HOMESCHOOL RESOURCES AND TIPS
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HOW TO HOMESCHOOL
Interested in learning about homeschooling??
You will find this is the place to learn how to homeschool and to find lots of cool resources to help you as you teach your children at home! You know homeschooling is a great education choice, but it's not easy. My goal is to help you get started and to encourage you to try it. You will be surprised at the difference it makes!
I'm a veteran of 15 years of homeschooling from kindergarten through 12th grade! I once was just where you are, struggling with finding the resources and information I needed to homeschool my kids. If you're interested in homeschooling or are a struggling beginner, you'll find plenty of resources and information about how to homeschool here!
Start by ordering my homeschool book for beginners titled Homeschooling: The Modern Day One Room Schoolhouse. This book is perfect if you are trying to figure out how to get started. Practical tips from my personal experience will provide you with the basics.
Wondering which curriculum to use? I've used Alpha Omega Curriculum successfully for most of our homeschool years, but there are other curriculum publishers that I think are excellent. Check out books by Lamplighter Publishing on E-bay. These are wonderful books that help to build character.
I've found that no teacher should be without her planner book, marking pencil, and grading chart and other classroom necessities. Find some helpful products to help you organize and plan.
Enjoy some basic steps to get you started in setting up your homeschool and a true story about a learning experience we enjoyed.
I also am including regularly updated articles from Alpha Omega Publishers. Also, visit my favorite links.
If you're a veteran homeschooler, please share your story! I'm sure you also have tons of advice and resources that others will find helpful.
Don't forget to check out our homeschool t-shirts!
You will find this is the place to learn how to homeschool and to find lots of cool resources to help you as you teach your children at home! You know homeschooling is a great education choice, but it's not easy. My goal is to help you get started and to encourage you to try it. You will be surprised at the difference it makes!
I'm a veteran of 15 years of homeschooling from kindergarten through 12th grade! I once was just where you are, struggling with finding the resources and information I needed to homeschool my kids. If you're interested in homeschooling or are a struggling beginner, you'll find plenty of resources and information about how to homeschool here!
Start by ordering my homeschool book for beginners titled Homeschooling: The Modern Day One Room Schoolhouse. This book is perfect if you are trying to figure out how to get started. Practical tips from my personal experience will provide you with the basics.
Wondering which curriculum to use? I've used Alpha Omega Curriculum successfully for most of our homeschool years, but there are other curriculum publishers that I think are excellent. Check out books by Lamplighter Publishing on E-bay. These are wonderful books that help to build character.
I've found that no teacher should be without her planner book, marking pencil, and grading chart and other classroom necessities. Find some helpful products to help you organize and plan.
Enjoy some basic steps to get you started in setting up your homeschool and a true story about a learning experience we enjoyed.
I also am including regularly updated articles from Alpha Omega Publishers. Also, visit my favorite links.
If you're a veteran homeschooler, please share your story! I'm sure you also have tons of advice and resources that others will find helpful.
Don't forget to check out our homeschool t-shirts!
Homeschooling: The Modern Day One Room Schoolhouse on CafePress
by Linda Hull
Homeschooling is a wonderful journey for you and your family, but getting started may seem daunting. This book is geared to the struggling beginner who does not know how to get started or where to seek help. Discover answers to your most pressing questions such as finding curriculum, meeting grade requirements, keeping track of your progress, establishing the homeschool habitat, testing, and motivating your child. Written by Linda Hull, a veteran homeschooler who has been where you are. Enjoy personal testimonies of how she and her family conquered the challenges of home education.
Step 1 Gather Information
The more you know the easier it will be...
If you are considering homeschooling, then you will need to gather information. Learning from the experiences of others will save you time and money! Talking with experienced homeschoolers helped me tremendously. Now I want to offer some help to others. I wrote a book about what worked for us and how I planned our homeschool. Check out my book...Homeschooling: The Modern Day One Room Schoolhouse!
Here's what you need to know first:
* Your State's Homeschool Laws and Requirements
Here's what you need to know first:
* Your State's Homeschool Laws and Requirements
Please visit The Home School Legal Defense Association Laws page. Their site also offers a wealth of information on homeschooling news, a curriculum market, resources, tips, and organizations.
