Explore a curated selection of databases for eBooks, read-aloud stories, and audiobooks, as well as some of our favourite podcasts, perfect for homeschool parents. Dive into detailed reviews to find the best digital resources and engaging read-alouds that will enrich your homeschooling program. Our expert-reviewed materials span various subjects, providing valuable tools to support and enhance your educational journey. Discover these captivating resources to make learning more engaging. eBooks, Read-Aloud Stories, Audiobooks & Podcasts Explore a curated selection of databases for eBooks, read-aloud stories, and audiobooks, as well as some of our favourite podcasts, perfect for homeschool parents. Dive into detailed reviews to find the best digital resources and engaging read-alouds that will enrich your homeschooling program. Our expert-reviewed materials span various subjects, providing valuable tools to support and enhance your educational journey. Discover these captivating resources to make learning more engaging. eBooks & Read-Aloud Stories Audiobooks Podcasts eBooks & Read-Aloud Stories (Listed Alphabetically) Abordale Fun Ereader Arbordale Publishing's free digital library offers a wide range of interactive eBooks designed to enhance children's learning through engaging stories and educational content. The platform includes features like read-aloud narration, auto page-turning, and interactive quizzes, making it a valuable tool for both educators and parents. The collection covers various subjects, including science, math, and language arts, promoting comprehensive literacy development. With its user-friendly interface and rich educational resources, Arbordale's digital library is an excellent choice for fostering a love of reading and learning in children. African Storybook African Storybook offers a vast collection of free, openly licensed picture books aimed at fostering literacy among African children. The platform provides books in multiple African languages, allowing educators and parents to access culturally relevant and linguistically appropriate materials. Additionally, users can search for books in a particular language, create, translate, and adapt stories, promoting engagement and learning across diverse communities. cloudLibrary This site offers a seamless digital borrowing experience, providing access to eBooks and audiobooks through local libraries. Users can browse, borrow, and read or listen to their favorite titles across various devices with an easy-to-use interface. This platform supports offline reading and syncs across devices, making it convenient for readers on the go. Free Children Stories This site offers a collection of original children's stories that are free to read online. The stories are categorized by age group and are designed to promote literacy and a love for reading in young children. The site regularly updates its library with new tales. Hoopla Digital Hoopla provides instant access to a vast collection of eBooks, audiobooks, music, movies, TV shows, and comics through public libraries. With no waitlists, users can borrow and enjoy content immediately on their preferred devices. Hoopla also offers offline access, making it a versatile tool for entertainment and learning. The International Children's Digital Library (ICDL) The ICDL is an online platform that offers a vast collection of children's books from around the world, available in multiple languages. The site aims to promote tolerance and respect for diverse cultures by providing free access to high-quality literature for children. It features a user-friendly interface with various search options, allowing users to find books by age, language, length, and more. ICDL is an excellent resource for educators, parents, and children seeking to explore global literature and foster a love of reading. Obooko Obooko offers a diverse collection of free eBooks spanning various genres, making it a valuable resource for homeschool parents seeking to supplement their child's reading material. The site provides both fiction and non-fiction titles suitable for all age groups, ensuring a broad selection for different interests and educational needs. Its user-friendly interface and free membership allow easy access to a wide range of books without any cost. This platform is excellent for enriching your homeschool library with high-quality, accessible literature. Open Culture e-Books Open Culture's free K-12 educational resources provide homeschool parents with an extensive collection of free high-quality educational materials, including online courses, textbooks, and multimedia content. The site covers a broad range of subjects, ensuring comprehensive support for various learning needs and interests. Its user-friendly layout allows easy navigation to find relevant resources quickly. This platform is an excellent tool for enhancing your homeschool curriculum with free, diverse, and credible educational content. OverDrive / Kanopy / Libby / Sora / Teaching Books The Overdrive web site has several Apps which provide access to a vast digital library of eBooks, audiobooks, and videos through local public libraries. Users can borrow digital content anytime, anywhere, using their library card. This platform supports reading and learning by offering a wide range of genres and educational materials. Overdrive supports the following apps: Kanopy offers a streaming service with a rich collection of films, documentaries, and educational videos. Accessible through public and academic libraries, Kanopy provides users with high-quality content on a wide range of subjects, making it a valuable resource for students, educators, and lifelong learners. Libby , by OverDrive, is a user-friendly app that allows users to borrow eBooks and audiobooks from their local libraries. The app provides an easy and intuitive way to access digital collections, with features like offline reading and customizable text sizes, enhancing the reading experience for all ages. Sora is an educational reading app designed by OverDrive specifically for schools, enabling students to borrow eBooks and audiobooks from their school library's digital collection. It includes tools for note-taking, dictionary lookup, and reading progress tracking, supporting both learning and leisure reading. Homeschoolers who are registered with a local school board may be able to gain access to Sora if their board subscribes. TeachingBooks provides multimedia resources to enhance the teaching of children's and young adult books. The platform includes author interviews, lesson plans, and interactive activities, designed to deepen students' understanding and enjoyment of literature. It's an invaluable tool for educators seeking to integrate diverse and engaging literary experiences into their curriculum. Check your local public library to see if they subscribe! Project Gutenberg Project Gutenberg offers an extensive collection of over 60,000 free eBooks, focusing on classic literature and historical texts, making it an invaluable resource for homeschool parents. The site provides easy access to a wide range of genres and subjects, allowing for a diverse and enriching reading experience. Its user-friendly interface enables quick downloads of eBooks in various formats, compatible with most devices. This platform is excellent for expanding your homeschool library with timeless literary works and educational materials. Standard Ebooks This site provides meticulously formatted, high-quality digital editions of public domain books, enhancing the reading experience with carefully crafted typography and layout. The site offers a wide range of classic literature, all freely available and compatible with various eReaders. Each ebook is proofread and edited to remove errors, ensuring a polished and professional presentation. This platform is ideal for homeschool parents seeking reliable and well-presented literary works for their educational resources. Storyline Online The free Storyline Online website features celebrated actors reading children's books aloud, providing an engaging way for kids to enjoy literature. The site includes videos with accompanying illustrations and lesson plans, making it an excellent resource for both educators and parents looking to foster a love of reading. Audiobooks (Listed Alphabetically) The Bluford Series This website offers a collection of audiobooks focused on realistic young adult fiction, addressing important themes such as family, friendship, and personal growth. Each audiobook is free and easily accessible through the site, allowing listeners to engage with the series' compelling stories and relatable characters. Stories can also be purchased, if desired. This resource is ideal for students, educators, and anyone interested in powerful, engaging narratives that reflect the challenges and triumphs of adolescence. Chirp Books Chirp offers discounted audiobooks with no subscription fees, allowing users to purchase and own audiobooks at low prices. The platform features a wide range of genres and regularly updates its selection with new deals. Chirp's user-friendly app makes listening to audiobooks easy and accessible for all. Lit2Go Lit2Go is a valuable resource for teachers and homeschool parents, offering free access to a vast collection of literature in audiobook format. The site includes works across various genres and grade levels, complete with supplemental materials like reading passages, student activities, and discussion questions. These resources are ideal for enhancing literacy instruction and providing students with engaging, high-quality audio content. With its user-friendly interface and comprehensive offerings, Lit2Go is an excellent tool for enriching language arts education. Open Culture Audiobooks Open Culture's free K-12 educational resources provide homeschool parents with an extensive collection of free high-quality educational materials, including audiobooks, online courses, textbooks, and multimedia content. The site covers a broad range of subjects, ensuring comprehensive support for various learning needs and interests. Its user-friendly layout allows easy navigation to find relevant resources quickly. This platform is an excellent tool for enhancing your homeschool curriculum with free, diverse, and credible educational content. Pinna Pinna is an audio streaming service designed specifically for children, offering a wide range of podcasts, audiobooks, and music to keep young listeners engaged and entertained. It provides high-quality, ad-free content that caters to various interests and age groups, making it an excellent resource for parents seeking educational and entertaining audio options. Additionally, parents can sometimes find discounts for summer listening, enhancing the value of this service during the vacation months. We recommend that you check out their series called "Grim, Grimmer, Grimmest" for an original take on the Grimm's Fairytales as well as their free resources . Homeschool Podcasts (Listed Alphabetically) Brave Writer Podcast Julie Bogart, author of The Brave Learner and The Brave Writer (homeschool program for teaching writing), is an experienced homeschool parent, and published author. She is an absolute wealth of wisdom and a grounding voice in home education. She interviews a wide variety of guests related to homeschooling and explores all of the topics you've ever wondered about. Honey I'm Homeschooling the Kids The "Honey, I'm Homeschooling the Kids" podcast offers insightful and supportive content for homeschooling parents and educators. Through interviews with seasoned homeschoolers, educational experts, and thought leaders, the podcast provides practical tips and valuable perspectives on various homeschooling topics. Episodes cover curriculum choices, lifestyle management, and effective teaching strategies, aiding listeners in their homeschooling journey. With its engaging discussions and expert advice, this podcast is an excellent resource for the homeschooling community. Kitchen Table Homeschool The Kitchen Table Homeschool Podcast provides valuable insights and practical advice for homeschooling families, with a strong focus on academics. Hosts review various curricula, helping parents make informed decisions about their educational resources. Each episode covers strategies for effective teaching, managing homeschool routines, and fostering a love of learning in children. This podcast is an excellent resource for homeschool parents seeking academic guidance and curriculum reviews. The hosts of this podcast have also written a book, entitled How to Homeschool the Kids You Have which offers great advice! Podcasts eBooks & Read-Aloud Storytime Audiobooks Up

