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Save time and simplify your homeschooling life...
Learn from experienced homeschoolers how to write your own curriculum.
It really is that easy!

"Thank you... The information you supply is real and generous - fantastic reading. I am so inspired... Your honesty is rare. Most books do not really explain 'how' as well as you do." Tracy

"I cannot seem to get enough of your writings on the whole home ed subject! You portray a lot of wisdom, knowledge and experience..." Marie
 
"Every time I read your writing it feels like a pat on the shoulder, and that feels really good...Thanks!" Maaike

Back in print for a limited time only! Beverley's manual on how to write your own homeschool curriculum! $25

Getting Started with Home Schooling: Practical Consideration





Turn Your Home Into A Learning Resource Centre

© Beverley Paine

While homeschooling typically has no "disadvantages" for those committed to its success, lack of space and funds can make it difficult to organize your home into an effective learning centre. Most of us rely on one income, and so far in Australia there isn't any funding available from the government to home educate. By necessity we're frugal, saving where we can and recycling as much as possible. This doesn't stop us from being able to create highly effective learning resource centres in you homes.

The first thing you must decide is where in your home you will locate your educational resource centre. Some families dedicate a spare room to homeschooling, but most of us tend to use the living area for most of our activities. Our home is open plan and that was wonderful. We used a corner of the living room for our learning centre and had low shelves along one of the walls under the windows. If you do have a spare room, you can turn it into a learning resource centre where you children do the bulk of their study or activities, or use as a store room or library - an option that I think is a brilliant idea and could almost be considered essential in the homeschool! Ultimately, the idea is to get all your learning materials organised in a central location.

Organisation is often quoted as the key to successful homeschooling. Having one space in which to keep everything related to learning doesn't mean this is the only room your children will spend time in during the day: it simply means that everyone will know where to find the paperclips, cardboard, glue, glitter, workbooks, dictionary - all the educational paraphanalia and art/craft/science materials we collect and use. Nothing is more frustrating than to spend half an hour or more looking for the stickytape! Or being unable to put your hand on the very thing you need to help explain or demonstrate a concept.

Many homeschoolers consider the most important element of the homeschooling resource centre to be books, but we found this to be limiting: education and learning is wholistic and involves learning with the body as well as the eyes! our learning centre had shelves for puzzles, games, toys, dramatic role play props, art and craft materials, maths aids, and science equipment. We even had an extensive natural history collection. This isn't to say we didn't have our own comprehensive library, especially in the pre-computer days when the Internet was still in its infancy. We had bookshelves full of children's picture books and novels, non-fiction shelves, encyclopedias and other reference materials, as well as our favourite 'grown up' books - novels, gardening, building, craft books, etc.

We also saw the public library as an extension of our homeschooling learning resource centre. Our weekly trip to the library would swell the number of books in our house. Our local library allowed us to borrow up to ten books on each card, which often meant we'd bring up to fifty books home! The library also leant videos and audio tapes. Many of my friends took advantage of the toy library too. The consenus of opinion was that such extensive borrowing habits were easier to manage if a separate bookshelf or several library boxes were kept in a designated area in the learning centre or by the front door. That way we avoided library fines or embarrassment!

As good as libraries are I often found them limited in the range of materials and subjects on offer, and our local library rarely had books that covered the information to the depth we wanted. Homeschoolers often find their research needs go beyond what is normally accepted or required by schools. Access to the Internet is a real boon, but nothing beats being able to lay one's hand on a reference book when interest peaks and the children are ready to soak up the information.

See my book Getting Started with Homeschooling and my booklet Learning Materials in the Homeschool for a comprehensive list of materials for your learning centre. To help you 'stock' your learning resource centre, consider this list of possible materials you can include:

Book shelves. Building your own bookshelves can be a great homeschool project! Ask at the Salvation Army or St Vincent De Paul shops, or check secondhand office shops. Think about using recycled materials creatively - sturdy cardboard boxes, planks, bricks... Many stores throw away old display shelves or pallets that are perfectly usable with a little creative thinking and technical know-how.

