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The Best 12th Grade Homeschool Curriculum | Tips and Recommendations

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I have recommendations for 12th grade homeschool curriculum. Also, you’ll love my page Homeschool Curriculum for more ideas and grade level curriculum and my page How to Homeschool High School.

Take a deep breath mom this year is going to fly by.

You are in the final leg of your homeschool career (at least with this kid) at this point.

Your child likely has a career or college track picked out.

They might have already been taking classes to support.

And get a head start for trade school or college applications that have been sent. Too, SATs have been taken.

Next, it’s time to start planning the most special day and that is a homeschool graduation.

The Best 12th Grade Homeschool Curriculum | Tips and Recommendations

I have planned three and each teen is different.

Begin with my 10 day series of planning a homeschool graduation and Start the Planning Day 1 post.

We are going to finish the high school years off strong. That being said that does not mean that it has to be a rigorous curriculum at all.

Your child may already have all their required classes for college done, or they may be headed for trade school and even doing on the job training for their career.

The primary academic goal for senior year is to finish up any requirements your child might need in any of the subjects, get volunteer hours, and get more extracurricular requirements in.

What an exciting time for you both as you prepare for and enjoy this final year together, choose well but also soak it in as much as you can.

Tips and Recommendations for 12th Grade Homeschool Curriculum

  • Math is generally a course in Calculus at this point but if they have not completed Algebra I, Algebra II, and geometry they should use this final year to finish.
  • For science they have probably moved on to physics, but they could be doing anatomy, physiology, advanced courses (biology, chemistry, physics), zoology, botany, geology and might be dual enrolled in higher college level classes too.
  • In 12th grade students have most likely already completed all the required history and geography courses, even for college.  You can opt to include some things like psychology, sociology, anthropology, geography, world religions, or theology for classes that are more elective but are under the social studies umbrella.
  • Language arts senior year focuses on word study/vocabulary and of course good literature and composition. This is a good time to do even more in depth research papers in preparation for college.
  • If your child is college bound, they might want to take additional electives, most colleges expect to see at least six elective credits. College-bound students should consider courses such as foreign language, at least two years of the same language, and at least one year of visual and performing arts.
The Best 12th Grade Homeschool Curriculum | Tips and Recommendations

More High School Homeschool Curriculum Tips

Finally, look at curriculum traditionally used in the senior year of homeschooling.

Best Homeschool Curriculum For All Grades

12th Grade Homeschool Curriculum

The Best 12th Grade Homeschool Curriculum.

Math-U-See PreCalculus Universal Set

Focuses on classic trigonometry with advanced algebra to prepare students for calculus and other upper level courses. Topics include trig ratios, trigonometric identities, laws of trigonometry, radian measure, polar equations, functions and their graphs, sequences and series, and limits. The PreCalculus Universal Set includes everything you need for a successful experience with Instruction Manual with complete solutions, Instruction DVD, Student Workbook, Tests booklet, and lifetime access to the PreCalculus Digital Pack.

Math-U-See Algebra 2 Student Pack

A more rigorous course that builds on Algebra 1 and Geometry. Reviews and expands content from Algebra 1. The course also covers advanced factoring, imaginary and complex numbers, conjugate numbers, the binomial theorem, quadratic formula, motion problems, along with other application problems. Graphing includes extensive practice with conic sections, and solving systems of equations. Vectors are introduced. At the completion of Algebra 2, students should be able to move onto PreCalculus. The Algebra 2 Student Pack includes the consumable Student Worktext and Test Booklet.

Life of Fred Calculus: Expanded Edition (Textbook + Answer Key)

All of Calculus! Sixteen college semester units Multi-variable Calculus Analytic Geometry Vector Calculus Differential Equations All fun! Just open & enjoy. Functions, Limits, Speed, Slope, Derivatives, Concavity, Trig, Related Rates, Curvature, Integrals, Area, Work, Centroids, Logs, Conics, Infinite Series, Solids of Revolution, Polar Coordinates, Hyperbolic Trig, Vectors, Partial Derivatives, Double
Integrals, Vector Calculus, Differential Equations. This expanded edition includes all answers!

General Chemistry

General Chemistry is a chemistry curriculum for high school exhibiting Novare’s signature principles of Mastery, Integration and Kingdom Perspective. This fresh, lucid text brings students into the real world of chemistry and laboratory experiments.

Photo Credit: www.bfbooks.com

Modern U.S. & World Sr High Pack

Jump into the adventure and drama of 1850 to 2000 with this in-depth and literature-rich study for 11-12th grade students. This one-year study will take your student from Antebellum to modern day while covering the American Civil War, Reconstruction, Industrial Revolution, Turn of the Century, WWI, Communism, Socialism, Nazism, WWII, Korean War, Cold War, China's Cultural Revolution, Vietnam War, Civil Rights Movement, modern technology, and the War on Terror. Students will read some of the best literature available on this incredible and dynamic time period by renowned authors Harper Lee, Albert Marrin, Paul Johnson, Martin Gilbert, Harriet Beecher Stowe, Stephen Crane, Richard E. Kim, and more.

Music In Our Homeschool

Online and self-paced music courses. All from the comfort of your home by another homeschool mom who is also a music teacher.

