Homeschool.com

The Top 100 Educational Websites of 2009

Thu, 14 May 2009 20:48:36 PST

Homeschool.com’s Product Testers have done it again!

They have selected the Top 100 Educational Websites of 2009. We asked our 7,000 Product Testers to send us a list of the educational sites that they like the best and use the most often.

Prepare for College with a Proven Homeschool Partner

Thu, 14 May 2009 20:44:49 PST

Is your homeschooler thinking about college? Partnering with a college prep homeschool program and a college counselor will save you from many sleepless nights, especially during a recession.

A reputable college prep homeschool program must have the appropriate services in place to hold your hand and advise you as you chart the unknown waters of the college application process. Many families don’t realize there are steps to take as early as middle school to ensure your child’s college placement. And during these hard economic times, families can benefit from a knowledgeable financial aid and scholarship advisor.

Keep Your Teenager Motivated To Learn

Thu, 14 May 2009 20:40:44 PST

When was the last time you heard your child say "I can't wait to take this course!", "I wish I could keep going--I want to know what's next!", or "I love this program; it's so fun and exciting!"?

Let's face it--motivating teens to learn is no easy feat! With all the vibrant distractions in their daily lives, parents sometimes have to compete for their child's attention and engagement. If you homeschool a teenager, you will surely run into this scenario every once in a while. It's only natural for high school students to become restless with their schooling, even in their chosen learning environment. So how do you motivate teenagers to learn, keeping them engaged, interested, and wanting to learn?

Homeschool.com's Top 15 Educational Gifts of 2008

Thu, 14 May 2009 20:34:00 PST

Looking for a last minute gift idea? A gift that is fun AND educational? Homeschool.com was at it again this year--finding you the best educational gifts this season. These items have been distinguished over other products because of their high quality and educational use, offering lasting value, lasting learning, and of course, lasting fun! These products have been tested by both parents and kids alike and have been chosen for different ages, backgrounds, skills, and interests. We strive to come up with the best possible list each year and we want to thank both the readers, and the educational product companies that shared their suggestions, and products with us to test.

Online Foreign Language Courses Designed Just for Kids

Thu, 14 May 2009 20:29:49 PST

When it comes to learning a new language, children have an extraordinary ability to learn quickly. But children raised in single-language-speaking households really don't have a lot of opportunities to learn new languages.

To give kids the chance to succeed in learning a new language at home, foreign language programs should be designed specifically for students in grades K-12. Adult foreign language products that have been repackaged for children don't work. They can't present material that addresses the way a child’s mind works.

Quality "Star-Studded" Education

Thu, 14 May 2009 20:23:33 PST

Laurel Springs is often called the “School to the Stars” because of its pool of famous alumni, yet their program works for all students. All children are “stars” in their own right - and the dream of parents is that each child reaches for and achieves their fullest potential. Many young actors, athletes and scholars are doing just that - they are turning to homeschooling because it offers the flexibility to learn while pursuing their dreams, and to pursue their dreams through learning!

Interactive Learning System

Thu, 14 May 2009 20:19:22 PST

The benefits of reading to children from a young age are countless. Research shows that early development of children’s intellectual, social and physical abilities are the key to their long term educational success. The habits that you teach them now, at a young age, will stay with them throughout their lifetime.

Homeschoolers Are Invited To Vote in National Mock Presidential Election

Thu, 14 May 2009 20:05:54 PST

Personal Attention in Distance Education

Thu, 14 May 2009 19:17:05 PST

Christopher Paolini should know. The author of the best-selling novels Eragon and Eldest and the recently-released Brisingr is a graduate of the American School, a leader in distance education for more than 110 years. In a recent interview with Homeschool.com, Chris discussed the value of an American School education and how it gave him the flexibility and the encouragement he needed to climb to the top of many best seller lists.

Experienced K12 Virtual School - Free in 15 States!

Thu, 14 May 2009 19:09:05 PST

Many distance education providers focus on the high school experience, since this is often where a disconnect from traditional schools takes place, either through bad choices that result in the need for recovery options or through personal choice.

Affordable Quality Education

Thu, 14 May 2009 18:44:22 PST

While distance education can offer students a more convenient or alternative method to a traditional learning setting, it can also be an expensive or precarious undertaking because of the variety of programs available online. With a little research, homeschoolers can locate very affordable, quality online education programs such as the one offered by Citizens' High School.

Quality Interactive Homeschool Curriculum

Thu, 14 May 2009 18:39:21 PST

One of the greatest advantages of homeschooling is that the learning environment does not have to emulate the traditional classroom setting. Yet many parents start their homeschooling experiences with a traditional textbook and worksheet format because of its familiarity. The good news is that there are offerings that allow students to learn while breaking away from the methods that feel stale to today's students.

Which of These Olympic Athletes Were Homeschooled?

Thu, 14 May 2009 18:33:24 PST

We contacted Laurel Springs and asked them WHY they had so many high caliber athletes. They gave us these impressive Quick Facts about their curriculum. They said that they treat ALL of their students as if they were famous stars or world class athletes.

How to Improve Your Homeschooling

Thu, 14 May 2009 18:21:36 PST

Are you feeling rested up from Christmas vacation and eager to begin homeschooling again?

Are you feeling a bit behind and eager to catch up?

Or, are you transferring to homeschooling mid-year and just starting out?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, then this newsletter is for you.

A Total Homeschool Solution

Thu, 14 May 2009 18:17:08 PST

Homeschoolers have been hearing a lot about online alternatives to the traditional in-home homeschooling experience but there are additional solutions out there that allow families to customize their experience to create the best learning environment for their needs.

Reaching Out to the K12 Community

Thu, 14 May 2009 18:08:48 PST

While some K12 schools embraced the online learning environment early on, it was the higher education community that made the greatest advancements in terms of presence, technology, design, and offerings. However, these now-established platforms are looking towards the lower grades as a means of connecting to those students who are also looking for an alternative learning environment.

An Online Homeschooling Option to Accelerate Math Learning

Thu, 14 May 2009 17:48:47 PST

Math can be a challenging subject for homeschoolers, especially as the content becomes more advanced. A strong math curriculum offering individualized learning tools can be critical for success and provide homeschoolers with peace of mind that their mathematics needs are being met.

Product Review 2008

Mon, 15 Dec 2008 10:56:47 PST

Homeschool.com was at it again this year--finding you the best educational gifts and products this season. These items have been distinguished over other products because of their high quality and educational use, offering lasting value, lasting learning, and of course, lasting fun! These products have been tested by both parents and kids alike and have been chosen for different ages, backgrounds, skills, and interests. We strive to come up with the best possible list each year and we want to thank both the readers, and the educational product companies that shared their suggestions, and products with us to test.

Affordable Alternative Education

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 20:32:07 PST

The ED Anywhere programs not only offer quality curriculum and academic options but are also one of the lowest costing programs online. In addition, unlike many other providers, the company offers a variety of educational solutions all in one place including: Middle and High School Curriculum, GED Track, Remedial and Credit Recovery, Career Pathways Testing, K to 8th Technology Classes, and the Friends & Family Rewards Program.

Math Goodies - Fun Interactive Learning

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 20:31:09 PST

Although many students are leery when it comes to math they can become engaged when learning is made fun through games and interactive activities. Additionally, by providing homework help and support students receive the skills and confidence they need to succeed.