1 | P a g e H o m e s c h o o l G u i d e © R e m n a n t I n k P u b l i s h i n g GETTING STARTED Introduction. The Home Education Today course is an action plan and not lectures. The easy four-step action plan—executed module activities—empowers home educators to start homeschooling in seven days. The curated, researched based module information provides simple cost-effective secular and nonsecular home education options. Module Instructions. First, download the Homeschool Guide and read the entire guide. Next, complete steps and milestones in each module. Last, organize your module responses in a journal or electronic device. Recommendation. Home Education Today is a home school planning guide. Your responses and milestones are the homeschool system’s foundation. Therefore, at the end of each module, summarize your thoughts and milestone responses. Homeschool Start-Up Timeline Spend 1-2 hours per day to start homeschooling in seven days. DATE: _________________ Day 1: Getting Started and Education Talk Modules DATE: _________________ Day 2: School is in Session and Recess Modules DATE: _________________ Day 3: Dismissal Module, and Start Homeschool Purchases DATE: _________________ Day 4-5: Start Homeschool Center Set-up and Finalize Homeschool Purchases DATE: _________________ Day 6-7: Finish Homeschool Center Set-Up, Family Day, and Center Orientation On above lines, write the dates of the seven consecutive days you will commit to complete the homeschool start-up action plan. Course Introduction Video “Homeschool On” holds all rights to “10 Homeschool Hacks” video. Remnant Ink Publishing is providing video for educational purposes only and hold no rights to video. The 14:40 minute introduction video is an excellent homeschool overview with hacks to consider moving through the homeschool action plan. Note taking is recommended! Introduction Video 10 Homeschool Hacks by “Homeschool On” Description: As a homeschool mom of 5 kids and someone who was homeschooled herself, I'm here to tell you that this IS possible, not just to survive, but to thrive! We'll talk about homeschooling on a budget and money saving hacks, time saving hacks, and homeschool strategies that can help make your day run a little bit smoother.
2 | P a g e H o m e s c h o o l G u i d e © R e m n a n t I n k P u b l i s h i n g MODULE ONE: EDUCATION TALK STEP 1: Create an individualize education plan that promotes academic achievement. Education Talk Milestone: (1) Review Regulations information for your State and the Voucher information. (2) Review key essential elements for choosing a homeschool curriculum. (3) Determine what curriculum you will use. (1) Review Regulations information for your State, Voucher and School Choice information. US Department of Education State Regulations https://www2.ed.gov/admins/comm/choice/regprivschl/regprivschl.pdf What is School Choice? https://www.edchoice.org/school-choice/what-is-school-choice/ School Vouchers https://www.edchoice.org/school-choice/types-of-school-choice/what-are-school-vouchers-2/ 1. The Home Education System Essentials below are factors to consider as you review homeschool curriculum options. Academic Planning Diagnostics and Assessments Remediation, Tutoring, Enrichment Academic Records: Report Cards and Transcripts Extra Curricula: Fine Arts, Athletics, STEM Time Management: SY Calendar, Learning Center Location and Expectations 2. Determine if homeschool curriculum will be Self-Pace, Instructor, or Online School, then choose curriculum option. Online Curriculum Tuition Based Acellus Academy https://www.acellusacademy.com/ Online Curriculum Tuition Based, Free Online Public, Career Prep Stride K12 Tuition Free Online Public-School Option https://www.k12.com/online-public-schools.html Stride Career Prep Option https://www.k12.com/stride-career-prep.html Tuition-Based Online Schools and Courses https://www.k12.com/tuition-based-school-programs/online-private-school.html Biblical and Research Based Homeschool Curriculum Adult Led Instruction Abeka https://www.abeka.com/Homeschool/ Biblical Base Homeschool Research Based Self-Pace Curriculum A.C.E. School of Tomorrow® Program https://www.aceministries.com/homeschool-options
3 | P a g e H o m e s c h o o l G u i d e © R e m n a n t I n k P u b l i s h i n g MODULE TWO: SCHOOL IS IN SESSION STEP 2: Create a learning environment that promotes academic achievement. School is in Session Milestone: (1) Determine if homeschool is independent or online. (2) Using the Education Talk and School is in Session milestones create a budget for homeschool center. Research Base Information and Activities 1. Will the homeschool be an Independent Homeschool or Online School? 2. Design the homeschool learning center and finalize learning center cost. Learning Center Ideas Review Learning Center design information and Woohome.com examples, then define essential learning center components. https://www.woohome.com/ideas/how-to-set-up-a-homeschool-room-best-20-examples Leaning Center Atmosphere: Expectations, Color, and Scent Expectations. The first day of class, define the learning center's expectations and choice consequences. Color. Below is an overview of how common colors can impact an atmosphere and mindsets. • Red: Stimulant; provokes conversation; improves performance/concentration; spurs action. • Orange: Uplifting; stimulates critical thinking and memorization; increases appetite. • Yellow: Promotes awareness; helps to release serotonin for happy mood. • Green: Calming effect; stress reliever; promotes concentration • Blue: Enhances creativity and alertness; promotes tranquility; improves overall health, memory, and mood; lessens fatigue and depression. • Violet: Represents wisdom and authority; respectful. • Pink: Soothing; reduces heart rate; energizing effect (with saturated shades) or comforting effect (with paler shades). • Black: Promotes sophistication, security, and efficiency; the absence of color. • White: Conveys sterility, simplicity, clarity, and purity; hygienic. Scent. Here are some fantastic scents to start with. • Lavender: for reducing stress, calming, and relaxing. • Lemon: for boosting mood as well as controlling germs and removing odors. • Orange: for an uplifting atmosphere, better concentration, and germ control. • Peppermint: for boosting mental focus and natural energy. • Grapefruit: for germ control and a happy mood. • Bergamot: for emotional stress relief.
