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The GASA "3 Simple Rules of Homeschooling"Step back. Take a breath. This is not as hard as you think. You have lots of community support! You'll stumble, and maybe fall, your first year, but you WILL get this! Homeschooling looks different for every family, and your's will find their unique homeschool groove! I PROMISE! WE ARE HERE TO HELP! We have lots of tips, free resources, downloads, and videos available! Also see our Facebook page.
Still wonder if you are doing enough?
See our short blog from APRIL 28, 2019.
* * * FREE * * * Homeschool Unit Studies & More
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Homeschooling Resources & Info
Curriculum Guides by Grade Level:
I use World Book as my main source, as well as others. I usually look at the current grade level and one or two levels above to see what I want to set for the year. Homeschoolers can be at various grade levels in each subject. At any time, my daugher could be doing 2-3 grade levels of work, based on the subject.
World Book Typical Course of Study https://www.worldbook.com/typical-course-of-study.aspx
GASA Course Guides, Simplified
These are the curriculum plans that I used for my daughter for each year. They sometimes change and evolve throughout the year. I usually gather information from World Book (above) as well as other high-ranking states. I don't follow our state's curriculum for the most part. We do a standardized test each year (for ourselves), although not required. She tests well above grade level nationally, so I know she is on track.
2nd Grade
3rd Grade:
4th Grade:
5th Grade
6th Grade
7th Grade
8th Grade
Examples of Daily & Weekly Work Logs:
Dependent on your state, you will be required to keep some sort of logs for schoolwork. We live in Florida, and these are what I use. They are fluid. I change the form as needed. My daughter fills out the Daily Log. I fill out a Weekly Log. I attach all Daily Logs, and any loose papers for the week, to the Weekly Log. It all goes into a Monthly Folder. Super easy and efficient. Some people do buy planners and use them. I find this more customized and easy to do. It is up to you how you do it. You will find your own groove!
Daily Log Weekly Log UPDATE DAILY LOG - word doc
Got a wiggly kid?
Get the wiggles out with GoNoodle!
GoNoodle® gets kids up and moving to fun, engaging content and games. Every dance party, yoga session, mindfulness activity, and game session is an opportunity for kids to wake up their bodies, engage their minds, and be their best. The video content in GoNoodle is designed to encourage and inspire that movement for kids age 5 to 12.
Things to Do In Your Area
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Fun4SunCoastKids/
Web: https://fun4suncoastkids.com/
There are several area pages for fun things to do in our area! Suncoast, Orlando, Sarasota, Miami, and more! Check it out!
Pieced-Together Curriculum
BOOKS, WORKBOOKS, SITES WE USE
We piece together curriculum each year. We have never used a box. These are links to lists of what we have used in the past.
* * * PURCHASE THESE BOOKS! * * * ----------------------------------------------------------
Grade 8/9:
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=782770306976407&set=a.198772510871012
Grade 8/9 VIDEO:
https://youtu.be/0kq86eshtMU
Grade 7/8:
https://www.facebook.com/GulfsideArtandScienceAcademy/photos/pcb.1153894395358814/1153890665359187
Grade 7/8 FOLLOW UP VIDEO - What worked and What didn't!
