Over 100 Resources for Christian Single
Mom’s
Click here
for a .pdf file with an updated list
Compiled by
Ms. Raylene M. Hunt aka Maggieraye
with the help of my single mom friends at
Homeschool Blogger
GENERAL RESOURCES, ARTICLES,
TESTIMONIES, ETC.
1. The Holy Bible - when I first started
home schooling I came back to my Bible again and again. I
found scripture to defend my beliefs that I was called to be
a Keeper at Home, that I was the one the Lord had chosen to
train up my children. This has been my greatest resource in
my journey.
2. Defending
the Fatherless by Doug Phillips - This is THE
resource I recommend to single mom’s who are considering
home education, and church leader’s who have single mom’s
within their congregation.
3.
Raggedy Janet’s - This was one of the very first
websites I discovered dedicated to single mom’s who were
home educating. When I found this, back in 2002, I was the
only single mother I knew of who was home educating. It was
a gold mine of blessings. Since that time, I’ve become
acquainted with Janet, via email and a yahoo group that we
are both members of. This has also been a blessing.
4. Homeschool
Oasis - I discovered the Single-Mom’s Homeschooling
articles on this site, at about the same time I discovered
Raggedy Janet. It gave me so much hope. I now knew that
there were at least four other single mom’s out there that
were home schooling, so I wasn’t completely crazy in my
efforts.
5.
Single Parent’s Can Homeschool by Linda Joyce
Heaner - This is an excellent article of encouragement, that
I found in two different places. Linda talks about many
practical things that face single moms who are trying to
home educate, be the keeper at home and often times the sole
financial supporter of their family. I feel blessed to have
found this article. It is very encouraging.
6. Single
and Homeschooling by Teri Brown - While this article
is not written by a single mom it is about single mom’s who
have chosen to home educate. There are two things that are
said in this article that I agree with 100%, “Many single
parents, who might otherwise consider homeschooling, believe
that their marital status excludes them from this wonderful
educational option. But with perseverance, flexibility and a
strong network of support, single parent homeschooling can
be done, and done well.” “’I haven’t surrendered to the
“get-a-job-put-em-in-school” mentality because the longer I
homeschool the more I realize the necessity of homeschooling
in order to raise decent kids who feel safe, nurtured, loved
and who enjoy learning.’ Hill says.”
7.
My First Week of Homeschooling by Lisa Henderson
- This is a great article when considering the reality of
balancing the needs of our children’s education with our
need to provide an income. Having provided family home child
care for almost three years, I can totally understand where
Lisa is writing from.
8.
My Life As A Single Parent Homeschooler by Brenda
Covert - This is a great testimony of why and how single
mom’s should and do choose to home school their children.
9.
Homeschool Success Story by Linda Bothel - This
is a great reminder that we are called to home educate and
where the Lord will’s it, there is a way to achieve it.
10. Fears
of a Single Mom by Lori Little - This article was
amazing to me. In addition to feeling totally alone as a
single mother who was home educating, I have also felt
totally alone as I struggled with fear and panic over the
years. This addressed all of that in a way that glorifies
the Lord beautifully. It is a must read for
all single mom’s.
11.
A Single Parent’s Call to Outrageous Faith by
Janet Whitley - This dear lady talks about walking by faith
and truly the minute a single mom decides to embrace the
high calling of Keeper at Home, she begins walking by faith
as she may never have before. It is a very encouraging
article about what the Lord can do when we let him, and how
he rewards our obedience to his ultimate will for our lives.
12. Rearing
Our Children by Rev. Jai Mahtani - This article
solely focuses on the high calling of being a keeper at
home. It does not specifically address single mother’s. I
felt that it was good and that there was something to be
gleaned from it, by single moms as well as those who are
married.
13. Help!
I’m a Single Mom by Dr. Richard D. Dobbins - This is
a great article of encouragement for single mothers, but
also a good resource for those ministering to single
mothers.
