Learning Outside the Lines

So many new parents are realizing that homeschooling works great for their child and they want to jump into the homeschool community. But it can be overwhelming with all the choices out there for curriculum. I compiled popular well regarded curriculum suggestions by subject and put it into this guide

Homeschool Curriculum Guide

This podcast episode highlights the math suggestions and the next 3 episodes will highlight the other core subjects.

The math suggestions are in the guide above but also specifically linked here

Math Mammoth-workbook

https://www.mathmammoth.com/

Complete program

Beast Academy-on line or workbook

https://beastacademy.com

Complete program

Spectrum Math-workbook

https://www.carsondellosa.com/search-results/?q=spectrum%20math

Covers all state standards but I’d add more practice with a math app or games if your child needs more review

Singapore Math-text and workbook

https://www.singaporemath.com

(There are different versions to choose from, choosing the newest is likely best)

Teaching Textbooks-online streaming program with workbook as a backup 

http://www.teachingtextbooks.com

We love this program BUT I only suggest this for short term use if you have a kid struggling and needs something engaging. It does not follow typical standards so might not cover all a “typical” grade would cover in a year but it DOES work great for some kids who dislike math, need review, and need something engaging. If you use it from the start it covers all the math skills, however, it may leave gaps if only using for 1 year. But having a child that hates math and not progressing with a program is not productive either. This program is wonderful for some kids who hated math and didn’t understand it but needed something different. 

The levels DO NOT match grades, so use the placement test to determine level. 

I would greatly appreciate it if you enjoyed the podcast, please leave me a review wherever you listen to podcasts to help my search-ability. Thank you in advance!

Find me on Facebook where I post articles, live videos, and relevant resources

My website is www.learningoutsidethelines.com where you can listen directly if needed.

Check me out on Instagram @Lattebooks2read where I post books, resources for learning and snapshots of our homeschool life.

Please feel free to send me comments, suggestions for episodes, or questions to [email protected]

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Many parents new to homeschooling often immediately think “what curriculum or program should I buy” when in reality, that question should be much further down the list. Every family comes to homeschooling for different reasons but regardless of that reason, a parent should really take some time to think about what they want for their child’s education, as well as, what their child needs to learn best. These are two separate issues to think about. Both are are very important though to determine how to move forward in determining how and what to teach your child(ren). 

The good news is there are a variety of social media groups, blogs, articles, and books to learn from and get insight for your educational needs. It’s important to take time to research, think and formulate your own educational philosophies and needs for YOU and YOUR CHILD. Once you think a bit deeper about your needs, you may find that what you want for your child isn’t “traditional” and you want something more natural or developmental. On the flip side, you may find that you want something more rigorous and challenging. Each child is different and it will be easier to target curriculum or programs that might work for you and your child once you dive deeper into these ideas.

Here’s a list of well regarded books to explore education and homeschooling as a larger issue. It’s by no means an exhaustive list and there are many books available through your library e media, amazon, Kindle, or perhaps even a fellow homeschooler can loan you one. Reading just a few of these will very likely get you thinking differently about education and sharpen your educational goals. You will find it’s much easier to continue your homeschool journey with a better foundation.

Educational Realities (or why you should homeschool)

Dumbing Us Down by John Taylor Gatto

Why Are You Still Sending Your Kids to School by Blake Boles (releasing soon)

Free to Learn by Peter Gray 

John Holt-any of his books

Homeschool Styles/Philosophies 

The Brave Learner: Finding Everyday Magic in Homeschool, Learning, and Life by Julie Bogart (www.bravewriter.com)

The Unschooling Journey by Pam Laricchia

Unschooled: Raising Curious, Well-Educated Children Outside the Conventional Classroom by Kerry McDonald, forward by Peter Gray 

Rethinking School: How to Take Charge of Your Child's Education By Susan Wise Bauer

A Literary Education by Emily Cook 

How to books

Project Based Learning by Blair Lee & Samantha Cook

The Well-Trained Mind by Susan Wise Bauer (caveat:this is a lengthy book that can feel intimidating and overwhelming, however, if used as a guide, it can be very helpful for those interested in a more rigorous and/or classical education model)

Cathy Duffy's 102 Top Picks for Homeschool Curriculum

I would greatly appreciate it if you enjoyed the podcast, please leave me a review wherever you listen to podcasts to help my search-ability. Thank you in advance!

Find me on Facebook where I post articles, live videos, and relevant resources

My website is www.learningoutsidethelines.com where you can listen directly if needed.

Check me out on Instagram @Lattebooks2read where I post books, resources for learning and snapshots of our homeschool life.

Please feel free to send me comments, suggestions for episodes, or questions to [email protected]

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I share some silver linings and positive things that have come out of this situation.

I would greatly appreciate it if you enjoyed the podcast, please leave me a review wherever you listen to podcasts to help my search-ability. Thank you in advance!

