No testing? No problem! You can say no testing and still know how your children are doing in school. Here are some ways to assess without a test.
Whether it’s standardized, basic, online, or just because, public schools test nearly every day. Many homeschoolers test because their state requires them to, or because they just want to, but more and more homeschoolers are opting out. Why?
Because a test is just a small snapshot of a child’s ability.
The more important thing to do is assess our homeschooled students. An assessment tells us a child’s abilities, weaknesses, and strengths. The results are a much more realistic view of our child’s progress. Not just what they can score on a piece of paper.
But if you say no testing how can you assess?
Keep Records
Many homeschool families call this a portfolio. For some ideas as to what to keep in a portfolio check out this post. The basic idea is to include a snapshot of your child’s work throughout the year.
This can be kept in a binder, a file folder, or another option that works for your family. By keeping records of your child’s work throughout the year you will be able to see what they are weak in and what their strengths are moving forward.
Practice Narration
Does your child read much of their schoolwork alone? Why not have them narrate to you what they have learned? Narration can be done orally or on paper. Written narrations can be saved in a notebook and is a great way to keep records of their work.
Have Fun with Presentations!
Another option is to have them present their work to you. This can be done in a book report, science experiment, or skit. Presentations can be a fun way to gauge what your child has learned, but also teaches them public speaking skills and can show dad what you and the kids have been busy on all day!
Set Goals
Do you want your child to know his states or capitals by the end of the year? Make that a goal! How about your child being able to read a book alone, or able to complete a math drill? Make these goals!
Setting goals allow your child to work on a certain task until it is mastered. This also lets you know what their progress is without testing them on their work.
So, you don’t want to test your children? No problem! Any of the above methods of assessment are a great way to gauge how your child is learning without giving them a test.
Misty Bailey is the voice behind the Southeast Homeschool Expo’s Facebook page, as well as one of the convention planners here at the Southeast Homeschool Expo. She has worked in the homeschool market for nearly a decade with a multitude of curriculum companies, and as a former blogger and podcaster. She brings to the table 17 years of homeschooling experience working with her own three children, as well as founding her local homeschool group. Her goal is to encourage and inspire you on your homeschool journey by providing practical tips for real life (not cookie cutter perfection) homeschooling.
Copyright: flippo / 123RF Stock Photo
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