Resources-Links-News

Cool sites and stories 

There are so many people that take such different approaches to homeschooling.
 Here are a few of my favorites.

The Beginners Guide to Unschooling

“Unschoolers learn just like you or I learn as adults: based on what interests them, figuring out how to learn it on their own, changing as they change, using whatever resources and learning materials they find, driven by curiosity and practical application rather than because someone says it’s important.”

 

 

“Dakota Root proves it doesn’t take a state-certified teacher, or a teachers union or a village to raise a child- it only takes two loving parents who give a damn. One home-schooled girl has driven a stake through the heart of the public school education sham. “Homeschool to Harvard” is a powerful story that every parent should be allowed to offer their children.”

 

College Bound

Homeschooling and College

Over the years I have been asked about homeschooling and college.  The most common questions are:

1.  Does my child need a GED to apply for College?

2.  What about dual enrollment?
3.  What types of financial aid are available for my child?

To answer the first question you must review your state’s requirements for this. However, many states have made it illegal to discriminate against those who choose to homeschool their children and college enrollment. Each state though has its own set of rules and laws that pertain to educational requirements to attend a public University or Community College.  In our state, Idaho, a GED is not necessary and I have outlined this on our home page.

 

 

 

Now regarding dual enrollment…and here is where you MUST PAY ATTENTION!  Again, each state has its own set of rules and requirements and dual enrollment can serve a few different purposes. There is dual enrollment for homeschool students wanting to participate in an activity at the local school, classes sports, club, etc. and then there is dual enrollment for taking college classes. For instance, my oldest daughter, as a young teenager was dual-enrolled at our local Charter school so that she could take a Latin class.  My sons were dual enrolled to play sports and not attend classes.  And most of my children were dual-enrolled in college.  Now, here is the important caveat; when a homeschool student is dual-enrolled in a public school, they are no longer considered to be homeschool students by organizations such as the Homeschool Legal Defense Association.  If they are enrolled in a University or a Community College through a dual enrollment program, they are also NOT considered to be homeschooled!  This is a very important issue to consider when thinking about enrolling your student in any dual enrollment program.  This is generally not the case for sports though.  Here is a link to check the status of your state.  This is also an excellent sitethat describes the benefits of dual enrollment as well as CLEP (college-level examine)  tests. 

All of my children have been very successful in our college dual enrollment program. For us, our rule of thumb is simple; it is our intention that they go to college for at least 2 years and by the time they are 16 or 17 (depending on the child) they are ready for that educational experience.  Considering that most states offer a tuition break for a dual-enrolled student’s, it makes financial sense to have them attend college for their Junior and Senior high school years.  However, even though our twins for instance, only attend school at the college, they still must be registered with our local high school to facilitate this. We do reside in a very homeschool friendly state, but still on occasion encounter frustrating issues.  IE. I had many dealings with our district and state regarding our twins being registered as Juniors.  They were 17 when registered with the local high school in the fall and completed their first semester of college, making the deans list, and 1 month into their second semester, the high school decided that they should be seniors and not juniors, just like that, right out of the blue!  Most of this boils down to funding, as they receive half-price credit tuition to the college as well as a state-funded grant called Advanced Opportunities, which by the way is an amazing program and if you live in Idaho please check it out!  It IS a pain dealing with this type of bureaucracy and we are hoping that high schools and colleges will soon become more homeschool-friendly as more and more people decide to educate at home.

So there are some bumps, frustrations and learning curves with the dual enrollment process, just do your research according to your state, and be prepared to deal with some folks who are NOT homeschool friendly.  School administrators are there to protect the rights and laws of the state and have very little concern for you as a homeschool parent.  But remember, once you enroll in the school district, as a taxpayer, they work for YOU!  Do not let them bully or intimidate you….it is your responsibility to make sure your child receives the best higher education that is available, and in my opinion, dual enrollment can achieve that goal.

