Please note that I am working on checking and updating the links on my site. My apologies for any dead links you find.
When people find
out we're homeschoolers the first thing we're often asked is,
"Why?" It is not an easy question to answer, because our
reasons for homeschooling seem to evolve with each passing
year. I can say that our initial reason for
homeschooling is that we tried the government school system for
three years and it failed our child academically. We
felt it was necessary to explore other options. We
investigated private schools, but found the cost of private
schooling was prohibitive for us. So, the path naturally lead
us to homeschooling.
"Me?
Homeschool? I could never do that!" :o) Those are
the famous last words of homeschoolers!
Yes, I used to
say that. I also used to say, "I'm not patient enough",
"I'm not organized enough", "I'm not educated enough!".
But, there are so many tools out there for homeschoolers
today. I've found that nearly any weakness can be
overcome. Scripted lessons help me overcome
impatience. (Seems my impatience came more from my inability
to explain things clearly, rather than with my child for not
understanding things!) Homeschool planners help me to become
more organized. Great teacher's manuals and curriculum help me
overcome areas where I feel I'm not educated
enough.
We have completed
eleven years of homeschooling. School has turned into a
lifestyle rather than something we do only from 8 to 3. Each
trip to the grocery store, zoo, science center, etc. becomes a
learning experience because I know what they are learning in school,
and can draw on that. Also, I love learning right along with
my children.... re-learning those things I've forgotten, or never
learned in the first place. My children are friends with each
other because they spend so much time together. (I like my
kids putting time and energy into developing friendships with their
siblings... after all their siblings will always be their
siblings.... while other friendships may come and go) Because
of homeschooling we have been able to postpone some kinds of peer
pressure until they are older and more grounded... we've been able
to shield them from damaging psychological and physical cruelty of
other children. We are able to make our own choices about what
goes into their minds regarding sex education, God, and other
subjects such as evolution. And, surprisingly none of these
things are even reasons why we started
homeschooling. But, all of these things are reasons why
we continue homeschooling.
Perhaps you are
merely curious about homeschooling... or perhaps you are considering
joining the ranks. Maybe you are a veteran homeschooler and
you are just looking for more homeschooling info on the web. I
hope that these links will assist you whichever category you find
yourself in. I've tried to make this page useful to all of the
above.
Is this
really legal?
Or perhaps, you are
wondering what the homeschool laws are in your state... well, I'm
not a lawyer, but these people are. So you may find the
answers to most of your legal questions here.
Homeschool Legal Defense
Association
This page offers each state's regulations regarding
homeschooling.
American Homeschool
Association
Is there any
way I can speak with some veteran
homeschoolers?
You'll want to check to see
if your area has a homeschool support group. Ask around at
churches, or do a web search with your state name, and
"homeschooling" or "home schooling" as key words.
Where can I
get curriculum?
The choices can be
overwhelming. I've limited the links below to things I or
friends have found to be particularly good.
Sonlight
Curriculum This great literature based
curriculum. One nice thing about Sonlight, is that you can
order all you need from one company. Lesson plans are already
done for you. And best of all... if you love to read good
books, Sonlight will be a perfect fit for you! Their web site
has forums where you can ask any question, and lots of helpful
people will answer. Sonlight has become my favorite company
over the years because of their willingness to listen to their
customers.
Beautiful Feet
Books This is a literature based history
curriculum... my personal favorite because of the notebooks that the
kids put together during the study. However, BF does not have
a full 12 year curriculum. They do have one science curriculum
that we have used and it is terrific! Students learn about
scientists in history and follow up their readings with experiments
that correlate with that scientist.
Greenleaf Press This
is another literature based history curriculum. We didn't find
their books as interesting as others, but many people enjoy it very
much.
Institue for Excellence In Writing I believe this is the best writing program out there. I wish I had found it 10 years ago. It really teaches the teacher how to teach writing. (Try saying that three times fast!) IEW utilizes "emulation" of good writing to teach students how to write well. Unfortunately, IEW's web site does not do their products justice. I think it needs to be redone, and sincerely hope that it will be. The best way to learn about this writing program is to hear Andrew Pudewa speak, talk to someone who uses it, or to join the email list for those who are using it. (You'll have to search for IEW at Yahoo Groups.)
Saxon
Math A good math curriculum with lots of review.
Grades K-3 use many manipulative for better understanding of math
concepts.
Math U
See This math program is preferred by many hands-on
learners.
Spelling
Power 15 minutes a day is all it takes!
Five in a Row More
literature based studies... including some for the preschool
years.
How Great Thou
ART Christian art curriculum
Mark Kistler Draw
Squad This is my children's favorite art curriculum.
Drawing subjects are kooky and very appealing to children, but they
are also learning excellent techniques for drawing with
dimension.
Curriculum
Reference Book:
Cathy Duffy's Curriculum
Manual A must have for every homeschoolers (in my humble
opinion!) She gives an extensive list of curriculum providers
along with phone numbers and addresses, along with sound advice on
what to teach and when. I wouldn't begin homeschooling without
this book.
