Getting ready for next year's assessment or record-keeping.

This is a great time of year to think about a plan for your child's 2010-2011 assessment, or just keeping a good record of your child's work. That way when the weather begins warming up again, your records are in order.

I wanted to share what I do. I set aside a file folder with each child's name on it. I then choose a date. (maybe your child's birthday, a number in the middle of the month you pay bills on, or your anniversary date) I use the 17th as it is our anniversary. On the 17th of each month I put aside a dated work sample from each subject into the file folder for each child. I may add a picture of a project my kids are working on, or some art work. I also write some notes on the inside of the folder or on a sheet of paper noting any progress my child has made that month. At the end of the year, I have my work samples ready for an assessment. This method also helps me to celebrate the progress my children have made during year. It is easy to forgot those things in the grind of life. We have our new assessment forms up for the 2010-2011 school year. You may want to include those in the folder as well.

I would love to hear how others take care of record keeping. Write a comment and let us know.
Happy Filing!

Schedules

We have been cleaning here for the last week, and will continue this week.  Cleaning out homeschool drawers for the 6 and under crowd, shelves for the 10 and up crowd, and bookshelves filled with teacher helps.  Cleaning out the Montessori room, kitchen cupboards,  and thinking about what we still need for next year.

 We homeschool year round with breaks in between.  It seems easier for us to get back to school work after a 2 or 3 week break than a longer one.  I laughingly say that my kids are better people when they are doing math problems. We have taken breaks in December, April, July, and September  in the past, or when I have had it.   This year I am contemplating going 6 weeks on and 1 week off.  Taking a break for Christmas, Easter, and around the 4th of July.  It seems to help if we all can stop and do something fun, clean the house, and remember that school work is way more fun than cleaning kitchen cupboards.  My goal is always to make math facts look more fun that they did a few weeks ago.

Some pictures below of some of our shelves. Would LOVE to hear other people's schedules. How do you break up your year?  Year round or summers off?

The book shelves and school drawers.

 

N's school shelf

Do you think your child is gifted?

Do you think your child is gifted?   Now that sounds like a loaded question, but actually it isn't.  Parents are usually the best judge of whether their child is gifted.
If you know your child is gifted, or have been wondering if  they are, a great place to explore  is Hoagies. (Yes, like the sandwich.)   It is a great web site for all things gifted.  There is a great deal of information on homeschooling, the different levels of giftedness, and many articles about the needs of gifted children.  I highly recommend it.  I learn something each time I stop by.  
Happy learning!

Danny Books by Mary Ruth Books

My son loves his Danny Books. Danny Books are published by Mary Ruth Books. The books are sold in sets of 6. The books come in varying reading levels. The web site says, " Our books are created with the idea of stimulating young children to enjoy reading while they are practicing the strategies necessary for becoming successful readers. " I have seen my son's reading improve as he reads these books. They have become an integral part of him learning to read.

The books have pictures of Danny the dog participating in various activities. The books have a way making me smile as we read them together each day. They are wholesome books that beginning readers can't help but love. We love Danny! Check them out.