Worksheets are suited to some subjects better than others. For example, mathematical concepts and skills are best learned through practice. Grammar and mechanics are understood and internalized when used in practice sentences and other writing exercises.

Of course, the student can read a passage about any subject at all, then complete a worksheet based on the reading. Is this the best way to learn the subject? Not usually, especially for elementary students. However, high school students and more self-motivated learners may enjoy jumping ahead, reading about more advanced concepts, and completing a worksheet-based evaluation that illustrates what they have learned. Most students, however, would still prefer a more hands-on, engaging approach to learning.

Worksheets as Part of Your Homeschool Program

The bottom line is, use worksheets if you, and more importantly, your children, like them. Homeschoolers often enjoy doing worksheets, so be sure each child has a daily or weekly folder of worksheets to do. This will provide readily available assignments on days when you’re in a pinch or aren't able to have a more elaborate learning activity planned for that day. Sometimes a child will want to jump ahead and complete a week’s worth of worksheets in one sitting. This is usually fine, no harm done. Call it “self-paced" learning!

Use worksheets for practice and reinforcement of new concepts, as well as individualized, accelerated, or enrichment learning. Do not use worksheets in lieu of more engaging learning activities. Always bear in mind there are other ways for a child to demonstrate knowledge of a subject other than filling in a worksheet. This is especially true for students with poor writing skills, or for younger children.

Evaluating Completed Worksheets

How should completed worksheets be evaluated? This depends upon what is to be accomplished with the worksheet. A practice math or grammar worksheet is just that: practice. Go over the answers together, or allow your student to correct her own paper. Let your student explain his answers, or how he arrived at them. Often creative thinking is overlooked when correcting only for right and wrong answers. Use worksheets to discover problem areas as well as concepts that have been mastered.

If the worksheet involves the recall of factual information (explorer’s names, historical dates, parts of a cell, etc.) don’t mark incorrect answers in red. Provide another opportunity for the student to find the right answer, such as “try this one again.” Think of a worksheet as a study guide, not a test.

Conducting research is an essential skill that every successful student needs to learn, so use worksheets in subjects such as science, history, and health to provide that opportunity. Also, worksheets can be used to record the results of science experiments and field trip observations, as well as to reinforce new spelling and vocabulary words through puzzles, quizzes, and games. Worksheets should be fun, especially for younger students. 

Selecting Worksheets For Your Homeschoolers

Be selective when choosing worksheets. The best quality workbooks are not found at the grocery store! An educational supply house is much better, but again, don’t assume anything on the shelf will suit your needs. Examine each series. Are the pages appealing to the eye? Are the illustrations realistic and interesting? Does the series move along with newly introduced concepts throughout, or is it dull and repetitious? Does it reinforce what you are teaching; does it support your curriculum? Is the grade level correct for your child(ren)? Be equally selective with online printable worksheet resources.

Consider designing your own worksheets. With a little creativity, you can make customize math worksheets for your students, as well as worksheets for other subjects they might be learning about, especially in the younger grades. For example, after a nature walk, your worksheet could include items such as, "Name five different kinds of birds (or wild flowers, or trees) that you observed," or "How are your leaf samples different? How are they the same?" Infuse art into your curriculum by encouraging your student to attach drawings of observed birds or wildflowers (or leaf rubbings) to their work.

What should be done with the worksheets once they are completed and evaluated? That depends. Worksheets are very handy as “evidence of completed work,” if required in your state. Collect these work samples and place them in a file folder for this purpose. Otherwise, have your child keep completed work in a file folder of his own to refer back to when necessary. Some practice work can be discarded once a concept is mastered.  

Worksheets can be a valuable part of your homeschool program. Just remember not to depend on worksheets to educate your children. Instead, let them supplement and reinforce the valuable learning that goes on each day.

Free Online Homeschool Worksheets

Below you will find many sources for quality worksheets online that can be freely downloaded and printed. (Links open separate browser windows)

abcteach - All subjects,  worksheets; plus forms, clipart, awards, flash cards, and more. 5000 free printable pages.

DiscoverySchool.com - Create customized math and vocabulary worksheets; choose from over 300 ready-made worksheets in nine subject areas.

Kids Domain - A alphabetical list of links to 35 sites that provide printable online worksheets.

Learning Page - Math, Science, and Reading basics with lesson plans. See a gallery of worksheet thumbnails to select from in each category. Huge collection available with free membership signup. Worksheets in PDF format.

RLS School - Reading Comprehension, English, Math, Research Skills; ready-made worksheets, upper elementary through middle school.

School Express - All subjects, over 6000 worksheets for ages 3 to 10.

School House Technologies - Math and Vocabulary; free sample worksheets (PDF format), or download free software and create unlimited custom worksheets.

Sudoku Puzzles - Free Sudoku (math) puzzles. Many other subjects. Membership required for premium service. All grades.

Tutorial World - English, math, science; preschool thru grade six.

Word Find Puzzles - enter title, vocabulary words, and desired puzzle size; refresh to create unlimited versions of your customized puzzle. All grades.

©Copyright 2005, www.WordItWrite.com     Site Map 

Homeschool Curriculum Resource  Free Homeschooling Worksheets