Desks, tables, tops of bookshelves. You will need spaces to work on as well as display finished work, or to store while you use the table top for other activities. Don't use the dining room table - I used to tell people that this was a good idea. I've changed my mind: making each meal a special together time, where nurturing your body is uppermost in your mind, sets an excellent attitude to health for life. Having a special place just for eating is a great way to instil the love of good food in your children. Snacks in the learning centre are okay. Water should be available all the time as it refreshes the brain and keeps it ticking over in optimal learning condition.

Pencils, pens, paper and notebooks. Watch for clearance sales on essential supplies after the back-to-school rush is over. Often, you can find real bargains, so stock up when the price is right.

Measuring devices . Tape measures, rulers, and yard sticks. These can often be acquired from relatives who have extras, and some companies, such as insurance companies and banks, offer these as promotional materials.

Atlas, maps and a globe. Check with travel agents and tourist agencies for free maps.

Art and craft supplies. Once again, keep an eye on the 'cheap' shops and take advantage of specials whenever you can. We found the Reversed Garbage recycle shop a real boon. Ask relatives to buy quality art and craft materials instead of toys as presents. Collect natural items from the garden or when out walking. Butcher paper makes excellent drawing and painting paper. Save old newspapers for drop cloths during finger painting. Be sure to include different kinds of cardboard and construction paper in your art section, and save scrap pieces for other projects that need coloured "sprinkles." We also had a comprehensive yarn and material scraps box, with all manner of sewing needs, as well as playdough, sculpting tools, leatherwork... Anticipate your need, or use good art and craft books to help you formulate a list of materials you may need. Often children just need access to these materials to come up with ideas and activities of their own.

Calculator, protractor, compass. And any other tool or aid that will help the children think and work mathematically and technically. Use these often when you're doing art and craft or model building, to demonstrate their use and to familiarise the children with them.

Computer and Internet service. Some families base their whole learning program around the computer and Internet and it's possible, but children need time to jump, run, build and generally goof off as well. A couple of hours a day is enough for anyone - especially if you have a regular rather than LCD monitor. The radiation from these screens is unhealthy and put together with television viewing means children are often at risk of long term health problems. Using computers - for games, research, study or fun, or for communicating with friends, teach children computer skills, which have been essential to most careers. We live in a digital age and our children need to be familiar and proficient with the technology. Until I felt confident my children had the necessary skills to avoid unpleasant sites or that the 'nanny' programs were effective, I kept an eye on my children's web-surfing activity, and talked to them about their chat room and forum discussions: that is, I took an active interest which allayed the need to prohibit activity and built respect and trust. it's important to keep the Internet safe for your kids. This will mean becoming familiar with and using virus scan, firewall and spybot programs.

Microscope and Telescope and other science gadgets. These are often high price ticket items and make great presents from relatives. You could start or join a homeschooling group library for gear like this, and roster use of materials if necessary. The general advice is don't skimp. Buy science equipment that will encourage them to explore, examine and investigate their world. The same goes for art materials, especially for budding artists. Chemistry sets, electronic sets, and robot sets are also must have items.

Learning games. There are zillons of games that teach, whether their intention is education or pure fun. Make games an every day activity and play with your children often. The opportunities for extending knowledge and skills in all subject areas often crops up unexpectedly.

Garage sales, sales, secondhand shops, recycle yards, oppurtunity shops and even the local tip are great places to find materials you can use in your learning resource centre. Be open minded and inventive: Robin found heavy duty magnets in discarded microwave ovens at the tip, and very large lenses in thrown out street lights. These were put to good use by our children. Let your friends and family know that you're on the hunt for interesting materials for your homeschool! You will be surprised how many useful items they will be glad to get off their hands. One man's trash is another man's treasure!

A home learning resource centre encourages kids to stay active with their education and explore their learning options. A little creative and frugal thinking can go a long way in building a resource centre where everyone benefits.


