Posted on 08/11/2005 10:00:17 AM PDT by Tired of Taxes
A spot for homeschool families to share advice and offer support as we prepare for the 2005-2006 Homeschool Year
Many home-educated children continue their lessons throughout the summer, but we parents often look to purchase new materials and begin new projects in September.
In the past, FR homeschoolers started a thread every year to post links and recommend books and materials to each other. I haven't seen that done recently, so I'm creating one here. (My apologies if I missed anything).
If there is anything you'd like to recommend to other home educators, please do so:
Those are just a few topics. Maybe we can keep a running list of recommendations here on this thread.
I am starting my 12th year of homeschooling with two more years to go until my son is graduated.
There are plenty of great materials out there.
Some things that I have used that we really enjoyed -- Play' n Talk for phonics and spelling, Explode the Code also phonics and spelling (in workbook form), the McGuffey Readers, the Little Britches series by Ralph Moody, Rainbow Science (jr high science), Singapore Math for elementary years.
This year for 11th grade, we are using the new Stobaugh's American Literature; the new and improved Bob Jones Chemistry program; TruthQuest History Age of Revolution I, II, III, for American history; and Analytical Grammar.
I believe there is a series written for homeschoolers. I think I saw it mentioned in Practical Homeschooling magazine years ago. I don't remember what the name of it is though. The best selling book Eregon was written by a homeschooler. I think it was a fantasy adventure (like Lord of the Rings). I don't think there were any homeschoolers in it.
My grandsons (grades 5 and 7) will start their US history homeschool course this year with David McCullough's fantastic book "1776", compliments of their doting Mimi. See what a blessing home education is?
"Little Britches" by Ralph Moody happens to be one of 9yo son's favorite books! (His first favorite is Watership Down).
It was passed to me by another homeschooler, but I never heard anyone else mention it. I didn't know there was a series.
Little Britches was a great book. Still ranks as one of my favorites.
Another series that are deep and excellent are books by GA Henty. They were written about 100 years ago for older boys. Excellent historical fiction. Some shomeschool companies are reprinting them.
I get an updated,emailed, list of shows and links to PBS shows and online lessons. I can TIVO programs ahead of time, get activity guides and lessons for free. I copy some of the lessons and shows onto disk to use when I have one child in a activity- so instead of empty down time we can school in the car or waiting room..all from the laptop.
I used 1776 with my son as well. I teach an American History group for 1st and 2nd grade homeschoolers. I especially love the story of General Henry Knox (self taught and self educated, BTW). Since my son, age 7, is into superheroes I have given him a real life superhero to study this year.
ping!
Thank you all for your replies! Great suggestions!
I'm going to keep an eye on this thread. Whenever there are more suggestions added, I'll ping you, just as a reminder to check the latest advice. :-)
(If anyone wants on/off this ping list, please let me know).
Btw, I did want to pass a few free lesson plans I found online, that I've been using this summer:
Here is a lesson plan on The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings, for anyone interested:
http://www.houghtonmifflinbooks.com/features/lordoftheringstrilogy/lessons/
We've also been studying the ocean this summer, and here are several lesson plans in PDF format in the blue box on the lefthand side of the screen:
http://www.smithsonianeducation.org/educators/lesson_plans/ocean/main.html
Great and thank you!
My eight year old, soon to be homeschooled son just read Eragon. He just loved it and is excited to read the new Paolini book when it comes out in a week or two. Didn't know Paolini was homeschooled and my son will be thrilled.
My boy has read all the Tolkien and Potter books numerous times, as well as any and all things Star Wars. But he adores the DK Eyewitness books (these are encyclopedic, but light, readable and thoroughly informative).
You'll find it funny to note that he conceptually grasps taxes (his old man's in business for himself), and hates them, believes that America and President Bush are the good guys, and loves to listen to conservative radio host Jay Severin when he's especially angry about liberal foolishness or crookery.
My boy's a conservative!!!
We're using AlphaOmega Lifepac Grade 1, Draw Write Now for art and penmanship and storytelling, Latin's Not so Tough Level 1, Sewing Made Easy, and Unit Studies.Also using Abeka Science 1 and Phonics Pathways as supplementation.
+ forgot to add , The Bright Blue Thinking Book Ages 6-7.
This is a wonderful site for ordering materials at fairly good prices, don't have everything, but darn close. Plus if your order is 150.00+ you get free shipping.
Our kids enjoyed a series written by John Bibee called "The Home School Detectives".
Fiction/ages 8-12
The Link homeschool newspaper, free, is a very good resource too. They are online, easy to sign up. Nationwide.
Thanks for the ping and as always...
DO NOT HESITATE TO HOME EDUCATE
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http://rocksolidinc.com
A homeschool discount catalogue...I always compare the prices before ordering elsewhere if I'm buying something new.
If there is a homeschooling ping list may I please be added. This is my first year and I need all the I can get!!!
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