By Carole Dolan Weed
Hello, fellow homeschoolers and welcome to the Alison Homeschooling Blog! I’m very excited to be part of Alison’s mission to assist homeschool families on their journey to successful, fulfilling education.
I am a former teacher and veteran homeschooler. I love our homeschooling community and am so glad my family has been part of it for decades.
I am happy to say that my homeschooled son is well-adjusted, thriving and has just finished university!
Alison played an essential aspect in our homeschool curriculum, and I believe in what they do, how they do it and I know that they can be a great benefit to your family’s needs too. They support us with a breadth of free homeschooling resources that can assist each family, knowing that not one-size education fits all.
Homeschooling for Traveling Families
We came to Alison first because the courses are free, abundant, and accessible.
We were traveling constantly as a family, and while not all of the curriculum we chose was delivered online, it was great to have courses our son could do from the back seat of the car during long days on the road.
Even when stationary, breaking up how lessons were delivered was very advantageous to me as a full time mom.
Also, I don’t know how many times I read reviews, researched and ordered material only to discover that for whatever reason, either the label didn’t match the contents, or my son’s learning style didn’t fit….. I found I had wasted a fistful of money that wasn’t easily reclaimed.
Tip: Document Your Child’s Achievements
Additionally, Alison provides the option of issuing documentation. I didn’t anticipate how important this would be, but when my son was ready to apply to University, it proved to be essential.
I had kept records of each year, but having the certifications of course completion was incredibly valuable. It changed the transcripts from my word to a third-party verification.
And of course, despite all the hard evidence of homeschooling success, some US states and other countries still require documentary proof of what homeschool parents are providing for their own children each year. If you are subject to those rules, rest assured you can get certification with each course here.
Celebrate Successes
Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash
Pin those diplomas and certificates up on a bulletin board; you will know where they are and they will give your children a visual reminder of their success.
Self-worth does not come from false praise and ribbons for doing nothing. It comes from working and achieving goals. That is invaluable mentally, and leads to further self-confidence to pursue what’s next. It builds the stamina to face future challenges.
Learning is a natural human desire, but it is not always easy, and the rewards when our children achieve their goals deserve celebration. Real achievement builds real self-esteem.
Explore Alison’s Homeschool Curriculum
Homeschooling is a journey. No one education is the “right” education. This we all know well. Find what suits you and your needs.
Here are a few sample courses that suited us from Art and Design to Spanish and Nutrition but the options are plentiful with over 5,000 free courses on the platform.
- Graphic Design: This course interesting and informative course covers the theory and skills needed to become a designer.
- Spanish Language: A series of courses for beginners through to elementary, intermediate and advanced Spanish speakers.
- Introduction to Human Nutrition: This course covers all you need to know about nutrition to live a healthy lifestyle.
I recommend you:
- Explore, investigate and find the courses that work for your family, your children’s learning style and to document those that hit the mark.
- Note the instructors you like because often they have created more than one course.
- Record and earn certifications and diplomas, they’ll prove valuable now and in the future.
I am looking forward to connecting with you more and hope your journey is improved by what Alison has to offer as it facilitated ours.
And most importantly:
Keep on Homeschooling: Our kids are worth it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are Alison’s courses really free?
A: Yes, all of Alison’s courses are completely free to study. You can download a free learner’s report to prove you have successfully completed a course, or pay a nominal fee for a digital or physical certificate.
Q: Are Alison’s courses accredited?
A: Alison’s courses are accredited by the independent UK organization CPD. Find out more here.
Q: Are Alison courses suitable for all ages?
A: Currently, Alison offers courses for learners from high school to adulthood. You can find courses on a wide range of subjects, including math, science, languages, arts, history, coding, music and much more. Visit the Homeschooling Hub for more information.
Q: How can I incorporate Alison courses into my homeschool curriculum?
A: Alison courses can be used as supplementary materials to your existing curriculum or as the primary source of instruction for certain subjects. You can customize your child’s learning experience by selecting courses that align with your family’s goals and interests.
