Homeschooling Resources
BOOKS AND BLOGS
Learn about Homeschooling Philosophies and Approaches on Homeschool.com’s blog.
What fits your style? Unschooling, Charlotte Mason, Project Based Learning, Classical, Eclectic and more.
BOOKLIST
Bell, Debra. The Ultimate Guide to Homeschooling. Tommy Nelson, Inc., 1997. Revised and updated.
Griffith, Mary. The Unschooling Handbook: How to Use the Whole World as Your Child’s Classroom. 1998. Amazon.com Editorial review: “…Written in a conversational, salon- style manner, The Unschooling Handbook is liberally peppered with anecdotes and practical advice from unschoolers, … [and] includes resources such as one teenager’s sample “transcript,” a typical weekly log of a third-grader’s activities, and helpful lists of magazines, online mailing lists, Web sites, and catalogs….”
Wise, Jessie and Bauer, Susan. The Well-Trained Mind: A Guide to Classical Education at Home. W. W. Norton and Company, 1999. Revised 2016. A step-by-step, grade-by-grade, subject-by-subject guide to the classical pattern of education, along with curricula recommendations, book lists, and more. Full selection of WTM books and other resources here.
Colorosa, Barbara. Kids Are Worth It! Quill Press, 1995. About parenting styles and how to create and model a strong, flexible parenting toolkit.
Farris, Vickie and Metzgar, Jayme Farris. A Mom Just Like You: The Homeschooling Mother. Broadman and Holman Publishers, 2002.
Glenn, Stephen, (Ph.D.) and Nelsen, Jane, (Ed.D.) Raising Self-Reliant Children in a Self- Indulgent World: Seven Building Blocks for Developing Capable Young People. Prima Publishing, 2000.
Hinckley, Gordon B. Standing for Something. Three Rivers Press, 2000.
Tobias, Cynthia. You Can’t Make Me (But I Can Be Persuaded): Strategies for Bringing Out the Best in Your Strong-Willed Child. Waterbrook Press, 1999.
Morin, Amy. 13 Things Mentally Strong Parents Don’t Do: Raising Self-Assured Children and Training Their Brains for a Life of Happiness, Meaning, and Success. William Morrow, 2017
Armstrong, Thomas. 7 Kinds of Smart. Penguin Books, 1993.
Holt, John. How Children Learn. (Revised Edition) by DaCapo Press, 1983. (An insightful book on the nature of early learning.)
Moore, Dr. Raymond and Dorothy. Better Late Than Early. Reader’s Digest Press, 1989
Tobias, Cynthia. Every Child Can Succeed: Making the Most of Your Child’s Learning Style. Focus on the Family Publishing, 1999.
Tobias, Cynthia. The Way They Learn. Tyndale House Publishers, 1994.
Willis, Mariaemma and Hodson, Victoria. Discover Your Child’s Learning Style. Prima Publishing, 1999.
Family Style Schooling Wonderful book reviews, articles, and ideas for teaching classical education from Betsy Strauss and family!
BOOKLIST
Colfax, David and Micki. Homeschooling for Excellence. Warner, 1988 (Role models for generations of homeschooling families, this is the account of a homeschooling family that sent three sons to Harvard.)
Gatto, John Taylor. The Underground History of American Education. Oxford Village Press, 2001. New York State Teacher of the year who became a strong advocate for home education.
Griffith, Mary. The Homeschooling Handbook. Prima, 1999.
Holt, John and Farenga, Patrick. Teach Your Own. Perseus Publishing, 2003, orig. pub. 1981.
Learn about Homeschooling Philosophies and Approaches on Homeschool.com’s blog.
What fits your style? Unschooling, Charlotte Mason, Project Based Learning, Classical, Eclectic and more.
BOOKLIST
Bell, Debra. The Ultimate Guide to Homeschooling. Tommy Nelson, Inc., 1997. Revised and updated.
Griffith, Mary. The Unschooling Handbook: How to Use the Whole World as Your Child’s Classroom. 1998. Amazon.com Editorial review: “…Written in a conversational, salon- style manner, The Unschooling Handbook is liberally peppered with anecdotes and practical advice from unschoolers, … [and] includes resources such as one teenager’s sample “transcript,” a typical weekly log of a third-grader’s activities, and helpful lists of magazines, online mailing lists, Web sites, and catalogs….”
Wise, Jessie and Bauer, Susan. The Well-Trained Mind: A Guide to Classical Education at Home. W. W. Norton and Company, 1999. Revised 2016. A step-by-step, grade-by-grade, subject-by-subject guide to the classical pattern of education, along with curricula recommendations, book lists, and more. Full selection of WTM books and other resources here.