Reviewing and critiquing curriculum materials before purchasing is an essential step for homeschooling parents. It’s important to ensure that the materials you use align with your family’s educational goals, learning needs, and teaching style. Not all resources are the same - and in many cases, materials may not be well- written, researched, edited or tested, so taking the time to review materials with a critical eye is vital. Here's what we suggest. Choosing Curricula & Materials Unsure of what to look for when assessing resources and materials? Here's what we suggest. Reviewing and critiquing curriculum materials before purchasing is an essential step for homeschooling parents. It’s important to ensure that the materials you use align with your family’s educational goals, learning needs, and teaching style. Not all resources are the same - and in many cases, materials may not be well written, researched, edited or tested, so taking the time to review materials with a critical eye is vital. The following is a list of things that you may want to consider when vetting curriculum and resources. For a printable PDF list of questions to ask when reviewing materials, click here . Identify Your Needs and Your Educational Philosophy Clarify your family's short and long-term educational goals. What subjects will you teach, and what content do you want your children to learn? Beyond subject-specific knowledge, what broader skills, attitudes and values do you want them to develop? What subjects will you teach? Knowing this ahead of time will allow you to pinpoint better materials that are better suited to your needs. Recognize that you don't have to teach every subject yourself, especially those you may not feel comfortable with. Outsourcing certain topics to online courses, local tutors, or educational co-ops can provide your child with expert instruction and enhance their learning experience. This approach allows you to focus on areas where you are more confident while ensuring your child receives a comprehensive education. Remember, leveraging external resources can greatly benefit both you and your child, making the homeschooling journey more manageable and effective. Determine whether you prefer a structured or more flexible approach to learning. Do you want to use a teacher-centred or student-centred approach? Would you prefer an all-in-one open-and-go curriculum or materials from specialized content providers? Do you want to be able to scaffold and customize materials for students with learning challenges or high achievers? Consider Learning Needs and Ability Consider your child's abilities and learning preferences. Assess whether the curriculum allows customization to meet your child's learning level and pace if required. Discuss the various options with your child. Involve your child in the decision-making process to see how they feel about each curriculum, and, depending on the age of your child, consider letting them take ownership of their learning by helping to choose their learning materials. Evaluate whether the material can be taught to multiple children simultaneously if need be (see comments at the bottom of page regarding multi-subject curricula). Review the assessment methods (quizzes, tests, projects) to ensure they align with your approach to evaluating progress. Consider whether the curriculum can be used for multiple years or if it's a one-time use resource. Research and Gather Information Research the Author/Brand/Publisher. Look into the reputation and background of the curriculum author(s), publisher or provider. What are the author's credentials? Is the author suitably qualified to write and develop curriculum materials? Read the fine print - who sponsors the website? The best curricula is written by subject-matter experts (people who are highly qualified and knowledgeable in their field). We have linked some tools here to help you select books that are high-quality, whether using for enjoyment, or as part of your homeschool program. Scrutinize all-in-one and multi-subject resources very carefully. Each subject area should have a team of qualified writers specializing in their various content areas - not one person writing all subject materials. Read the promotional materials about each product on their company website. How do they describe their resources? Who is the target audience? Contact the company’s Customer Support team with questions or concerns that you may have, or to discuss student placement levels. Ask for recommendations from friends with similar learning goals and objectives . Read reviews and testimonials from other homeschooling parents, and check educational websites, blogs, forums, and social media groups for curriculum reviews (post questions in Facebook forums and get feedback from other families who have tried the resources). Utilize platforms like Goodreads or dedicated curriculum review websites to check user ratings and reviews. NOTE: Keep in mind that even homeschooling friends with similar learning goals and objectives, and with children similar ages to your child(ren), may have very different learning needs and styles from yours so make sure you do your own research through your lens of requirements for your family. Vist homeschool bookstores and homeschool conferences, if possible. Try to get "eyes" on the material whenever possible. Large conferences will often have a Vendor Hall, where you can discuss curricular options, content, and learning outcomes with authors and/or publishing reps. If you can’t attend in person, try a virtual conference, such as The Canadian Online Homeschool Conference . Remember, though, that salespeople at conferences are biased and will likely be trying to upsell you with on-site discounts. Do your research FIRST before attending, and then use your time at the conference to preview materials and look inside books that you'd normally have to order sight-unseen. Assess Sample Learning Materials Review free sample lessons, downloads and/or excerpts. Sign up for a free trial, whenever possible. Look at the content of textbooks, workbooks, online resources, videos, and other materials provided to determine if they are engaging, age-appropriate, and aligned with your needs, desired outcomes, student ability, grade level and teaching approach. Does the curriculum subscribe to a particular worldview? Is the material biased? Was the author sponsored or funded by a group with a specific agenda? For information on the importance of identifying bias, especially in science curriculum materials, click here. Check for alignment with Provincial or State standards. If required in your area, ensure that the curriculum aligns with relevant educational standards or outcomes. Even if you're not required to align with standards, knowing that a program has been vetted by qualified content specialists and field experts is generally good practice. If it's FREE, there's usually a price! Be extremely wary free programs, especially ones touting one-stop-shop or all-in-one programs. In most cases, you get what you pay for, as free curricula often lack one or more of the following: authorship skills, editing, content accuracy, subject-matter expertise, academic challenge, current text/resource selection, variation of curricular design, appropriate scope and sequence of learning, intentional assignments and tasks, valid assessment techniques, and/or developmental appropriateness of activities. That being said, there are many good free resources that we've vetted and suggested in our Resource Library that we like (and we've made an effort to explain why we think they're worth a look). Look beyond the attractive presentation and trendy social media reviews in order to evaluate the depth and substance of the content. Multi-level curricula may be pretty, but can fall short in properly engaging or challenging older children, leading to a compromise in their learning. Be aware that certain multi-level curricula appeals to families because it promises a streamlined "family values" approach to teaching multiple children at different levels simultaneously. This appeal can be very strong, as it suggests an easier and more cohesive shared educational experience for the whole family, often with less planning. However, it is essential for parents to critically assess the author credentials and whether such programs genuinely provide the necessary depth and challenge for older or more advanced learners, rather than simply offering surface-level content that may risk their childrens' educational growth. Selecting the right curriculum for homeschooling involves careful consideration and research to align with your family's educational philosophy, and goals. It's essential to identify your specific needs and preferences, whether you lean towards structured or flexible learning approaches, and whether you require materials tailored to individual learning styles or challenges. Researching authors, publishers, and reviews from other homeschooling families provides valuable insights into the credibility and effectiveness of curriculum materials. Evaluating materials firsthand ensures that the content meets your expectations for engagement, age-appropriateness, and alignment with educational standards, and considering biases or limitations ensures that the chosen curriculum supports your values and educational standards. As well, involving your child in the decision-making process can foster ownership and motivation in their learning journey. By prioritizing these steps, homeschooling parents can confidently select curriculum materials that best support their children's educational growth and development.

