We have just started our fifth year of homeschooling with BookShark and have changed our schedule through the years to fit various stages of our life. I’ve learned to make my curriculum flex for me and my kids while also trusting it to lay a solid academic foundation. I know that BookShark doesn’t need extra dressing up beyond a healthy layer of real-life exploration. But how I arrange the lessons is up to me!
The BookShark Instructor’s Guides offer an easy-to-understand four-day schedule that shows me precisely what to cover in each subject each day—what to read, what to talk about, what words to learn, what timeline figures to place in the Timeline Book, what locations to mark on the Markable Map, what Science activities to do, etc. It’s a relief to have a base to work from! I don’t have to spend energy planning lessons.
Sticking to My Instructor’s Guide… or Not
Sticking to the schedule benefits my kids since the subjects are so often intertwined. I find we get an an even richer learning experience when we work through the Instructor’s Guide as planned. For example, currently our Science, History, and Readers are all set in a relatively close time period, allowing us to dive deep into the mind-set of early American days. Keeping with the same time period means that the bulk of our lessons all relate back and forth with each other.
While staying with the schedule is my preferred method, we have frequently found ourselves in a groove and excited to continue a History lesson to the point we may get several days ahead. Most days we want to work on all subjects, and other days we may power through an entire week of Science in one sitting. We can do that! I let the curriculum flex for me!
We choose to homeschool because it offered our family the greatest flexibility in our school schedule. Even when our schedule may look different from one week to the next, BookShark has worked well with our changes.
Homeschooling with a Four-day Schedule
BookShark’s four-day schedule gives our family the opportunity to enjoy an extra family day or a learning day without books. We enjoy museums and will frequently use our extra day off as a field trip day to learn more with hands-on activities at a children’s science museum or an early American homestead.
We have also used our extra day off to do more in-depth studying of things that interest us at the time. Robotics, foreign language, and crafts frequently fill our fifth day.
The four-day schedule is a great choice for families who want to enjoy a three-day weekend or who elect one day a week for field trips, extra-curricular activities, or homeschool co-op.
Using the Fifth Day for Rabbit Holes
We generally plan for a four-day week, but homeschooling has allowed us the opportunity to jump down the many rabbit holes that come about with learning. We can take our four-day schedule and spread it over five days. This means we may start out talking about an early American family’s water well and then start learning about the water table and finally study the water cycle. We might begin a lesson on the ocean and end up spending an hour with our map discussing geography. I don’t plan these rabbit hole days, but I always welcome them and love that we can adjust our schedule and not stress about getting back on track.
Stretching a four-day schedule into five days gives us more time to spend on each subject and encourages more in-depth learning on subjects our family is interested in.
Keeping a Traditional School Schedule
Following a local school’s schedule can be important for many families. It is a great way to keep on track with your school year and still get plenty of breaks during the year. When we began our first year homeschooling, we went this route and it worked well for us then. We had plenty of breaks and certainly plenty of days for learning, too.
Choosing Year-round Schooling
We currently choose to homeschool year-round. Although we do take a significant number of days off in the summer, I’ve found it works better for our family if we do not take two whole months off school. During the summer, we take more field trips since our local museums, libraries, and parks have great summer programs, packed full of learning opportunities.
Our family loves to travel, so year-round schooling lets us do school while others are out on break. This means we can take our breaks during the school year in the off-season. Traveling while others are in school means the beaches are less crowded, the airfare is reduced, and the hotels are more affordable. Win-win!
Year round schooling is a great option to avoid summer boredom while providing room for more breaks throughout the year.
I found a homeschool schedule that works for me by being flexible and making changes when needed. Being willing to try new routines has helped me find my homeschool groove. Now I’m confident in my choices and know that I can change my schedule each year if I need to!o turn your non-reader into a reader. Some readers bloom later than others! And your investment may pay off in years to come.
About the Author
Pamela Gann lives in Alabama with her husband and two kids where they love doing science experiments. They began their homeschool journey back in 2013 and have used BookShark Levels K -4. Pam is a former flight attendant and is married to a pilot, so traveling is not just their passion—it is their livelihood. She blogs about their homeschool and family travel journey at PamGann. Homeschooling for their family takes place on planes, in cars, and most often outside under a shade tree.
When I started homeschooling many years ago, one of my main goals was to raise readers. As an avid reader myself, I’ve always understood the value of reading. It expands our vocabulary, teaches us, ignites our imagination, challenges us, transports us to amazing worlds, and so much more.
I knew I wouldn’t be able to teach my girls everything, but if they could read well and enjoyed the process, they would be able to learn anything they wanted to. So I did whatever I could to make reading exciting and accessible. Here are ways to nudge your child toward becoming a lifelong reader.
Create a Book Loving Home
First, it’s important that our children know that we, as parents, think books are important. In our home, we have multiple bookshelves that are filled with a variety of books. Our Kindle ereaders get frequent attention. Library trips were (and still are) frequent and positive. We invest in a literature-rich homeschool curriculum.