Note: Most of these items can be purchased from a "one-stop"
homeschool supply catalog in order to shave the shipping you would
spend buying individually from several different places.
My personal favorites: Rainbow Resource
Center (360) 426-0672
Lifetime Books and Gifts(863)676-6311
These providers a carry huge variety books and curriculum, and their prices are great. Below you'll find
others that are also very good.
Is
homeschooling expensive?
It can be. I usually
spend about $500 per year on curriculum for my oldest child.
The other children are less expensive to school, because I'm able to
reuse a lot of the material. On average, I'd say that I'm able
to get away with spending $200-300 per year on my younger
kids. (We actually write in our workbooks, so I have to buy
new ones each year. But, some homeschoolers have their
children write their answers on a separate sheet of paper, and
therefore cut their costs by reusing workbooks) Buying used
curriculum and/or buying from discounters can help with the
cost. Libraries can be very helpful also, especially if you're
using a literature-based curriculum like Five-In-A-Row, Beautiful
Feet, or Sonlight. With a literature based study, you can buy
the teacher's guide, and then get the reading books at the
library
Homeschooling on
a Shoestring
Homeschoolers
Curriculum Swap (buy used curriculum)
These sites
are curriculum sources that carry a wide variety of curriculum and
have good prices.
Rainbow Resource
Center
Lifetime Books and Gifts
Christian Book
Distributors
The Sycamore
Tree
Elijah
Company
Timberdoodle
Rock
Solid
Yikes!
You mean I have to piece together my own
curriculum?
Not necessarily. If
you are afraid of putting together your own curriculum, have no
fear! There are several packaged curriculums
available. For packaged curriculum, I prefer Bob Jones
University. The books are well written, the teacher's manuals
give lots of extras, and the decidedly Christian approach is
wonderful. There are others though, and I'll list the ones I'm
familiar with here... there is no such thing as a one size fits all
curriculum.
Bob Jones University phone
800-845-5731 Bob Jones is my favorite curriculum for a
text-book approach. We have used their history and science
curriculums and enjoyed them very much. The teacher's manuals
and activity books will give you enrichment and hands-on activities
to do with your children.
Alpha
and Omega (800-622-3070)
A Beka Book Publications 800-874-3592 This is purely
text book approach, if your kids need hands on learning, this may
not be the best way to go.
My own personal
bias.... I really prefer Bob Jones text books because they have
packets especially made for homeschoolers. Their homeschool
teacher's books are full of background information, supplementary
activities, and helpful teaching information. A Beka's
teacher's manuals are for traditional school settings, and are often
just answer books.
What about
socialization?
Ahhhhhh... That age old
question. Probably the biggest fallacy in homeschooling is
that children won't be properly socialized. I don't know about
you, but it is not other little children that I want my children
learning their social skills from. I do think it's important
for kids to get with other kids to play and interact... but not for
35 or 40 hours a week! If this is a concern of yours, you
probably need hard facts. Here, are some interesting articles
for you to read.
Research Regarding Homeschooled Children
A Well-Written Article Regarding Socialization at Home
Common Objections to Homeschooling
What About the Prom?
One of the First Long-Term Studies on the Social Effect of Homeschooling
Won't the
public schools do a better job?
Not necessarily.
Seems that American schools are often not doing the job very
well. (Some schools are better than others, though)
There are also studies that indicate that homeschoolers score better
on standardized tests than their public school
counterparts.
Studies
On Homeschooling -- HSLDA's Stats and Reports
Schools
In Disarray
What's Wrong
With Public Schools
Where can I
find more homeschooling information?
There are literally
thousands of homeschooling sites on the web. Here are some of
my favorites:
Donna Young's Homeschooling
Site is awesome. Everytime I go to her site I am in AWE of all
the amazing forms, helps and great information she
offers.
Home
Taught If you are a new homeschooler or considering
homeschooling this is a MUST SEE! Gail Winthrow gives many
insightful essays on the subject of homeschooling.
Kristi's
Homeschooling Site A nice site by a
homeschooling mom... she is also a friend from TUAC.
Cathy Duffy's Curriculum
Manual is the very best investment that I made in our
homeschool. This manual should be on every homeschool
shelf. Not only are their reviews on hundreds of homeschool
curriculum, but also great info on what should be taught when, and
info on learning styles. Great book!
Homeschooling
Daily This site is awesome... in my opinion, probably one
of the very best sites on this subject.
Why I
Believe in Homeschooling An article that does a good job
answering the "whys".
What about
homeschooling high school?
Here are some links that
I've found helpful:
Cafi Cohen's
Homeschooling Teens and College Cafi Cohen is the author
of AND WHAT ABOUT COLLEGE?) This is a great place to start your
research.
The Homeschool
Oasis This is Barb Shelton's web site (author of SENIOR
HIGH: A HOME-DESIGNED FORM+U+LA)
What books
do you use?
I save this for last,
because I think it is really important for people to do their own
research, and buy books/texts to suit their own needs. For our
homeschool, I have pieced together what I would say is "the
best" from several different publishsers. Go to this page
to see our book list.
