Resources for Secular Homeschoolers
by Ari Armstrong
Secular homeschoolers have access to innumerable books, materials, videos, web pages, classes, and institutions to help them along their educational journey.
Families new to homeschooling often start with core literacy and math, then add science, history, and enrichment activities as they find their rhythm.
Although listing all available resources would be impossible, here are some commonly used options and a few resources our family has found especially helpful. A listing of an item here does not necessarily imply endorsement, and the listing of a company or organization here does not imply endorsement of SHOC by that entity. Nothing of value is asked or accepted for listing here.
Social Groups
Local homeschool park days, clubs, sports leagues, museum programs, and recreation-center classes are central to many families' homeschooling experience.
In Colorado, many school districts offer part-time or one-day-per-week enrichment programs for homeschoolers.
Because of the churn in local groups, and because I cannot personally vet groups to which I don't belong (most of them), here I cannot track all the social groups currently available to Colorado homeschoolers. I suggest joining relevant Facebook groups, including Secular Homeschoolers of Colorado (not affiliated with SHOC), or talking with homeschooling families in your area, about available groups.
Neurodiversity
I am not an expert in issues of neurodiversity. Many families find that homeschooling allows more flexibility to adapt pace, structure, and sensory environments to a child's needs. I will mention that one of my autistic friends recommends the book, Is This Autism?, by Donna Henderson, Sarah Wayland, Jamell White. Some people homeschool primarily because their children are dyslexic, so I know resources are available for dyslexic children, but, again, I am no expert. Relevant Facebook groups might be a good place to start in seeking resources. There's a Neurodiversity Community Center in Lafayette; I don't know if comparable organizations exist elsewhere in the state.
General Homeschooling
Libraries and Other Free Resources
Public libraries are one of the most valuable—and often overlooked—resources for homeschoolers. Many libraries offer access to books, audiobooks, educational videos, magazines, and online learning platforms such as Hoopla, Kanopy, and Libby. Libraries often host clubs, classes, and events that provide both educational enrichment and social opportunities.
Core Knowledge: Classics, Language Arts, History, Science
The organization offers many free downloads.
See also the What Your [X] Grader Needs to Know, by E. D. Hirsch, Jr. (the founder of Core Knowledge).
Outschool Online Classes
Secular Eclectic Academic Homeschoolers and Videos
Reading
The Reading Lesson: Teach Your Child to Read in 20 Easy Lessons, by Michael Levin and Charan Langton
I personally used this book and found it very useful.
Writing
Scholastic Success with Writing
Spectrum Writing and Spectrum Spelling
Brave Writer
This writing-focused program is popular among homeschoolers.
Fix It! Grammar Series
Math
Dimensions Math (Singapore), Pre-K to 8th
Singapore Math also publishes Challenging Word Problems Grades 1 through 6.
I used these materials with my child starting with preschool and found them to be of excellent quality. I especially like how they introduce algebraic thinking before formally introducing algebra.
Beast Academy and Art of Problem Solving
Popular among homeschoolers, these rigorous math books, videos, and online classes serve all grades.
Saxon Math
Science
Denver Museum of Nature and Science
The museum also offers virtual content and a video library that includes Scientists in Action.
Science Kids videos (available through many libraries)
Oyla magazine
Mystery Science Videos
Generation Genius Videos
Building Foundations for Scientific Understanding, by Bernard Nebel (3 volumes)
These three hefty books offer an excellent foundation in basic science, although they are not very user friendly, and aspects of them are dated.
The Magic of Reality, by Richard Dawkins
Coding
Turing Tumble: Simple Programming with Marbles
One of the greatest educational "toys" ever created.
Secret Coders Books
Lego Spike
These are expensive but of high quality. You might be able to borrow or share a set with others.
History
History Kids videos (available through many libraries)
Curiosity Chronicles Series, by Rachel Meyers
History Quest Series
History Colorado Museums
History Colorado offers free annual passes for fourth graders.
Discover Colorado, by Matthew Downey and Jenny Pettit
Note:
Art
City rec centers, as well as various private businesses, often offer classes in dance, painting, and pottery.
Foreign Languages
In addition to the popular online programs (including Duolingo), homeschoolers can turn to local classes (including those sponsored by city rec centers). My son has enjoyed Lingua Garden videos for Spanish.
Explore More
Main | Blog
Colorado Homeschool Law: Statutory Overview
Practical Concerns about Homeschooling: Socialization, Time, and College
Why Homeschooling Families Choose That Path
Resources for Secular Homeschoolers
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