Developing a lesson plan for Math may seem like an intimidating task in the beginning, but it is not as complex as it seems. The process can be modified according to different learning philosophies and styles.
Determine scope. The best way to determine the scope is by using province-standard lists, scope and sequence of math curriculum, books about what a child needs to know, and the like. Basically, Math concepts are segmented into five essential strands: Number computation and sense, Geometry, measurement and spatial sense, data management, algebraic pattern, and probability.
Create a timeline. Figure out which concept will be introduced when in the Math curriculum. For instance, adding, counting, subtraction, division, multiplication, decimals and fractions, make up computation and number sense. For mastery learners, newer concepts can be taught every year, starting with counting in kindergarten and ending with decimals in sixth grade. For spiral learners these concepts can be taught every year but with increasing difficulty. While mastery learners should aim on learning one skill/area every year. Spiral learners should be taught a little bit of every concept, moving to tougher concepts every year.
Choose fun learning activities. Choose activities that are fun to do and help in reinforcing the ‘why’ of mathematics. Worksheets, manipulative, videos, lessons, games. Also, teach through living books that relate with math concepts the child is being taught. Use a lot of references from the internet.
Developing lesson plans. Introduce new concepts in every three to five days, depending on the mastery level of the student. Assign daily worksheets containing ten to twenty problems for confirming mastery of old and new concepts. Make sure you reinforce learning by using drawing, manipulative, games and videos. Evaluate the child’s knowledge and skill after every ten lessons. Tests should be created to determine how much the student has learned about a specific concept and if there is anything that requires to be retaught or practiced.
Evaluation. Even if you choose a traditional curriculum, you will have to be sure about keeping track of the child’s progress for evaluations at the end of each year. A great and simple tracking tool is a learning journal. All you have to do is write down every day, or week, the learning experiences and adventures your student had, anything noteworthy or new, and outside classes, volunteer work, and field trips.
If you have chosen to take your child out of private or public school, it is most likely because you wish to teach your child in a certain way. Why, then, depend on boxed curriculums alone? The beauty of homeschooling is the freedom it gives parents to tailor a curriculum to the specific educational requirements of every child.
With these tips in mind, you have an easy and quick roadmap to offer “out of the box” learning for your homeschoolers!
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