The Ultimate Guide to Homeschooling Materials: Resources and Inspirations
Embarking on the journey of homeschooling can be both exciting and overwhelming. Fortunately, there are countless resources available to make your educational journey a success. In this article, we will explore some of the best resources for homeschooling materials, along with the philosophies and methodologies that can inspire your teaching.
Choosing the Right Tools for Homeschooling
One of the first decisions you need to make is what tools and materials to use. Here are a few key resources to consider:
Kindle and Amazon: Starting your homeschooling journey with a dedicated Kindle can be a wise investment for accessing a wide range of educational materials. Explore Amazon for books, magazines, and educational resources tailored to homeschooling. Delphi Publishing: Delphi Publishing offers an incredible amount of public domain literature, making it a valuable resource for homeschooling. Greenwood Press: Greenwood Press is renowned for its splendid social history books, though the collection can be quite expensive. Time/Life Books: These books cover a broad range of subjects and are highly praised. Consider adding them to your collection to enrich your homeschooling approach. Reader's Digest Books: Traditional magazine books like those from Reader's Digest can also be an enriching addition to your homeschooling library.Structured Curriculum and Support
For a comprehensive curriculum, consider the Calvert School in Maryland. They offer an excellent and comprehensive package that includes books and basic supplies, along with the option to work with one of their teachers for an additional fee. My experiences with the Calvert School in both kindergarten and sixth grade were highly satisfactory.
Inspiring Homeschooling Philosophies
The philosophies of influential educators like John Holt and A. S. Neill have profoundly impacted the way we approach homeschooling. Holt's books and the materials from his organization have been instrumental in sparking learning and tailoring education to individual needs. Neill, the founder of Summerhill School, also created a wealth of resources that continue to influence educational philosophies today.
Both educators believe that learning is the natural state of all Homo Sapiens, and their original materials continue to be highly relevant and applicable even today.
Online Resources and Tools
The internet is a treasure trove of educational resources for homeschooling. Here are some handy websites and tools to explore:
Khan Academy: Offers a wide range of educational content in various subjects. ReadWorks: Provides reading materials and resources for educators and parents. Pinterest: A platform where you can find inspiration and organize educational ideas by topic. Mr. Q: An educational channel with diverse content for homeschooling. Bright Side: A YouTube channel with a variety of educational videos. Scishow Kids: An educational channel focusing on science and math concepts. National Geographic Kids: Offers engaging content related to the natural world. Storynory: Features stories and audiobooks for children to enjoy. Google Earth: An excellent tool for teaching geography and global awareness. Online Photo Editors: Tools like Be Funky can enhance your learning materials. Karaoke Songs on YouTube: A fun way to practice pronunciation and English. Reading Apps: Rivet Reading App is a favorite for practice. Geocaching App: Encourages outdoor learning and exploration. MATH Apps: Apps like those for learning how to read time can be very useful. Coding Apps: Algorithm City is a popular choice for coding practice. Farfaria: Offers a vast library of children's books for reading. Audible: Provides access to a wealth of audiobooks, enhancing auditory learning.Conclusion
With so many resources available, the key to a successful homeschooling journey lies in finding the right blend of materials that suit your child's unique learning style. Whether it's traditional books, online platforms, or innovative apps, the options are endless. Happy learning!