Canadian Home Based Learning
Resource Page

Teaching tools and HBL information

• teacher resources
• web sites on home based learning
• books for the home educator
• magazines, newsletters and periodicals
• radio and podcast

Learning tools and learning opportunities

• learning resources
• books of fiction for the homelearner
• suppliers of educational materials
• suppliers of toys and games
• reference and research websites
• free online lessons, worksheets and activities
• correspondence & virtual schools

Post-secondary education after homeschooling

• University admissions

Canadian Home Based Learning families

• Canadian HBL families — personal webpages, HBL pages and non-HBL websites.
• Canadian HBL Kids — webpages, online groups, magazines and other projects by or for HBL kids.

Be sure to check out the links on our provincial pages as well, as many provincial organizations and local resources offer general information and discussion alongside their province-specific information.

Non-Canadian resources are listed on our Links page.

• Resources for Rethinking is a project developed by Learning for a Sustainable Future. It provides teachers access to lesson plans, worksheets and other teaching resources that integrate environmental, social and economic spheres through learning that is interdisciplinary and action oriented. Each R4R resource has been reviewed by an experienced classroom teacher and matched to relevant curriculum outcomes for all provinces and territories in Canada.
• Canadian Sugar Institute's Nutrition Information Service includes online information about nutrition, the history of sugar, sugar science, sugars and health, and free downloadable educational PDF files that form an integrated curriculum resource for grades 4-6. (You can also have them sent for free by postal mail). Through experiments and activities, students learn about food science, food production, the human body, nutrition and physical activity within a series of four Missions.
• Learning Tools Publishing — books on how to teach reading and math to children and adults with "learning difficulties" ("learning disabilities," e.g. dyslexia) by teaching orientation and focus to help them harness their gift of 3-dimensional processing. Books include Magic Glasses, Touch the Sky (for teaching native learners), and Three Dimensional Learning. The methods taught in the books are also the subject of the author's tutoring services and programs for parents as teachers.
• Canadian Kids Page — hundreds of links, sorted by Topic and alphabetically by Title.
• Canada Reads teacher's guides — Canada Reads is a CBC Radio production in which five well-known Canadians each choose and then defend their favourite work of Canadian fiction. The guides were written by educators with experience in secondary school literary education. The organizers would like to spread the word to the homeschool community as well.
• CCL: Canadian Children's Literature/ Littérature canadienne pour la jeunesse — a bilingual academic journal produced by the University of Winnipeg, publishing scholarly articles about all aspects of texts for children in Canada in both of Canada's official languages.
• Canadian Children's Literature index — Created and maintained by the University of Guelph library, this database provides an index to all the issues of the journal Canadian Children's Literature.
• Timesavers for Teachers — Seven books available (tips and ideas, with printable teacher resources, forms and masters) plus some free printable worksheets for download and an email list for receiving more free resources and updates.
• Googol Power
  www.googolpower.com
  Free worksheets, math games, online music videos, lessons and articles. Also home of the award winning Googol Power Math Series- 2005 Indie Winner for Canada's Favourite Children's Music Group.
  
• Canadian Education on the Web — Developed and maintained at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education of the University of Toronto, the site endeavours to list all existing websites relating to Canada and education.
• Reading Wings -- Two books for helping your kids learn how to read and write without struggling. Written by Vera Goodman, retired teacher living in Calgary, Alberta. She also offers workshops and consultations and is available for homeschool conferences.

• Ontario Universities Application Centre
• Ontario College Application Services
• OFTP's list of Canadian universities and colleges that have admitted or are willing to consider admitting homeschooled students.
• Sarah Rainsberger's Ontario Homeschool University Admissions site - This website compiles and links to current university admissions information for homeschoolers in Ontario. It also offers tips, resources and things to think about while homeschooling through the high school years with the goal of university admissions in mind.
• University Admissions .ca - This website (another one of Sarah Rainsberger's -- new as of Spring of 2011) provides information on university admissions "... with or without a high school diploma!" -- not just for homeschool students but also for students attending high school and mature students as well -- in other words everyone!
  