My husband and I read regularly, so our kids see us getting caught up in stories and hear us discuss what we’re reading. Remember that our kids tend to value what we value.
What if you’ve done all you can think of and your child still doesn’t like to read? It’s time to ask yourself some questions.
Could your child have a learning disability, like dyslexia, that makes reading hard for him? Sure, we should all challenge ourselves by reading difficult books, but every time we pick up a story, it shouldn’t be a chore.
We’re lucky that today, more than ever, there’s help available for those who have trouble reading. If this is an issue for your child, I would encourage you to seek assistance instead of deciding that he’s just never going to be a good reader.
Is your child a slow reader? Sometimes, especially with longer books, it’s hard to keep motivated when it seems to take forever to finish. Is he slow because he’s having trouble focusing? Is the story or vocabulary too challenging?
Think about what can be done to break down any barriers for him. Reading isn’t a race, but see if you can help him pick up his pace, so he doesn’t get frustrated or lose interest while reading.
Does she find the books she is reading boring? Do you let her choose her own books or is she regularly assigned reading material? Maybe she just hasn’t found the right subject to ignite her passion.
Sure, children have to read books for school, even if they find them boring. Just make sure that you’re encouraging her to read for pleasure as well.
4 More Tips for Turning a Non-Reader into a Reader
If the act of reading is challenging for your child, turn to audio books. By listening to books, instead of reading them, they can still develop the passion for the stories without having to struggle.
Introduce your child to a wide variety of books. Encourage her to explore the various genres and topics to find one that excites her. Make up a list and each time you go to the library, have her choose one or two different types. You both might be surprised by what grabs her attention!
Make sure your child is reading books that are at the right level for him. Books that are too hard or too easy can turn off a child’s interest. Challenge him to move up his reading material as he grows, but don’t jump so far ahead that every page is difficult for him to understand.
Unfortunately, there is no guarantee that homeschooling or following any of these tips will raise a reader. However, instead of throwing in the towel claiming, “my child’s just not a reader,” persevere in your efforts to turn your non-reader into a reader. Some readers bloom later than others! And your investment may pay off in years to come.
About the Author
Megan Zechman is a veteran homeschool mom of two girls. Over at Education Possible, she shares creative, hands-on learning activities for middle school.
Do you want to use a boxed curriculum but worry that you can’t afford it? If you feel that a boxed curriculum like BookShark is best for your children, don’t give up on purchasing it because you’re intimidated by the price tag. You may find that with strategic planning, you can afford a boxed curriculum.
Before looking for additional money in your budget, first put the price into perspective. For example, consider the price per child if multiple children will be using it.
Let’s say you have a fifth grader, a first grader, and a preschooler. If you purchase the fifth grade BookShark complete package for approximately $998, you receive materials for all the subjects your child needs—readers, read alouds, history, language arts, math, science, and spelling.
If you keep the curriculum, you’ll be able to use it when your second child reaches fifth grade and again when your third child reaches that age. Of course, you’ll need to replace the consumables which cost approximately $350 per child. So, in this scenario, you’re able to teach three children the 5th grade complete curriculum for a grand total of $1,348, or approximately $450 per child. Suddenly, the curriculum has become much more affordable.
Calculate how much you currently spend in one year to homeschool your children and compare that to the price on a complete curriculum. You may think that you’re not spending as much as a complete package, but that’s may be because you buy curriculum little by little throughout the year instead of all at once as you would with a boxed curriculum.
Use Your Tax Refund
Some families who live on a very tight budget earmark their tax refund or a portion of it to buy curriculum each year. A refunt typically comes in the late winter or early spring, just the time you are starting to consider your curriculum choices for the upcoming fall.
Save Each Month
Another option is to set aside a certain amount every month to pay for the curriculum you anticipate buying. If you’re buying the full package for third grade and Kindergarten, for example, you’ll be paying approximately $2,418 for the year, so you’ll need to set aside $202 a month to pay for the curriculum.
When your children get older, your monthly saving plan will be less expensive because you can save a program for the next child. When the children in the above example are in sixth and third grades, you will need to spend only $1570 ($1200 for the full sixth grade curriculum and $370 for the consumables for the 3rd grade curriculum). In this example, you’ll need to set aside only $130 a month.
Teach Your Children Together
If your children are within two to three grades of one another, you can combine them for their studies in history, literature, and science. So, if you have a fourth grader and a second grader, you could choose to teach them at a level in the middle, perhaps 3rd grade, which is suitable for children ages 8 to 11. Keep in mind that you will still need to teach your children at grade level for math, language arts, handwriting, and spelling. By combining some parts of your curriculum, you can see substantial savings.
Sell Your Used Curriculum
Once you’re done with your curriculum and no longer have a younger child to use it, sell it. BookShark curriculum maintains its value. You can sell it via eBay or a BookShark used curriculum Facebook group. You can likely regain at least 50% of your purchase price especially if it’s relatively new and in good condition. You can also try to sell the curriculum at your local homeschool group, but you’ll likely make more money online.