 

ALWAYS LEARNING BOOKS Homeschooling, Unschooling and Natural Learning Books to Inspire and Encourage!
Scroll down for a complete list of available books. We accept Personal Cheques and Money Orders (Aust only) or PayPal for credit card orders.
HOW TO ORDER
ALB Newsletter

Getting Started
Learning Without School
Language Series
Practical HS Series
Ebooks
Educational Games Series
Natural Learning Series
Sample Learning Programs
Unschooling Books
Diaries
Portfolios/Report Cards
Homeschool DVDs

Interested in homeschooling, but still not sure? Read
'All You Need Is...'

Looking for educational resources?
Home Education Directory

Questions about homeschooling?
Browse the
Homeschool Australia Article Library, or join our Frequently Asked Questions online support group.

Wondering what to teach? See
Australian Homeschool Curriciulum

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Children Learning Naturally
Online Support Group

Travelling and homeschooling? Keep in touch with Aussie Homeschool Campers!

Unschool~Kidz!

Home education is a legal alternative to school education in Australia. State governments are responsible for regulating home education. Different states have different requirements, however homeschooling families are able to develop curriculum and learning programs to suit the individual needs of their children. For more information:
Home Education Association

 


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Beverley Paine.
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Please note:
The information on this website is of a general nature only and is not intended as personal or professional advice.

 

Pioneering members of the home education movement in Australia, Beverley and Robin Paine are passionate advocates of true educational choice for families. They began homeschooling their children in 1986 and three years later started the South Australian Home Based Learners network.
Beverley wrote several books and booklets on home education through her self-publishing business, Always Learning Books. Beverley balances spending time helping home educators with working in her garden and renovating her home, as well as continuing to build her collection of ebooks on a variety of homeschooling subjects. retired from actively supporting home education in July 2008 to allow her to spend time on her garden and writing projects. She maintains an extensive collection of websites as well as several Yahoo groups supporting families teaching their children at home. Beverley continues to support the Home Education Association of Australia as a committee member and helps to produce the HEA Newsletter, publications and annaul Resource Directory. If you'd like to keep in touch with what Beverley is up to her in her life, sign up for either the Always Learning Books mailing list or the Homeschool Australia Newsletter.

How to Order ~ Orders from Outside Australia
Click on each title to read reviews and
brief descriptions of each book.

Getting Started With Homeschooling: Practical Considerations
Beverley Paine
Packed with practical information and examples, this book sets out in detail how to write your own curriculum tailored for you children's individual learning needs. This book includes chapters on creating a suitable learning environment, making friends and building a homeschooling network, curriculum checklists for primary school age, how to evaluate and record your learning program, and more. 1997, 132 pages, illustrated.
We are in the process of revising and updating this popular book as an ebook but with twice the content!
Until the ebook is available a limited number of printed copies of Getting Started will be available from mid-December.

ISBN 1876651008, Paperback, 132 pages,
210mm x 290mm, illustrated, 1997

AUS$25.00

Home Education Student Portfolio Reports
Beverley Paine
Produce a professional Report Card for your homeschooling student to put into their Portfolio each year! Includes details of educational aims and objectives for each of the eight nationally recognised curriculum subjects with adequate space to record student assignments and results. 2003

Early Childhood Student Report
covers preschool years to approximately year/grade 3 (ages 3 -8)
A4, Spiral bound, 130g
$6.00
(free postage)

Middle Childhood Student Report
covers approximately year/grade level 3 to 7 (ages 8 -12)
A4, Spiral bound, 130g

Early Adolescence Student Report
covers approximately year/grade level 7 to 10 (ages 12 - 15)
A4, Spiral bound, 130g
$6.00
(free postage)

Homeschooling Diaries
Beverley Paine
These convenient A5, spiral bound diaries open flat to the current week. Leave them ready for recording on the kitchen bench, dining table or desk. Recording takes only a few minutes throughout the day. Both diaries include space for evaluative comments; calendar; annual learning program goals and evaluation for each subject; homeschooling contacts, networks, resources, and addresses.

