Let's prayerfully consider your child as a learner:
What grade level is your child?
What is your child's learning style?
A thoughtful study of these parameters now
will help you greatly
when you prepare to select curriculum.
What grade level is your child?
Wait! This is a trick question! You see, homeschooled children are often working at several different grade levels, in several different subjects, at any one time -- that's the beauty of home education! So, don't get stressed out here! Some folks are comforted (or challenged -- depending upon the situation!) by checking out a standard "scope & sequence" chart to see what a "typical" child is learning at each grade level. Click here if you would like to view a sample scope & sequence chart.
Here are some tips for different generalized grade levels:
Preschool
Spend the preschool years laying the foundation for future learning.
Establish discipline now while your child is small.
Avoid rushing into lots of seatwork & pencil work.
Use the library & spend a lot of time reading aloud to your preschooler.
Have fun! Explore! Discover!
Kindergarten
Start out slow & easy! If your child shows no desire to start any formal learning, consider waiting until later. There's really no urgency!
Spend time with concrete learning activities, like sorting & grouping, and identifying colors, shapes, numbers, & letters.
Most "schoolwork" a kindergartner might need can likely be accomplished in an hour or so -- and it's best split up into smaller segments, with "wiggle time" in between.
Continue reading aloud to your child.
Begin a very basic phonics program when your child is ready -- and progress at a comfortable speed.
Early Elementary
Focus on reading, math, & basic grammar skills. Science and history can be taught using quality library books, nature walks, field trips, and projects.
Continue reading aloud to your child.
Strive to encourage your child toward a positive attitude about learning.
Late Elementary
Individualize your child's educational program. When children reach the late elementary years, it is not uncommon for them to be working at different levels in different subjects. Keep studies at the "comfortable, but still slightly challenging" level.
Continue reading aloud to your child!
Junior High
These are the transition years between elementary and high school. Use these years to "fill in any gaps" in skills.
Work toward leading your student to more guided independent learning.
Continue to encourage a scheduled time for reading quality literature. Many junior high students will continue to enjoy listening to you read aloud to them.
High School
These years can actually be the most crucial ones to continue homeschooling! You can build character, strengthen family relationships, allow protection from intense peer pressure, offer a safe learning environment, provide an individualized instructional program, and utilize creative educational tools.
It can be helpful to consider whether your child has a particular learning style. Although some children utilize all three of these styles, many children will tend toward one:
Visual Learners - who learn best using pictures, videos, printed instructions and reading silently.
Auditory Learners - who learn best using CDs, audio tapes, verbal instructions, and listening to someone reading aloud.
Kinesthetic Learners - who learn best with manipulatives, hand-on projects, games, and lots of examples.
Try to design your child's educational program with these considerations in mind.
Serving Families Homeschooling in Iowa - Since 1992 Network of Iowa Christian Home Educators - Box 158, Dexter, IA, 50070 - (800) 723-0438 in Iowa - (515) 830-1614 outside Iowa
