| Homeschool reading is essential to an effective | | | | can be done by you or a competent professional. |
| home school learning experience. Want to make | | | | You might also involve your pediatrician to do an |
| sure yours accomplish the goals you have for | | | | eye examination as well as a hands-eyes |
| your child? Try the R.A.L. Method. | | | | coordination test. Then you will need to do regular |
| R stands for record. You should decide early in | | | | assessments as your child gets involved in reading |
| setting up your home school how you will record | | | | and you in teaching. Assessment is critical at the |
| the activities of your child: whether by computer | | | | beginning, the middle, and the end of your child's |
| program, diary or journal, or some of the many | | | | home school experience. |
| forms provided by schools and supplies stores. | | | | L is for library. The best way to learn to read is |
| Then, you should record the books your child | | | | by reading. Most experts agree. However, it is |
| reads, have your child write a note to you | | | | critical that your child read an assortment of |
| explaining what s/he got out of the book as well | | | | materials. Depending on the age of your child, |
| as a short summary of the book, and then any | | | | readings should include books, magazines, |
| quizzes, papers, or other activities associated with | | | | newspapers, journals, etc. Some college admission |
| the reading. You should also note whether you | | | | offices want to see a list of your child's reading |
| read the book to your child or the child reads on | | | | materials so here is another reason why record is |
| his/her own. | | | | so important. |
| A stands for assessment. Before you can decide | | | | By employing the RAL Method, you can insure the |
| which reading program is right for your child, you | | | | success of your teaching and the happiness and |
| need to have some idea of the skills, interests, | | | | confidence of your child who is being home |
| and any deficiencies of your child. This is the | | | | schooled. |
| purpose of assessment. The initial assessment | | | | |