Resources for Homeschools

"Teaching with the Brain in Mind"
by Eric Jensen
"Teaching with the Brain in Mind" balances the research and theory of the brain with successful tips and techniques for using that information in classrooms. From its primer on brain biology to in-depth discussions of emotions, memory, and recall, this book is an invaluable tool for any educator looking to better reach students through truly brain-compatible teaching and learning.

Project Learning Tree (PLT)
An award winning, multi-disciplinary environmental education program for educators and students in Pre K - Grade 12. PLT, a program of the American Forest Foundation, is one of the most widely used environmental education programs in the United States and abroad. PLT materials are aligned with state and national education standards. PLT is cross-curricular with easy to use lessons in science, language arts, special education, and other classes.

Project Wild
For Kindergarten through Grade 12. An interdisciplinary, supplementary conservation and environmental education program emphasizing wildlife produced by a national network of State Wildlife Agency Sponsors.

The Old Schoolhouse
The Magazine for Homeschool Families
The Old Schoolhouse Magazine is a Christian homeschool publication that is produced quarterly and is mailed out to homeschooling families all over the world. Fat Brain Toys is proud to know this great resource!

Guided Readers and Writers - Grades 3-6.
by Irene Fountas and Gay Pinnell
This resource provides valuable information for anyone teaching reading and writing. Excellent for upper elementary reading and writing integration. Includes special help for struggling readers and writers, building a learning community in your literacy program; independent reading; guided reading; literature study; teaching for comprehension and word analysis; and the reading and writing connection. Contains reading and writing workshop forms; graphic organizers; a list of the 500 most frequently used words; common spelling roadblocks; writer Web sites & magazines for kids; bibliographies of picture books for use with intermediate students.

Making Words
Patricia Cunningham
Great resources for word study, phonics patterns. Presents a guided invented-spelling instructional strategy called "Making Words" which teachers can use with beginning readers to develop their ability to spell words and to apply this knowledge when decoding during reading. Discusses how to plan and teach the strategy. Describes two sample lessons, and explores why the strategy works. Also good for experienced readers and writers. Also check out Making Big Words, Making More Words and Lessons for Home and School by Patricia Cunningham.

AIMS (Activities Integrating Math and Science)
From the University of California at Berkeley
Fantastic Activities integrating Math & Science for grades Kindergarten through Grade 9.

GEMS (Greater Explorations in Math and Science)
From the University of California at Berkeley
Wonderful Math and Science resources for Preschool through Grade 8. There are a number of books in this series.