Weekly Homeschooling Diary
Set up with space to record main learning activities each day.
Spiral bound, clear plastic cover, 180g, A5

Naturally Learning Diary
This diary includes a log of child-initiated activities, including play, as well as space for recording learning in each subject area, over a week.
Spiral bound, clear plastic cover, 180g, A5.
$8.50 (free postage)

Learning in the Absence of Education
Over 60 Articles in one volume on The Paine Family Homeschooling Life spanning over a Decade!
Beverley Paine
More than 60 essays covering a wide range of homeschooling concerns and issues, such as late readers, value of play, socialisation, learning maths, part time school, and thoughts on testing. Follows the Paine family's progress from homeschooling to unschooling. An intimate and honest look at the day-to-day life spanning several years. Illustrated with clear black and white photographs and children's drawings. 1999
ISBN 1876651016, 370g, 128 pp, A4, illus.

$22.95 (free postage)

The Homeschooling Trail:
A Journey of Faith

Michele Hastings
An intimate and detailed account of how the children in one family learn at home using an eclectic mix of methods and resources, finely tuned into the passing seasons of school work, community participation, and family life. Share Michele's quest for faith in this revealing ‘warts and all, fly on the wall' account of daily homeschooling life. 2006
ISBN 1 876651 31 8 paperback, 200g, 140 pages
$19.50 (free postage)

Unschool~Kidz!
A collection of writing and art work by homeschooled students in A5 magazine format from the Unschool~Kidz! website. The cover is a board game.
48 pages, 80g, 2004
$5.00 (free postage)

Visit the Unschool~Kidz web site

also by Beverley Paine

Action-packed sci-fi thriller for teenage readers

The Chimaera Conspiracy

Aquadome, an underwater research station in the year 2024, is shrouded in mystery, hiding controversial genetic experiments and treacherous secrets. Psychic links draw teenagers, Katya and Coen, into an international conspiracy which threatens their very existence. 2002
ISBN 0947304525, 200g, 140 pages

Book store price... $14.30
60% discount
now only $5.80 (free postage)

Learning to Let Go
by Jacqueline Hall
Insightful and intimate poems embrace and celebrate the tumultuous emotional storm faced by those with cancer. Jacqueline shares her fear, grief, anger, hope, joy, and great love of nature as she journeys on her healing path, searching for the key to peace and well-being. Learning to Let Go is a collection of deeply spiritual and up-lifting poems that will resonate in the hearts of all enduring the storm. 2000
ISBN 1876651172 A5 stapled, 80g, 36 pages
$6.00 (free postage)

Looking Back, What Would We Change?
by Beverley Paine
Collection of articles, including:

  • How We Became Home Educators: A Brief History
  • Our D.I.Y. Life-Style ~ A Natural Education
  • What Makes Home Education Successful
  • How Home Education Enriched our Lives
  • Looking Back: What Would We Change?
  • Creating a Happy and Busy Learning Environment
  • Motivating Our Children To Learn: Myths and Tips
  • Avoiding Feeling Overwhelmed
  • A Natural Educator: The Special Role of Fathers

ISBN 1876651288 A5, stapled, 60g, 30 pages.
$4.50 (free postage)

 

PRACTICAL HOMESCHOOLING BOOKLET SERIES
by Beverley Paine & others
Designed to take the worry out of education and to reassure parents, these booklets are a valuable aid in the homeschool. Written by experienced home educators and teachers, each booklet offers ideas, activities or tips on how to help your children learn at home in the different subject areas. All prices include postage.