Fast Track: U.S. History: Essential Review for AP, Honors, and Other Advanced Study (High School Subject Review)

Inside this book, you'll find:• Clear, concise summaries of the most important events, people, and concepts in United States history• Maps, timelines, and charts for quick visual reference• Easy-to-follow content organization and illustrations with its friendly, straightforward approach and a clean, modern design crafted to appeal to visual learners, this guidebook is perfect for catching up in class or getting ahead on exam review.

The Power in Your Hands: Writing Nonfiction in High School

Finding pleasure and delight in penning thoughts is my premier goal for my sons in a writing curriculum. So during the last few weeks, I have been absolutely thrilled that The Power in Your Hands: Writing Nonfiction in High School by Writing with Sharon Watson has been our writing mentor because it has surpassed my expectations

The Gold Book: British Literature (Learning Language Arts Through Literature)

The Gold Book - British Literature includes 36 weekly lessons similar in format to the other editions of the Learning Language Arts Through Literature series. Written in conversational form, with story summaries and complete answers provided for the discussion questions, this book is easy for any teacher to use. Information has been interwoven into the lessons so that the student becomes familiar with famous British authors.

The book is designed for teacher directed use, or the student can use it on his own. Answers are found at the end of each lesson. We recommend the student keep a four-section notebook for assigned writings.

The Gold Book - British Literature contains a section on the history of poetry, and a selection of famous British novels and poetry throughout the Romantic,
Victorian, and Modern Eras. The student analyzes selections of literature.

Lightning Lit & Comp: World Lit I Africa and Asia 2nd Edition (Lightning Lit & Comp)

New Second Edition, Perfect Bound— Hewitt's Lightning Literature and Composition guides use full-length novels, autobiographies, plays, essays, short stories, and poems to teach deep reading and composition skills. Unlike some literature programs that take a scatter-shot approach (where none of the literature seems connected) or that try to dump too much into one book, Lightning Literature guides focus on a few classics in depth, in a systematic manner. These guides are available for junior high and high school. Students read in the following ; Chinua Achebe ( Things Fall Apart) ; African poetry (poems selected from This Same Sky) ; Kazuo Ishiguro ( An Artist of the Floating World) ; Poetry of the Far East (poems selected from This Same Sky) ; Naguib Mahfouz ( Fountain and Tomb) ; Middle Eastern poetry (poems selected from This Same Sky) ; An autobiography of a Third-World national, to be chosen and obtained by the student, from a list of recommendations in the Guide ; Poetry as Life Stories (poems selected from This Same Sky) Free Teacher's Guide is included with answers and schedules.

The Best Tenth Grade Homeschool Curriculum | Tips and Recommendations

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Tenth grade homeschool curriculum is generally learning geometry, biology, world history, literature and composition. Also, you’ll love my page Homeschool Curriculum for more ideas and grade level curriculum and my page How to Homeschool High School.

This is the year that really amps up college planning.

The Best Tenth Grade Homeschool Curriculum | Tips and Recommendations

By the beginning of this year, you have 30 months until college if that is the route you are taking and there is much to do and it is definitely time to step up classes and more.

If you are going the trade school route you want to start looking into courses you can take now to get your student ahead of the game and ready to step into their career after graduation.

Your tenth grader is likely working a job.

And already learning about earning money, taxes, responsibility, and they are thinking about what career they would like to pursue.

Build on those life skills with classes, interesting books on the topics, engaging videos, and help set them on the right path.

I have a few tips for this year as well as my curriculum recommendations to help give you a fresh perspective as you finish up these last few years of learning at home.

Homeschool 10th Grade Tips and Recommendations

  • Take a look at my How to Homeschool High School Books & Resources
  • Start preparing and practicing for the SAT’s ACT, and AP exams.
  • Encourage your child to get involved in extracurricular activities like sports, arts, clubs, volunteering, camp, etc..
  • Civics is such an important part of the high school years. Engage your child to become more interested in current events through watching the news and having discussions.  Talk about upcoming elections and ask their opinions as well as how they arrived at them.
  • If you have not yet checked out careers that align with interests and learn what you need for qualifications and what kind of degree.  
  • Including art or any extracurricular or elective they are simply passionate about can be a wonderful way to relieve pressure and stress that can surround the high school years.
The Best Tenth Grade Homeschool Curriculum | Tips and Recommendations

Next, look at curriculum tips.

More High School Homeschool Curriculum Tips

Best Homeschool Curriculum For All Grades

Tenth Grade Homeschool Curriculum

10th Grade Homeschool Curriculum

You'll love some of these choices for homeschooling tenth grade.
Photo Credit: www.grade10math.com

Grade 10 Math

An approach like Grade 10 Math is broken down into 6 units covering linear relations to statistics for the math hungry learner.

Math-U-See Geometry Student Pack

In the MUS sequence at the upper level, it is recommended that students take Geometry after Algebra 1 and before Algebra 2. Algebra 1 review has been added to the Geometry course to keep Algebra skills sharp. Beginning with Geometry, fewer MUS manipulatives are used and students will need a protractor, compass, and straight edge.The Geometry Student Pack contains the Student Workbook with lesson-by-lesson worksheets, review pages, and honors pages. It also includes the Geometry Tests. Emphasis is on vocabulary of geometry, practical applications of geometry, and traditional geometry including proofs. Includes lines, angles, area, perimeter, volume, Pythagorean theorem, axioms, and postulates, congruency, and similarity. Brief introduction to trigonometric functions.

