This is just an “idea” to reach our families goals for our children –the point being that our goals for our children should be spiritual, not academic. Our assessment of how they’re doing at each age should be spiritual first, as well.� In our homeschool, these are some of the things we work towards and assess. Keep in mind, that each child is different. I have a five year old who is able to demonstrate some things in the 10-year-old category, and an 11-year-old still working on some things in the 5-year-old category. The point is, we keep pressing on, in Jesus’� name, to bring Him glory. Also, please note,� at this point, none of my children have any special needs. My scope and sequence for a special needs child would change, according to God’s leading, just for that child, just like I let God lead in my child training individually for each child I have now. Different issues arise at different times–all my children are different. But my goal for them all is to train them up in the way they should go–to fulfill God’s purpose for their lives!
Age 1
Respond appropriately to the word “No”
Lie still to get dressed or changed
Sit still on a lap when told
Sit in high chair contentedly during meals
Play contentedly where put
Lie down and go to sleep when told
Observe and attempt simple chores (take clothes out of dryer, use a cloth to wipe a floor or dust, pick up toys, etc.)
Age 2
Come instantly when called
Respond instantly to “No” or “Stop” commands
Help with most chores
Sit still and quietly when told
Be helpful, gentle, and loving
Count to 10, identify shapes, colors, letters, and handle a crayon or pencil
Age 3
Have a full understanding of obedience
Begin to learn respectfulness, with joyful obedience
Able to sit for a story or lesson for up to one hour
Follows directions quickly
Flexible in schedule
Helps with all chores
Able to do preschool work easily
Age 4
Assigned chores
Serves others by choice
Takes care of own property and keep personal areas organized
Demonstrates contentedness, self control, and an independent work ethic
Does not pester, whine, interrupt, or talk excessively (is thoughtful in words)
Begins to be aware of example to younger children
Able to help care for younger ones, and play with them selflessly and lovingly
Age 5-6
Fully aware of example to younger siblings
Able to watch little ones responsibly and play well with them for a short period of time in a specific area
Demonstrates respect and honor to adults
Demonstrates gratefulness
Starts learning and desiring to learn who God is
Keeps drawers, shelves, bins, desk, etc. organized at all times
Age 7-8
Grows in understanding of God
Grows in understanding of God’s commandments and how obedience benefits God’s people
Can differentiate between wise vs. foolish behavior
Is self-directed on chores
Demonstrates meekness, and joyfulness
Has learned to love correction
Shows a heart to honor and obey parents and to please God
Boys: able to help work out doors, help fix cars, cut firewood, hunt, fish, etc.
Girls: Able to help bake, can cook a meal independently, can sew, crochet, etc.
Can notice and fulfill needs of family
Understand stewardship and wise handling of money
Giving
Age 9-11
Completes most school work and all chores� independently and well, with good attitude
Demonstrates good manners, thoughtfulness of others, and respect to all
Able to serve others outside of home
Can be a wise friend to other children
Able to listen and understand a sermon/teach/lecture and take notes
Can be an example to others outside the home
Able to plan, organize, and manage projects
Familiar with Bible and able to read and study independently
Continues to grow in knowledge of the Holy, able to see Him through His creation, His work, and His Word.
Beginning to have fear of the Lord (beginning of wisdom)
Has a heart to love God and follow His ways
Selflessly serves others at length
Works diligently and quietly for several hours
Assumes some adult responsibilities (cooking a meal, caring for the whole yard, etc.)
Able to be fully responsible for younger siblings for up to a few hours
Able to grow in wisdom through personal study
Has formed a personal habit of prayer and can see how God has answered
Able to examine self
Ready to discuss and understand mature things
Age 12
These following points are from the sermon What to Expect from a 12–Year-Old by Dr. S.M. Davis (www.solvefamilyproblems.com). We have used this “assessment” since the beginning of our homeschool.
Have a mature sense of responsibility, purpose, and� destiny.
Have a keen sense of discernment, especially in relation to the company they keep.
Have a burning hunger to understand truth and wisdom.
Be fully obedient.
Be consistently respectful.
Be fully committed to doing the will of God.
Have an unmistakeable godliness about his life.
Age 16-18
Plan and work a full day effectively
Able to lead and manage others, if necessary
Demonstrates faith
Identity is in Christ
Able to study and learn a whole new area independently, quickly, and effectively
Age 20
These are taken from another excellent sermon by Dr. S.M. Davis titled (can you guess?): What to Expect from a 20-Year-Old
Ready to go to battle
Able to be a productive member of society
Has the character and wisdom needed to build a successful marriage
Lives a sacrificial live instead of a selfish life: willing to die for righteous causes
Able to discern God’s will for himself and be directly accountable to God for his life and decisions
Sharing tea with children is just one more tangible way of offering the gift of our time and our attention, sharing ourselves and passing on what we've learned. -Emile Barnes, If Teacups Could Talk 
This morning I woke up and decided we were going to have a spring party. Today we are just going to enjoy each other. We worked away together everyone doing something. The older ones working together to bake a cake. Littles with sticky grubby hands licking what they could get from the batter covered bowls and spoons. 
