Take some time to think and pray about what you want to accomplish:
What type of goals should you set?
What are the goal-writing basics?
A prayerful commitment to goal setting now will help you greatly as you select curriculum and chart your homeschooling success.
What types of goals should you set?
Academic: Of course, this is probably the first type of goal that pops into your mind. Set basic academic goals in specific subject areas.
Social/Relationship: Set social skill goals, such as learning to serve others, managing conflict, and acting as a leader.
Practical/Life Skill: Set goals to teach your children how to work cheerfully, efficiently, and without supervision; how to follow instructions, and how to carry assigned tasks through to completion.
Physical: Set goals to teach your children how to care for their bodies, to exercise properly, and to practice good eating habits.
Spiritual/Moral: Pray for your children's salvation, present a clear gospel message, and set goals to encourage daily Bible study, prayer, and Christian fellowship.
What are the goal-writing basics?
Goals should be recorded -- even if they are scribbled in your diary, or quickly typed into a word-processor document! That's because you'll be revisiting these goals throughout your school year to see how you're progressing.
Goals can be long-term and short-term. You might be working toward some goals throughout your child's school years. Other goals might take only a few weeks to accomplish.
Goals can be specific, objective, and measurable (as in academic areas), or more general, subjective and intangible (as in spiritual/moral areas).
Goals can be challenging or easy. Include some of each!
And, remember as you set these goals that God placed you as your child's parent. No one knows your child better than you do. Seek the Lord's wisdom and trust in Him as you set goals for your child's homeschool program.
Serving Families Homeschooling in Iowa - Since 1992 Network of Iowa Christian Home Educators - Box 158, Dexter, IA, 50070 - (515) 830-1614 - (800) 723-0438 in Iowa