Photo Credit: www.masterbooks.com

Biology Set

Masterbooks Biology includes lab experiments with prepared microscope slides and dives into the use of a light microscope, dissection skills, and insights and recent advances in modern biology.

LIFEPAC Biology Set

Try the LIFEPAC Biology Set, a fun-filled, colorful biology course focused on the study of God's Creation! With ten engaging worktexts, your child will learn about biology topics such as taxonomy, microorganisms, cell design, plant anatomy, molecular genetics, and sexual reproduction. A comprehensive teacher's guide is included with this Alpha Omega curriculum.

Music In Our Homeschool

Online and self-paced music courses. All from the comfort of your home by another homeschool mom who is also a music teacher.

Photo Credit: www.bfbooks.com

Ancient History Senior High Pack

Human history began when people gathered around rivers, began sowing seeds, settled into permanent shelters and chose collaboration over competition to create pockets of stability in an often harsh and threatening world. These tiny gatherings slowly grew and civilizations took root around the Yellow River in China, the Indus Valley, the storied Tigris and Euphrates rivers, and the Nile. This guide and the literature in this homeschooling curriculum tells the stories of those peoples–the ones who planted crops and built cities, developed technology, the arts, literature, and pushed human achievement to levels never seen before.

The Power in Your Hands: Writing Nonfiction in High School

Finding pleasure and delight in penning thoughts is my premier goal for my sons in a writing curriculum. So during the last few weeks, I have been absolutely thrilled that The Power in Your Hands: Writing Nonfiction in High School by Writing with Sharon Watson has been our writing mentor because it has surpassed my expectations

Photo Credit: www.youtube.com

World History

Keep history interesting and usethese videos for lessons or simply review on past lessons learned. Crash Course World History.

Quick Lit Student Workbook: Language Arts, Grades 9-12: The Study of Contemporary Short Story

Finally, an engaging, quality, and high-interest curriculum that is far from boring. The Quick Lit Student Workbook enables your high school student to dive into the study of English language arts on his or her terms and promises to make the grade!

The Quick Lit Student Workbook will help your student:-- Focus on key ideas and details of the text.-- Understand and analyze meaning through word choice and context clues.-- Distinguish point of view, tone, and imagery.-- Identify and interpret literary devices used in conveying a story.-- Synthesize and consider a story’s meaning and how it relates to their worldview.

Photo Credit: academy.hslda.org

SAT Prep Genius Course

 SAT Prep Genius explores the question types found on college entrance exams, and helps students recognize obvious clues and find correct answers. These exams are primarily logic tests, which seek to confuse students and prevent them from moving quickly through the questions. SAT Prep Genius helps students identify the logical patterns found within the questions, which allows students to solve them efficiently and without stress.

The Best Ninth Grade Homeschool Curriculum | Tips And Recommendations

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This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Let’s look at some of the best ninth grade homeschool curriculum to help make this year your best one yet. Also, you’ll love my page Homeschool Curriculum for more ideas and grade level curriculum and my page How to Homeschool High School.

Ninth grade aka freshman year is the kickoff to the high school years.

And it is a pretty big jump from middle school, but is also filled with exciting milestones like getting a driver’s license.

The Best Ninth Grade Homeschool Curriculum | Tips And Recommendations

Technology will likely play a big part in your child’s education by this time from using online calculators to classes, music appreciation, language apps, and more.

It is a time of growing independence and branching out into more electives or at least learning more adult life skills.

If they are not mostly independent in their daily work already, they will be able to take on more of their own work load whether their school takes place online, in books, or even in the woods.

Homeschool 9th Grade Tips and Recommendations

College and Career-This is the optimal time to start thinking about a career track for your student, leaning heavily into extra classes, maybe even dual enrollment to be sure that they have all the things that they need.

That is not to say college is the only, or even the best option for your child. They may intend to go into cosmetology, guess what?

They can start learning that skill now through online tutorials, friends, and even on the job training.

 Do you have a Marine Biologist on your hands? Be sure to load up on science classes and incorporate field trips that teach and feed that interest.

Flexible Scheduling-If your child has a job now make sure that you adjust their school schedule to accommodate work hours. Flexible doesn’t have to mean you cut way back on schooling at all, it might just mean that they do math in the evening instead of the morning or double up biology on the weekend.

Field Trips-As new interests will be developing at this level, long standing ones might increase or fade away all together.

Field trips, while they will look different than that early visit to a local farm, they are a wonderful way to support their interests and possible career choices.

Additionally, field trips can be a visit to a location for their career field of choice like the state capital building, behind the scenes at a hair salon or law office.

The Best Ninth Grade Homeschool Curriculum | Tips And Recommendations

You could visit a local pottery studio or glass blowing studio, watch a Broadway theater performance, or they could be in the form of take your child to work day in the office.

More Ninth Grade Homeschool Curriculum Tips

Best Homeschool Curriculum For All Grades

9th Grade Homeschool Curriculum

Lastly, look at some recommendations and tips.

9th Grade Homeschool Curriculum

Add these fun curriculum recommendations to your 9th grader's homeschool day.

