Two weeks ago I explained the 80% pass rule that we use to promote mastery learning in our homeschool. Last week I wrote about some of the practical issues involved. And today I’ll share some real life examples. (Note, once again, that in our homeschool elementary students do not write chapter tests.) So, how does […]
homeschooling tips
Learning for Mastery: Some Practical Issues
When I wrote about mastery learning last week, I discussed our 80% rule: if our children get below 80% on a test they fail, and we will relearn and reteach as necessary. Why? Because we want our children to master the material they are studying, and if they do not understand the material well enough to […]
80% Passing Grade: Learning for Mastery
My older children take chapter and lesson tests regularly, and if they get below 80% they fail. In other words, if they get 79% or less they will redo the material, and I will reteach whatever is necessary. I’ve seen this concept raise eyebrows and meet with disapproval. But is it really crazy? Am I […]
Kids’ Books, Creativity, and the 20 Percent Rule
I love kids’ books, especially picture books and nonfiction. In fact, I’m convinced there’s no better way to learn the fundamentals of anything than to check out books from the children’s section of the library. Not only do you learn the basics of your topic without having to wade through the politics and posturing of […]
Our Annual Reading Week
“Mama! We have more than a hundred books waiting for us at the library,” announced Miss 10 early this morning. Mr. 17 looked up from the news on his cell phone, shocked. It is, objectively-speaking, a large number of library books, but this is, after all, our annual Reading Week. What’s Reading Week? Well, one week […]