Where do you go from here?
The journey of homeschooling can be a wonderful opportunity for families to reconnect and to grow closer; it gives parents the chance to instill a love of learning into their children that may have been lost in traditional school. When pulling their children from public school, many parents fear that socialization will fall away or that kids will grow to lack communication skills with peers, resulting in isolation or future life struggles. Also, curriculum is quite a hot-button issue when first starting to homeschool, and the vastness of what is available can be intimidating.
There is a comfort: you are not alone! God gives parents the ability, authority, and strength to teach their children. Many families have rallied in the past (and surely in the future) to create lasting communities in which their children can thrive with one another. There is freedom and grace in homeschooling to allow for parental learning—as they navigate a new dynamic, mindset, and teaching style.
There is a lot out there for homeschoolers that parents may not know about, especially in our local area of Cowlitz County. Online resources and extra curricular activities will be listed below to try and help parents in their search for other outlets for their children.
We want to support you and your family in your homeschooling journey. Click the tabs below for information, resources, and helpful links.
There is a comfort: you are not alone! God gives parents the ability, authority, and strength to teach their children. Many families have rallied in the past (and surely in the future) to create lasting communities in which their children can thrive with one another. There is freedom and grace in homeschooling to allow for parental learning—as they navigate a new dynamic, mindset, and teaching style.
There is a lot out there for homeschoolers that parents may not know about, especially in our local area of Cowlitz County. Online resources and extra curricular activities will be listed below to try and help parents in their search for other outlets for their children.
We want to support you and your family in your homeschooling journey. Click the tabs below for information, resources, and helpful links.
- First Steps
- Perspective
- Curriculum
- Local Co-ops
Washington Homeschool Information
The more knowledge you have of Washington State's homeschool law and what is expected of you will help alleviate the fear of the unknown. The first steps into homeschooling is to make certain you are operating within the definitions of the law. This will include declaring to the state your intent to homeschool, ensuring you meet the parent qualifications, and administering yearly testing/assessments.
A great starting point for all these aspects is to check out the Washington Homeschool Organization (WHO) and the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA). They have a plethora of information regarding the law and requirements for our state that will be invaluable in starting your new journey. Also, there is direct link to the law under our Forms & Resources section below.
Washington Homeschool Organization
https://washhomeschool.org/
HSLDA
https://hslda.org/
A great starting point for all these aspects is to check out the Washington Homeschool Organization (WHO) and the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA). They have a plethora of information regarding the law and requirements for our state that will be invaluable in starting your new journey. Also, there is direct link to the law under our Forms & Resources section below.
Washington Homeschool Organization
https://washhomeschool.org/
HSLDA
https://hslda.org/
Emotional Support & Perspective
The world have given us a certain mindset about education and about interacting with our children. When beginning to homeschool, there can be a harsh and sometimes alarming realization that you have become solely responsible for your child’s education. When you first start, you may realize that things don’t necessarily fit all nicely and straightaway. In most cases, a shift in our thinking is needed. You don’t need to—or shouldn’t—look at homeschooling as pure scholastic education. Instead, it is really a chance for a close, loving life-relationship with your children, which results in education through not merely curriculum but through life experiences.
If you are needing some perspective on homeschooling, if you are feeling overwhelmed, or if you are feeling burnt out with your current homeschooling—the next links will be helpful and uplifting for you. Grab some coffee, explore the sites, and read on.
Homeschool Oasis
https://www.homeschooloasis.com/
A great resource that will help reset your mindset regarding your kids, your home life, and schooling. There a number of good book recommendations about homeschooling that are suggested.
Nicki Truesdell
https://nickitruesdell.com/
If you are struggling with the financial aspect of homeschooling or if both parents are working in the home, Nicki Truesdell has written a book that may help you. It’s called "Anyone Can Homeschool" and it's available on her website or Amazon.
If you are needing some perspective on homeschooling, if you are feeling overwhelmed, or if you are feeling burnt out with your current homeschooling—the next links will be helpful and uplifting for you. Grab some coffee, explore the sites, and read on.