Find me on Facebook where I post articles, live videos, and relevant resources

My website is www.learningoutsidethelines.com where you can listen directly if needed.

Check me out on Instagram @Lattebooks2read where I post books, resources for learning and snapshots of our homeschool life.

Please feel free to send me comments, suggestions for episodes, or questions to [email protected]

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I just wanted to check in with others and discuss the current situation.

There's a lot of pressure on people and releasing the pressure is important to stay healthy during this unprecedented time.

I would greatly appreciate it if you enjoyed the podcast, please leave me a review wherever you listen to podcasts to help my search-ability. Thank you in advance!

Find me on Facebook where I post articles, live videos, and relevant resources

My website is www.learningoutsidethelines.com where you can listen directly if needed.

Check me out on Instagram @Lattebooks2read where I post books, resources for learning and snapshots of our homeschool life.

Please feel free to send me comments, suggestions for episodes, or questions to [email protected]

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Listen to a great interview with Meg Grooms of Homeschool Gameschool about gameschooling, adapting games to meet your needs, and learning with games.

You can also find her on Facebook at Homeschool Gameschool with Meg Grooms

and she has a very helpful and active Facebook group for Gameschooling

Meg's website has tons of great reviews and lists of games for ALL ages. She has great lists for games by theme, academic subject, and grades that are very helpful! Check out her site!

I would greatly appreciate it if you enjoyed the podcast, please leave me a review wherever you listen to podcasts to help my search-ability. Thank you in advance!

Find me on Facebook where I post articles, live videos, and relevant resources

My website is www.learningoutsidethelines.com where you can listen directly if needed.

Check me out on Instagram @Lattebooks2read where I post books, resources for learning and snapshots of our homeschool life.

Please feel free to send me comments, suggestions for episodes, or questions to [email protected]

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

These last 2 decades (and before) started with a pretty slim selection of homeschool material. It was certainly a growing market but most of the curriculum and programs were Christian publishers and not a huge amount of variety beyond the “school at home” model with textbooks and workbooks. I think “unit studies” was the main popular variation at the time.

There was little secular material and most people were usually “secularizing” christian programs to make it work for them.

As homeschooling became more known, more curriculum and programs were developed and many of those original ones are still available today with many updates and tweaks based on homeschooler feedback. Now there area a wide variety of religious and secular choices which is wonderful for all of us.

This period started with limited access to the internet and a fraction of the resources available to us today. I remember started with 60 minutes a MONTH of internet service and Id set a timer and try to search for information on the Mothering forum to start and then later on the Well Trained Mind forum which was a major source of homeschool information at the time.

Id have to make lists of things I wanted to search for to optimize my time.

Thankfully that changed relatively quickly to more time and then the homeschool world really started to expand for a lot of people who may have been isolated or just lost and not knowing what to do next. By the start of this decade in 2010 it was a whole new world of information.

Since 2010 more and more parents have come to homeschooling due to outside influences such as vaccine laws (as in California), school shootings, bullying, and sometimes oppressive or discriminatory school policies. While its frustrating and challenging to have to make a decision like this based on issues like this, so many parents have exercised their rights and taken a stand to show that these practices and issues are NOT acceptable and they will make other choices in the best interests of their children. 

Linked to this is the rise in on line programs for homeschoolers. Many parents may not feel qualified to teach their children or simply didn’t know what to do so if they had to bring them home to learn, they wanted resources to do it for them when possible. This is still a growing area in the homeschool world and there continues to be a need for quality on line programming but there is a lot out there now that is being utilized.

Another change Ive seen in the decade is a slow move from “labeled” homeschooling to a more eclectic one. For a while it was very popular to pick a style of homeschooling such as classical or Charlotte mason or waldorf, etc. I think this was often more from a standpoint of finding resources that worked together but it was also a way to find like minded people on line and in person that shared some of your education ideas.

These styles and groups certainly still exist but I’ve seen a shift to a more eclectic mindset and using whatever works for each child. There is no one “right” way as we all know but i think the acceptance of more variation has definitely happened.

Some of you may laugh as this but I think we have as a whole, become more opinionated! Opinions are fine, of course, but my gosh, the level of “my way” vs “your way” on FB groups and social media as become a bit out of control and crazy. I definitely agree that there has always been disagreement about issues on social media but the level of disrespect and vitriol has increased behind hidden screens and that is a sad and frustrating change. 

Another change is in the community at large. We have more resources available to us than ever before with community classes and field trips and partnerships with community organizations, libraries, businesses, community colleges, and even private schools in some cases. Our kids can take art, dance, science classes, lego engineering, and so many more opportunities in so many places. Obviously, some areas have more resources than others. But hopefully these models will continue to spread and sometimes it just takes a homeschool parent to approach a business to suggest a class or event for it to happen. So continue to reach out!