Math-U-See Algebra 1 Student Pack

Graphing, simultaneous equations, exponents, polynomials, unit multipliers, and more. The Algebra 1 Student Pack contains the Student Workbook with lesson-by-lesson worksheets, review pages, and honors pages. It also includes the Algebra 1 Tests.

Workman Publishing Ace Pre-Algebra and Algebra I in One Big Fat Notebook (Big Fat Notebooks)

The series Everything You Need to Ace Pre Algebra and Algebra In One Big FatNotebook is fantastic as a reference book when they need a reminder for certain operations or is a good guide for those that prefer to just learn independently.

12 Human Body Games For Middle School & High School

Unless your child is heading for a heavy science based field like doctor, pharmacist, or Marine Biologist you can still get a good deal of their science lessons from games, and  simple courses of interest.

Here is a list of 12Human Body Games For Middle School & High School ideal for fun anatomy lessons.

Mark Twain Forensic Investigations Workbook, Using Science to Solve High Crimes Middle School Books, Critical Thinking for Kids, DNA and Handwriting Analysis Labs

Use this time to start diving into specific areas of science interest like Forensic Science.

Exploring Creation with Physical Science, 2nd Edition

Apologia has long been a go to standard for science and one of the common 9th grade sciences is Physical Science. You can choose from physical books and ebooks, get a concise teacher manual,
audiobooks, test pages,

LIFEPAC 9th Grade History & Geography Box Set

Lifepac has been a go to for many subjects, but I really enjoy the pace and scope of their History & Geography. The 9th grade level includes lessons on the fundamentals of United States heritage, federal, state,and local government, career planning, citizenship, and the study of geography.  Lifepac is designed to be smaller workbooks rather than one huge textbook that helps take some of the stress off.

Photo Credit: www.youtube.com

CrashCourse

 Crash Course World History on Youtube covers quite a few history topics and make for a good solid lesson or even review of previously covered topics.

Structure and Style for Students: Year 1 Level C Basic Plus [Forever Streaming]

Join Andrew Pudewa as he leads students on a 24-week writing journey using IEW’s Structure and Style approach. Students reading at 9th grade level or higher who are new to IEW will take delight in Mr. Pudewa’s humorous, incremental, and effective writing lessons.

Windows to the World: An Introduction to Literary Analysis Student Book

Why do certain literary works have the power to move us? With step-by-step instructions, Windows to the World teaches students how to analyze elements of literature. This reference also gives numerous examples and suggestions for helping students develop Christian discernment skills. The accompanying Teacher’s Manual is suitable for both new and experienced teachers.

Must Know High School Vocabulary

The 500 words you must know before college!

Must Know High School Vocabulary is more than just a vocabulary workbook. It gives you the edge you’ll need now―from improving your reading comprehension for high school and future college course work to scoring higher on AP and college entrance exams. Its user-friendly approach presents challenging aspects of the topics, exceptions to any rules, and clear answer explanations that will all help you build vocabulary quickly and easily. It’s like a lightning bolt to the brain!

Romeo and Juliet (No Fear Shakespeare Graphic Novels) (Volume 3) (No Fear Shakespeare Illustrated)

No Fear Shakespeare Graphic Novel- Even the most reluctant of Raiders will enjoy these graphic novel adaptations of Shakespeare's Classics like Romeo and Juliet.

Road Signs Flash Cards with Detailed Explanations and Safe Driving Tips - Stocking Stuffers for Teens

One of the most exciting aspects of 9th grade year is of course driving!

22 Homeschool Geography Go To Resources

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I have some fun homeschool geography resources today. Too, look at my page Homeschool Geography for hands-on and simple ideas and tips.

We’ve used many homeschool geography resources through the years because geography is not about coloring boring maps.

I needed to round up our homeschool geography resources that we already had on hand and in the upper grades I needed something more laid out.

22 Homeschool Geography Go To Resources

For example, in the upper grades we used geography curriculum that we got from Bright Ideas Press.

Homeschool Geography Go To Resources

I did manage to round up these atlases and books that I have had to show you some of what I use. 

Homeschool Geography Resources

Too, I have taken some screen shots to show you our brand new WonderMaps because I will be using WonderMaps with North Star Geography.

homeschool geography resources

Today, I wanted to show you my growing geography resources that I know we will be using with North Star Geography.

I am sure you can study geography on probably a lot less than we have, but we can’t.

Our geography habit needs to be fed each year, so we have added resources slowly.

Too, as the boys got older they have wanted their own books and resources.  As the budget allowed, I added them in regularly.

So below I have listed resources that I think are must-haves or basic.

Again, it doesn’t mean you need all of them, but helping to know which ones are more useful or helpful makes it easier to decide. 

The other resources pictured above but not listed below,  I add in as enrichment and I just wanted you to see them.

Homeschool Geogrpahy Go To Resources Linked Up

22 Homeschool Geography Go To Resources & Gift Ideas

Add some of these fun books and resources to your learning day if you're wanting to study geography with multiple ages. Maybe you want to hook your child on geography with a gift or two.

Photo Credit: www.bfbooks.com

Around the World with Picture Books Part II

Each country visited features a selection of animals indigenous to those regions. These beautiful drawings will familiarize students with some remarkable creatures, their habitat and habits, cultivating respect and wonder for the natural world. Part Two covers Europe and South America. In Europe we cover France, Spain, Italy, Holland, Denmark, Sweden, and Great Britain! In South America we cover Ecuador, Chile, Peru, and Brazil!