  

• Lifelearning.org — Canadian unschooling information and resources for homeschooling families. Crafts, books, activities, and more.
• The Learning Lady —Resources and support for families interested in home learning (not strictly for those not attending school). Inspirational quotes, resources, The Learning Lady column, product reviews, and Math Moments™ by author David Schwartz.
• Homeschooler's Guide — New as of Fall 2004. Also listed under magazines, the website is mentioned here for its informational content. Some of the info is specific to Calgary, but much is relevant to all Canadian home based learning families. Pages are set up for all provinces and will no doubt become filled as information is gathered.
• Kids' Town — The Magazine for Homeschool kids by Homeschool kids.
• The Upsidedown Schoolroom — also listed under suppliers for its online catalogue of educational resources, the website is mentioned here for its links to articles on learning styles, learning differences and giftedness.
• Homeschool Knotwork — Links to sites of interest to home based learning families.
• Homeschooling Links — an abundance of resource links compiled by Kathy Wiens.
  

- menu - top -

RADIO FREE SCHOOL is an all volunteer show by, for and about Unschoolers / Home Learners.

Blog: http://radiofreeschool.blogspot.com
Web site: http://radiofreeschool.ca/
Email: radiofreeschool@gmail.com
Mail: P.O. Box 19, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton ON, L8S 1C0.

Broadcast is every Wednesday at 12 noon to 12:30 pm (EST) on CFMU 93.3 FM - Listen live on the web at http://cfmu.mcmaster.ca;
MP3 shows searchable for download/podcast at www.radio4all.net
also on:

• CKDU 88.1 FM Halifax, Nova Scotia, www.ckdu.ca
• Free Radio Olympia 98.5 FM Olympia, Washington, www.frolympia.org
• KRBS-lp 107.1 FM in Oroville, California, www.radiobirdstreet.org
• Radio Free Veronica, West Point, PA, www.radioveronica.us/rfv.htm ,
• WXOJ-LP 103.3 FM, Northampton, Massachusetts, www.valleyfreeradio.org

