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Jo Dee (jodee)
Board Administrator
Username: jodee
Post Number: 173
Registered: 06-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, March 06, 2003 - 01:27 pm: |     |
I should mention that while I don't grade my children, I do expect to when High School hits. I do know that should any of them wish to attend college, I may need to supply a transcript including grades.
Jo Dee
Nothing takes God by surprise! |
Jo Dee (jodee)
Board Administrator
Username: jodee
Post Number: 171
Registered: 06-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 04, 2003 - 07:38 am: | |
1. In what ways are your children "showing what they know"?
Well, my parents have been here the past few days and my dad, who thinks I'm nuts for homeschooling (my mother does too, but she doesn't say anything to me, just my sisters) has been "testing" the children. My mother is very impressed with my oldest, as is my dad. My younger two are "delayed" in reading and math, because I go at their own pace (these are my parents' perspective.) Anyway, I think "I" passed their test.
My most favorite way of "testing" them is to discuss things. If they know something about it, they love to tell me and others about it. Many times I find out that they know a few more things than I, because they went looking! Other times they like making projects or "playing" out what they've learned (like store and money.)
I do, however, give my oldest math, grammar, and science tests. I do this for the future. There comes a point when they do need to know how to take a test, and this gives her some practice. When my other children are ready, I'll give them tests, too.
All of them do, however, take "spelling tests" because it is a requirement to teach spelling here. I give them their list, if they can spell the words to me orally on Monday, that's it for spelling that week. If not, the words they didn't get are on their list (it could be just one!) On Wednesday they have a "practice test" and if they get them correct, they are then finished, if not, they have Friday. If they don't get it Friday, it moves on to the next week. This subject hasn't changed, mainly because the children like it and get excited when they "pass" all their words on Monday! Or say, "I only have ONE word!"
2. Do you have a problem with "grading" this type of school work? (Psst...this is a lead-in question to the next section on grading...hee hee hee)
I don't grade! Either they know it or they don't. If they don't, I didn't do my job and I need to continue with that concept (unless I don't think they are ready for more, of it's not that important and they show no interest.)
3. Do you use this list to help with planning unit study projects at all?
Yes, but not always. I've read it and don't always refer back. I also use other resources and sometimes my children come up with their own (they don't know it, but I just accept whatever they do if it's a good idea.) I do tell them how well they did and that they had a good idea. It's just I don't ask them how they want to "show what they know." Doing something on their own to show me is just a by-product of their enjoyment and that's good enough for me!
Jo Dee
Nothing takes God by surprise! |
Sonja Biggs (sonja)
Intermediate Member
Username: sonja
Post Number: 7
Registered: 02-2003
| | Posted on Sunday, March 02, 2003 - 08:44 am: | |
1. In what ways are your children "showing what they know"?
Brandon writes stories and reports. He also makes science or social studies projects on display boards. He makes meals from other countries. He orally tells about what he knows. He writes email letters to people. He takes his spelling tests. He takes his math tests. He plays knowledge games. He takes part in different knowledge competitions. He draws or paints or makes things from clay or playdough.
Joshua writes a little. He puts together tangram pictures. He draws pictures showing what he learned. He does his written math work. He puts together recipes and cooks a lot! He builds with Legos, blocks, Tinker Toys, Lincoln Logs, Kinex, scrap wood and whatever else he can find to build with. He orally tells what he has learned. He makes things from clay or playdough. He paints watercolor pictures.
2. Do you have a problem with "grading" this type of school work? No. If the boys have performed to their best capabilities, then they get a good grade. If they don't put much effort into it, then they don't get a good grade. I take into account age, maturity, attitude, and appropriate age-related skill level. I know my seven-year-old is not going to draw a picture of a flower the same way I would with several years of art school training.
3. Do you use this list to help with planning unit study projects at all?
I use it when I want to glean a creative idea on what kind of assignments to give. I use other idea books, too, like the thematic unit books put out by Teacher Created Materials, Evan-Moor, and Creative Teaching Press. I think that the ideas given in the Moore Manual are excellent ones especially if a parent has no clue how to give an assignment that is not just paper and pencil. It can help get us out of a rut of doing the same thing all the time. I think a variety of different kinds of assignments is important to keep learning fun and interesting. There is more opportunity for us to touch on the different learning styles that way, too. |
Susan (susan)
Moderator
Username: susan
Post Number: 152
Registered: 05-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, February 27, 2003 - 10:54 pm: | |
On the heels of the section on Learning Objectives comes our now familiar friend, Ways We Learn and Show What We Know.
These two sections should be considered at the same time, since the way we reach and teach those learning objectives is by utilizing the ideas on this list as well as the ones that spring from our own imaginations.
Here's a brief overview of this list:
IDENTIFY: Classify, Duplicate, Recognize, Sketch, Examine, Graph, Identify, Highlight, Hypothesize, Jot down, Label, List, Match,
Question, Photograph, Recall
ILLUSTRATE: Map, convey, set up, diagram, arrange, portray, illustrate, compile a list, Advertise, Indicate, Draw, Symbolize, Graph
DEMONSTRATE: Experiment, Cook, Build, Display, Measure, Earn, Plant, Demonstrate, Collect, Assemble, Operate, Use, Cooperate, Manage,
Perform, Teach, Repair, Sew, Knit, Crochet, Participate, Attempt, Volunteer, Choose, Manipulate
COMMUNICATE: Tell, Write, Express, Deliver, Summarize, Recite, Describe, Report orally, Compose, Defend, Explain, Memorize, Narrate, Respond, Correspond, Share, Restate, Publish, Tell, Interview, Recommend, Tutor, Lead Discussion, Debate, Discuss, Counsel, Define, Rewrite, Demonstrate, Brainstorm
CREATE: Draw, Paint, Construct, Sculpt, Shape, Develop, Stencil, Assemble, Sketch, Form, Carve, Invent, Transform, Sew, Brainstorm, Enlarge, Redesign, Arrange, Orchestrate, Design
ANALYZE: Estimate, Itemize, Evaluate, Describe, Analyze, Compute, Compare, Calculate, Observe
ORGANIZE: Plan, Draft, Rearrange, Organize, Schedule, Arrange
Discussion/question/confession time!:
This list has helped me sooooo much lately. One thing I have been having my daughter do is write letters to people instead of writing reports. For instance, as we studied the cottontail rabbit in our backyard for part of our study of mammals, I had her write a letter to her grandfather in CA explaining all about it. It combined creative writing and informative writing and letter writing! She had to take the information we had learned, and write in such a way as to make it interesting, and use the structure of a letter. Next is to have her illustrate it and mail it! We could e-mail him, but then the picture wouldn't make it, and sometimes it is so nice to receive an envelope that is a personal letter from someone you love...
My children are also going to be learning how to cook this year, and of course, the list of ways to show this skill is great. Demonstration/presentation, organization, following the recipe, serving the meals, and EATING the recipe's results!!!!
1. In what ways are your children "showing what they know"?
2. Do you have a problem with "grading" this type of school work? (Psst...this is a lead-in question to the next section on grading...hee hee hee)
3. Do you use this list to help with planning unit study projects at all?
Susan McGlohn
Susan McGlohn
Homeschooling 9 years and counting 
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