Simplitudes

One of the worst aspects of a public school education is the constant testing, and judging of your children through the grading system.  In a homeschool environment, grading is up to you.  As abhorrent is grading, and judging is, it is an occasional necessity when it comes to understanding the progress, deficiencies and needs of your child’s home school education.

Lack of objectivity and an absence of any point of reference make grading your child difficult.  Therefore, traditional methods of grading are not advised.

In a traditional classroom, when your child has completed his exam, and a grade has been determined, that’s the end of it.

When grading a child undergoing homeschooling, it is more important to determine if your child has actually learn the subject than to assign a number or letter to his achievements.  If your child has not understood the lesson, grading should merely be used as a tool to determine that you need to go over the lesson again.

This is particularly effective because your child knows that should he not have understood the subject, it will be repeated until he actually does understands it and second that once he has understood the lesson he will be given full credit for that understanding, the equivalent of a high grade.  Ensuring  that your child comprehends the skill means that your child will always excel, always fully learn the subject and remain perpetually confident. Success is a great motivator for a kid.

But here’s the rub, you love your child.  His or her tears of frustration pull in your gut.  Resist.  Do not give into your emotions.  If it is necessary for your child to learn a subject, persist over the tears and whimpers. When your child becomes belligerent, be strong.  When your child exhibits frustration to the point where you want to cry yourself, be strong. Find creative ways to get through to your child, because you are responsible to make certain that your child gains the knowledge and skills that will enable him or her to have a happy life later on.

Having a gauge through which to judge your child’s progress can be helpful.  Some states require yearly tests of homeschooled children.  These tests can serve as a guideline to help you judge how your child is doing compared to traditional public school children.  They may even show variations in your child’s learning preferences and patterns. Use these exams as merely a barometer or as a map to enable you to proceed with your teaching, with emphasis on the areas in which your child is weak and to build upon those areas in which your child shows strength.

Whether or not your state provides these annual exams, it’s still important to be able to evaluate your child’s progress. The web has a tremendous amount of resources available to home school families.  There are many websites that allow for free downloading of informal exams for children of all ages.  These provide an excellent assessment tool and when done properly will even serve as a confidence booster, since you will ensure that he will inevitably master all subjects and therefore excel in the exams.

Additional Home Schooling Resources

Home Schooling Guidebook: “Thinking About Homeschooling? Read This Book First!”

Homeschool.com: Everything you’ll ever want to know about home schooling.

KnowledgeQ: “Are you brand new to homeschooling? Or perhaps just frustrated and need direction and encouragement? Don’t let self-doubt, or lack of experience, rob you of the best first year possible!”

Everyday Education: “Everyday Education- Literature, Home School Teens, Etc. Homeschool Through High School & Beyond With Easy To Use Resources!”

Guide To Successful Home Schooling: “What Every Parent Should Know About Home Schooling Their Child.”

3Moms: Home School the Easy Way. Homeschool Curriculum Ideas For Parents