Homeschool Oasis
https://www.homeschooloasis.com/
A great resource that will help reset your mindset regarding your kids, your home life, and schooling. There a number of good book recommendations about homeschooling that are suggested.
Nicki Truesdell
https://nickitruesdell.com/
If you are struggling with the financial aspect of homeschooling or if both parents are working in the home, Nicki Truesdell has written a book that may help you. It’s called "Anyone Can Homeschool" and it's available on her website or Amazon.
Curriculum Choices
With the first steps and the right mindset in place—empowered through knowledge and encouragement—we can begin to get into the nitty-gritty of homeschooling. One of the main questions that parents ask is what curriculum should they use. This is where the freedom within homeschooling really shines and where you can explore what works for your family. This is also where parents can get overwhelmed again, because there is a plethora of options out there.
You may be worried about picking the right one, choosing one that covers all the basics. You may worry that you’re forgetting something important. Luckily, with the many methods of homeschooling—unschooling, classical, etc.—also comes with the reassurance that you can switch things up on the go. You have time to see what works for your children, most all what they enjoy.
Whatever you take from this section let it be with the realization that you have a great number of avenues to explore. If that instead daunts you, be encouraged by the fact that you can switch at any time to something better for your family and child’s happiness in learning.
Listed below is a number of choices of homeschooling links and curriculum. The lists are available to download as a PDF under our Forms & Resources section below as well. Of course, this is not an exclusive list as there are many, many more available. However, we hope that this will jumpstart your search. For making your own unit studies, there is the helpful Cathy Duffy Reviews, which has a good breakdown on countless books. There are options for free programs / studies and one-time payment lessons.
You may be worried about picking the right one, choosing one that covers all the basics. You may worry that you’re forgetting something important. Luckily, with the many methods of homeschooling—unschooling, classical, etc.—also comes with the reassurance that you can switch things up on the go. You have time to see what works for your children, most all what they enjoy.
Whatever you take from this section let it be with the realization that you have a great number of avenues to explore. If that instead daunts you, be encouraged by the fact that you can switch at any time to something better for your family and child’s happiness in learning.
Listed below is a number of choices of homeschooling links and curriculum. The lists are available to download as a PDF under our Forms & Resources section below as well. Of course, this is not an exclusive list as there are many, many more available. However, we hope that this will jumpstart your search. For making your own unit studies, there is the helpful Cathy Duffy Reviews, which has a good breakdown on countless books. There are options for free programs / studies and one-time payment lessons.
Unit Studies and DIY Lesson Plans
- Homeschool.com - www.homeschool.com/articles/how-to-homeschool-using-the-unit-study-method/
- Cathy Duffy Reviews - https://cathyduffyreviews.com/
- Teachers Pay Teachers - https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/
- Education . com - https://www.education.com/
- Gift of Curiosity - https://www.giftofcuriosity.com/shop/
- Christian Book Store - https://www.christianbook.com/
- Thriftbooks - https://www.thriftbooks.com/
Free & Affordable Curriculum
- Freedom Homeschooling - freedomhomeschooling.com/
- Homeschool . com - www.homeschool.com/articles/free-and-affordable-homeschool-curriculum/
- Easy Peasy All-in-One Homeschool - allinonehomeschool.com/
- Discovery K12 - discoveryk12.com/curriculum/
- The Good and the Beautiful - www.goodandbeautiful.com/free/
- Open Learn - www.open.edu/openlearn/free-courses/full-catalogue
- Many Books (free downloaded books) - www.manybooks.net/
- Teach Your Monster - www.teachyourmonster.org/
- A.C.E. (prices vary) - www.aceschooloftomorrow.com/
Online Programs
- Ambleside Online (classical teaching, Charlotte Mason) - www.amblesideonline.org/
- Khan Academy (free, K-12) - www.khanacademy.org/
- Time4Learning (subscription, K-12) - www.time4learning.com/
- Power Homeschool (subscription, K-12) - www.powerhomeschool.org/
- Monarch (subscription, Grades 3-12) - monarch.aop.com/
- edX (College prep) - www.edx.org/
- Veritas Academy (College) - veritaspress.com/
Groups & Resources in Cowlitz County
One of the often asked questions (or stigmas) revolving around homeschooling is "what about socialization?" Although we believe socialization is an important part of a child's development, the main concern should be about the quality rather than quantity. There are also differences between forced socialization among peer groups and interactions naturally occurring throughout day to day life across multiple age groups. The latter can be achieved by simply living life with your kids, as you teach them academically as well as socially.