14.
God’s Gracious Hand: An Interview with Melanie Taggart
by Mrs. Sherman - This is an amazing story of the Lord’s
grace and mercy. It is truly a Romans 8:28 situation. I’ve
had the privilege of getting to know Melanie as a fellow
blogger at Homeschool Blogger. You can also check out her
blog at
www.homeschoolblogger.com/aussiemum.
15. How
You Can Help Single-Parent Families by Mary Jo Tate
- This is another dear lady I’ve had the privilege and
blessing of getting to know during the last couple of
months. Mary Jo is a freelance writer, and a single mother
who’s chosen to home educate and be a keeper at home. This
article was first published in Family Reformation Magazine,
since then it has appeared on the Ladies Against Feminism
website, at Crosswalk.com, and on Mary Jo’s blog www.homeschoolblogger.com/SingleParentsatHome
16.
Defending Our Decision to Homeschool by Mary Jo
Tate - This is another amazing article/post by Mary Jo. I
wish I’d this when I first started homeschooling. It’s a
great little resource for those who are constantly faced
with those who question our decision.
17.
A Biblical Response to the Feminist Agenda - John
MacArthur Jr. - This article has nothing to do specifically
with single mothers who choose to be keepers at home. I
sincerely appreciate the work of John MacArthur and this is
no exception. It is insightful and well worth reading.
18. Does
Homeschooling Work for Single Parents? by Mary Jo
Tate - This is actually a brief blog leading to another
blogger’s site. I, however, feel that the question is a
powerful one, to which the answer is an emphatic,
“Absolutely!”
19. Hurting
Single-Parent Families Find Church With Arms Open Wide
by Kay Adkins - This article serves well as a resource for
churches considering how they can help single parent
families within their congregation.
20. Why
Should I Homeschool? By Lisa at Homeschool
Blogger. This post just helped remind me why it is so
important for single moms to home educate and be keepers at
home, in spite of their circumstances. A well written
article worth reading.
21. The
Church's Responsibility to Single Mothers by Janet -
Another excellent article on scriptural responsibility of
the believer as an individual and the body of believers at a
whole to support and encourage single mothers as keepers at
home and home educators.
22. Blessing
the Sole Parent Homeschooler by Aussiemum - This is
a great post of ideas on how you can be a blessing to a
single mother - whether she’s homeschooling or not.
23.
Pure Religion - Carla at Homeschool Blogger
posted this "must read"
24.
Our Beginning - posted by Brookside Academy at
Homeschoolblogger is a story of her beginnings in home
schooling, as, can you guess?, a single mom.
MESSAGE BOARDS & ONLINE SUPPORT FOR
SINGLE, HOMESCHOOLING MOMS
Okay, in all honesty, I’m rather new to the whole
online community thing. The following links are resources I
found when key word searching. I am not involved with many
of them and don’t know a great deal about them. Please be
discerning when visiting them. They are resources and may
have valuable information and support. I just cannot speak
to them personally.
25. Homeschool
Curriculum Swap
26.
Vegsource Message Board - Vegsource offers a
message board specifically for homeschooling single parents.
27.
Single Parent Message Board - This message board
is part of the website HomeschoolChristian.com
28.
Single Parent Home Educators - This site has the
potential to offer great resources. The forum however seems
to be slow in taking off. I’ve posted an introduction there
myself, hoping to connect with others.
29. Homespun
Hearts - A Yahoo group for Christian Single Moms -
This group was started by a single mother from Homeschool
Blogger, where a group of us could meet and share with some
privacy. It is a closed group, by invitation/approval
only. It is moderated. It is a great place of fellowship and
encouragement. I would strongly recommend it to Christian
single mothers looking for support and encouragement.
30. Single
and Working Parents at
A to Z Home’s Cool. with Ann Zeise - - I admit,
this is one of my favorite homeschool resources websites in
general, the link to “Single and Working Parents” definitely
offers some insight and good ideas. The site in general is
one of those where you could be there for hours, just
surfing around, checking things out. Make sure you have
plenty of time before you start.
