Professional Development for Homeschool Parents
We are teachers-turned-homeschool moms who understand the need for Homeschool Parent Professional Development. Equip yourself with the tools and insights needed to elevate your educational practice and your confidence to effectively support your family's learning journey. Our expertly curated collection of top-quality materials are designed to enhance your skills and knowledge as a homeschooling parent. We’ve carefully selected our favourites based on their content accuracy, expert authorship, and research-based educational approaches. These resources provide a valuable starting point for professional growth and effective homeschooling strategies. The Paper Cabin is dedicated to empowering and supporting homeschooling parents.
​​Why Professional Development for Homeschool Parents?
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As homeschool parents, it's important to stay updated on educational strategies, curriculum advancements, and effective teaching methods in order to ensure your children receive the best education possible. Equally important is self-care, which helps you manage stress, avoid burnout, and maintain your well-being, allowing you to be a patient and effective educator. Balancing professional growth and personal health creates a positive and sustainable homeschooling environment. Prioritizing both aspects will benefit both you and your children in the long run.
Professional Development for Language Arts
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The Writing Rope (Sedita)
The Writing Rope textbook integrates various skills and strategies into five core aspects of a well-rounded writing curriculum for Grades 4-8: critical thinking, sentence structure, text organization, writing technique, and transcription (spelling and handwriting). Readers will receive clear guidelines that simplify the process of teaching students to write effectively and use writing as a learning tool across subjects. With numerous downloadable templates, handouts, and resources available online, this book details the necessary tools to provide explicit and high-quality writing instruction. For video lectures based on The Writing Rope, check out these PD sessions.
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The Writing Revolution (Hochman and Wexler)
The Writing Revolution textbook and website provide a transformative approach to teaching writing skills across all subject areas. Rooted in cognitive science, the program employs evidence-based methodology and practical, scaffolded tools in their strategies to help teachers effectively teach students the fundamental building blocks of writing, leading to improved expression and communication abilities. This program teaches structured, systematic writing that empowers students to become confident writers. The website provides professional development courses, as well as a large collection of resources, practice sheets and templates which supplement the book. In addition, parents may find The Syntax Project (see below), Exploring the World Through Story & Lit House Learning all provide curricula that supports The Writing Revolution.
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This material correlates with the book The Writing Revolution, providing lessons and supplementary activities for teachers using the text. The project's tools provide interactive exercises that align with The Writing Revolution's focus on building strong writing skills through structured practice. By integrating these resources, users can enhance their understanding of grammar and syntax, leading to more effective and coherent writing.​
The Science of Reading
This website is an excellent place to start if you’re interested in learning more about the Science of Reading. This huge collection of articles and videos is categorized into sections for those starting their journey in reading instruction, as well as provides information for those seeking details on teaching Phonemic Awareness, Phonics, Fluency, Vocabulary, and Reading Comprehension. They also provide information about Assessment, Intervention, Writing Instruction, and Learning Pedagogy as well as book recommendations for further study. Overall, this site provides a huge array of information related to reading instruction and is worth perusing.
This podcast series examines the way that reading has been taught in North America over the past couple of decades, and why school boards and teachers have been using and promoting reading methodologies that go against brain research about learning. This is an excellent resource, and worth listening to for all parents – especially those whose children are learning to read!
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The Measured Mom - Science of Reading Lists
Booklist suggestions for parents interested in learning more about the Science of Reading, Literacy Development, Dyslexia and more!
This website and blog is a wealth of information about teaching Language Arts to students in grades 4-12. Lesley was a school teacher for 20 years, and is a published author, teacher trainer and speaker. Her site focuses on providing various reading, writing, and vocabulary strategies, as well as public speaking techniques for students, teaching poetry, and helping students write effective research papers. What sets Lesley’s site apart, however, is her massive booklist of current Young Adult and Teen titles. Lesley focuses on providing reviews for newly released YA novels and memoirs, including books that contain characters whose backgrounds include diverse cultures, ethnicities, physical differences, learning disabilities, gender identifications and socioeconomic statuses. Follow Lesley Roessing or #TalkingTexts on Facebook for current posts and reviews.
​Reading Rockets is an extensive resource dedicated to helping children learn to read and enhancing literacy skills. It provides a variety of research-based strategies, instructional videos, and classroom materials to support educators and parents. The site includes self-paced learning modules, book recommendations, and activities designed to engage young readers and address diverse learning needs. Additionally, Reading Rockets offers expert advice on helping struggling readers and creating inclusive classroom environments.
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Word Connections (Dr. Jessica Toste)​
Word Connections, created by Dr. Jessica Toste, is a supplemental reading intervention program designed for upper elementary students struggling with word reading. The program focuses on multisyllabic word reading through engaging activities that promote automaticity and comprehension. It includes 40 lessons divided into four units, integrating various instructional activities such as word play, affix banks, and text reading to enhance students' decoding skills. The program is based on evidence from empirical studies showing its effectiveness in improving reading outcomes for at-risk students.​
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Professional Development for Math
Elementary and Middle School Mathematics: Teaching Developmentally
Recommended for parents who are interested in learning about the developmental stages of learning math.
