Guest Author - Marie Stroughter
As an avid homeschooler, I have enjoyed homeschooling my son from the beginning. I have tried to incorporate those things that I have found that interest him. If you are looking for some “boy-centric” resources, try these on for size (along with some unisex resources as well!):
Lego Robotics: Great for Math and Science (and kinesthetic learners really love it!). Ages: 6-8 (JFLL); 9 -High School (FLL)
http://www.usfirst.org/what/fll/default.aspx?id=390
http://www.firstlegoleague.org/
http://www.lego.com/education/#
JASON Project, The (NASA): A Math, Science and technology-rich experience named after the Jason in Jason & the Argonauts Ages: 4th – 8th grades
http://www.jason.org/eprise/main/jason_public/web_pages/jason_homeschool/homeschool.htm
Sports: You can find sports organizations though the Police Activities League (PAL); your local Park & Recreation Department; a local homeschool group (see resources below); local businesses (ice-skating rinks, dance/gymnastics/other clubs); or a few national homeschool sports outlets as listed below:
Homeschool Sports: http://www.hspn.net/
Start Your Own: http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Garden/4555/ahrd2003/sports.html
NCSAA: http://www.ncsaa.org/homeschool_news.htm
Field Trips:
Virtual Field Trips: http://www.uen.org/utahlink/tours/
http://www.theteachersguide.com/virtualtours.html
http://www.internet4classrooms.com/vft.htm
http://campus.fortunecity.com/newton/40/field.html
You can also try: chess; 4-H; Boy/Girl Scouts and other “traditional” organizations. Often a homeschool parent has formed a pack; troop or club comprised of homeschoolers.
General Homeschool Resources:
Homeschooling at BellaOnline.com: http://www.bellaonline.com/site/Homeschooling
A to Z Home’s Cool!: http://homeschooling.gomilpitas.com/
Homeschool at About.com: http://homeschooling.about.com/
National Homeschool Education Network (NHEN): http://nhen.org/
Be sure to check out A to Z Home’s Cool and NHEN for local homeschool support groups. Many of these groups post classes, field trips and other social, support and networking opportunities!
How to Start:
http://homeschooling.gomilpitas.com/articles/040798.htm
http://homeschooling.gomilpitas.com/directory/Beginning.htm
Answers to the "Socialization Question":
http://homeschooling.gomilpitas.com/articles/042998.htm
http://homeschooling.about.com/od/socialization/Socialization_How_to_deal_with_it.htm
http://learninfreedom.org/socialization.html
http://www.nhen.org/nhen/pov/editors/default.asp?id=158
http://www.lewrockwell.com/orig/zysk1.html