Colorosa, Barbara. Kids Are Worth It! Quill Press, 1995. About parenting styles and how to create and model a strong, flexible parenting toolkit.
Farris, Vickie and Metzgar, Jayme Farris. A Mom Just Like You: The Homeschooling Mother. Broadman and Holman Publishers, 2002.
Glenn, Stephen, (Ph.D.) and Nelsen, Jane, (Ed.D.) Raising Self-Reliant Children in a Self- Indulgent World: Seven Building Blocks for Developing Capable Young People. Prima Publishing, 2000.
Hinckley, Gordon B. Standing for Something. Three Rivers Press, 2000.
Tobias, Cynthia. You Can’t Make Me (But I Can Be Persuaded): Strategies for Bringing Out the Best in Your Strong-Willed Child. Waterbrook Press, 1999.
Morin, Amy. 13 Things Mentally Strong Parents Don’t Do: Raising Self-Assured Children and Training Their Brains for a Life of Happiness, Meaning, and Success. William Morrow, 2017
Armstrong, Thomas. 7 Kinds of Smart. Penguin Books, 1993.
Holt, John. How Children Learn. (Revised Edition) by DaCapo Press, 1983. (An insightful book on the nature of early learning.)
Moore, Dr. Raymond and Dorothy. Better Late Than Early. Reader’s Digest Press, 1989
Tobias, Cynthia. Every Child Can Succeed: Making the Most of Your Child’s Learning Style. Focus on the Family Publishing, 1999.
Tobias, Cynthia. The Way They Learn. Tyndale House Publishers, 1994.
Willis, Mariaemma and Hodson, Victoria. Discover Your Child’s Learning Style. Prima Publishing, 1999.
Family Style Schooling Wonderful book reviews, articles, and ideas for teaching classical education from Betsy Strauss and family!
BOOKLIST
Colfax, David and Micki. Homeschooling for Excellence. Warner, 1988 (Role models for generations of homeschooling families, this is the account of a homeschooling family that sent three sons to Harvard.)
Gatto, John Taylor. The Underground History of American Education. Oxford Village Press, 2001. New York State Teacher of the year who became a strong advocate for home education.
Griffith, Mary. The Homeschooling Handbook. Prima, 1999.
Holt, John and Farenga, Patrick. Teach Your Own. Perseus Publishing, 2003, orig. pub. 1981.
Hip Homeschool Moms – Everything from choosing curriculum to homeschooling high school.
Hundreds of projects & activities from Holly Homer at Kids Activities Blog.
Family Style Schooling Wonderful book reviews, articles, and ideas for teaching classical education from Betsy Strauss and family!
Real life strategies and encouragement from The Autistic Mama.
LEARNING STYLES
Learning styles & tips for learners from Time4Learning
VARK Questionnaire for Younger People | K-4 with parent assistance
VARK Learn | Grades 5-12
Guide to Learning Preferences for Visual Aural Reading Kinesthetic
ED Planner Learning Styles Assessment | FREE GR 5-12 Assessment
How to Study Learning Assessment | GR 7-12 Assessment
Power Traits for Life Assessment | Grades 7-12
Is your teen spontaneous and creative? What about musical, mechanical, logical? Do you want to know their motivators and passions? Learn all this and more with the highly recommended guide to Self Portrait Power Traits Assessment.
PERSONALITY TYPES
Meyers Briggs Personality Test (fee-based assessment)
Free Learning Styles PDF for tips on adapting instruction to your child’s personality type. Based on Dr. Keith Golay’s award winning research Learning Patterns and Temperament Styles.
Debra Bell’s learning styles series hosted on HEAV and Crosswalk with tips for each type of learner.
MULTIPLE INTELLIGENCES OR SMARTS!
Harvard Psychologist Howard Gardner identified the nine intelligences or “smarts” for the way people think and learn.
Maximize your child’s learning with this printable Multiple Intelligences Test for Children on Love to Know, by Heidi Butler. | K-6 with assistance for younger learners
HIGH SCHOOL & COLLEGE PREP
BYU Independent Study | High School Program Accredited, UC approved. Fee based individual high school courses or four-year program. Teacher supported and/or student led. Proctored exams.
James Madison High School Online Complete four-year high school program. Options for individual courses.
Power (Acellus) Homeschool Services Low cost video based courses. Teacher or parent supported.
Time4Learning Independent Self-Paced Learning. Affordable monthly plans. Pre-recorded teacher-presented lessons with graphics. Great for visual learners.
High School and Beyond – Guides to homeschooling through high school and college admissions from HSLDA.
Homeschool to College Guide – Tips for preparing your student for college from EdSmart.
