HOMESCHOOL RESOURCES

Hello fellow homeschoolers!
I am a homeschool Mom of a wonderful active nine year old boy. I have taught psychological testing at the college level, and am therapist with many years of experience dealing with school districts and their limitations. Other than an brief unhappy stint in a pre-school, my son has always been homeschooled. My husband and I choose homeschool because it seemed the best way to educate a very bright active boy. I believe very strongly that by homeschooling you can put together a learning program ideally suited for your child's learning style. I hope this site will provide you the resources you need to pick the right curriculum for your child and resources to develop it.

But more than anything, I'd like to pass on the joy you will feel taking control of your child's learning experiences. Homeschooling is fun!
Lili
Dr. Lili Pintea-Reed, Ph.D.

Introduction:
It can be very scary to get started in home schooling, and the most frightening of all is picking a curriculum! I doesn't have to be like that at all. Curriculum planning for you child can be a wonderful adventure. You have the chance to develop what every parent really wants for their child -- a personal learning plan -- custom tailored to you child's personality, development, and interests. Many resources exist to help you make an informed decision about what you want for your child in a learning plan. The first factor is your state’s laws about homeschooling. Once you’ve obtained this information from the resources below, you can evaluate your child’s learning readiness and preferred learning style. With this information in hand, you can then contact various homeschool clubs and curricula vendors to look over the information they have on what is available for your needs, whether they are religious or secular. There are many resources listed below to help you select the right program for you and your child. I think if you approach this in the spirit of adventure you will have a great time as well as your kid!

Check Your State Laws
The first step in picking a curriculum is to check out the laws of your state. Some states have very general instructional requirements, while others have very specific and detailed lists of courses and lessons for each year. This will guide you in your decision of a core curriculum and extra lesson plans. The state links below will guide you to this information.

HOMESCHOOL LEGAL DEFENSE ASSOC.
This is the premier site for information on state laws concerning homeschooling. If you only go to one site this is the one you should pick! It has an easy to use interface with the laws written in plain English ---not legalese.
 http://www.hslda.org/central/states/

STATE OBJECTIVES
Here is a list of state curriculum objectives.
 http://pages.ivillage.com/frugalhomeschooler/StateObjectives.htm

FEDERAL AND STATE CONSTITUTIONS, STATUTES AND CODES
Excellent link site to state government and state laws that can be accessed on the Internet. Includes state, county and city information.
US Legal Code
 http://www.lawcornell.edu/uscode/

STATE STATUTES
Very complete legal site with access to several dozen state constitutions, statutes, codes, legislation, etc
 http://www.law.cornell.edu/statutes.html

STATE PAGES
Here are the links to the main state pages. To get specific information use their search features.
 http://www.geocities.com/reed_butterfly_farm/states.html

Get Information from your Local School District
Write to the local school superintendent and get their homeschool information package. I'm lucky in that our district has an excellent package which gives you the state laws and reporting particulars. Some districts are less helpful, but unlike 20 years ago, few districts openly resist homeschooling. The district offices are easily located by looking in the local phone book.

Find Out Your Child’s Learning Style

All people have a preferred learning style at which they learn best and most efficiently. Traditional schools can only meet some of these needs, but as a homeschooler your curriculum can match your child’s optimum learning mode.

Check out these sites for information.

Free Keirsey Personality Sorter
This is a well recognized psychological test to check one's personality type and gear career and study aspirations. Older students will find it very helpful in career planning. Parents of children judged "hyper" by some teachers will find his essays against Ritalan therapy enlightening.
 http://www.keirsey.com

SmarterKids.com
This is a huge site which has many resources for parents including a very fine Learning Styles evaluator and a free skills test for children.
 http://www.smarterkids.com/gradeexp/default.asp

Evaluate Your Learning Style
A fun site with a educationally valid, yet brief, learning style test.
 http://ccc.commnet.edu/faculty/~simonds/styles/styles.htm

"Learning Styles Checklist" by Nancy Chatwood Ellis
This is a fine introduction and checklist to determine your child's learning style.
 http://www.sig.net/~ngayle/sp_style.html

"Learning Styles" by Dr. Belcher
Another fine look at different learning styles in people. It has an older focus and includes career suggestions.
http://energy.arce.ukans.edu/arce/faculty/belcher/arce103.htm

Contact the local Homeschoolers Club(s) and Online groups
Many districts have odd quirks in how they apply local homeschooling laws and the best way to find this information is to join the local homeschool group. But beyond this, it is a way get emotional support and tons of advice and information.

