My years as a homeschooler are winding to a close. I have one graduating this year, and one still in high school. Here are a few of our favorite resources we've used over the years. Most of these are low-cost or even free. If you have questions, please drop me a line on my contact page.
Math
Elementary Math:
Miquon Math--a hands on, experimental math curriculum which uses Cuisenaire rods. I swear this is why my oldest son can manipulate numbers so well in his head.
Education Unboxed --Free videos using the Cuisenaire rods and Miquon activities. If you use Miquon, this is a must. Even if you don't use Miquon, learn some interesting ways to teach math with manipulatives. Learning how to do long division visually was my favorite!
Mathwire.com--Great site for and by teachers! Lots of holiday-themed math games and activities. We often used this around various holidays to mix things up.
Junior High and Above:
Life of Fred--This is a great supplemental math program about a 5 year old math professor. It's a story with math included. It is not enough math, especially at the upper levels, but great for teaching kids how math applies in real life. Highly recommended. (He now has elementary-level curriculum, but we have only used Fractions and above.)
Teaching Textbooks --This is the curriculum we used for junior high and up. It basically teaches to the student, has spiral review, and grades assignments and tests for you. You may still need to help with math, but it makes learning/teaching math more independent, which is a plus for the upper grades.
Language Arts:
Until junior high/high school, I didn't use a language arts program. I taught my children to read using the Spalding method and Calvert Curriculum. After that, we read a lot of books, and I put together writing assignments, games, and activities for my kids.
Easy Peasy High School English -- If you have a child who is on grade level or higher, I'd recommend the English courses on Easy Peasy Homeschool. They are free, and as a former English major, I can verify that they are good preparation for college level literary analysis.
Lightning Literature Courses (Junior High and High School)--I love this series, especially the junior high classes. These are more "gentle" than the Easy Peasy courses if you have a more reluctant reader. The junior high course gives step-by-step guides to writing, but the high school does not. I would not recommend the high school for a student who needs structure to write.
Science and History
Guest Hollow Curriculum (Science and Social Studies): We have used several courses from this website: High School Biology, Geography, American History I and II. If you like literature-based history or science with a lot of "gravy" (videos, hands on activities), these are great. They used to be free, but most of them are low cost ($20) for the plan. The books/video can be found at the library.
Ellen McHenry's Basement Workshop: We love, love, love the courses on this site! Cells and the brain turned my younger son onto biology. We also enjoyed the Chemistry courses and Mapping the World with Art. She takes high school level content and makes it accessible for younger kids. This is great if you have a child who's really into science at a young age or are teaching multiple ages. Highly Recommended.
Encouragement for Homeschoolers
Guilt Free Homeschooling--This blogger is no longer blogging, but her articles are still up. She has great resources on learning styles. Her articles are a breathe of fresh air if you ever feel like you can't keep up with the homeschooling Jones.
*None of these are affiliate links. I'm just sharing what worked for us.
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