Begin homeschooling with confidence and ease! We help parents navigate legalities, socialization, routine-building, curriculum choices, and teaching methods. Explore free and paid expert resources to set goals and consider key factors for a successful homeschool experience. Created by teachers-turned-homeschool parents with new homeschoolers in mind, our site provides the support and tools you need to begin your journey effectively. How to Begin Homeschooling Wondering where to begin? What to do? How to get started? Let us help you! Starting the homeschooling journey can seem daunting at first, especially if you're new to the concept. However, with a clear plan and understanding of the necessary steps, you can create a supportive and effective learning environment for your child at home. This guide will walk you through the necessary steps to help you get started so that you can confidently embark on your homeschooling journey, ensuring a well-rounded and personalized education for your child. Research Homeschooling Laws Start by researching the homeschooling laws and regulations in your area. Each Province, State and Country has different requirements for homeschooling, including registration, curriculum standards, and assessment. It’s important to understand the legalities of home education in your area before you begin, but also understand that laws can change over time. Staying informed about current laws and potential changes helps you adapt your homeschooling approach and remain compliant with new regulations. Questions to Ask and Things to Consider What are the legal requirements related to mandatory subjects, hours of instruction, and standardized testing? Being knowledgeable about and compliant with homeschool laws helps establish the legitimacy of your homeschooling program to outside parties, such as colleges, employers, and educational authorities. Am I required to register as a home educator with a government authority or with a school board? If you are given a choice of school boards, what questions should I ask before registering ? Are there penalties or fines if compliance isn’t fulfilled? What are the legalities around choosing curriculum? Do children have to meet certain standards, and if so, how are these measured? What documentation (paperwork or record-keeping) is required in my area? Do I have to write a program plan, maintain attendance logs, create portfolios of student work, and write annual progress reports? Will I be required to meet with a school representative at certain times of the year? Is this person available to support me with my questions, resources, and program implementation? Understanding the legal requirements helps you keep accurate and necessary documentation. What resources and support are offered in my area? Is there access to funding, educational services, materials, classes, or special education support? What are the laws for returning to a brick-and-mortar school? If you plan to transition your child back to a traditional school at some point, knowing the homeschool laws ensures that your child’s homeschooling experience will be recognized and accepted by the school system. What are my parental rights? Understanding your legal rights as a homeschooling parent helps you advocate for your family's educational choices and protect against any potential challenges or misunderstandings with educational authorities. Are there special requirements for my child’s specific needs? Some places may have specific requirements for special needs students or those pursuing vocational education. Knowing these laws ensures that you can provide the necessary accommodations and opportunities for your child. Set Educational Goals Define clear educational goals for your child. Consider what you want them to achieve academically, socially, and personally. This will guide your curriculum choices and teaching approach. Writing educational goals for a homeschooled child is a crucial step in creating a structured and effective learning experience. These goals provide a clear roadmap for what you aim to achieve in your child's education, encompassing academic, social, and personal development. Begin by assessing your child's strengths, interests, and areas needing improvement, then set specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) objectives. Educational goals should be flexible to adapt to your child's evolving needs and progress, while also aligning with any legal requirements in your area. By setting well-defined goals, you can tailor your curriculum and teaching methods to ensure a comprehensive and personalized educational journey that fosters your child's growth and success. Choose a Homeschooling Method/Philosophy There are various homeschooling methods that encompass a wide range of styles, focuses and methodologies. Before you begin, you may want to explore different methods to find one that aligns with your educational philosophy and your goals. Click here to learn about some of the common Homeschool Methods . Select Curriculum and Resources Choose a curriculum that fits your goals and homeschooling method. There are many options available, from pre-packaged curricula to online programs and community classes. Remember that you will likely need to assess and establish your child’s current academic abilities (strengths and weaknesses) before choosing materials. Consider how you will teach all of the main academic areas: Math, Science, Social Studies (History, Geography), Language Arts (Reading, Writing, Spelling, Grammar, Vocabulary), as well as Physical Education and Wellness. Although there are boxed curricula available, it’s much more common for homeschool families to mix and match resources. For more information about curricular resources and materials, click here . Create a Routine and/or Schedule Develop a daily and weekly routine that works for your family. Consider your child’s natural rhythms and the subjects you plan to cover. Be flexible and open to adjusting the schedule as needed. For an excellent explanation of the difference between a homeschool routine and a homeschool schedule, listen to the following podcast . Organize Your Learning Space Ignore the picture-perfect, curated images of homeschool spaces that you see on Instagram! You don’t need to have a dedicated room in your home, buy furniture or re-decorate – most families use the kitchen table! Your space should include a table and chair, be comfortable, well-lit, and free from distractions. Remember, though, that your child may prefer to read in a comfy chair, or outside at the park on a sunny day. Homeschooling doesn't have to look like a desk and a chair indoors if that doesn't work for your child, and you don't have to have just one place to learn. Learning happens everywhere! Ensure you have the necessary supplies such as books, a computer, and educational materials and experiment with seating arrangements! Connect with Others Local and online homeschool communities can provide support, resources, and social opportunities for both you and your child. They can also offer advice and answer questions you might have. If you’re not sure how to find local groups, start by searching Facebook (or other social media) with the key terms Homeschool or Homeschoolers + the name of your city or region. Plan for Socialization One of parents' biggest fears about homeschooling is a lack of socialization, but parents need not worry. As long as you're involved in activities outside the home and actively (and consistently) engaging in extra-curriculars and other social settings, your child will have plenty of opportunities to interact. Socialization comes from engaging with people of all ages, not just same-age peers as in traditional schools. These varied interactions can provide rich social experiences and help children develop strong communication skills. The challenge for homeschool families is that parents must take full responsibility to ensure their child has chances to interact with peers and join social activities. Unlike traditional schools, where socialization happens without parent involvement, homeschooling requires parents to actively seek out and arrange these interactions. Unless you already know a lot of homeschooling families in your area (and even if you do), it will be up to you to seek out and join (or create) socialization opportunities that are right for your child(ren). Consider a variety of playdates, sports, extracurricular classes, and community events to find what works for your family. Finding like-minded homeschooling parents can be equally daunting, but it's important for you to find friends, too! We recommend that you get out as often as possible and try as many new activities as you can in order to build community and find other homeschooling friends! You may enjoy hearing more on this topic from Julie Bogart and the Brave Learner Podcast. Monitor Progress and Adapt Regularly assess your child’s progress through informal assessments (conversations, discussions), quizzes, and/or standardized tests (if required). Be aware of your child’s abilities and where your child started (were they struggling or excelling?) and gauge their progress based on individual improvements. Be prepared to assess and adapt your own teaching and instruction based on what is working well and what needs improvement. Stay Informed and Flexible Homeschooling is a dynamic process. Stay informed about new educational resources, methods, and legal requirements. Be flexible and open to making changes to better meet your child’s needs and interests.

Explore our curated collection of top-quality homeschool resources tailored for students with learning disabilities. We've chosen our favourites based on content accuracy, expert authorship, and research-based strategies to support diverse learning needs. This selection offers a solid starting point for finding effective curricula that accommodate various learning challenges, ensuring your child receives meaningful support in a homeschool environment. Learning & Print Disabilities Discover tools and insights that foster an inclusive and supportive learning environment to help every student thrive. We've chosen our favourites based on content accuracy, expert authorship, and research-based strategies to support diverse learning needs. This selection offers a solid starting point for finding accurate information and effective curricula that accommodate various learning challenges, ensuring your child receives meaningful support in a homeschool environment. Learning Disabilities ADHD & Twice Exceptional Dyslexia Dysgraphia Dyscalculia Print Disabilities Learning Disabilities Resources (Listed Alphabetically) We are dedicated to providing homeschool parents with resources and information for students with learning disabilities to help support their educational efforts. While we strive to offer inclusive and reliable resources, we are not medical professionals and recommend consulting with healthcare experts for more detailed advice and customized guidance. We aim to include trustworthy sources as a helpful starting point, however the information we provide is not independently verified and we do not assume responsibility or liability for the content shared on this site. Parents are ultimately responsible for evaluating and validating materials on their own before use. LD@School This is a valuable resource for parents and educators seeking to support students with learning disabilities. The site offers a wealth of evidence-based strategies, instructional resources, and professional development opportunities tailored to enhancing student success. By providing practical tools and expert insights, LD@school empowers teachers to create inclusive and effective learning environments. National Council for Learning Disabilities The National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD) is dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with learning disabilities and attention issues through advocacy, research, and support. They provide resources for parents, educators, and young adults to promote understanding and effective teaching strategies. NCLD also works to influence policy and ensure equal opportunities for those with learning disabilities. Their efforts aim to create a more inclusive and supportive educational environment. TTRS (Touch, Type, Read, Spell) TTRS is a remarkable program designed to enhance literacy skills through a multi-sensory approach. By combining touch typing with reading and spelling exercises, TTRS offers a comprehensive learning experience for individuals of all ages. The course's interactive and adaptive nature caters to various learning styles and paces, making it effective for learners with dyslexia, ADHD, and other learning differences. TTRS's philosophy revolves around empowering individuals to overcome reading and spelling challenges while boosting confidence and fostering independent learning, making it an excellent resource for those seeking to improve their language skills. This program is worth the cost, but parents may want to watch social media for sales and/or group discounts. Understood Understood.org is a comprehensive resource offering support and information for individuals with learning and thinking differences, such as ADHD and dyslexia. The platform provides practical advice, expert insights, and a supportive community for