31. Considering
Homeschooling Ministry by Morningstar Educational
Network - This web based ministry is one that
absolutely amazes me. Their focus is on Christian parents of
infants, toddlers, preschool and those who have their
children in the public education system. If you know someone
who is thinking about whether or not they should start home
educating, this is THE site to send them too. There are
excellent resources here.
www.msen.org
32. Single
Parent Homeschool - I have been blessed to be a part
of this ministry. It is a part of Considering
Homeschooling’s ministry. Here single parents can find words
of encouragement, resources, links to free homeschooling
magazine subscriptions, etc. This is another one of those
“ultimate resource” links, but then I’m prejudiced.
YAHOO GROUPS
While all of these yahoo groups seemed geared
toward single parents who are home educating, I am not
personally familiar with any of the groups or their
members. These are just links that have been passed along to
me by other single homeschooling parents.
33. Homeschooling
Day By Day- This is a yahoo group that is
moderated. It is primarily Christian but all are welcome. It
has been going since 2001 and seems to have a very active
posting.
34. 1parent_HS-
This is a yahoo group that is designed by and for single
parent homeschoolers. It seems to be primarily Christian but
all are welcome. It has been going since 2000. The group is
much smaller than Homeschooling Day By Day.
35.
African-American Single Parent Homeschoolers-
This yahoo group has been going since 2003. It has about 100
members.
36. Single_Parent_Home
School - This yahoo group has been going since 2001
with less than 100 members. It doesn’t show a lot of
activity, compared to some other groups.
37. hs1mom
- This yahoo group is predominantly Christian and is a
restricted list. It has been going since 1997, with the
majority of activity since 1999.
38.
Homeschool_1- This is yet another yahoo group for
single parent who are home educating. It has a large number
of members, but relatively few post in comparison. It has
been going since 2002. Membership is restricted to by
approval only.
39. Single
Parent Homeschoolers- This yahoo group has been
going since 2003. It shows relatively few posts.
40. HomeschoolingSingles
- This yahoo group has been going since 1999. There was
relatively little activity in 2005.
41. Work
and Homeschool- This yahoo group has been
going since 1999 with a large membership and regular
activity. It is designed for any homeschooling parent who is
working/going to school in conjunction with home schooling.
AN ESSENTIAL SET OF HOMESCHOOLING
RESOURCES
I feel very strongly that every family should know
about and make use of the following resources as they apply
to your individual family needs.
42. Home
School Legal Defense Association - I feel that this
is my “insurance policy” for our homeschool. I would
recommend with the number of zealous caseworkers, and the
news stories that abound about them overstepping their legal
boundaries, that any family, but especially those headed by
single mothers, consider membership as an essential part of
your homeschooling budget.
43. Homeschool
Foundation - This resource is their to help and
support homeschooling families in need. They have a variety
of funds available to homeschooling families based on their
specific situations. I’ve just copied and pasted their
descriptions of each fund here, with the link directly to
their site.
44. Members
Helping Members Fund - In the last few months, a
number of Home School Legal Defense Association member
families have been telling us that they are being negatively
affected by the downturn in the economy—by either losing a
job or having their salary reduced. Many have reported
being laid off by an airline or related employer. If your
family has been blessed with financial stability, and you
would like to extend a helping hand to a fellow home school
family, we have established the Members Helping Members
Fund scholarship fund to assist families with their HSLDA
membership.
45.
Compassion Fund - All undesignated gifts to the
Home School Foundation will go into its “Compassion Fund.”
Monies in this fund are used to cover the Foundation’s
printing costs, give grants to local home school support
groups around the country, and support other home-school
related causes.
