Are you trying to figure out how to assess your child’s learning with Bookshark’s Reading with History? When using this wonderful curriculum, you may feel a little unsure when you reach the end of a topic or when you try to document your child’s learning. But don’t despair. There are many creative ways you can document and assess your child’s learning. And the best part? No tests required.
Assessments of learning need not include tests and book reports, yet this is often the default for measuring history knowledge.
When I was growing up, we generally followed the same schedule for each chapter in our history textbook: Read, take notes, answer end-of-chapter questions, end with a unit test. There was nothing of substance and it led many children, myself included, to dismiss history as boring and irrelevant.
Wrong! History is an incredibly interesting topic, serving as the map of how we got where we are today. It’s a blueprint to remind us not to repeat some aspects of our history as well.
While these changes may be totally unlike your view of traditional education, a curriculum free of textbooks and tests makes room for authentic project-based assessments instead.
My favorite way to choose projects is to chat with my child to see what she might like to do for the project. Here are five standbys for project-based assessments that we turn to often.
1. Keepsake Book
Reading with History is categorized by age range, with literature chosen to cover various topics within certain times in history. Children can read each book and then create their own keepsake history book by making an illustration or writing a piece that represents a memorable moment from that time in history. Continue adding pages with each new topic covered. Let them create and decorate a cover, a title page, and voila!
2. Digital Presentation
Since children typically enjoy using computers, a digital presentation is a wonderful way to present what they learned. Children can include images, text, and even music within this program to create a presentation that displays memorable moments from history.
3. Dioramas
Dioramas are 3-dimensional models, created in miniature, or in large-scale, as you would see in a museum. Children can use shoeboxes and decorate them to represent a scene from a moment in history. For older children, you might want to also include a written component where they describe in more detail what the diorama represents and why it is important.
4. BookShark Lap Books
Lap Book Kits are amazing for compiling the important information covered in the curriculum. I love the simplicity of the papercrafts because it makes learning the focus, which can sometimes get lost in the details of more complicated projects.
5. How Might It Have Been Different?
Imagine if one important component of the time period were missing. How might the world look today?
If, for example, the Egyptians never learned to embalm the dead, how might things be different in that area?
If the Europeans had never made it to the Indies, how might America look today?
Have older children explore this based on what they are learning in history and have them write an informative piece to cover this.
How to Create a Rubric to Evaluate the Project
One of the keys to success with project-based projects is getting your children involved in the evaluation process, for example with a rubric. A rubric is a tool that shows your child what is expected for the project and the corresponding grade for each level of fulfillment.
A clear rubric that you both agree on ahead of time eliminates the arbitrary feeling of subjective grading. Again, it is a great idea to get children involved in this as well, even letting older children make the entire rubric themselves prior to starting the project.
What do you expect to see in the final project? Note, this will look unique based on the project that is chosen. Give points value for this.
A narrowed topic
A certain number of examples to support the topic
A bibliography (for older children)
A certain number of reliable sources
Will you count appearance as part of the grade? If so, give points value for this.
Was the project completed on time? If you follow a more structured schedule this might be included on your rubric. Give points value for this.
Making history fun and relevant is important for helping children make connections and build a solid foundation of knowledge that they can carry forward in their education. Project-based assessments give children the opportunity to get their hands busy and their creative ideas flowing.
About the Author
Resa Brandenburg is a former teacher who is now passionate about unschooling her daughter. She lives with her husband in an old farmhouse by the river in Kentucky. Her favorite thing to do is spend the afternoon with her family, including her grown sons and two grandchildren. Her hobbies include traveling, reading, and quilting.
Roald Dahl said, “By the time I am nearing the end of a story, the first part will have been reread and altered and corrected at least one hundred and fifty times. I am suspicious of both facility and speed. Good writing is essentially rewriting. I am positive of this.”
While I believe Dahl is right, if my children thought they needed to revise a story one hundred and fifty times to produce good writing, they’d never pick up a pencil again. But if not one hundred and fifty times, then how many?
How many times should our child retake a test, re-do an assignment, rework math problems, or revise their writing? Should they do their best the first time or be given as many times as it takes to get it right?
Depending on whom you talk to, the answer varies. If you believe, as I do, the point of an assessment is to see what the student retained so they can continue to build skills and learn, then like me, you believe revision is essential. But revision can feel like a punishment. A redo can be synonymous with failure. I wonder if instead of asking how many times my child should revise, we ask, how can I help my child see revision as part of the learning process.
Before we ask a child to retake a test or re-do a worksheet, we need to make sure the assessment genuinely captured what we hoped to assess. A child who struggles with test taking may be able to answer the test questions correctly when they are asked orally. Instead of assessing what a child knows about World War I (your goal), the test could be assessing their test-taking, reading, or writing skills. A child who struggles with sitting still or following directions might struggle with workbooks. Is a blank page an assessment of what they know, or how they are being asked to show what they know?
Once we know what our child needs to learn, it’s important we, too, embrace revision. We have to check in with ourselves. Do we want our child to hurry up and get something done so we can mark it off of the Instructor’s Guide, regardless of the outcome? Here are five ways we can all see the importance of revision and help our children find success.
1. Focus on a Growth Mindset
Revision is part of the learning process. It is not the final step, nor is it a means to perfection. There is no end point when it comes to learning. The more we practice and dig into a skill, the more we deepen our knowledge.
Assessments given without the chance for revision can offer students the idea that their learning has an end.
They get an A+, the skill is mastered, and it’s time to move on.
Learning is not a race. Homeschooling allows us to slow down and offer our children plenty of time to make sure learning happens. We can slow down our curriculum. We can pause and come back when our child is ready, break down skills into smaller parts, and take our time.
3. Help Kids Practice Skills in a Variety of Ways
Drilling kids or using a method that isn’t working over and over will only lead to frustration. Once you identify a skill your child needs to work on, use a variety of ways to help them practice. If your child needs to work on fractions, cook something together. Play games where they practice multiplication, spelling, and grammar. Approach the learning from different angles, use multimedia, and apply hands-on methods. The more fun and engaging learning is the more it will stick.
4. It’s Okay to Practice One Skill At a Time
While revising an essay by hand allows a child to practice handwriting and writing at the same time, doing so over and over could lead them to hate revision, handwriting, or both. Computers make revision a lot less painful. Once they get their writing just the way it needs to be, they can always copy it or something else to practice their handwriting.
5. There Are Many Ways to Revise
Revision doesn’t have to look like red pen marks and rewriting the same paragraph over and over. It shouldn’t feel like a punishment. If a child is struggling with organizing their writing, have them cut up their paragraphs and sentences and revise by rearranging them in a more cohesive manner. Do a scavenger hunt with their writing and have them first find all the capitalization errors. Another time look for the spelling errors or missing periods. Give them fun pens and let them grade themselves.
You don’t have to even call it revision. We’re just continuing to learn.
When we help our children embrace a growth mindset, offer plenty of time to learn and practice a skill, make sure the assessment is measuring what needs to be assessed, practice one skill at a time, and use revision as tool instead something that feels tedious or like a punishment, the number of times something takes doesn’t matter. What matters is learning happens, the child finds success, and the child is motivated to keep learning.
About the Author
Kelly left teaching middle and high school English to homeschool her children and reclaim how she and her family spent their time. Followers of interest-led learning, her family’s days rarely look the same, but they tend to include a lot of books, art supplies, and time outside.
Kelly facilitates local writing circles for women and children and blogs about nurturing the love of learning on her blog, Curiosity Encouraged. She loves to journal, read memoirs, hike, and travel. She seeks quiet mornings and good coffee daily.
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!
