Online Resources Local Parents are Discussing and Using
These resources come from local homeschooling parents who recommend that you find what works best for your children’s unique learning styles. We’ve placed these resources in: GENERAL, PRESCHOOL, ELEMENTARY, MIDDLE SCHOOL, HIGH SCHOOL AND PREK – 12. If you are pleased with a resource not on our list, please email us with your favorites! info@santacruzparent.com
GENERAL
Annie’s Young Workers Kit Club – Annie’s began in 1975 and quickly became known for the originality of its designs, and as a favorite source for creative inspiration and supplies. Annie’s products—including magazines, kit and book clubs, online videos, digital content, patterns, supplies and TV programming—serve home and family interests, including quilting, crochet, knitting, sewing, home decor and nostalgia. Annie’s is part of a third-generation, family-owned group of businesses based in northeastern Indiana. https://www.annieskitclubs.com/products/young-woodworkers
California Homeschool Law – California Homeschool Law At a Glance; Options for Homeschooling; School Required for Ages 6-18; Notification Required; Teacher Qualifications; State Mandated Subjects; Assessment requirements; Immunization requirements https://hslda.org/legal/california
Classic Children’s Literature – Classic children’s literature teaches audiences of all ages to see more clearly the truth about the world and human nature. Through beautiful narratives and vivid characters, these stories prepare young minds to receive the truth and encourage them to fall in love with virtue. This course will explore examples of the best children’s literature, including Aesop’s Fables, Beauty and the Beast, The Snow Queen, and The Wind in the Willows. 9 sessions – free – https://online.hillsdale.edu/landing/classic-childrens-literature
Classics for Kids – Classics for Kids is here to help you introduce your students to the joy of music! All resources and lesson plan materials on this web site are FREE for use by schools, teachers and families! https://www.classicsforkids.com/
Denver Unschoolers – Simply thousands of resources for homeschoolers by subjects, resources, reading, book lists, videos, interactive lessons, testing & evaluation, healthcare… https://denverunschoolers.weebly.com/
Good Reads – Goodreads is the world’s largest site for readers and book recommendations. Our mission is to help people find and share books they love. Goodreads is a place where you can see what your friends are reading and vice versa. You can create “bookshelves” to organize what you’ve read (or want to read). You can comment on each other’s reviews. You can find your next favorite book. And on this journey with your friends you can explore new territory, gather information, and expand your mind. Knowledge is power, and power is best shared among readers. https://www.goodreads.com/
Sir Ken Robinson – Welcome to Learning from Home. On these pages you will find resources to help you and your family while you are educating your children at home during the Covid-19 pandemic. There are interviews with families, educators, school leaders, parenting experts and others; curated lists of activities and programs; articles offering insight from around the world; and a submission form where we hope you will share your experience of what learning from home looks like for you and your family. http://sirkenrobinson.com/
Santa Cruz Public Libraries – The sky is the limit when you can teach yourself new skills using video tutorials and online courses. We recommend many FREE learning resources. https://www.santacruzpl.org/digitallearning/?display=online-resources
The Moms I Know – Inspirational podcasts on parenting and homeschooling topics by Sheila Walsh Dunton and Maria Anderson Fahrner, local parents who each own their own businesses. https://www.themomsiknow.com/
Visionary Villages – Visionary Villages offers consulting services, online training programs and community support to help you and/or your homeschooling group, navigate these changes and transitions more smoothly and with less effort. https://www.visionaryvillages.com/
TODDLER & PRESCHOOL
Waldorf Early Childhood Parent-Child Home Support Program
During the time when we are not offering in-person early childhood programs, instead of distance learning, we are providing a Home Support Program for families with young children. Our philosophy has always been to provide a home-like environment for young children at school, and now our focus will be on supporting parents in creating a sane and healthy environment in your home!