* Curriculum Sources
Please visit each of the publishers on our list. Request a catalog or browse their online catalogs. Don't be overwhelmed by the many offerings. Rather than trying to purchase materials for each subject, consider a package of materials for each grade. After you have some experience, then you can fine tune your curriculum choices.
In the Trenches
The nitty gritty of homeschooling...
Here are a few great homeschool lenses I'm sure you will enjoy! It's fun to talk with other homeschoolers to find out what they do. Everyone has a plan! Discover why their homeschool is working, what the kids are studying, and find helpful resources.
Curriculum Publishers
You'll find great curriculum choices with these fine publishers. Check out their sites for more information...
- Bob Jones University Press
- Info for homeschoolers, distance learning, testing, and homeschool resources.
- Cornerstone Curriculum
- Written by David Quine to foster a Biblical worldview.
- Alpha Omega Publications
- Christian curriculum for K-12. Find Switched-on Schoolhouse, Weaver, Lifepacs, and Horizons curriculum.
- A Beka Book
- Christian curriculum and education resources.
- Apologia Educational Ministries
- "Apologia provides fun and challenging K-12 creation-based science curriculum specifically designed for the home school. Written by a former university professor and homeschool parent, our courses provide college-preparatory science in a way that is both clear and challenging. Our texts are readable, easy to understand, and full of engaging experiments that can be performed at home. We even provide a FREE help line to answer any questions or problems you may encounter and a money-back guarantee if you are not completely satisfied."
Great Homeschooling Resources on Amazon
Featuring homeschool information resources from trusted authors... There are lots of theories about homeschooling and how it is to be accomplished. Familiarize yourself with all the theories to see what will work best for your family. Theories???? Some like the concept of learning using unit studies. Some prefer the idea of "un-schooling". Some prefer structured lesson plans. Explore the possibilities!
My Favorite Homeschool LInks
These are great websites with loads of helpful information! I can personally vouch for most, and added some I know could be helpful.
Whiteboard Calendar
Many design introduce and a way to organize your s more...1 point
http://www.cornerstonegraduatesupply.com/
Find personalized homeschool diplomas, announcemen more...0 points
http://www.lamplighterpublishing.com/
Quality books with a moral! Find rare collector bo more...0 points
http://www.timberdoodle.com/
Lots of great homeschool resources0 points
Home - Rainbow Resource Center, Inc.
We offer over 35,000 educational products and home more...0 points
The Old Schoolhouse Magazine - Homeschooling - Welcome
The Old Schoolhouse Magazine - Our goal is to reac more...0 points
http://www.hslda.org/Default.asp?bhcp=1
"Home School Legal Defense Association is a n more...0 points
National Home Education Research Institute - Home
The National Home Education Research Institute's m more...0 points
http://www.hometrainingtools.com/
Engaging hands-on science tools, games, and projec more...0 points
http://www.tghomesoft.com/
Homeschool Tracker provides an affordable software more...0 points
Plain Path Publishers
Christian homeschool curriculum resource.0 points
http://www.keepersofthefaith.com/
Offers curriculum, toys, books, games, stickers, a more...0 points
KID EXPLORERS: Family-friendly Entertainment and Education [Home page] - ChristianAnswers.Net
Adventures in the rainforest! Fun for the whole fa more...0 points
http://www.visionforumministries.org/
Offers a catalog of children's educational toys. D more...0 points
http://www.stretcher.com/index.cfm
Lots of articles about saving money.0 points
The Internet Grocer - Best Prices Storable Foods - Dehydrated emergency supplies
Discounted pricing on dehydrated foods, emergency essentials,
more...0 points
Step 2 Get Organized!
Organization is the secret to success!
Once you have committed to homeschooling, you need to get organized!
* Prepare a journal or log book to keep track of attendance, grades, and assignments.
* Prepare a place for storing materials
* Prepare a work place for your homeschooler
Need Help? Check out the helpful resources at Amazon!
* Prepare a journal or log book to keep track of attendance, grades, and assignments.