parents, educators, and young adults to help navigate these challenges. By offering personalized resources and tools, Understood.org aims to empower individuals and families to thrive in school, work, and life. ADHD & Twice-Exceptional (2E) Resources (Listed Alphabetically) Additude The Additude website is a comprehensive and authoritative resource for individuals, families, and educators dealing with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The website offers a wealth of information, articles, webinars, and resources that cover a wide range of topics related to ADHD, including symptoms, treatments, strategies, and personal stories. Rooted in a philosophy of providing accurate and up-to-date information, Additude serves as a supportive platform that helps individuals better understand ADHD, navigate its challenges, and access strategies for success. With its diverse content and community-driven approach, the website stands as an essential guide for anyone seeking guidance and support related to ADHD. Bright and Quirky Bright and Quirky is an educational platform designed to support parents and educators of twice-exceptional (2e) children, who are both gifted and have learning differences. The site offers a wealth of resources including expert videos, online courses, and practical strategies for managing both academic and emotional challenges. The Bright & Quirky IdeaLab provides a supportive community and access to leading experts in the field of twice-exceptionality. This makes it an invaluable resource for those seeking to help bright and quirky kids thrive. Dr. Ross Greene Dr. Ross Greene's work focuses on understanding and addressing the challenges faced by children with behavioral issues through his Collaborative & Proactive Solutions (CPS) model. This approach emphasizes collaboration between adults and children to solve problems, rather than using traditional discipline methods. For homeschoolers with learning disabilities (LDs), implementing Greene's CPS model can foster a supportive and understanding environment, promoting better behavior and enhancing learning by addressing the root causes of difficulties collaboratively. SRSD Professional Development Course for Parents ThinkSRSD is a valuable resource for parents of children with learning disabilities, offering structured and evidence-based writing instruction. The program focuses on Self-Regulated Strategy Development (SRSD), which breaks down writing tasks into manageable steps, helping children with diverse learning needs improve their writing skills. The professional learning courses include expert-led webinars and practical tools that empower parents to effectively support their children's academic growth. This makes ThinkSRSD an essential tool for fostering writing proficiency in children with unique educational challenges. Tilt Parenting The Tilt Parenting website and podcast focuses on parenting children with learning disabilities and other differences. It features information and interviews with authors, experts, and parents, offering advice and support for raising differently-wired kids. This resource is invaluable for parents seeking guidance and community while navigating the unique challenges of parenting children with learning differences. Dyslexia Resources (Listed Alphabetically) Bookshare Bookshare is an accessible online library that provides free or low-cost access to books for people with reading disabilities. The platform offers a wide range of titles, including textbooks, bestsellers, and educational materials, in formats such as audio, braille, and large print. By offering these resources, Bookshare helps individuals with dyslexia, visual impairments, and other reading barriers to enjoy reading and achieve educational success. Dyslexia Canada Dyslexia Canada is a national charity dedicated to raising awareness and improving the lives of children with dyslexia. The organization provides resources, advocacy, and support to ensure children with dyslexia receive the education they need to succeed. Dyslexia Canada also works to promote best practices in teaching and assessment, aiming to create a more inclusive and understanding educational environment. Empowering Writers Empowering Writers offers a structured and clear writing program that is highly beneficial for homeschoolers with learning disabilities. Its step-by-step approach helps break down the writing process into manageable parts, making it easier for students to understand and follow. The program provides a variety of multisensory tools and resources, accommodating different learning styles and needs. Additionally, Empowering Writers supports parents with webinars, guides and strategies, enabling them to provide effective, tailored instruction. Free Online Literacy Assessment These diagnostic tests may be able to help parents determine areas of strength and weakness in their child’s reading ability. Keep in mind that online assessments may provide initial insights but are not a substitute for expert guidance in determining the scope of a child's learning needs. We strongly feel that by utilizing any online self-diagnostic reading assessment tests, parents must acknowledge the potential for varying results and understand the importance of consulting with a qualified professional and pursuing a comprehensive psycho-educational assessment for accurate evaluation. IEW (Institute for Excellence in Writing) The Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW) offers a structured, step-by-step approach that can be highly beneficial for kids with dyslexia. Its methods emphasize auditory and visual learning, which helps reinforce writing skills through multiple sensory channels. The program's clear guidelines and consistent format reduce anxiety and improve focus for dyslexic learners. Additionally, IEW’s tools and resources support parents and educators in providing targeted, effective instruction tailored to the needs of children with dyslexia. 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! Nessy Nessy.com is an impressive online platform, offering a diverse range of resources for individuals with dyslexia and other learning challenges. From engaging educational games to structured literacy programs, the website provides a holistic approach to addressing reading and language difficulties. With its user-friendly interface and evidence-based methodology, Nessy.com is a great tool for those seeking effective solutions for improved reading and language skills. They've also recently launched a math program called Nessy Number Sense for students with dyscalculia. Nessy is a paid program, but we recommend that you follow their social media accounts for information about sales and discounts. Open Source Phonics This site is a valuable resource for homeschool parents seeking comprehensive phonics instruction. It offers an extensive collection of open-source phonics materials, including printable worksheets, lesson plans, and interactive activities. With its free accessibility and a wide range of resources, homeschooling parents can confidently use Open Source Phonics to provide effective and engaging phonics education tailored to their children's needs. Overcoming Dyslexia The "Overcoming Dyslexia" course on Coursera, developed by Yale University, provides comprehensive insights into dyslexia. The course covers the latest research, practical strategies for interventions, and understanding the federal statutes affecting dyslexic students. It includes video lectures, readings, and quizzes, making it accessible for parents, educators, and anyone interested in learning about dyslexia. This course is particularly valuable for those looking to support dyslexic individuals effectively through evidence-based practices. Rooted in Language This program, which was developed by a Speech and Language Pathologist, uses a research-based, multi-sensory approach to teaching reading, writing and grammar. They also offer Professional Development courses for parents, as well as the excellent resource book, Trees in the Forest: Growing Readers and Writers Through Deep Comprehension , for those who want to better understand how to teach their children effectively. The Rooted in Language programs set a strong foundation for all readers and writers, and have a high success rate among children with dyslexia. We highly recommend the Pinwheels and the Grammar Bugs programs, as well as the Handwriting Struggle and Intervention course. Watch a review here . The University of Florida Literacy Institute (UFLI) Dyslexia Resource Hub The University of Florida Dyslexia Resource Hub is an invaluable FREE support for educators, parents, and individuals working with dyslexic learners. With its comprehensive range of evidence-based resources, including strategies, tools, and informational materials, the hub offers practical guidance for understanding and addressing dyslexia. The hub's dedication to fostering awareness and providing practical solutions makes it an essential platform for anyone striving to create a more inclusive and supportive learning environment for individuals with dyslexia. West Coast Literacy The West Coast Literacy website provides comprehensive reading and language resources, prominently highlighting the Dandelion Readers —an exceptional, highly coveted series of decodable readers. As well, the book "Equipped for Reading Success ," by David A. Kilpatrick stands out as a must-read resource for both teachers and parents, especially for those who teach children with learning challenges. This book is based on current reading research, and provides a learning plan for scaffolded one-minute reading strategies that can be easily incorporated into learning. 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. Writing Our World A free writing curriculum using strategies and principles based on The Writing Revolution , designed for students in grades 3–12 (particularly those with Dyslexia), offering scripted lesson plans, student materials, vocabulary supports, assessments, and assistive‑technology integration. The program breaks writing into 75 manageable sub-skills across 8 objectives, progressing from sentence-level to multi‑paragraph essays. Dysgraphia Resources (Listed Alphabetically) Additude P rovides a general explanation and description of Dysgraphia. For an explanation of common identifiers, click here . Debbie Draper Australian handwriting expert Debbie Draper provides a wealth of current research and practical teaching strategies on her Facebook Page. We highly recommend that parents take some time to scroll through Debbie's posts, making note of the strategies, resources, and articles that she recommends. She also discusses the importance of handwriting in this interview . Dysgraphia Life This website provides information and resources for children, teens and adults with dysgraphia. We especially like their FREE Educational Webinar series (with recorded replays to watch at your convenience). Sign up for an email newsletter for news about current research and information about upcoming webinars. Getty-Dubay Handwriting Success The Italic Handwriting Series from Handwriting Success offers a structured and effective approach to teaching italic handwriting, ideal for homeschool parents. The program is designed to be easy to implement, with clear instructions and practice materials that help students develop legible and attractive handwriting. Its focus on fluid, natural strokes makes it suitable for learners of all ages, promoting ease and consistency in writing. This curriculum is a great choice for homeschool families looking to improve their children's handwriting skills in a systematic and enjoyable way. Handwriting Bot Handwriting Bot is an excellent resource for children with dysgraphia, offering interactive and personalized handwriting practice through engaging animations. The app takes copywork and dictation to a new level, allowing for customization to meet each child's specific needs. Its user-friendly interface ensures that both parents can easily implement effective handwriting instruction, fostering improvement in a supportive manner. Parent plans are very affordable, making this a reasonable choice for adaptive practice. Handwriting Without Tears There are tons of free handwriting and printing worksheets online that provide manuscript printing and cursive practice, but it’s worth the investment (and time saved!) to NOT have to research and print a million handwriting pages or booklets. This program is research-based and developmentally appropriate for children’s ages and stages of writing. Read a review here. Mathscribe MathScribe offers a variety of interactive math resources and tools specifically designed to enhance learning in Gr.8 Common Core, Pre-Algebra and Algebra 1courses. Developed by a team of mathematics professors and teachers, the platform includes engaging activities and detailed explanations to help students grasp complex mathematical concepts through their online textbook platform. Its user-friendly interface and comprehensive content make it an excellent supplement to any homeschool math curriculum. This program is currently offered for free. Modmath ModMath is a groundbreaking app tailored for homeschoolers with dysgraphia, offering a digital solution for math problem-solving. It enables students to type and arrange math equations on touchscreen devices, eliminating