Sunday, November 20, 2005

home school goals and this year plan

Home School Goals
By Raya Newbold
Last modified: Nov 2005

1. To create Self Directed learners. Who
a. Can read by themselves and can analyze what they have read for its merits and shortcomings.
b. Know how and where to find information.
c. Thirst after information and knowledge.
d. Can put new knowledge to use.

2. To create “whole” people. Who
a. Know right from wrong.
b. Want to and consistently behave kindly.
c. Show respect for and enjoy:
i. Individual people
ii. Mother Earth
iii. Our Creator, and Savior
iv. Ourselves

3. Create a good self regenerating family unit. Including an understanding and practical application of :
a. How to function in a family.
b. How to do daily family chores with happiness.
c. How a family functions in relation to larger societies. Specifically:
i. Government and it’s programs
ii. Religion
iii. Economy at local, national and world levels.

Galen’s Goals/Curriculum for the 2005/2006 school year.

Reading:
-Be able to understand most self read texts.
-Have a desire to read.
Materials:
All available text in all applications.
Evaluation Procedures:
Have him read 2 books of choice out loud.

Writing:
-Write one full page of self directed prose.
-Learn how to accurately describe items in writing.
-Learn to use generally accepted writing practices; periods, spacing, capitalization and paragraphs.
-Write simple thank you notes and emails.
Materials:
Paper, pen, computer, colors and mom.
Evaluations:
By looking at samples of his work.

Literature:
-Explain what is happening in stories with some introspection as to why.
Materials:
We will be reading literature as mother chooses, including but not limited to:
1. Scriptures
2. fairy tales
3. Cook Books
4. Dr. Seuss
5. Charlotte’s web
6. Charley and the chocolate factory
7. Native American lore
8. Proclamation on the family
Evaluation:
Have him write about a specific story.

Fine Arts:

Exposure to classical music, dance, 2d art, sculpture, theater and film.
Hands on experience in music (specifically with rhythm instruments), 2d art and sculpture.
Materials:
Local theater, art galleries, internet, library, classical music cds, paper, play dough, salt clay, modeling clay, and rhythm instruments.
Evaluation:
Have him write about a specific experience.

Math:
-understand money values of coins and dollars.
-understand how to purchase items with money.
-understand some basics of money budgeting.
-Be able to tell the days of the week, the months and years.
-Be able to point out today on a calendar and find out what things will be happening.
-Tell time on a clock, and look forward to events scheduled at certain times.
-be able to create a simple schedule.-understand basic number theory of tens, hundreds and thousands.
-addition and subtraction of single and double digit numbers.
-introduction to fractions, multiplying and dividing. (in real world applications)
Materials:
Clocks, watches, cash, coins and monopoly money, paper, pencils and measuring cups.
Evaluations:
Classic math tests. One per unit.

Science:
Learn about the world around him.
-learn 5 animal life cycles and food chains.
-learn about solar system
-introduction to the basic laws of physics as described by Newton.
Materials:
The internet, books at library, ball set, paper, pencils.
Evaluations:
One self written book on each animal studied. Be able to name the planets of the solar system. And a description gravity in his own words.

History:
Study of the Americas from ancient times to about 1800ad, focusing on the creation of government, under God, for the people and by the people.
Materials:
Keepers of the Earth, Native American Stories and Environmental Activities for Children.
The Learning Companion Volume 3
Founding Brothers, a History Channel DVD on the creation of the union
The Declaration of Independence
The Constitution of the United States of America and the bill of rights
The book of Mormon
First Peoples: A Documentary Survey of American Indian History. by Colin G. Calloway
Evaluations:
Writing of the pupil from each time period studied.

Geography
-to see that we are part of the world and the lines on the map are political.
-To become familiar with world and national geography.
Materials:
Globe, maps, and trips to “lines” of states and nations.
Evaluation:
Naming of 5 different states and nations and be able to locate them on the map.

Government:-see history

Health:
Form some basis for basic healthy living and eating. Including:
a. nutrition
b. meal planning
c. how to select good food
d. Importance of hygiene and hand washing.
Materials:
The Joy of Cooking
Eat and be Lean
Mother’s experience
Evaluation: plan a day’s menu and shop for it.

Physical Education:
To participate in daily physical activities made to calm the body and focus the mind.
Materials:
Classes at Lees Champion Taekwondo Academy
Daily Yoga Sessions

3 comments:

Solange Hommel said...

Sounds like a well thought out plan. Good luck with your homeschooling endeavor! :)

Paul said...

Wow! I admire you and your committment. It is a worthy goal that others should emulate.

Anonymous said...

Advice on yoga: make the sessions short and sweet to start with. Lots of flowing movment with fun sounds. Emulate nature, which is where many yoga poses come from. If you want any additional advice, you know my email. Being a yoga instructor has its advantages!

LA