More Reasons to Homeschool

This article was written by a public school educator and administrator. Enjoy!
http://12most.com/2012/02/07/compelling-reasons-to-homeschool-children/

"Choosing to Homeschool"

This article, posted on the Classical Conversations website, is a good overview of common questions and concerns about homeschooling. Let me know your thoughts!
http://www.classicalconversations.com/easyblog/entry/choosing-to-homeschool?team=1

Science Curriculum Comparison Chart

One of my favorite vendors, Rainbow Resource, shared this science curriculum comparison chart today. Take a look!
http://www.rainbowresource.com/BibleScienceCurriculumn.pdf

Curricula and Resources

This is not an exhaustive list by any means! It's just some of the resources that we have used, or have heard good things about.  Watch for updates!

~Kim/2012

"Complete" Curricula

(Some of these have you supplement the math or language.)

Sonlight (History focus, strong literature base)

http://www.sonlight.com/

Timberdoodle (They include fun stuff!)

http://www.timberdoodle.com/

My Father's World (History focus)

http://www.mfwbooks.com/

A Beka (Strong foundation; may be intense for some)

http://www.abeka.com/homeschool/

Bob Jones (Good foundation)

http://www.bjupresshomeschool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/home___

Alpha Omega (Includes Horizons, Switched on Schoolhouse, Weaver, and a couple others. I've only seen the math for Horizons, and it would be a good foundation. SOS is a bread-and-butter computer program; it gets the job done. Weaver is an integrated study.)

http://www.aophomeschooling.com/horizons/

Tapestry of Grace 

http://www.tapestryofgrace.com/index.php

Classical Conversations (Very intense, and pricey, but good. A method that makes "classical education" do-able for the average family. You attend their class one day a week, then review at home.)

http://www.classicalconversations.com/

Veritas Press

http://www.veritaspress.com/

Vendors

Amazon

Rainbow Resource

www.rainbowresource.com/

Christian Book Distributors

http://www.christianbook.com/homeschool

Timberdoodle

http://www.timberdoodle.com/

Vision Forum

http://www.visionforum.com/

Veritas Press

http://www.veritaspress.com/

***Don't forget the library and the internet! Lots of FREE resources available!

Math

Teaching Textbooks (Computer program. Very well done, but not "advanced." Your child may be able to place a grade or two ahead. Will need to supplement with math fact practice in lower grades.)

http://teachingtextbooks.com/

Right Start/Alabacus (Different approach; heavy parent involvement; hands-on vs. workbook. Excellent to help teach math concepts if your child struggles with the traditional methods.)

http://rightstartmath.com/

Bob Jones, ABeka, and Horizons (Great foundation! See websites above.)

Saxon (Not my favorite, but some swear by it. Gives a great foundation, but I find it to be dry.)

http://saxonpublishers.hmhco.com/en/sxnm_home.htm

Singapore Math (Strong on mental math and math concepts)

http://www.singaporemath.com/Primary_Math_Textbook_1A_U_S_EDITION_p/pmust1a.htm

Life of Fred (Funny, different approach to math.)

http://www.stanleyschmidt.com/FredGauss/index2.html

For math fact practice:

www.multiplication.com

Language Arts

Easy Grammar (Start this around 4th grade. Appears "dry," but is really an excellent program!)

http://www.easygrammar.com/

Learning Language Arts through Literature (Combines reading, language, spelling, vocabulary, etc.)

http://commonsensepress.com/scope/scope3.htm

Bob Jones or ABeka curriculum (Great foundation. See above for websites)

Click N Read Phonics (computer)

http://www.clicknkids.com/#back

AlphaPhonics

http://www.howtotutor.com/

The Reading Lesson (Fun, effective introduction!)

http://www.readinglesson.com/

Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons (I have not used this, but many people love it.)

http://www.homeschoolreviews.com/reviews/curriculum/reviews.aspx?id=3

Spelling 

Several vendors have spelling workbooks. We use an Evan-Moore book we found at Barnes & Noble. Just be sure the lists have a clear focus and sequence.

Vocabulary 

Several vendors have vocabulary workbooks.

A foundation in Latin and Greek roots will be helpful too (see Latin section below)!

On-line vocab games

http://www.wordlywise3000.com/games/book05.cfm

and

Spectrum

http://www.christianbook.com/spectrum-vocabulary-grade-5-2007-ed/9780769680859/pd/680852?event=WL&item_code=WW#curr

History

Story of the World

http://www.welltrainedmind.com/the-story-of-the-world-history-for-the-classical-child/

My Father's World

http://www.mfwbooks.com/

Personally, we have used textbooks from ABeka as a guideline, and then supplemented with library books and DVDs, as well as things we find on the internet. 

It's also smart to use a timeline. We like Sonlight's Book of Time (http://www.sonlight.com/RR120.html)

The Magic Treehouse books and "research guides." (Use with discretion, but overall a very good series. The children in the books go back in time to learn about people and places in history. The research is child-friendly, and well done.)