Buy a Used Set of Boxed Curriculum
Since there is a booming market for used boxed curriculum, consider buying it used. You’ll likely pay only half the price of retail. When you’re done using the curriculum, you can sell it again and recoup a good portion of your investment.
While you may initially think that a boxed curriculum is too expensive for your family, when you use these strategies, you may find that it’s comparable to other alternatives.
One Extra Way to Afford Boxed Curriculum
BookShark Payment Plans
BookShark now offers 3, 6, 9 and 12-month interest-free payment plan! Click below to find out more.
Because I love BookShark curriculum, I tell all of my homeschooling friends about it. During such a discussion, it’s not uncommon for a friend to lament that while BookShark looks amazing, it’s just too expensive.
Although this is a common misconception among many homeschoolers, I find the opposite to be true. The way I see it, BookShark is an affordable way to provide my child with a quality education.
1. BookShark Versus Private School
First, I compare BookShark’s cost to private school. When my oldest child was nearing school age, we immediately ruled out public schools because of an inferior school system in our local area. Instead, he attended a private school through third grade.
Since we qualified for tuition assistance at the private school, our monthly tuition payment was $258. Without financial aid, the payment would have been almost $600 a month! Annually, we were paying $3,096 a year for tuition with financial aid! On top of the base costs, we also had to pay for school supplies, uniforms, and fundraisers. With all those additional expenses, the yearly total was closer to $3,500 a year. Without financial aid, we would have paid $7,200 a year.
Yes, compared to private school, BookShark’s full grade curriculum packages of approximately $800 to $1000 a year are a bargain! Plus, I find BookShark’s curriculum far superior to the education my son received in private school.
Better learning for less money? Yes! Sign me up.
2. BookShark Versus DIY Curriculum
Next, I compare BookShark to piecing together your own program. Most moms who tell me BookShark is too expensive are frugal with their money and like to make smart financial choices. They usually prefer to piece together their children’s curriculum by buying used novels and second-hand Instructor’s Guides. This can be a great way to go. I tried it myself during the early years of homeschooling.
What I found, though, is that when buying used, I spent more money than I anticipated over the course of the year. Some of the books I purchased weren’t as described —filled with highlighting and pencil marks, for example, so I’d have to spend more money buying the product again, hopefully in better condition.
What’s worse, I spent far too much of my valuable time searching for the items I needed, corresponding with sellers, and tracking down sellers who didn’t send my product in a timely manner. For me, the few hundred dollars I saved buying used wasn’t worth the hassle, frustration, and time. Now I prefer to buy my BookShark curriculum new, in pristine condition, ready for my child.
3. BookShark Versus Single Use Curriculum
If you homeschool more than one child, the cost of using BookShark curriculum goes down each time you use it with your next child. I have a seventh grader who has used Levels D and E and is currently in Level F. I also have two younger children who are currently in Level B. When they get to Level D, which I already own, I’ll only need to buy the consumables for them, making my yearly cost approximately $300! You really can’t beat that price for a year of quality instruction. Then, when my younger children are done with the material, I’ll sell it used and recoup some of the money I originally spent, lowering my overall cost even further.
While on the surface some may think BookShark curriculum is expensive, when you compare it to the expense of private school, the time spent to piece together used books, and the savings from reusing a particular curriculum package, BookShark can be seen for what it is—a quality education at a very affordable price.
About the Author
Melissa is a homeschool mom to three kids. BookShark is her primary curriculum, and she and her kids love it! When she’s not homeschooling, she’s either shuttling kids from one activity to another or working from home as a freelance writer. You can read more about Melissa’s homeschool journey at her blog Moms Plans.
Reading books to our children isn’t merely an ideal way to cement family relationships or enjoy a pleasant afternoon. It’s also an excellent method to introduce new vocabulary words to our children and help them master those words.
Here are seven easy tips for teaching and reviewing new vocabulary learned during read-alouds with your children. Pick and choose from these different options. You don’t want to use every tip for each new word you encounter. Choose the words that you think are most integral to the story or words that your children are most likely to encounter in their daily lives or academic reading.
1. Stop and define the word
Stop reading as soon as you run into the new word and define it immediately. Your children will immediately hear the word in context and how it’s used in literature.
2. Ask children to define the word
Instead of defining the word yourself, ask your children if they know what it means. If they don’t, help the children figure out what the word means from the context and see who can come up with the best guess.
3. Look it up in the dictionary
Another way to learn a new vocabulary word is to look it up in the dictionary after you ask the children to predict what the word means. This is also an excellent way to teach dictionary skills and ingrain the lifelong habit of checking the dictionary for any definitions the child doesn’t know.be assured that you can cover nearly every academic subject with almost any topic. Look for the connections between your child’s current passion and math, science, social studies, English, writing, and history. And then set them free to learn with full excitement!
