This is Step 4 in our Homeschool Success Series:
- Step 1 – A Clear Vision
- Step 2 – Momculture
- Step 3 – Record Keeping
- Step 4 – The Foundation
- Step 5 – Check the Pulse (You are here)
- Step 6 – The MAP
This post is the fifth in a series of six simple steps to help you rock your homeschool and enjoy a wonderful year.
So far, we’ve taken time to determine our why, clarify what matters most, envision our destination, embrace mom culture, establish record keeping, and begin building a strong foundation for family culture.
Now it’s time to pause… and take an honest look at where we are today.
Homeschooling Step 5: Check the Pulse
Too often, homeschool moms think assessment means placement tests—math, reading, or language arts evaluations.
But placement tests only reveal a child’s working memory at a given moment. They don’t tell the full story.
This kind of evaluation goes much deeper.
I recommend creating a binder for this process. You won’t complete it in one sitting—but as you work through it, you’ll gain valuable insight into your home, your children, and yourself.
And as you revisit it over the years, you’ll refine your thinking, adding new ideas and letting go of what no longer fits.
Education is always a work in progress.
"Progress means getting nearer to the place where you want to be. And if you have taken a wrong turning, then to go forward does not get you any nearer. If you are on the wrong road, progress means doing an about-turn and walking back to the right road; and in that case, the [woman] who turns back soonest is the most progressive [woman]." by C. S. Lewis
4 Ways to Evaluate Education in Your Home
1. Foundations
Take time to reflect and aswer the following:
- What is your why for homeschooling your children?
- What is your greatest motivator?
- Do you feel you have a personal mission or purpose in life? (one paragraph or less)
- In what generation were you born? Baby Boomer (1944–1963), Generation X (1964–1981), Millennial (1982–2004), or Gen Z (1996–2010s).
- Was your education career-focused or life-focused?
- How were you prepared for adult responsibilities and citizenship?
- What were your childhood family traditions...daily, weekly, monthly, birthdays, holidays, life events, etc.?
- Do you run your home by rhythm or by the seat of your pants (mood)?
- Do you run a personal or family business?
- Are your children involved in outside activities?
- Are you adding enrichment to a school-based education, or fully home-educating?
- Do you feel overscheduled?
- Do you feel overscheduled?
- Are you happy?
Set everything else aside and ask yourself honestly: Am I happy? If the answer is no, these questions will help you uncover why.
2. Assessing YOU
Strengths
List your personal strengths in relationships, habits, attitudes, and other areas of your life.
Write in bullet points and be thorough. You may add brief explanations. (2–5 pages)
Areas You Need to Strengthen
List areas in your relationships, habits, attitudes, and life that need growth. Be honest and thorough. (2–5 pages)
Personal Aspirations
List each child’s interests and goals. (1–2 pages per child)
Remember to consider the full picture: spiritual, physical, social-emotional, educational, and preparedness.
3. Assessing Your Children
Describe each member of your family by name, gender, and age. Write a short description of each. If available, attach a photograph of family members. This will help you as you move forward.
Strengths
List each child’s strengths in relationships, habits, character, and development. (2–5 pages per child).
Areas to Strengthen
List areas where each child needs growth. (2–5 pages per child)
Interests and Aspirations
List your child’s interests and aspirations. (1–2 pages)
Again, consider the whole child: spiritual, physical, social-emotional, educational, and preparedness.
4. Assessing Your Family
Write a short description of your family as a whole. Include a photo if available.
Your Family's Strengths
List strengths in your traditions, relationships, habits, attitudes, and overall family culture.
(2–5 pages)
Areas to Strengthen
List areas where your family life could grow. (2–5 pages)
Family Aspirations
List your family goals and priorities. (1–2 pages)
Consider every area: spiritual, physical, social-emotional, educational, and preparedness.
Now, take time to prayerfully reflect on what you’ve written.
Next week, we will begin mapping your journey forward.
Because once you know where you are…
you can clearly see how to get where you want to be.
Stay tuned—and as always, enjoy the journey!
Next Step: The MAP
Next week, we’ll focus on creating THE MAP (Master Actualization Plan)—where you connect your vision with practical resources and meaningful family traditions.
Links to the previous posts in the Homeschool Success Series:
How to Start Homeschooling: Six Ways to Rock Your Homeschool!
Step One: A Clear Vision. Here
Step Two: Momculture. Here
Step Three: Record Keeping. Here
Step Four: The Foundation. Here
Step Five: Scroll Up
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