If you're craving more of a diverse and/or like-minded community, however, homeschool co-ops are a wonderful option. Thankfully, you have the freedom as homeschoolers to see which one works for you. There are a number of great learning opportunities to be apart of in the Cowlitz County area. Cooperatives are helpful learning and supportive groups to supplement your everyday homeschooling.
Below is a working list on the local co-op, homeschooling, and extra-curricular groups in the Cowlitz County area.
If you're craving more of a diverse and/or like-minded community, however, homeschool co-ops are a wonderful option. Thankfully, you have the freedom as homeschoolers to see which one works for you. There are a number of great learning opportunities to be apart of in the Cowlitz County area. Cooperatives are helpful learning and supportive groups to supplement your everyday homeschooling.
Below is a working list on the local co-op, homeschooling, and extra-curricular groups in the Cowlitz County area.
Homeschool Co-ops
Classical Conversations
"When you homeschool with Classical Conversations, we connect you with a local community of like-minded families who not only learn together, but do life together. We equip homeschool parents with the confidence to raise bright, observant students who have a lifelong love of learning."
Website: https://classicalconversations.com/
Contact: [email protected]
First Class Cowlitz County (Friday School)
"First Class Cowlitz County is a one-day a week, homeschool cooperative with a solid Christian foundation. FCCC is a ministry of New Life Fellowship Church to homeschooling families in Longview and surrounding areas.We hope you'll join us, make some new friends, and get involved!!"
Website: www.homeschool-life.com/wa/fccowlitzc/
Contact: [email protected]
The Gathering Spot
"We are a group of families navigating “schooling from home.” Some families are homeschool veterans, some are new to the game! Some families are working through the public school online system and possibly transitioning to hybrid in person classes! Wherever your family is in your educational journey, we welcome you to The Gathering Spot!"
Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/313604006387592
Contact: Maggie @ 360-749-0844
Wild School
"Brave at Heart Learning Connections proudly presents Wild School, a remarkable journey of connection, education, and community. Wild School is designed to ignite your child's natural curiosity and foster a deep bond with the environment. As a family-based program, parents play an active role in supporting their child's education and exploration. Together, we'll engage in exciting and educational activities while building lifelong friendships and enhancing local communities."
Website: Brave at Heart Learning Connections
Sign-up through Parks&Rec
"When you homeschool with Classical Conversations, we connect you with a local community of like-minded families who not only learn together, but do life together. We equip homeschool parents with the confidence to raise bright, observant students who have a lifelong love of learning."
Website: https://classicalconversations.com/
Contact: [email protected]
First Class Cowlitz County (Friday School)
"First Class Cowlitz County is a one-day a week, homeschool cooperative with a solid Christian foundation. FCCC is a ministry of New Life Fellowship Church to homeschooling families in Longview and surrounding areas.We hope you'll join us, make some new friends, and get involved!!"
Website: www.homeschool-life.com/wa/fccowlitzc/
Contact: [email protected]
The Gathering Spot
"We are a group of families navigating “schooling from home.” Some families are homeschool veterans, some are new to the game! Some families are working through the public school online system and possibly transitioning to hybrid in person classes! Wherever your family is in your educational journey, we welcome you to The Gathering Spot!"
Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/313604006387592
Contact: Maggie @ 360-749-0844
Wild School
"Brave at Heart Learning Connections proudly presents Wild School, a remarkable journey of connection, education, and community. Wild School is designed to ignite your child's natural curiosity and foster a deep bond with the environment. As a family-based program, parents play an active role in supporting their child's education and exploration. Together, we'll engage in exciting and educational activities while building lifelong friendships and enhancing local communities."
Website: Brave at Heart Learning Connections
Sign-up through Parks&Rec
Extracurriculars
Coming soon...
Forms and resources