https://youtu.be/NVfcFD1Mq2o
Grade 7/8 VIDEO:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6j6UiJYJwxg
Grade 6/7:
https://www.facebook.com/GulfsideArtandScienceAcademy/photos/a.198772510871012/930361774378745/
Grade 6/7 VIDEO:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UJqH5I7zIZM
Grade 5/6: https://www.facebook.com/GulfsideArtandScienceAcademy/photos/ms.c.eJw1yrENADAIA8GNImKwwfsvlgKlPP13ERyXSco6vZYApO7aEZhxoH7n~;nygng0C.bps.a.198772510871012/745258949555696/?type=3&theater
Grade 5/6 VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kW-ZqwlkaYY&t=1s&fbclid=IwAR3F9qk7hbYeXvlyGKL_IokrNJiZGkN2cKj_O71et6HBCwdELbBI2Bmar-g-Grade 4/5: https://www.facebook.com/GulfsideArtandScienceAcademy/photos/ms.c.eJw1yrENADAIA8GNImKwwfsvlgKlPP13ERyXSco6vZYApO7aEZhxoH7n~;nygng0C.bps.a.198772510871012/745258966222361/?type=3&theater-Grade 3/4: https://www.facebook.com/GulfsideArtandScienceAcademy/photos/ms.c.eJw1yrENADAIA8GNImKwwfsvlgKlPP13ERyXSco6vZYApO7aEZhxoH7n~;nygng0C.bps.a.198772510871012/745259002889024/?type=3&theater-Grade 2/3: https://www.facebook.com/GulfsideArtandScienceAcademy/photos/ms.c.eJw1yrENADAIA8GNImKwwfsvlgKlPP13ERyXSco6vZYApO7aEZhxoH7n~;nygng0C.bps.a.198772510871012/745258959555695/?type=3&theater * * * PURCHASE THESE BOOKS! * * *
Grade 5/6 VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kW-ZqwlkaYY&t=1s&fbclid=IwAR3F9qk7hbYeXvlyGKL_IokrNJiZGkN2cKj_O71et6HBCwdELbBI2Bmar-g-Grade 4/5: https://www.facebook.com/GulfsideArtandScienceAcademy/photos/ms.c.eJw1yrENADAIA8GNImKwwfsvlgKlPP13ERyXSco6vZYApO7aEZhxoH7n~;nygng0C.bps.a.198772510871012/745258966222361/?type=3&theater-Grade 3/4: https://www.facebook.com/GulfsideArtandScienceAcademy/photos/ms.c.eJw1yrENADAIA8GNImKwwfsvlgKlPP13ERyXSco6vZYApO7aEZhxoH7n~;nygng0C.bps.a.198772510871012/745259002889024/?type=3&theater-Grade 2/3: https://www.facebook.com/GulfsideArtandScienceAcademy/photos/ms.c.eJw1yrENADAIA8GNImKwwfsvlgKlPP13ERyXSco6vZYApO7aEZhxoH7n~;nygng0C.bps.a.198772510871012/745258959555695/?type=3&theater * * * PURCHASE THESE BOOKS! * * *
FREE & CHEAP RESOURCES
Some of our Favorite Educational Tools
www.K5Learning.com - printable reading, math, spelling, etc.
www.ReadWorks.org - reading and comprehension - all ages and levels.
www.Ducksters.com - Science, History, Geography, games
www.kids-world-travel-guide.com - country info, facts, geography, games and more
www.k12reader.com - Spelling, Reading, Grammar, Vocabulary and more www.scholastic.com - Order Scholastic News as well as the Science and Geography Spins (avail. 3rd grade and up) Additionally, we order Scholastic workbooks on Amazon - writing, reading comp, grammar, vocabulary, etc.
www.teacherspayteachers.com - every subject you can imagine! SOME FREE, SOME PAID.
www.superteacherworksheets.com - worksheets, various subjects
www.adaptedmind.com - math and reading online
www.mobymax.com - math and reading online
www.gonoodle.com - physical activity, dance fun
www.math-aids.com - free math worksheets
www.Education.com - lots of subjects! (LIMITED FREE STUFF)
www.tlsbooks.com/englishworksheets.htm - ELA worksheets
www.50states.com - U.S. facts, flags, etc
www.mathantics.com - math instructional videos
https://www.c-span.org/classroom/ - video-based social studies
Little Passports - monthly subscriptions & printables
Kiwi Crate - monthly STEM / STEAM subscriptions
MEL Chemistry - monthly science STEM subscriptions
"Who (Where) Was" series of books
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC & SMITHSONIAN books! --NOW.... CREATE A UNIT STUDY! 1. CHOOSE a subject that’s interesting! 2. EXPLORE: Books / Poems / other materials 3. WATCH: Documentaries, movies or clips 4. DO: Worksheets, projects or lapbooks 5. CREATE: Make it fun! Add crosswords, word finds, coloring, crafts or art projects. 6. GET HANDS-ON: Make a posterboard, cook a recipe or do an experiment, etc. 7. EXPERIENCE: Go on a FIELD TRIP!