This brings us to the question of financial aid. I mentioned Advanced Opportunities for Idaho students and you can call your State Department of Education and inquire as to their financial aid programs for dual-enrolled students.  Once your child has completed high school, whether it is a homeschool program or through a dual enrollment program there are various grants and scholarships.   Here is a listof the most used grants. Scholarships are also widely available, but be very cautious of scams. Here is agood source to seek out scholarships.  

Some of the best Links 

Resources:

There are so many choices when it comes to homeschool curriculum and what approach to take.  However, I have found that just about EVERYTHING you need can be found online and for free.  There are some excellent sites that charge a small fee to use their educational sites and the ones I have included on this list are well worth the price. Also, keep in mind that most public libraries have subscriptions to many educational sites, that as a cardholder you can use remotely from your computer.  They will also consider buying a subscription to a particular site if there is enough interest.   If there are any sites that you feel should be included on this page, please feel free to send me an email and I will include them.

Math:

  • Free Math Worksheets from Homeschool Math has several worksheet generators that can create a variety of worksheets for you. You can customize the worksheets with many varied options, so can make them easy or difficult according to the student’s level, with lots or less problems, with big or small fonts, etc. Each time you get a different worksheet since they are generated randomly. Choose a topic from the menu below.

  • Math Workshop Videos from Steve Demme, founder of Math-U-See Watch these free videos and learn a little bit more about teaching math. Bookmark us, share these resources with your friends, grab a cup of coffee and learn how to teach math to your kids.

  • Hot Math Although this site does charge a yearly fee of $29.00 it is one of the best math video programs I have found for Pre-Algebra through Geometry.

  • Dads Worksheets:   1st Grade through advance Free math worksheets.

History:

Geography:

  • Discovery Education Free geography lesson plans for students K-12. Engaging lessons covering the US and Global geography.

  • Mr. Donn’s  Free Geography LessonPlans, Games. Learning Modules, Powerpoints, Videos. Geography Lesson Plans, Games, Activities

  • Jump Start (I am a HUGE fan of all thing Jumpstart!) For teachers who are on the lookout for interesting geography lesson plans, this is where you will find everything you need. An invaluable resource for both homeschooling parents as well as teachers, the geography resources available online add an element of fun to otherwise dull lessons. Check out JumpStart’s free teaching aids and get started immediately.

Reading:

  • School ExpressA FEW ADS THAT NEED TO BE CLOSED BUT A GREAT SITE! Large selection of FREE items. Click on the buttons in the menu bar above to locate 16,000+ worksheets, Funtime games, make worksheets, online math, activity fun worksheets, and the United States Units.

  • Homeschool Central Lots of links that will help you in your quest to teach reading and comprehension to your child as well as handwriting and spelling. Every homeschool family can use these sites!

  • AdaptedMind   This link has several free lessons and a great program for Reading AND Math!

Language Arts:

Science:

  • A Christian perspective on science–NW Creation Networks geared for all ages

  • Science Games for kidsEnjoy fun science games for kids while learning more about science and technology. There’s a range of free online activities to try with something for everyone whether you’re interested in animals, plants, chemistry, biology, physics, space, magnets, electricity, forces, light, sounds, gases or other science-related topics.

  • INTERACTIVE SIMULATIONS FOR SCIENCE AND MATH

  • VersalLearn something new today! Discover a better way to learn. Versal’s online courses are fun, interesting and effective. Explore our growing catalog and learn from experts around the world.

  • Amazing Interactive Science!

All-inclusive Sites:

  • H.E.L.P Academics by subject

  • BRAIN POPThis site is not free, but the access code can generally be obtained from your local library or from your local public school.

  • Soft Activities all online activities

  • E-learning for kids This is an awesome site that includes science, language, math, health, computer skills and so much more!

College Bound:

  • Learn at MIT for free   Thought you would not be able to afford to send your kids to a prestigious, stand-alone genius school? Well, now you can FOR FREE! MIT has so graciously let the world into their classrooms.

  • Fun SAT prep

  • Canvas  Many free College courses in one spot!

 

the news!

People are turning to homeschool for their children more now than ever!  School shootings, bullying, poor social environment, and a litany of other reasons have pushed many American families to explore the benefits of teaching their children at home.