Building a Home Reference Library

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.
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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.
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