updated 6/19
www.K5Learning.com - printable reading, math, spelling, etc.
www.ReadWorks.org - reading and comprehension - all ages and levels.
www.Ducksters.com - Science, History, Geography, games
www.kids-world-travel-guide.com - country info, facts, geography, games and more
www.k12reader.com - Spelling, Reading, Grammar, Vocabulary and more www.scholastic.com - Order Scholastic News as well as the Science and Geography Spins (avail. 3rd grade and up) Additionally, we order Scholastic workbooks on Amazon - writing, reading comp, grammar, vocabulary, etc.
www.teacherspayteachers.com - every subject you can imagine! SOME FREE, SOME PAID.
www.superteacherworksheets.com - worksheets, various subjects
www.adaptedmind.com - math and reading online
www.mobymax.com - math and reading online
www.gonoodle.com - physical activity, dance fun
www.math-aids.com - free math worksheets
www.Education.com - lots of subjects! (LIMITED FREE STUFF)
www.tlsbooks.com/englishworksheets.htm - ELA worksheets
www.50states.com - U.S. facts, flags, etc
www.mathantics.com - math instructional videos
https://www.c-span.org/classroom/ - video-based social studies
Little Passports - monthly subscriptions & printables
Kiwi Crate - monthly STEM / STEAM subscriptions
MEL Chemistry - monthly science STEM subscriptions
"Who (Where) Was" series of books
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC & SMITHSONIAN books! --NOW.... CREATE A UNIT STUDY! 1. CHOOSE a subject that’s interesting! 2. EXPLORE: Books / Poems / other materials 3. WATCH: Documentaries, movies or clips 4. DO: Worksheets, projects or lapbooks 5. CREATE: Make it fun! Add crosswords, word finds, coloring, crafts or art projects. 6. GET HANDS-ON: Make a posterboard, cook a recipe or do an experiment, etc. 7. EXPERIENCE: Go on a FIELD TRIP!
updated 6/19
Homeschooling, general info
GENERAL HOMESCHOOL INFORMATION - USA---Homeschool Laws & Advice: https://hslda.org
Homeschool Facebook Groups: You'll need to join some in your local area for good local information, field trips, activities, co-ops, etc. There are religious groups and secular groups. We personally belong to both kinds. You will find unique information in both. We don't mind religious influence, but we do want secular science and history.
National group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/CrossingOverToHomeschooling/
Traveling Homeschoolers:https://www.facebook.com/travelinghomeschoolers/https://www.facebook.com/RoadschoolingFamilies/
GASA Facebook page:https://www.facebook.com/GulfsideArtandScienceAcademy/
Homeschool Facebook Groups: You'll need to join some in your local area for good local information, field trips, activities, co-ops, etc. There are religious groups and secular groups. We personally belong to both kinds. You will find unique information in both. We don't mind religious influence, but we do want secular science and history.
National group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/CrossingOverToHomeschooling/
Traveling Homeschoolers:https://www.facebook.com/travelinghomeschoolers/https://www.facebook.com/RoadschoolingFamilies/
GASA Facebook page:https://www.facebook.com/GulfsideArtandScienceAcademy/
Florida Letter of Intent
WHAT'S IN YOUR LETTER OF INTENT (LOI)?Must be sent within 30 days of withdrawal
YOUR NAME, ADDRESS, PHONEDATE
ATTN: XXXXX COUNTY School District Superintendent Principal, XXXXX school (IF APPLICABLE)
RE: Intent to Homeschool CHILD'S NAME DOB: XX-XX-XX This letter is intended to notify the XXXX County School District of our withdrawal of XXXXX from XXXXXX school and also serves as our intent to establish a home education program at the above address. (IF THEY WEREN'T EVER ENROLLED IN SCHOOL, DELETE THAT PART)
This Notice of Intent is in compliance with the requirements of Florida Statutes Annotated 1002.41. If you have any questions concerning our home education program, please submit them in writing.
