PRESCHOOL

gets it’s own page. If you’re thinking of homeschooling preschool,
start here with my favorite preschool resources.

EVERYONE ELSE
Getting Started Homeschooling (HSLDA.org pages)

Audio Download
Nurturing Competent Communicators – Audio Download ($3) by Andrew Pudewa, founder of Institute for Excellence in Writing. Discusses the importance of 1) reading aloud and 2) memorizing poetry. Excellent. Highly recommended.

My Favorite Blogs
Simple Homeschool – I love the approach of most of the ladies who write here. (Not all write from a Christian perspective.)
Pioneer Woman – Heather Sanders encourages good discussion. I like hearing from those farther along than I am.
Owlhaven.net – Mary Ostyn does a great job of integrating homeschool into busy family life. Her ideas are very workable.
A Holy Experience – Ann Voskamp writes beautifully, inspires with photos, and keeps her eyes on the cross.
I Take Joy – motherhood and homeschooling writing from Sally Clarkson.

Reading Lists
Five in a Row – simple “curriculum” based on classic picture books – the best in literature for young children
Sonlight – reading curriculum with great book ideas

Dads
Todd Wilson, “The Familyman,” writes an encouraging blog for dads and posts hilarious homeschooling cartoons on his Facebook page.

Recommended Reading for Parents

• The Read-Aloud Handbook and the author’s site have lots of research on reading. I read this book every few years because it’s so inspirational!
• Nurturing Competent Communicators – Audio Download ($3) by Andrew Pudewa, founder of Institute for Excellence in Writing. Discusses the importance of 1) reading aloud and 2) memorizing poetry. Excellent. Highly recommend.
• Honey for a Child’s Heart – lists of the best in children’s literature.

• A Love that Multiplies by the Duggars – lots of practical ideas for training little ones in obedience and character. Also, the Bible, especially Psalms, Proverbs, and the New Testament.
• Endangered Minds by Jane Healy and Boys Adrift by Leonard Sax – the effects of TV (Healy) and video games (Sax) on our children’s brains.
• Simplicity Parenting by Kim Jon Payne (not from a Christian worldview) – great ideas on creating a slower, richer life with children.
• The Seven O’Clock Bedtime by Inda Schaenen or Mitten Strings for God – both discuss simplifying and slowing down children’s routines. Practical ideas. Neither are from a Christian perspective, but I learned from both of them.
• Bringing Up Bebe - very random book, and you’ll need to toss some out, but if you feel like your kids are running your home instead of you, I’d recommend this one. I found the French approach to parental authority, routine, healthy eating, and teaching children to wait extremely practical. I wish I would have read it 8 years ago.

Laws for Your State
HSLDA.org state map (you might have to create a username to login). Click on your state, then “Legal Analysis”.