4 | P a g e H o m e s c h o o l G u i d e © R e m n a n t I n k P u b l i s h i n g MODULE THREE: RECESS STEP 3: Understand how to track student achievement and maintain accurate academic records. Recess Milestone: (1) Identify diagnostic and achievement test for the student, then create test schedule that includes dates and time. (2) Identify school year grading guidelines for students. (3) Using the Recess Module information create a homeschool calendar. Research Base Information and Activities ***************************************************************************************** 1. Review Diagnostic Testing and Test Preparation Services information, then identify services for the student. ***************************************************************************************** Recess: Diagnostic Testing and Test Preparation Services TestingMom.com https://www.testingmom.com/ TestingMom.com Services and benefits: 1. For Involved Parents: We believe that a parent is a child’s most important teacher and advocate. No one will work with your child to build his/her abilities the way you will. 2. Affordable: You can join our program for less than the cost of one tutoring session in most markets! 3. Expert Guidance: A real-life expert is always available to advise you on how to help your child and answer your questions. 4. Test Prep + Skill Building: You get FREE access to over 40 premium skill building programs to help your child with math, ELA, reading, science, history and more - a $500+ value! 5. Fully Accredited: TestingMom.com is the only accredited test prep program for student’s Pre-K to 8th Grade. Accredited by the National Council for Private School Accreditation and by Accreditation International. 6. Online and Offline Access: Our resources can be accessed through computers, tablets, and phones, AND we offer offline practice for parents who want to limit their child’s online exposure. 7. Easy to Use: When you join, your child can get started IMMEDIATELY. Work with our program in the comfort of your own home and at your convenience. Diagnostic Tutoring https://www.testingmom.com/tutoring/ Membership Starts at $8.25 https://www.testingmom.com/buy-now/ Listen to Audio on “buy now” page. ***************************************************************************************** Recess: Diagnostic and Achievement Testing Services Seton Testing https://www.setontesting.com/ Seton Testing Services provides affordable, standardized achievement tests for all your individual homeschool testing needs. They offer a wide range of test preparation materials, and diagnostic online reading & math tests.