5. Review new vocabulary at the end of the session
Defining new words is important, but it’s also just as important to help the kids retain the new vocabulary words. As you finish the day’s read aloud, ask the children to review the new vocabulary words and their meaning with you. See who can remember the most words and hand out high fives to the kids as they define the vocabulary.
6. Define words at dinner time
Every evening review the new words at dinner time. Make an impromptu game to see who can use the most new vocabulary words at the dinner table. How many unique and challenging sentences can be spoken?
7. Use the word as many times as possible
Use the words yourself as many times as you can during the next week. The children may not use the vocabulary word in their spoken vocabulary, but even the smallest child will begin to understand the vocabulary words as they hear them in use.
Read-alouds bring a wonderful opportunity to expand your children’s vocabulary. Using these seven tips to discuss and review the words in context will cement the vocabulary in your children’s mind better than any program.sitive emotional and social benefits far beyond merely escaping a negative public school environment where bullying is rampant.
I want to develop my child’s natural love of learning. But some days it seems he’s more interested in smashing through the next level of a favorite video game than doing his homeschool assignments.
Yes, kids can lose steam with their school work even with the most engaging of curriculum. Encouraging a child’s accountability for their assignments is a challenge, but it is a worthwhile endeavor. When you can motivate your child, you curb their dawdling, you teach them time management, and—in the long run, you raise a young person who can self-regulate.
So, what can a parent do to help a child who seems to be slacking? How can a homeschool parent provide the accountability a child needs without micromanaging?
1. Creating a Partnership Between Kids and Parents
First, we need to understand that sometimes what looks like slacking can actually be boredom or feeling trapped in a routine that they have little control over.
Creating a partnership between yourself and your child is a great step in encouraging accountability and responsibility. It begins by listening to each other and respecting each other.
The outcome of this dialogue will likely include giving children control over their education. Look for all the possible ways you can allow them to choose. Some kids prefer a more structured homeschool plan of checklists while other kids may enjoy an unstructured rhythm. Your child may prefer to do much of their work online, while others may prefer hands-on activities, or a literature-rich approach. Give them ownership over their education by letting them choose topics, curriculum, schedules, formats, etc. The more control they have, the more motivated they will be.
2. Getting Kids Invested in Their Work
A child’s interests can be a great way to get them invested in their work if they are slacking off. Ask your children what they want to learn about. This shows that you care and value their opinions.
Any of those topics can be the focus of a rich homeschool study. Let your kiddo choose the topic! Go to the library and pick books and videos all about the thing that interests them. Let your kid read, research, and dive deep. When your child has satisfied the thirst for knowledge on that subject, let them pick another topic! Or perhaps you may want to have several different interests going at the same time.
If you are concerned about leaving out any particular topics, be assured that you can cover nearly every academic subject with almost any topic. Look for the connections between your child’s current passion and math, science, social studies, English, writing, and history. And then set them free to learn with full excitement!
3. Empowering Accountability
To be successful at anything, our children need accountability to be responsible. The primary way to instill responsibility is two-fold:
be clear about expectations
help your child set bite-sized goals to work through
In all things remember that you want to preserve the joy of learning. So take a step back and consider whether you need to adjust your expectations when your kids appear to be slacking.
External force and negative incentives (punishments) have been proven to be poor motivators in the long run. On the other hand, positive reinforcement and natural consequences are far better ways of building a work ethic in children.
4. Modeling Accountability
If you really want to bring home the idea of accountability, then show your kids by modeling that behavior in your life. Show your curiosity for learning new things, and your kids will do the same.Let them see your personal goal setting and then demonstrate consistency in achieving your own goals even when you’d rather do something else.
Let’s face it, we as adults don’t find certain tasks enjoyable either. How many times have we put off taking out the trash, making an important phone call, or creating that spreadsheet for work?
Showing our kids that even the boring tedious tasks must be done, develops a sense of accountability in our lives and the lives of our young learners. Monkey see, monkey do, so to speak.
5. Rewarding Effort
Finding a balance between external rewards (such as screen time, money, gold stars, or candy) and the internal reward of a job well done is key.
Done sparingly, rewards can be good motivators for reluctant learners who are prone to slacking. But try to encourage effortover outcome. This attitude sets your child up for a growth mindset which helps them overcome obstacles later in life.
As a homeschool mom, I always want to to lovingly motivate my kids instead of using force. Rewards can be helpful but may not ultimately change behavior. So, it’s important to encourage perseverance. Teach problem-solving skills while also giving your children the freedom to choose their interests to get them invested in their work.
It’s not easy as a parent to traverse the continuum of pushing our kids too much to the other extreme of coddling and over-sheltering them. But we can all agree that accountability in adulthood is forged in the early years. Now is the time to lay that foundation with loving accountability!f positive emotional and social benefits far beyond merely escaping a negative public school environment where bullying is rampant.
