Getting Organized Outline

I.  Setting Up

1.  Basic curriculum K-12

a.  language arts

b.  math

c.  science

d.  history

e.  physical education (highly recommended, not required)

In 8th grade, add:

f.  health

In High School add:

g.  foreign language

h.  electives (according to the student's interest and ability)

2.  Supplies

a.  A room with good lighting (for those with ADD, avoid  fluorescent lights that buzz or blink)

b.  desk/table and chairs appropriate for the child's size or a comfy couch with lap desk

c.  chalkboard or whiteboard (optional)

d.  world map or globe

e.  paper and pencils

f.  art supplies

g.  extra materials as needed for chosen curriculum

h.  a library card

i.  storage shelves

3.  Beginner Library

a.  encyclopedia

b.  dictionary

c.  atlas

4.  Organizers (which ever works best for you)

a.  teacher's plan book

b.  Greg Harris' planner

c.  large calendar

5.  Notebook

a.  lesson plan goals - general and specific

b.  record of accomplishments and special activities

6.  Scrapbook - good for evaluations

a.  child's best work

b.  pictures of events / field trips

c.  can be used as a yearbook

7.  Note cards and file

II.  Curriculum

A.  How to Choose

1.  Learning Styles I - The Basics

a.  auditory  (learns best by hearing)

b.  visual   (learns best by seeing)

c.  kinesthetic  (learns best by doing)

      (see articles:  "Learning Through Play" and "Homeschooling K-8th - Getting Started")

2.  Learning Styles II - Cathy Duffy's Manual

3.  Types of Curriculum

a.  textbook/workbook

b.  research/notebook

c.  manipulatives/creation

4.  Questions to Ask

a.  philosophy - biblical?  humanist?

b.  appropriate for child's learning style

c.  cost?  consumable vs. nonconsumable

d.  meets state requirements?

B.  Sources

1.  Curriculum fairs

2.  Used book sales and stores

3.  Library

4.  Home schoolers

5.  Catalogs

6.  Websites/Internet

C.  Determining a curriculum's effectiveness

1.  Does it produce understanding?

2.  Is it challenging without being overwhelming?

3.  Is it time efficient?

4.  Is it interesting?

III.  Scheduling

A.  Some Options For Your Year

1.  Traditional - summer off

2.  All year

3.  3 weeks on - one week off

4.  6 weeks on - two weeks off

B.  Your Week

1.  Traditional - 5 days of lessons

2.  4 days of lessons, 1 day errands, housework or electives

3.  Math and Language arts daily, other subjects on a particular day

C.  Your Day

1.  Morning lessons, afternoons delight directed.

2.  Chores first, then lessons

3.  Lessons during the baby's nap time

4.  Older children may set their own schedule & goals with parental approval