Resources

California Homeschool Organizations

There are three statewide organizations: California Homeschool Network (CHN), Christian Home Educators of California (CHEA), and Homeschool Association of California (HSC)—consider joining and supporting one! CHN and HSC are inclusive organizations serving all homeschoolers regardless of faith, and CHEA is a Christian organization. I have worked with the leadership of all three organizations, and appreciate what they do for the homeschooling community. Some people join more than one group because they also see the value in each one. These organizations have been around a long time, and their record for helping homeschooling is outstanding. During the 2008 legal crisis, they banded together as a joint group to defend homeschooling in California!

Websites and Groups

A to Z Home's Cool. A to Z Home's Cool has lots of general homeschooling information no matter which state you live in, and it is one of the biggest and busiest homeschooling websites. It is owned by homeschooler Ann Zeise.

Adventure Schooling. Travel and learn as a family with help from the Severi Family and their Adventure Schooling field trip group.

CaliforniaHS Yahoo E-list and CA-Homeschooling-HSC. These two elists are the largest in California and thousands of homeschoolers belong and help each other learn about homeschooling.

Cedar Life Academy Homeschool News on Facebook. Karen Taylor provides homeschooling information and mentoring on Facebook for Cedar Life Academy families and other homeschoolers.

Clickschooling. Get one fun, educational website recommendation a day, from Diane Flynn Keith!

Driver Training. I am sometimes asked which Drivers Ed program I recommend. There are many online programs you might consider or you can also sign up for a local class for your teen. The one I selected for my teen was DriversEd.com

Disneyschooling. Learn about making your visits to Disneyland educational at the same time.

FlyLady. If you're overwhelmed with homeschooling and housekeeping, check out Fly Lady Mentors, and easily get your house organized the way you always dreamed it could be! This isn't just for homeschoolers, but a lot homeschoolers like her information!

Freecycle. What do you need or want to give away? Join your local Freecycle group and help the environment by reusing items instead of adding to the landfill! While not just for homeschoolers, many homeschoolers do Freecycle.

Gifted Homeschoolers Forum.

Homeschool Buyers Co-op.

Homeschool Classifieds Sell and purchase curriculum.

SmartFlix.com How-To DVDs

Support Groups. Here are three sites that maintain lists of support groups in California:

  1. http://homeschooling.gomilpitas.com/weblinks/support.htm
  2. http://www.homefires.com/support/
  3. http://californiahomeschool.net/about/supportGroups.htm

Universal Preschool. The universe is our preschool! If you have a preschooler, learn about homeschooling preschool.

Informative Homeschooling Essays

"15 Common Characteristics of Successful Homeschools: The Magic Is In The Child." By Diane Flynn Keith, Editor of Homefires, Author of Carschooling.

"Living and Learning with Teens." By Michelle Barone, M.A., M.F.T.

"Reading - The Easiest and Best Homeschool Curriculum." By Diane Flynn Keith.

"Save Money with Educator Discounts!" By Diane Flynn Keith.

"Teaching Math: How early can I start?" By Linda C. Burks.

"Teaching Math: Where Do I Begin?" By Linda C. Burks.

"Watching For "Holes" in Your Child's Education." By Diane Flynn Keith.

"How to join a new homeschool group." By Kathleen McKernan.

Catalogs

I recommend only four companies to get you started, so that you aren't overwhelmed. I think you'll find the descriptions of the items they sell to be very helpful, and as you read catalogs, you will start to get a feel for the kind of education you want to give your child. Many of the items they sell can be purchased used, or borrowed from the library. Don't buy a lot, especially when you are just starting. You will soon know what you need to purchase and what you will really use.

Are you a secular homeschooler? Please note: most homeschooling companies are Christian, but they will be helpful for you, and they usually clearly indicate what items have religious content.

  • F.U.N. Books
    F.U.N. Books is an unschooling catalog, with lots of games and books, and descriptions that will help you get ideas. Their print catalog is printed infrequently and is not complete, so read it online rather than ordering a hard copy. I used to think of them as the only secular company, but they are carrying some Christian books now, too. Check them out and be sure to look at their games, since games are a great way to learn in the elementary grades.
  • Rainbow Resource Center
    With well over a thousand pages, this may be the largest homeschooling catalog you'll ever find! They discount their prices, and also give great descriptive reviews, so you'll learn a lot from Rainbow.
  • Sonlight Curriculum
    Sonlight is one of my all time favorite catalogs because I love their book recommendations. While they offer a full curriculum (homeschool in a box), my recommendation is to look at their history and literature selections as well as their other book suggestions, and pick what works for your family, rather than get the entire package. Many of their books are available for free at the library. They are an unusual Christian company in that they usually recommend many secular books, and indicate which ones are Christian. They want their students to have a well rounded education, so they select books other Christian companies might not like, and that makes them an excellent company for secular homeschoolers.
  • Timberdoodle
    A smaller catalog, but it contains a wonderful selection that won't overwhelm you, and they discount their prices. They have some interesting educational items that make great gifts, and as with the other companies on my favorites list, their descriptions are very helpful.
  • The Critical Thinking Co.
    For years, I've recommended just four catalogs for new homeschoolers. I have added an additional catalog to the list for those who want to include critical thinking activities. It's also a good resource for those who are looking for a workbook.

A science catalog may or may not be necessary for you as you start, since the above catalogs offer science items. But, if you think you want a specialized science catalog, there are many companies to consider:
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