About the Author
I’m Erin, an introverted homeschooling mom to two intense extroverted kids. We are child led with a heavy emphasis on read alouds, games, art, nature hikes, and hands-on everything! My kids just learn better when they can use their hands. You can find me at Nourishing My Scholar.
We traded the hustle and bustle of city life for the quiet that only farm life can provide. This creates a wonderful environment for our children, complete with chickens, goats, ducks, and cows. I’m a huge fan of Harry Potter and Gilmore Girls. When we’re not homeschooling, you’ll find me curled up with a cup of coffee and a good book or possibly enjoying a random dance party in the front yard to the newest Disney soundtrack.
Navigating the Homeschool Landscape in a Standardized World
As education evolves, homeschooling is becoming a popular choice for families who want a more personalized learning experience. However, this freedom also comes with the challenge of navigating various educational standards that influence homeschooling. In our blog post, “Exploring the Effects of Educational Standards on Homeschool Families: Challenges and Benefits,” we take a closer look at how these regulations, designed to ensure quality education, can both support and complicate the homeschooling journey. From dealing with compliance to exploring creative teaching methods, we explore the balance between meeting standardized expectations and crafting unique learning paths for each family.
Introduction to Educational Standards in Homeschooling
Homeschooling offers a unique educational journey, allowing families to tailor learning experiences to their children’s needs. Yet, as the landscape of education evolves, so do the expectations surrounding it. Educational standards in homeschool settings have become a hot topic among parents and educators alike.
But what exactly are these standards?
How do they influence homeschooling approaches?
For many families navigating this path, understanding these dynamics can mean the difference between feeling empowered or overwhelmed.
In this exploration of educational standards in homeschool contexts, we’ll delve into both challenges and benefits that arise from setting benchmarks for learning. Whether you’re a seasoned homeschooler or just starting out, it’s essential to understand how these factors impact your family’s educational experience. Join us on this enlightening journey as we unpack the world of standards in homeschooling!
Understanding Standards and Accreditation: What’s the Difference?
Understanding homeschool standards can be tricky. Many families get confused between “standards” and “accreditation,” but they’re not the same thing.
Standards are educational benchmarks set by various organizations to guide what kids should learn at different stages. They help parents track progress but aren’t mandatory.
Accreditation is different—it’s a formal recognition given to homeschooling programs that meet specific quality criteria. This involves a thorough evaluation and can add credibility to a program.
Many homeschool families skip accreditation because it’s demanding and might limit their teaching flexibility. Knowing the difference between standards and accreditation helps parents decide how to best structure their kids’ education, balancing standards with their own learning goals.
The Impact of Educational Standards on Homeschool Families
Educational standards can have a big impact on homeschool families. These benchmarks often help parents plan their curriculum and lessons, ensuring kids get a well-rounded education.
But not all families find these standards helpful. Some feel overwhelmed by the pressure to follow them, which can lead to stress and anxiety. Trying to stick too closely to these guidelines can sometimes limit creativity and personalized learning.
On the bright side, educational standards can bring accountability, encouraging parents to regularly assess their child’s progress. This structure can lead to more effective learning for some students.
In the end, while educational standards offer helpful guidance, each family has to find their own balance between structure and flexibility. This balance is key to creating a positive and enriching learning environment at home.
Challenges Faced by Homeschool Families in Meeting Standards
Homeschool families often face challenges when trying to meet educational standards. One big issue is the lack of clear guidelines—every state has different rules, which can make it confusing to know what’s required.
Time management is another struggle. Parents, who are already juggling multiple responsibilities, might find it hard to carve out enough time for lesson planning and making sure they meet the standards. This can add stress to the family
Resources are also a key factor. Not every family has easy access to the materials or support systems needed to meet these benchmarks. It can be tough for some to afford quality curricula that align with the standards.
On top of that, many parents wrestle with self-doubt about their teaching abilities. They might wonder if they’re doing enough to prepare their kids for the future while sticking to the guidelines. Finding the right balance between their teaching style and external expectations is a constant challenge on the homeschooling journey.
Benefits of Implementing Educational Standards in Homeschooling
Implementing educational standards in homeschooling has several benefits for families. First, it gives a clear framework for learning, helping parents organize their teaching methods and curriculum choices more effectively.
Sticking to set standards also boosts accountability. Parents are more likely to stay focused and committed when they have clear goals to meet throughout the school year.
Another big plus is that it helps parents better assess their children’s progress. With established benchmarks, families can track how their kids are doing in core subjects, making sure they’re on the right path academically.
Educational standards also create consistency across different homeschool settings, which can make it easier for children to transition back into traditional schools without missing a beat.
Finally, these standards encourage homeschool families to share resources. When everyone’s on the same page, it’s easier to exchange ideas and materials, making the homeschooling experience richer for everyone involved.
Alternative Approaches to Meeting Standards in Homeschooling
Homeschooling offers a world of flexibility. Many families look for alternative approaches to meet educational standards without sacrificing creativity.
Project-based learning is one option that encourages hands-on experiences. Kids can explore subjects through real-life projects, blending various disciplines into practical applications.