Thank you. XXXXX
--------It is best to send via email and certified, return receipt mail so that you have receipts for your records.
YOUR NAME, ADDRESS, PHONEDATE
ATTN: XXXXX COUNTY School District Superintendent Principal, XXXXX school (IF APPLICABLE)
RE: Intent to Homeschool CHILD'S NAME DOB: XX-XX-XX This letter is intended to notify the XXXX County School District of our withdrawal of XXXXX from XXXXXX school and also serves as our intent to establish a home education program at the above address. (IF THEY WEREN'T EVER ENROLLED IN SCHOOL, DELETE THAT PART)
This Notice of Intent is in compliance with the requirements of Florida Statutes Annotated 1002.41. If you have any questions concerning our home education program, please submit them in writing.
Thank you. XXXXX
--------It is best to send via email and certified, return receipt mail so that you have receipts for your records.
Homeschooling in Florida
FLORIDA HOMESCHOOL PORTFOLIO EVALUATION DETAILS
If you choose the PORTFOLIO EVALUATION route, which is most common, you will need to be evaluated by a certified, licensed Florida teacher once a year prior to your homeschool LOI (letter of intent) anniversary date. Evaluations are easy and fun! Think of it as a chance to brag about all the wonderful things your child has learned this year!
Your Portfolio should include:
Written Work: 3-5 examples of each subject from beginning, middle and end of the year to show progress
Curriculum: a list of books, workbooks and/or internet sites used
Reading Log: a list of books read to/by the child
Educational Activities: a daily log of activities, extracurricular activities, field trips, special projects, experiments, testing, etc. that you want to include.
Format: you can make a photo album, online album, scrapbook, binder, file folder box, etc. You can include anything extra that you want to share! * You must keep all evaluation materials for two years.
** Your material is NOT seen by the school district. The school district receives only a certification that the evaluation was completed and the student has shown progress.
*** See your Evaluator for more details.
More info: https://hslda.org/content/hs101/FL.aspx
---
LETTER OF INTENTI suggest sending your Letter of Intent (LOI) to the School District Superintendent as well as the principal of the school they were enrolled in, if applicable. Send it via USPS CERTIFIED, RETURN RECEIPT as well as EMAIL. Both then give you formal receipts for your records. Some districts send out a nice homeschool card every year, some send a letter.
If you choose the PORTFOLIO EVALUATION route, which is most common, you will need to be evaluated by a certified, licensed Florida teacher once a year prior to your homeschool LOI (letter of intent) anniversary date. Evaluations are easy and fun! Think of it as a chance to brag about all the wonderful things your child has learned this year!
Your Portfolio should include:
Written Work: 3-5 examples of each subject from beginning, middle and end of the year to show progress
Curriculum: a list of books, workbooks and/or internet sites used
Reading Log: a list of books read to/by the child
Educational Activities: a daily log of activities, extracurricular activities, field trips, special projects, experiments, testing, etc. that you want to include.
Format: you can make a photo album, online album, scrapbook, binder, file folder box, etc. You can include anything extra that you want to share! * You must keep all evaluation materials for two years.
** Your material is NOT seen by the school district. The school district receives only a certification that the evaluation was completed and the student has shown progress.
*** See your Evaluator for more details.
More info: https://hslda.org/content/hs101/FL.aspx
---
LETTER OF INTENTI suggest sending your Letter of Intent (LOI) to the School District Superintendent as well as the principal of the school they were enrolled in, if applicable. Send it via USPS CERTIFIED, RETURN RECEIPT as well as EMAIL. Both then give you formal receipts for your records. Some districts send out a nice homeschool card every year, some send a letter.