Unexpected Home Learning

Why does Unexpected Home Learning exist?
Unexpected Home Learning is here to help parents navigate the waters of "homeschooling" during the COVID-19 pandemic. We're here to provide you with resources!
It's free!
Unexpected Home Learning is free for anyone to use! Some of the resources we provide links to might be subscription based, but we provide plenty of free options if you're on a budget!
What do you offer?
We provide you with links to resources, connections to local contacts (such as music teachers or math tutors willing to help out during this time), and ways to communicate with homeschooling parents willing to provide their time and advice.
  • Homeschool Tip

    So, I have these resources... what do I do with them? Begin with setting aside half an hour for each subject for your child. Cover these subjects: Reading/Literature Math Science History/Social Studies Grammar/Composition If you want to add another language (such as Spanish, or French) go ahead. If you want to add time to do physical activity - absolutely add that! If you use worksheets or workbook pages, do 1 or 2 (depending on how quickly or easily your child works through them) each day in each of the above subjects. One day at a time you will get things accomplished!

  • Resource Spotlight

    What a fun resource to help your child enjoy reading!! Not only does someone read the story out loud to your child in a dynamic way, but the teacher resource pages are invaluable for building that excitement beyond the reading. there are activities related to the book that take reading into math, science, art, social studies, and writing. You and your child can explore the world together with these "un-plugged" activities!

  • Homeschool Tip

    Using a planner can help you and your child keep organized. You can create one that you write out on paper, you can use your computer to type one out, or you can purchase one from another site such as: Amazon or Rainbow Resource. Have a folder or binder, or notebook to keep track of the work your student has completed and to chart your child's progress. Organizing can help you feel less stressed and give you something tangible to hold onto as you work toward your goals.

  • Resource Spotlight

    This company has been great for helping students who are not getting reading concepts through traditional methods. Through games, manipulatives, and fun activities where the student interacts with their environment, All About Learning gradually moves the child from a non-reader to an excited reader! This particular page from All About Learning is free (if you want to purchase any of their curriculum, feel free to do so). The free resources offered here help you with problem areas your child may encounter with reading. It also provides printable games for you and your child to enjoy together - or for you to print out and allow the student to work independently. These are great because they are "un-plugged" ways to get the child to have fun while learning.

  • Homeschool Tip

    If your child doesn't understand a concept, set it aside for the moment - nobody learns anything when they are frustrated. Get some exercise or find a way to relax to restart your brain. When you come back to it, look for another site, worksheet, or real-world example to help explain the concept. Look online for a Facebook group or other homeschooling parent or blog - most likely there are other parents out there who have had a similar experience with a particular subject. Remember, each child learns differently and grasps some concepts easier than others. When your child does finally get it - it's exciting for you and for the child!

  • Resource Spotlight

    Time4Learning is a great tool for parents to use. One of the greatest advantages for this site is that it allows the parent to set a schedule for the child to follow. All you have to do is determine the end date (when you want the child to complete the subject matter). The site schedules each day for the student to follow to get through the curriculum. It also keeps the grades for you. You can print out a report showing what the child has done and how well the child is grasping the information. You can also adjust each child's grade level by subject. If your child is working at a 6th grade level in math, but struggles with reading, you can set their reading level at a 4th or 5th grade level to allow them success as they grow those skills. It's important to allow your student to have success so they WANT to keep learning.

Resources
General
General Overall Homeschoo...
Provides links to other places to obtain resources, products...
Online
Free
General Homeschooling Res...
Offers practical, free options - gives a brief description o...
Online
Free
Bridegway Academy Resourc...
Bridgeway Academy is in the middle of their online school ye...
Online
Free
Elementary School
Kahn Academy
Offers multiple grade levels and multiple subjects
Online
Free
ABC Mouse
Pre-K and Kindergarten to 1st grade level learning through g...
Online
Free trial
Grammar For Kids
Grammar songs to help kids learn
Online
Free
Middle & High School
Kahn Academy
Offers multiple grade levels and multiple subjects
Online
Free
Crash Course
Offers multiple subjects - Literature, History, Economics, B...
Online
Free
Time4Learning
Covers multiple grade levels and multiple subjects - parent ...
Online
Subscription
Local Contacts (Wayne/Pike Counties, PA)
Dave Figura
Music Teacher
Lisa Bonocore
Math & Reading Tutor
Jason Merrill
Music Teacher
Ray Stedenfeld
Homeschool Band Director
Interested in becoming a Local Contact?
Click here
Parent-To-Parent
Live conversations with homeschooling parents:
WCPA Homeschool Group
Facebook Group
The Learning Space
Facebook Group
NEPA Homeschool Teens
Facebook Group
Special Needs Group: PMLB
Facebook Group