Scratch Off World Map & US Map

This contains both the US and world maps and while they are targeted at those who travel I think they would also be an amazing way to document as you learn about each new state or country.

Geographic World ScrunchMap, Portable, Easy-to-Store Map of the World, Water and Tear-Resistant Map

For preschoolers through late elementary I would recommend this versatile scrunch map that comes in a world or US version. It is amazing for lessons on  the go or just an impromptu geography lesson on the living room floor.

Around the World in 180 Days: A Multigrade Guide for the Study of World History, Geography, and Cultures

Around the World in 180 Days: A Multigrade Guide for the Study of World History, Geography, and Cultures (Student Workbook) by Sherrie Payne

Rand McNally Junior Classroom Atlas of the World

Our colorful, engaging atlas is ideal for studentsin second through fourth grades and was developed from our award-winning Classroom Atlas, just simplified for younger students.Completely redesigned with a new layout,eye-catching pictures, informative graphics,and fully updated map content.Teaches map and globe skills to younger students.Features photos, graphs, interesting facts, andthought-provoking questions that reinforce map concepts.Includes 15 physical, political, and thematic maps.

National Geographic Visual Atlas of the World: More Than 1,000 Stunning Maps, Illustrations, and Photographs

Representing an exciting new approach in our renowned line of atlases, this large-format reference blends two National Geographic "bests" to create a refreshingly vivid world portrait. Incorporated in the many up-to-the moment regional maps that portray each continent are hundreds of brilliant photographs—each depicting unique natural and cultural treasures that have been designated as UNESCO World Heritage sites. From the vast plains of the Serengeti to the Kasbah of Algiers, from prehistoric rock art to the statue of Liberty, these incomparable locales are under UN protection for future generations to know and enjoy.

Rand McNally Historical Atlas of the World | Grades 5-12+

The Historical Atlas of the World presents important periods and turning points in 5,000 years of world history in over 100 pages of thematic maps. Atlas features: • Presents major periods of world history through more than 100 bold, colorful maps. • Thematic maps include literacy, languages, religions, and more. • Includes a section on benefits of using the atlas. • 112 pages, paperback, 8" x 10".

Professor Noggin's Geography of The United States Trivia Card Game

  • PLAY & LEARN:
    Professor Noggin’s series of educational card games encourages kids to learn interesting facts about their favorite subjects.
  • FUN FACTS: Geography of the United States card game isn't just a point and locate on the map kind of kids card game.  Topic cards include fun facts about Earthquakes, Islands, and the mysterious, 'What city is nicknamed...' making this a fun kids card game for home or the classroom!

    • Encyclopedia of World Geography with Complete World Atlas: Internet Linked

    Encyclopedia of World Geography with Complete World Atlas: Internet Linked

    A Child's Introduction to the World: Geography, Cultures, and People--From the Grand Canyon to the Great Wall of China

    Get ready for an incredible journey, one in which you’ll visit far-off places, meet interesting people, and learn all about continents, countries, climates, and more. This book is also full of fun facts about animals, sports, foods, inventions, and holidays from all over the world.

    National Geographic World Atlas for Young Explorers, Third Edition

    The latest edition of the award-winning National Geographic World Atlas for Young Explorers features all new photographs, maps, and graphics.And now, for the first time ever, the National Geographic World Atlas for Young Explorers goes interactive! The 3rd edition is chockfull of bright, bold icons that, thanks to a specially designed National Geographic web site, will allow kids to go beyond the printed page and experience firsthand the sights, sounds, and movements of the world's people, places, and animals. They'll watch brown bears fish for salmon in Alaska, listen to the latest singing sensation from Haiti, experience the power of a volcanic eruption, explore a rain forest, hang out at a local market in India, and much more.

    Geography Through Art

    Geography Through Art Intenational Art Projects for Kids Completely Revised and Updated! Use this book as an exciting way to supplement any study of geography, history, or social studies. "Geography Through Art" is sure to make a lasting addition to your home or school library. You'll find yourself reaching for this indispensable guide again and again to delight and engage students in leanring about geography through the culture and art of peoples around the world.

    Geography: An Illustrated A-Z Glossary: An Introduction To Earth's Geographical Features For Kids (Kids Geography Books)

    Welcome to Geography: An Illustrated A-Z Glossary by B.C. Lester Books! This book takes you across the world's main landforms and biomes, each with a colorful illustration accompanied with a child-friendly definition.

    Geography: A Visual Encyclopedia

    Created in conjunction with the Smithsonian Institution, Geography: A Visual Encyclopedia explores every aspect of our world, from the North to the South Pole, and from the outer atmosphere to the fiery core and from natural processes to human impact.

    Discover terrifying earthquakes, priceless gemstones, and storms that can destroy buildings. Understand how weather works, what causes the seasons, and the power of water to shape the landscape. Explore life on Earth, and countries and cultures from all around the world. Packed with facts, maps, explanations, illustrations, and photographs, Geography: A Visual Encyclopedia is the ultimate guide to our planet.