SOCIAL / EMOTIONAL LEARNING
RESOURCES FOR ADULTS AND TEENS
Facing challenges Self-Help Guide (Printable Chart) (Broken Link)
Social & Emotional Learning (SEL) Edutopia
Tips for Emotional Preparedness
Emotional Intelligence Toolkit from Help Guide Becoming a healthier, happier YOU.
Express Yourself NC blog thoughtful articles on emotional regulation and helping children learn to express themselves.
Therapy In a Nutshell
“Your brain is wired to change! Small mental health skills can lead to massive growth, healing, and happiness.” Downloadable courses for anxiety and emotional resilience. Check out Emma’s YouTube Channel for Anxiety Skills, Emotional Regulation, Healthy Relationships, Reducing Intrusive Thoughts, How to Stop Overthinking, How to Be Emotionally Resilient and SO MUCH MORE!
The Zones of Regulation. A curriculum designed to foster self-regulation and emotional control.
The Verywell Mind Podcast Amy Morin, author of 13 Things Mentally Strong Parents Don’t Do.
RESOURCES FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL
KHAN Academy Growth Mindset
SEL Lessons for Middle School + Character Strengths & Mindfulness – Greater Good in Education, Berkeley University
SOAR Social Emotional Learning Skills App – Home Edition aligned with the CASEL.org standards.
Supporting social & emotional development in early childhood Two short videos and multiple conversation starters for parents to use across multiple grades levels / ages.
RESOURCES FOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Help your child learn emotional regulation, social awareness and how to make healthy choices and responsible decisions.
Emotion Wheel Printable for Kids
12 Self-Regulation Strategies for Young Children (Printable graphic)
How to Help your Child Calm when they ‘Refuse’ Strategies
SoulShoppe Tools of the Heart. Emotional wellness and relationship skills.
SOCIAL MEDIA & ONLINE SAFETY
Be wise. Protect your child online. Limit screen time for little ones.
Social Media Safety – Safe, Smart, Social: Teaching students how to shine online. Free Webinars for parents of tweens and teens.
Online Homeschool Guide A homeschoolers guide to online learning from Online Schools.
SUBJECT RESOURCES
A-Plus Math | K-6 Free interactive math resources, math games, puzzles, flashcards and more. Develop math skills interactively.
Addition Facts That Stick | K-6 Another great product from the folks at Well-Trained Mind.
Denison Algebra and Geometry | GR 7-12 “Courses are designed to build confidence and prepare your student for success in high school math, even if they’ve had trouble with it before now.” Clear, matter of fact, step by step presentations using online videos with student workbooks. Created by homeschool dad/math teacher. Affordable.
Elephant Learning | K-6 Experiential learning through gamification of concepts builds an understanding of math language, concepts, and skills. Reinforce learning and improve skills. Monthly subscription.
Horizon Math | K-6 sample on Sonlight.com
Introduces math properties and principles one at a time, building a strong foundation through practice, and then moving to the next principle. Available through Sonlight, Amazon, The Curriculum Store and Learning Things.
Key Curriculum Press | Gr 3-12 The Keys to…Series are simple workbooks: Keys to Fractions, Keys to Measurement, Keys to Decimals, and so on with supplemental aids, tools and manipulatives. The black and white workbooks are great for students needing minimal visual distraction.
Khan Academy | K-12 Free online math/science tutorials. Arithmetic through calculus.
Learning Things: The Education Store | K-6 Complete Horizons Math, Switched-On School House, and Life-Pac math sets.
Math-U-See: Great for Visual Learners. Math-U-See sample on Sonlight.com
Math is Fun | K-6 Free interactive lessons related to numbers, measurement, money, geometry and algebra. Engaging and fun. Puzzles and worksheets available.
Math Playground | K-6 collection of math games addressing arithmetic, geometry, word problems, graphing, logic, algebra, and more.
Math Geek Mama | K-6 Fun card games and other math geeky stuff.
Math Planet | GR 7-12
Pre-algebra, Algebra 1, Algebra 2 and Geometry. Practice tests for the SAT and ACT.
Modern Curriculum Press | K-6 inexpensive workbooks emphasizing basic math skills and problem-solving strategies. Easy to use family-friendly math program. Excellent for students needing to limit visual distractions. Available through the Curriculum Store and Amazon.
Khan Academy | K-12 Free online math/science tutorials. Arithmetic through calculus.
OpenLearn | GR 9-12 University level math courses for science for Grades 9-12.
PBS KIDS APPS & MORES | PreK to Grade 3 apps, eBooks, games, videos.
Purple Math | Gr 7-12 Need help with Algebra? You’ve found the right place! Free tutorials.
Saxon Math | K-12 a systematic, incremental approach. Concepts are repeated and distributed across the level. The text is easy to use for both parents and students. Textbooks are available individually or as units through Rainbow Resources or Amazon.
