Homeschool Programs
Learning:
-The Good and The Beautiful
I use this curriculum for language arts and math, but it is a Christian based curriculum. I do teach my children about God and Jesus through Christianity, I think it is healthy for everyone to lean into whatever faith you may follow. That is also what holistic health is about, diving into soul and spirit.
Apart from Religion, TGTB also focuses heavily on nature. I also love that from k-8 they offer free pdf downloads, if you aren’t able to purchase the hard copies.
-Timberdoodle
Timberdoodle sells non-religious and religious homeschool kits for grades k-7. They also have options to order items independently. I love using Timberdoodle kind of as a search engine for what materials would help my child based on their grade level.
-Time4Learning
Homeschool curriculum (Parent empowered at-home learning), Virtual school (Accredited teacher supported private school), Afterschool+Summertime enrichment and practice programs.
-ABCMouse
If you have used Jumpstart Academy, ABC Mouse is very similar. Unfortunately, Jumpstart was discontinued in 2023 but it was a program my son loved when we started homeschooling. I’ve also tried ABC Mouse recently, and my daughter loves it! When I first started homeschooling, I found it unnecessary to pay for two memberships, because my Jumpstart account was membership based at the time. ABC Mouse is also membership based, or you can buy a yearly package. Another thing I love about ABC Mouse, is that they have assessments for your child to track their progress!
-Local Libraries
A lot of libraries offer curriculum you can check out, libraries also offer access to an online reading portal through an app called Libby, Borrow ebooks, audiobooks, magazines, and more from your local library for free through the Libby app! Click here to be directed to Libby. Most of the libraries I’ve been to as well, offer museum passes that you can check out and use for access to local museums. The library also provided access to low cost printing!
Make sure you stop by and support your local library and check out their calendar for events!
-Dollar tree
Although the Dollar tree is not a program, they do have a lot of workbooks for different subjects and grade levels! I have also found many homeschooling supplies, and learning supplies such as flash cards that are fun to take on the go.
Physical Activities:
-Gymnastics
When I coached gymnastics we offered a homeschooling program during school hours, check with your local gyms and see if they offer homeschool programs!
Aside from gymnastics, gyms tend to offer camp that follows your local school district holiday schedule. These camps are always a fun way to make new friends and socialize! They are filled with arts and crafts and not always gymnastics the whole camp.
If you are a Gymnastics Club in the DFW area, and would like to be added the the recommendation list please email me at: contact@mariselasholistics.com
-REC Center
If you live close to somewhere, where you have access to a REC Center or YMCA, they offer affordable youth sports and creative arts activities! My children really enjoy doing team sports such as baseball and soccer.
-Trampoline Park
We currently hold a trampoline membership at Altitude Trampoline Park, for two hours of jumping per day. This membership has been worth every penny, my children always make friends at the trampoline park! The best part, is that they are worn out, happy kids right after.
-Ninja Kidz
Personally we have not been to Ninja Kids, but it has definitely been on our bucket list! In my local homeschool group here in DFW, I’ve seen homeschool meet ups arranged. Ninja Kids also offers an affordable memberships. With your membership you have early access to new attractions and admission to exclusive 'member-only' events.
Homeschool varies state by state, for example in my birth state you have to sign an affidavit as soon as your child turns 6, if you choose to homeschool on your own. In Texas, the laws with homeschool are more relaxed. Even though they are more relaxed, I still like to keep a schedule and track my child’s progress. The first and most common question I get in regard to homeschooling my children is,
“How do you socialize them?!”
I really take a holistic approach with homeschooling because, I focus on each of my children’s individual needs; mind, body, and soul. When you get common core out of the way, you are left with so much time. We all know how valuable time is. Now imagine stimulating your child’s gifts and talents with all that left over time!
That is my answer to “How I socialize them”. I don’t keep them in a shoebox all day! With that being said, I would like to share a list below of programs my family enjoys: