More and more parents are turning to homeschooling as an alternative to traditional education. With the right homeschooling resources, they can provide their children with a quality learning experience that rivals any classroom. In this blog post, we’ll discuss some of the best educational resources available for homeschooling parents. These resources can help them create effective lesson plans, access quality learning materials, and offer a well-rounded education to their children.
Online Learning Platforms
Online learning platforms have become indispensable in the homeschooling community. These platforms offer a variety of courses, from math and science to art and music. Some of the most popular ones include:
- Khan Academy: Provides free courses in a wide range of subjects. Known for its comprehensive math curriculum, it also offers history, science, and more.
- Coursera: Offers online courses from top universities. Their catalog includes subjects like business, computer science, and humanities.
- ABCmouse: Tailored for younger children, this platform makes learning fun with interactive lessons in reading, math, and art.
Workbooks and Printable Worksheets
While online platforms are great, sometimes a pen and paper approach is best. Workbooks and printable worksheets can help reinforce lessons and provide hands-on practice. Popular options include:
- Scholastic Teachables: Offers a wide range of printable worksheets for grades PreK-8. Topics include reading, math, science, and social studies.
- Education.com: Houses thousands of printable worksheets covering various subjects like math, reading, and writing for different grade levels.
- Kumon Workbooks: Known for their step-by-step approach to learning, these workbooks cover math and reading for preschool through 6th grade.
Educational Apps
For a more interactive learning experience, educational apps can be enormously beneficial. Some apps to consider are:
- Duolingo: A fun, gamified way to learn a new language. Suitable for older children, it covers multiple languages from Spanish to Japanese.
- BrainPOP:
- Khan Academy Kids: A free, educational app designed for young learners (ages 2–8) that covers literacy, math, and emotional development.
Community Resources
Community resources can offer valuable support for homeschooling parents. Local libraries, museums, and community centers often have educational programs, resources, and events.
- Local Libraries: Provide free access to books, educational programs, and sometimes even online learning resources.
- Museums: Many museums offer homeschooling programs and special tours designed to enhance learning in areas like science, history, and art.
- Community Centers: Often host educational and extracurricular activities such as art classes, science clubs, and language lessons.
Statistics on Homeschooling
Homeschooling has seen a significant rise in popularity over the past few years. According to a report from NCES (National Center for Education Statistics), the number of homeschooled students in the United States increased from 850,000 in 1999 to over 1.7 million in 2016. Given this growth, it’s clear that homeschooling is becoming a major part of America’s educational landscape.
| Year | Number of Homeschooled Students |
|---|---|
| 1999 | 850,000 |
| 2007 | 1.5 million |
| 2016 | 1.7 million |
Social Interaction and Extracurricular Activities
One common concern among homeschooling parents is the lack of social interaction for their children. Numerous resources and activities can help bridge this gap:
- Homeschool Co-ops: Groups of homeschooling families who meet regularly for group learning activities and socialization.
- Sports Teams: Many communities offer youth sports leagues that provide physical activity and social interaction.
- Scouting Programs: Programs like the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts offer a range of activities that build skills and foster friendships.
Key Takeaways
- There are many excellent homeschooling resources available online such as Khan Academy, Coursera, and ABCmouse.
- Printable worksheets from sources like Scholastic Teachables and Education.com can enhance hands-on learning.
- Educational apps like Duolingo, BrainPOP, and Khan Academy Kids make learning interactive and fun.
- Community resources like local libraries, museums, and community centers offer valuable educational programs.
- Homeschooling has grown significantly in popularity, with statistics showing a rise from 850,000 homeschooled students in 1999 to 1.7 million in 2016.
FAQs
1. What are the best online platforms for homeschooling?
Some of the best online platforms for homeschooling include Khan Academy, Coursera, and ABCmouse.
2. Are there printable worksheets available for homeschooling?
Yes, websites like Scholastic Teachables and Education.com provide a wide variety of printable worksheets for different grade levels and subjects.
3. What are the recommended educational apps for homeschooling?
Recommended educational apps for homeschooling include Duolingo, BrainPOP, and Khan Academy Kids.
4. How can homeschooling parents ensure children get social interaction?
Parents can ensure social interaction by joining homeschool co-ops, enrolling children in local sports teams, and participating in scouting programs.
5. How many students are homeschooled in the United States?
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, there were over 1.7 million homeschooled students in the United States in 2016.