Learning Resources

No matter which method you pick, you'll be looking for resources to accomplish those learning goals. Here are some ideas:

Free Online Resources

Many organizations feel that learning should be free and available to all. This includes kindergarten up through college level. Lessons are provided via videos and interactive practice available at any time. Some ASD kids thrive on learning through the computer, others need to talk it out with a live person. Other inexpensive online resources include free worksheet sites, learning games and apps, lesson plans, and student-level research sites. YouTube has become a great learning tool, with the right supervision.

Examples: Khan Academy, Mystery Science, CK12.org, Crash Course

The Library

The library systems in Multnomah, Washington, and Clackamas counties can save a homeschooler hundreds of dollars. If you live in one of these three counties you can have a card in the others, free. If you upgrade to an "Educator" card, you can check out more books, and for a longer period. Ask a librarian to show you how to check out e-books, e-readers, and access digital services from home.

Examples: Kanopy or Hoopla video streaming services, or Libby for audiobooks.

Fee-Based Online Classes and Apps

This is a fast-growing area in homeschooling with many vendors getting into the business. You can take full semester long courses or short workshops, or subscribe to a site full of content to use as you choose. US History, Middle school Spanish, learn to code, compare poetry, take guitar lessons... endless variety. If you are with a charter, it's possible they might even pay for it, or a portion of the class.

Examples: Outschool classes (pay per class), Time4Learning online curriculum (subscription), Nessy Reading and Spelling

Print or Downloaded Curriculum

Hundreds of books and materials from curriculum publishers, designed for homeschool use. Or use public school books and adapt to your needs! See the Curriculum Planning pages for ideas.

Examples: Math Mammoth workbooks, Brave Writer, or Real Science Odyssey

Community Classes

Art, music, sports, hobbies, etc. can be added if your child is interested and able to attend. This is a great way to get out into the community for social time. More and more businesses are adding homeschool sessions during the day, such as archery, swimming, piano, yoga, Lego robotics, animation, outdoor survival, photography, and many more. If your local provider doesn't offer a daytime homeschool class, get together with some other families and ask them to create one!

Examples: Take OMSI classes via the Oregon Homeschool Science Club, Learn in nature in the Rewild Homeschool Program

Homeschool Co-Ops

These are groups of parents who combine resources to offer classes to students on a variety of subjects, along with social opportunities. Some are very organized, with office space and membership fees. Others are informal among a few families who meet and share teaching duty. Some co-ops are religion-based, but not all. For autistic children, the co-op would need to be inclusive of differing abilities and approaches to learning. Smaller co-ops tend to come and go as the member's needs change, so if there isn't one in your area, feel free to start your own.

Example: The biggest co-op in the Portland area is Village Home. They have three locations.

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