the struggles associated with handwriting. This makes it an essential tool for facilitating effective and accessible math learning for students with Dysgraphia. Rhythm of Handwriting This is a comprehensive and effective handwriting course that takes students through the stages of basic manuscript printing through cursive letter formation. Through its systematic approach and clear explanations, it ensures that learners understand the principles behind letter formation. The incorporation of multi-sensory techniques and practice exercises further solidifies the learning process, making it a fantastic program for students striving to achieve mastery in penmanship. We like that this program offers students the ability to practice forming various-sized letters on specially-lined paper, and that it teaches a slightly different font than other programs, which may be easier for some students to learn. Rooted in Language Handwriting Struggle and Intervention The "Handwriting Struggle Intervention" course by Rooted in Language is an invaluable resource for homeschool parents looking to support children with handwriting difficulties. This course offers evidence-based strategies and practical tools to address the unique challenges faced by struggling writers. Its comprehensive approach ensures parents are equipped with effective techniques to improve their child's handwriting skills in a supportive, structured manner. With expert guidance by Speech Language Pathologists and accessible content, this course is a must-have for enhancing handwriting proficiency at home. Each course comes with access to the instructors via online Q&A videoconferencing. Dyscalculia Resources (Listed Alphabetically) Build Math Minds 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. Calcularis Calcularis by Constructor is a specialized educational tool designed to support children with learning disabilities in math. The program uses adaptive algorithms and engaging exercises to enhance numerical understanding and mathematical skills. Its personalized approach adjusts to each student's progress, making it suitable for diverse learning needs. This makes Calcularis an excellent resource for homeschool parents seeking effective, targeted math support for their children. 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. Efofex Efofex provides powerful software tools for creating mathematical diagrams, graphs, and scientific illustrations, aimed at enhancing education and professional presentations. Their suite includes FX Draw, FX Equation, FX Graph, and FX Stat, all designed to simplify the process of generating complex visuals and equations. These tools are particularly beneficial for teachers, students, and professionals who need precise and easy-to-create graphical representations. Efofex software helps make mathematical and scientific communication more effective and visually appealing. Some students may qualify for free software via the Empower Foundation using this link . Lord Math Lord Math, founded by Becky Lord, offers specialized resources and professional development focused on improving math instruction, particularly for students with dyscalculia and math learning disabilities. The site provides online courses, consultations, and workshops based on the latest neuroscience to help teachers and parents understand effective math teaching strategies. Becky’s program, Decoding Math, breaks down complex mathematical concepts into manageable lessons, making math accessible and engaging. This comprehensive approach aims to transform math education, ensuring all students can achieve success in mathematics. Modmath ModMath is an app tailored for homeschoolers with dyscalculia, offering a digital solution for math problem-solving. It enables students to type and arrange math equations on touchscreen devices, eliminating the struggles associated with number alignment. This can be a helpful tool for facilitating effective and accessible math learning for students with dyscalculia. Nessy Number Sense Nessy Number Sense was designed to enhance foundational math skills in young learners. Developed with support from math expert Chris Woodin, it provides engaging, interactive activities that help students develop a strong understanding of numbers, quantities, and basic arithmetic concepts. Numicon Numicon is an educational program designed to teach math through a structured, hands-on approach using visual and tactile resources. It aligns with the New Zealand Curriculum and is based on extensive research from international experts in math education. The program aims to make math enjoyable and accessible for all students, fostering confident mathematicians through interactive and engaging methods. Numicon is ideal for educators and homeschoolers looking to enhance math learning with a proven, research-ba sed approach. Pattan Mathematics This site discusses the importance of automaticity when writing numerals and provides videos and handouts to support students who struggle. Ronit Bird Ronit Bird's website offers a wealth of resources designed to support children with dyscalculia and arithmetic difficulties. Her methods focus on providing concrete, enjoyable learning experiences through games and activities, rather than traditional worksheets. The site includes books, eBooks, and videos that guide parents and educators in helping children develop a solid understanding of numbers and arithmetic concepts. This makes it an invaluable tool for those working with students who struggle with math. Stern Math Stern Math specializes in hands-on math learning tools and resources, designed to make math interactive and engaging for students. Their products include manipulatives, activity sets, and comprehensive curriculum materials that help build a strong foundation in arithmetic and number sense. The approach focuses on visual and tactile learning, which is particularly effective for young learners and those struggling with traditional methods. Stern Math is widely used in schools and homeschooling environments to enhance mathematical understanding. Steve Chinn 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. Woodin Math WoodinMath.com offers specialized math resources and instructional methods designed by Christopher Woodin for students with learning disabilities, particularly dyscalculia. The program focuses on a whole-to-part teaching approach, using alternative strategies and engaging modalities to enhance understanding. It provides diagnostic tools, curriculum materials, and professional development for educators and parents. This makes WoodinMath.com an excellent resource for supporting students who struggle with traditional math instruction. Of note, Chris Woodin has recently partnered with Nessy to offer Number Sense , an interactive online math program for students who struggle with math. Print Disability Resources (Listed Alphabetically) American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) offers various resources and support services for people who are blind or visually impaired, including information on accessible reading materials and technology. Bookshare Bookshare is an online library that offers free access to books in accessible formats for people with print disabilities. Bookshare provides digital books that can be read using various assistive technologies. To join Bookshare, you must have a qualifying disability that prevents you from reading traditional books. Click here to learn more about qualifications . The Canadian Children's Book Centre This is an online resource providing free access to a diverse collection of Canadian children's fiction and literature. It features a wide array of books categorized by age group, genre, and themes, making it easy for parents, educators, and children to find suitable reading material. The platform aims to promote literacy and a love of reading by offering high-quality, culturally relevant books. Additionally, it includes resources for educators and parents to enhance the reading experience and features an "Accessible Books Bank . " This is an online catalogue designed to help you find Canadian books in accessible formats. It is the only service in Canada that allows you to find Canadian books in accessible formats in one place. Click here for FAQs on The Accessible Books Bank. The Centre for Equitable Library Access (CELA) The Centre for Equitable Library Access (CELA) provides library services for Canadians with print disabilities. It offers access to books, newspapers, an d magazines in accessible formats like audio, digital text, and braille. Users can explore new titles, search the catalogue, download or read materials online, manage loans and holds, and customize search preferences. Homeschooling parents can also sign up as educators to use the service. Your local library may provide assistance with learning to use this tool and its many valuable functions. Learning Ally Learning Ally provides audiobooks and other educational resources for students and adults with a documented learning disability, visual impairment, or physical disability that makes it difficult to read using traditional print. Click here to learn more about eligibility for services. National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) The National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS), a division of the Library of Congress, provides free library services to individuals with visual impairments or physical disabilities. They offer a wide range of materials in braille and audio formats, delivered by mail or electronically. Dyslexia Dysgraphia Resources ADHD Dyscalculia Resources Learning Disabilities Print Disabilities Up

Discover our unique collection of fun and unusual homeschool resources designed to spark creativity and engagement. Explore our curated selection of innovative materials that go beyond traditional learning, offering both free and paid options. Whether you’re looking for quirky activities or outside-the-box educational tools, we’ve got you covered. Created by teachers-turned-homeschool parents, we’re here to help you bring excitement and variety to your homeschooling journey. Just for Fun Discover new ways to make education an adventure and keep your homeschool experience lively and enjoyable for the whole family! Explore our collection of fun, sometimes quirky, engaging, and entertaining resources designed to make learning enjoyable and dynamic. From interactive games and creative activities to captivating multimedia and hands-on projects, these resources offer a refreshing way to inspire curiosity and enthusiasm. Created by teachers-turned-homeschool moms, we’re here to help you bring excitement and variety to your homeschooling journey. Engaging Websites Entertaining Apps Engaging Websites Engaging Websites (Listed Alphabetically) There are so many great sites to include here - check back often for new additions! The BEST Slime Recipe Do you love making slime? Tired of recipes that just aren't slimey enough? Science Mom and her kids tested dozens of recipes and agree that this one's the best! Give it a try and see what you think! She also has a great video about slime here . Explore Live Cams Operated by Explore.org, a platform known for providing live streams of wildlife and natural environments to support education and conservation efforts, the organization aims to offer viewers a chance to observe nature without disturbing it. Streams typically focus on public and educational content such as wildlife behaviour, habitat conservation, and natural phenomena. Explore.org webcams are intended to provide a safe and educational viewing experience, but maintaining general online safety practices is always a good idea. Geocaching Geocaching is a global treasure-hunting adventure. With a free account, you can search for and view geocaches, log your finds, and participate in the community by posting comments and messages. The site provides essential tools to discover hidden caches and track your adventures. For enhanced features like advanced search options and offline access, you can opt for a Geocaching Premium subscription, but there's plenty to explore and enjoy with the free version as well. National Gallery of Art Create your own work of art inspired by famous artists with Paint 'n' Play (also available as an app.) Guess the artist with Artle. A new puzzle is available daily. National Geographic Kids National Geographic Kids offers fascinating facts, interactive games, and educational videos that inspire young learners to explore nature, animals, and cultures from around the globe. Smithsonian's National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute See elephants, lions, ferrets, and naked mole-rats (and soon Giant Pandas!) on animal cams streaming live, 24/7 from the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute. Tomatosphere Tomatosphere is an educational program that uses space exploration to teach students about plant science and the environment by sending tomato seeds that have been to space directly to your house. Students conduct scientific experiments with these seeds, learning about agriculture, biology, and the challenges of sustaining life in space. The program provides comprehensive resources and lesson plans for teachers to integrate these hands-on experiments into their curriculum, making science education interactive and exciting. Unofficial Harry Potter Resources There are many fun Harry Potter-themed educational resources available. One of our favorites is the project-based learning course "What is Magic?" , which explores the science behind "magical" concepts and is full of unique hands-on activities. Another great option is the Harry Potter novel study collection from Build Your Library, offering in-depth analysis and activities for each of the seven novels. For a more interactive experience, check out the Harry Potter Escape Room that challenges students with engaging puzzles and critical thinking tasks. Entertaining Apps (Listed Alphabetically) There’s a wealth of amazing educational apps to discover. Brickit Brickit is an innovative app that enhances your LEGO building experience by using your device’s camera to scan and analyze your LEGO bricks. It then provides personalized building suggestions based on your existing collection, offering ideas ranging from simple models to complex designs. Simply download the app, scan your bricks, explore the suggested builds, and follow the step-by-step instructions to create your masterpiece. You can save your completed builds or share them with the Brickit community for added inspiration. Visual Anatomy 3D Visual Anatomy 3D is an interactive app designed to enhance learning and teaching of human anatomy through detailed 3D models. The app provides comprehensive visual resources, including various anatomical systems, structures, and animations to support in-depth understanding. It is user-friendly and caters to students, educators, and healthcare professionals by offering tools for detailed exploration and study of human anatomy. Entertaining Apps

