How to find excellent learning materials!

  Accessing a large pool of resources gives home educators a considerable advantage because learning possibilities far exceed those available within a classroom. Finding fantastic learning tools and information involves taking a very proactive role in education. If I wanted to learn more about a specific topic, my mom would tell me to go look it up online or take me to the library to read books on the subject. 

  One way to discover interactive resources involves utilizing your local library. Many offer free educational events and lectures. Some even get authors of books to come and speak. Many of these learning opportunities are available virtually or in socially distanced settings. This also goes for theaters, music halls, and art museums. Museums and nature centers are overflowing with helpful resources and offer programs for children and adults, and most are providing online lessons and videos through their social media pages. Keep in mind the more interactive or engaging the learning resource, the better the experience. Though sometimes you might need or prefer using books to supplement an un-schooling education. Try not to get locked into a set of textbooks that go out of date quickly.  

  Instead, try looking for information on a particular subject through a search engine or online library catalog. Online library catalogs offer a quick and easy way to find a diverse collection of books. An online search on a topic provides a seemingly endless array of websites full of information as well. Another way to find a breadth of possible books to read would be through google books, where you can search for a subject like a library catalog; however, google books offers a broader choice of books to consider. Some of the books are free to read, while others only provide limited previews. Despite that, you can browse through fascinating books and possibly find those books at your local library or an online store.

  I used this technique when choosing books for my last two years of college. I could type in a few keywords, for example: "Art in Story." This search brought up an assortment of books. Once I found books that appeared to apply best to what I needed, I would search specifically for that book in my local library catalog. Most of the time, I could get books for free from my library. However, I did have to purchase a few. Having the ability to browse such a wide selection of books easily online was extremely helpful. Often it feels frustrating locating resources you need, so don't simply rely on the library or a set curriculum. If you want a fully rounded education, following a set of books with a particular order or guideline won't work. Why limit learning, with so many varying perspectives that exist out there?

  You can often learn the most from comparing the perspectives and approaches of different books and websites. In my experience, when I used a breadth of resources, I was able to better comprehend the subject I was learning. The ability to learn in this manner became a huge asset while I attended college. Knowing how to find other resources aside from the assigned textbooks supplements an education and makes for a complete understanding of a subject. Finding resources will assist in the future for research projects, college exams, and job opportunities. 

I found that focusing on a few keywords of interest can provide better results and yield more exciting books. For example, if searching for biology information, you can imagine how many pages and pages of information will turn up. Instead, consider what specifically interests you. But if you have no idea, by all means, go for the mass information search and dive right in. Eventually, one aspect or branch of that subject will pique your interest. Don't worry about whether or not something should be learned, or needs to be learned. 

Explore the possible resources and a multitude of subjects. Parents should consider what sort of approach and materials will get the best reception and response from the child, and if you're a student, consider your future goals and current interests when choosing how and what to learn. Does your child prefer reading a website, or should you go to the library or bookstore? What about attending a lecture? What about using worksheets or interactive software? There are so many excellent options available. And by utilizing search engines, libraries, community centers, even college websites, you can quickly discover what will work best. It might take some time to find the right resources. Luckily though, the Internet has made it immensely easy to do this. Make sure to take advantage of what you can find.

Nowadays, everyone and their dog have a website, Twitter, Instagram, youtube channel, and blog in which information and resources are posted at a record pace. Blogs are an excellent way to learn from others who share their expertise and experiences. You're reading one right now, after all. Many home educating parents have personal blog sites where they share the good, the bad, and the ugly of home education. I searched for homeschooling parent blogs, through google, and a bunch of websites that offer resources and support came up. Many college professors and teachers have blog sites too. There are science blogs, music blogs, writing blogs, etc. They all offer some great insight and different perspectives, all of which will supply a wealth of information.

-Merridith