* Prepare a place for storing materials
* Prepare a work place for your homeschooler
Need Help? Check out the helpful resources at Amazon!
CLASSROOM NECESSITIES
Every homeschool teacher needs some basic tools to organize your attendance, lesson plans, and grading activities. Use a file for each child for each subject. Keep your pencils sharpened!
"How To" Organize the Homeschool
Articles by Linda Hull
Find helpful tried and true tips on organizing your homeschool!
You'll find suggestions for the most basic of questions. Just click on the links to go to my articles.
I would love to hear from you if you have an idea that works for you!
You'll find suggestions for the most basic of questions. Just click on the links to go to my articles.
I would love to hear from you if you have an idea that works for you!
- How to Organize the School Day
- Trying to figure out how to homeschool can be a source of frustration to the new homeschooler. This article provides tips that will enable you to organize your day, making the most of your minutes. Learn how to plan your yearly studies, quarterly studies, and how to get through your curriculum. Find ways to get the kids in gear and to make the mornings easier!
- How to Create a Home Classroom
- Space can be a real concern if you are planning on homeschooling. Learn creative ways to maximize existing space. Discover helpful tips on building the home library, purchasing supplies, and choosing desks.
- How to Plan School Breaks
- Don't feel guilty if you want a break! Taking a break when you're tired or sick is definitely do-able if you plan wisely. Find some helpful tips on making the best of a break, and discover ways to get the relief you need!
- How to Use Community Resources for Art
- Teaching art is much easier if you utilize the many community resources available. Visiting galleries and networking with local artists can help you and your student find resources to aid your serious art student.
HOMESCHOOL ORGANIZATION TOOLS
Stay on track with these handy reward charts, dry erase calendar, storage boxes for art supplies, math manipulatives and more, and magazine holders for all your workbooks.
Step 3 Gather Teaching Tools!
Using the right materials fosters a good learning experience!
As homeschool parents, a positive relationship with our kids is of primary importance. Homeschooling provides lots of bonding opportunities!
You know best how your child learns, his special needs and interests, and you know how to motivate your child. Bring out the best in your child!
Homeschooling gives us the opportunity to provide a quality education in accordance with our worldview and value system.
One of the best educational tools available are books. Enhance your homeschooler's learning experience with great books! Build your homeschool library with quality reading material.
Involve your kids in activities and chores. Our kids enjoyed seasonal activities such as apple picking, ice skating, swimming, etc.
All of life's daily affairs can become a learning opportunity. Whenever we had a professional in to perform a service, our guys learned something new and had a fun learning experience! Check out my Real Life Science story...
You know best how your child learns, his special needs and interests, and you know how to motivate your child. Bring out the best in your child!
Homeschooling gives us the opportunity to provide a quality education in accordance with our worldview and value system.
One of the best educational tools available are books. Enhance your homeschooler's learning experience with great books! Build your homeschool library with quality reading material.
Involve your kids in activities and chores. Our kids enjoyed seasonal activities such as apple picking, ice skating, swimming, etc.
All of life's daily affairs can become a learning opportunity. Whenever we had a professional in to perform a service, our guys learned something new and had a fun learning experience! Check out my Real Life Science story...
Homeschool Resources on eBay!
Looking for bargains???
Save on Homeschool supplies! Check back regularly to see what's selling on eBay!
Great books on eBay
Books published by Lamplighter Ministries
Lamplighter is known for the Rare Collector's Series of children's books. These books are a great bargain and sure to delight the entire family. Have a read to me session with your children each evening!
iTunes
Fun tunes for kids
Enjoy these lovely tunes for kids. Geared to toddlers to young elementary, I'm sure these will become favorites. Use these as a teaching tool for the younger set. Music can be used to settle the kids down for a nap, cool off after physical activities, and sing along to encourage music appreciation!
