Getting Started with 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

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. 

K-2nd Non/Early Readers

Week 1 Packet

Week 2 Packet

Week 3 Packet

Week 4 Packet

1st-3rd Beginning Readers

Week 1 Packet

Week 2 Packet

Week 3 Packet

Week 4 Packet

3rd-6th

Week 1 Packet

Week 2 Packet

Week 3 Packet

Week 4 Packet

6th-8th

Week 1 Packet

Week 2 Packet

Week 3 Packet

Week 4 Packet

Smart Social

Common Sense Media

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.

Reading Progression

Writing Progression

Math Progression

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.

Jen Bruno

Parent Facebook Group - OAEC Families

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.

      * Ted Talks

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 education in Santa Cruz county

• Monterey Bay Aquarium
  The wonderful aquarium guide.