Building a Homeschool Library: Reference Books

Some time ago, I wrote a series on building a homeschool library. They included History Videos and DVD’s The classics, Part 1 and Part 2, and educational videos and DVDs. To this list, I would also like to add important reference books that no homeschooling family should be without. Dictionary: Learning to look up and find answers is one of the most important skills a student can learn. A high quality family dictionary such as Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, which is an excellent choice for children 3rd grade and older. For younger children I recommend Merriam-Webster Children’s Dictionary. Thesaurus: A thesaurus … Continue reading

Building a Homeschool Library: History Videos and DVDs

Previously, we have covered Building a Homeschool Library which discussed supplying classic books for your child to read. My last article addressed building a homeschool educational video and DVD library http://homeschooling.families.com/blog/building-a-homeschool-library-educational-videos-and-dvds for different age ranges. As discussed in my previous article, children of different age ranges will enjoy different kinds of educational videos. Also important are history videos that are engaging for all ages as you may want to watch them as a family. When looking for historic videos look for movies that are informational, but engaging, and not too scary. Avoid bloody accounts of war for young children. You … Continue reading

Building a Homeschool Library: Educational Videos and DVDs

Previously, we have covered Building a Homeschool Library which discussed supplying classic books for your child to read. Now it is time to address building a homeschool video and DVD library. Yes, I am discussing allowing your homeschooled child to watch television… again. With videos, however, you will have lots of control, especially during those hours when there is nothing appropriate on the television. You can have your child pop in an educational video of their choice, or you can choose a video to coincide with what you have been teaching. Can’t I just rent videos? You can always borrow … Continue reading

2006 in Review: Homeschooling Blog at a Glance

As a new homeschooling blogger at Families.com, I wanted to know everything that has been discussed to date. In response to my own curiosity, and in an effort to make perusing our articles easier for you, our readers, I have compiled all of the blogs for the year 2006. Deciding to Homeschool Why homeschool Am I qualified for this? Reasons that Homeschooling Works! My Most Important Advice for Homeschoolers. The Cost of Homeschooling Instead of standing up for their own kids, why not stand up for all kids? Disclaimer: I am hardly an expert in education. Did You Know? ‘Empirical … Continue reading

Homeschooler’s Book Hits the Big Screen

Have you read the book Eragon? Did you know that was written by Christopher Paolini–a homeschool graduate? Even more impressive, it was written by a homeschooler who graduated at the age of 15!! He explains in an interview that he had graduated, but because he was 15 he didn’t have a job and his parents didn’t think it wise to send him off to college at such a young age. He didn’t have anything else to do in the rural Montana mountains but write a book! When Kids Have No Boundaries I am constantly amazed at what my own children … Continue reading

Building a Homeschool Library: The Classics (Part II)

Previously, we discussed why classic books are important. I will continue this article with how to start and compile your collection of classic books. Where do I find classic books? Shop around. You can find classic books in many places, but since they are going to be in your home library for some time, I recommend you get leather bound books in good to fair condition. When building your in-home library of classic books, you should check the thrift stores for leather bound books. This is going to be your best deals price-wise, though for me the dust is prohibitive. … Continue reading

Building a Homeschool Library: The Classics (Part I)

I noticed that Tristi Pinkerton and Valorie Delp have been discussing appropriate reading materials for children. It got me thinking about the items I have, and wish I had in my homeschool library. Why have in-home homeschool libraries? As homeschoolers, it pays to have a library of books children can get their hands on quickly and easily. Of course, there is always the public library, but the public library will not necessarily have all of the books you will want your child to read. When we (my children and I) want a particular classic book, we have to request it … Continue reading

Download Classic Books to Your NOOK for Free!

I have written many blogs that point out where to find free eBooks for your Kindle. Did you know that there are free eBooks for NOOK, too? These are completely legal to download, and come from the Barnes & Noble website. Barnes & Noble is the company that sells the NOOK eReader. I thought it would be nice to start out with some books that are Classics. These are the books that you probably were assigned to read while you were in school. It can be very enjoyable to read them years after you have left school, at your own … Continue reading

Save 20% On Classic Books From Powell’s

What is your favorite Classic book? There is something about books that are considered to be one of “The Classics” that is timeless, engaging, and entertaining. These books have been loved by generation after generation. Right now, you can save 20% on beautifully bound Classic books from Powell’s. Many of us have our first experience with Classic Literature while we are at school, sitting in an English class. Unfortunately, it seems that being introduced to any of the Classics in this manner is an effective way to cause a student to develop a strong distaste for the book that is … Continue reading

Multi-tasking

Multitasking has actually been in the news recently for several reasons. First, multitasking is causing far too many accidents. You’ve seen the drivers, and may even be one of them. Putting on make up, talking on the phone, getting dressed, all while driving. Multitasking while driving is dangerous, not only to yourself, but also to everyone around you. I also read a similar article to Diane about how multi tasking is being done way too much, causes undue stress, and wastes time. However, multitasking doesn’t always have to be a bad thing. When done correctly, and in the right circumstances, … Continue reading