| Track | Artist | Album | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Close Your Eyes | Dámaris Carbaugh | Lullabies - Close Your Eyes | |
| A Sailor's Lullaby | Dámaris Carbaugh | Lullabies - Close Your Eyes | |
| Sleep Sound In Jesus | Michael Card | Sleep Sound In Jesus | |
| Lullaby For The Unborn | Michael Card | Sleep Sound In Jesus | |
| Wordless Ones | Michael Card | Sleep Sound In Jesus | |
| Sleepy Eyes | Michael Card | Sleep Sound In Jesus | |
| He Grants Sleep To Those He Loves | Michael Card | Sleep Sound In Jesus | |
| Dreaming Jacob's Dream | Michael Card | Sleep Sound In Jesus | |
| All You Are | Michael Card | Sleep Sound In Jesus | |
| You Are My Sunshine | Kids Songs | Kids Songs | |
| Old Macdonald Had a Farm | Kids Songs | Kids Songs | |
| Alphabet Song (ABC) | Kids Songs | Kids Songs | |
| Take Me Out to the Ballgame | Kids Songs | Kids Songs | |
| Greensleeves | Kids Songs | Kids Songs | |
| Moonlight Sonata | Kids Songs | Kids Songs | |
| Fur Elise | Kids Songs | Kids Songs | |
| Wheels On the Bus | The GiggleBellies | The GiggleBellies Musical Adventures | |
| ABC Superstar | The GiggleBellies | The GiggleBellies Musical Adventures | |
| The GiggleBelly Train | The GiggleBellies | The GiggleBellies Musical Adventures | |
| Fly Away With Me | The GiggleBellies | The GiggleBellies Musical Adventures, Vol. #2 | |
| Peanut | The GiggleBellies | The GiggleBellies Musical Adventures | |
| Web Footed Friends | The GiggleBellies | The GiggleBellies Musical Adventures | |
| Kooky Bird | The GiggleBellies | The GiggleBellies Musical Adventures |
CRAFT TIME!
Kids love crafts and learn by doing hands on projects! Be sure to incorporate fun crafts and art projects in your homeschool daily schedule.
February Featured Lens
If you're looking for craft ideas for the kids for Valentine's Day, then this is the lens to visit! Lovely ideas for Valentine's Day!
HOMESCHOOL LEARNING FUN!!!!!
Learning must be fun as well as educational! Engage your kids creativity with these fun activities!
STEP 4 TEACHING TIPS
Articles by Linda Hull
When I first started homeschooling, I didn't know much about the process. Oh sure, I played school when I was a child, and had to be the teacher. Homeschooling doesn't have to be like a public school environment.Teaching can be impromptu with spur of the moment activities. Teaching can be structured, and sometimes that is best to make sure work is accomplished. Teaching is always purposeful with the end goal in mind.
I discovered learning takes place wherever and whenever. We just need to make sure we lay a solid foundation, and provide the appropriate building blocks. Teaching kids how to study and how to teach themselves will ensure life long learning experiences.
Tips On Teaching Geography
by Linda Hull
Tips On Teaching GeographyWhen my boys were small, geography seemed an impossible chore. So I decided to use what they liked to do to get them involved with geography.
They loved putting together puzzles, so I purchased a map puzzle of the United States. After the dog chewed the state of Florida, everyone was certain to get at least one state in the correct location!
Nature walks were very exciting to our small boys! They loved being outside, and moving around. The mid-Hudson Valley is a beautiful place to observe a variety of geographical features: rivers, mountains, forests, rocks, and lakes. We delighted in pointing out the differences in terrain, and discussing what caused those differences. Highway excavations were a good visual aid to see the layers of the earth's crust. Local farms and parks provided plenty of opportunities to run and observe nature at its finest. We even got to talk about the effects of pollution on the environment.
When we needed to repair our septic system, our boys got a first hand look at how man can alter the landscape. They loved watching the monster machine heap the dirt into a huge pile. It was quite a chore holding them back from climbing on the dirt pile. Later, pulling the rocks out of the newly smoothed lawn also proved to be quite instructional! The best part of all was the bulldozer ride each boy enjoyed.
Later, my video game buffs enjoyed the U.S.A. States and U.S.A. State Capitals games in the GeoSafari Basic Map Set. They loved the flashing lights and the challenge of choosing correct answers. They loved competing against themselves, staying motivated until they got 100% score!
