Homechooling - Good Websites/Programs

I'm not quite sure what type of information you need. Are you looking for general information about home learning in California? You can find information on laws relating to homeschooling, support groups, differing types of home education, stories from the trenches, etc. at the following sites:

http://homeschooling.gomilpitas.com/
http://www.homefires.com/
http://www.besthomeschooling.org/

There are 3 statewide home education groups. They are HomeSchool Education Association of California (HSC), California Homeschool Network (CHN), and Christian Home Educator's Association of California (CHEA). Each one can provide information about support groups in your specific area.

I've been educating my younger sons for the last 7 years. After passing the CHSPE in June, my 16 yo is now a full time student at the local junior college. The way the boys have learned has changed over time, sometimes structured, sometimes not. It depends on what and how they are learning at that particular time. I love that we've been able to tailor their learning to each one as an individual, rather than study a specific subject because they are a certain age, putting off what might truly interest them until it is recommended in state standards.

check out www.k12.com. When kindergarten comes around, there are public charter schools that use this program, and you homeschool with the support of the school system: www.caliva.org

Full disclosure here: I am the illustrator of the science and math labs at www.topscience.org. Having made that admission, the hands-on-using-simple-things activities we produce are extremely popular with home schoolers, and we have hundreds of letters from happy users.

Check out the 4 dozen free sample activities we offer online. I'll bet your kids will be thrilled.

It really depends on what age/grade you are looking for and what type of education you want to give your kids. There are simply thousands of resources out there for all different types of educational philosophies. A good place to start though is deciding what type of philosophy you want to follow.
Also look for local support groups. Here in the DFW area there are hundreds of small groups and a few larger ones.

http://www.texashomeeducators.com/
http://www.besthomeschooling.org/

-J. White

starfall.com is pretty good. That's what I'm using for teaching my kids to read. So far, it seems to be working pretty good. And it's free!

I love having my kis around and teaching them everday things along with school. I have done different things thru the years. There are many websites for programs and books. Bob Jones, Saxon, Classical education, Carole Joy Seid, A Beka Books, Home School Legal Defense Association and many more. Some years I put my children in classes outside the home some not. My last is in high school at home now. I found the classical approach to be best. Though my last does not like to read as much but reading to them is always good even in high school. I did have them in a state program for many years when small then when I decided iwas going to do this thru high school I found other ways. It is so beneficial and I see the difference in their respect and confidence from others.

First off, I was home-schooled and LOVED it. So, bravo!! Your kids may act like they dislike it now, but when they're older they will say, "THANKS MOM!" I have better english skills then all my friends. Also, I can spell!! Never knew how rare that was until college. LOL.

Anyways, my son is 3, so I'm starting to think about it... I haven't done any real research yet, but my friend raves about a computer curriculum taught by Bob Jone University. Also, when I was young I remember going to MACHE conventions. It's just a HUGE homeschooler get-together. Not sure what area you're in, but if you're in MN or western WI you may want to check it out.

http://mache.org/