Contracts - Getting Started with Homeschooling: Practical Considerations for Parents of School-Aged Children, by Beverley Paine

Getting Started with Homeschooling

Practical Considerations for Parents of School-Aged Children

Contracts
(continued)

This contract has been designed to be duplicated for use on more than one occasion. It is filled out by the child, as a starting point for an investigation into a topic, usually suggested by the child. These topics often arise out of the children’s interests, hobbies or current activities. This contract often formalises spontaneous learning opportunities, and provides a convenient recording method for parents.

Language Contract for March '97

I, ........................................................, accept the responsibility of completing this contract before the end of the month.

Science Fiction

Objectives:

To become familiar with the literary form of a science fiction book.

Learning Activities:

Locate the term science fiction in the dictionary and write its definition.
Go to the library and select at least two science fiction books.
Read them and write a brief summary of each (up to 150 words).
Write a page for each novel on what you thought of each book.
Make a list of the elements in each book which relate to science.
List some of the reasons they are called science fiction books.
Discuss how these two books are similar or unlike other books you have read.
In any artistic form (painting, drawing, sculpture, etc) illustrate an object, scene, or theme from one of the books you read.
Research one famous science fiction writer.
Write a report on how science fiction has influenced science and technology in the last 100 years.
Choose a topic and write a brief (1 to 2 pages) science fiction story.

Completed on: .... /.... /.... Signed: ..................................................

Comments:

The next example demonstrates a subject specific contract, and is very detailed in what is required from the student. Note the ‘contract clause’ at the top of the contract. This contract has been designed as a check-list, so the student can tick off each task as it is finished, and also serves as a quick reference for monitoring the work completed by the parent. The content and level of tasks in this example were determined by the parent in consultation with the student. The purpose of such a detailed contract is in encouraging reasonably independent learning.

The next example has been prepared as a list of activities the child has to complete during one day. The basic contract can be prepared as a form and filled out the night before, or a set can be prepared for the week ahead. This type of contract is useful as a detailed record of what the child is doing each day, but does not outline what the child is learning (unlike the two examples above). As such, additional recording may be necessary. Although it specifies content, skills and processes the child is learning by doing the activities are not revealed.

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Excerpt from Getting Started with Homeschooling, Practical Considerations
© Beverley Paine, 1997

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The mother of three grown homeschoolers, Beverley Paine is the author of several books on beginning home education in Australia.
Her family began their home education adventure in 1986.

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Disclaimer: The information on this page is opinion,
written by someone without legal qualifications.
Always seek qualified legal advice if in any doubt as to your legal position.