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You Cubed is a great place for parents to start when teaching math! Mathematician and Professor Jo Boaler dispels all the common myths about math education and has inspired millions of teachers, parents, and students to think differently about math, especially those with math phobia! Before you teach math, take the FREE online Student Course (and get your kids to take it, too!) Boaler has also written a fantastic grade-appropriate curriculum series called Mindset Mathematics, that supports her book Mathematical Mindsets! These are great books to have on hand for math supplementation and math activities.
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​Build Math Minds is an educational platform created by Christina Tondevold, designed to help teachers and parents improve their math teaching skills. The site offers courses, resources, and professional development focused on fostering a deep understanding of mathematical concepts through engaging and effective strategies. It emphasizes the importance of building math fluency and confidence in students by using fun, practical lessons. This resource is particularly valuable for those looking to transform traditional math instruction into a more dynamic and supportive learning experience. The platform provides resources and teaching strategies that emphasize deep understanding and fluency in math concepts, which can be particularly helpful for students with learning difficulties. By focusing on engaging, practical lessons and supportive teaching methods, it helps build confidence and competence in math for all learners.
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Dyscalculia.org (Brian Butterworth)
Dyscalculia.org provides extensive resources for understanding and managing dyscalculia, including symptoms, diagnosis, and therapeutic strategies. The site offers practical tools and guidance for parents, educators, and students to address mathematical learning disabilities. Additionally, it features detailed information on accommodations, educational strategies, and support networks to help individuals with dyscalculia succeed academically and in daily life.
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Steve Chinn's website focuses on addressing dyscalculia and math learning difficulties through expert insights and resources. With a background in teaching and research, Chinn offers pragmatic and research-based methods to help students struggling with math. The site includes video tutorials, articles, and a dyscalculia checklist, all designed to enhance understanding and support effective math learning. It is a valuable resource for educators, parents, and students seeking specialized assistance in overcoming mathematical challenges.
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​General Homeschooling Professional Development
​The Homeschool Life website provides insightful articles and practical advice for secular homeschooling parents and educators on topics from curriculum choices to managing daily routines. They also produce a podcast, which is a valuable resource for those seeking to enrich their homeschooling experience
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How to Homeschool the Kids You Have
"How to Homeschool the Kids You Have: Advice from the Kitchen Table" by Courtney Ostaff, Jenn Naughton, and Andrew Campbell provides a comprehensive guide to creating a customized homeschooling plan. The authors, all experienced homeschoolers, share their insights and strategies for developing an effective and enjoyable educational experience tailored to each child's needs. The book emphasizes understanding how children learn, avoiding common pitfalls, and ensuring a rigorous academic foundation. It also includes personal anecdotes and practical tips to help parents navigate the complexities of homeschooling. The authors also host The Kitchen Table Podcast, which provides candid discussion of homeschooling methodologies and curricula, and they were also interviewed on the EdCircuit podcast, which parents may find helpful.
"The Brave Learner" by Julie Bogart is one of our favourites! It’s an empowering and insightful guide for homeschooling parents seeking to create a nurturing and effective learning environment. Bogart's book introduces a holistic approach that combines academic excellence with connection, creativity, and joy. Drawing from her own experiences as an homeschool mother of five children, she offers practical strategies for fostering a love of learning and embracing the uniqueness of each child. This book emphasizes building relationships, embracing curiosity, and infusing daily life with learning opportunities, while encouraging parents to trust their instincts as they homeschool. Check out Julie’s second book, Raising Critical Thinkers, for a look at how parents can help cultivate thinking and understanding in their children’s lives.
The Homeschooling Starter Guide
This book, by Dr. Gina M. Riley, is an excellent starting point for new families wanting to homeschool! It's a easy-to-understand book that offers practical advice and a clear pathway to creating a solid plan for getting started. Definitely worth reading!
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Parent Wellness​
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Bodyfit by Amy on YouTube offers a wide range of free fitness videos, including full-body workouts, targeted exercises, and fitness challenges. Hosted by certified personal trainer Amy Kiser Schemper, the channel provides accessible and effective workouts suitable for all fitness levels. The content focuses on helping viewers achieve their fitness goals through varied, fun, and easy-to-follow routines that take 30 minutes or less to complete.
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​Yoga with Adriene on YouTube provides free yoga practices, suitable for all levels, led by certified yoga instructor Adriene Mishler. The channel features hundreds of yoga videos, focusing on physical well-being, mental health, and overall wellness, with an emphasis on making yoga accessible to everyone. Adriene's personable and encouraging teaching style has garnered a large, dedicated following.
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Self-Love Rainbow is a supportive online space dedicated to self-care and mental health, created by Dominee Calderon. The site offers a variety of resources including blog posts, self-care challenges, and printables designed to help individuals cultivate self-love and emotional well-being. Dominee also shares personal insights and practical advice, making the content relatable and accessible. Additionally, the site features a shop with products and a book aimed at further promoting self-love practices.
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