Protestant and Evangelical:

Homeschool Information for Christians.
This is a fine site for Evangelical Christian Homeschoolers with links to many religious curricula sites.
 http://homeschoolinformation.com/

Eclectic Homeschool Online
An eclectic Evangelical Christian site with TONS of resources.
 http://www.eho.org/

Homeschool at Crosswalk
Excellent Christian education site with an extraordinary number of resources.
 http://homeschool.crosswalk.com/

Military Home Educators Network
This is a Christian values based site for homeschoolers in the military considering or actively homeschooling as part of the military family lifestyle.
 http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Village/6678/

African American Homeschoolers
"When home becomes the schoolroom" a look at black American homeschooling.
 http://www.blackfamilies.com/living/parenting/homeschool.html

Biblical Foundations for Christian Homeschooling
Christian homeschoolers with a page dedicated to encouraging other families who have made the choice to teach and train their children at home.
 http://pages.prodigy.com/christianhmsc/home.htm

Christian Homeschool Forum
Members from the Christian Interactive Network's Christian Homeschool Forum share support and encouragement for those interested in home schooling.
 http://www.gocin.com/homeschool

ChristianHomeschoolers.com
An evangelical Christian and homeschool resource center with a faith based perspective.
 http://www.teachinghome.net/

Home School House
Christian homeschool information with links to resources.
http://www.perkinsfamily.com/page54.html

HomeFront Education
A site providing Christ- centered articles and more to help in daily home school endeavors.
 http://www.ebicom.net/~rileyafr/

Unitarian Universalist Homeschool List
A very fine list that  is more than tolerant and supportive of Alternative Religions and Beliefs.
 http://www.uua.org

Unschoolers:
Family Unschoolers Org:
This is a great site for the adventure of unschooling -- the concept that children seek information at their own period of readiness.
 http://www.unschooling.org/index.htm

Learn in Freedom!:
resources and articles about homeschooling and other types of independent education.
 http://learninfreedom.org/

Unschooling.com
The best site around for information on unschooling. It includes many good links and articles.
 http://www.unschooling.com/

Christian Unschooling
Yes even Evangelical's Unschool!
 http://www.inspirit.com.au/unschooling/

Family Unschooling Network
This is a great site with an informative newsletter and more.
 http://www.unschooling.org

Catholic:
National Association of Catholic Home Educators:
NACHE: a fine site outlining the particulars of Catholic Homeschooling.
 http://www.nache.org/

Traditions of Roman Catholic Homes (TORCH) is an association of lay faithful established to promote homeschooling among Catholic families and to support those families who are engaged in providing their children's primary education at home.
http://www.catholic-homeschool.com/

By Way of the Family
is a curricula supplier for Catholic homeschoolers specializing in prices to help make homeschooling more affordable.
 http://www.bywayofthefamily.com/

Catholic HS-Sites
This site has many articles and resources on Catholic homeschooling with links to a large variety of resources.
 http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Academy/6823/mercy.html

Catholic Homeschool.com
A site started by Carla Hansen where homeschooling families can find a wide variety of educational resources that are in accord with Catholic doctrine
 http://www.catholichomeschool.com/

Our Lady of Perpetual Help Resource Center
This site has a variety of inexpensive online home study courses for children in grades 3-8.
 http://216.147.66.126/index.html

CatholicFamilies.net
This service provides a filtered and family-oriented Web experience that is geared toward America's Catholic community.
 http://www.catholicfamilies.net/home.cfm

Jewish:

Jewish Home Educator's Network:
Check out this fine Jewish education site which includes many links.
 http://www.snj.com/jhen/links.htm 

League of Jewish Homeschoolers
A very fine site for Orthodox Jewish Homeschoolers with many links.
 http://www.chayas.com/homeschoolindex.htm

Maven
the virtual resource of Jewish information.
 http://www.maven.co.il/

Andrew Tannenbaum's Judaism and Jewish Resources
Here is another large resource of materials on Jewish studies and other resources on Judaism.
 http://www.shamash.org/trb/judaism.html

