Home School Check List
1. LEARN about
home education:
Read
books, pamphlets, newsletters;
talk with other home educators;
attend available seminars and support group meetings; familiarize yourself with home school laws.
2. PERSONALIZE home school information:
Evaluate
family goals, lifestyle, and ministries;
evaluate each child’s needs;
note each child’s talents, interests, learning styles, strengths, and
weaknesses; consider your
financial abilities.
3. FINALIZE your view of home education:
Is
home education the only alternative educational method for your child? Is this a conviction or a preference?
4. FORMALIZE your home education desires in writing:
Write
out a philosophy of education, a statement of purpose, and general objectives
for each child.
5. LOCATE an experienced home educator who will advise and
encourage you.
6. CHOOSE a basic structure for your program:
Will
you join a correspondence school or follow a self-determined course of study?
7.
DELEGATE teaching responsibilities between parents as much
as possible (and tutors
when
desired).
8. CHOOSE and gather appropriate books, materials, and
supplies for your school.
9. REVIEW
all books and textbooks to be used:
Read
the table of contents; note chapter divisions and each chapter’s contents;
label all charts and maps, etc. for quick reference.
10. NAME your home school.
11. DECIDE on your school environment:
An
extra room, the kitchen table, etc.;
specific storage area for all texts and materials; wall space for large charts or
maps; comfortable chairs or desk
12. GATHER student and teacher aids:
Resource
materials like dictionaries, etc.; globe, flag, rulers, clock, pencil
sharpener, pencils, crayons.
13. CONSIDER the community resources:
Museums,
classes, zoo events, music or art lessons, gymnastics or athletic programs,
public library.
14. SCHEDULE your school time: hours per day, days per week,
holidays, field trips, etc.
15. MEET state requirements, write your letter of intent,
consider HSLDA membership
16. PREPARE your record keeping system:
Attendance,
evaluation of progress or journal of what was covered each day, daily work,
cumulative record file, notebook.
17. PREPARE skeletal year-long studies (using items in #9):
Long
range academic goals for each subject, month-by-month plan for subjects, decide
which subjects merit short term study, target the most important subjects
18. MAKE a lesson plan for the first week.
19. PLAN a very special first day for the beginning of your
new adventure.
20. CLEAN and ORGANIZE your home and make a daily routine.