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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AmblesideOnline |
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Ambleside Online is an email support group for families using the Ambleside Online Curriculum, which is based on the philosophies of Charlotte Mason. |
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Designing Your Own Curriculum |
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Jane Smith |
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The first thing to do when designing a curriculum is find out what subjects your state requires. Ohio requires language, reading, spelling, and writing; geography, history of the US, history of Ohio; mathematics; science; health; physical education; fine arts, including music; and first aid, safety, and fire prevention, unless any subject, concept, or topic violates the religious beliefs of the parent.
Next, it is a good idea to put your reasons for homeschooling in writing and formulate a set of goals for your homeschool.
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Eclectic Homeschooling |
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Michele Hastings |
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Michele Hastings discusses how her homeschooling adventure has changed, moving towards a more eclectic style. |
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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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Catforms Testing Service |
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Catforms Testing Service offers the 1970 California Achievement Tests with their own answer sheets and computer scoring. Key features of this system include graphical results in color, cumulative comparisons from year to year, and a detailed analysis of strengths and weaknesses in each area of the test. In addition to the original 1970 norms, they also have their own norms, the Catforms Percentiles, which are updated annually from the tests they have on file. The Catforms Percentiles are not a national norm, but are useful in comparing your students' performance with others from Christian schools and home schools today.
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