5 | P a g e H o m e s c h o o l G u i d e © R e m n a n t I n k P u b l i s h i n g Step-by-Step Testing Process https://www.setontesting.com/testing-step-by-step/ Homeschool Testing https://www.setontesting.com/ordering-steps-for-individuals/ Recommended tests for homeschool students the Iowa Assessments Form E and Stanford 10 Online IOWA Tests Form E tests monitor growth using a continuous, researched-based, vertical scale to accurately measure academic progress from kindergarten through high school. The IOWA Form E can indicate college and career readiness through high-quality, easily accessible, and interpretable assessment data helping families determine whether students are on track for college and careers. Stanford 10 Online for grades 3 – 12. The Stanford 10 Online Achievement Test (SAT 10) is the ONLINE version of the Stanford 10. The Stanford Online is an untimed, multiple-choice assessment that follows an easyhard-easy question format where items are arranged to facilitate student engagement and test completion. ****************************************************************************************** Recess: College Board Tests for Homeschool Students College Board is a mission-driven not-for-profit organization that connects students to college success and opportunity. The College Board develops and administers standardized tests used by K–12 schools, colleges, and universities to promote college-readiness and as part of the college admissions process. Homeschool students and traditionally school students need to master the same knowledge and skills to be ready for college. However, homeschool students preparing for college need to contact a school counselor or test coordinator at a local school to get fee waivers and arrange to take College Board tests. Visit College Board Homeschool College Planning Guide ****************************************************************************************** 2. Review College Readiness information, then choose the test(s) for the student. ****************************************************************************************** Recess: Middle School and High School College Readiness Tests Middle and Highschool College Readiness Tests Advanced Placement (AP) Program: AP can help your child learn more and save time and money in college. Read more about Advanced Placement Program PSAT/NMSQT helps your child qualify for scholarships and get ready for college. Read more about PSAT/NMSQT PSAT 8/9 Helps eighth and ninth graders stay on track for college. Read more about PSAT 8/9 PSAT 10 Connects your child to scholarships and prepares them for the PSAT/NMSQT. Read more about PSAT 10 CLEP Helps your child save time and money by earning college credit before college. Read more about CLEP ****************************************************************************************** 3. Review College Entrance Exam information, then choose the test(s) and preparation plan for the student. ******************************************************************************************
6 | P a g e H o m e s c h o o l G u i d e © R e m n a n t I n k P u b l i s h i n g Recess: College Entrance Exams Comparison Here is a brief overview of the basic structural and logistical differences between the ACT and SAT: ACT SAT Total Time 2 hrs 55 mins without Writing 3 hrs 35 mins with Writing 3 hrs total Order of Sections 1. English 2. Math 3. Reading 4. Science 5. Writing (optional) 1. Reading 2. Writing and Language 3. Math No Calculator 4. Math Calculator Time Per Section English: 45 mins Math: 60 mins Reading: 35 mins Science: 35 mins Writing (optional): 40 mins Reading: 65 mins Writing and Language: 35 mins Math No Calculator: 25 mins Math Calculator: 55 mins # of Questions English: 75 questions Math: 60 questions Reading: 40 questions Science: 40 questions Writing (optional): 1 essay Reading: 52 questions Writing and Language: 44 questions Math No Calculator: 20 questions Math Calculator: 38 questions Scoring Total score range: 1-36 Each section uses a scale of 1-36. Your total score is the average of your four section scores. The optional Writing section uses a scale of 2-12 and does not count toward your final score. Total score range: 400-1600 The Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) and Math sections each use a scale of 200-800 and are combined for a total score. Cost $60 without Writing $70 with Writing $52 Who Accepts Scores? Accepted by all colleges and universities in the US Accepted by all colleges and universities in the US SAT and ACT Overview Table Source: https://blog.prepscholar.com/act-vs-sat
7 | P a g e H o m e s c h o o l G u i d e © R e m n a n t I n k P u b l i s h i n g ACT vs SAT: 11 Key Differences to Help You Pick the Right Test by Hannah Muniz https://blog.prepscholar.com/act-vs-sat Both the ACT and SAT are nationally recognized standardized tests and common admission requirements for US colleges and universities there's no advantage in taking one test over the other. Each test measures students' proficiency in various critical skill areas—such as problem solving and reading comprehension—that are necessary for college success. This means you can apply to the same schools, regardless of which test you decide to take. Read More… ***************************************************************************************** Recess: College Entrance Test and Preparation SAT: College Entrance Exam Read more about SAT ACT College Exam https://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act.html ACT Testing Information https://www.act.org/content/act/en/students-and-parents.html ***************************************************************************************** 4. Review College Planning information for high school students prepare transition plan for beyond high school graduation. ***************************************************************************************** Recess: College Planning Resources SAT College Planning Tools for Parents Planning Guide https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/for-parents/planning-for-college/college-planning-forhomeschoolers College Planning Webinars https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/communities-events/for-parents/webinars ****************************************************************************************** Recess: College Planning Checklist for Parents It’s never too early to start planning for your child’s future. Get college planning resources, tips, and test prep solutions from the makers of the ACT. Your child is embarking on many life-changing experiences as they prepare for success in high school, college, and beyond. These resources in the college planning checklist will help you guide them every step of the way. Freshman Year • Understand the importance of taking the ACT in 8 Reasons to Take the ACT. • Help your student setup their MyACT Profile and complete their interest inventory. • Start making your plan with ACT College & Career Planning Resources. • Set your child up for success with High School Life and Starting Your High School Journey. Continue Reading College Planning Checklist for Sophomore, Junior, and Senior Years.
