Homeschooling offers parents the flexibility to choose the best educational method for their children. The spectrum of homeschooling models runs from unschooling, also called self-learning or child-led learning, to a structured "school at home" type of environment. In addition, there are many schools of thought, fostered by educators such as Raymond and Dorothy Moore, John Holt, Maria Montessori, Charlotte Mason, and many other. Explore the different methods and styles of homeschooling. You'll be inspired, intrigued, and equipped with the tools to make the best educational choices for your own family.
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| Methods |
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Homeschoolers cover an entire spectrum of different educational methods. On the one end, you have unschoolers, families that believe in self- or child-led learning. Relying on real world experiences, they learn by living. On the other end of the spectrum, you find parents who have "school at home." They may set up a classroom environment, use structured curriculums, and rely on schedules to keep things moving smoothly. And of course, there is everything in between. There are as many different ways to homeschool as there are homeschoolers. Explore the different methods, ideas, and approaches that make the homeschooling experience so rich.
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| Curricula |
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There is a smorgasbord of choices when deciding on curricula for your family. It is often trial and error until you find what works best for you and your child. We offer you a complete look at the curriculum choices available.
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| Teaching Aids |
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Past the basics, teaching aids, manipulaties, games, and toys can make learning more fun. There are many innovative learning tools and educational games to choose from. We've compiled many of the best here.
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| Testing |
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Testing is a requirement in many states. We make it easy to comply with testing requirements by gathering information and resources for testing services all in one place.
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| Online Resources |
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Are you looking for free worksheets? Want to find online educational games? Do you need a unit study? Here is the place to find them all. From online lesson plans to reading lists to academic and content standards, you'll find tools that will help you successfully homeschool.
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Funschooling Unit Study Archives |
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Lots of free unit studies written by Karen Caroe. You'll find literature- and science-based unit studies, studies on holidays and more. |
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Curriculum Associates |
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Offers BRIGANCE Screening and Inventories products. Designed for use in elementary and middle schools, the CIBS-R is a valuable resource for programs serving students with special needs, and continues to be indispensable in IEP development and program planning. |
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Alpha Omega |
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Alpha Omega offers complete curriculum packages from a Christian perspective. Products include Switched-On Schoolhouse®, their computer-based curriculum. For the student who enjoys a more traditional approach, they offer a worktext curriculum, LIFEPAC®. The Horizons curriculum is most effective for students who master concepts more quickly and enjoy learning at a faster pace. If your students learn best in a group where they can build upon each other's accomplishments, The Weaver Curriculum® is the program for you. They also have Power-Glide, a comprehensive, independent-study, foreign language series for the student desiring to learn a foreign language. And, for the student who needs to develop or enhance reading, spelling, and comprehension skills they offer ARC™.
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Choosing A Curriculum |
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So you've decided to homeschool. That's great, the decision has been made. Now, where do you get the "books"? The homeschool market is flooded with choices of books and materials that all claim to produce excellent results. Making a decision can be difficult and confusing. Will you use a pre-packaged curriculum? Make your own? Use workbooks only? Life experiences?
The beauty of homeschooling is that it can be tailored to fit your unique family, concentrating on the needs and interests of each individual child. No one person or group can claim to be doing it the "right" way because "right" for one child may not be "right" for another. As you receive new insights about your children and as your children mature, your choices may change.
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