An assessment is a tool to measure a student’s understanding. While it can be a 10-question written quiz, there are loads of options for assessing a learner. Let’s talk about a few you can try.
It’s what we want as parents. It’s what our students want as learners. But how does it happen? How do we get our children learning and working without our direct guidance? Let's look at the stages of their journey.
Magic happens at the board! Back when I was a teacher, my students solved math problems, wrote spelling words, practiced writing letters, constructed proper sentences, and more at the old-fashioned chalkboard every day. If a student struggled with a math problem, I would encourage them to take it to the board and almost always they would figure it out. I've found that they brought amazing benefits, and occupational therapists agree. Let's talk about some of those benefits!
We commonly receive calls asking for curriculum that is presented via online or DVD, and while these can be great options for home educators, they do present the issue of how to keep your student engaged during the learning process. Here is some advice that you can apply with your own children!
Something we often hear from parents is how much they are learning about history when homeschooling their children. We offer some amazing options for history in a variety of formats. But is that the difference? Is that what is speaking to you? Or is it that you have more life experience and are applying your context to the content being taught. I would argue the latter. So, how do you make history relatable for your students?
Spelling does not come naturally for all children. In our homeschool, I had one child who naturally excelled at spelling, while my second child struggled with spelling until high school. Over time, his spelling improved with creativity and effort. If you have a struggling speller, here are a few things that we did at home that you can try.
Fortunate to be in a state that does not require submission of grades, keeping grades is still an individual decision for homeschool families. Join veteran homeschoolers, Amber and Deanne, as they share their reasons for choosing to (and not to) keep grades!
Ask a veteran homeschooler how to keep track of grades. You will receive a myriad of answers: from “Buy a teacher’s grade book and daily record attendance and grades” to “Grades? Why bother!” As a homeschool parent, have you wondered whether it is necessary to keep track of your children’s grades?
With fall soon approaching and a new school year beginning, many of you have great expectations for a wonderful year ahead. After the summer break, some of you may feel a little apprehensive about starting a new year while others are excited and ready to begin! Wherever you stand, one united goal for all of us is to be as organized as possible. Looking back, there are a few things that helped me keep my years running smoothly.
Are you a parent of a reluctant reader waiting for your child to find reading fun? Don’t give up! This perceived delay may not be about reading difficulties but more about your child recognizing the joy and the why of reading. As I talk to parents who are concerned about a child reading, we have found that nonfiction leveled readers will repeatedly open that door for their reluctant readers.
