resources for homeschool workshop
The purpose of this page is to provide the various things to think about that I also recommend in this workshop. I make all recommendations in good faith, knowing that when I used them, they were suitable for my family and our parameters, but resources change and are always subject to the parent’s discernment. Like all recommendations: websites, books and resources, parents are always the final authority on what is appropriate for their children.
I wish you JOY.
For all areas of study, a reasonably recent set of encyclopedias is essential.
Take advantage of the Research and Study guides provided in encyclopedias. We like World Book products, they are readable, visually appealing and well suited to multi-age learning.
For language, reading and writing:
We use an etymological dictionary, which gives a brief description of the root word and what language it is derived from. The one we use is made by World Book, but there are many good dictionaries on the market.
Some things to look for are: usage guides for grammar, spelling, punctuation, capitalization, etc. Many good dictionaries will have writing guides that provide information on skills such as developing an essay outline, a resume, a business letter and other basic adult writing skills.
Another element that we should look for in a good quality dictionary is entries that explain the meaning and purpose of suffixes and prefixes. Ideally, they are listed alphabetically in the body of the dictionary entries. It is useful to have a couple of inexpensive paperback dictionaries and thesauruses around the house for quick and easy references as well to increase vocabulary and improve writing skills.
In Ruth Beechik's small book, The Three R's, two of the sections are devoted to the acquisition of language. These are valuable for understanding the natural order of "what comes next" when learning language. These books will save time and money as they cut to the heart of what education is.
Homeschooling, simplified: Dictation
by Bonnie Landry, outlines principals of learning all language arts in a simple and short daily lesson. This book lays the foundation for writing and exceptional literacy. The other books in this series are: Homeschooling, simplified: chocolate chip math, what matters most, writing with children, how to read a book so it becomes the curriculum AND great books to study Canadian history.
The Elements of Style by Strunk and White
Favorite Poems Old and New selected by Helen Ferris
The Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW)
Grammar and usage "cheat sheets” (pinterest, teachers stores)
Linguistic Development Through Poetry Memorization by Andrew Pudewa
The Harp and Laurel Wreath by Laura M. Berquist
The Poet’s Eye by Arthur Alexander
The Three R's by Ruth Beechik
The Five Love Languages of Children by Gary Chapman
World Book Encyclopedia
My website and blog: www.bonnielandry.ca
My Pinterest page, board for homeschool helps
BOOK GUIDES:
Several books have been written to help parents choose good literature for their children. These are few that are classics in the homeschool libraries.
Let the Authors Speak by Carolyn Hatcher: a chronological list of books to study world history
Honey for a Child's Heart by Gladys Hunt
Books Children Love by Elizabeth Wilson
Great Books to Study Canadian History by Bonnie Landry: a chronological list of books to study Canadian history
A Landscape With Dragons by Michael O’Brien: helps parents discern appropriate literature for children.
Reading Your Way Through History
HISTORY, GEOGRAPHY AND SCIENCES:
Because these three areas so readily overlap in the context of family learning, I have put the resource together in one section.
Encyclopedias are almost always the first point of reference.
Eyewitness Books have great historical and science series, and are readily available from local libraries and used book stores. The are excellent models for paragraph writing. They work really well for multi-age teaching as they are so visually appealing for younger children.
Wall maps of the world, of Canada, of the local area and any historical maps of eras of study create an environment of natural geography education in everything we do. A globe should also always be used in conjunction with maps to provide realistic perspective of the world.
Timelines are an essential for providing a visual reference point. This is my ultimate favourite. A detailed timeline should be employed. Simple timelines can be purchased or made that outline basic historical periods, as well a the historical periods of a particular era. Encyclopedias provide timelines for every historical period as well as world history that can be reproduced to put up on the wall.
USE YOUR ENCYCLOPEDIAS EVERY DAY!
QUESTIONS TO ASK (and things to look up) AND THINGS TO THINK ABOUT WHEN READING ALOUD:
Where is this story happening?
Do the characters live near each other?
Where are their grandparents from, do you think?
Where do they get water?
How do they wash?
What kind of clothes do they wear?
Do they have weapons?
Do they have a garden?
What do they want (each character)?
What is preventing them from getting the thing they want?
What do you think he’ll do?
Is he frightened, happy, wondering?
How far is the story happening from us?
How long ago?
How did the people get from one place to another?
How did they cook their food?
What kind of food did they eat?
Why do you think they did that?
Why are they behaving that way?
Who is the story about?
time period or setting
physical geography or setting
influential people/contemporaries of characters in time period
religious thought
political thought
social influences
transportation
communication
diet and food preparation
agriculture
technology and scientific discoveries
recreation
family life
Compare and contrast!
Discuss these things, how they are different now and how they influenced our lives today.
ALSO LOOK FOR:
new vocabulary words...look them up!
opportunities for science study
opportunities to use map, globe and atlas skills
geographical notes, e.g. surrounding oceans and bodies of water, neighbouring countries and continents, islands, names and understanding of land and water masses, mountain ranges, plaines, continental shelf, inlets, bays and other geographical terms
descriptive paragraphs or sentences that highlight the author's style
poetry that would compliment the novel or historical period
HOME EDUCATION MISCELLANY:
Dinah Zike's Big Book of Books
record keeping
transcripts, local requirements, post secondary expectations
pre reading activities
MASTERY: introduce, explore, practice, cue, back away, it is how you train yourself, good habits, virtue
Sink Reflections by Marla Cilley
The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo
developing a family purpose statement, the art of simple
CONSIDERATIONS FOR YOUR LIVING SPACE:
Do not underestimate the power of order~
Time management (use a timer, focus on one job…)
Space management
high shelf or cupboard space to store basics
efficient use of space, table space, door space,
cupboard doors, inside and out
Home Education Philosophy and Family Life
School Proof by Mary Pride
The Three R's by Ruth Beechik
How Children Learn by John Holt (or anything else he's written)
Homeschooling for Excellence by Micki and David Colfax
Hold Onto Your Kids by Gordon Neufeld
Familiaris Consortio by Pope John Paul II
I have a homeschool workshop that I’ve put up for free now on youtube. Here’s the link, and here’s the resource page and link that goes with it.