As I watch everyone around me talk about back to school shopping and getting back into a “school” schedule, it’s a reminder to me that homeschooling has reduced some stresses (like shopping for supplies, clothes, shoes, etc.). But there are other things homeschool parents need to prepare for, and that is new curriculum. This year, we officially have two homeschool students (as in, two that are legally required to be in a school setting). If you’re new to homeschooling, or thinking about it, here are some tips you can use.
As a new-ish homeschooling parent, I’m always looking for resources and communities to strengthen and enhance here are some tips you can use. While homeschool is a more budget friendly alternative to private school, it can still be costly if you’re not sure where to go, or what resources you need. There are thousands of curriculum out there and plenty of opportunity for you to purchase books or courses for study online.
One thing we’ve learned as we enter into our third year of homeschooling is that what works for some, may not work for others. And what works for one child may not work for another child. So just practice patience and don’t feel bad if it takes some trial and error to figure out what works best for you. As I continue with our homeschool journey, I’m always bookmarking helpful sites, resources and curriculum. So I wanted to put together a small list as a stepping stone for others who may be considering or are just getting started with homeschooling. Our kids are ages 4, 5 & 7 (soon to be 4, 6 & 8) so most of these resources are for younger/elementary school aged kids.
Free homeschool curriculum and resources:
1. National Black Home Educators (NBHE)
This organization was started by an innovative family who homeschooled their children for nearly two decades. The mission of NBHE is to highlight and uplift African American homeshooling families across the country. NBHE has grown to become the premiere destination for black homeschool families. They are also affiliated with HSLDA (Home School Legal Defense Association) and provides great membership benefits.
2. African American Homeschool Moms
Homeschooling is on the rise for African American families and this site is dedicated to providing encouragement and resources to African American homeschoolers. There is also a supportive Facebook group.
3. Mater Amabilis
This is a structured and FREE Charlotte Mason style curriculum for Catholics. I wasn’t initially sure what a CM style of learning meant, but it can be a relaxed, almost unschooling style to a more formal, structured method. This particular curriculum leans more towards the structured approach. When reviewing the details, I liked that this curriculum teaches independent learning early on.
4. Easy Peasy All-in-one Homeschool
This is a complete and free online Christian homeschool curriculum that is easy to follow for pre-K through high school. This family has created this platform in order to empower other families to homeschool, especially those who feel like they can’t due to time or money pressures. Their six children ages range from 2-15 so they have all the grades covered just about.
5. Khan Academy
This is a free homeschool resource based on the Catholic religion. What I love about this site is that it breaks down each school level. Even if you’re not Catholic, there is a ton of great info, including sample schedules, free resource sites for printables, and more.
6. Free Homeschool Deals
This site has a wealth of knowledge around homeschool, and where to get the latest deals for free or discounted curriculum. They also have a really great list for free “homeschool goodness” so be sure to check it out. Some of it may be full curriculum, and some is part curriculum and is broken down by category.
7. Salsa Spanish
I just recently discovered this awesome free tool. It is free and includes 42 videos that you can watch anytime. It also includes curriculum downloads right on the site at no additional cost. Each session starts with the objectives as well as the correct pronunciation. The first lesson starts here and there is no need to set up a new account. Just click, watch and learn.
8. Classics For Kids
This is another recently discovered site as we were looking for ways to incorporate more fine arts. Lucky for me, my family grew up in the performing arts. So our kids will be taking East African dance and language lessons this summer. But as someone who played the recorder and then the flute for over ten years, I want my kids to experience all types of music and be able to appreciate it. I like that Classics for kids has lesson plans associated with it.
9. Learn to Play Music
I came across this awesome YouTube channel that will literally help you teach your child to play the recorder and learn how to read music at the same time. I was so excited and the kids are too. As soon as we pick up one more recorder, they will start their lessons (because we don’t need anyone fighting over whose turn it is). They have lessons available on the site for most musical instruments.
Even if you’re not a homeschooler, these are some really great resources for you to utilize as a supplement to what your kids are already doing. If you already homeschool, hopefully, some of these resources have been helpful for you.