Another approach is the use of online resources and courses tailored to different learning styles. Platforms offer diverse curricula that align with standards while allowing parents to customize their teaching methods.
Co-op programs provide an excellent opportunity for social interaction and shared teaching responsibilities. Families band together, pooling skills and resources to cover more ground effectively.
Lastly, integrating life skills into education can also fulfill standards in unique ways. Cooking, budgeting, or gardening teaches valuable lessons beyond textbooks while meeting academic requirements in engaging formats.
These alternatives empower families to find what works best for them within the framework of standards in homeschool education.
The Role of Parents in Developing and Maintaining Educational Standards for their Children
Parents are the cornerstone of a child’s education, especially in homeschooling. Their involvement shapes the learning environment and influences educational outcomes.
Setting standards in homeschool begins with understanding individual needs. Parents must assess their child’s strengths and weaknesses to create a customized curriculum. This personalized approach is often more effective than rigid guidelines.
Maintaining these standards requires commitment. Regular evaluations help track progress and identify areas needing improvement. Parents can adapt teaching methods or materials to keep pace with their child’s development.
Collaboration also plays a key role. Engaging with other homeschool families fosters shared resources and ideas, enriching the educational experience for everyone involved.
Moreover, parents should stay informed about state regulations regarding educational standards in homeschool settings. Being proactive ensures compliance while still allowing for flexibility within their unique framework of learning choices.
Does My Family Have to Meet State Educational Standards?
The question of whether or not homeschool families are required to meet state educational standards is a common concern among parents who have chosen to educate their children at home. The answer, however, may vary depending on the state in which the family resides.
In general, most states do require homeschool families to meet certain educational standards. These standards are put in place to ensure that homeschooled children receive an education that is comparable to what they would receive in a traditional school setting. These standards typically cover subjects such as math, science, English language arts, and social studies.
One way that homeschool families can demonstrate that they are meeting these standards is by keeping detailed records of their children’s academic progress. This can include samples of coursework, grades or evaluations from standardized tests, and any other relevant documentation. Some states also require homeschool families to submit annual reports or portfolios for review by a certified teacher or education official.
While adhering to state educational standards may seem daunting for some homeschool families, there are actually several benefits to doing so. One major benefit is that it provides structure and accountability for both the parents and students involved in homeschooling. By having clear goals and expectations set by the state, parents can feel more confident in their ability to provide a quality education for their children.
Additionally, meeting state educational standards helps ensure that homeschooled students have access to resources and opportunities that may not be available otherwise. For example, many states allow homeschooled students to participate in extracurricular activities at local public schools if they meet certain criteria, such as maintaining good academic standing.
However, one challenge facing homeschool families when it comes to meeting state educational standards is finding curriculum materials that align with those requirements. This can be especially difficult for families who follow alternative methods of education such as unschooling or Montessori-style learning. In these cases, parents may need to supplement with additional materials or create their own curriculum plans in order to meet the state standards. See your state’s Department of Education website for the latest information.
Finding a Balance between Standards and Flexibility in Homeschooling
Navigating the world of homeschooling often requires careful consideration of educational standards. These benchmarks can offer a framework for what children should learn, but they also introduce challenges. Parents may feel pressure to meet these standards while ensuring their child’s unique needs are addressed.
Flexibility is one of the primary advantages of homeschooling. Families can tailor education to fit individual learning styles and interests. This adaptability can enhance engagement and motivation in students, allowing them to explore subjects deeply rather than superficially ticking boxes.
However, finding harmony between adhering to standards and maintaining this flexibility is key. Striking that balance enables parents to provide a quality education while still offering personalized experiences that traditional schooling may not allow.
As families consider implementing educational standards, it helps to remember their purpose: guiding learners toward essential knowledge and skills without stifling creativity or passion for discovery. Embracing both structure and freedom might just be the ideal path forward in the evolving landscape of homeschool education.
It’s important for homeschool families to research and understand their state’s educational standards in order to ensure compliance. This will not only help them stay in line with legal requirements, but also provide a framework for their children’s academic success. By meeting these standards, homeschooled students can receive a well-rounded education that prepares them for future academic pursuits and beyond.
We all can recall that feeling from our days in public school when the teacher distributed a test full of letters to be circled and blanks to be filled in. Our sharp pencils would start to tap on our desks as we tried to recall something—anything—about what we had crammed the night before, but it’s gone. We draw nothing but blanks.
We carefully read and reread the questions, maybe ruling out a C here or a D there and making our best guess between A and B. When the test is mostly filled in, we hand it in, hope for a passing grade, and it’s on to the next chapter in the textbook to repeat the cycle again next week.
These icky memories of tests are why I’ve never been a traditional test-giver as a homeschool mom.
I know that my soon-to-be high schooler will need to have testing skills eventually, and we will work on that as it comes, but for younger kids, especially kids who stress out easily, paper tests can be the straw that breaks a love of learning for your child.
