New to Homeschool: Lesson Planning Strategies

Deciding to homeschool is a decision that comes with many questions. Some common questions homeschool parents may have are: What am I supposed to teach my child at their grade level? How do I plan out my lessons? Lesson planning is not complicated if you are strategic and disciplined in your planning.

Consider creating a consistent schedule to homeschool. For example, setting specific times to do school such as 4pm to 9pm or 9am to 1pm. Next determine the subjects you want to address within that homeschool timeframe. Using a lesson planner details out the specific objectives you want to address for each subject and the estimated timeframe to teach the lesson.

Example:

Subject: Arithmatic

Lesson: Demonstrate how to count by 5’s using a 100 counting chart, demonstrate how to find numbers that are less than or greater than using the tens and ones place values, demonstrate how to count money with paper money.

Goals: Counting by 5’s (10 mins), Identifying numbers less than or greater than (15 mins) & adding money with dimes and pennies (15 mins)

Estimated time to complete: 30 mins

Subject: Writing

Lesson: Demonstrate how to hold and use writing tool to properly form cursive letter M.

Goals: Writing Cursive M (10 mins)

Estimated Time: 10 mins

Using a curriculum is also a great way to lesson plan and ensure you are teaching at your child’s grade level. Some curriculums may have pre-made lesson plans and you can either choose to use them or modify them to meet your teaching objective. Read the Choosing a Curriculum blog for tips on selecting a curriculum.