We also enjoyed taking an older version of Rand McNally's Kid's Atlas along on our vacations. Each state section had facts, maps, puzzles, and games that they enjoyed. It was an excellent diversion when the car ride became too tedious. They had fun testing Mom and Dad on our geography knowledge!
An old globe we found at a garage sale proved to be useful not just for geography, but also for science! We used it to understand the earth's revolutions and the changing of the seasons. After the cat ruined our globe, we purchased a large Rand McNally wall map of the world. This proved very helpful in understanding the changing world we live in, especially the newly formed countries from what was then the Soviet Union.
Geography doesn't have to be boring or tedious. God wants us to know His world, and to recognize that He loves diversity. Our world is evidence of that!
REWARDS! Praise for a job well done!
From Words of Encouragement Designs
Kids love incentives to keep them going! Magnets are a great reward for the younger set! Everyone needs encouragement!! If you don't like cats, please visit my Words of Encouragement Designs Store for more incentives and rewards!
Real Life Science! by Linda Hull
This is a true teaching story!
Our boys, ages 6 and 7, looked out the window, anxiously awaiting the excavators who were to install a new dry well for our septic system. In frustration, I finally gave up trying to get them to sit still long enough to get their school work finished.
Pulling a trailer with a backhoe, the excavators finally arrived in grand style. The contractor and I discussed where the hole should go while his workmen unloaded the backhoe. My boys couldn't wait to see the monster in action. School bus yellow with a large digging claw, it looked like it belonged in a prehistoric world. Cranked up, it roared loudly. I covered my ears as my boys squealed their pleasure.
The third hole proved to be an acceptable location. By this time my entire backyard was literally dug up. My boys' dream had come true: mounds of dirt and large, deep holes to play in. The dry well was placed with a crane. Then it started to rain; the process of filling in all the holes was interrupted.
Two weeks later the excavating crew arrived to begin the work of restoring my yard. I was thrilled, but not as much as my boys! The boys loved seeing the bulldozer smooth the large piles of dirt. They cheered as each big boulder was released from the clutches of soil, reluctant to let go. I knew they itched to get down there and maneuver that huge machine themselves.
When the work was completed, the contractor came over to the deck where his audience waited. He grinned as he noted my boys' eagerness to engage him in conversation about his bulldozer. Then he truly blessed them by giving each a ride on the monster machine. They could have been kings in all their glory, as they proudly mounted the bulldozer steps and sat in the cab. It was an unforgettable experience for them. The most amazing lesson of all was watching my boys as they applied themselves to the experience. Children truly do learn when their interest is engaged.
Copyright 2006 by Linda Hull, All rights reserved.
Pulling a trailer with a backhoe, the excavators finally arrived in grand style. The contractor and I discussed where the hole should go while his workmen unloaded the backhoe. My boys couldn't wait to see the monster in action. School bus yellow with a large digging claw, it looked like it belonged in a prehistoric world. Cranked up, it roared loudly. I covered my ears as my boys squealed their pleasure.
The third hole proved to be an acceptable location. By this time my entire backyard was literally dug up. My boys' dream had come true: mounds of dirt and large, deep holes to play in. The dry well was placed with a crane. Then it started to rain; the process of filling in all the holes was interrupted.
Two weeks later the excavating crew arrived to begin the work of restoring my yard. I was thrilled, but not as much as my boys! The boys loved seeing the bulldozer smooth the large piles of dirt. They cheered as each big boulder was released from the clutches of soil, reluctant to let go. I knew they itched to get down there and maneuver that huge machine themselves.
When the work was completed, the contractor came over to the deck where his audience waited. He grinned as he noted my boys' eagerness to engage him in conversation about his bulldozer. Then he truly blessed them by giving each a ride on the monster machine. They could have been kings in all their glory, as they proudly mounted the bulldozer steps and sat in the cab. It was an unforgettable experience for them. The most amazing lesson of all was watching my boys as they applied themselves to the experience. Children truly do learn when their interest is engaged.
Copyright 2006 by Linda Hull, All rights reserved.