• VoicePersona
  Audiobooks of children's classics and educational books. Subjects will include biographies of important historical figures, the natural world, Christian themed and other non-fictional books. You can download the free accompanying comprehension and listening skills activity sheets that also include some fun activities.
• Classic English Language Arts
  Robert Einarsson is an English Instructor in Edmonton, Alberta. His website would be appropriate for high school students especially in the areas of grammar and poetry, and contains text documents as well as audio recordings of a number of his first-year university lectures. Free resources on the website include Traditional English Sentence Style, www.classiclanguagearts.net/resources/TESS.pdf, a self-guided workbook on the sentence style of classic English writers.
• Agent Story — online creative writing courses for young writers. Taught by Laura Thomas, a freelance writer, teacher-trainer and professional children's storyteller. As Agent Story, Laura leads children on theme-based, interactive storytelling missions that encourage the practice of storytelling at home and in the classroom. The online courses for home learners (during the school year during school hours) include the following: Level 1 is an introduction to creative writing from a professional writer's point of view, and Level 2 is a short story course in which students work on a single story for eight weeks and then, with Laura's guidance, submit it to an appropriate magazine. Laura also trains and mentors teachers of all kinds at conferences and in her online classroom, and provides curriculum development services to a variety of organizations.
  www.agentstory.net
• Open Door Math — online math tutoring to help teach, inspire and motivate elementary and high school students to be successful in mathematics. All tutoring is done by one qualified, experienced, Canadian educator. The student and tutor connect to an online classroom which includes voice and a fully equipped whiteboard, and work together just as if sitting side by side. Visit the website for more details, including pricing information and reviews from students.
• KeepThemCurrent.com is a subscription-based online service that provides a fun and informative environment for students and parents to get interactive and proactive about current world events. "By keeping youths informed of matters of world importance, day by day, you are building a knowledge base that will serve them well in a marketplace that is just getting more global by the minute. [...] If we read more and talk more, we'll know more. Knowledge is power. Keep Them Current."
• Calctutor.ca Online Mathematics Tutoring
• CLSO-math
  www.clso-math.com
  Worksheets and accompanying instruction sheets covering 13 Math topics, each consisting of 4 modules with 150-200 pages per module. To date there are over 10 000 worksheets, as well as assessment and review sheets. The CLSO (Concepts-Language-Symbols-Operations) approach is to follow the learner's path of least resistance by starting with direct perceptual understanding through the visual (and/or kinesthetic, if using manipulatives rather than the images of the workbooks), and building the math procedures step by step through "scaffolding" that eventually leads to the underlying abstract concepts, rather than the other way around. The demo on the web site's home page shows a very easy, step-by-step process for learning how to solve algebra problems. You can also ask for a free sample on fractions.
• Heritage Makers
  www.MakeBooksOnline.com
  An online publishing system whereby you create your own hard cover, full colour, library-stitched storybooks through Drag and Drop Digital Scrapbooking. Online student training included. An approved resource in the BC Distance Learning system.
• Ernie's Earth — Room to Roam
  The Impact of Human Land Uses on Species Survival
  www.thirdeyemind.ca
  — Set of 3 social and ecological science videos (VHS or DVD) for grades 6 to 10 and family viewing. Comes with or without an Educator's Guide. Dispels the myth of superabundance, explores the problems of human impact on natural habitats, and offers 5 solutions, including how to calculate your "eco-footprint" and reduce it through personal and community choices.
• Razzberry Publishing
  Mickey Eves, Author and Illustrator
  — Sept. 2005, released a new series of picture books called The Canucks, to aid children with Canadian geography. There are 13 Canadian characters, each named for a province or territory. In the first book the characters head off to explore Ottawa and what there is to discover during Winterlude. The other books in the series will each feature one of the other provinces or territories and some of the interesting things it has to offer.
• The Corax Academy — "Classical Education with a Twist"
  Live, on-line instruction, tutoring, and consulting. Innovative learning software features voice, video, and desktop application sharing. Pre-designed, cross-curricular, thematic lessons and course content (CD-ROM or web-based).
• Pure Math Online uses live, personal tutors to help students with algebra homework in real time over the Internet.
• A Good Workbook for grade 9 Math. Created by a homeschool mom and math tutor as a step-by-step guide to the math basics, one topic at a time, with clear explanations of the concepts and vocabulary, as well as practical exercises and their solutions. Illustrated with cartoon graphics.
• Modern History Through Canadian Eyes: A Canadian History Guide for All Ages is a guide to teaching Canadian history through a variety of resources (literature, videos, maps, and textbooks) sorted into chronological units.
• Federation of Ontario Naturalists (FON)
  www.ontarionature.org
  355 Lesmill Road,
  Don Mills, Ontario M3B 2W8
  Toll Free Phone: 1-800-440-2366 or (416) 444-8419,
  Fax: (416) 444-9866
  Email: info@ (add ontarionature.org to complete the email address)
  — FON is a charitable organization that protects Ontario's nature through research, education and conservation action; provide books and resources on nature, mammals, birds, flowers, insects, reptiles, science, geography, wetlands, habitats, Wildlife in Jeopardy Kit, watersheds, wetlands, sustainable development and much more for various age levels; can shop on-line.
• EfstonScience
  www.e-sci.com
  3350 Dufferin St
  Toronto ON M6A 3A4
  Toll Free Phone: 1-888-777-5255 or (416) 787-4581
  Toll Free Fax: 1-888-681-1079 or (416) 787-5140
  Email: info@ (add e-sci.com to complete the email address)
  — "The Science & Astronomy Super Store." Selection of science, astronomical, optical, anatomical and electronic test equipment and specialty tools; catalogues available in General Science, Telescopes, E-Sci Kids, Circuit Test, Jensen Tools and a Resource Centre. Visit showroom & store. Browse the on-line catalogue; online ordering.
• Intelligent Training Solutions
  Mike Glavic, CUO
  6381 Glengate Street
  Niagara Falls, ON
  Home: (905)357-7210
  Cell: (905)348-4774
  E-mail: itsol@ (add cogeco.ca to complete the email address)
  Canadian home distributor-reseller and service facilitator of the Discrete Trial Trainer, an ABA (Applied Behaviour Analysis) based software solution for early and special-needs learners under the developmental age of 9. More information on this product can be found at www.dttrainer.com.
• Indigo Instruments
  www.indigo.com
  Science & Educational Products on the Web since 1994
  Wide variety of molecular model sets; scientific glasswar; high resolution images on CD that turn your computer into a state of the art light and/or electron microscope; magnifiers; magnets; and much more.
  info@ (add indigo.com to complete the email address)
  Phone: (519)746-4761
  Fax: (519)747-5636
• Great Canadian Places — Take a multimedia virtual tour of some of Canada's most fascinating National Historic sites. Also has pages on how to create an excursions notebook or logbook for your hikes and travels.
• Green Street provides opportunities for environmental programs for youth by linking teachers in Canada to reputable environmental and sustainability education organizations across the country. Teachers can register online. Most programs are free.
• Model Science Software — Simulation software for use in science education. A virtual alternative to wet lab kits.
• The Media Awareness Network offers a place where educators, parents, students and community workers can share resources and explore ways to make media a more positive force in children's lives. 
• Ecoutez/Parlez and Escucha y Hablemos — individualized and self-directed French and Spanish (respectively) Oral Programs for kids of all ages, created by Katleen Newton and published by Kaleeka Press. Call 705-719-7272 for more information.
• Knowledge Probe Inc.
  — Free math software and low-cost language software.
• Sara Jordan Publishers — Songs That Teach cassettes and CDs such as Multiplication Unplugged.
  www.sara-jordan.com
  Email: sjordan@ (add sara-jordan.com to complete the email address)
  