Finally, the best thing that has changed is that more kids than ever are getting an individualized education that fits their needs best. No more suffering in silence in a classroom or parents being told their child can’t be taught or not paying attention or whatever “not normal” thing that isn’t fitting in with a classroom model. The child just needed something different! I like to think we have more creative, happy, curious, and well rounded kids than ever due to homeschooling.

I would greatly appreciate it if you enjoyed the podcast, please leave me a review wherever you listen to podcasts to help my search-ability. Thank you in advance!

Find me on Facebook where I post articles, live videos, and relevant resources

My website is www.learningoutsidethelines.com where you can listen directly if needed.

Check me out on Instagram @Lattebooks2read where I post books, resources for learning and snapshots of our homeschool life.

Please feel free to send me comments, suggestions for episodes, or questions to [email protected]

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I share a bit of homeschool gratitude and hope you will reflect on your homeschool and think about what you're grateful for as well.

Wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving and wonderful visits with family and friends.

I would greatly appreciate it if you enjoyed the podcast, please leave me a review wherever you listen to podcasts to help my search-ability. Thank you in advance!

Find me on Facebook where I post articles, live videos, and relevant resources

My website is www.learningoutsidethelines.com where you can listen directly if needed.

Check me out on Instagram @Lattebooks2read where I post books, resources for learning and snapshots of our homeschool life.

Please feel free to send me comments, suggestions for episodes, or questions to [email protected]

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I talk about the importance of a mid-semester review and some different issues to consider and think about.

It might be time to tweak how you do things or maybe it's necessary to ditch a program or extracurricular activity.

It might be a time to find something new or a time to just take a breath and re-evaluate what's working and what's not.

I would greatly appreciate it if you enjoyed the podcast, please leave me a review wherever you listen to podcasts to help my search-ability. Thank you in advance!

Find me on Facebook where I post articles, live videos, and relevant resources

My website is www.learningoutsidethelines.com where you can listen directly if needed.

Check me out on Instagram @Lattebooks2read where I post books, resources for learning and snapshots of our homeschool life.

Please feel free to send me comments, suggestions for episodes, or questions to [email protected]

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week I want to encourage everyone to take advantage of the upcoming NaNoWriMo project (National Novel Writing Month) that takes place every November. This is a great FREE resource to encourage writing. It's often a gateway to writing for many people and can really lead to success in the writing world. I've known a few people that have had great success using NaNoWriMo to write their first novel.

Moira Ward was interviewed last month on writing and she started out with NaNoWriMo too. Don't forget to check out her work on her web site.

NaNoWriMo has lots of great FREE resources that can be used in a variety of ways and I encourage you to check them out to see if some of the activities will work for your student. You can use some of the more structured lessons or leave that all behind and just write! Follow your child's lead. Be sure to leave the editing out of this! This is all about getting their ideas on paper and their voice heard. You can deal with grammar and spelling later. This is all about getting their ideas on paper.

Both these links have GREAT information for educators

NaNoWriMo Young Writers Program 

NaNoWriMo Teaching Resources

Make this fun and cater to your child. If they want colored paper, color pencils, blank books, etc. then let them use whatever they like. You can set goals according to your child's style. You can have a time limit each day, a certain number of words each day, fill a page each day, etc. Don't stress about the details, just make it a fun special writing event. I encourage the parent to write WITH the child each day and take the time to really engage in the activity. You also might want to make it special and have some treats to eat or tea while you write or light a candle on the table, etc. Make this as much or as little as you think your child will respond to.

I would greatly appreciate it if you enjoyed the podcast, please leave me a review wherever you listen to podcasts to help my search-ability. Thank you in advance!

Find me on Facebook where I post articles, live videos, and relevant resources

My website is www.learningoutsidethelines.com where you can listen directly if needed.

Check me out on Instagram @Lattebooks2read where I post books, resources for learning, and snapshots of our homeschool life.

Please feel free to send me comments, suggestions for episodes, or questions to [email protected]

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I discuss the broad spectrum of "alternative education" and how important it is for our kids to learn in a variety of ways. Life learning is always happening and sometimes we need to change how we think of learning and that's not strictly academic but also the "soft skills" that are just as important.

I also share how it's important to make connections in your community to set up classes, events, or other learning opportunities if your child is wanting or needing those type of opportunities.

I would greatly appreciate it if you enjoyed the podcast, please leave me a review wherever you listen to podcasts to help my search-ability. Thank you in advance!

Find me on Facebook where I post articles, live videos, and relevant resources

My website is www.learningoutsidethelines.com where you can listen directly if needed.

Check me out on Instagram @Lattebooks2read where I post books, resources for learning and snapshots of our homeschool life.

Please feel free to send me comments, suggestions for episodes, or questions to [email protected]

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.