FIELD TRIP IDEAS
Use Vacations as a Learning Experience
Plan your vacation so it becomes a fresh learning opportunity! Tour museums, visit historic locations, enroll in a seminar, or have fun at summer camp.
Take a trip to historical Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to see the landmarks that remind us of our fight for independence and freedom. View the Liberty Bell at the Liberty Bell Center where you can learn the truth about the Liberty Bell. Learn more about the United States Constitution at the National Constitution Center. Kids will love exploring over 100 high-tech exhibits and interactive displays. There's so much to see in Philadelphia!
UNIQUE T-SHIRTS FOR YOUR EVENT
From Words of Encouragement Designs
Cool t-shirts for cool folks! Going on a field trip? Pick a unique t-shirt to identify your group or cause! Or give a unique t-shirt as a birthday gift to a homeschool child! Visit my Words of Encouragement Designs Store for more t-shirt and gift ideas!
Step 5 Encouragement for Moms
Everyone needs a bit of encouragement!
There are times when homeschooling seems impossible, fruitless, and downright aggravating. No one is perfect and no day is perfect. That's okay! We are imperfect beings who need a pat on the back now and then just to keep us going. Discouragement is nothing to be ashamed of; you just need a fresh perspective. Enjoy daily devotions from Alpha Omega and from my Words of Encouragement E-zine. Sometimes it helps to talk to someone. Call a friend, join a support group, and be sure to leave a story about your experience!
Daily Focus
by Alpha Omega Publications
Enjoy a free daily devotional to inspire and encourage homeschooling families.
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byWords of Encouragement E-Zine
Enjoy free monthly homeschool tips!
Words of Encouragement is a free monthly Christian e-zine featuring homeschool tips and resources, healthy recipes for your family, poetry, Bible devotionals, Bible verses, and Bible study.
The FEBRUARY ISSUE is now published!
Don't miss my homeschool article in my Homeschool Tips Column!
Step 6 Thinking Ahead!
Graduation and preparation for the future signals a successful finish!
It is difficult to let go, especially after spending years of hands on teaching and training. As the years go by, you've watched your child grow and develop into a responsible young adult. Transitioning to life after homeschool can be stressful, but it is also a time to rejoice at all that has been accomplished! Looking back, you may wonder at all that you've accomplished and how marvelous your experience has been. Savor the moment!
Help! What About College?
College Planning Info
One of the first questions new homeschoolers ask is about entry into college after homeschooling. Yes, homeschoolers successfully enter college and excel! Many colleges actively seek homeschoolers. The following resources will guide you as you homeschool through high school and plan for college.
Graduation Celebration Ideas!
Words of Encouragement Designs
Homeschoolers love a graduation ceremony too! Visit my Words of Encouragement Designs Store for more cool gift ideas for your graduate!
GRADUATION IDEAS by Linda Hull
by Linda Hull
Don't let your homeschool graduate miss out on graduation festivities!Graduation is a special time of celebration and reflection on all that has been accomplished during those important homeschool years. It signals the completion of a special family journey and the beginning of new adventures and opportunities.
We wanted our homeschoolers to have all the rewards and recognition a public school graduation provides. Homeschoolers deserve even more recognition for the hard work and discipline they exerted.
Recognition also is extended to the faithful moms and dads who put in long hours of preparation and planning so their homeschoolers could have a quality education.
Our homeschoolers enjoyed receiving a special diploma, recognition at our church with a Baccalaureate Service, and a festive graduation party afterwards.
We ordered our special diploma, diploma cover, graduation announcements, and envelop seals from Cornerstone Graduate Supply. Be sure to order early for more choices. Diplomas and announcements are customizable for your information. You can even order a class ring and other items to enhance your homeschool graduation experience!
If you are part of a homeschool support group, it is a wonderful idea to plan a group event to recognize the accomplishments of the graduating seniors. Caps and gowns can be borrowed for photo sessions.
This is a major milestone in the life of your homeschooler, and marks a turning point in their life.
by Words-of-Encouragement
Words-of-Encouragement
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I'm a Christian and a veteran homeschooler offering homeschool resources and tips based on my personal knowledge and experience.
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