needs. On their site is a section labeled "typical course of study." In this area one will find standard curriculum content that fits the national norms. Certainly one does not have to follow it to the letter, but it is a good start from no idea.

Flexibility

Isn't that one of the advantages of homeschool?

Don't get stuck in the thinking that every page and problem in a textbook or workbook must be completed. One can award good test scores by eliminating some of the problems on the next unit. Consider every other or every third problem when making lesson assignments.

Assessment

In healthcare, no treatment plan can be successful if it isn't one that fits with what ails the patient. The same is true of the homeschool situation. The parent needs to do an assessment of their child's learning in order to successfully plan for the future.

How does one conduct this homeschool assessment?

1 - Ask the child what area(s) /subject(s) he/she feels requires more emphasis.

2 - Look at scores for the standardized tests. If any weak areas are identified, one may want to order extra workbooks for those subjects or develop additional lesson plans to strengthen knowledge.

3 - Good old fashioned observation skills. Did the child, while watching T.V. one night say, "Where is Nepal anyway?" Maybe it is time for a World Geography emphasis.

Goals

Once the assessment has been completed, one can set goals. Take the assessment and develop 5-10 goals to be reached throughout the school year.

Having goals accomplishes two things: (1) a tool by which to measure success and (2) provides focus to the homeschool parent. It is so easy to become distracted and go off on tangents. Goals rein us back into the path we want to travel for the school year.