Is there a book/website that details what a child should learn in each school grade?

Question

I plan to homeschool and I am weighing my options of a formal curriculum or putting together my own. I would like a guide to refer to so I don't miss teaching something.

Answer 1

I have homeschooled my two daughters for nine years now, and I have used both of the books that have already been mentioned. "What Your Child Needs to Know When" by Robin Sampson is a great reference for the elementary years. However, you can become exasperated and totally frustrated if you try to cover every little detail listed. Further, the book by Hirsch, "What Your ____th Grader Needs to Know," contains an excellent scope and sequence for each grade level. However, I always had to keep in mind that each child had independent skill levels and interests that didn't always match the exact list for that grade. Therefore, I used both books as resources... not compulsory lists that had to be completed each year. In addition, I often found that these lists were very repetitive or lacking in certain areas. In such cases, I had to substitute curriculum and put together my own studies in many subject areas. For instance, I do not like the way that most scope and sequences advise for mastery of science concepts. They jump from one subject to another without any rhyme or reason. Further, they do not often dwelve far enough into a concept for good mastery or exploration of the subject. Thus, I almost always created my own unit studies in science, and both of my daughters love science to this day. In fact, my eldest daughter is majoring in science in college. Therefore, my advice is to definitely use books, curricula scope and sequences (such as Alpha and Omega or Bob Jones), or state mandated lists (however, these usually only cover skills that teach to the test) so that you can evaluate what your child needs and help you explore your options. BUT... only use them as references... YOU, not a book, will know what your child needs and when they need it; and most importantly, you will know what your child is interested in learning. Also, I personally enjoy planning my own unit studies in both science and history with the aide of many of the popular curricuIums that are on the market. However, as with the other books, I only use them as tools for our studies when we need them... hardly ever do I use them as an independent text. I hope this helps and good luck in your homeschooling.

Answer 2

It depends on the state- Most have a guided curriculum that teachers have to follow know as a Standard Course of Study. North Carolina's is very specific and is for every grade. I'm not sure about other states, but I know that some do. Also with the new No Child Left Behind Act states are supposed to have a Standard Course of Study that matches thier End of Grade (EOG) tests.

Answer 3

You do not really need a formal curriculum. Teach your child to row a boat, draw a tree, or maybe sing a song. Teach him everything you know about God and make sure he does not come into contact with normal kids. Good luck and God bless!

Answer 4

"What Your Child Needs To Know When," by Robin Sampson, is a pretty good guide. It is a Christian book, though, and promotes teaching your children with the Bible as well as schoolbooks, so if that is a problem or doesn't fit with your beliefs it probably isn't the book for you.

It's what my mother used when she homeschooled me, though, and I learned everything I needed and more.

Answer 5

Each state has standards - you can look at the education board's web site for your state and click on the links until you get to the standards for the grade you want - you can also look at other state's standards - try:
http://www.cde.state.co.us/index_home.htm
http://www.tea.state.tx.us/teks/index.html

Answer 6

Contact your school district. You have to use a curriculum that is approved by your state and school district.

Answer 7

What Your ___th Grader Needs to Know by Hirsch
http://www.worldbook.com/wb/Students?curriculum
http://coreknowledge.org/CK/index.htm http://coreknowledge.org/CK/about/sequence_glance.htm

Answer 8

you can actually call your local school district and they can mail you printed materials of each other the standards a child should learn in each school year.