Homeschooling: Where to Start?

I posted earlier about some of the different philosophies of homeschooling. Here are some great sites for resources and ideas to begin your research if you are considering these different schools of thought:


The Latin Centered Curriculum
If you are interested in learning more about the Latin-centered style of homeschooling, there are many articles as well as sample pages from Dr. Campbell's book on the subject. I am currently enjoying this book because the key principle discussed--multum non multa, or 'quality not quantity. Those who know me well know that I have an affinity for the classics, so the emphasis on Latin is also appealing to me.

The Well-Trained Mind Forum
This is a forum of homeschoolers and afterschoolers some, but not all, of whom espouse to the classical philosophy. The forum was created by Susan Wise Bauer, author of The Well-Trained Mind (this link is for the most recent edition due out in Feb.) as well as other books including the history series, The Story of the World. Before officially beginning to homeschool, I spent many hours on the K-8 Curriculum Board reading reviews of materials. It offers a wealth of information.

Ambleside Online
This is a site with schedules and booklists for those wishing to follow the Charlotte Mason philosophy. If you are interested in the Charlotte Mason philosophy (nature study, short lessons, living books), this is a gem of a site. It lays everything out for you--and best of all the plans are free.

Some great books on the Charlotte Mason philosophy:

For the Children's Sake by Susan Schaeffer Macaulay (daughter of Francis Schaeffer)
A Charlotte Mason Education by Catherine Levison
A Charlotte Mason Companion by Karen Andreola

My Montessori Journey
This blog is written by a Montessori teacher. She is so creative in preparing materials for her class. Montessori believed in igniting the spark for a child and allowing him the opportunity to explore and discover on his own. This method (especially in math) is particularly beneficial for the kinesthetic and visual learner. This blog will give you great ideas for incorporating Montessori ideas into your day.

Some great books about the Montessori method:

Teaching Montessori in the Home: The Preschool Years by Elizabeth Hainstock
Basic Montessori by David Gettman
Montessori Play and Learn by Leslie Britton