Here are tips for a successful homeschool high school semester review.
Tips for a Successful Homeschool High School Semester Review
It’s nearing the end of the semester! For many of us this means that in 2 months we’ll be packing up our homeschooled student and all his academic stuff to meet with his reviewer.
My family has had a number of different reviewers over the years. Some were SCARY (thus the Halloween-Day post). Some were kind and supportive. No matter which type it is, my kids always feel nervous.
So to calm the nerves, here are some tips to prepare for a successful semester review:
Put together a neat, organized portfolio with dividers for each subject.
For courses using textbooks, include:
- all tests and quizzes
- sample questions pages for each chapter
- reports or other related work
- put name and date on each paper (reviewers tend to approve heartily)
- include a page for each subject with the averages for homework assignments, papers, quizzes, and tests
Include a Reading List
- include book name, author, date completed (you can find a sample at our umbrella school’s site)
Include all papers written and all projects completed (may be documented with photos)
Include documentation of instruction/experience in non-textbook courses
- log sheets showing dates and time spent (you can find a sample at our umbrella school’s site)
Include report cards, evaluation forms, or transcripts from courses taken at colleges or other school settings
Include lists of digital, tv, or movie instruction
- include dates and time spent
Add documentation of field trips
- brochures, photos, forms from interactive activities along with dates, times, and locations
Include documentation of extracurriculars
- certificates, photos, schedules
- don’t forget sports, music lessons, church groups, clubs, charitable work
Add materials from competitions
- awards won, presentations, photos, judging forms (even if no award was received)
Add DVD’s of computer projects
Last of all, remind your homeschooler what a great job he’s done. Tell him to smile. Prepare him by asking a few questions a reviewer might ask:
- “What is your favorite subject this year?”
- “What is the best book you’ve read this year?”
- “What has been difficult this year in your homeschool?”
- “What are you proud of?”
- “What is something you’ve learned?”
Now, Mom, YOU look confident. Speak well of your homeschooler. Emphasize his strengths and point out something the Lord has done in his life.
Question: How do you prepare for your semester reviews?
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