Homeschooling Links

So I promised to share some of my favorite homeschooling links, and here they are:

http://amblesideonline.org/   This website is completely FREE and has book lists and curriculum scheduling for Pre-K through 11th grade.  It follows the Charlotte Mason, classical form of education and is an excellent resource!

http://materamabilis.org/ma/  - This is very similar to the Ambleside site, only it is Catholic based.  Wonderful suggestions for curriculum that also follow Charlotte Mason's methods.

http://www.homespellingwords.com/  I just found this one this week and the kids are LOVING their spelling now.  The lists are already created for you.  Mom just sets up students, grade levels, and which list to begin with, and the student is ready to go!  The free program will keep track of tests and let you know how your child is progressing.  I have to drag my kids away for the other subjects!

http://www.worldbook.com/typical-course-of-study?wbredirect=1&Itemid=216  While "typical" course of study is something I try not to worry over, this is a good reference for knowing what your child "should" be learning if you are just starting out.  Or, if you've been at it for awhile, and just want to reassure yourself that you ARE covering the necessary material.

http://www.homeschoolshare.com/  Recommended by a friend, I love this site for Unit Study and lapbooking resources.

Now, for some other really creative homeschooling ideas, I turn to my favorite blogs!

http://storyofmyworl.blogspot.com/

http://heartofthematteronline.com/

http://spunkyhomeschool.blogspot.com/

http://www.throwingmarshmallows.com/

Homeschooling takes a LOT of stamina and patience.  Your children are with you 24/7, they are with each other 24/7.  Instead of setting and clearing the table once a day, we do it 3 times!  1 hour of homework help in the evenings is a distant memory.  It takes hours of researching, planning, organizing, teaching, encouraging and grading!  However, it also means we get more time for snuggling with pajama-clad children after a pancake breakfast for reading.  We can stay up until 11 p.m. playing a mean game of Monopoly if we choose.  We can go camping whenever we want.  Learning science happens in the backyard in a REAL garden and NOT just on a worksheet.  And the list of benefits goes on and on.  Everyday isn't perfect, but I hope what I'm doing is making a difference.  I believe it will . . .

Happy Homeschooling!