Editing: I'm in the process of updating this post to bring it current. I started this list several years ago and as things change many links no longer work. I'm doing my best to keep it as current as I can for you.
May the Lord Bless You in Your Home Education Journey,
MaggieRaye
during the most recent revision I added hyperlinks to the end of each section so that you can copy and past them into you search bar. I apologize that you can't just click and go at this point. I'll try to work to change this in the future. I hope that you find something on this list that will be a blessing and an encouragement to you in your home education journey.
Blessings, MaggieRaye
THE LIST
Resources for Christian Single Moms who Home Education
Compiled and updated
by
MaggieRaye
For more information contact MaggieRaye at Singleparenthomeschool@yahoo.com
Or visit her blog http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/maggieraye
The Holy Bible - when I first started home schooling I came back to my Bible again and again. I found scripture to defend my beliefs that I was called to be a Keeper at Home, that I was the one the Lord had chosen to train up my children. This has been my greatest resource in my journey.
AN ESSENTIAL SET OF HOMESCHOOLING RESOURCES
I feel very strongly that every family should know about and make use of the following resources as they apply to your individual family needs.
Home School Legal Defense Association - I feel that this is my “insurance policy” for our homeschool. I would recommend with the number of zealous caseworkers, and the news stories that abound about them overstepping their legal boundaries, that any family, but especially those headed by single mothers, consider membership as an essential part of your homeschooling budget.
For more information contact:
http://www.hslda.org
P.O. Box 3000,
Purcellville, VA 20134-9000
Phone: (540) 338-5600 Fax: (540) 338-2733
E-mail: info@hslda.org
Homeschool Foundation - This resource is their to help and support homeschooling families in need. They have a variety of funds available to homeschooling families based on their specific situations. I’ve just copied and pasted their descriptions of each fund here, with the link directly to their site.
For more information contact:
http://www.homeschoolfoundation.org
P.O. Box 1152, Purcellville, VA 20134
Phone: (540) 338-8899
Fax: (540) 338-2733
E-mail: info@homeschoolfoundation.org
Members Helping Members Fun - In the last few months, a number of Home School Legal Defense Association member families have been telling us that they are being negatively affected by the downturn in the economy—by either losing a job or having their salary reduced. Many have reported being laid off by an airline or related employer. If your family has been blessed with financial stability, and you would like to extend a helping hand to a fellow home school family, we have established the Members Helping Members Fund scholarship fund to assist families with their HSLDA memberships.
Compassion Fund - All undesignated gifts to the Home School Foundation will go into its “Compassion Fund.” Monies in this fund are used to cover the Foundation’s printing costs, give grants to local home school support groups around the country, and support other home-school related causes.
Widows Fund - Each year we hear from many member families who have lost a parent to death. Oftentimes, their heartbreak is compounded by financial constraints which make continuing home schooling difficult. Until now, all we have been able to offer these families was our heartfelt sympathy. Now, with the establishment of the Widows Fund, we are able to meet the needs of widows and orphans in a tangible way. This endeavor truly enables dedicated mothers to continue directing the education of their children at home
Special Needs Children’s Fund - An increasing number of families with special needs children have begun seeking the benefits of home schooling and the services of HSLDA. Approximately 10 percent of HSLDA member families indicate they are home schooling a child with special learning needs. In 1993, HSLDA realized that more guidance was needed for these families and hired a consultant to assist our families with learning needs of their children. The Special Needs Children’s Fund is designed to assist home schooling families with the financial challenges of privately meeting the academic needs of their special needs child.
Children of Single Parents Fund - "The Home School Foundation recognizes the struggles many single parents face in their commitment to homeschool. This fund is designed to assist Christian women in extreme circumstances, who are training their children in the Lord. The focus is on children who, through no fault of their own, experience financial hardship during their homeschooling years. This grant provides [one time] assistance to help these families overcome obstacles that hinder successful homeschooling."
GENERAL RESOURCES, ARTICLES, TESTIMONIES, ETC.
