Having older kids, our homeschooling needs really change as they grow. I definitely have to push my comfort zone for resources to help keep up with them on their journey. This year, that’s meant switching them over into online courses to meet all of their needs, keep up with their studies, and give me the time I need to work. Along with the investment in their needed tech, we’re setting up a designated study area that I’ll be sharing when it’s finished.
Below you’ll find a list of items of must haves recommended by myself and the ambassadors to help you keep up:
1. student planners
Each of our guys have their own personal planners to keep on top of their daily assignments, due dates, sports/practices, and testing dates.
2. lesson planner
Any seasoned homeschooler knows that success begins with making good plans. Ambassador Amy and her husband use Asana to plan out their homeschool year and help them stay on track, while Tricia uses the new Teacher Lesson Planner by Erin Condren.
3. library card
If you’re looking for a book, video or other education resource, its always worth checking with your local library first.
4. FreeTime Unlimited
Ambassador Amy loves the convenience of having immediate access to so many children’s ebooks, apps, etc. for one low price each month. She also loves the parental controls included with FreeTime Unlimited and that she can search for things by age group.
5. KALLAX Cubes
Ambassadors Tricia and Amy both use these modular cubes from IKEA to help them keep curriculum and supplies organized
6. Headphones
Headphones are a must if you’re using online programs, videos or apps in your homeschool program and you have multiple children. Ambassador Amy recommends these headphones if your looking for quality at an affordable price.
7. Khan Academy
Any time we have advanced mathematics questions, we search Khan Academy first. They write through the answers and explain everything like a teacher writing on a board, only it’s directly on the screen. Plus, the guys love programming. So they create, network, and share projects and games there.
8. Scratch
This FREE program was developed by MIT to help young people learn coding. Ambassador Amy uses this program with her boys ages 6 and 9 and they LOVE it! She finds their free project cards especially helpful in incorporating Scratch into their daily lessons.
9. 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens
We’re planning to work through the book this fall. The original book has had a huge influence on our lives as a couple and we can’t wait to share the teen version with our guys!
10. Duolingo
Our oldest starts Spanish this fall, and they’ve already used this really great app for practice. It sends reminders, has matching games, and practice conversations.
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