We are offering 3 versions of this program depending on your child’s age:
Parent-Child (walking to 3 years)
Preschool (3 years – 4 years 9 months)
Kindergarten (4 years 9 months – 6 years)
ELEMENTARY
Beast Academy Online- Learn Anywhere Our interactive online platform guides students through elementary-school math with fun puzzles and problem-solving practice at every step. https://beastacademy.com/
Bookshop At Home Learning Resources – Bookshop Santa Cruz is offering a comprehensive resource for parents and educators to plan their distanced learning days, whether through supplemental curriculum, at home projects, books for reading time, activities to entertain, or books that are just plain fun. https://www.bookshopsantacruz.com/bookshop-home-learning-resources
California Academy of Sciences – Science Notebook Corner: Sample our easy-to-implement strategies and lessons to bring science notebooking into your classroom or home! https://www.calacademy.org/educators/science-notebook-corner?mpweb=1018-12048-128856
Christopherus Homeschool Curriculum – Waldorf inspired parenting and education. https://www.christopherushomeschool.com/
Classics for Kids – Classics for Kids is here to help you introduce your students to the joy of music! All resources and lesson plan materials on this web site are FREE for use by schools, teachers and families! https://www.classicsforkids.com/
ClickSchooling – ClickSchooling brings you daily recommendations Monday Through Saturday by email for entertaining websites that help your kids learn. Simply sign-up in the upper right hand corner of our page to start receiving ClickSchooling’s web-based curriculum ideas and they will automatically arrive in your e-mail “inbox.” You can join thousands of homeschooling and learning-centered parents and educators on this FREE private e-list today! https://clickschooling.com/
Discovery Learning Center – The Discovery Learning Center aims to provide cooperative learning experiences for families. We are different from the outsourced solutions proliferating these days in that we are 100% volunteer run and non-profit. We offer classes and activities based on what our active member families are passionate about teaching and learning together. We request donations of $5-$10 per class for our volunteer-run classes to help defray the cost of running our center. https://sites.google.com/site/discoverylearninghomeschool/
Elephant Learning – Learn 1 Year Of Math In 3 Months. Automated Math Academy For Students From Ages 2-16. We guarantee your child will learn at least 1 year of math in 3 months when they use our system 30 minutes per week. https://elephantlearning.com/
Evan-Moor Curriculum – Choosing and gathering a homeschool curriculum can be an overwhelming task. To help, Evan-Moor has created homeschool curriculum bundles for grades 1–6. Each homeschool bundle is discounted off the retail price, saving you money on resources and time on lesson prep. Each homeschool kit covers core subject areas, helping your child meet grade-level learning expectations. Teaching support, skill overviews, answer keys, and built-in pacing support you as your child’s teacher. https://www.evan-moor.com/homeschool
Guidepost Montessori – An education for independence at school and beyond https://guidepostmontessori.com/
Night Zoo Keeper – Night Zookeeper is your online writing tool, class blog and library of interactive lessons. We make reading and writing amazingly fun for children aged 6-12. https://www.nightzookeeper.com/
Noah SciJinks – It’s all about weather! GOES-17 has launched! Noah SciJinks seeks to inspire and engage middle and high school students in the science of weather and satellite meteorology. Through our articles, games and videos you can find answers to questions about why the season change, why lightning strikes, what causes hurricanes and other curious weather phenomenon. https://scijinks.gov/
Pin It! Maps – The maps are hand-shaded, which sets them apart as an art form from digitally-shaded relief maps, commonly in use. I created the pin map set using current GIS data, which added layers of information and details. You can use them with confidence that they are not only beautiful works of art, but are up-to-date and geographically correct. The original artwork for the pin maps, done by Kenneth Townsend and Ellen Kuzdro is archived in the Library of Congress, Geography and Map Division. http://www.pinitmaps.com/
Raising Little Shoots- Explore nature with your children. Welcome to Raising Little Shoots! A place of slow & seasonal, Charlotte Mason inspired nature study. Our books are written to deepen the connections both with your children, and with the natural world around you. Happy exploring! https://raisinglittleshoots.com/
Raz-Kids – Raz-Kids delivers hundreds of interactive, leveled eBooks spanning 29 levels. Award-winning website where K-5 students go to read — anytime, anywhere! https://www.raz-kids.com/
Scholastic – Fun Educational Activities for 4–10 Year Olds. Our ready-made lessons will inspire your child to grow the core skills they need for school. https://learnathome.scholastic.com/
