How to Plan a Lesson for Homeschooling

Lesson plans can be intimidating for a parent-teacher to develop the first time around. Here are some simple, helpful guidelines.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Homeschool Publications
• Internet Access
• Library Cards
• Calendars
• Personal Organizers
• Computers
• Educational Software

1. Start with the end in mind. List three to five learning objectives for the lesson and work backward. For example, you might decide, "At the end of this lesson on volcanoes, my child should know how volcanoes are formed, the different classifications of volcanoes and how they have affected and continue to affect the earth."
2. Assess your child's prior knowledge on the subject. This helps to identify any gaps in background knowledge you will need to fill in; plus, it serves as a starting point for the lesson, connecting the new with the known.
3. Plan lessons across subject areas. For example, if you map a region in which a historical novel takes place, you'll multiply the return on your lesson plan investment.
4. Gather all necessary materials before you start. Nothing kills interest faster than stopping an activity halfway through because you don't have enough empty film canisters.
5. Follow the three Ts of teaching: Tell them what you're going to teach, teach it, and tell them what you taught them. This model maximizes learning and retention.
6. Include a review activity at the end of each lesson. Be sure to produce something for your child's portfolio, even if it's just a snapshot of your field trip to the crayon factory.

Tips & Warnings

• Take advantage of the flexibility the homeschool arrangement allows. If your child develops a keen interest in some part of the lesson you planned to cover briefly, follow your child's lead.