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Recommended Curriculum & Parent Resources
This page is a work of love in progress. I hope it is helpful, but I will always be adding and changing. Thank you for your patience!
Never trust anyone who has not brought a book with them.
- Lemony Snicket
Phonics & Reading
Great website for low-cost and free materials focused on reading and phonics.
A friend of the mom above and also well-versed in teaching reading. Some sectarian things, but clearly labeled. Other reading and phonics resources are great. Sign up for freebies!
Handwriting
Special papers for printing and cursive
Vocabulary
The K and 1 levels are easy, then levels 2 and up are challenging. Try a sample from the website to find the right level. Otherwise, a very thorough vocabulary curriculum that includes reading and a variety of exercises with the words so your child learns them without rote memorization. I prefer the books to the online version, but that opinion is based on when my son tried it 10 years ago.
See also - Mrs. Wordsmith below.
Mrs. Wordsmith is now on Amazon with a new line of printed workbooks plus all the old favorites!!
Click the illustration to see what's available.
Writing
- The Not So Wimpy Teacher (2nd-5th)
- Susan Jones Teaching
- Draw then Write (1-3)
- Paragraph Writing (2-4)
- How to Write an Essay
- Picture dictionaries for older kids, games, writing instruction, and more! Fun and colorful style. NOW has curriculum DOWNLOADS with free samples and fair prices. Unique and engaging!
- Look for the FREE RESOURCES page.
Language Arts Full Curriculum
Michael Clay Thompson specializes in Classical English Language Arts. I am familiar with his Grammar and Poetry books for K - 5. They are wonderful story-like books that you read with your child and help them understand the beauty of the sounds and structure of the English language. Poodle Knows What? pictured at right, is the grammar book for the early grades. It is so funny it has us all laughing out loud! It does introduce grammar and parts of a sentence at a swift pace, but my students have been happy to just review the same few things until they are ready to move ahead.
You can find these books at:
https://www.rfwp.com/mct-language-arts/ or
Based on the book of the same name, the Logic of English carries several different resources. The main ones are Foundations, "An evidence-based curriculum that equips young students for reading success," and Essentials, "A spelling, vocabulary, & grammar curriculum for students who need to strengthen their foundational skills." There are additional add-ons and accessories for both sets.
Evan Moor Teacher Filebox Subscription
Their books on writing are good for reluctant writers. I have used Draw then Write and Paragraph Writing especially. The advantage of the Filebox is the ability to access all the grades and subjects. If you have 2 or more children or even one child who works at different levels for different subjects, you can pick and choose what you want to do, and you're not stuck with one level, topic, or book. However, if you just want to buy individual books, visit the Evan Moor online store.
Occupational Therapy & Learning Disabilities
Check out the "free stuff" page!
For Advocacy & Parent Info
National Center for Learning Disabilities|NCLD
WrightsLaw Special Education Law & Advocacy
Parents Helping Parents: Family Support, Information, and Advocacy
This place is excellent and located in San Jose. Most groups and events are still running online throughout the pandemic and they will take your call and answer your questions. Invaluable!
This link will take you to a list of books on Amazon that I'm continually adding to. I hope you find a favorite here, too! Click the boy with the book on his head to see it.
Parents' Books List
I have a list of books for parents now, too! Education, parenting, brain science - anything I've read or heard a credible review about that relates to our purpose here. Click the hand to see it.
