Proposed Educational Objectives by Subject Area
For Sally Smith’s Home Education Program, 2009-2010

[The affidavit must include] “an outline of proposed education objectives by subject area...
The required outline of proposed educational objectives shall not be utilized by the superintendent in
determining if the home education program is out of compliance with this section and section 1327.”

-- PA Home Education Law

The primary educational objective for Sally Smith’s home education program is to continue to use the resources available in our community to provide a well-rounded education based on Sally’s interests and abilities. We will continue the approach that has worked well in the past, choosing specific topics as we go, based on interest and academic readiness. Because of the flexibility offered by home education, specific topics listed in these objectives are only examples, which can and will be changed based on the student’s evolving needs and interests.

READING

  1. Sally is reading above grade level. This year, she will continue to read fiction and listen to audio books, as part of her studies in literature and history, as well as for personal pleasure.
  2. She will also read non-fiction books and magazines, especially as a part of her studies in history and science.
  3. She will use non-fiction books to learn about crafts such as sewing and knitting.

WRITING & SPELLING

  1. Sally will write using a variety of formats, such as handouts for presentations, reports, and spreadsheets, as part of her history and science studies.
  2. Sally will use writing as needed in pursuing her interests.
  3. Sally will use various resources to determine the correct spelling of words she wishes to use in her writing.

ARITHMETIC

  1. Sally’s math skills are above grade level. She will continue to increase her mathematical skills and understanding, though both formal and informal work. Topics may include addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of whole numbers, fractions, and decimals; percents; graphing; measurement; and geometry.
  2. Sally will use mathematical concepts in free play, using materials such as LEGO, pattern blocks, tangrams, Cuisinaire rods, Kapla blocks, and games.
  3. Sally will use measurement, geometry, and other mathematical concepts in practical situations such as cooking, sewing, and knitting.

SCIENCE

  1. Sally will study one or more topics in life science, earth science, and /or physical science.
  2. Sally will learn specific scientific content related to the topic she is studying though reading, visits to nature centers and museums, observation, and/or experimentation.
  3. When studying a particular science topic, Sally will continue to develop her general scientific skills, such as observation, measurement, making predictions, and drawing conclusions. She will take notes and collect and analyze data.

HISTORY

  1. Sally enjoys reading historical fiction. She will continue to learn about various periods of US and Pennsylvania history through her reading.
  2. Sally’s history studies will focus on one or more specific themes. She will do hands-on activities and museum visits related to the theme she is studying.

GEOGRAPHY

  1. Sally’s geography studies will be integrated with her history studies. When studying a particular culture, she may use maps, learn about the physical features and resources of the area, and discuss how the physical environment and resources influenced aspects of the culture such as architecture, diet, and clothing.
  2. In addition, Sally will be exposed to different cultures through avenues such as ethnic food, music, and dance, travel, and multi-cultural fiction.

CIVICS

  1. Sally’s civics education will be integrated with her history studies. When studying a particular culture, she may learn about its method of government, and how it compares to and in some cases influenced our own.

SAFETY EDUCATION

  1. Sally will continue to learn about various aspects of safety, including the dangers and prevention of fires.

HEALTH & PHYSIOLOGY

  1. Sally will continue to learn about taking care of herself, including the dangers of tobacco, alcohol and drugs, and the advantages of good nutrition and other health practices.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

  1. Sally will have regular physical exercise, through active play, walks, swimming, dancing, and other activities. The emphasis will be on lifetime fitness.

MUSIC

  1. Sally will be exposed to a variety of musical styles, through recorded music, by attending live performances, and as an accompaniment to various forms of dance.

ART

  1. Sally will use a variety of media and techniques to make creations of her own choosing. Emphasis will be on the fiber arts. Sally will continue to develop her knitting and sewing skills and use them in designing and creating garments and accessories for herself and her dolls.

ENRICHMENT

  1. Sally will not be limited to these activities; rather throughout the year we will take advantage of whatever interests, opportunities and resources seem appropriate at the time.