Starfall – Where children have fun learning to read. Starfall Education Foundation is a publicly supported nonprofit organization, 501(c)(3). We create free and low-cost experiences whereby children can successfully learn through exploration. On the Starfall website and in Starfall classrooms, children have fun while learning in an environment of collaboration, wonderment, and play. We teach through positive reinforcement to ensure children become confident, intrinsically motivated, and successful. https://www.starfall.com/h/
Teach Your Monster to Read – The groundbreaking game that makes learning to read fun: Covers everything from letters and sounds to reading full sentences; Designed in collaboration with leading academics; Complements all synthetic phonics programmes used in schools; Computer version is 100% free. https://www.teachyourmonstertoread.com/
Trees In the Ground – Silliness and play for math exploration and practice. I make mobile games and interactive web stories to share the joy of mathematics. https://www.treesintheground.com/index.html#about
MIDDLE – HIGH SCHOOL
Art History with Yvette Contois of Art Factory Studios – Traveling the 20th Century, Art History for kids and teens. In one school year, your student will travel through 100 years of art with Yvette and create a fabulous timeline of artists along the way. VAPA/CA requirements are met for homeschool students who attend from Sept. 2020 – May 2021. Register by contacting Yvette: 831-566-0768, yvettesmail@gmail.com
Athena’s Academy – Athena’s Advanced Academy creates an inspiring learning environment with dynamic, interactive online courses with live weekly webinars for gifted and talented students, including 2e. https://athenasacademy.com/
Constitution 101: The Meaning and History of the Constitution, Hillsdale College – The Constitution established a limited government, but a government with sufficient powers to protect Americans’ God-given rights to “Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.” This course examines the design and purpose of the Constitution, the challenges it faced during the Civil War, how it has been undermined for over a century by progressivism and post-1960s liberalism, and how limited government under the Constitution might be revived. Also History, Economics, Literature, Philosophy & Religion, Politics. https://online.hillsdale.edu/landing/constitution-101
CPM- Math grades 6-12 – Empowering mathematics students and teachers through exemplary curriculum, professional development, and leadership. Informed by research our CCSS-aligned curriculum builds upon 25 years of experience writing problem-based, student-centered curriculum embedding the mathematical practices within lessons focused on big ideas and mathematical connections. Learning strategies and pedagogy are research based. Included in the textbooks are appendices designed to help teachers and students with standards that might otherwise be missed or require supplementing in the transition to the CCSS grade level standards. Core Connections, Courses 1-3 for grades 6-8; Core Connections Integrated I-III; Core Connections Algebra, Geometry, and Algebra 2. https://cpm.org/
Foundations in Personal Finance – High School Edition for Homeschool. The curriculum includes more than 35 activities that provide personal finance knowledge and life skills in a student-centered, competency-based approach to learning. The activities are also linked with our blended learning website, foundationsU. Dave Ramsey Link
Foundations in Personal Finance – Middle School Edition for Homeschool. Teens across the country have learned the truth about debt, how to make a budget that works, and how investing early will help them build wealth for the future. Dave Ramsey Link
Teen Entrepreneur Toolbox – The Teen Entrepreneur Toolbox walks teens through eight easy, practical steps for starting their own business using Dave’s and Anthony’s entrepreneurial plan. This is everything your teen needs to start making money and learn the skills they’ll need in the real world. Dave Ramsey Link
KINDERGARTEN – 12
Brave Writer – Brave Writer is unlike any other writing program! Discover how Brave Writer helps kids of any age jump into writing at the right level for them. Select one of the age range buttons below to find the best products for you and your kids. Put on your boots. Let’s go! https://bravewriter.com/
California State Core Standards – Educational standards describe what students should know and be able to do in each subject in each grade. In California, the State Board of Education decides on the standards for all students, from kindergarten through high school. https://www.cde.ca.gov/re/cc/
Education.com – Ace this unique school year with Education.com! Join for free today and browse 30,000+ digital and printable learning resources from worksheets and online games to lesson plans and more. https://www.education.com/
