Susan's Homeschool Blog

The importance of goals in homeschooling cannot be overestimated. If you have no goals, you don’t know where you are going. It’s important to have long-term as well as short-term goals. What do you want your children to accomplish before they leave home at age 18? A goals list for each subject area will help you do long-range planning, and it can help you eliminate busywork in your homeschool that does not contribute to your goals. Short-range goals might include what you want your child to accomplish in any given year. I have included a list of the long-range goals that I have for my own children. I hope it is helpful as you formulate your own goals.

Bible

1. Understand the Gospel and be saved.
2. Learn obedience and self-control.
3. Grow in their knowledge and love of Christ.
4. Have a vivid knowledge of Bible stories.
5. Be able to take notes and learn during a sermon.
6. Learn the great hymns of the faith.
7. Learn how to use Bible concordance, atlas, dictionary, handbook.
8. Understand and experience Jewish traditions and holidays.
9. Memorize Scripture and the books of the Bible.

Math

1. Be able to do quick mental math (add, subtract, multiply, and divide).
2. Have good estimation skills and practical math.
3. Have financial savvy; budgeting and business skills.
4. Be able to do math up through calculus, if needed for future job.

Language

1. Be able to read fluently with understanding.
2. Write effectively and vividly in all forms of writing.
3. Give a speech presentation effectively.
4. Be exposed to drama and theater.
5. Have sharp listening skills and reasoning skills.
6. Understand basic logic and have critical thinking skills.
7. Read and discuss a wide range of classical literature.

Science

1. Have thorough knowledge and appreciation of God’s creation.
2. Understand scientific principles including chemistry and physics.
3. Have earth science and biology knowledge.
4. Exposure to evolution vs. creation science. Able to logically defend the faith.

History/Geography

1. Know the states and capitals, and locate states.
2. Know the location of all countries on earth.
3. Be exposed to travel in other states and countries.
4. Understand the flow of history and when major events took place; vividly picture all major time periods.
5. Understand the “why” behind major events. See God’s hand in His dealings with mankind.

Foreign Language

1. Exposure to Hebrew and Greek.
2. Intermediate to advanced knowledge of Spanish.

Art

1. Have basic drawing skills, painting, and crafting skills.
2. Have knowledge of great works of art and artists from history.
3. Exposure to art museums.

Music

1. Knowledge of great classical composers and music.
2. Carry a beat (clapping).
3. Exposure to symphony, jazz festivals, etc.
4. Sing on key and possibly harmonize.
5. Learn how to read basic music notes (piano).
6. Take instrument lessons if interested.

PE/Health

1. Learn about healthy nutrition and exercise.
2. Learn how to swim, or at least tread water.
3. Exposure to sports and other physical activities.
4. Learn about the digestive system, skeletal system, muscular system, respiratory system, etc.