Hay'Did Online
A large Jewish learning resource site and Jewish encyclopedia online.
 http://www.haydid.org/

Bnos Henya Project
A Jewish educational resources which include homeschooling information as well as other Jewish learning sources.
 http://www.bnoshenya.org/contact.html

Beit Ha Chatulim
A Jewish Vegetarian Homeschool site with many thoughtful resources.
 http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Hills/1259/index.htm

Muslim:

Muslim Home School Network and Resource (MHSNR):
the Arabic Muslim Homeschool resource.
 http://www2.islamicity.com/mhsnr/ 

ArabesQ
Offers homeschooling and Arabic language resources for homeschoolers and others interested in Arabic Studies..
 http://www.arabesq.com/

Islamic Home School Network and Resource Information
Resources for Muslim teachers, teachers seeking educational material on Islam, and Muslim homeschooling families.
 http://www.muslimhomeschool.com/

Muslim Homeschool Central
Articles and links to Islamic resources and materials..
 http://members.muslimsites.com/ourseeds/homeschool.html

Muslim Homeschooling
Offers opinions and links to articles on a nice private site.
 http://www.angelfire.com/hi/TalibAlIlm/Homeschool.html

Muslims Unite For Education at Home
Islamic homeschool newsletter and support group for Muslim homeschoolers..
 http://www.geocities.com/mufeah786/abdullah.htm

Muslim Homeschool Resource Network:
an online support group for Muslim homeschoolers.
 http://www.geocities.com/pmhrn_2000/PMHRN.htmlPalmetto

Pagan:

Pagan Homeschool Page:
Yes -- even Pagans homeschool. Check out this site for information.
 http://www.homestead.com/barbooch/PaganHomeschool.html

Pagan Homeschooling Email List
A parents-only Pagan homeschooling list. There is a screening process in place.
 http://www.goddessmoon.org/pagan.html

Sacred Grove Academy
Pagan Homeschool Books and other resources.
 http://pagan.drak.net/spiraltree/hslinks.html

The Pagan Parenting Page
Here is a general resource on Pagan Parenting and links to many resources.
 http://www.paganparenting.net/ 

Unitarian Universalist Homeschool List
A very fine list that while not specifically Pagan is more than tolerant and supportive of Alternative Religions.
 http://www.uua.org

Get Information About Specific Curricula

The great bulk of homeschoolers do so primarily for religious or ethnic reasons, but there is a great variation in how this is expressed in curriculums and lesson plans. The major divisions are secular versus religious, but some curriculums which are technically religious have good science and analytical resources. Most of the resources listed below will send sample curricula and catalogues. I recommend looking over several and comparing them to your child’s learning style and your state regulations to see what is the best fit for you.

Secular:

Typical Course of Study To get a general idea of what is usually expected of children at various grade levels visit Worldbook's Typical Course of Study Page at:
 http://www.worldbook.com/ptrc/html/curr.html

Oak Meadow.com
The best curriculum I have ever found for little boys! It focuses on experiential, "hands -on" learning with a very user friendly guides. This is the one I use for my son, and I just love it! An "umbrella" distance learning school for people in states requiring registry in a distance learning program.
 http://www.oakmeadow.com 

Clavert School
The best recognized distance learning site is Calvert School. Many ambassador's children use this curriculum. If you have a picky school district, go with this one even though it is a bit more expensive. An "umbrella" distance learning school for people in states requiring registry in a distance learning program.
 http://www.calvertschool.org/

MyEducationAtHome.com
While Christian in focus this company has some very nice secular education packages and resource materials. The children's books are a delight.
 http://www.myeducationathome.com

ChildU.com
Secular learning curricula which uses the Internet and computer for lessons. While I need to look this over more, I think that for kids who are "computer crazy" or "visual learners" this would be worth looking into. Also, this might be a good choice for older children who have left regular school settings due to behavior problems. The format is different enough that their "learning phobias" should not come into play.
 http://www.childu.com/homeschooling-a.html

Keystone National High School
This offers all the typical high school courses with High School @ Home, single course purchases, internet-based instruction, driver education, and an Advisory Teaching Service to satisfy high school graduation requirements in all 50 states.
 http://www.keystonehighschool.com

Religious:

