Education | Homeschooling | Homeschooling & Grades

join | what's new

Your online source for free family fun, craft projects, parenting advice, and more...

Homeschooling & Grades
by Cheryl Demas

Like everything else in homeschooling, the subject of grades seems to have as many variations as there are people who homeschool: from those who choose to eliminate grades entirely, to those who give A's arbitrarily and everything in between.

I know of families who simulate a classroom environment, giving quizzes, tests and grading on a strict 90%=A, 80%=B, etc. formula. Others are less strict but still favor more traditional approaches to grading.

For those of you who are unschooling, or are anxious to give up grades all together, you will find many advocates of your choice. Many homeschooling parents find it comforting to read about the success of others who have chosen this route. There are several good unschooling books, including "Deschooling Our Lives" edited by Matt Hern and the classic "Homeschooling for Excellence" by David and Micki Colfax.

For us, we've decided to make a contract at the beginning of the year, mutually deciding on the level of work required to earn an A in each of my daughter's subjects.

Then we use one of the suggestions of author Alfie Kohn, from his book "Punished by Rewards." He suggests: "Reduce the number of possible grades to two: A and incomplete. The theory here is that any work that does not merit an A isn't finished yet. Anyone concerned about educational excellence should adopt this suggestion enthusiastically because its premise is that students should be doing their very best."

We've found this to be an especially useful recommendation for us. After all, one of the advantages we have over traditional schooling, is time. We aren't held to rigid grading periods and semesters. If it takes longer to master a subject, we devote the time needed. Our goal after all, is to learn the subjects, not just get through the material. Actually, I recommend the "Punished by Rewards" book to everyone. It's challenging and thought provoking and especially relevant to anyone who homeschools.

So whatever method you choose, you will find many others who share your grading philosopohy. Read the available literature and find the philosophy that meets your needs, and works best for you and your family.

More You Might Like:
Have We Made the Right Decision?
Deciding to Homeschool
Homeschooling - Can You Handle It?

About the Author:
Cheryl Demas homeschools her two daughters, Nicki and Dani. She also publishes WAHM.com - the newsletter and online magazine for work at home moms.

Summer Fun!

Summer heat is here. Whether you are looking for fun crafts, great recipes, fun family activities or travel tips, you'll find it all here. Here are a few examples to get you started...

More Holidays...

your email address:

New Stuff

new on familycorner.com Missed the last couple of newsletters? Haven't visited for a while? This section highlights articles and crafts that have recently been added to FC...

Exercises to Get You and Your Kids Awake in the Morning

Organic Foods: Eat Strategically to Save the Planet

Little Forever Fish Tank

Glitter Glue Yarn Stars

Sports Ball Cookies

Summer Fruit Kabobs

Watermelon Poke Cupcakes

Cheesecake Filled Chocolate Covered Strawberries

When Your Child is the Bully

Your Child's Nature Discoveries

Cardboard Tube Campfire & Mashmallows

When Parents Disagree on Discipline

Berry Crumble Muffins

Fun Space Facts

Dreamy Chocolate Cake Balls

Beach Kit	Cheesecake Berries
Fireworks Flowers	Cake Balls

FamilyCorner Photo Gallery

Did you know that FamilyCorner has its own photo gallery? Did you know that YOU can upload your own photos to it? That's right, and it's completely free!

Here are some of the fun benefits of sharing your photos in our FC Gallery:

Send your own photos as an e-card

Watch slide shows

See beautiful sunsets and other great scenic shots

Brag about and share pictures of your loving pets

Share photos of your children and grandchildren

Create your own individual album and post in category albums

Keep your favorite pictures organized online

Rate images of other members

...more!

Join us in the FC Photo Gallery. It's completely free to use, just another fabulous reason to be a FamilyCorner subscriber.

Start your own album by visiting our free gallery today!

Family Matters Radio
FMR is a nationally syndicated radio program developed to help you live your best life, hosted by Caroline & Jacquie. No rants and raves - you get enough of that from your kids. Choose a segment below to begin listening!


	OUR FRIENDS Craft Supplies Family Stickers Letter Stencils Main Street Mom She Knows Amanda's Craft Blog	MORE GOOD STUFF Newsletters Advertising Services Submissions Media Opportunities Link To Us Shop Feedback Staff	POPULAR AREAS Family FunBook Forums Kid's Crafts Coloring Pages Household Hints & Tips Photo Gallery Blogs e-Cards Reminder Service
Contact Us \| Copyright Notice \| Privacy Policy \| Terms of Use/Disclaimer Copyright © 1997-2008 FamilyCorner.com Magazine, Inc. FamilyCorner.com® is a registered trademark of FamilyCorner.com Magazine, Inc