Search Results for: blog building a homeschool library the classics part ii

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 →

Four Blocks Literacy Overview

Most schools adopt a literacy program that is hot at the moment. For example, when whole language programs hit the education trend, schools began having lessons where students were self-directed and spent much time in real reading and writing while the teachers were facilitators and provided a stimulating environment. When phonics programs hit the media, schools began having more structured programs with teacher-directed activities. These programs focused on one aspect of learning and one type of learner. The Four Blocks Literacy Program is different. It takes all learning types into consideration. As we know, not all students learn the same … Continue reading →

The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad (1949)

“The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad” is a film split down the center, with the first half telling the story of “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” and the other recounting “The Wind in the Willows.” These two stories are nothing alike and indeed, the pairing of them seems like a mismatch, but they are both enjoyable stories and there’s nothing at all wrong with watching them together. Bing Crosby provides the narration for the first portion, which is “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.” He also croons just a little bit, for what would be the point of having Bing … 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 →

Sunday Evening Review: December 24th

Merry Christmas to you all! I’m sure with the busy holiday schedule, you missed some blogs this week–I certainly did. So now we have our week in review and you can catch up on what you’ve missed. Are You Taking a Holiday Break? Except for of course Christmas Eve and Christmas Day we aren’t and neither is Andrea’s family. Something that I see as a real benefit of homeschooling is that we are offered unlimited flexibility. On that same note, Andrea shares with us Homeschooling and the Freedom to Live. Did you know that there are Schools for Your Homeschoolers? … 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 →