Libraries: A Homeschoolers Best Friend
By: Julie Armstrong
If you’ve homeschooled for any amount of time you know that libraries can be a homeschoolers best friend for one obvious reason-stacks and stacks of books. Our shelves are packed with interesting and informative books to help with science, history and literature curriculums. But did you know that libraries are also great resources for curriculum development as well as offering socialization opportunities?
Hamilton East Public Library offers free use of over 60 databases to library card holders. These databases are an awesome resource when teaching the daunting task of researching for papers or projects. Not only are the databases packed with current, relevant information in the forms of books, magazine articles, newspaper articles and images, many of them offer study guides and teacher resources to aid in your curriculum development as well. Databases such as TrueFlix, Power Knowledge Science Suites and NoveList K-8 Plus, just to name a few, offer lesson plans, quizzes, “Meet the Author” links, comprehension questions to check for understanding and more. This link will take you to The Hamilton East Public Library Databases for you to explore. Be sure to have your library card ready.
We’re also here for you as you try to find activities that will socialize your children. Programs-both homeschool programs and programs focused on school-aged, tweens or teens-allow your child an opportunity to relate to peers in a tangible way. The library offers two programs a month for homeschoolers, Full STEAM Ahead for ages 5-8 and STEAMpunks for ages 9-13. Both programs focus on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) learning with a fun hands-on component. Other open programs such as ChopChop Cooking Club, Young Writer’s Club, Lego Challenge, American Girl Club, and Crafty Teens-to name just a few-offer additional opportunities for fun and learning alongside other children. You don’t even have to be a library card member in order to join in the fun. Here’s a calendar of events.