See also Saxon Online Teaching Series at Teaching Saxon.com. Books sold separately.
Singapore Math Build solid foundational skills in mental math and complex thinking. Singapore math placement test here. See Cathy Duffy’s review here.
The Curriculum Store Sells Saxon, GoMath, Horizons, and LifePac.
Time4Learning Low monthly subscription, full course or supplemental instruction in core subjects.
The Math Worksheet Site – create customized printable math worksheets.
VideoText Algebra An alternative approach to Pre-Algebra, Algebra 1, or Algebra 2!
“The best way to learn Algebra is to start at the beginning and end at the end! In this program you will find a complete study of the essential material covered in a traditional Algebra 1 and Algebra 2 course. VideoText Algebra employs a mastery-learning approach, sometimes moving at a slower pace, but without the overlap. It covers lessons in a conceptual manner, [with] topics … broken down into detailed examinations … in order to master every individual concept. Materials in the complete course include 176 multimedia lessons (online access), Course Notes, a Student WorkText, Solutions Manuals, and Progress Tests. When a student completes Algebra, they can claim credits for Pre-Algebra, Algebra 1 and Algebra 2.” Good for visual and auditory learners.
ALGEBRA VIDEO TUTORIALS:
Links for videos I found useful when tutoring Algebra. Perfect for NVLD and visual learners who need limited distractions.
Factoring Polynomials:
GCF – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jJqE0MveYKM
By Grouping: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YaCpeoxGa4E
Trinomials by grouping:
Example 1:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HvBiJ9W00Z4
Example 2:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xkaytOGRNxg
Example 3:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U7n6B0aIQh0
Factoring Perfect Squares:
Example 1:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aM1qf2QN8YE
Example 2:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7v8RXiswGJI
Example 3:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJ22lotti7s
Factoring by trial and error – quadratic trinomial
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WipYqupv9wY
Generation Genius Engaging Science and Math lesson for Grades K-8. Videos and lesson plans
Great Science Adventures, a K-8 multi-grade level curriculum for teacher and students in one book. Each of the ten studies include 24 lessons with all the lab and review activities necessary to reinforce the content and all the graphics needed to complete the activities. Available in print or e-books.
Khan Academy | GR 7-12 FREE high school courses. Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Cosmology, Engineering, Health and Medicine. New! Khan Academy Espanol!
Monterey Bay Aquarium. Live web cams. Monterey Bay Aquarium Learning At Home: Guided activities to support learning at home.
Molecularium Interactive Guide to Nanospace
National Geographic for Kids Games, videos, brain boosters and more on this interactive site for kids.
Neuroscience for Kids Upper elementary and high school. Click on the sidebar menu for “Explore” or “Experiments” for an interesting variety of projects for studying the brain.
NASA Science “SpacePlace” for kids – Explore earth and space with interactive activities.
Science at Nasa – Free earth science, astronomy, and physical science information in an easy to use format for children and adults.
Example of interesting videos about space: Wet Washcloth in Space: What Happens When You Wring it?
National Geographic Explorer live video events connect students with National Geographic Explorers across all seven continents to bring exploration to life.
News for Kids Real News, Told Simply. Specific page for science news for children ages 9 to 14 offering timely items of interest. Topics include Agriculture to Weather. www.sciencenewsforkids.org
NPR WOW! IN THE WORLD Podcast for kids, adults will love, too. “Hosts Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz guide curious kids and their grown-ups on a journey into the wonders of the world around them. We’ll go inside our brains, out into space and deep into the coolest new stories in science and technology.” Opens to Apple podcast preview page. Or download from your favorite podcast provider.
Science News for Students All Topics, Life, Humans, Space, Tech. “Science News for Students publishes stories about recent research and current events across the full breadth of STEM fields.” Articles, weekly features and additional content that can aid learning.
The Smithsonian Institute for Kids Interactive activities, articles, and fun stuff for kids. Animal cams, insects, space, migratory bird activities, geography quizzes and more.
A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO MATH AND SCIENCE | GR 7-12 Blog post by Anne Morgan at Suburban Science. What you need to know and when.
Bozeman Science | Gr 9-12 Comprehensive FREE Video lessons on just about everything!
The Brain, the Environment, Chemistry, Biology, Physics, AP Science courses, and a new series on Conceptual Thinking. Fantastic resource!
Brilliant | GR 7-12 Math and Computer Science, Engineering, Software Development. Interactive lessons.
MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) | Gr 9-12 SCIENCE VIDEOS – free video lessons for high school students in biology, math, engineering, chemistry.
Crash Course by Hank Green | GR 9-12+ 14 Youtube videos on Anatomy and Physiology. (Fast paced. Recommend occasionally stopping the video to take notes! High school/College Prep level.
