Educating your children at home? Whether you are homeschooling, virtual schooling, or a hybrid of in between, use these helpful posts, book lists, and activities to meet your family's needs.

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Level 1 Decodable Chapter Books: Alba Series

This 12-book series follows the adventures of the feisty and determined Anna. She uses her super-sleuthing and problem-solving skills to battle the mighty superbugs who threaten to destroy her father’s scientific work. 
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Level 1 Decodable Chapter Books: Magic Belt Series

Looking for action and adventure? The Magic Belt series follows Zak’s quest to save his grandfather’s life. He sets out on a magical quest to collect hidden gems that will unlock the cure for grandfather illness. Zak races against time as he hurdles through obstacle after obstacle. 
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Decodable Chapter Books: Talisman Series

The night before his 14th birthday, Zak has a strange dream. A mysterious lady appears before him bearing an important message: "The Dark Master is creating a new talisman, even more powerful than the first. All of mankind is at risk. You must resume your quest and stop him!" she tells him. Together with Mim and a skinny, old mule, Zak sets off to Volcano Island to confront the Dark Master. Will he be able to reach him before it is too late? Will he be able to save humanity?
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Decodable Readers: All About Reading

All About Reading are designed for students in the first stages of reading. New readers feel empowered because they can sound-out unfamiliar words without guessing and steadily build their reading skills. These books are completely “decodable” meaning that they use simple words and only short vowel sounds as the first stepping stones into reading.
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Decodable Readers: High Noon Sound-Out Chapter Books Level 3 & 4

 High Noon Chapter Books are designed for new readers who are ready to dive into chapter books. These stories are completely “decodable” meaning they use simple words and short vowel sounds as the first stepping stones into reading. Levels 3 & 4 build foundational reading skills that will prepare a reader for more challenging concepts in levels 5 & 6. 
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Decodable Readers: High Noon Sound-Out Chapter Books for New Readers

High Noon Chapter Books are designed for new readers who are ready to dive into chapter books. These stories are completely “decodable” meaning they use simple words and short vowel sounds as the first stepping stones into reading. Levels 1 & 2 build foundational reading skills that will prepare a reader for more challenging concepts in levels 3 & 4. 
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Decodable Readers: Whole Phonics Level 2 Series

Whole Phonics Early Level 2 Series are designed for early readers who are ready to tackle more advanced concepts.  New readers feel empowered because they can sound-out unfamiliar words without guessing and steadily build their reading skills. These books are completely “decodable” meaning that they use simple words and only short vowel sounds as the first stepping stones into reading. Decodable readers series slowly progress into more complex reading concepts moving from simple one-syllable words (fan) to multisyllabic words (fantastic). 
Staff Picks

Decodable Readers: Whole Phonics Level 1 Series

Whole Phonics Early Level 1 Series are designed for students who know all the consonant and short vowel sounds. New readers feel empowered because they can sound-out unfamiliar words without guessing and steadily build their reading skills. These books are completely “decodable” meaning that they use simple words and only short vowel sounds as the first stepping stones into reading. Decodable readers series slowly progress into more complex reading concepts moving from simple one-syllable words (fan) to multisyllabic words (fantastic). 
Staff Picks

First Decodable Readers: Whole Phonics Off We Go Series

Whole Phonics Early Readers are designed for students in the first stages of reading. New readers feel empowered because they can sound-out unfamiliar words without guessing and steadily build their reading skills. These books are completely “decodable” meaning that they use simple words and only short vowel sounds as the first stepping stones into reading. Decodable readers series slowly progress into more complex reading concepts moving from simple one-syllable words (fan) to multisyllabic words (fantastic). 
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Richland Library Main

Kids in Print 2023

Congratulations to the illustrators and writers featured in this year's edition of Kids in Print!

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StudySC

Explore South Carolina through StudySC! Learn about your community, South Carolina history, and the people who have made a significant impact on the state and the world.

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WORD Force

WORD Force - A Literacy Adventure for K-2 Students is an interactive digital learning course which takes students on an adventure thr

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Richland Library Main

DIY Storytime: How Do You Wokka-Wokka?

Curated storytimes that families can share at home with an ebook (How Do You Wokka-Wokka?)songs and rhymes ( Peel Banana | Drama Warm Up, Banana Banana Meatball Song by Blazer Fresh and If All of The Raindrops by Old Town School of Folk Music) and activity (Learn 5 dance sequences choreographed by Barbara Howse-Diemer)

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PebbleGo Next

Biographies for students grades 3-5; find actors, American Indians, explorers, politicians, scientists, women and more.

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PebbleGo Animals

Learn about animals including birds, dinosaurs, insects, pets and more; their behavior, habitats, and classification.

