Perhaps you've clicked this link and have been following along with me for a while. And you're thinking, wait, Melanie doesn't homeschool. SHE DOES NOW :)
Well, in all actuality my second oldest has been homeschooled for the last 3 years. Although it's really been self-schooled, as she has taken on the learning. I just have managed her schedule and have been blessed to be apart of a wonderful homeschool community with other moms that have taken her in to help teach her different subjects.
But come August, I will be taking my 12 years of classroom experience and staying home to homeschool 3 of my children that are still in the home. And I am so very excited! So here are a list of 10 things that have been essential in our planning, and in my daughter's success in her homeschool journey the past few years. This post contains affiliate links that I earn a small commission off when you click the links from my website.
The first item on my must-have school supply list is a planner! This allows every homeschooling mom the ability to track her children's progress within their lessons for future evaluations that are often a must-do in homeschooling. What I like best about this planner is that it can be used for multiple children!
Another item (or multiple) that I would recommend is books to help YOU as the homeschool parent. How are you going to homeschool? Are you going to look into an online learning community? Research co-op's in your area? Look to join a classical conversations group? Take more of a Charlotte Mason approach? Unschooling? There are so many options. After I taught for 8 years in the public school systems, in both MD and FL, I transitioned to teaching at a classical christian school. I absolutely agree with and love Charlotte Mason's philosophy of education. So you will need some good resource books. These are so great books if you are interest in Classical Christian Education. The Case for Classical Christian Education by Doug Wilson is a great starting place. Classical Me Classical Thee by Rebekah Merkle is a great book to read for teenagers that explains the purpose of classical education to homeschooled students. I love Charlotte Mason's writings and agree with her philosophy of education, so I thought it imperative to include it in my book list here. A Philosophy of Education by Charlotte Mason, Mason argues that education should be as enriching as a well-balanced meal, providing intellectual and moral nourishment to all. Home Education by Charlotte Mason is filled with wisdom and grace from Charlotte Mason's teachings.
Yoto is the audio player that grows with your child, from toddler tunes to tween audiobooks. My daughter has had a Yoto for two years and has enjoyed many classics like C.S. Lewis' The Chronicles of Narnia, Harry Potter, and A Series of Unfortunate Events. There is a wide range of cards to choose from, as well as blank ones that you can make your own audio books!
My children love Thames and Kosmos STEM items! This microscope is a great tool to add to your science kits! Thames and Kosmos is known for creating games and toys that are engaging and educational. My kids spent hours the other day putting together a Mega Cyborg Hand, and they learned so much! Thames & Kosmos has many toys for children of all ages.
As far as curriculum goes, depending on your students' age and academic level, I have a few favorites. Ambleside online has a phenomenal website chock full of resources, booklists, schedules for those that adore Charlotte Mason's principles as such as I do. Here are few of the things we are going to try this year:
