Lapbooking 101. – Learn lapbooking basics.
Methods
Lapbooking – There are tons of ideas, resources, links and even a video about lapbooking, mini-books and shape books. Some resources listed are not free, however, there’s enough free info here to warrant inclusion here!
Reader Lists. Arranged by topic, this is a compilation of literature (stories vs. textbook) that teach math.
How to Fold a File Folder Into a Lapbook. A YouTube video.
Deschooling for Parents, by Sandra Dodd. Homeschooling and unschooling are so completely different from traditional schooling on so many levels. Children (and parents of children) who have spent time in a traditional school setting will do well to get rid of some of the associations they have with learning instilled by the traditional schooling method. This process is called “deschooling” and this article provides an understandable explanation of the process and practical hints to achieve it.
An Old-Fashioned Education – A full curriculum (grades 1-12) using classical literature & resources (almost all available for free online) as its spine. Not only is the curriculum worthwhile, but for those who don’t need a full curriculum, the resources she includes (organized in the left sidebar) are equally valuable.
Ambleside Online – A complete curriculum (K-12) using the Charlotte Mason approach. The curriculum (lesson plans, book lists, etc.) is free and while many of the suggested books can be found online for free (gutenberg.org and archive.org are good places to look), some may have to be requested from your local library or purchased.
CM Series. Not only is the full text here, but summaries of the 6-volume series too.
Revealing Charlotte Mason. “while everyone else wants to focus on her [Charlotte Mason] as the one who has this great insight for parents, children and education there is more to her views and it is that part I will focus on .”
Handbook of Nature Study. This is a blog written by a homeschooling mom who uses the classic book Handbook of Nature Study by Anna Comstock published in the early 1900’s. (You can read the entire text online here.) She issues weekly challenges (the blog author, not Anna Comstock) encouraging you to get out and nature walk. Here’s here explanation of how to use the book.
The Well-Trained Mind. This is the companion site for the well-known book on Classical Education, The Well-Trained Mind by Jessie Wise and Susan Wise Bauer.
Classical Conversations provides “academic programs, events, and services to local homeschool communities, parents, and educators.”
Search the Children’s Picture Book Database If you’d like to find a list of books to go along with a particular topic and your child enjoys picture books, check this site out. Search by keyword, topic or subject name and get a list of books. Lots of books included here!
Expanded Table of Contents for Carol Hurst’s Children’s Literature Site Carol Hurst’s site has a wealth of valuable information about children’s lit. She reviews books and indicates her ratings by stars. She also includes supplemental resources and ideas ideal for literature-based learning. There are author and illustrator biographies, book ideas for unit studies and much more.
1000 Good Books List. A great resource organized by reading level and author.
Free Historical Stock Photos for Emails and Personal Websites There’s a decent selection at this site. A good resource for notebooking!
The Great Books List. For high school or above.
Copywork – This is a very helpful article if you are wondering about copywork, how to do it and its benefits. The Charlotte Mason method is particularly encouraging of copywork.
Alphabet Preschool Activities and Crafts – Printables, worksheets, book recommendations, crafts, etc.
The ABCs of Unschooling – Unschooling or not, this is a FANTASTIC list of activities that any family can use.
Cultivating the unschooling mindset. Don’t let the unschooling title scare you, there are great things to think about here. Maybe this is my own issue, but I can so relate to the description of “learning” just enough to get an “A” on the test and to enjoy the (fleeting) accolades which follow, all the while disliking school and longing to be out. It goes without saying that I really learned nothing except to look to others and the grades on my report card to make me feel good about me. Hopefully my children will be spared from the same fate.
Joyfully Rejoycing – This site has been the most helpful (and thought-provoking!) as I’ve sought to understand unschooling and how it works.
Simply Charlotte Mason – If you’re unfamiliar with the Charlotte Mason approach to homeschooling, this is a great place to start. Those familiar with Charlotte Mason will also appreciate this site’s organized information and helpful resources.
Alphabet (ABC’s) Theme – If you’re teaching the letters, this is a great resource