Defending the Fatherless by Doug Phillips - This is THE resource I recommend to single mom’s who are considering home education, and church leader’s who have single mom’s within their congregation.
http://www.visionforum.com/booksandmedia/productdetail.aspx?categoryid=126&viewall=1&productid=68210 4719 Blanco Rd., San Antonio, TX 78212
Telephone: (210) 340-5250
Homeschool Oasis - I discovered the Single-Mom’s Homeschooling articles on this site, at about the same time I discovered Raggedy Janet. It gave me so much hope. I now knew that there were at least four other single mom’s out there that were home schooling, so I wasn’t completely crazy in my efforts.
http://www.homeschooloasis.com/art_single_mom_hs.htm
Single Parent’s Can Homeschool by Linda Joyce Heaner - This is an excellent article of encouragement, that I found in two different places. Linda talks about many practical things that face single moms who are trying to home educate, be the keeper at home and often times the sole financial supporter of their family. I feel blessed to have found this article. It is very encouraging. www.crosswalk.com/family/home_school/1335894.html
Homeschool Success Story by Linda Bothel - This is a great reminder that we are called to home educate and where the Lord will’s it, there is a way to achieve it. www.homeschoolchristian.com/Success/LindaB.html
Fears of a Single Mom by Lori Little - This article was amazing to me. In addition to feeling totally alone as a single mother who was home educating, I have also felt totally alone as I struggled with fear and panic over the years. This addressed all of that in a way that glorifies the Lord beautifully. It is a must read for all single mom’s. www.crosswalk.com/family/parenting/1352831.html
A Single Parent’s Call to Outrageous Faith by Janet Whitley - This dear lady talks about walking by faith and truly the minute a single mom decides to embrace the high calling of Keeper at Home, she begins walking by faith as she may never have before. It is a very encouraging article about what the Lord can do when we let him, and how he rewards our obedience to his ultimate will for our lives.
www.crown.org/Library/ViewArticle.aspx?ArticleID=150
God’s Gracious Hand: An Interview with Melanie Taggart by Mrs. Sherman - This is an amazing story of the Lord’s grace and mercy. It is truly a Romans 8:28 situation.
http://www.ladiesagainstfeminism.com/artman/publish/Lady_Lydia_Speaks_2/God_s_Gracious_Hand_An_Interview_with_Melanie_Tagg_10761001076.shtml
Looking After Widows and Orphans: How You Can Help Single-Parent Families by Mary Jo Tate - This is another dear lady I’ve had the privilege and blessing of getting to know during the last couple of months. Mary Jo is a freelance writer, and a single mother who’s chosen to home educate and be a keeper at home. This article was first published in Family Reformation Magazine.
www.homeschoolblogger.com/SingleParentsatHome/56407
A Single Mom Reflects on Her Heavenly Father's Love By Pat Bernshausen - This is an excellent article of encouragement! www.singleness.org/singlemom.shtml
HSLDA - California Single Mother Wins Civil Rights Case
http://www.hslda.org/docs/news/hslda/200109270.asp
HSLDA - Susan Oliver: Convicted—even though this mom did everything right
http://www.hslda.org/courtreport/v17n5/v17n501.asp
HSLDA - Department of Education Opposes Single Parents
http://www.hslda.org/hs/state/ne/200601100.asp
HSLDA - A Widow Tells Her Story
http://www.hslda.org/courtreport/V16N4/V16N401.asp
FREE CURRICULUMS/LOW COST CURRICULUMS
CURRICULUM HELP RESOURCES
Robinson’s Self-Teaching Curriculum - This is definitely a cost-effective curriculum for those on a limited budget. There are over 200 books on CD for a reasonable price. They also offer a scholarship program, where you can simply pay what you can afford. There are no frills. It’s literature is worth the investment. I own this curriculum. They also offer a discount on Saxon Math products as that is the Math curriculum they recommend using. The curriculum isn’t for everyone, but if you have nothing and need something to get started this is a great place to start.