46. Widows
Fund - Each year we hear from many member families
who have lost a parent to death. Oftentimes, their
heartbreak is compounded by financial constraints which make
continuing home schooling difficult. Until now, all we have
been able to offer these families was our heartfelt
sympathy. Now, with the establishment of the Widows Fund, we
are able to meet the needs of widows and orphans in a
tangible way. This endeavor truly enables dedicated mothers
to continue directing the education of their children at
home!
47. Special
Needs Children’s Fund - An increasing number of
families with special needs children have begun seeking the
benefits of home schooling and the services of HSLDA.
Approximately 10 percent of HSLDA member families indicate
they are home schooling a child with special learning
needs. In 1993, HSLDA realized that more guidance was
needed for these families and hired a consultant to assist
our families with learning needs of their children. The
Special Needs Children’s Fund is designed to assist home
schooling families with the financial challenges of
privately meeting the academic needs of their special needs
child.
FREE MAGAZINE SUBSCRIPTIONS
A LITTLE LUXURY FOR SINGLE MOTHERS
I absolutely love magazines, especially
homeschooling magazines. However, being a single mom, with
an extremely limited budget for home education supplies,
magazines are low on the priority list. I’ve borrowed from
the library, and from friends, but it’s just not the same as
having your own copy to look at lug around, and share with
others.
48. The
Old Schoolhouse Magazine- Free 1 year Subscription
to those who truly cannot afford a subscription This was the
second homeschooling magazine I was introduced to (never
mind what the first one was) and it is by far, THE BEST one
out there. I was blessed two consecutive years with free
subscriptions. Of course, again, I know I am prejudiced, but
I really think any single mother would find it to be a
blessing.
49. Homeschool
Enrichment Magazine - This free 1 year subscription
is offered through Single Parent Homeschool by the
publishers of Homeschool Enrichment to single parents, in an
effort to be a blessing to them.
50. Homeschool
Digest- - This free 1 year subscription is offered
through Single Parent Homeschool by the publishers
of Homeschool Digest to single parents, in an effort to be a
blessing to them.
51. Above
Rubies- This is a free publication to all. It is a
quarterly magazine which focuses on the call for women to
embrace their roles as wife and mother, the way the Lord
intended them to be. Even as a single mother, I’ve found the
articles to be a blessing and an encouragement.
52.
No Greater Joy - This is a free publication to
all. It is a quarterly magazine which focuses on child
rearing, families and home education. Again, although not
designed for the specific needs of the single mother, there
are many articles of encouragement and some great Biblical
resources to be found here.
53. Family
Reformation Magazine- A magazine dedicated to
bringing the family back to our Biblical foundations. This
is one of the first Christian magazine’s in which I read an
article about single parents and how to support and minister
to them.
SINGLE MOM’S AT HOMESCHOOL BLOGGER
This website has been one of the biggest sources of
encouragement I’ve found in the almost five years that I’ve
been homeschooling. Each of the links here is to a single
mother’s blog site at Homeschool Blogger. Each one has
something different to offer and share. There are also
others at this site, but these are the ladies whose stories
I know and who have touched my life with their friendship,
support and encouragement. Each one has a burden to see
single mothers be encouraged to be keepers at home.
54. http://www.homeschoolblogger.com
55. Janet -
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/janet
56. Mary Jo -
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/singleparentsathome
57. Melonie -
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/MelM/
58. Mel -
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Aussiemum
59. Theresa -
www.homeschoolblogger.com/homespunhearts
60. Beth -
www.homeschoolblogger.com/dumspirospero
61. Raylene -
www.homeschoolblogger.com/maggieraye
62. Lisa -
www.homeschoolblogger.com/cmphotomommy
63. Michelle -
www.homeschoolblogger.com/mammabear
These single moms also have blogs at Homeschool
Blogger. I haven’t become acquainted with them all, yet, but
am hoping to in the days to come.