Science NetLinks | GR 7-12 video collection for middle to high school students, focused on topics as wide ranging as the mechanics of weightlifting and the art of the solar system.
Apologia Science – Christian High School Science. Faith based print curriculum. Good for visual print learners. Self-paced video courses for online learning adaptable for the visual/auditory learner.
Guest Hollow – an alternative to textbook science! Example: Botany. Twenty bucks buys a printable and online PDF schedule for learning with great books, nature journaling, recipes and hands-on projects adapted for middle school to high school. (Books may be purchased or found at your local library.) Other courses include a workbook and study guide. Great for your Kinesthetic Learner!
Great Science Adventures | GR 6-8 Multi-grade level curriculum for teacher and students in one book. Each of the ten studies include 24 lessons with all the lab and review activities necessary to reinforce the content and all the graphics needed to complete the activities. Available as e-books or print.
Mel Chemistry | GR 4-12 Physics, Chemistry, STEM. Courses and hands-on project kits.
Quantum Camp | GR 6-8 Online middle school courses here plus in person summer camps in the SF/Bay area. Great for Visual and Kinesthetic Learners.
Pearson Ed Publishers is now SAVVAS Learning Company. | Gr 7-12 Find digital or print middle and high school science textbooks here. Best for Visual Print and Concrete Sequential Learners.
Science Project Ideas | awesome projects from Janice Van Cleave. Great for Kinesthetic and Visual Learners!
Suburban Science – Designed by a real high school science teacher for homeschooling! Courses include digital format, digital labs, videos, (great for visual and auditory learners), plus a workbook option which is great for visual print learners. Available as bundles or mini-courses. Plus extra supplies, a science blog, and a support community.
Science Buddies | GR 4-12 Science Fair projects + Videos Great Resource for projects.
BBC Foreign Languages. Free video tutorials and newspapers. Read the news in a foreign language!
Homeschool Spanish Academy – Spanish classes for all ages, any day of the week with live instruction by certified and experienced Spanish language teachers. Subscription with payment plans available.
Common Sense Media “Discover the best in learning apps, games, and websites for your kids. Offers handpicked, carefully reviewed titles grouped by category. Essential life skills, traditional academic subjects, and more. Common Sense Reading List —Common Sense Media – Recommended Reading List for Families
Puzzle Maker Make your own mazes or word searches from Discovery Education.
Learning Without Tears – Handwriting and keyboarding skills, plus early childhood literacy. Family products section includes free resources.
Literacy building manipulatives and kits. Sentence building dominoes! Sight word puzzles! Magnetic letters and board. Great for visual and kinesthetic learners.
English From The Roots Up | K-8 Flash cards + 100 Greek and Latin Roots, Vol. I & II. Very easy to use in only a few minutes a day. Creates a strong foundation for English, science and math.
Latina Christiana | K-6 Easy to use introductory Latin course. Introductory French Course is also available from Memoria Press or Amazon.
Literacy Games | K-6 Reading Games and Teaching Tips for early readers from Dorbooks
Sight Words and Reading Games from Education.com | K-5 You’ll also find free printables on this website for math, science, language arts, history, and art.
ABC Mouse | PreK – GR 2 Popular interactive early learning program.
All About Learning | K-3 Easy to teach. Easy to learn. Color-coded letter tile system. Mastery based. One concept at a time. Spelling and reading programs to improve proficiency. Multi-sensory Orton-Gillingham instruction.
AudioBooks from Project Inspire | GR 3-6 A ten year old’s favorite free audiobooks on Librivox
Audiobooks for Kids from Black Authors. | K-6 A subscription to audio books from LibroFM which supports local bookstores. Can be used as a reading list or to purchase on a different platform.
Reading Rockets | K-6 Themed Book Reading List – including favorite audio books. Hundreds to choose with full descriptions and links. Reading Rockets also has articles for parents and educators on Teaching Reading, Helping Struggling Learners, and Literacy Development.
Classical Reader Book List | K-6 online booklist with links to Amazon. Print, audio and e-books.
Julie’s Library | K-6 Story Time with Julie Andrews (From American Public Media). Podcast.
Light Up Your Brain | K-6 Audio stories for children – mostly Beatrix Potter and Fairy Tales with read a-long text. Narration is very good. Caveat: Ads are interspersed through the text!! If you download or stream the audio you can ignore them. If your child is reading along with the story, you’ll need to help navigate past the ads.