    Maps and Globes (Reading Rainbow Book)

    Children's Illustrated Atlas

    A picture atlas that takes young readers on a visual journey around the world, from Spain and Portugal to China and Mongolia.Continents and countries are brought to life through stunning photography and
    eye-catching illustrations. Uncover incredible geographical features, wildlife, culture, history, and landmarks in unprecedented detail.

    Mark Twain Geography Workbook, Geography for Kids Grade 7-8

    Geography for kids ages 12+

    Explore the eastern hemisphere with your middle school child with the activity-packed Mark Twain Geography Workbook.

    7th Grade Geography workbooks are a great way for 7th grade and eighth grade students to have a thorough understanding of eastern hemisphere geography through focused lessons and practice.

    The World Game - Geography Card Game

    Kids, teens, and adults will enjoy this geography game that can also double as flashcards for practice.

    Continent Race - Geography Learning Educational Game for Kids

    A collaborative game for ages 7 and up That has varying levels of difficulty so that multiple ages can be included and challenged. Geography games like this are a great way to take your children on global adventures from the coziness of the kitchen table.

    The 50 States: Explore the U.S.A. with 50 fact-filled maps!

    This is a beautifully illustrated children's atlas that is full of interesting facts and figures from landmarks to famous residents, key facts and dates for each state.

    Mango Wood Globe with Wood Base

    Chances are if someone's a geography lover they already have a globe, but it's also a pretty good chance that they love and collect them so go for a unique one, different sizes, and colors.

    State Quarter Map (US State Quarter Series)

    This gift just keeps on giving as they not only get a great map gift but also the fun of the hunt collecting each of the 50 quarters that fit inside.

    Resources For Kids Learning Geography

    • 1. The inexpensive geography mats we actually picked up at Wal-mart a few years back.  One side has a world map and the other mat has the U.S. and then the flip side on both mats is blank.  We did and still do quick geography quizzes with them.  We will study a region, then quickly flip on the back side and try to fill in with a dry erase markers as many rivers, boundaries and countries that we could get.  Me too, I was included in the race to see how many I could label in a short time.

    • 2 National Geographic Visual Atlas of the World You know anything by National Geographic is top notch.  I always said I would never buy anything this big because of the problem of storing it.  That didn’t last long because once you take a look at how breath taking the solar system looks in it and how they compare geography facts like comparing two continents, it looks so much better in a large book.  Too, it is easier as the kids get bigger to gather around a bigger book.  (Tip: Always check to see that you are buy the most current edition.)

    • 3. DK is another favorite publisher. Complete Atlas of the World, 2nd Edition I actually got this one because it had some facts like population growth, global climate and border conflicts that I want my boys aware of.  The physical world maps are more in depth though not as vivid as the National Geographic.

    Geography Resources For Kids

    • 4.  National Geographic Family Reference Atlas of the World, Third Edition is another beauty by National Geographic.  I purchased this one because of key information like tables, charts, biodiversity, education.  It truly is a family reference.  I guess if you had to make a choice for your middle to high school kids, this would be in the top running.
    • 5.   Junior Classroom Atlas This is one of our first ones because it is suited for elementary aged children and we still refer to it when the other atlases are teeming with overwhelming information.  Sometimes you can have too much information and it helps to break it down to the general sweeping facts.
    • 6.  CLASSROOM ATLAS-REVISED 2012 This is geared toward about middle school and can be used for elementary ages too.  It has been updated and it is one I will probably be adding soon.  Even though stats change, I feel some atlases are timeless.  Not so much changes (physical earth wise) that you can’t use an older atlas.  Sure, stats will change, but if your kids are young, they are not interested in that kind of stuff right now anyway.

    Geography Books Kids

    • 7.   Historical Atlas of the World 1st (first) edition Text Only An historical map is one that you will need when studying ancient history because it shows the boundaries or empires as they were then.  It really helps your kids to get a foot hold on ancient history.  You can see this one is out date, but then again it’s ancient history and how much updating can you possibly do.  So I don’t always fall for having to have the most up to date.
    • 8.  Historical Atlas of the World  Now what I do fall for is when another kid needs their own copy.  So I have purchased the updated copy of the historical atlas simply because I had two older middle school kids and we needed more than one.  I won’t go into the fights over having their own copies.
    • 9.  Free geography vocabulary words I made and put them on a O ring.  These are good for your kids to study later too.
    • 10.  National Geographic World Atlas for Young Explorers, Third Edition
      I got this one because it we could read about things like the animals for the website links they gave us and each continent had basic facts.  Like it says more about the exploring aspect of geography and we love this one.  It is especially good for a child that is geography phobic so they can see  geography is about so much more than finding the prime meridian.  It is about exploring and going to far away places.
    • 11.  A Child’s Introduction to the World: Geography, Cultures, and People – From the Grand Canyon to the Great Wall of China  This is a really sweet book.  It includes a pop-up paper globe and stickers.  I like it because though its geared toward younger learners, it can still stand up for older kids too because of the information in it.  It is another keeper for multiple ages of children.

    Homeschool Geography For Kids

    • 12.  The Usborne Internet-Linked Encyclopedia of World Geography With Complete World Atlas (Geography Encyclopedias) Again, another one of my very first purchases.  I always made sure I didn’t just buy curriculum but had enough back in my budget for references that would stand the test of time.  A great reference book that we just love.