64. Sarah -
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/sagehensally
65. Christine -
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/paganhomeschool
66. Ann -
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/kidzr1st
67. Roberta -
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/TheWilkinsonAcademy
68. Tawanna -
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/McKiddies3
69. Quincy -
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Dalaimama
70. Joyce -
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Hope44
71. Maryanne -
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/majure3
72. Donna -
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/mom26kidz
73. Angela -
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/takeupurcross
74. Andrea -
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/ajoyfulnoise
75. Liam -
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/bluemoonschool
76. Wanda -
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/cawthonwa
77. Michele -
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/watermommy02
78. Laura -
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/soloschool
FORMERLY SINGLE MOM’S AT HOMESCHOOL BLOGGER
After I had “finished” this list at number 103, I
remembered another category to be added. It is those dear
ladies who are now married moms, but who have been single
homeschooling moms in the past. There are only two that I’m
aware of at this point, but I’m sure there are more out
there. It is the prayer of many of us to join the ranks of
these “has been’s”
79. Patty -
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/brooksideacademy
80. Debra -
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/4SeasonsLearningAcademy
HOMESCHOOLING RESOURCES
81. Homeschool
Tracker - This has to be one of my favorite tools
for home education. There are two reasons. The first is I’m
a compulsive organizer. This helps me keep it together. It’s
a great way to keep track of everything on the computer. The
second reason is that it’s FREE. Not just a free trial, but
the basic version is totally FREE!. If you want to upgrade
to the Plus edition you do have to pay a one time fee. A
college friend who is also a homeschooling mom bought me the
Plus version last year as an encouragement gift. I’ve made
it well worth her investment. Another side note I need to
add, is that Katie Gentile is absolutely amazing when it
comes to tech support. I am computer illiterate and that
dear lady has been there and walked me through the most
unusual situations. So the personal tech support is also a
biggie for me.
82. Child
Evangelism Fellowship- This ministry is so
incredible. The reason I’ve added it here is that they offer
a free correspondence Bible study for all levels. I don’t
know about everyone else, but my kiddo’s love getting
mail. And this is mail worth getting. They usually have
local chapters so check the main sight for the one nearest
you.
83.
Educating the Whole Hearted Child by Clay & Sally
Clarkson - If I could only recommend one book (aside from
the Bible) to someone new to homeschooling this would be THE
book. It is written so that it is easy to read. It has lots
of practical advice and resources from a veteran
homeschooling family. It’s worth the investment.
84. Robinson’s
Self-Teaching Curriculum- This is definitely a
cost-effective curriculum for those on a limited
budget. There are over 200 books on CD for a reasonable
price. They also offer a scholarship program, where you can
simply pay what you can afford. There are no frills. It’s
literature is worth the investment. I own this
curriculum. They also offer a discount on Saxon Math
products as that is the Math curriculum they recommend
using. The curriculum isn’t for everyone, but if you have
nothing and need something to get started this is a great
place to start.
85. Ambleside
Online- This is a FREE online curriculum that covers
Year 0 - 12. It is an advanced curriculum, with an excellent
literature program. It also has a very strong fine arts
element to it. It is a Charlotte Mason based curriculum. I
have also used parts of this one in my homeschooling.
Ambleside Online - a FREE online curriculum
86.
Enchanted Learning - This is a website with a
multitude of resources. Again one that can not be thoroughly
investigated in only a few moment of free time. I found a
link to this on another single mom’s blogsite.
87. Free
Stuff for Homeschoolers- At Homeschool Blogger we
have our own Free Stuff lady. Her blog site is just full of
resources for the homeschooler. Be sure to check it out.
88. Beethoven
Website- This site was shared with me by another
homeschooling mom. I haven’t had time to fully explore it,
but it looks like it would be great, especially for doing a
unit study. There seems to be tons of information available
here.
89. Math
Goodies- Free math help, homework help and
puzzles. This site is new to me.
90. The
Parent Educator - This site looks like it has a
wealth of information. I’m looking forward to spending some
time poking around at this one. I suspect I will find many
useful resources here.