Looking for an all-in-one homeschool curriculum? We offer a carefully curated selection of multi-subject & all-in-one curricula, along with publishers that cover a wide range of subjects. Find the best free and paid resources to simplify your homeschooling experience. Our expert reviews make it easy to choose comprehensive educational materials that meet diverse learning needs. Created by teachers-turned-homeschool moms, we’re committed to supporting you with well-rounded, effective solutions. Multi-Subject Curricular Resources & Workbooks Explore our curated collection of top-quality homeschool resources and materials that cover a wide range of subjects. We’ve meticulously selected our favourites based on content accuracy, expert authorship, and research-based educational pedagogy to ensure you find the best curricula for your family’s needs. From comprehensive multi-subject curricula to detailed workbooks, our collection offers a diverse array of tools designed to engage and educate students effectively. Whether you’re seeking structured programs or supplementary materials, our resources provide a solid foundation to support a well-rounded homeschooling experience. Mulit-Subject Curricula Workbooks & Unit Studies Multi-Subject Curricula (Listed Alphabetically) Several companies offer all-in-one curricula which include multiple subjects and/or topic-specific workbooks. Please check each individual website for details and information. Blossom and Root Blossom and Root curriculum resources offer a holistic and child-centered approach to homeschooling. Their main products encompass complete curriculum guides, hands-on activities, and engaging lesson plans that integrate various subjects with a focus on nature, art, and creativity. Their lessons are easy to implement, requiring little preparation. Blossom and Root curricular materials promote whole-child development through a gentle and adaptable approach, ensuring learning is joyful and meaningful. Parents should consider using Blossom and Root resources in order to create a well-rounded and inspiring homeschool program that sparks curiosity, cultivates a love for learning, and celebrates the unique interests and abilities of their children. Build Your Library The Build Your Library Curriculum is an exceptional secular homeschooling resource that seamlessly integrates literature-based learning across various subjects. Its main features include thoughtfully curated book lists, comprehensive lesson plans, and hands-on activities that span a wide range of academic disciplines. They also have a fantastic YouTube channel called ARRRGH Schooling that provides book talks, book reviews and homeschooling tips. What sets this curriculum apart is its ability to foster a love for learning through engaging narratives, critical thinking prompts, and creative projects. Homeschool parents should consider using Build Your Library to provide a well-rounded and captivating education, as it not only ensures academic excellence but also nurtures a lifelong passion for exploration and discovery in their children. Core Knowledge Core Knowledge provides a free, comprehensive curriculum designed to build strong foundational knowledge across various subjects, including language arts, history, geography, math, science, and the arts. It emphasizes the importance of a content-rich education, where students develop a broad base of knowledge and cultural literacy. The curriculum is meticulously sequenced to ensure that learning is coherent and cumulative from grade to grade. Core Knowledge is widely used in schools and homeschools to foster academic excellence and equity in education. Fishtank Learning Fishtank offers free, high-quality, open educational resources for teachers, including comprehensive curricula in subjects such as math, English language arts, and history. The curriculum is designed to be rigorous, engaging, and aligned with educational standards to support deep learning and critical thinking. Fishtank provides detailed lesson plans, assessments, and instructional resources that help educators effectively implement the curriculum in their classrooms. The platform is a valuable resource for educators seeking to enhance their instructional practices and student outcomes. Although there is a paid subscription fee for classroom teachers, we recommend that homeschool families use the free version. Moving Beyond the Page Moving Beyond the Page offers a dynamic and innovative homeschooling curriculum that spans subjects and age ranges. Their open-and-go products include interactive units, comprehensive lesson plans, and engaging activities that integrate science, social studies, and language arts. They offer physical workbooks with instructor guides and related support materials, as well as an online learning platform. Moving Beyond the Page focuses on inquiry-based learning and critical thinking, encouraging children to explore concepts deeply and make connections across disciplines. Homeschool parents should consider using Moving Beyond the Page to foster a holistic education that nurtures creativity, problem-solving skills, and a lifelong love for learning. Wildwood Wildwood curriculum resources offer a captivating and nature-centered approach to secular homeschooling. Their philosophy is based on providing a more modern version of the popular 19th Century Charlotte-Mason style homeschooling, with themed nature study units, hands-on activities, and comprehensive lesson plans that seamlessly blend science, art, and literature. Wildwood puts an emphasis on fostering a deep connection with the natural world and encouraging children to explore and appreciate their environment. Homeschool parents should consider using Wildwood resources to provide an enriching and holistic education that not only promotes academic growth but also instills a sense of wonder, environmental stewardship, and a lifelong connection with nature in their children. Workbooks & Unit Studies (Listed Alphabetically) Carson Dellosa - Spectrum Educational Workbooks Spectrum Workbooks are a series of educational resources designed to reinforce and enhance the learning of key subjects such as math, reading, writing, and language arts for students from kindergarten through eighth grade. Each workbook is meticulously structured to align with current educational standards, offering clear, concise lessons and a variety of practice activities. These workbooks are praised for their easy-to-follow format and comprehensive coverage of essential skills, making them an excellent tool for both classroom and homeschool settings. Spectrum Workbooks are ideal for students needing extra practice or those looking to advance their skills. Evan-Moor Workbooks Evan-Moor Workbooks provide a wide array of educational resources tailored to support the development of foundational skills across various subjects, including reading, math, science, and social studies. These workbooks are crafted by experienced educators and are designed to be engaging and educational, featuring a mix of instructional content and hands-on activities. Suitable for students from preschool to eighth grade, Evan-Moor Workbooks are frequently used in both traditional classrooms and homeschooling environments. They are known for their high-quality content, clear instructions, and alignment with educational standards, making them a reliable choice for enhancing student learning. On The Mark Press The On The Mark Press serves as a valuable hub of resources for educators searching for high-quality Canadian teaching resources. With its wide range of educational materials, including workbooks, unit studies, lesson plans, and activities, the website provides comprehensive resources for various subjects and grade levels. On The Mark also produces products that align specifically to the Alberta, Ontario, and Common Core programs, which makes them a go-to destination for teachers looking to follow specific outcomes. Wonderhouse Creative Wonder House Creative provides high-quality homeschool curricula and educational resources designed to support middle-years learners. Their programs blend structured learning with creative exploration, offering engaging lesson plans, hands-on activities, and interactive materials. With a focus on making homeschooling both effective and enjoyable, Wonder House Creative helps families build meaningful learning experiences. Their resources cover a variety of subjects, ensuring well-rounded, adaptable educational support for homeschoolers. Workbooks & Unit Studies Multi-Subject Curricula Up

We aim to help you understand homeschool requirements, provide tips and guidance for beginners, explain key concepts and help you select materials and resources that will fit your family. We’ve curated lists of quality homeschool resources as a starting point for your research to get you started on your journey. As homeschoolers and busy moms ourselves, we've struggled to manage homeschool planning, so we created easy-to-use, customizable solutions to help you solve your homeschool overwhelm. Homeschooling Articles How to Begin Want to Homeschool, But Not Sure How? Let Us Help! Deschooling What is Deschooling & Why is it Important? Homeschool Essentials Things You MUST Have When Starting Out Tips for Beginners Homeschooling Can be Overwhelming! Tips for New Homeschool Parents Creating a Rainy Day Plan How to Create a Homeschool Backup Plan Homeschool Philosophies Understanding Common Homeschool Styles Choosing Curricula & Materials How to Select Quality Resources Stay Tuned for More... New Articles are in the Works!

The Paper Cabin provides expert reviews on curriculum to meet diverse learning needs, offering a curated directory of high-quality academic materials and websites. Discover the best free and paid homeschooling resources designed to enhance your educational journey. Explore our comprehensive tools and guides to confidently elevate your homeschooling experience. Created by teachers-turned-homeschool parents, our site is dedicated to empowering and supporting your homeschooling efforts. Curricular Resource Library Free, Curated Resource Lists for All Subjects! There are many excellent teaching and learning resources available to homeschool families, and it can be overwhelming to try to navigate them in order to find materials that fit your needs. We’ve compiled a list of some popular homeschool resources as a starting point for your research. Wherever possible, we’ve given a synopsis and personal review, but because of the sheer volume of resources available, it’s nearly impossible for us to have tried and tested all programs with our families. That being said, we’ve vetted these with a critical eye for content accuracy, expert authorship, and sound pedagogy. We strive to include both free and paid materials that support student learning, but because every family has different needs, we encourage you to research all learning materials thoroughly before using. Many curricular sites offer a sample lesson or free download to try with your child(ren) before purchasing, and we encourage you to reach out to publishers with specific questions you may have. For more information on selecting and assessing curricula, click here . Math Writing, Handwriting & Typing Teaching Reading & Reading Comprehension Canadian Resources Novel Study, Literature & Booklists Social Studies Science Learning & Print Disabilities STEAM & Technology The Arts & Languages eBooks, Read-Aloud Books, Audiobooks & Podcasts Outdoor Pursuits, Physical Education & Wellness Study Skills, Philosophy & Critical Thinking Multi-Subject Curricula & Publishers Professional Development for Homeschool Parents Just for Fun Coming Soon... Stay Tuned...

