Guidelines for Combining Subjects
Depending on the ages and abilities of your children, you may consider
combining subjects for two or more of your children. For example, a family
with a first grader and a third grader could teach the children second
grade History, Science, Art, and Music. For Math and Language Arts/English,
the children should stay in separate grade levels based on placement test
results.
(K12® Virtual academy
families please note: Before deciding to combine courses it is important
that you talk to your teacher about the advantages and disadvantages of
implementing this approach in your home.)
Subjects
Science lends itself to being combined across
multiple grades. Kindergarten through fourth grade Science lessons each
have a “Human Body” unit (and fifth grade lessons include an “Animal Physiology”
unit which covers body systems). Other topics that are readily combined
across grades include: animals, astronomy, ecosystems, fossils, habitats,
magnetism, matter, rocks and minerals, plants, and weather. Arrange for a Science, Art, or Music day when
multiple lessons from different grade levels in the same subject are all
done in one day. For example, Saturday might be an Art day when everyone
learns about, and completes projects from, all of the students’ Art lessons.
Subject Levels
Art Level:
Level should be the same as the History course selected, unless more than
two children at different skill levels are taking the course. In that
case, select the level most appropriate to meet the age and ability levels
of all students. History Level:
A student can be placed one year above or below his or her Language Arts/English
level. Language Arts/English
Level: Level is determined by placement test results. Math Level:
Level is determined by placement test results. Music Levels
Preparatory level is used for all kindergarten
students. Beginning 1 level is used for all first and
new second grade students. Beginning 2 level is used for all returning
second grade students and returning third grade students who had Beginning
1 the year before. Introduction to Music level is used for all
new third, fourth, and fifth grade students. Intermediate 1 level is used for all returning
third, fourth, and fifth grade students who took Introduction to Music
the year before. Also used for returning third grade students who had
Beginning 2 the year before. Intermediate 2 level is used for all returning
fourth and fifth grade students who took Intermediate 1 the year before.
Science Level:
A student can be placed one year above or below his or her Language Arts/English
level.
Assessments
If you combine subjects, take care with student
assessments. If two children are enrolled in the same course, it’s possible
to deliver the lesson to both students using one child’s account. When
assessments are administered, however, you will need to record each child’s
progress and score in his or her own Online School account.
Other Guidelines
(K12
Virtual academy families please note:
Be sure to talk to your virtual academy teacher about any program gaps
or requirements not met by K12’s curriculum.)
For K12 Virtual
academy families: When children are enrolled in a combination course,
one or all students may be working at a level not specifically designed
for their age or skill level. There are simple modification strategies
you can adopt to ensure that you’re reaching each child. Consult with
your virtual academy teacher for suggestions based on your program choices
and course selections.
Frequently Asked Questions About Combining Subjects
Q: Can I have my first and third graders
do second grade History, Science, Music, and Art?
A: Yes, but only if they are
both newly enrolled students. Previously enrolled students should not
repeat curriculum just because it’s convenient.
Q: Can I have my children share only Science?
A: Yes. Course combination options
are available in Art, Science, History, and Music.
Q: Can I have my children share Music and
Art, but have individual History and Science?
A: In some states, these subjects
are taught as a block.
(K12
Virtual academy families please note:
Check with your virtual academy for more information.)
Q: Can I share the curriculums of my first
and fourth graders?
A: No, a two-year gap is difficult
to accommodate with a standards-based curriculum.
Q: Can I still share curriculums if my younger
child is reading below grade level?
A: This will be answered on
a case-by-case basis. The younger child would have to be able to complete
all lessons as expected.
(K12
Virtual academy families please note:
Check with your virtual academy for more information.)
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