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Homeschooling
Homeschooling or "Unschooling" as it is frequently called, is becoming more and more popular due to many factors. Religious reasons, lack of educational value in some public schools, safety, etc... Whatever the reason, it is a great way of getting closer to your child(ren), and becoming more invovled with their education.
First time Homeschooling parents have an obligation in some states to produce a portfolio for evaluation. In Florida, it is once a year. It is not the only choice in Florida for validation, but it is the best in my opinion. My 12 year old son and I just underwent our first evaluation. I should really say my evaluation as it is mostly an evaluation of the parents competency to homeschool. We passed with flying colors I am happy to say. I was very nervous about the portfolio. The evaluator was extremely impressed by the portfolio I put together for him. Whew, was I relieved! He is working on 7th Grade in Math and Science but is working well above grade level in Language Arts, History, Music, and Reading. Putting a portfolio together takes some discipline and organization. Making sure I included the curriculum information (the curriculum used, the scope and sequence of the curriculum, how many used, etc..), the books my son read throughout the year, several writing samples, art samples, math samples, and many other projects he created on his own. I used a very nice portfolio keeper from an office supply store. It has several folders, and a handle for ease of toting. I organized each folder with the subjects, and placed the samples in color coded, pronged folders to make thumbing through them easier for the evaluator. I kept it as simple as possible, and we did very well. A basic guideline of what I do: * Lesson Plans
** Detailed by Subject
*** Language Arts
Lesson numbers and pages to be completed
Instructions for each lesson
*** Word Lessons
Lesson numbers and pages to be completed
Instructions for each lesson
*** History (this depends on your own plan)
Weekly Reading specific historical
events/figures
Worksheets or an essay (200 or more words)
*** Science
Weekly Unit studies
Worksheets, experiments, and tests
*** Math
Daily Math lessons
Worksheets and tests I personally use templates from Microsoft Works for my lesson plan layout. I have only included a basic guideline of the subjects I assign to my son. I also include weekly Art, Music, and Reading assignments. I assign one book report a week 500+ words preferably. The samples I include with his portfolio (a package with homework samples and any pertinent information used for studies during the year) included art samples, writing samples (essay, book reports, Science research, etc...), curricula I use, lesson plans for the year, worksheets, tests, books read list, list of household chores, any field trips taken, and any other information pertinent to his learning over the year. I usually keep it as simple as possible. I choose his best samples for each subject. How many samples to include would depend on what the evaluator expects. Be sure to contact your evaluator prior to the visit and ask any questions you may have for a smooth evaluation. Remember, the evaluator is not there to determine whether you continue with homeschooling, but to verify for the State that the child is progressing accordingly. Be sure to take your evaluation form to your evaluator to sign, and then make sure you get it to the proper location (ask your evaluator) within a day or two. I set up a flexible daily schedule for him. He studies each subject for 45 minutes with a 15 minute free time break. I also have him write in a daily journal. In his daily journal he is to write about his daily experiences. If he gets frustrated at ANY point during his studies, he stops what he is doing to write his frustration in his journal before he moves forward. I usually have him go to the next subject and go back to the frustrating area later. This is to keep him on track, and keep things as stress free as possible for his learning environment. I also have him perform little physical exercises every 15 minutes to keep oxygen levels pumping to his brain! He listens to Classical music during his studies which keeps him on track and his frustration levels down. I try to keep it as fun as possible to help him WANT to learn. Don't forget a healthy breakfast, lunch and dinner! :) I hope this helped someone out there who is homeschooling, or considering homeschooling and needed some guidance for portfolio building.
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