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Homeschooling in the Summer

Homeschooling can take place year-round. If you are wanting to get in some school days this summer, try unit studies. Pick a hot summer topic and explore it together. Bugs, camping, backyard science... the summer is full of great opportunities for learning!  
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Richland Library Main

She Changed Her Name

Many generations work together to reveal how Sojourner Truth fits in our history or herstory.

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Back to School... at Home: The Book List

It is time to set up space for your school year. Starting at home? Check out these great titles that will inspire you to create a space that is fun and functional for you and your children. Study, explore, create, and make the grade! 
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Classic Children's Books

Classic books are a part of our society's literary heritage. For good or for ill, they have shaped the world we live in and inform our present while opening windows into our past. Classic books add a rich layer to a child's reading experience and can give teachable moments in the context of a story. Classic titles are also a great choice for advanced readers who are ready for longer books and more complex language. Choose one of these titles to read together or independently. 
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Homeschooling Winter Holidays

The holiday season is full of teachable moments. Plan a unit study around a winter holiday and keep the school days going while you decorate, bake, and get your holiday jingle on! From making homemade gifts to learning about other cultures, there are no limits to holiday learning. 
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World Almanac for Kids

For students in grades 6-9, their teachers, and parents. World Almanac for Kids presents articles, videos, games and information on a wide range of subjects with age appropriate content and a

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Homeschooling Writing

Teaching your child how to write a report? Helping your student create a haiku?  Crafting lessons in grammar and handwriting? Teaching writing can be fun and fascinating using the books and resources available for free at your library. 
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Homeschooling Physics

Ready to build a pulley? Want to play around with simple machines? Interested in making a simple battery? Studying physics is the perfect excuse to get creative with light, motion, electricity, and much more.  Engineer your physics lessons for free at your library. 
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Homeschooling Chemistry

What is an acid? What is a base? Why do you need baking soda in your cookie recipe? Play around with chemistry with this list of books that are guaranteed to stir up your curiosity.  Get a positive reaction from your students when you create chemistry lessons for free at your library. 
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Homeschooling Earth Science and Astronomy

Create a map of the stars, observe the phases of the moon, start a rock collection, or build a model volcano. There is nothing like hands-on experiments for making learning fun and unforgettable.  Dig into rocks, minerals, and the night sky for free at your library. 
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Homeschooling Biology

Explore cells, take a trip through the human body, classify animals, and grow food in the backyard - all in the name of science! Biology has never been so much fun.  Create hands-on unit studies for free at your library!
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Homeschooling Reading

Whether you are homeschooling your beginning reader or supplementing her instruction at home, this carefully curated collection of titles is based on structured literacy. These multisensory materials provide evidence-based lessons that sequentially build the skills you need to become a reader.  Learn about the Orton-Gillingham approach to reading for free at your library! 
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Homeschooling Mathematics

Would you like to create a graph? Measure the swing set? Master your multiplication tables? Explore math with these great reads and resources. You can count on your library to have what it takes to get your student on the right track.  The Education Studio at Richland Library Main also has math materials for in-library use.  Stop in and teach your lessons with our beautiful, wooden Stern Math materials. 
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Homeschooling: Medieval History

Studying the Middle Ages? Ready to host a medieval feast? Construct a trebuchet or create a family coat of arms?  Build hands-on lessons complete with knights and castles for free at your library. 
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Homeschooling Early American History

Studying explorers? Looking for books about Jamestown? Draw a map, sew a costume, or try a colonial recipe. From early colonial days to westward expansion, revolutionize your year with these great books!    Homeschooling history is fun and free with resources from your library!
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Homeschooling World History of the Modern Age

Studying the Industrial Revolution? Looking for books about World War II? Make a diorama, try a recipe from the Great Depression, and read about famous people that shaped the modern world.  Create lessons about everything from Abraham Lincoln to the Cold War for free at your library. 
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Homeschooling: Ancient History

Studying the ancients this year? Ready to build a pyramid of LEGO's? Want to stage your own Olympic Games? Have you always wanted to try your hand at writing on a clay tablet?  Carve your way through these ancient history books and create hands-on lessons for all ages. History curriculum is fun and FREE at your library. 
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Homeschooling from A to Z

When I started homeschooling twenty years ago, I read everything I could get my hands on about home education. From Montessori to Waldorf, from Charlotte Mason to John Holt, I wanted to dive deep and find out which path was right for my family. While our educational road has had many twists, turns, and even some dead ends, there is nothing like crafting a homemade education. Below is a wide variety of educational options to explore. Grab your library card and dig in! 
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Gale in Context: Science

Science in Context is an in-depth, curriculum-oriented science database that provides a one-stop resource for all science-related research needs.

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Gale in Context: U.S. History

Discover American history from pre-colonial times to the present by reading historical documents and articles about the famous individuals in American history and about historical events.

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NoveList K-8 Plus

Looking for a good book that is similar to an old favorite or an old favorite from your childhood that you want to share with your own children?