Abeka.com The most widely used Evangelical religious homeschool package is the Abeka System. Check them out at:
 http://www.abeka.com/default.html

Self-Teaching Homeschooling - Robinson Self-Teaching
A very fine well organized home curriculum that, while based in Evangelical doctrine, is focused on giving children critical learning skills. A particularly good curriculum for children with a flair for science.
 http://www.robinsoncurriculum.com/

Covenant Home
The Classical Approach is used here in a complete educational package. However, they offer a curriculum tailoring option if your child has mixed abilities of differential development. They also offer tests on subject areas for the parent who feels more comfortable with routine testing.
 http://www.covenanthome.com

Heart of Wisdom
Resources and Unit Studies which are very Bible based. Great for the more "person oriented" child who learns best reading and studying about people rather than things. One of the premier values education packages.
 http://heartofwisdom.com/

Student of the Word
Is a K-12, Bible centered homeschool curriculum for Christian parents who desire to disciple their children not just educate them. The goal is to come to know God. Very strongly bible based studies.
 http://www.sowcurriculum.com

KONOS.com
Offers Konos in a box and separate curriculum units for study. This is one of the best known "unit study" faith based curriculums available. Strong values emphasis.
 http://www.konos.com/

Alpha Omega
"Lifepac-Gold" Bible-centered home school curriculum. Within each of the five core subjects Bible, Language Arts, Mathematics, History & Geography, and Science the curriculum is organized into convenient workbook/textbook "worktext" units. Umbrella School available for people in states which allow home education only if children are in a distance learning program.
 http://www.home-schooling.com/

The Sycamore Tree
One of the most highly thought of older Christian homeschool resources developed by a former public educator. In school districts resistant to faith-based curriculums this one will fly.
 http://www.sycamoretree.com/

Bob Jones University Press
K-12 curriculum offerred as part of the greater education package of the larger Bob Jones University, a large bible college. An "umbrella" distance learning school for people in states requiring registry in a distance learning program.
 http://www.bjup.com/

Evaluation and Testing

Many states require routine testing of children at certain ages. Or perhaps you just like to see how your child is progressing over the year. Here are sites which sell the state tests, yearly evaluations, and SAT-prep type tests for your child. Check these sites out even if you live in a test-free state. They will give you a wealth of information as well as many free services.

Kaplan Testing This is a a fine site with testing information through the graduate level. Its focus is on older children particularly SAT preparation, but test information is available for younger children too.
KAPLAN TEST.com

EScore
This site has a strong focus on testing and information for younger kids. They have several free tests available online for you help evaluate your child to pick the right curriculum. They also carry copies of the state tests required by some states in order to homeschool.
ESCORE.COM

SmarterKids.com
This is a huge site which has many resources for parents including a very fine Learning Styles evaluator and a free skills test for children.
SMARTERKIDS.com They offer the Sylvan Learning tests for Pre- and Primary Grades. Type *test* in the search box, or use:
Grades K-3
GRADES K-3 EVALUTION

Grades 4-6
GRADE 4-6 Evalution

4Tests.com
Here is a nice online set for your testing needs for older children and adult learners.
 http://www.4tests.com/exams/examcats.asp

Standardized Testing Links
Here is a site with a series of links to various free standardized tests.
 http://members.aol.com/homehwy/tests.html

Individual Lesson Plans

Once you have curriculum in place and registered with your local school district, you can add resources by obtaining all sorts of free lesson plans and other teaching aids from the NET. Here is a list of some of the best!

NASA Spacelink Site:
An absolutely fabulous resource site which includes space simulations, coloring books, free space Cdroms and other resource materials too numerous to mention. Amazing!
 http://spacelink.nasa.gov/.index.html

National Snow and Ice Data Center
All sorts of books, Cdroms, posters and other educational materials on weather and related subjects from avalanches to hurricanes.
http://www-nsidc.colorado.edu/NSIDC/EDUCATION
USA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Has many free resources for teachers, parents and homeschoolers which include free children's books, anti-drug videos, and posters.
 http://www.ed.gov/pubs/edpubs.html

Free Vowel Sounds Worksheets
Phonics worksheets covering the long and short vowel sounds as well as other resources for language study.
 http://www.schoolexpress.com/sub_cat2.asp?cat=Phonics&sub_cat1=Vowels