Stay focused and organized with the 5-Month Undated Student Planner by Paper Cabin Publishing. Designed for teens, this all-in-one full-colour academic organizer helps track assignments, projects, and goals with daily, weekly, and monthly layouts that build time-management and study skills. Perfect for school, homeschool, or hybrid learners. Student Planner: 5-month Undated Daily, Weekly & Monthly Academic Semester Organizer for Teens The Full-Colour Student Planner for Middle and High School Students The planner that helps students stay on top of school, life, and everything in between We made this planner to help our own kids stay grounded and confident. Now we're sharing it with your kids. This planner was created for real students who are learning in all kinds of ways. Life gets busy fast when you’re doing school a little differently, and we noticed something was missing: a place for students to keep it all together. So we made one. As parents (and former teachers), we know that not every student follows the same path. Some are in traditional classrooms, some learn at home or through co-ops, and many juggle a mix of schooling styles along with extracurriculars, volunteering, part-time jobs, and community involvement. It’s a lot to manage—and most planners just aren’t built for that kind of flexibility. This one is . Buy Now Anchor 1 Click Images to See Inside: Who is this book for? This planner is for busy, real-life students in Grades 6 and up—whether they’re in classrooms, at home, in co-ops, or juggling a mix of school, work, and activities—who need a flexible, semester-friendly tool to stay organized, manage their time, and feel more in control. What's Inside this Book? This Book Includes: Daily Planning Pages (175) Monthly Overviews, Assignment & Test Trackers (5) Week-at-a-Glance, Weekly Overview & Reflection Pages (25 weeks) Graph Paper (5, spread throughout) Study Planners (5) Trackers for: Books, Movies, Podcasts & Audiobooks, Screen Time (1 each) Guided Goal-Setting Spreads (2) Flexible Tracking Pages for Extracurriculars & Commitments (4) Websites & Apps, Password Trackers (1 each) Open Layouts for Notes, Doodles & Brainstorms (25 weeks) Blank Dot Grid Pages (5) Specifics: 8.5 x 11” standard letter size format Soft glossy cover Full colour Total pages: 307 Anchor 1 Shop Now - Choose from Four Cover Styles Every book is printed and shipped locally in your own country to support regional production and reduce wait times. Sushi Cover Cube Zone Cover Cats & Dogs Cover Vibe Waves Cover Back to Shop

We are teachers-turned-homeschool moms who understand the need for Homeschool Parent Professional Development. We provide expert reviews on curriculum to meet diverse learning needs, and offer a curated selection of high-quality academic materials and websites. Discover the best free and paid homeschooling PD resources and explore our comprehensive tools and guides to confidently elevate your homeschooling experience. The Paper Cabin is dedicated to empowering and supporting homeschool parents. 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. PD for Educators PD for Language Arts PD for Math General Homeschool PD Parent Wellness PD Why Professional Development for Homeschool Parents? 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 Educators (General / Multi-subject) EdWeb EdWeb is a professional learning network that offers free webinars, resources, and community support for educators across a wide range of topics. While it’s designed with classroom teachers in mind, homeschool parents can also benefit from its expert-led sessions on literacy, technology, student engagement, and more. The platform makes it easy to stay current with best practices and gain fresh ideas without committing to formal training. For homeschool educators looking to grow their skills and confidence, EdWeb provides accessible, ongoing professional development from the comfort of home (and they provide certificates of completion for each session that you attend!) TeachersFirst TeachersFirst is a long-running, teacher-created resource hub filled with thousands of free lesson plans, curated web tools, and classroom-ready activities across all subjects and grade levels. It’s especially helpful for quickly finding vetted online resources, interactive ideas, and themed units without having to sort through low-quality content yourself. The site also includes professional development, ed-tech guidance, and practical teaching tips, making it a well-rounded support tool for both new and experienced educators. For homeschool parents, it offers a rich collection of ready-to-use materials and inspiration to supplement and enhance everyday learning. Professional Development for Language Arts (Listed Alphabetically) Literacy With Lesley 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. 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! Reading Rockets 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. 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. Sold a Story 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! The Syntax Project 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. 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. 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. 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 . Professional Development for Math (Listed Alphabetically) Build Math Minds 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. 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. Elementary and Middle School Mathematics: Teaching Developmentally Recommended for parents who are interested in learning about the developmental stages of learning math. Steve Chinn 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. YouCubed.Org 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. General Homeschooling Professional Development (Listed Alphabetically) The Brave Learner "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! 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. Parent Wellness (Listed Alphabetically) Bodyfit by Amy 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. Self-Love Rainbow 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. Yoga With Adriene 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. PD for ELA PD for Math General Homeschooling PD Parent Wellness & Support PD for Educators Up

What is deschooling? How do I do it? Become aware of your preconceived notions of what school “should” be and allow your family the necessary time to deschool. Let go of some of those school-based expectations, and teach your children (and remind yourself) that learning can happen in a multitude of ways and environments, and can be enjoyable. Deschooling What is Deschooling & why is it important? You've made the decision to homeschool your child(ren). Yay! Now what? Where do you start? Consider Deschooling. Deschooling encompasses those first few weeks or months of homeschooling where you’re establishing a new norm. It's the process that your family will go through if you transition from a brick-and-mortar school environment to a home one. Deschooling is what happens when kids and parents face the necessary shift in engrained beliefs of what school “should” look like, and how it translates to learning together at home. It may involve working through the sense of loss that leaving a traditional school may bring, as well as facing the realities of being responsible for your child's education. You may have been home with your kids all summer but you'll still need to work through the mental load of not returning to school as planned. If this is your first Fall as homeschoolers, you’re likely trying to stay afloat while making sense of government regulations and learning outcomes as well as expectations of your school board, while grappling with curriculum choices, learning materials and planning models! You may be worried about establishing a routine, setting up extra-curriculars, and trying to find like-minded friends (while possibly dealing with anti-homeschool naysayers on the side). It’s a lot. A LOT! Spoiler alert: Homeschooling is not “school at home” -- we can never recreate a school environment in our homes that will replicate the exact school we have left. For some, this will be a relief, for others it will entail a type of grieving period as students and parents mourn the loss of that to which they were accustomed. The deschooling process will be different for every family, and you may choose to embrace it or not. It’s important to note that we refer to “family” deschooling, because it’s not just children that need to be deschooled, but parents as well. It's an adjustment period for everyone. After attending a traditional school for any amount of time, the general rule of thumb is that students should take approximately one month to deschool for every full year of traditional school that was attended. With this in mind, a student who completed grades K-2 in a school, will likely find the first three months of homeschooling to be challenging. Parents may also feel like they are in uncharted waters. You are, but it's okay! When we step outside of the mainstream, we may find ourselves working really hard to prove that what we're doing works and is a good choice for our family. Try to find at least one other homeschooling parent to talk to, if you feel you need support. There are so many of us out there and we LOVE to talk about homeschooling! So, What IS Deschooling? Deschooling is the temporary act of easing into a homeschool environment by taking a break from rigorous academics to establish routine, enjoy the ebb and flow of being home together, and learn some of the “softer” skills that encompass working together all day. It creates space between the brick and mortar school experience and what your homeschool will eventually look like once established. This distance is an important part of long-term homeschooling as it creates the disconnect which will remove the direct comparisons between traditional school and homeschool so that homeschooling doesn't become a school-at-home, and so that your family retains the benefits, flexibility, and individual-focused elements of homeschooling. Even if you intend to follow a highly academic homeschooling routine, deschooling can be a good place to start. Deschooling doesn’t mean that your kids aren’t learning - it means that they're engaging in unstructured learning time which can sometimes feel like they're not learning. Use this initial deschooling time to observe your child(ren) as they interact with materials to see where the learning is happening. Children are always learning, yet our perception of learning may need to broaden and shift. We're conditioned from traditional schools to have a very narrow viewpoint of what actually constitutes learning, so you may need to watch your children in-action in order to start recognizing learning when you see it. Deschooling means naturally engaging in a type of learning not valued in traditional schools (ex. bird watching, creating with Lego) and ramping up to a full schedule later. Depending on the age of your child, it may mean starting by teaching math by cooking and baking instead of sitting at the table doing workbooks. It’s about bonding with your kids by reading aloud, and talking about what you’ve read instead of filling in a worksheet or writing a 5-paragraph essay about it. It’s about coming to the realization that Physical Education can be spent running outside at the community park, swimming in the neighbourhood pool, or going on a nature walk. Deschooling is figuring out how to learn and what learning can look like when not within the walls of a school. For many, deschooling is also a time to grieve. It’s a period of time where you (or your kids) are tuned-in to the sense of loss - friendships, support groups, structure, routine - that is felt upon leaving traditional school. For parents, it can mean mourning the loss of school community - connecting with other parents during drop off and pick-up routines, chatting with teachers at the school, and being involved in the Parent Council. It can mean worrying about the loss of group classes, school pageants and assemblies, and teacher role models that will no longer be involved. It's the realization that you suddenly have to figure out how to socialize when you don't know any other homeschoolers, and all of your kids' friends are in school. For kids who have been pulled out of school, it will mean not seeing their friends every day and not going to a building where they had a “homeroom” and a teacher who cared for them. It might mean missing out on learning the routines and norms of school along with their lessons. It can take a while to accept the loss of school, and to fully embrace the new opportunities that homeschooling affords. However, through the deschooling process, you may come to realize that you can likely do projects, classes, and field trips when other kids are in school and the world is less busy. You can focus on topics of interest and go down rabbit-holes of in-depth learning. You'll probably find that your kids have the energy to engage in extracurricular activities after supper and not have to worry about waking up early to be at school the following day. While deschooling, you may discover that homeschooling allows more family time. Allow your family some grace by exploring new ways to learn, and make this time memorable for all of you. There’s no race -- taking it slowly at the beginning will pay off in the long run because you’ll have established relationships and routines that make learning at home easier. If you start homeschooling on day one with a detailed, timed, 8-hour schedule, your kids might hate you before the first week is over. Instead, allow some time to deschool and start slowly. Your kids will remember this as a positive time instead of a negative one, and you’ll be able to get a grip on what your child needs to learn and how you’re going to address those needs. Is Deschooling for Everyone? You know your family, yourself, and the demands on your time best. If a lack of structure or total departure from routine will be too much for your kids or yourself, or is not possible given your time constraints, then deschooling may not be the best option for you. That's totally fair! Go with what will work best for your unique situation. If you decide not to deschool, remember that the big feelings and emotions (especially for newly homeschooled kids that are transitioning from a brick-and-mortar school), will likely still be present, so you'll want to be aware of the emotional overload that can take place, and find ways to navigate these feelings. If creating a new routine and establishing structured homeschool expectations is your priority, then set up your new learning routines in a way that makes sense for your child and your family! How Do I Start Deschooling? Here are a few suggestions for those first few weeks: Try starting with a “passion project” on a topic that your child chooses. Ask your child to make a list of topics that they’d like to learn about, and select one to research. Read about the topic, watch videos, and do research together. Take it one step further by presenting the information in a new way (write a story, create a cartoon, make a poster, video or podcast) to share with others. Let your child take a leadership role and take ownership of their learning. Act as a facilitator who helps organize materials for the project, asks questions, and makes suggestions to develop deeper learning. Play games together - it’s amazing how many math skills are involved in playing Monopoly or Yahtzee! A few of our families' favourite math games are: Blokus, Chess, Prime Climb and Cribbage. Start or end each day with a read-aloud. No matter what age, studies show that reading aloud to your kids is beneficial. Audiobooks count, too, and may give you time to do something else while your kids are occupied. If you need book suggestions, check out these booklists or go wander around your local library and let your kids choose books to read together. Cook/Bake together. Learn to read recipes, measure, and let your child choose what to make. Practice handwriting skills by creating menus, and art skills by decorating. Let them play. Consider strewing art supplies, knitting needles, dress-up clothes, or other items around the house for kids to “find” and use. Young children learn best through play and in play-rich environments. Get outside together! Explore areas that you wouldn’t normally visit, even in winter. Use a magnifying glass, binoculars, nature journal, and/or sketchbook. For more information and free teaching materials about Nature Journaling, check out John Muir Laws ' website. His free download "How to Teach Nature Journaling " is especially great! Another fantastic resource is the 1000 Hours Outside website, which has monthly reading suggestions and hike ideas. Carve out some Me-Time. Being at home all day with your children can be challenging in its own right, but homeschooling brings it to a new level! Be sure to build some self-care into your routine during the decschooling process in order to have those anchors in place for the future. Consider doing 20 minutes of Yoga With Adriene on YouTube, do some journaling, or schedule time for a run or walk without your kids at some point in your day. Taking care of your own mental and physical health will allow you to be fully engaged with your kids and keep your stress levels regulated! Create a Rainy Day Plan! No matter how much you prepare, you'll inevitably need a multitude of activities for when things go awry! To learn how to create a useful set of backup plans, click here . Above all, when you start homeschooling, be aware of your preconceived notions of what school “should” be and allow your family the necessary time to deschool. Let go of some of those school-based expectations, and teach your children (and remind yourself) that learning can happen in a multitude of ways and environments, and can be enjoyable. Remember that you may need to start out slow and be extra flexible when learning how to learn together.

