Social Science and Science
Bluestocking Press. A popular 65-page catalog of history, historical documents, historical fiction and non-fiction books, music, audiotapes, toys, primary sources, and a good math program. (800) 959-8586.
Carolina Biological Supply Company. Serious science supplies. This is a 1,300-page catalog, and there is a charge of $17.95, refundable w/purchase. For ordering (800) 334-5551.
Creative Learning Systems. Technology, electricity, science books and software, architecture, earth study, computer science, creativity, products, robots, science software, construction toys, and more. (800) 458-2880.
Edmund Scientific Company. More than 5,000 science materials. (800) 728-6999.
The History of US, by Joy Hakim. A popular set of books on US history, written to be colorful and interesting to kids, they pull in information about other related world events, encouraging thought about the connections.
Homeschooling Companion: Learning Through History. A colorful, meaty history magazine with themed feature articles for families, including related arts and crafts, website links, ideas for activities, etc. 1-888-852-1751.
Algebra
Algebra Survival Guide, by Josh Rappaport. A popular book using a question and answer format and humor to clarify first year algebra.
Algebra Unplugged, by Amdahl and Loats. A book of fun and friendly explanations of algebra.
All the Math You'll Ever Need: A Self-Teaching Guide, by Steve Slavin. Practical math skills for personal and professional needs, with examples based on everyday situations.
Creative Publications. A math catalog with hundreds of colorful products, and an emphasis on problem-solving skills development. 1-800-523-2371.
Games For (Math, Writing, Reading, Learning) books, by Peggy Kaye. Books full of educational games, prepared by a seasoned early education teacher.
The Glass Wall: Why Mathematics Can Seem Difficult, by Frank Smith. A respected educational researcher explains that math is neither complicated nor difficult, but something that should be open to everyone.
Key Curriculum Press has popular math materials including the Keys to Math books (and the Miquon Math Materials program designed to help primary grade children discover mathematical relationships and to view the world mathematically). (800) 995-MATH.
Math, A Human Endeavor, Elementary Algebra, and Geometry by Harold Jacobs. Very popular books by a gifted math writer. Available from FUN Books, listed above—see descriptions on their website.
Math Power: How to Help Your Child Love Math, Even If You Don't, by Patricia Clark Kenschaft. A math professor's tips for helping children to think and learn about math without anxiety.
Patterns In Arithmetic: Activities to Develop Mathematical Thinking. Lessons, worksheets, games, and other hands-on activities to help a child to "learn to think as a mathematician thinks." ($21.50) Pattern Press, PO Box 2737, Fallbrook, CA 92088. PatternPr@aol.com.
Singapore Math. A program known for introducing concepts in a logical, sequential way that makes it easy for the student to understand. (503) 557-8100.
Social Studies School Services. World or U.S. history, government, economics, humanities, literature, multicultural resources, etc. Books, CD-ROM, tapes, videos. (800) 421-4246.
The Teaching Company. Video & audio courses. (800)TEACH-12
Usborne Books. Books on history, science, math, nature, puzzles, languages, crafts and lots of other subjects. Their little book, Help Your Child Learn Number Skills, has lots of creative ideas for inexpensive, hands-on activities with young children. (800) 475-4522.
Language Arts
AVKO Spelling: An innovative and effective program from a non-profit group, without the typical time waste or busy work--and they have a program especially designed for homeschoolers.
Chinaberry Book Service: “Books and Other Treasures for the Entire Family.” Lovely books, tapes, crafts, and other special items. Good prices. (800) 776-2242.
FUN Books. This catalog includes lots of interesting language arts materials (along with all other subjects), including items from the former John Holt Book and Music Store. Write FUN, Dept. HSC, 1688 Belhaven Woods Court, Pasadena, MD 21122. (888) FUN-7020.
Handwriting Without Tears. A program developed by an occupational therapist and handwriting specialist for teaching pre-printing, printing, and cursive in an easier way. (301) 263-2700.
Writing Strands. A systematic and relaxed program for learning reading, writing, and speaking skills (up to age 18).
Foreign Language
Audio-Forum. Language courses (800) 243-1234
The Learnables. Popular foreign language programs for a number of languages, using picture books and audiotapes. (800) 237-1830
The Rosetta Stone. CD program with real-life images, written text and voices of native speakers, 1-800-788-0822
Powerglide, comprehensive course using stories, dialogues, poems, songs, memory aids, cultural information, and more, 801-373-3973