Here are some things to think about; who defines what must be taught? Why? By what criteria? Who could teach everything? Are schools doing this – certainly notA good place to start is with your philosophy of education? Read a few good books on education and homeschooling. Spend some time in an educational supply shop and with a catalogue or two from curriculum publishers.
Do you already cover some of these things naturally? Could you use the local Library? Does a particular math method strike you and your child as right?
Hi — not sure if this is the best place to post this question. I am strongly considering homeschooling — if my husband and I do decide to homeschool, we’ve decided we’d take the decision on a year by year basis. Since our daughter may at some point begin attending school, we want to cover (at least) what the schools cover in each year, so she feels as comfortable as possible, should she attend in future. Is there a publication available that details what students cover in each year of schooling — what is taught when? How would I obtain it?
Thanks for any information you can provide! I know this isn’t the only approach to homeschooling — but it’s something that would make me feel more secure as a newcomer! Thanks much, Lisa
Hi Lisa,
Yes, there is such a publication – or a website at least. The VCAA website has the CSF and VELS which cover all levels and outline what would be learnt in each grade at school including samples of the levels of work expected. If you follow those, you’ll be covering exactly the same work that kids in Victorian schools cover. Many new families like the security of knowing they are ‘covering everything’. Home education also allows you the flexibility to tailor your children’s education to their particular needs, abilities and interests as you grow in confidence. The VELS and CSF are rather wordy but if you cut through the jargon they can provide you with a useful guide to touch base with or a complete guide – whicever you choose. You can also use the old state AIMS tests to reassure yourself as to whether your daughter has mastered the things that would be expected of her age level if she were in school. These are tests that were given to all Victorian school children (but not home educators) in years 3, 5, 7 and 9. They have now been replaced by the NAPLAN whcih are given to all Australian school children. Home educators can only access the official NAPLAN tests if they are enrolled part time at a school but there is an online version available for home testing at http://www.naplanonline.net.au
Keep in mind there is no wrong or right way to home educate. It is just a matter of finding what works for and your daughter. This can also evolve over time.
Thank you so much for this information, Susan! Very much appreciate your response!