For more information contact: http://www.robinsoncurriculum.com
3321 Sesame Dr.,
Howell, MI 48843
Phone: (517)546-8780
robinsoncurriculum@yahoo.com
Ambleside Online - This is a FREE online curriculum that covers Year 0 - 12. It is an advanced curriculum, with an excellent literature program. It also has a very strong fine arts element to it. It is a Charlotte Mason based curriculum. I have also used parts of this one in my homeschooling. http://www.amblesideonline.org
Free Stuff for Homeschoolers - At Homeschool Blogger we have our own Free Stuff lady. Her blog site is just full of resources for the homeschooler. Be sure to check it out. http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/FreeStuffForHomeschoolers
Book Samaritan - An awesome site that asks homeschoolers to donate the curriculum they no longer need or use, it is then redistributed to families who have need for curriculum. They ask that when families are through they either return or redistribute for free the materials they have received. http://booksamaritan.com
Old Fashioned Education - This is an AMAZING site! It is a directory of free curricula, literature and textbooks organized for the use of homeschooling families. She has weekly plans for all grades as well as book lists and direct links to the source for books recommended. I love this site as much as I love Robinson’s Self-Teaching curriculum, maybe more, only because it’s FREE. http://oldfashionededucation.com
CurrClick - This is a great resource that offers a free weekly download when you sign up for their email newsletter. I've downloaded many free lapbooks and other curriculum resources from this site.
http://www.currclick.com
MUST READ BOOKS
When You Rise Up by R.C. Sproul Jr. - This little book contains a great wealth of information. I found it caused me to rethink the “why” of my homeschooling efforts. Why am I doing this? So my children will be really, really smart? Well, hopefully yes, but... Should this be the reason why Christians home educate? Mr. Sproul directs us to consider eternity, the furtherance of the kingdom of our Lord and the real reasons that Christians should bring their children home, to train them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. A “must read” for all Christian parents!
God, I Need Help by Linda Heaner - This is an EXCELLENT resource for any single mother. It is especially encouraging to those of us who feel called to home educate. The book is the story of Linda’s first ten years as a single parent. It is amazing to see the Lord’s hand of protection and provision on Linda and her children. It once again proves that with the Lord NOTHING is impossible.
Unto the Least of These by Nathan Shaw - An excellent resource for single mothers and those who are ministering to them. This is my favorite, second only to Doug Phillips, Defending the Fatherless, in terms of resources.
Joyfully Single in a Couples World by Harold J. Sala - A dear sister in Christ picked this up for me, and it was a great encouragement for me. It is one of those books you have to pick up and re-read from time to time, to remind you that God has a purpose in every situation in our lives.
ONLINE SUPPORT & RESOURCES
Single Parents & Home Education - This is my personal blogsite, where you’ll find challenges, inspirations, and little pieces of my life as a single, home educating, parent. If you read something here that encourages you, please leave a comment.
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/maggieraye
Jehovah-Jireh Mission - This is my “other” blog. This site is specifically to list resources available to the general public that I feel would be an encouragement to single parents who either are considering or who have begun their home education journey. This is updated as often as I come across new resources.
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/jehovahjireh
Raggedy Janet’s - This was one of the very first websites I discovered dedicated to single mom’s who were home educating. When I found this, back in 2002, I was the only single mother I knew of who was home educating. It was a gold mine of blessings. Since that time, I’ve become acquainted with Janet, via email and a yahoo group that we are both members of. This has also been a blessing.
http://www.janetscountryhome.com/single-parent-homeschooling.shtml
Homebased Christian Single Parents - A website of support and encouragement, especially for single mothers who feel called to be keepers at home. A lot of focus on work from home opportunities and scams to watch for.
http://home-based-christian-single-parents.com/
Single and Working Parents at A to Z Home’s Cool. with Ann Zeise - - I admit, this is one of my favorite homeschool resources websites in general, the link to “Single and Working Parents” definitely offers some insight and good ideas. The site in general is one of those where you could be there for hours, just surfing around, checking things out. Make sure you have plenty of time before you start.
