It’s that time of year again – back-to-school time. And for many parents it’s a time to start thinking of all the various schooling options available, including homeschooling. 

In recent weeks, I have personally spoken to some of you brave souls who have decided to embark on this adventure of becoming both caregiver and teacher. As a homeschooling veteran (yes, I took two children from first grade to graduation day), I love to field questions, offer advice and most of all be a source of encouragement to new homeschoolers.

My number one piece of advice – have fun! And second – read, read, read. Teach your children how to read and read well. A person can learn anything by reading if they have good comprehension skills.  If you have decided to homeschool and have questions, please visit me at the Anythink Wright Farms branch anytime – I’d love to meet you. But if you can’t make it in, here are a few of my favorite things (in regards to homeschooling) that you can find at Anythink:

102 Top Picks for Homeschool Curriculum by Cathy Duffy

Cathy has reviewed and critiqued the vast majority of homeschooling curriculums out there so you don’t have to.

The Well-Educated Mind: A Guide to the Classical Education You Never Had by Susan Wise Bauer

Also, check out The Well-Trained Mind, a guide to a classical education at home. 

How to Read Slowly: Reading for Comprehension by James W. Sire 

Again, I can’t emphasize enough the importance of good reading comprehension.

Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons by Siegfried Engelman

This was the curriculum I used to teach my son to read at age 5 and it worked well. In just 15 minutes a day he was reading before we reached the 100th lesson. This curriculum is unique in teaching that it's more beneficial to know a letter's sound before the letter's name.

Bob Books by Bobby Lynn Maslen

For little ones who just started reading and are still getting the basics down. These little books are confidence builders for any new reader.

A History of US by Joy Hakim

In addition to reading great historical fiction, this is my top pick for teaching U.S. history in the elementary grades.

Any book by Ingri D’Aulaire 

These picture books are nothing short of beautiful! My personal favorite is D’Aulaires’ Book of Greek Myths.

Click here for even more back-to-school resources available at Anythink. 

Click here for an overview of homework databases for students.