• SchoolNet — The mandate of Industry Canada's SchoolNet is to promote the effective use of information and communications technologies (ICT) in learning. The website includes links to thousands of learning resources.
• Dilam Inc. -- Based on her 35 years as a professional educator and Special Education Specialist, author Diane Lamarche-Bisson of Welland Ontario has written 11 manuals providing tools for teachers/parents and activities for children in math, reading, writing, spelling, auditory skills as well as resources for special education needs. She also offers a series of children's books that help develop life skills and strong social and moral values in children aged 5 through 10, available in Christian version (with scripture) or Secular version (with motto) and accompanied by a read-along and musical CD.

• Splashes From The River--The Basic Cozy Grammar Course on DVD. Filmed on Vancouver Island.

- menu - top -

• Canadiana - The Canadian Resource Page — links to resources for looking up Canadian facts, figures and information, including Canadian Dollar exchange rates, postal codes, tourism, government, law, archives, art and culture
• Electric Library Canada — a research resource delivering reference information and data from thousands of sources—magazines, photographs, televison & radio transcripts; reference works; maps; full-text articles from over 200 Canadian & International newspapers and newswires; Note: there is a cost for this service.

- menu - top -

• Jake's big adventure — Jake is a stuffie dog belonging to Dianne Labinski's son Zachary. Jake went on a big adventure staying with host HBL families across most of Canada and two locations in Australia.
• Sandy Keane — unschooling and quilting pages.
• Homeschooling in New Brunswick — This site is listed in the New Brunswick section of our website but we mention here as well because it includes personal perspectives in the form of answers to questions posted to the hs-ca yahoogroup—what's your typical day like? what curriculum do you use? that kind of thing. The site also has links to HBL resources, HBL sites and mothering sites.
• The Wiens Family Home Page — pages on homeschooling, Esperanto and favourite books of fiction.

pregnancy, childbirth and parenting

• A Safe Passage -- Jodi Hinds' specialized doula services for pregnant women who are survivors of abuse, and training workshops for health care professionals to help them learn how to better support women survivirs of abuse who may be in their care, especially during pregnancy, childbirth, and post-partum.
• Gentle Mothering -- Timéa Szalay's doula services, serving Simcoe County, York Region and the GTA in Ontario.
• Birthlove! — Leilah McCracken's resource pages on pregnancy, childbirth and parenting.
• The Whole Family Attachment Parenting Association — Judy Arnall is a regular contributor on our hs-ca mail list!

art, writing, web design

• Rene Ammundsen — freelance writing, art and photography
• Catherine Pillinger — art and illustration
• Penny Pages — Pam Penny's web design and hosting
• Zoetic Endeavours — Marian Buchanan's art and astrology products and services
• Heartwood Web Design — Marian Buchanan's design and communications services, "Helping you branch out on the web and in print." Web design, graphic design, logo design, Search Engine Optimization, web traffic, content & copywriting, translation, business development.