As parents though, we want to make sure the things we’ve spent hours teaching our children has stuck with them. For that reason, I want to test my kids but not with tests in the conventional sense. Here are non-test ways I use to gauge a child’s learning without completely stressing them out.
Presentation
At the end of a unit or section, have your child prepare a presentation to give to the family. Invite the grandparents over to make it more official. Give them a short list of things from their Science or History lessons that you’d like them to prepare, for example, recite a part of a speech or create and explain a model of a battle. Set a date for the presentation and have them work a little bit on it daily until it’s ready.
Oral or Written Report
Writing a report, whether it’s several pages or just a drawing that your child talks about is a great way to see all your child has learned. There are lots of ways to do a report.
Have them type a traditional research paper based on what you’ve studied together.
Cover an empty cereal box in construction paper, then print pictures, write out information, and draw maps and cover all the sides of the box with information.
Skit
Have your children choose roles to play based on things you studied and write out their own skit. Have a lot of it be ad lib, because then you’ll know it’s not just memorized to get through the skit. Have them create costumes and a simple setting. When my kids acted out a scene about Alexander the Great and his parents, I saw exactly what they learned about him in a playful, no-stress way.
News Show
Put on one of dad’s ties, set up a desk, give your child a coffee cup, and have them play newscaster for an evening news show. In advance, have your child write out what he’ll talk about on the news. Makes sure he adds in lots of facts and details. It could be all about a new science discovery or ways to do long and short division or a battle in a war in history —anything you’ve studied in homeschool. Just pretend he’s saying it on the news!
Dinner Party
I love tying up a unit study with a great dinner party. Plan a dinner based on a time in history or a fun science theme you’ve been learning about. Gather supplies from around the house and let your child take the reigns. Cook food together, let him decorate, and allow him to have talking points throughout the dinner about things he’s learned. Have him share these facts with the guests at dinner. He’ll love showing off what he knows.
There’s more than one way to make sure your child is retaining what you’ve taught. Pay attention to how your child learns and what makes them tick and what makes them shut down and use those clues to figure out creative ways to test them. You’re going to learn so much together!
One of the most worrisome parts of homeschooling is record keeping; especially for those homeschooling families who live in places with strict homeschooling laws. And just because you live in a homeschool friendly place right now doesn’t guarantee you will never move to a place that requires you to keep regular records of your kids’ home education.
No matter where you live, it is always a good idea to keep at least a minimal amount of homeschool records.
As an adult, I struggle with organizational skills. Tax season has always been a pain because I spend several weeks digging around the house, trying to find something else to include in my tax paperwork. Heaven forbid we ever get audited. And don’t even ask where my kids’ immunization records are.
What can I say? I just hate paper. Binders and folders and boxes of paper have never been my thing. Even if I do end up putting everything away in a semi-neat manner, I still can never manage to find the paper I’m looking for. In fact, I’ll admit that our family’s most important paperwork, including but not limited to birth certificates, social security cards, and tax paperwork, all get shoved in a ziplock baggie which is hidden in a secret location in my room.
Yes, I said it. Our family’s most critical papers are reduced to a zip lock bag.
It’s easy to find things with the help of the FIND function (CTRL+F)
Records don’t get lost in a move or a disaster, thanks to the cloud
Sharing records is easy
Digital records save space
If necessary, it’s simple to make physical copies
Let me show you how somebody who struggles with organization keeps track of all the most important homeschooling records with two free online tools: Google Sheets and Trello.
1. Keep Track of Homeschool Attendance with Google Sheets
Many states require parents to keep homeschool attendance records. Some places even require a certain amount of educational hours in order to be in compliance with the law.
I am been lucky enough to have always lived in places with pretty lax requirements when it comes to attendance, but I know that this could change at any time, whether due to a move or a new local law being passed. And even if things don’t change, I am probably going to need records such as these when my kids hit high school age and we start looking into creating transcripts for college entrances.
I have started keeping track of my kids’ homeschool attendance with Google Sheets because it is easily accessible from anywhere. Whether I’m in the school room, in my bedroom, or on the road somewhere, I always have a device that can access Google Sheets.
At the beginning of the year I set up a sheet entitled Homeschool Attendance Records [school year] with 12 tabs for the 12 months of the year. (We homeschool year-round, so I include 12 months. If your school year stretches across fewer months, you can use that many tabs.) I then put the days and dates of the month in left-hand columns and my kids’ names in the top row.
In Google Sheets, you can put a checkbox into any cell with three steps:
Select the cell where you want a checkbox.
Select insertfrom the menu.
Select checkbox.
And voila! Your checkbox will appear. Once your checkboxes are inserted, it is easy to check or uncheck a box from any device that has access to this Google Sheet.
Because of our personal homeschool schedule, I have set up my attendance report to be very flexible and inclusive. This setup allows for spontaneous days off or to do schooling on Saturdays. And remember, field trips count as a learning day, so I am always sure to count those, no matter what day they fall on.