91. Homeschool
Free- This is a yahoo group that sends out free
resources. It’s been going since 2002 with relatively low
activity levels. It seems to be connected with The Parent
Educator and the above mentioned Yahoo group Homeschooling
Day By Day.
92. Free
Weekly Lessons at Teacher Created.com - This seems
like an excellent online resource for anyone teaching
children in 1st - 8th grade. I got
sucked into this site. Not only are there weekly lesson
plans, but plans by subject. So if there is a subject you’ll
be covering and you need some extra ideas, check this site
out. I’ll definitely be bookmaking this site.
93. Free
Educational Softwareat Owl & Mouse Software - I
don’t use the computer much in my homeschooling but it looks
like there is some pretty cool stuff here. If you use the
computer a lot in your homeschooling, you might want to
check this out and see if there is free software that would
work for you.
ON BEING A KEEPER AT HOME
Most of these resources are websites that I’ve
found or that other’s have shared with me. None of them
focus on the specific needs of single mothers who are trying
to be keepers at home. I feel they are excellent resources
non the less. I’ve found some of them to be extremely
encouraging.
94. Women
at Home University- This is not an actual
university, but a FREE ministry that offers a list of over
1000 titles that provide insight into all areas of being a
keeper at home. They have a neat article on how the ministry
got started, too. I think this is definitely the best
Keepers at Home website, in terms of those of us training up
younger women. The list is broken down into four years worth
of reading (hence the “university”).
95. Keepers
At Home - This website is loaded with links and
encouragement for the lady who seeks to be the Titus 2
woman. It’s one of those sites, where you need to make sure
you have time to really sit and focus. There is just way to
much to take in if you only a few moments.
96. NYM
Ministries- There is an excellent article posted on
this site Keepers at Home. I found this very encouraging. It
was a gentle reminder of what our high calling is, as
Christian ladies. It’s a short article and well worth the
read.
97. Mentoring
Moments for Christian Women- This website offers
“Practical Titus 2 Teaching for Women” and a free
e-Newsletter. I only recently learned about this site from
another single mom. So far it looks like an excellent
resources.
98.
A
Christian Home- This website offers to much to begin
to list it all here. It’s ever changing and always
encouraging. I’ve shared it with a number of friends over
the last year or so. I will warn you, make sure you really
have the time to sit down and check it out. You can’t begin
to see it all in a quick visit.
99. Ladies
Against Feminism - Why is it that all the best sites
are the ones that just have so much information you can’t
possibly look at it all in one setting? I absolutely love
this site. If I were going to pick just one site as a
resource to encourage others in their walk as Christian
ladies this would be the site.
100.. Biblical
Womanhood Online- This is another great site. I
don’t know Crystal personally, but I feel like I’ve been
blessed to get to know her, through her ministry at this
site. This is an excellent resource. She has written some
awesome books, which you will find here also.
101. Being
Virtuous Women - This is yet another one of those
great sites. Once you visit, you’ll find yourself falling
in. On the surface it may not seem like there is much there,
but each step in leads you further and further in to some
wonderful resources for encouraging you in your Christian
walk.
MISCELLANIOUS RESOURCES
102. Freecycle
- “Freecycle is an email list where people give away
things that they no longer need for free.” This is a site
I’ve only recently learned about. I love free stuff so I’m
looking forward to checking out more.
103. Exodus
Mandate- This site offers resources to help
Christian families understand the important need to remove
their children from public education and home educate them
in accordance with the Bible.
104. Grace
to You Ministries- John MacArthur provides
excellent, scripturally based resources. Being on their
mailing list gives you access to free monthly offerings,
including sermon tapes and books. These are excellent for
any family.
105. Not
Yours to Give by Col. David Crockett - This historic
and thought provoking document, show that it is not the
responsibility of the government to provide welfare payments
to those in need. This is absolutely a “MUST READ” for those
working with single mothers.