Save the Sea Turtles
Nice work book, literature, posters, and other resources relating to sea turtles and their endangered status.
 http://www.cccturtle.org

Peanut Education Resources
Tons of Wonderful Peanut Education Materials for all grade levels. It includes history, use, and recipes for peanut products.
 http://www.aboutpeanuts.com

Solar Now - Free Solar Learning
This is a collection of wonderful solar education activities for various grade levels including solar oven plans.
 http://www.fsec.ucf.edu

Free Stuff for Educators
This site has all sorts of free items most of which are available to anyone, not just teachers. Its updated on a weekly basis.
 http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Oaks/9122/

Free Stuff for Homeschoolers
This is an collection of various free resources for homeschoolers. It includes curriculum, books, videos, and Cdroms for study.
 http://www.geocities.com/reed_butterfly_farm/free_homeschool.htm

As its name implies, proposes to give its readers full and authoritative information on the entire cycle of Catholic interests, action and doctrine. What the Church teaches and has taught; what she has done and is still doing for the welfare of mankind.
 http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/

PetersNet
Is a Catholic search and documentary service from Trinity Communications.
 http://www.petersnet.net/index.cfm

Textbook Resources

Once you have a curricula, lesson plans and other materials you’ll need books! Lots of books! Often if you purchase a curricula you have the option of getting the required text books form the curricula vendor. Now you can get many materials at the library, but its nice to have the resources on-hand year round by owning them. Some materials for religious curricula are specific to the company , so you’ll need to obtain them from the vendor or a book store. Here is a list of some nice resources to get you started.

Homeschool Book Depot
Affordable used books for homeschoolers and parent who wish to add to their children's library. Their prices were very very low!
 http://www.homeschoolbookdepot.homestead.com/

Text Books at Cost:
This one of the best online sellers of discount books.
 http://www.textbooksatcost.com

AllBooks4Less.com:
This carries many discount books including text books.
 http://www.AllBooks4Less.com

Half.com:
Thousands of books both new and used highly discounted!
 http://www.half.com

Carty's Curriculum Corner
New and used curriculum and books --- everything from standard curriculum to books that have been loved for decades.
 http://www.usedbookstore.net/

Aquinas Homeschool Books
Is a virtual bookstore started by Carla Hansen to fulfill a need for an online catalog bookstore where homeschooling families can find a wide variety of educational resources that are in accord with Catholic doctrine
 http://www.catholichomeschool.com/

Ebay.com
Yes, I know, but there are lots of new and used curriculums there!
 http://www.ebay.com

Information Article Links
Here are links to some of the finest links I’ve found on making intelligent curriculum choices for your child.

"Strategies for the Visual Spatial Learner" by Linda K. Silverman, Ph.D., and Jeffrey N. Freed, M.A.T.
A very fine article on how gifted visual spatial learners are mistaken for dyslexic or hyperactivity children in many school systems. While written by scholars it has a very approachable style suitable for the general audience.
 http://www.dyslexia.com/library/silver1.htm

"And What About College" by Cafi Cohen
A fine personal article about how one homeschool family got their kids into great college.
 http://www.concentric.net/~Ctcohen/chapter.htm

"Why Homeschool" by Pam Sorooshian and the staff at HSC
A very fine article about why one should homeschool one's child which addresses curriculum issues among other points.
 http://www.hsc.org/why.html

“Curriculum to Unschooling” by
Here is a fine article which demonstrates the elements which go into a choice of curriculum.
 http://www.gomilpitas.com/homeschooling/articles/111197.htm

“Homeschool---Who Me?” by
A nice soul searching article by a homeschool Mom.
 http://www.waymarks.com/homeschool/

“Creating Alternatives” By John Holt
The original education rebel and author of “Why Children Fail?” has a nice article on the John Holt site.
 http://www.holtgws.com/AltToEd.htm

“Why I Homeschool” by Jodi
A very fine article which defines her children’s giftedness and concerns about
school hazing and safety as her primary reasons for homeschooling.
 http://www.angelfire.com/or/jodishouse/hmschl.html

“The SixLesson Schoolteacher” by John Gatto
Mr. Gatto an award winning teacher lists his reasons for homeschooling children
based on his experiences as a public school teacher.
 http://www.cantrip.org/gatto.html
 
 


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