Homeschool Academics
There is no one "right way" to homeschool.
Different families use different methods and sometimes within a family a different method is needed for different children. It is helpful to know your own preferred teaching style as well as your childrens’ learning styles; and to know you have a whole community of families beside you.
Often the best method for home schooling is a combination of these two styles. Thankfully, parents are not bound to any one method! Take time to explore different methods and be gentle with yourself and your children as you engage in this process of discovery.
Common Homeschooling Methods
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This approach uses the world and our response to it as the basis for education. Field trips, nature studies, journaling, narration, and living books form the framework for subjects. This often feels like a "natural" way of learning with much hands-on experience, reading aloud, and exploring personal interests.
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The Trivium method of the medieval ages provides the structure of learning through the years. The grammar stage of the elementary grades is based on much copy work, repetition, and memorization of facts. The middle school years focus on learning to logically argue a position well through oral and written skills well. Then, the high school years provide opportunity to analyze and form personal and well-thought out opinions. Hallmarks of a classical education include foreign language studies including Latin, formal/informal logic, persuasive essays, research papers, and debate skills.
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This is a child directed form of learning that is facilitated by the parent through specific use of materials. Unit Studies may form the basis for some or all of the subjects as a means for providing instruction which feeds the child's interests.
Crown College: http://www.crown.edu/admissions/early-college/
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This is nothing more than a mix-and-match of the other learning styles across different subjects in order to achieve purposeful accommodation of each child's abilities and goals.
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The characteristics which supported American liberty as defined by the Founding Fathers form the framework of this approach. Specific principles such as self-government, individuality, character development, conscience, stewardship, duty to country, and unity are woven throughout curriculum. A biblical principles and a Christian Worldview are brought to every subject matter.
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This method follows the traditional public school approach of textbook reading, workbooks, testing, and record keeping. Its framework is an identified scope and sequence across grades and students.
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A topical study that covers many important subjects such as math, writing, history, and science. A variety of resources as well as activities are utilized in order to teach and document learning. Over a period of weeks, students may read a "living book", watch a movie, make a notebook, create a map, write an essay, or memorize a speech all pertinent to one topic. Some supplementation of math and science may be necessary.
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A very relaxed method of schooling where the pursuit of learning and of materials is strictly directed by the student. It is a very hands-off parental approach.
Homeschooling Through High School
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Contact a local high school in early September and let them know you have a home school student interested in taking the PSAT in October at their school. The counseling office will provide all necessary information. The test is given to both sophomore and junior status students on a Wednesday in mid-October every year. Because there is a minimal fee of about $15 and parent signatures may be required, it is important to initiate all paperwork early in September. On test day- eat breakfast and stay hydrated. Students should bring an approved calculator, two number 2 pencils, a photo id, water and a small snack. Know the home school code for the PSAT (992499 in MN) as this will allow scores to be sent directly to your home or SAT account rather than to the local high school. More information can be found at https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/psat-nmsqt/taking-the-test
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As of spring 2016, the SAT and ACT have become similar tests. In the past, the ACT tested acquired knowledge and the SAT tested applied knowledge. Some students fare better on one test compared to the other. Consider taking both at least once to determine if this is true for your student. Some colleges and universities require one or the other so it may be helpful to know your intended post-secondary institutions requirements when deciding between the two tests. All registration is done online and both tests cost around $60 per registration. The ACT may be taken up to 12 times and the SAT is unlimited; generally students are encouraged to take a test at least twice. Both are taken on a Saturday morning beginning around 8 a.m. and last until about 12:00. The ACT registration link is http://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/taking-the-test.html and the SAT registration link is https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat/register.
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High school students are eligible to take college coursework with this option. Academic requirements of gpa must be met and placement testing occurs prior to registering for class or an ACT/SAT score must be submitted. Many colleges offer online or onsite classes. The board would like to remind parents to prayerfully consider this option; it is not the best choice for all students or families. The following links might be helpful as a parent or student is considering this option:
RCTC: https://www.rctc.edu/hsconnections/college-credit/pseo/pseo-home-schoolers/
University of Northwestern, St. Paul Campus: https://unwsp.edu/admissions/pseo-early-college/pseo/
University of Minnesota – Rochester Campus: https://r.umn.edu/umr-admissions/post-secondary-enrollment-options/pseo
Concordia College: https://www.csp.edu/admissions/pseo/Crown College: http://www.crown.edu/admissions/early-college/
Homeschooling is a big decision.
We want to reassure you, you aren’t alone. Whether you have questions, want to learn more, or are ready to dive in - we are here to guide you!