8 | P a g e H o m e s c h o o l G u i d e © R e m n a n t I n k P u b l i s h i n g ****************************************************************************************** Recess: Career Planning Tools O*NET Program https://www.onetcenter.org/ The Occupational Information Network (O*NET) Program is the nation's primary source of occupational information. Using the O*NET Career Exploration Tools, students explore a range of career directions, based on their interests, work values, and abilities. Career Planning Tools https://www.mynextmove.org/explore/ip The O*NET Interest Profiler (IP) are self-assessment career exploration tools that help students discover the type of work activities and occupations that they like and find exciting. Students discover occupations by taking the Interest Profiler assessment online or from your phone. Note: Web-based version available in English and Spanish. Paper-Pen version English only. Interest Profiler Question Overview: 1. The O*NET Interest Profiler has 60 questions about work activities that some people do on their jobs. Read each question carefully and decide how you would feel about doing each type of work: • Strongly Dislike • Dislike • Unsure • Like • Strongly Like 2. Try NOT to think about: If you have enough education or training to do the work; or how much money you would make doing the work; just think about if you would like or dislike doing the work. 3. There are no right or wrong answers! Please take your time answering the questions. There is no need to rush! You are learning about your interests, so that you can explore work you might like and find rewarding! 4. On the next screen, please answer each question, in order, before continuing. There are 5 screens of questions in all. You can change your answers at any time; use the Back button to return to an earlier screen. 5. Upon completion of the 60 “Interest Questions” the student receives results. ****************************************************************************************** Recess: College Financial Aid, Grants and Scholarships Resources The student should submit both the CSS Profile and FAFSA to maximize the amount of financial received. CSS Profile is an online application students use to apply for nonfederal financial aid. https://parents.collegeboard.org/college-board-programs/css-profile (FAFSA®) Free Application for Federal Student Aid https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa
9 | P a g e H o m e s c h o o l G u i d e © R e m n a n t I n k P u b l i s h i n g Student Search Service: FREE service connects your child to colleges and scholarships. Read more about Student Search Service ****************************************************************************************** 5. Review Extracurricular information and identify extracurricular activities for homeschool student(s). ****************************************************************************************** Extracurricular do not fall in the scope of a regular curriculum. Such activities as sports, band, community services, student government, arts, hobbies. Field trips and extracurricular are crucial homeschool activities that strengthen personal development and promotes academic success. Extracurricular Activity Purposes and Benefits 500+ Examples of Extracurricular Activities for High School Students by Greg and Kevin. This article retrieved for educational purposes only. https://prepmaven.com/blog/preparing/extracurricular-activities-examples/ Greg and Kevin are brothers and the co-founders of PrepMaven and Princeton Tutoring. They are Princeton engineering graduates with over 20 years of education experience. Greg and Kevin apply their data and research-backed problem-solving skills to the test prep and college preparation process. Their unique approach places a heavy emphasis on personal development, character, and service as key components of college admissions success. Field Trips Ideas 20 Homeschool Field Trip Ideas to Keep Students (and Their Teachers) Engaged https://www.purewow.com/family/homeschool-field-trip-ideas Hip Homeschool Field Trip Ideas by State https://hiphomeschoolmoms.com/hip-homeschool-field-trips-by-state/ Field Trip Academic Documentation Documenting a Field Trip by FamilyEducation.com This article retrieved for educational purposes only. https://www.familyeducation.com/school/establishing-schedules-curriculum/documenting-field-trip Before you take a field trip, think of some ways to document your field trip. This is useful for documentation purposes, and it can be useful for follow-up work that you might require your students to complete, such as a field trip report. Here are some ideas to help you do this: • Photos. Pictures are a great way to document a field trip. Consider providing each student with a single use or disposable camera. In addition to being quite inexpensive, you don't have to worry about them becoming lost. • Video. A video camera is another great way to document a field trip. Designate a camera operator for the day so that you are free to manage the field trip. The downside of using a video camera is that they are expensive and on a field trip there are usually lots of opportunities to lose or damage one.
