Last week, we worked on determining our “why” and what is important to us. We then focused on envisioning our destination. This week, we will work on determining where we are today.
Homeschooling Tip 2 of 6: Checking the Pulse
Too often, homeschool moms think that assessment is about taking math, reading, or language arts placement tests. Placement tests are not very helpful in this kind of assessment. They only reveal the working memory of your child at a given time.
This evaluation gives us a much deeper view. I recommend doing it in a binder. You won’t finish it in one sitting, but as you go through the process you will gain valuable insights. If you save this work, you’ll discover that, over the years, new ideas will come, and older ones may need to be removed. 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
- What is your why for homeschooling your children?
- What is your greatest motivator for homeschooling?
- 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).
- Did you receive an education that was career-focused or life-focused?
- Describe how you were 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?
- Do you involve your children in after-school drop-off activities?
- Do you send your children to school and add after-school enrichment?
- Do you home-educate your children?
- Do you feel overscheduled?
- Are you happy? Set everything else aside and ask yourself, “Am I happy?” If the answer is no, look to the other questions to determine why.
2. Assessing YOU
Strengths
List your personal strengths in relationships, habits, attitudes, and other areas of your life. Write them in bullet points, topically. Be thorough and acknowledge your strengths. You may add short explanations following each point. (2–5 pages)
Areas You Need to Strengthen
List areas of your relationships, habits, attitudes, and other areas of your life that you need to strengthen. List them topically in bullet points. Be thorough. You may add short explanations following the points (2-5 pages)
Personal Aspirations
List your personal interests and aspirations, organized by priority. (1–2 pages)
Remember to consider the many facets of your needs—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 the strengths of each child’s life, relationships, habits, attitudes, character, and development. Write them in bullet points, topically. Be thorough. You may add short explanations following each point. (2–5 pages)
Areas Your Children Need to Strengthen
List areas of each child’s life, relationships, habits, attitudes, character, and development that need strengthening. Write them in bullet points, topically. Be thorough. You may add short explanations following each point. (2–5 pages)
Interests and Aspirations
List your child’s interests and aspirations. (1–2 pages)
Remember to consider the many facets of their needs—spiritual, physical, social-emotional, educational, and preparedness.
4. Assessing Your Family
Describe your family as a whole. Write a short description. If available, attach a photograph of your family. This will help you as you move forward.
Your Family's Strengths
List the strengths of your family traditions, family life, relationships, habits, attitudes, and character. Write them in bullet points, topically. Be thorough. You may add short explanations following each point. (2–5 pages)
Areas Your Family Needs to Strengthen
List areas of your family life, relationships, habits, attitudes, character, and development that need strengthening. Write them in bullet points, topically. Be thorough. You may add short explanations following each point. (2–5 pages)
Family Aspirations
List your family aspirations by priority. (1–2 pages)
Remember to consider the many facets of your family’s needs—spiritual, physical, social-emotional, educational, and preparedness.
Now, prayerfully consider your assessment. Next week, we will talk about mapping your journey.
Stay tuned, do the above exercises, and above all—enjoy the journey!
Catch Tip 1 of 6: "A Clear Vision" Here!
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