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Educational Objectives 2014-2015

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Proposed Educational Objectives by Subject Area
For Elijah Parham’s Home Education Program, 2014-2015
[The affidavit must include] “an outline of proposed education objectives by subject area...
The required outline of proposed educational objectives shall not be utilized by the superintendent in
determining if the home education program is out of compliance with this section and section 1327.”
-- PA Home Education Law
The primary educational objective for Elijah Parham’s home education program is to continue to use the resources available in our community to provide a well-rounded education based on Elijah’s interests and abilities. We will continue the approach that has worked well in the past, choosing specific topics as we go, based on interest and academic readiness. Because of the flexibility offered by home education, specific topics listed in these objectives are only examples, which can and will be changed based on Elijah’s evolving needs and interests; we will take advantage of whatever interests, opportunities and resources seem appropriate at the time.

READING/WRITING & SPELLING
  1. Elijah will read fiction and non-fiction copy for historical, informational, and personal pleasure purposes.
  2. Elijah will also read non-fiction media, especially as a part of his studies in video game design and science.
  3. Elijah will use writing as needed in pursuing his interests, using a variety of formats, such as journals, stories, letters, and e-mails.
  4. Elijah will use various resources to determine the correct spelling of words he wishes to use in his writing.
ARITHMETIC
  1. Elijah will increase his mathematical skills and understanding, though both formal and informal methods. Topics may include addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of whole numbers, fractions, and decimals; percents; graphing; measurement; and geometry.
  2. Elijah will use mathematical concepts in free play, using materials such as LEGO, pattern blocks, tangrams, Kapla blocks, and games.
  3. Elijah will use measurement, geometry, and other mathematical concepts in practical situations such as cooking, video game design, and handling money. 
SCIENCE
  1. Elijah will study one or more topics in life science, earth science, and /or physical science.
  2. Elijah will learn specific scientific content related to the topic he is studying though reading, visits to nature centers and museums, observation, experimentation, and/or free play, using Snap Circuits, science kits, and etc.
  3. Elijah will continue to develop his general scientific skills, such as observation, measurement, making predictions, and drawing conclusions. Taking notes and collecting and analysing data will be highly encouraged. 
HISTORY/GEOGRAPHY/CIVICS (SOCIAL STUDIES)
  1. Elijah will learn about various periods of US and Pennsylvania history through reading, research, and visits to historical sites and museums.
  2. Elijah’s geography studies will be integrated with his history studies. When studying a particular culture, he may use maps, learn about the physical features and resources of the area, and discuss how the physical environment and resources influence(d) aspects of the culture such as architecture, diet, and clothing.
  3. Elijah will be exposed to different cultures through avenues such as food, music, and dance; travel; and multi-cultural literature.
  4. Elijah’s civics education will be integrated with his history studies. When studying a particular culture, he may learn about its method of government, and how it compares to and in some cases influenced our own.
  5. In addition, current events will be discussed and explored as needed.
HEALTH & PHYSIOLOGY/SAFETY EDUCATION/PHYSICAL EDUCATION
  1. Elijah will continue to learn about various aspects of safety, including the dangers and prevention of fires.
  2. Elijah will continue to learn about taking care of himself, including the dangers of tobacco, alcohol and drugs, and the advantages of good nutrition and other health practices.
  3. Elijah will have regular physical exercise, through active play, walks, swimming, dancing, and other activities. The emphasis will be on lifetime fitness.
MUSIC
  1. Elijah will be exposed to a variety of musical styles, through recorded music and by attending live performances.
  2. Elijah will use music sequencing programs to create electronic music to accompany his video game designs.
ART
  1. Elijah will use a variety of media and techniques to make creations of his own choosing.
  2. Elijah will continue to develop his drawing skills and use them in designing and creating comics, concept schematics, and story boards for his video game designs.
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