Five Resources Homeschoolers Need Access To For Learning

Educational resources can be found in a variety of different places including online websites with games, practices sheets and fun facts or in print at the local library, bookstore and school shops. Parents should take advantage of these resources as much as possible to help students build on their primary curriculum especially in the subjects where they struggle and have a harder time putting the pieces together. When you find top homeschooling programs, they should also have extracurricular resources available to enrolled students for little to no cost. Here are some of the most popular and helpful areas to look for when searching resources for all grades.

• Math can be a tough subject for students at any age whether it is elementary students learning the basics or high schoolers trying to get in the final requirements to satisfy their graduation credits. Tutors are helpful but can be expensive and they have to work on a schedule, but online resources are more convenient and cost effective for families because they can be used at any time and free to use. The homeschool program along with the teacher should be able to recommend the best websites based on the child’s age, grade and learning ability. Some kids excel better with games that make this subject fun and exciting, while others need repetition and a way to focus on specific areas they are struggling with. It is also a good idea for kids to do problems over the summer to reduce the amount of knowledge they lose during the break and make it easier to get back into math with the new academic year.

• Reading is another priority subject that should be encouraged starting at a young age as this is the foundation for all learning and makes studying, completing assignments and building self-confidence easier. Elementary students often start with print curriculum when you find top homeschooling programs because this has been proven to be an easier approach with direct contact between child and parent/teacher. However, in this age of technology, there are plenty of options to choose from online or in the form of automated visual/reading books that talk and help kids associate words with objects.

• The library is one of the most important institutions to find the greatest variety of reading material, but most families do not have time to check out and then remember to return books physically. Instead, an online library connected with the homeschool program is the perfect solution so kids can download required reading or books for fun and enhance their literary ability. This should be a resource that is highlighted on the site when parents are looking for an enrollment program for their children. Reading is an activity that can be done outside of school hours such as bedtime, for fun at the grocery store with lists and while cooking a meal with a recipe.

• Science and technology have become more incorporated into education schedules based on advanced curriculum and the desire to teach kids necessary skills in these areas. Labs have been part of high school sciences for a long time but with an online education it is necessary to get creative so that students do not miss out on this experience. For this reason, online labs must be detailed, thorough and align with what the student is learning in their subject/grade which is made easier when the school program is connected to a specific site instead of leaving it to the family to find one on their own. Online homeschooling programs offer electives for students who are interested in getting more involved in these areas as a technical skill or building a foundation to pursue in a college degree. STEM is a popular resource that many schools have adopted and homeschoolers should be able to utilize these kits and tools starting in the elementary or middle school grades.

• Additional resources that are grade specific include access to SAT/ACT testing sites and schedules, annual testing as required by states, research sites for projects and a range of electives for high schoolers so they can focus on their area of interests. Parents should look for these resources and tools when they are trying to find top homeschooling programs even if their student has not reached that grade. Building blocks start from the beginning and the easiest solution is to continue with the same quality program through graduation to avoid starting over, having gaps in learning or redoing work the student previously completed through the original program.

Learning is not just about what is in the curriculum nor is it limited to available resources, but it is a compilation of formal and informal tools that are used to create a positive learning experience. Whether the family uses an online homeschool program or custom curriculum put together, resources are the enhancements that bring the information together, provide hands-on interaction and give students a chance to not just learn but comprehend and enjoy the process.