Catalogs, Prepared Courses, and Other Assorted Curricula Resources
- Books About Homeschooling and LearningMost seasoned homeschoolers feel it's a good idea to start with a book or two about homeschooling, and proceed slowly before making any investment in or commitment to material.
- BestHomeschoolingArticles about homeschooling and learning, and 100s of annotated links to educational sites.
- Books To Build On: A Grade-by-Grade Resource Guide for Parents and Teachers, by E. D. Hirsch350-page guidebook to interesting books and resources for enriching learning categorized by subject, through 6th grade.
- Boomerang!A fun, monthly 70-minute audiocassette in "magazine" format, for ages 6-12, with humor, current events, science, economics, history, life and personal growth.
- Carschooling, by Diane Flynn KeithA book with a good variety of educational activities, games, and resources that can be used in the car while on the go.
- The California HomeSchoolerHSC's bimonthly publication keeps members informed of legal/legislative news, HSC events, and other opportunities. Each issue focuses on one topic - such as special needs, reading, adventure, and science - and includes personal stories, informative articles, and helpful tips. Regular columns round out the issue with news.
- A Charlotte Mason Education, and More Charlotte Mason Education, by Catherine LevisonThe first book is a concise guide to getting started in the Charlotte Mason method of homeschooling, and the second book follows up with yet more information.
- Chinaberry Book Service:"Books and Other Treasures for the Entire Family."Lovely books, tapes, crafts, and other special items. Good prices.
- The Core Knowledge Series, What Your [K-8th] Grader Needs to Know: Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, 6th Grade, by E. D. Hirsch Jr., author of Cultural Literacy. The book titles can be misleading, in that this is only one author's opinions; however, the book includes interesting material and can be a fun read if not viewed as a rigid guide.
- FUN BooksThis catalog includes lots of wonderful learning materials for all subjects, including items from the former John Holt Book and Music Store.
- Guide to CA Field Trip ResourcesAn extensive set of annotated links to many colorful websites about field trip opportunities all over California.
- Home Education Magazine's Introduction to Homeschooling BookletAn extensive free resource with articles and essays, resource lists, curricula, and more.
- Home Learning Year by Year: How to Design a Homeschool Curriculum from Preschool Through High School, by Rebecca Rupp (author of The Complete Home Learning Resource Book)A detailed guide to the scope and sequence of the standard subjects generally covered by schools, with suggestions for good books and resources that can be used.
- Homeschooling Gateway to the InternetAnnotated links to interesting educational sites on art, language, science, math, social sciences, college and career info, and more - including many sites with free printable materials, as well as interactive educational games and puzzles.
- Library book salesLibrary book sales offer great buys on encyclopedias, and every imaginable kind of book! Libraries are not only treasure troves of great literature, they also carry an impressive array of interesting books in the juvenile non-fiction section on every imaginable subject—a great place to look for children's science, hobbies, craft, math, etc. Also look for audiotapes, videos, and computer time.
- Montessori InformationAn annotated list of links to helpful resourses.
- Nebel's Elementary Education BookOver 200 hands-on activities that emphasize experiential learning in all major fields of science, geography, history, economics, government, character education, reading, writing, numerical skills, and critical thinking. Interactive support through author's Egroup.
- Recorded BooksThousands of unabridged titles by favorite authors, narrated by critically acclaimed actors.
- Scholastic, Incpublishes a variety of catalogs, and offers some good discounted prices. They have computer software at some at very good prices, although not usually the newest versions. Groups can buy together and save.
- A Thomas Jefferson Education: Teaching a Generation of Leaders for the Twenty-first Century, Oliver Van DeMilleA college teacher and administrator writes about educating with the classics and mentors, helping students learn history, literature, math, and science, in the tradition of the founding fathers.
- The Ultimate Homeschool Physical Education Game Book, by Guy BaileyModified sports and fun games that can be played by as few as two or in a large group.
Full and Partial Curriculum Packages:
- Calvert SchoolA traditional packaged curriculum, K-8.
- Sonlight Curriculum (Christian)A flexible program of inter-related subjects and/or an extensive catalog, with emphasis on great literature.
- Christopherus Homeschool ResourcesWaldorf-inspired curriculum materials, unit studies, audio downloads, consultation, essays and links.
- Enki EducationA multicultural, arts-inegrated curriculum inspired by Waldorf-Teaching guides, and curriculum packages, articles, and reviews.
- Five in a RowLiterature-based unit study for children 2-12 yrs.
Information on Typical Studies Covered in Schools
Private Homeschool Programs
- Beach High School, a private alternative schoolRun by Wes Beach, author of Opportunities After "High School": Thoughts, Documents, Resources. It offers a legal umbrella, guidance, documentation, college admission planning, and diplomas based on concise portfolios. Specialty: helping teenagers make a transition from high school studies to their next life situation, whether college or other. Learning plans available, but not curricular materials or instruction.
- Clonlara School, Curriculum, CompuHighPrivate school status in CA. Administrative services, transcripts, interaction with officials, teacher support, diploma, etc.
- Oak Meadow SchoolTeacher support or independent study curricula. Private school status in CA.
Public Charter School information
Charter schools are special programs created as a means to innovate within the public school system. Most charter schools were once site-based programs located within the sponsoring school districts. Several charters now exist for homeschool students, and many homeschool families are happy with the opportunity to have both independence and support. For further information, contact the schools directly, seehttp://www.cde.ca.gov/ds/si/cs/index.asp, or http://www.chartervoice.org/