Storyline Online | K-6 “Emmy®-nominated and award-winning children’s literacy website, Storyline Online®, streams videos featuring celebrated actors reading children’s books alongside creatively produced illustrations. Readers include Oprah Winfrey, Chris Pine, Kristen Bell, Rita Moreno, Viola Davis, Jaime Camil, Kevin Costner, Lily Tomlin, Sarah Silverman, Betty White, Wanda Sykes and dozens more.”
FunBrain | K-6 Online book reading and games
Best Podcasts for Kids That Adults Will Like Too from Fatherly. Descriptions and links to Story Time, The Radio Adventures of Dr. Floyd, Saturday Morning Theatre and more.
English for the Thoughtful Child | GR 2-6 A gentle introduction to grammar. Revised by Cyndy Shearer. Grade 2 and above.
Grammar for the Well-Trained Mind | ages 11 and up. Examples are taken from literature, and contemporary works of math and science. This is a comprehensive and rigorous curriculum and will take your student from elementary through high school.
Classical Conversations | K-6 Wonderful selection of readers and books. Use to build your personal library, or as a guide for your next public library outing.
The Good and the Beautiful | K-12 Language Arts Program includes geography and art! Beautifully integrated. Online assessments for learning levels.
Khan Academy | K-12 Free Courses. Arts and Humanities, Economics, Language Arts, Social and Emotional Learning and Life Skills courses like Personal Finance and Growth Mindset.
Learning Language Arts Through Literature | K-8 by Common Sense Press. An integrated approach to reading, grammar, vocabulary and language arts. Also available through Amazon and other booksellers. Other great products on Common Sense Press are WordSmith and The Great Editing Adventure.
Explode the Code | GR K-4 Phonics (or here on Amazon).
Phonics Pathways | GR 1-4 Clear, easy to follow. Excellent for auditory learners. Use as a beginning reader (Grade 1) or for an older child who needs help learning to read or spell.
Writing Strands | GR 5-10; an aid for developing excellent writing skills. Originally written as a secular series by Dave Marks, the founder of National Writing Institute. New publishers re-designed the series with a strong Christian orientation. Both versions are available on Amazon. Early secular editions available through Abebooks, and Thriftbooks. See Cathy Duffy’s review here.
Featured Books | K-6 About 80 book reviews with discussion topics, activities, related books and links to other subjects and resources. From Carol Hurst’s Children’s Literature Site
Common Sense Press | GR 8-12 Learning Language Arts Through Literature. An integrated approach to developing language skills using excerpts from literature. Middle school to high school courses available: British Literature, World Lit, American Lit, Literary Criticism. Scroll down for scope and sequence here. Can also be used as a jumping off for reading the complete literary selection! 🙂
Vocabulary from Classical Roots | GR 7-12 master vocabulary in social studies, science, literature, and mathematics through strategic vocabulary instruction in Greek and Latin Roots. Easy to use.
The Write Start With Readings: Paragraphs to Essays | GR 7-10 Clear and straightforward. A developmental writing book designed to build writing, revision and critical thinking skills. Uses literature excerpts for writing prompts.
Writing with Skill | GR 7-12 Writing With Skill series (from The Well-Trained Mind) teaches middle and high-school students the skills they will need for academic and workplace writing, including outlining, research, citation, and the construction of full-length essays in history, literature, science, and other subjects. (See sample Level 1 here.)
The Creative Writer | GR 7-12 Another great product from WTM for students who enjoy creative writing, fiction and poetry. This series delves deeper into how to write and how to be a writer.
Carol Hurst’s Children’s Literature Site | GR 7-12 extensive reading index. Lower grade level books are on this list as some are reviewed for Grades 6 and up. You’ll find book reviews and related books and websites.
Acellus Power Homeschool scope and sequence for American Lit here (which could be integrated with U.S. History). GR 9-12
An interesting resource for writing different types of papers, essays, bios and more. | GR 7-12 From The Classroom: English
The Purdue Writing Lab High School/College Prep Levels: MLA and APA formatting, Avoiding Plagiarism, Research Writing, Subject-Specific Writing, and more! Remote Teaching Resources
Owl & Mouse| K-6 Free, fun interactive map puzzles. U.S. and World. Great help for memorizing countries and states.
Lizard Point | K-6 Customizable Geography, Art, and Music quizzes. Math Practice worksheets. Mostly free. Supplement or for exploration.
DK Online | K-6 Which Came First Timeline Quiz
Geography for Kids | K-6 age-appropriate, fun activities gathered from around the world organized by topic and country.
YouTube video examples | K-6 “Free School” history series Harriet Tubman: American History and Civil Rights; the I Am read-aloud series (I Am Rosa Parks, I am Martin Luther King, Jr. etc), or Simple History’s The California Gold Rush
The Past and the Curious Podcast | K-6 Opens in apple podcast player. Or download from your favorite podcast provider. “Comedic actors performing little-known stories from history.” (Fatherly)
Education.com free printables and lesson plans | K-5 state capitols, 13 colonies, Civil Rights Movement, government, geography, history, and social studies. Grades K-5.