This attendance tracker makes it easy to record which kids did schooling on what day. My sheet is also easily adjustable should I ever move to a location that requires hours of learning rather than just days. And should the need to share or present these records with somebody ever arise, that’s only a click away.
2. Keep Track of Homeschool Academics with Trello
Trello is a project management software that works well for homeschool families who need a little more organization but are overwhelmed by the very idea.
My Trello set-up is not very fancy. Each of my children has a list for their assignments and lesson plans as well as a list for their records and completed projects. I add to Trello whatever assignments each student has for the week/month/semester. Then as they complete things, all I have to do is drag and drop the card from one list to the other.
If the kids complete an offline project that I want to have a visual record of, such as an art project or history project, all I have to do is take a picture with my phone and upload the picture as an attachment to the associated card.
3. Issue Homeschool Transcripts and Report Cards with Google Sheets
Homeschool report cards can be nice to have for your own personal records or to send to Grandma. Some local spots that reward kids for good grades don’t exclude homeschoolers from their perks! With a report card you made yourself, your kids can get in on the benefits.
I threw together a simple report card template for my own needs. It shows each semester, broken down by core courses and elective courses. Any extracurricular activities we are participating in go into the electives section.
If you want to start keeping and issuing a report card in your homeschool, you can easily make your own with Google Sheets.
At the end of the year, I make note of whether the child passed that grade, and then we set up the next year’s homeschool records.
All of these tips combined make for a simple and mostly stress-free homeschool record-keeping style whether you are doing it for yourself, for your kids to look back on in years to come, or to satisfy state requirements.
About Our Author
Charlene Hess spent many years teaching before she had her own kids. She now has 7 of her own, whom she has been homeschooling for the last 10 years. Although she still teaches other children outside of her home, she finds great joy in exploring the world with her family.
Charlene has participated in many leadership trainings with John C. Maxwell. She and her husband blog about their homeschooling and parenting adventures at Hess Un-Academy.
A study conducted by the University of Nevada over a period of 20 years using data from 27 countries found that families with books in the home (even as few as 20), had children who attended school between 2.4 years and 6.6 years longer than children who lived in homes without books. The researchers indicated that a library of 500 books provided the maximum educational value.
The study also found that the presence of books in the home had twice as much affect on a child’s perseverance in attending school than the education level of her or his parents.
Having a home library could mean the difference between a child who becomes a doctor and a child who drops out of high school. The data from the study makes it obvious that building a home library—print, digital, or a combination—is essential for long-term academic success for homeschoolers.
Purchasing 500 books to create a homeschool library could cost several thousand dollars—a price tag that is beyond the reach of many families. Luckily, you don’t have to purchase all of your books all at one time or at full price. The following resources help you build a home library for much less than retail value. By spreading out your purchases over several years with these tips, you can build that 500 book library and stay well within budget.
Thrift Shops
The thrift shop is one of my favorite places to search for books because I can find both recently published books and classic editions. My local thrift shops usually charge $2 or less for most books. Taking a road trip? Look for thrift stores on the road to break up the trip and build your library at the same time.
Library Sales
Every year, my local library has a Friends of the Library sale where I can get quality books for $1 or less. Ask your library when their sales are, and sign up for email notifications.
Wise Curriculum Choices
When you select homeschool curriculum, choose materials that will build a library of books that beg to be read or referenced again and again. A literature-rich curriculum like BookShark offers real books that you will be happy to store on your bookshelves for years to come instead of reselling at the next used curriculum fair. After a few years of buying BookShark complete packages you will be close to the magical 500 book mark.
Friends & Family
I am lucky enough to come from a long line of book hoarders who give us books for free. Let friends and family know that you are happy to look through their unwanted books, and you are sure to end up with some great titles. Remember that your homeschool library can be built from all kinds of topics, genres, and formats.
Homeschool Book Fairs
At homeschool book fairs, most families are willing to sell their gently used books for reasonable prices, and some may even be willing to do a trade with you. I once purchased the entire set of A Series of Unfortunate Events for less than $10 at a book fair.
Garage/Estate Sales
Garage and estate sales will be hit-or-miss because you won’t know if they are selling books until you go, but you can find books here that you won’t find anywhere else (except perhaps eBay). Some of my favorite vintage coffeetable books were found at estate sales.
As a bonus, most garage/estate sellers know books are hard to move so they will probably give you an amazing deal if you buy several books. Don’t be afraid to negotiate for special prices.
Second Hand Book Stores
You have to be careful at second hand book stores. The prices are less than new books, but even at half-price, you can easily spend hundreds of dollars in one trip. For that reason, I usually reserve trips to the second-hand bookstore for buying titles on a wishlist rather than browsing.
About Our Author
Brenda Priddy is a professional writer and homeschooling mother to two girls in Dallas, TX with a passion for books, DIY, and creative education. Her blog, STEAMsational, is all about homeschooling, crafts, green living, and fun. Keep up with the fun here!
