When we started homeschooling my husband wanted to make sure our oldest son was where he needed to be, content wise. At our first homeschool evaluation we were told we needed to relax a bit because we were overdoing it. It can be hard transitioning from the teaching in the public school to teaching at home... there are some wires that need to be reconnected and we are working on that, but I do think you need a good game plan. Here is the checklist we are using this year for third grade. These points have been gleamed from many sources and modified to our own liking.

Math?

• I can multiply and divide within 100 to solve word problems
• I can find the unknown number in a multiplication or division problem
• I can fluently multiply and divide
• I can use place value to round numbers to the nearest 10 or 100’s
• I can fluently add and subtract within the 1000’s
• I can multiply one digit numbers by multiples of 10’s
• I can tell time to the minuet
• I can measure liquid volumes and masses of objects
• I can represent data in a graph and analyze the data
• I can measure half and fourth of an inch (ruler work)
• I can measure area by counting unit squares
• I can solve perimeter problems
• I can label fractions on a number line
• I can explain equivalent fractions
• I can categorize shapes based on attributes
• I can divide shapes into equal parts and express it as a fraction

English?

• I can identify and define common suffixes and prefixes
• I can decode mult-syllable words
• I can read and write all my sight words
• I can read with fluency and comprehension
• I can identify the moral of the story
• I can understand how characters affect a story
• I can ask and answer questions about text
• I can identify the main idea of a nonfiction text
• I can compare and contrast two nonfiction texts on the same topic
• I can identify and explain nouns, pronouns, verbs, adjectives and adverbs
• I can form and use irregular nouns and verbs
• I can write using correct capitalization and punctuation and spelling
• I can write an opinion piece
• I can write a detailed narrative
• I can write an informative / explanatory text
• I can conduct a research project about a topic

Science?

• Planets, sun, moon - More in depth about characteristics of each
• Understand the food chain and animal life in more detail
• Basic concepts of geography (oceans, lakes, states, etc.)
• Understand how scientists, their careers, and contributions relate to scientific discovery and advancement
• Demonstrate an ability to engage in scientific inquiry
• Participate in hands-on activities and simple experiments to learn basic scientific concepts and take on the role of scientists
• Understand how Earth science and Biology are intermixed
• See how scientific concepts apply to daily life

Social Studies

• Get into details of how other people live around the world
• Identify the purposes of government and how the U.S. government functions
• Explore competition versus economic impact and how global economies have an interdependent relationship
• Expand their understanding of geography, in relation to physical elements and processes, and how people and their activities shape the environment

Other Goodies?

• Bible - Daily Devotions
• Art - Doodling
• Gym - Jujitsu
• Life Skills - Cooking and Sewing
• Typing - Basic Skills

Why have a Checklist?

At the end of each school year, homeschools visit with an evaluator. This check list not only makes sure we are on point to finish everything we need to be successful but it also makes prepping for that evaluation even easier! If you are curious about the materials we used for each of these categories make sure to check out Homeschooling for Beginners!