Good Reads – Goodreads is the world’s largest site for readers and book recommendations. Our mission is to help people find and share books they love. A Few Things You Can Do On Goodreads: See what books your friends are reading; Track the books you’re reading, have read, and want to read; Check out your personalized book recommendations; Our recommendation engine analyzes 20 billion data points to give suggestions tailored to your literary tastes; Find out if a book is a good fit for you from our community’s reviews. https://www.goodreads.com/
Hoeden At Home – Hoeden at Home is a resource for homeschooling families. We are a dedicated group of REAL homeschooling families, not just an anonymous person in a chat room. Hoeden provides a safe place for homeschooling families to learn, grow, and make new friends. You decide what your student is required to do. Some families use Hoeden as their full curriculum, while others use Hoeden for support and electives. https://hoedenathome.com/
Home Science Tools – Shop for Science Supplies. Save time when shopping for science and classroom supplies. Your order comes with our 90-day satisfaction guarantee! https://www.homesciencetools.com/
HSLDA, Selecting Curriculum – HSLDA is a non-profit advocacy organization that makes homeschooling possible by protecting homeschooling families and equipping them to provide the best educational experience for their children. We have been trusted for over 35 years to care for homeschooling families as we safeguard their freedom and secure the future of home education. https://hslda.org/post/selecting-my-curriculum
K12 – Since 2000, K12 has been a leader in K–12 online education, putting quality hands-on and online curriculum directly into the homes of the students and families we support. Through K12-powered school options, we empower students to learn in the ways that are best for them—in their own place, and at their own pace. Learn more about K12
Logic of English – Combining the Science of Reading with the Joy of Learning. Logic of English® publishes educational resources that combine accurate phonograms and spelling rules with the Science of Reading and the Joy of Learning so that students of all ages can be empowered to become fluent readers, writers, and spellers. https://www.logicofenglish.com/
Monterey Bay Aquarium – Support children’s learning at home for grades PreK through 12. These online courses and family-friendly science activities encourage a sense of wonder and connection to the natural world while teaching important science concepts. https://www.montereybayaquarium.org/for-educators/learning-at-home
Moving Beyond the Page – Moving Beyond the Page is a complete homeschool curriculum for creative, hands-on, and gifted learners. Our curriculum covers state and national standards while providing a unique literature-based approach to learning, hands-on activities, and critical and creative thinking skills. https://www.movingbeyondthepage.com/
National Constitution Center – https://constitutioncenter.org/learn/educational-resources/we-the-civics-kids
Oak Meadow K-12 – K-12 Curriculum and Distance Learning School, Experiential education for curious and creative learners. Oak Meadow’s homeschool CURRICULUM is based on rigorous academic standards, integrated with personalized, student-led education. Our ACCREDITED distance learning school is led by experienced teachers who provide attentive, one-to-one support. https://www.oakmeadow.com/
Pandia Press – Pandia Press offers home school science curriculum and history curriculum study guides that are organized, flexible, academic, and hands-on. https://www.pandiapress.com/
Suki Wesling, local parent, teacher and writer – 6 ways to structure online learning for physical and mental well-being ~ Raising a lifelong learner ~ Humans need meaningful work ~ How do I make sure there are no gaps in my child’s learning? ~ How can I teach my young child without curriculum?http://sukiwessling.com
Teachers Pay Teachers – TpT is the go-to place for educators to find the resources, knowledge, and inspiration they need to teach at their best. We offer more than 3 million free and paid resources, created by educators who understand what works in the classroom. Our marketplace is growing every day to meet the evolving needs of the PreK-12 classroom. When educators get the resources and support they need, they’re best equipped to inspire our next generation of learners. https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/
Time for Learning – Online learning for PreK-12. Over 1,000,000 families have trusted Time4Learning as their homeschooling solution of choice over the past 10 years. https://www.time4learning.com/
Tops Science – Welcome to TOPS, the non-profit that is here to help kids everywhere do hands-on science with simple things since 1977. TOPS Learning Systems is a nonprofit educational corporation. Our purpose is to create the highest quality, friendliest, hands-on learning activities you’ll find anywhere, and to make them available everywhere, cheap! Our books cover a wide range of topics in science, math, and classroom management for homeschool, high school, middle school junior high Physics, chemistry life earth science math esl remedial. https://topscience.org/
Unschooling Sanda Dodd – https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=unschooling+Sanda+Dodd