Latin

Song School Latin (A wonderful, easy introduction to Latin!)

http://www.timberdoodle.com/Song_School_Latin_Student_Text_p/025-238.htm

Word Roots (I have not used this, but it comes recommended.)

http://www.timberdoodle.com/Word_Roots_A1_p/410-664.htm

Visual Latin (Computer video classes. Have not tried yet, but looks good!)

http://www.visuallatin.com/

Geography

Usborne books such as Sticker Atlas of the World

http://www.usborne.com/catalogue/catalogue.aspx?cat=1&area=G&subcat=GSB&id=1648

Puzzles, such as "GeoPuzzles"

http://www.timberdoodle.com/Geopuzzles_p/120.htm

Science

BJU or ABeka

Science experiment workbooks and kits found at any bookstore

Nature journals 

Apologia (Many people love this. I haven't tried it yet.)

http://www.apologia.com/

God's Design for Science (Answers in Genesis. I haven't tried this yet, but it looks good.)

http://www.answersingenesis.org/PublicStore/product/Gods-Design-for-Science-Complete-Curriculum-Set,6506,153.aspx

The Magic School Bus books or videos

"Jonathan Park" CDs (Creation science)

http://www.jonathanpark.com/

Typing

Typing Instructor for Kids

http://www.timberdoodle.com/Typing_Instructor_for_KIDS_Platinum_5_0_Windows_p/080-145.htm

Printing/Cursive

A Reason for Writing (Bible based printing or cursive program)

http://www.areasonfor.com/article.php?id=19

Handwriting Without Tears (Great if you have a child who struggles with forming the letters.)

http://www.hwtears.com/hwt

Recommended Resources

Organizations:

HSLDA (Home School Legal Defense. This particular web page takes you straight to the "laws per state" information.) I highly recommend joining!

http://www.hslda.org/laws/default.asp

CHEC (Christian Home Educators of Colorado. Largest homeschool organization in CO. Kind of intense, but they know their stuff! You can register with their "independent school" instead of with the state.)

http://www.chec.org/

Testing:

*****Mosaic Homeschool Evaluation (email me for more information)*****

Hewitt PASS Test (Parent directed, do-at-home test. CHEC approved! I have used this, and found it to be fair and accurate, as well as less stressful than taking your child somewhere for someone else to test.)

http://www.hewitthomeschooling.com/Testing/tMain.aspx

Books:

Better Late than Early by Raymond and Dorothy Moore

Ruth Beechick books, such as A Home Start in Reading, The Three R's, or A Biblical Home Education

"The Old Schoolhouse" magazine and website

http://thehomeschoolmagazine.com/

The Well Trained Mind by Susan Wise Bauer (Very intense, but impressive. Would be terrific if you and your children are wired this way. Complete opposite of the Moore and Beechick philosophies.)

So You're Thinking About Home Schooling by Lisa Welchel (Great overview!)

http://www.lisawelchel.com/home_peoplesay.htm

Websites:

"Homeschool Share" website

http://www.homeschoolshare.com/lapbooking_resources.php

"Notebooking" method

http://notebookingpages.com/

"Lapbooks"

http://www.handsofachild.com/

"The Old Schoolhouse" (Website, but also magazine. Good reviews.)

http://thehomeschoolmagazine.com/index.php

Homeschool Evaluation in Lieu of Testing!

Parents,

Did you know that you can choose to have your child evaluated by a Colorado Licensed Educator, in lieu of standardized testing?  If your child is overly nervous at the thought of taking the test; if you simply can't fit it into your schedule; or if for any other reason the normal testing "isn't for you," please consider my services!

What I Do:

Meet with you and your child/ren at a local library, book store, or other central location in Broomfield or neighboring communities.  (Please plan approximately 1 hour per child.)

Get to know you and your child/ren, including discussing teaching and learning styles.

Evaluate each child’s progress in math, reading, and language skills.  Please bring at least three to five work samples for math and language that show the student’s progress, as well as something of your choice for your child to read to me.

Complete portfolios or notebooks are welcome, in addition to anything else that you feel would help convey your child’s achievements.

Provide evaluation summary for your records that complies with Colorado state law, which you may copy and turn in to your school district, umbrella school, etc.

Provide consultation as needed.

Qualifications:

~Hold a current teaching license in both Colorado and California.

~Taught 10 years in the classroom (4th grade, private school).

~Homeschool consultant/evaluator for three years for a public charter school for home school families (Pre-K through 12th). 

~Experience working with special needs and accelerated students.

~Experience working with a variety of schooling methods, styles, and curricula.

~Listed on the CHEC website as an evaluator.

~Homeschool mom for eight years (so far!) with my two sons.  

Rates (cash or check, due at session):

1st child $45

2nd child $35

3rd child (or more) $20 each subsequent child