    • 13.   What is geography without games? And,  Professor Noggin’s History & Geography Card Games: Set of 6 is one of our favorite series.  We have a lot of them.
    22 Homeschool Geography Go To Resources

    More Geography Go To Resources

    Also, I’ve update our geography go to resources.

    The other two we have that didn’t make the picture because Mr. Senior had them someplace are Geography: A Visual Encyclopedia which is absolutely stunning which is why I can’t find it right now and has a lot of different things like gemstones, earthquakes and weather.  

    And the other one is Atlas of World Geography which is a highschool level book that gets lost around here frequently too.  It is the one I will be using on North Star Geography, well at least for Mr. Awesome.

    22 Homeschool Geography Go To Resources

    Then of course my newest tool that makes studying geography absolutely a breeze is WonderMaps. You can print black or white maps or color maps.

    Geography Wonder Maps

    Take off boundaries or leave them on ALL with a click of your mouse. It truly is going to make studying geography so much more than finding boundaries or locating countries.

    Homeschool Geography Go To Resources

    Though we love all of our resources and we add to them as we plod along during the years, those above are keepers and I feel are basic to any library.

    Do you have any geography go to resources that your family luvs?

    How to Help Kids Go Beyond the Basics of Homeschool Cooking & Resources

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    This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

    Today I’m sharing tips on helping your kids go beyond the basics of homeschool cooking and resources. Also, you’ll love the tips I share on my post How to Incorporate Subjects into a Fun Homeschool Cooking Unit Study.

    Do you want to take your teens lessons beyond the basics but keep it simple?

    How to Help Kids Go Beyond the Basics of Homeschool Cooking & Resources

    Teach your kids to move beyond teaching them to whip eggs, bake a cake, and cook grilled cheese.

    It’s time to move on to the next thing – preparing them for independence outside the home. 

    Whether it’s next year or 3 years away you can start teaching them what they need and how to be the master of their own kitchen.

    Besides, you want them to exercise that independence at home first.

    More Homeschool Cooking

    Learn How to Set Up a Kitchen

    For this lesson, have your teen do a lot of their own research using books and the internet.

    Your child or teen can learn how to: set up a kitchen for:

    • cooking
    • baking
    • and other miscellaneous supplies they’ll need.

    First, look at some of these resources and a great cooking curriculum.

    14 Learning How To Cook Books and Games

    Add some of these books and games to your homeschool cooking unit study to learn life skills and have fun with the entire family.

    Food Anatomy: The Curious Parts & Pieces of Our Edible World

    Get your recommended daily allowance of facts and fun with Food Anatomy, the third book in Julia Rothman’s best-selling Anatomy series. She starts with an illustrated history of food and ends with a global tour of street eats. Along the way, Rothman serves up a hilarious primer on short-order egg lingo and a mouthwatering menu of how people around the planet serve fried potatoes — and what we dip them in. Award-winning food journalist Rachel Wharton lends her expertise to this light-hearted exploration of everything food that bursts with little-known facts and delightful drawings. Everyday diners and seasoned foodies alike are sure to eat it up. 

    Cooking Curriculum for the Whole Family

    your homeschool curriculum needs life skills and your life needs kids who help out.

    Connect with your kids in the kitchen, build life skills, and put peace into your homeschool day.

    Who Was Julia Child?

    Born in California in 1912, Julia Child enlisted in the Army and met her future husband, Paul, during World War II. She discovered her love of French food while stationed in Paris and enrolled in Le Cordon Bleu cooking school after her service. Child knew that Americans would love French food as much as she did, so she wrote Mastering the Art of French Cooking in 1961. The book was a success and the public wanted more. America fell in love with Julia Child. Her TV show, The French Chef, premiered in 1963 and brought the bubbling and lovable chef into millions of homes. Find out more about this beloved chef, author, and TV personality in Who Was Julia Child?

    The Science Chef: 100 Fun Food Experiments and Recipes for Kids

    Break out your best aprons and spatulas: The Science Chef: 100 Fun Food Experiments and Recipes for Kids, 2nd Edition teaches children the basics of science through a variety of fun experiments, activities, and recipes. Each chapter explores a different science topic by giving you an experiment or activity you can do right in your kitchen, followed by easy-to-make recipes using ingredients from the experiment. Altogether there are over 100 experiments, activities, and recipes for you to try. From learning why an onion makes you cry to how to bake the perfect cupcake, you'll bring the fundamentals of science to life in a new, magical way.

    MasterChef Junior Cookbook: Bold Recipes and Essential Techniques to Inspire Young Cooks

    Creativity, hard work, and lots of fun—that’s what it takes to cook like a master. Beloved television competition show MasterChef Junior fosters all of this within each of its pint-size home cooks, and what they whip up is truly impressive. This book aims to give any aspiring young chef the tools he or she needs to hone essential cooking skills, with 100 recipes inspired by dishes that the contestants served in the first five seasons, as well as timeless techniques, tips, and advice. With this book, anyone can become an excellent cook.

    MasterChef Family Cooking Game.

    Bring Masterchef Into Your Kitchen: Turn Mealtime Into Game Time With This Exciting New Culinary Board Game. Teach Kids Valuable Cooking Skills Through A Series Of Fun Challenges With Delicious Results. Find Out If Your Family Has What It Takes To Become The Ultimate Masterchef

    Guacamole Game - Cooperative and Critical Thinking Ingredient Matching Card Game

    EASY TO PLAY: Players must use critical thinking to collect the ingredients for their guacamole recipes.

