The Inspired Scholar
  • Home
    • About
    • Contact
    • FAQ
  • Classes
    • Writing Masters
    • Intro. to Essay Writing
    • Intro. to Literary Analysis
    • College Prep Writing
  • English & Scottish Dance
    • May I Have This Dance?
    • Historical Clothing
  • Ballet Classes
  • Living the Inspired Life

Living the Inspired Life

Building a Home Reference Library

4/29/2020

 
Picture
I am surprised and saddened to hear how many homeschoolers do not have a basic home reference library.  On the other hand, I know that materials are expensive and not everyone has a lavish budget or abundant space.  But if you are going to be homeschooling, especially for the long-term, you need to start building one a little at a time.  Here are my suggestions for what to include and where to look for resources.  Many of them are free online, however,  I think the print versions are far superior.  I also include links for some of my favorites, but other good ones exist, too.  If you run across ones you like...please send me an email and I will share:  renee@inspiredscholar.com

1. All-purpose modern dictionary
Many dictionaries are free online.
New World College Dictionary

2.  An older dictionary 
This one is free online.  It also has fuller and richer definitions with Christian/Biblical definitions.  As an example, find "education" in a modern dictionary and compare it with "education" in this dictionary.  
1828 Dictionary of the American Language by Noah Webster

Kids learn alphabetical order when they look words up in a dictionary.  Also, when I look up words, my eyes naturally stray to nearby words and I often pick up a new word or two that way as well.  This does not happen with online searches.
​
3.  Thesaurus
Oxford American Writer's Thesaurus
There are so many good ones out there and there are free ones online as well.

4.  Invitation to the Classics:  A Guide to Books You've Always Wanted to Read

5.  Handbook for Writer's by Janice Campbell 
I have seen a lot of English handbooks and I think this is one of the very best.  Worth the money.

6.  MLA Writing Handbook 
Can also be found for free online at Purdue Online Writing Lab  
7.  APA Writing Handbook
Can also be found for free online at Purdue Online Writing Lab
8.  Chicago Manual of Style
Can also be found for free online at Purdue Online Writing Lab

9.  Children's Illustrated Encyclopedia
Many, many of these can be found, too.

10.  A globe

There are tons more great references and resources, but this is a good, basic, start.

​

Comments are closed.

    Renee Metcalf

    Where will you find me when I am not teaching?

    Dancing 
    Hiking
    Sewing 
    Reading
    Writing
    Thinking (uh oh)
    Dreaming (uh oh again)
    Learning
    Traveling
    Attending a ballet or play
    Enjoying tea and treats

    Playing with Donahue, the dark Irish warrior (also known, as kitty).








    For your reading pleasure!

    April 2022
    March 2022
    January 2022
    July 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    December 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019

    Topics

    All
    Christian Growth
    Christmas
    Classics/Reading
    Class Info.
    Contests
    Homeschooling
    Organization
    Science
    Thanksgiving
    Time Management
    Writing
    Writing Ideas

    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.
Photo used under Creative Commons from jofo2005
  • Home
    • About
    • Contact
    • FAQ
  • Classes
    • Writing Masters
    • Intro. to Essay Writing
    • Intro. to Literary Analysis
    • College Prep Writing
  • English & Scottish Dance
    • May I Have This Dance?
    • Historical Clothing
  • Ballet Classes
  • Living the Inspired Life