http://homeschooling.gomilpitas.com/weblinks/working.htm
Considering Homeschooling - This web based ministry is one that absolutely amazes me. Their focus is on Christian parents of infants, toddlers, preschool and those who have their children in the public education system. If you know someone who is thinking about whether or not they should start home educating, this is THE site to send them too. There are excellent resources here.
http://www.consideringhomeschooling.org
Post Office Box 2305,
Orange, California 92859
Telephone: (714) 633-8074
info@consideringhomeschooling.org
Single Parent Homeschool - I have been blessed to be a part of this ministry. It is a part of Considering Homeschooling’s ministry. Here single parents can find words of encouragement, resources, links to free homeschooling magazine subscriptions, etc. This is another one of those “ultimate resource” links, but then I’m prejudiced.
http://www.singleparenthomeschool.org
Exodus Mandate - This site offers resources to help Christian families understand the important need to remove their children from public education and home educate them in accordance with the Bible.
This Columbia, South Carolina-based ministry, sponsors Homeschooling Family-To-Family (www.homeschoolingfamilytofamily.org), which seeks to grow homeschooling by enlisting experienced Christian homeschoolers as "homeschool evangelists."
http://www.exodusmandate.org
P.O. Box 6646,
Columbia, SC 29260
Phone: (803) 714-1744
raymoore@exodusmandate.org
SINGLE DADS & HOME EDUCATION
Homeschooldads.com - This online resource looks to contain a wealth of information for dad’s who are active in or considering home education for their families. At present they have no information specifically addressing single fathers needs, however, they seem very open to the idea.
The K-Dad Network - A blog site started by Scott Somerville, to support and encourage homeschool fathers to network with each other. Although not specifically for single fathers who are home educating, it can be a source of support and encouragement.
http://www.k-dad.net
HOMESCHOOLING RESOURCES
Homeschool Tracker - This has to be one of my favorite tools for home education. There are two reasons. The first is I’m a compulsive organizer. This helps me keep it together. It’s a great way to keep track of everything on the computer. The second reason is that it’s FREE. Not just a free trial, but the basic version is totally FREE . If you want to upgrade to the Plus edition you do have to pay a one time fee. A college friend who is also a homeschooling mom bought me the Plus version last year as an encouragement gift. I’ve made it well worth her investment. Another side note I need to add, is that Katie Gentile is absolutely amazing when it comes to tech support. I am computer illiterate and that dear lady has been there and walked me through the most unusual situations. So the personal tech support is also a biggie for me.
http://www.homeschooltracker.com
4521 Ross Lanier Lane,
Kissimmee, FL 34758
support@tghomesoft.com
Child Evangelism Fellowship - This ministry is so incredible. The reason I’ve added it here is that they offer a free correspondence Bible study for all levels. I don’t know about everyone else, but my kiddo’s love getting mail. And this is mail worth getting. They usually have local chapters so check the main sight for the one nearest you.
www.cefonline.com
Project Gutenberg - I don’t know about you, but I have a serious addiction to books. There are never enough shelves in my “library” to house the books I have, wish I had, am planning on having, etc. This site is an excellent resource for FREE online books, most (if not all) are books which are out of print and would otherwise be unavailable. Go by, check it out, download, print, and read, read, read! www.gutenberg.net
ALTERNATIVES TO MEDICAL INSURANCE
Samaritan Ministries- This is not medical insurance, but Christians helping Christians with medical expenses. For more detailed information be sure to visit their website www.samaritanministries.org
Samaritan Ministries' Christian Health Care Newsletter
PO Box 3618,
Peoria, IL 61612-3618
Phone Number: 1-888-2OTHERS (1-888-268-4377)
Email Addresses: infopac@smchcn.net
Medi-Share - This is similiar to Samaritan Ministries, it is an alternative to medical insurance, where Christians help one another with medical expenses. For more detailed information please visit their website www.medi-share.org or contact: MSINTL,
Medi-Share Offices,
P.O. Box 120099,
West Melbourne, FL 32912-0099
PHONE: 800 PSALM 23 FAX: (321) 308-7779 |
