Summer is upon us and we are finished another school year. However, if you’re like me you’re already looking next year’s curriculum and schedule. I thought I’d give you some resources and hacks and let you know what I think about each of them. I’m kind of going “on the fly” here so hopefully my brain won’t be too scattered. Let’s start with some good resources. Please keep in mind that I’m a nerd but simple. I don’t try to get into all the bells and whistles of homeschooling. I have catered school around our family’s life which is music, art and literature (I wish it was more history but I have only one that semi likes history. Here’s hoping Mellie will be like me!).
RAINBOW RESOURCE
I was introduced to this catalog years ago before I even started homeschooling. (Side note: I think it made my heart strings tug and started the seed to homeschool cause the curriculum and books sold here reminded me so much of my childhood. I LOVED LOVED school – still do)
It is a family run business who’s motto continues to be one of making each child’s learning experience individualized to THEIR needs. This catalog is so big you could use it as a step stool. Thankfully the online addition is easy to search around in and they always have sales. Check it out here.
ENCHANTED LEARNING
This is an online site that has a bunch of freebies to print and use. However, they also have enough material to keep your children busy that it is well worth the $20 yearly subscription to have access to the whole site. I’d say they cater mostly to K4-3rd grade but you could probably find things for the older children, too. I have used their materials to keep the kiddos busy, too when I had to do thinks or was having a bad health day. You can sign up here.
HOMESCHOOL LEGAL DEFENSE ASSOCIATION
If you’re really new to homeschooling or just want to check out the changes this year (if any) to your state; this is an excellent resource to have. They keep up with all the laws for each state and have them here on their website. They also have great resources on how to teach, how to grade, how to do just about anything involved in homeschooling. I DO believe there is also a fee to join but most of the site is free so you can look around at first. If that makes sense?
CATHY DUFFY REVIEWS
Those three are standard places you can check out for homeschooling in general. For curriculum reviews, I would highly recommend Cathy Duffy. You can find her site here. She has a very complete site to help you decide.
I was going to give you the sites of some of the curriculum I’m using this year but her site is so complete that I’m sure it will have what you need. For curiosity and maybe gaining ideas I’m using a variety of curriculum. It depends on the needs of each child and what level they are at in their learning. This year I’m using a bit of Christian Light Publications, Memoria Press, Rod & Staff, and two individual curriculum for history and math.
Now to give you some fun sites that are my favorites for the classroom as well as extra-curricular activities. One class I encourage them to enjoy is Literature. This is just 20 minutes of reading books that I choose for them. My girls were readers but always the same thing so this helped widen their horizons. My son is just about computer development (seriously, I can’t understand when he tells me what he is creating and doing on his computer) so he never thinks about books. I also read to THEM every day that I can and they like this as well. I read and they have snack time (come to think of it, maybe they like the snacks better!).
SITES I LIKE AND USE
*The first site that I use OFTEN and love is Thriftbooks. You always get free shipping after just $10! The books are very reasonably priced and they have all the classics I love as well as new ones. You can’t go wrong!!
*Another site for books but that is specifically for curriculum is Abebooks. They are pretty reasonable and frequently have free shipping. I have used them for school books quite often.
*Another great place to find books is a company called Paperpie. I have come to love their good quality and bright colored books. There is something for everyone and the prices for new books are quite reasonable. I love, love, love their magic painting books and their art books. We use them quite often.
**This year, I have bought some of my curriculum through the site, Christian books which you can find here. I like that there is always free shipping at a reasonable total or sometimes no matter what you buy. They have a wide range of all the top selling school books and of course you can always slip in books for the kids (check out their bargain pages) as well as for you.
**One more place where you may find used books at a discount is Amazon. Here is the site. I tend to check them out from time to time, too, for clothes, school supplies, etc.
Back to school, for me, is like a kid in a candy store so I have to watch my spending. I just love setting up the school room and believe it or not look forward to just about every school day. Routine matters a lot for me and I have had to learn to let anxiety go when things get bumpy (trust me, they will!). Bumpy? Yes, a kid will fall and hurt themselves and need a cuddle (thus putting you behind schedule). You will catch a kid daydreaming or someone will ring the doorbell or call. Today I’m grateful, at least, for smartphones. I can text people (instead of calling) and I can work my business when the kids are doing their busy work. Having my children surrounding me has a big calming effect on my mind and body and I love it. I just hope they feel the same way!
Did I miss anything? Let me know if you have any questions.
One thought on “Homeschooling Resources”