Jim Weiss audio stories now available through The Well-Trained Mind. See Egypt and Ancient Greece, Renaissance, and more here
EdTech Teacher: Best of History Websites. Award winning portal for over 100+ history resources. Browse by topics, lesson plans, general or specific including Art History.
Great Books History as Literature | K-6 & 7-12 Reading guide for major historical periods; useful for an integrated history/literature series.
Know Your Rights | GR 7-12 Adaptable curriculum for classrooms available as downloadable files.
MORE SOCIAL STUDIES RESOURCES IN FULL CURRICULUM PROVIDERS
101 Great Resources for Homeschooling Children with Autism – apps, articles, blogs, curriculum, podcasts, supplementary resources and support groups. Wonderful resources for learners with ASD or other Special Needs.
Aim Academy Online – SAT and AP Test prep, and online courses.
Ambleside Onine – A Charlotte Mason approach with booklists and an online community. Not familiar with CM? This site walks you through the Charlotte Mason philosophy.
Bookshark A great curriculum for book lovers, visual/print learners, and parents who want a little more structure while still retaining flexibility for other activities and allowing a child to learn at his/her own pace. A secular spin-off from Sonlight Curriculum – they’ve been around long enough to know how to help homeschool families.
For BookShark or Sonlight, consider using the curriculum as a jumping off point, purchasing only what you need and using the book lists to augment your library rentals and other studies. Packages can be adapted for multi-grades and learners.
BlueTent Online – Uses Moodle for online classrooms and ZOOM for live instruction. Text based discussion format is a familiar interactive approach for today’s learners. Focus on Core classes – Math, Science, English with AP and Honors courses.
Brilliant – Courses in Math, Science, Engineering, Software Development. Interactive lessons.
BYU Independent Study High School Program – Accredited, UC approved. Fee based individual high school courses or four year program. Teacher supported or student led.
Khan Academy | K-12 Free Courses. Arts and Humanities, Economics, Language Arts, Math, Science, Social and Emotional Learning and Life Skills courses like Personal Finance and Growth Mindset.
Konos | K-8 Christian unit studies curriculum using hands-on and discovery learning written by homeschoolers for homeschoolers.
Learning Things: The Education Store – Complete K-12 multi-subject grade level curriculum sets, such as Horizons Math, Switched-On School House, and Life-Pac
Outschool – Small group video classes. Discover fun, social, and safe learning experiences for Grades K-12. Classes from $10. All subjects. Fun Electives!
Sonlight Curriculum® – Christian homeschooling company specializing in literature-based programs. Customize package with science courses, math programs, and foreign language. Catalog can be ordered online and provides an excellent secular and non-secular literature resource list.
The Good and the Beautiful – GreenLeaf High School Curriculum. | K-12 Easy to use, affordable. Currently offering high school language arts, including American and British Lit, Creative Writing and College Prep. Check out their scope and sequence here. TGTB OFFER K-12 Easy to use, affordable, integrated curriculum for language arts, history, science, and math. Online assessments for academic levels. Emphasizes character building. Non-secular. Great for OFF-SCREEN learning.
Timberdoodle | K-12 Secular and non-secular packages. Books, supplies and more for all subjects.
Time4Learning | K-12 Complete homeschool curriculum and/or individual courses. Online multimedia instruction, animated interactive lessons and printable worksheets. Subscription based – full courses or supplemental instruction in core subjects.
The Well-Trained Mind Academy – Live online instruction for classical education. Recommended for middle school and high school. Rigorous college prep level material.
Veritas Press – Excellent full service provider with classical specialization. Emphasizes history studied chronologically. Catalog includes many resources. Products may be purchased individually.
Product Reviews for Curriculum Providers and Products
A 2 Z Home’s Cool – A comprehensive resource center for homeschoolers.
Homeschooling Almanac – Print/digital magazine with homeschooling products reviews, articles, and links to curriculum resources, online learning and more.
The Old Schoolhouse and TOS Digital Magazine – Homeschool articles, product reviews, and curriculum resources.
HANDS ON LEARNING RESOURCES
Kaplan Play Everything from pattern blocks and geoboards, dot dice and linking cubes, to learning mats, wooden dominoes and other STEM supplies.
Lakeshore Learning Math Manipulative Toolbox Kit. Various grade levels.