"Thanks so much! We use all your booklets all the time - at the moment we have 10 children and 2 facilitators in our natural learning centre here in Goa, India... greatly soothed and nurtured and by your guidance and wisdom." Anna Jahns

Practical Homeschooling
Booklet Series

Exploring Approaches
to Homeschooling

Adelaide Seminar 2008

This booklet combines the notes of seven speakers at the Adelaide 2008 Homeschooling Seminar and Curriculum Fair. Chapters in this booklet cover Charlotte Mason, Natural Learning, Unschooling, Discipleship Based, Relational homeschooling, Steiner influence, Unit Studies, and more!
ISBN 1 876651 423 paperback, 50g, 40 pages 2008

$4.50 (free postage)

Teaching Strategies, Book 1
by Beverley Paine

The first in a series of booklets sharing Beverley's reflections, experience, tips and suggestions to help you become a more effective home educator. Take the frustration out of everyday homeschooling.
ISBN 1876651415, stapled, A5, 80g, 36 pages

Motivation in the Homeschool
by Beverley Paine

"If I knew twenty years ago what I know I know now about motivation home educating my children would have been a breeze! What I can say is that it is never too late to make adjustments... Despite all the 'mistakes' we made in the early years we couldn't ask for a better outcome. Our now adult children make us proud every day." Beverley packs in a lifetime of learning about how to overcome motivation obstacles into this 36 page booklet.
ISBN 1876651297, stapled, A5, 80g, 36 pages
$4.50 (free postage)

Answering Objections to Homeschooling
by Beverley Paine
How do you answer all the questions people ask you about home education? These could be friends, family or total strangers. Beverley offers a selection of well-worn answers to over a dozen of the most popularly voiced objections to homeschooling you are likely to encounter. Includes a section on dealing with unsupportive relatives.

Printed Booklet
ISBN 1876651261, stapled, A5, 70g, 36 pages
, $4.50
(free postage)

Add to Cart Ebook (printable)
ISBN 978-1-876651-43-5, 56 pages
, A4, $3.25
(instant delivery)

Write Your Own Unit Studies
by Beverley Paine
A detailed guide plus examples on how to write mini-learning programs that cover focus on an area of interest but cover all curriculum subjects at the same time. 2005
ISBN 1876651253, stapled, A5, 60g 36 pages.
$4.50 (free postage)

Learning Maths Naturally
by Margaret Etherton and Beverley Paine
Many of us became confused as young mathematicians at school... Margaret and Beverley share how they helped their children retain this natural ability. Tips, ideas and suggestions accompany these two reassuring accounts. 2005
ISBN 1876651164 A5, stapled, 50g, 36 pages.
$4.50 (free postage)

Frequently Asked Questions
by Beverley Paine
Over 60 fundamental questions asked by families new to homeschooling are answered by Beverley in this 36 page booklet. 2004

Printed Booklet
ISBN 1876651164 A5, stapled, 60g, 36 pages.
$4.50
(free postage)

Add to Cart Ebook (printable)
ISBN 978-1-876651-49-7, 56 pages
, A4, $3.25
(instant delivery)

The Spelling Process
by Beverley Paine
This gem will get you started with teaching tips, advice and suggestions on spelling. 1999 ISBN 1876651059 A5, stapled, 50g, up to 32 pages.
$4.50 (free postage)

The Writing Process
by Beverley Paine
Simple, practical and invaluable suggestions on how to teach writing. 1999
ISBN 1876651032 A5, stapled, 60g, up to 32 pages.
$4.50 (free postage)

Learning to Love Reading
by Beverley Paine
40 pages of tried and proven ways to encourage your child to learn to love reading. 2005
ISBN 1876651210 A5, stapled, 60g, up to 32 pages.
$4.50 (free postage)

Developing Handwriting
by Beverley Paine
With clear examples, this booklet demystifies the process of developing handwriting. 1999
ISBN 1876651067 A5, stapled, 40g, up to 32 pages.
$4.50 (free postage)

Language Games You Can Play
by Beverley Paine
A collection of simple word games you can play with your children to encourage language development. 1999
ISBN 1876651083 A5, stapled, 40g, up to 32 pages.
$4.50 (free postage)

A Sample ‘Approved' Learning Naturally Homeschooling Program & Review
by Louise Wilton
One family's learning program for an eight year old, as presented to, and approved by,  the SA educational  authorities. 2004
ISBN 1876651113 ISBN 1876651121 A5, stapled, 90g, up to 32 pages
(both booklets together)
$6.00 (free postage)

