Getting Started
FIRST DAYS OF HOME LEARNING
Here are some ideas of what you can do while you wait for your first meeting with your teacher consultant.
Your First Few Days of Home Learning
FIRST WEEKS OF HOME LEARNING
Are you new to home learning and wanting to explore a variety of resources and methods available to you? These packets are a sampler of different resources available at Ocean Alternative and have guidance for a variety of ways to approach each subject area. Choose a grade range that best meets your child's needs and complete the activities and reflection questions each week to share with your teacher.
LEARNING PROGRESSIONS
Below are progressions that our teachers use in reading, writing, and math to track progress and set goals. We review these with every family at least three times a year.
PARENT MENTORS
Parent Facebook Group - OAEC Families
The resources on this page are meant as information. Some of the resources have a cost and most are free. If you are looking for specific subject area information, please use the subject area links above.
SOCIAL MEDIA GUIDANCE FOR PARENTS
Smart Social: https://smartsocial.com/social-media-webinar/
Common Sense Media: https://www.commonsensemedia.org/
GROWTH MINDSET
Carol Dweck - pioneering researcher mindset, motivation and achievement
Mindset Quiz - fixed vs. growth mindset
Mindset Works - how growth mindset helps with motivation and achievement
The Power Of Yet Ted Talk with Carol Dweck
Ways to Praise An article about the Perils and Promises of Praise
Building a Growth Mindset in Children a simplified video about growth vs fixed mindset and how to build a growth mindset in kids.
GENERAL HOMESCHOOLING INFO
Clickschooling - web-based curriculum idea every day
The Daily Groove - brings you an inspiring and/or practical message every Mon. through Fri.
Outschool- helps parents find and book learning activities for kids.
Choices 4 Learning - Resources for homeschooling with lots of stuff for special needs, community activities, learning topics, etc.
Homeschool Association of California -HSC is here to help you navigate the homeschooling world with information, networking, and support.
Homecruzers - Very active facebook group with lots of support and ideas.
Homeschooling Blog and Books, Field Trips and more by Suki Wessling, former Ocean Homeschooling Parent and Educator.
ONLINE LEARNING RESOURCES
Interesting video talks about many subjects
- Curriki
Free open source curriculum - 12 Dozen Places
to educate yourself online for free - The 5 Best Educational Youtube Channels
- Free technology for teachers
Free resources and lesson plans for teaching with technology.
HOMESCHOOLING LINKS
- HomeSchool Association of California
State-wide support for the spectrum of homeschool concepts. - Homeschool Buyers Co-op
Free to join, this co-op offers great deals on educational resources. - Homeschool Review
Reviews of resources and ideas for homeschooling by two Santa Cruz-area homeschoolers. - Homefires
Excellent resources for links to a variety of ideas for homeschooling with Diane Flynn Keith. - Click Schooling
Great resource site by Diane Flynn Keith.
Local websites
- Santa Cruz Public Library
- Tumblebooks
Access free audiobooks with illustration for emerging readers. Choose "Tumblebook Library" on the upper right side of the browser window. - SCCOE Website
Resource on all aspects of edcuation in Santa Cruz county - Monterey Bay Aquarium
The wonderful aquarium guide. - The Discovery Learning Center
A local non-profit learning center for all Santa Cruz homeschoolers.