This is where it all begins for the homeschooler---the original 6-volume teaching reference by the founder of the homeschooling movement! Mason's philosophy of educating children in a noncompetitive, biblically based way is spelled out in each one of her insightful books. Learn from this education pioneer how to teach children under 9 years old, fulfill your educational role as a parent, develop a curriculum, improve your children's character and conscience, shape their personality, and foster creative learning. (Product description from Christianbook.com)

The six volume set described above is available to borrow. It is currently on the shelf in the Homeschool Resource Center (downstairs at the Main Library.) Browse the set when you are in Montrose or request to have it delivered to any of the branch libraries in Hallstead, Forest City, or Susquehanna. 

There is a wealth of resources contained in Power Library. To begin exploring, just click on the Power Library icon located on the left hand side of this page and enter your library barcode number. Periodically, a different area of interest will be spotlighted.

Facts for Learning

This is a wonderful database full of age-appropriate reference material for elementary and middle school students. Find Facts For Learning under "Children's Resources" section or "General Reference."

If you would like a guided tour of Facts For Learning, you can find a tutorial and a summary under "About this Database" on the bottom right hand side of the page. However, if you'd rather just learn by exploring on your own, wade right in. Here are some tips to guide your exploration.

~Notice that you can limit your search results by age category. Tabs on the top right hand corner of the page enable you to focus your results to a particular grade level. The two main categories are "Grades 2-5" and "Grades 5 and Above." Each section has a different look.

~When the search for a topic includes all the databases, the results will be sorted by database in a table. For example, the search "2006 Olympics" lists 3 results in the encyclopedia column, 3 results found in the almanac, and 5 results under classroom periodicals. 

~The "Reference Library" offers information for reports on states under "Library of States and Territories." "World Almanac Library of States" offers a quick summary under "Fast Facts" or more in depth information by browsing other chapters.

~"Classroom Magazines" offers information about science, health, careers, and current events for grade levels 5 and above. These magazines can be used for research or entertainment. To search for classroom magazines for grades 2-5, click on "Weekly Reader" located at the top of the screen.

~"Teacher Created Materials" contains ready-made activities that can be sorted by grade level and subject matter. Use them to review a topic or challenge your students.

Cultiviate the habit of using Facts For Learning for research because: 

• the sources are reputable,
• reading levels can be adjusted according to grade level,
• the material is appropriate for children.