Natural Learning
by Beverley Paine
Allow your children to pursue their passions and interests and build learning programs around every day life...  Beverley shares her tips on how to homeschool with simplicity and efficiency. 1999
ISBN 1876651075 A5, stapled, 60g, up to 32 pages.
$4.50 (free postage)

Learning Materials for the Homeschool
by Beverley Paine
A comprehensive list of consumables, materials and resources; everything you can think of to inspire learning and creativity. 2004
ISBN 1876651148 A5, stapled, 70g, up to 32 pages.
$4.50 (free postage)

Translating Every Day Life into Educational Jargon
by Beverley Paine
. 2008

Printed Booklet
ISBN 1876651180 A5, stapled, 70g, up to 36 pages.
$4.50
(free postage)

Add to Cart Ebook (printable)
ISBN 978-1-876651-54-1, 48 pages
, A4, $3.25
(instant delivery)

 

 

2007 National Home Education
Conference DVD

This 4 DVD pack includes over 8 hours of conference speeches by John Taylor Gatto, Alan Thomas and Eleanor Sparks as well as the Brisbane Conference Question and Answer session. Includes Conference Notes from many of the Workshop Presenters.
All funds from the sale of this DVD go to the Home Education Association of Australia to help pay for the NHED. 160g
Bring internationally renowned educator John Taylor Gatto and the 2007 National Home Education Conference into your living room for only $40! (International orders $50)

NHED Conference DVD $50 for International Orders

[Please ensure that your TV and DVD player will handle DVD-R disc in the PAL format before purchase.]

Let's Play Together Traditional Children's Games
by Beverley Paine
A collection of remembered and shared traditional children's games with introduction. 2005
ISBN 1876651156 A5 stapled, 80g, 52 pages
$4.50 (free postage)

Kathi Wyldeck's very practical Educational Games Booklets draw on her extensive educational experience with children and will help supplement your children's learning across the curriculum.

Fast Games and Quiet Games
Physical and Mental Games for Families Book One
Kathi Wyldeck
ISBN 1876651385, 70g
$4.50 (free postage)
Outdoor, Campfire, Water and Theme Games
Physical and Mental Games for Families Book Two
Kathi Wyldeck
ISBN 1876651369, 70g
$4.50 (free postage)
Maths, English, Music and Art
Educational Games for Families
Book One

Kathi Wyldeck
ISBN 1876651350, 70g
$4.50 (free postage)
Science
Educational Games for Families
Book Two

Kathi Wyldeck
ISBN 1876651342, 70g
$4.50 (free postage)

History Geography, French, German and Latin
Educational Games for Families
Book Three
Kathi Wyldeck
ISBN 1876651407, 70g
$4.50 (free postage)

Estimation, First Aid, Health, Tracking, Safety, Knotting and Navigation
Life Skill Games for Families
Book One
Kathi Wyldeck

ISBN 1876651377, 70g
$4.50 (free postage)
Character Building, Handcraft, Aussie Flags and Emblems, Discovery, Nature and Conservation, Cooking, Self Expression, Tools and Construction
Life Skill Games for Families
Book Two

Kathi Wyldeck

ISBN 1876651393, 70g
$4.50 (free postage)

STOCK TO CLEAR

EDUCATION CHOICES MAGAZINE
Back Issues

Take advantage of this opportunity to fill in any blanks in your collection of this great homeschooling magazine no longer in production.Education Choices featured columns by well-known, experienced home educators in various practical departments, such as:

  • managing life while homeschooling;
  • beyond homeschooling life;
  • teens writing about homeschooling;
  • different approaches;
  • homeschooling children with special learning needs;
  • different approaches to homeschooling;
  • the perspective of homeschooling fathers.

$4.45 (plus postage)

Issues available:

 
#2 : Declining Standards in Schools; Natural Learning; History Resources; Child Care Options for Homeschooling Families