1 0 | P a g e H o m e s c h o o l G u i d e © R e m n a n t I n k P u b l i s h i n g • Notes. Providing your students with a simple notepad or sketchpad is also a good way to have them document the field trip. Of course, you need to make sure they understand what kind of notes or sketches you want them to make! • Programs, maps, or pamphlets. If your field trip destination provides programs, maps, brochures, or other documents, take some copies home with you as documentation of your trip. • Exercises. If you have developed exercises that you want students to complete during the field trip, they can also serve as your documentation of the trip. After you have completed a field trip, have your students complete any work you planned for the trip, such as writing a report or completing exercises. Consider having each student prepare a mini-report or scrapbook page for the trip by using photos they captured during the trip, along with captions or written descriptions. ****************************************************************************************** Recess: Academic Records Report cards provide written records of (1) student performance on curriculum outcomes over time and (2) display the grade that the student has earned in each subject. Progress Reports are recorded at the end of the third week in the grading period. The progress report and report card are considered the official grades. A Transcript is an academic record of a student’s courses and grades. An official transcript shows the courses taken, the grades earned, and a cumulative grade point average (GPA). ****************************************************************************************** Recess: Unofficial Transcripts Unofficial Transcript are created (1) at the end of each semester and (2) end of school year. Free Editable High School Transcript Template by Jennifer Flanders Retrieved from: https://www.flandersfamily.info/web/2015/03/23/mailbag-high-school-transcript-help/ So now you can fill out the form on your computer before printing. That way, it will look more “official.” To use our free editable high school transcript, follow these simple steps: 1. Download our editable transcript file to your computer 2. Adjust the display size to 100% 3. Fill in the information: name, address, coursework, and grades 4. Save your completed form under a different name (that way, you’ll still have the blank master to use for future students) Sample Transcript PDF attached.
1 1 | P a g e H o m e s c h o o l G u i d e © R e m n a n t I n k P u b l i s h i n g ****************************************************************************************** Recess: Official Transcripts https://responsiblehomeschooling.org/guides/resources-for-homeschool-parents/homeschooling-highschool/how-to-obtain-a-homeschool-transcript/ How to Obtain a Homeschool Transcript by Coalition for Responsible Home Education. This article retrieved for educational purposes only. A high school transcript lays out what courses a student has completed, what credits they have obtained, and what grades they have received. Parents who homeschool their children independently, are responsible for creating their children’s high school transcripts themselves. Continue Reading… The article includes the following steps: Step 1: Make a list of all coursework and material the student has covered Step 2: Look up your state’s requirements for high school graduation Step 3: Create course names and assign credits Step 4: Enter the information into a formal transcript template Step 5: Calculate the Student’s GPA Step 6: Get the diploma signed and notarized Step 7: Course Descriptions & Supporting Documents ****************************************************************************************** Using the attached calendar example PDF and Recess Module information create a calendar for the school year. ****************************************************************************************** CalenderLabs.com https://www.calendarlabs.com/calendar-templates/ CalenderLabs.com provides FREE calendar template service. Calendar templates for the year 2021 are available in different formats including Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Adobe PDF, and Image. All templates are compatible with other Office applications like OpenOffice Writer, OpenOffice Calc, LibreOffice Writer, LibreOffice Calc, Apple Pages, Apple Numbers, Google docs and Google Sheets. Further personalization can be done after downloading calendar in local computer. Calendar Hacks The calendar course PDF template is available at CalendarLabs.com. Hack #1. Use local school district calendar to (1) create your own by modifying dates and events aligned with homeschool activities and (2) define your grading periods. Hack #2. Minimum required calendar dates: (1) First and last day of school, (2) School closure dates/holidays, (3) Begin and end dates for grading periods, and (4) Teacher planning/preparation dates. Hack #3. No need to create calendar if you (1) enroll in online school programs or (2) adopt local school district calendar as is for homeschool.
1 2 | P a g e H o m e s c h o o l G u i d e © R e m n a n t I n k P u b l i s h i n g MODULE FOUR: DISMISSAL STEP 4: Home School Start-Up Dismissal Milestone: (1) Complete Home Education Checklist. (2) Start homeschooling your student(s). Whether independent homeschool or online options, the checklist summarizes vital homeschool components. Review checklist and highlight items required for your homeschool system. Then, complete checklist items and complete start-up process. Homeschool Start-up Hacks Hack #1: Organize start-up binder! Binder information includes documents, forms, module milestones, timelines, and everything you need to start and complete the school year. Hack #2: Print vs. Digital! The homeschool binder is a blueprint for the homeschool procedures. The organization system may be a hybrid—print and digital—hard-copy or electronic. Create an efficient system that fits your lifestyle and the education process of the students. Hack #3: Checklist! Review checklist first and highlight items applicable to homeschool system, then mark items that are complete. Last, complete applicable items and START SCHOOL! Start-Up Activities Complete Checklist. Home Education Checklist PDF attached. Print resources for references. Home Education Resources PDF attached. Determine first day of school: ________________ START SCHOOL!