"I suppose it is because nearly all children go to school nowadays, and have things arranged for them, that they seem so forlornly unable to produce their own ideas."
-Agatha Christie
Our homeschool blog, Half Dozen Kids is linked here
The BEST of the BEST educational Sites and resources
(that we actually use)
Brain Pop Our favorite pick. We use this everyday.
Brain Pop Jr This one too.
Winged Sandals AWESOME free educational cartoons about mythology
Enchanted Learning printables for k-3ish
Starfall Learn to Read prek-1
Quiz-Tree - Lots of subjects some free, scroll down for all ages
The Wild Classroom and Explore Biodiversity Our goal is to open the eyes of the public to science by producing action-filled nature documentaries, creating exciting lesson plans...
How To Teach Science
Animated Atlas we don't own this CD yet, but the 10 minute free online video called "Growth of a Nation" is a very informative and not boring! It outlines the geographic history of the United States from 1790-2000 with great visuals.
Muse Magazine A science magazine, a history magazine, and an art magazine--all rolled into one!
Common Sense Media We use videos and television for homeschooling and leisure, and we use common sense media to help us decide what's appropriate for our family and what is not. I also surprise the kids by knowing things about TV shows they watch on Nick or Disney that they never thought mom knew about. (heehe) Makes it easier to also engage in conversations about what they are watching.
HOMESCHOOLING FOR US
Any time a child is learning they are homeschooling.
Drawing/painting a picture is art. Going grocery shopping with mom and adding up prices and counting out money is math.
Writing letters, answering the telephone, and taking messages builds life skills, writing, and following directions.
Helping bake and cook can provide lessons in math, following directions and life skills.
Doing a list of chores mixed with daily lessons is time management.
Going on a road trip builds map skills.
Many day-to-day things we do is homeschooling. Children learn by watching and doing... not just by reading, writing and workbooks!
To our families that wonder what you can do to support our homeschooling family:
We are collecting any educational books, magazines and texts of any subject currently up to about a 5the grade level. A great place we have found very cheap old texts and books is thrift stores and dollar stores. We regularly read out of various used text books.
Other items we use are old boxes (especially big boxes), arts and crafts items, games, paper, tape (any and all kinds), paint, writing utensils, paint, play doh.
See something interesting, bizarre, or educational in a magazine? Then cut it out for them and help them read it sometime. If there is a book fair in the area offer to take them to it. If you have a special interest then share that interest with them to! Invite them over to learn about something that is interesting to you and they will benefit from it too. Go on field trips with us or to some homeschooling groups. If you live in another state then mail them letters or send them something from where you live. (a map, postcard, pictures, facts about your state)
Goals + subjects of interest :
Our goal is a strong family unit, with emphasis on gratitude and respect. Children will help in growing, weeding, harvesting and washing our food when we start growing and storing our own. They have chores; they will help plan meals, grocery shop, cook and care for their siblings. Helping each other and us in the household
History: reading and learning through well written literature not just text book style; Greek mythology, all religions, history, short stories, biographies, autobiographies
Teaching history association through major events other than just politics/wars (i.e. artists, writers, inventors, culture, musicians)
Teaching diversity and many religions. Strong geography skills.
Calendars and focus on events/ dates doing activities and celebrating and partaking in as many holidays both traditional and non traditional and of every culture.
Journaling
Writing letters to family and friends. Writing letters that serve a purpose and using letters as a guide for spelling & grammar usage. Write and make cards, enter short story contests, write book reports, write your own book.
Meditation / self reflection
Community service / helping others / helping the community
Independent play time
Free time
Computer
Math
Science
Spelling
Reading
Art
Music
Theatre
PE / exercise /sports
outside play
Timelines
Cultural cookbooks for children
Experiments
Dioramas
Murals
Mobiles
Family time capsule