    FAMILY FUN: This lively family card game is perfect for kids to spice up their day or for contemplative adults.

    Foodie Fight Revised: A Trivia Game for Serious Food Lovers

    FIND THE BIGGEST FOODIE: Test your knowledge on topics ranging from culinary science to celebrity chefs, exotic cuisine to cooking and baking skills.

    Your Kids: Cooking!: A Recipe for Turning Ordinary Kids Into Extraordinary Cooks

    Your Kids: Cooking! is a fun and engaging hands-on cooking program that prepares kids for a lifetime of healthy eating by teaching them how to turn fresh, wholesome ingredients into healthy and delicious meals. Much more than a just a cookbook, YKC is a multimedia cooking program that teaches kids how to cook in a structured, fun, and engaging way. 

    Melon Rind Check The Oven! Math Game - Adding to 12 Card Game for Kids (Ages 7 and up)

    Sometimes you just need to break it up with a fun family game, but to stay on theme let's go with the quick play card game - Check the Oven.

    Throw Throw Burrito

    Another one that our family enjoys for fun that is food-themed is Throw Throw Burrito, you will end up in stitches with this one.

    Teens Cook

    Teenagers like what they like, and they will only eat what they like. But instead of causing mealtime strife, now they can learn to cook those foods themselves. With over 75 delicious recipes for meals at all times of the day—breakfast, snacks, sides, dinners, and dessert, too—Teens Cook is a guide to everything teenagers (and tweens) need to learn about conquering the kitchen without accidentally setting the house on fire. Written by teens and for teens in easy-to-follow instructions, authors Megan and Jill Carle give young readers advice on how to maneuver their kitchen in a language they’ll understand (and actually listen to). The Carle sisters pass on their knowledge of how to decipher culinary vocabulary, understand kitchen chemistry (why stuff goes right and wrong when cooking), adapt recipes to certain dietary restrictions (like vegetarianism), and avoid all sorts of possible kitchen disasters.

    Where's Mom Now That I Need Her: Surviving Away from Home

    WHERE'S MOM NOW THAT I NEED HER?: Surviving Away from Home is the ultimate guide to living away from home! It is filled with real world information and basic survival tips on topics such as:

    • Cooking for BEGINNERS with Recipes for Quick, Easy Meals
    • Nutrition
    • Grocery Shopping
    • Laundry and Clothing Care
    • First Aid
    • And lots more

    The Happy Planner - Foodie (Recipe Organizer)

    During their last few years at home, it is a great time to put together a book of family recipes. This Happy Planner Recipe Book is a great place to preserve recipes while they work on penmanship and attention to
    detail. It has a kitchen conversion list and then is broken down into 8 categories.

    Next, you want your child to learn how to set up a kitchen.

    Homeschool Cooking Setting Up a Starter Kitchen

    I think a very important aspect of their last years of homeschooling is learning how to set up their own kitchen so let’s dig into that a little.

    This is an opportunity for them to explore their tastes, while they change.

    Not only research styles, but they can compare prices and figure out how much a starter kitchen will set them back.

    Kitchen Prepware

    How to Help Kids Go Beyond the Basics of Homeschool Cooking & Resources
    • Mixing Bowls
    • Cutting Board
    • Measuring cups/spoons
    • Basic knife set
    • Vegetable peeler
    • Grater
    • Can opener

    Cookware

    • Pots and Pans including:
    • 10 and an 8-quart stockpot
    • 5-quart pot or a Dutch oven
    • 2 and a 1-quart saucepan
    • 8-10 inch skillet
    • 12-14” skillet
    • Casserole Dish

    Have them research different materials like copper, nonstick, and glass versus stone, to decide which is best for their needs.

    Bakeware

    • Cookie sheets
    • Baking pans with sides
    • Muffin tin
    • Pie plate

    Utensils for a New Kitchen

    • Spatulas
    • Whisks
    • Tongs
    • Colander
    • Wooden spoons
    • Potato masher

    Small Appliances

    • Coffee Maker
    • Stand Mixer
    • Air Fryer
    • Blender

    Eating Utensils

    • Utensils
    • Plates
    • Bowls
    • Cups

    Miscellaneous Items for a Starter Kitchen

    How to Help Kids Go Beyond the Basics of Homeschool Cooking & Resources
    • Oven mitts/pot holders
    • Dish drying rack
    • Dish towels
    • Cleaning supplies

    Small and Large Appliance Care

    You will also want to teach about basic kitchen appliance use, how to care for them, clean them, and simple maintenance.

    This includes items like the microwave, oven, fridge, coffee pot, mixers, and toasters/toaster ovens.

    Many kids leave home without knowing how to descale a coffee pot or safely and properly clean an oven. Learning that care and maintenance extend the life of your small and large appliances is

    Here are some additional skills you might want to teach this year:

    Budgeting, Meal Planning, and Shopping

    Finally, If you have not yet introduced these three important skills this is a great time to, it is as important as learning how to stock and maintain a kitchen.

    How to Help Kids Go Beyond the Basics of Homeschool Cooking & Resources