Note: Select the individual set or each for your home purchase. Ex. Gr 2-3 toolkit price is 21.99 – 199.00. The higher price is a set of 10 toolkits for a classroom! Select each for the 21.99 price. 🙂
Quick-Flip Arithmetic – Card games building math skills. Build basic skills and review math facts and computations in a fun, interactive, hands-on style. Quick-Flip FAQ
Montessori-n-such Full line of Montessori manipulatives for math learning (and beautiful products for sensorial learning, science, geography, culture, and more). Link takes you to fractions manipulatives. Other math categories: counting, money, time, math accessories, and more. Products are made from rubber wood (a renewable resource), non-toxic paints, and are responsibly sourced and manufactured.
Lego Educational Division – Products to enhance learning of simple machines, life science, flight, inventions, science experiments and activities.
Carolina Science Lab – Explore the resources for elementary and middle school students from Carolina’s Building Blocks of Science™ 3D, Innovators in Science, and Smithsonian Programs. Books and products.
MindWare – Science and Nature Kits, STEM, Robotics and Engineering, Brain teasers. Shop by category or age.
STEM (or STEAM) integrates Science, Technology, Engineering, (Arts), and Math. Excellent STEM product review for boxes or kits with hands-on projects.
Timberdoodle – Science kits, books, puzzles, STEM supplies and more! Complete curriculum kits and products. Highly recommended supplier to the homeschool community since 1985.
Janice Van Cleave’s awesome projects. Easy, and fun. Check our her 101 Easy Experiments that Really Work series on Amazon (such as Chemistry for Every Kid or Biology for Every Kid)
Kids Gardening – Garden based activities, lesson plans, and blog.
PBS’s Building Big for young builders – exploring domes, skyscrapers, bridges and tunnels. Or see David Macauley’s companion book by the same name here
TESTING
Homeschool Testing Services – Nationally accredited standardized testing services in your community or online.
SAT 10 and CPT4.
Seton Testing Services – Easy to use testing services for homeschoolers. Seton Testing Services provides affordable, standardized testing.
5 Ways AP Exams Cut College Costs from Debra Bell, veteran homeschool parent and online educator.
ACT Assessment and College Entrance Exam
ACT Prep Guide at Best Colleges Resources
College Board – PSAT, SAT I, and SAT II. Info, sample tests, college search capability.
Homeschool Testing Services – Nationally accredited standardized testing services in your community or online.
SAT 10 and CPT4.
EdReady test prep practice exams and goal planning.
Homeschool Testing Services – Nationally accredited standardized testing services in your community or online.
SAT 10 and CPT4.
KHAN Academy
Official SAT practice tests plus tailored practice plan, free interactive video lessons, and tips.
Fee based test prep
KAPLAN – Fee-based SAT and ACT prep course. (also: http://www.act.org or www.kaptest.com/sat)
StudyPoint – Fee-based SAT and ACT tutoring.
FREE PLACEMENT TESTS
Sonlight Curriculum: MATH Placement Test
Well-Trained Mind Academy: GENERAL and WRITING Placement Tests
BookShark:
Singapore Math Placement Tests Primary Math 1A through Math 6B
Algebra 1 Placement Test
Saxon Math Placement Tests
Reading Assessments
Note: Sonlight and WTMA are faith-based curriculum providers. Bookshark is a faith-neutral curriculum. You do not need to purchase the curriculum to use the placement test.
FIND A HOMESCHOOL COMMUNITY
Homeschool Support Groups
Local homeschoolers meet up for park days, field trips, classes, or online support.
A2Z Homeschooling California Support Groups
Black Family Homeschool Educators and Scholars Facebook Group
State Homeschool Organizations
California Homeschool Network
A statewide grassroots organization dedicated to protecting the fundamental right of parents to educate their children.
Christian Home Educators Association of California (CHEA)
State organization for Christian based educators.
HomeSchool Association of California (HSC)
Welcomes anyone with an interest in homeschooling. State organization with full section of links for helping children with special needs.
The Homeschooler Post is the blog site for HSC — a volunteer-run, inclusive, and secular homeschooling organization.
Features articles relating to homeschooling and parenting in California and beyond.
National Homeschool Organizations
Hispanic and Bilingual Homeschoolers Facebook Group
A supportive community that brings together homeschooling families from across the world. We work to provide information and support among homeschoolers in our community and oppose any kind of discrimination. … We do this by creating educational and parenting content that celebrates Hispanic and Latinx cultures, languages, and belief systems and by promoting diversity in all its forms while recognizing our common concerns and dreams for our children.
Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA)
To find state-specific information, visit the site and click on your state. Great info for homeschooling through high school. Up-to-date legal initiatives protecting and affecting homeschoolers. Christian-based homeschooling, and outreach to support families new to homeschooling.
NBHE – National Black Home Educators – “Member supported homeschooling organization with a vision to transform education and families through homeschooling.”
Links last updated 3/01/2023.