I am allergic to constructive criticism. I wish I handled it better, but there is always a small part of my fragile heart that takes it too personally. However – evaluation and direction is much needed to grow and become a great homeschool teacher! I do not believe homeschool is solely about a child’s education. Homeschool is a unique journey God will use for both parent and child to grow.
At the end of each month I give myself a written assessment. There is something about seeing it in paper rather than a pep talk in the bathroom mirror!
Monthly Questions:
- What did I knock out of the park and am most proud of?
- What area do I need to focus more time and attention? (specific subject, habits, etc.)
- What do I enjoy the least – how can I make this more enjoyable?
- Is there anything stealing our momentum, focus, or time that needs to be cut out?
- Did I do my work onto the Lord? Colossians 3:17 Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.
Honestly answering those questions helps wrap up the year with 3 easy questions.
End of Year Questions:
- What did I like most / least about the entire year?
- How can I duplicate the “mosts” next year?
- What should I stay away from next year?
Then I ask my son to evaluate me. Often times it surprises me what he thinks, but gives me great insight to what he likes and dislikes. It helps to look at his day through his eyes (too much work not enough wii is not a valid opinion).
Student Questions:
- What did you like best about this year?
- Why do I do that is great / not so great?
- What can mommy do to help make school better for you?
Evaluation is healthy, personal reflection is smart and will benefit both teacher and homeschooler. However – dwelling on what was forgotten, neglected, or dropped is not healthy. Do not focus on the negatives – use them to guide your homeschool into a new direction. Every day is new – homeschool is beautifully flexible!
Do you take time to look back over the month or year and give yourself an evaluation?
Stef is the wife of Thad and mom to two energetic superheroes! Stef is the author of Layton Family Joy and founder of The Homeschool Village.
*photocredit – everystockphoto
About Stef
Great idea. I’m scared, instantly thinking of the things I know that I handled wrong and didn’t do well. I can’t wait to ask my 2nd Grade daughter what she thought of the year.
I always assess myself, but I admit I haven’t been brave enough to ask my son what he thinks of the whole thing. I mean, I’ll ask him what he liked/disliked, but I’ve never asked what he thinks *I* could do better. I’ll have to do that. I’ll bet he has some thoughts. He always does.
Excellent idea!
That is quite an idea. I wonder what my kids would answer? I’m going to think on this some more and consider asking them soon.
Wow! I love the monthly questions idea…. Thanks!
This is a great idea. I really value my kids’ feedback, btw. It can feel funny to start this kind of dialogue with them, but I absolutely gain important insights when I do it.
Great list of practical questions. Thanks Stef!
I hadn’t even thought of some of these questions, thank you! I think we’ll try this.