Explore our curated collection of top-quality homeschool resources and materials. We've narrowed down our favourites based on content accuracy, expert authorship, and research-based educational pedagogy to provide you with a starting point when looking for quality homeschool curricula for your family. Novel Studies, Literature & Booklists This thoughtfully chosen selection of Novel Studies, Literature, and Booklists will help you find the best materials to enrich your family’s reading journey and support quality literature-based curricula. We have carefully selected our favourites based on content accuracy, expert authorship, and research-supported educational practices. With these resources, you can confidently guide your child's literary development and foster a lifelong love of reading. Novel Studies Booklists Selection Tools Teaching Reading eBooks & Read-Aloud Stories Audiobooks Writing Programs Novel Studies and Literature (Listed Alphabetically) Bravewriter Literature Singles Although the Bravewriter programs are primarily focused on writing development, they are also heavily based on literature. Families who are looking for a novel-study may want to consult the Bravewriter list of suggested books for various age groups. Exploring the World Through Story Exploring the World Through Story offers a captivating and innovative secular world literature curriculum. This curriculum employs techniques taught in the highly recognized writing methodology books, The Writing Revolution (Hochman), as well as The Writing Rope (Sedita) in a way that’s engaging for students and parents alike. By intertwining world literature with writing skills, literary analysis, memory work, and word study, the program not only develops students' reading comprehension and writing skills, but also fosters cross-cultural awareness. The carefully curated selection of stories from diverse backgrounds opens up new horizons and encourages global citizenship, making it an enriching educational experience that goes beyond traditional literature studies. For a detailed parent review, click here . Lit and More Lit and More by Gina Kortuem offers a variety of engaging and comprehensive resources for English Language Arts educators. The store includes lesson plans, activities, and assessments designed to enhance literature and language instruction for middle and high school students. These resources are crafted to support effective teaching and make ELA content more accessible and enjoyable for students. LitHouse Learning Lit House Learning impresses with its innovative and dynamic curriculum that redefines novel studies. Through a combination of activities supported pedagogically through The Writing Revolution (Hochman) method, the program provides an array of novels as well as history sources to work from. With its engaging approach, Lit House Learning offers a refreshing and effective way to engage with literature while honing essential writing skills. Moore English Kristi Moore provides a collection of novel studies, literary criticism and abridged text resources for middle and high school teachers and students. Prestwick House Literature Guides Huge selection of literature resources for novel, film, grammar, writing, and vocabulary study. Check out their free teacher page, as well as their blog. S J Brull This site offers a diverse range of novel study units specifically designed for secondary English Language Arts (ELA) educators. These materials include detailed lesson plans, engaging activities, and thorough assessments aimed at enhancing the learning experience for middle and high school students. The resources are crafted to support effective ELA instruction, providing valuable tools for educators. Explore fresh ideas to make literature more accessible and enjoyable for students, with a focus on innovative teaching methods. It also features a blog with tips and insights to support ELA educators in enhancing their instructional practices. Booklists (Lists of books for various readers) (Listed Alphabetically) 49th Kids The 49th Kids website is a comprehensive online resource featuring thousands of Canadian-authored children's and young adult books. The website offers curated lists categorized by age and genre, making it easy to find appropriate reading material. It also includes resources for teachers, book lists for specific themes, and updates on new releases. With its focus on Canadian literature, 49th Kids supports literacy and promotes diverse voices in children's and YA literature. We especially recommend signing up for their booklist and resource materials about Residential Schools . Bravewriter Book Lists Although the Bravewriter programs are primarily focused on writing development, they are also heavily literature based. Families who are looking for suggested books to read may want to consult the Bravewriter list (organized by age groups). Library of Congresss Read.gov, hosted by the Library of Congress, offers a wealth of resources to promote reading and literacy across all age groups. It features classic books available for online reading, reading lists, and educational resources tailored for kids, teens, and adults. The site also highlights literacy awards, author webcasts, and special projects like "Books That Shaped America." Through its extensive collection and engaging content, Read.gov aims to inspire a love for reading and lifelong learning. Literacy with Lesley Retired teacher Lesley Roessing has a huge selection of diverse book suggestions for students in grades 4-12 and provides a wealth of information about teaching Language Arts. She 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. Mensa for Kids Excellence in Reading Lists The Excellence in Reading program by Mensa for Kids provides curated book lists organized by age and reading level to encourage strong, independent reading habits. The lists focus largely on classic and well-known titles and offer a structured way for students to track reading progress and work toward a completion goal. While these lists have not been updated in recent years, they remain a solid starting point and a reasonably well-curated collection of literature. We recommend that parents research individual titles for age suitability, content, and themes, and supplement the lists with newer, more modern books to better reflect current perspectives. The Book Whisperer - Donalyn Miller The Book Whisperer website, created by Donalyn Miller, provides resources and insights for fostering a love of reading in students. Miller, a renowned educator and author, shares strategies and tools for creating engaging reading communities. We highly recommend her books, "The Book Whisperer" and "Reading in the Wild ," which offer practical advice for encouraging independent reading and developing lifelong reading habits. The site is an excellent resource for parents and educators seeking to inspire children to become passionate readers. Follow her on Instagram @donalynm The Book Wrangler This children's librarian has one of the best collections of book suggestions for students! He has a fantastic set of printables called "What to Read Next" and also provides a huge selection of FREE literacy materials on his linktree account. In addition, he sells novel studies and literacy materials on his Teachers Pay Teachers page or follow him on Instagram. The Canadian Children's Book Centre This is an online resource providing free access to a diverse collection of Canadian children's fiction and literature. It features a wide array of books categorized by age group, genre, and themes, making it easy for parents, educators, and children to find suitable reading material. The platform aims to promote literacy and a love of reading by offering high-quality, culturally relevant books. Additionally, it includes resources for educators and parents to enhance the reading experience. Notable book banks to review include the "Accessible Books Bank, " "Best Books Book Bank, " and a helpful "How to Choose a Book " guide. These can be found under the "Find Books " heading in the menu. The Online Literature Library This website offers a comprehensive searchable database collection of classic literature, including works by renowned authors such as Shakespeare, Dickens, and Austen. The site is user-friendly, allowing readers to easily navigate and access a wide range of texts for free. Each author's page includes biographical information and a complete list of their works, providing valuable context for readers. This resource is excellent for students, educators, and literature enthusiasts seeking to explore classic literature online. Where to Find Diverse Books The "Where to Find Diverse Books" section on the We Need Diverse Books website offers a comprehensive list of resources for discovering diverse literature. It includes links to curated booklists, book subscription services, and bookstores that specialize in diverse books. The page also highlights organizations and initiatives that promote diversity in children's and young adult literature. This makes it an invaluable resource for educators, parents, and readers looking to expand their access to inclusive and representative books. Tools for Selecting High-Quality Books (Listed Alphabetically) American Indians in Children's Literature The website "American Indians in Children's Literature" provides critical insights into how Native American cultures are represented in children's literature. The website features a valuable tool that enables users to evaluate a book by title and author to identify potential biases and inaccuracies, thereby enhancing understanding of the subject matter and highlighting key elements to consider when seeking accurate information in children's literature. The blog explores the accuracy and impact of these representations, examining both positive and negative portrayals. In particular, it includes detailed analyses of works by various authors, including Debbie Bertram, focusing on how their books address or misrepresent Native American themes and characters. Through these analyses, the blog aims to promote a more respectful and accurate understanding of Native cultures in children's literature. Booklists Novel Studies Selection Tools Up