10. Kids First Swim School
Ok so this one is technically not free, but it has been an excellent resource! This swim school is not only year-round, but they also offer swimming programs specifically for homeschoolers. The KIDS FIRST® Swim Schools are America’s largest provider of year round warm water swimming instruction, operating 24 locations across 5 states, teaching over 100,000 students annually. My kids started taking classes there this summer and I was so excited to have a program that is dedicated to homeschoolers, and our schedule. It was also a plus that the Manager of our local school is a product of homeschool.
What are some of your favorite free homeschool curriculum and resources that you’ve come across that should be added to this list?
19 Comments
Tyra
August 26, 2015 at 1:15 AMThese are great resources and I love that there are African American focused curricula. Great resources for homeschooling parents.
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Holly
August 26, 2015 at 1:31 PMThis is great. My niece is home schooled. I will have to share these with my sister.
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Mimi "MimiCuteLips" Green
August 26, 2015 at 11:58 PMI love this, I just shared it in my Mom’s group. I know several of them home school their kids and are always looks for valuable resources. I’m so jealous that you don’t have the “Back to School Prep’. Ours isn’t much because the country requires them to wear a uniform.
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Nicole (Nicole's Lifestyle Lounge)
August 27, 2015 at 8:13 AMThese are great resources. My hats off to you homeschooling moms. If only I had the time to do that.
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Ayanna
August 27, 2015 at 2:38 PMThese are some great resources! I am an international teacher using student centered learning and some of these resources are handy even for my classroom!
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Jonna Scott-Blakes
August 27, 2015 at 7:42 PMThese are great resources. I always said if I had my own kid/s, I would definitely be a stay at home mom and home school. So great that there is great information out there.
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Jocelyn Reneé
August 27, 2015 at 10:36 PMTHANK YOU, THANK YOU!! I am a Stay at Home Mom and I’ve been overwhelmed with trying to find resources or a curriculum to start a “school year” with my 1 year old so this is definitely a much needed resource with valuable information!
I also went to Kids First Swim School and loved it!
Christine St.Vil
August 28, 2015 at 1:52 AMYay!!! You’re so welcome Jocelyn!!! I’m so glad this was helpful for you! And glad to hear you also had a great experience with Kids First 🙂
Jaye@Curvatude
August 28, 2015 at 9:53 AMSo many resources. I wanted to homeschool back in the day but didn’t get a chance to so I am glad to see that parents have so many options and ways to get help.
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Karneisha
August 28, 2015 at 11:17 AMGreat resources! My kid isn’t homeschooled, but I often look for resources for home reinforcements
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JoAnna
August 28, 2015 at 11:58 AMThis is so cool! I try to get my mom to create these because she was a teacher and had lots of lesson plans. I will share with my sister. Even though summer is over, she can use them for after school. I’d definitely consider home schooling if I had kids.
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Adanna
August 28, 2015 at 2:51 PMThank you so much for sharing these! Although, I don’t homeschool I am always curious about curriculums and ways that I can do some homeschooling to complement regular school.
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Adanna
August 28, 2015 at 3:27 PMThank you so much for sharing these! Although, I don’t homeschool I am always curious about curriculums and ways that I can do a little homeschooling to complement regular school curriculum. I’ll have to check out that African American one to see what they’re missing at school.
Adanna would like you to check out…Kids Natural Hairstyle: Wash and Go on Coily Type 4 Hair
Christine St.Vil
August 31, 2015 at 4:44 AMYou’re so welcome Adanna! I agree in that even if your children are in traditional school, these are still great resources to take advantage of 🙂
Camesha | Mama Motivator
August 28, 2015 at 6:18 PMThis is really timely! I was just talking to a friend who home schools. She was telling me all the benefits. I’m going to look into these resources. I haven’t ruled it out as an option for my family.
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Christine St.Vil
August 30, 2015 at 11:34 PMYay! I’m so glad this was on time for you Camesha! I never imagined myself homeschooling and now, I am so glad we decided to give it a try 🙂
Patranila
August 28, 2015 at 7:40 PMGreat resources. I could use some of these for supplemental education.
Marshall
November 20, 2015 at 10:48 PMDo you think a child in the 4th grade and used to traditional school, would be able to transition to home school well?
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