Choose with Care

This page lists homeschool suppliers which an increasing number of Catholics approach with prudence (choosing only those materials absolutely needed and which can be found nowhere else). Thanks to the teachings of the Magisterium, oft repeated here on KIC, an increasing number of homeschooling parents who wish to "keep their kids Catholic" are seriously reconsidering to whom or what they are giving their hard-earned dollars.

~Michael Olaf

Post Office Box 1162

Arcata, California, 95518

1 (707) 826-1557

Website: www.michaelolaf.net/

Catalog: Paper (Cost $5.00)

A supplier for Montessori schools, the company carries books and hands-on materials like games, puzzles, child-sized tools and cleaning supplies. The catalog also includes "features" or sideline articles with ideas on Montessori education. Note: Choose with care from the catalog, especially the "ideas" and book section, as some of Montessori's ideas - and those who interpret Montessori - do not appear to coincide with Church teaching.

~Lifetime Books and Gifts

3900 Chalet Suzanne Drive

Lake Wales, FL 33853-7763

Website: www.lifetimeonline.com

Phone: 1-941-676-6311

Orders ONLY: 1-800-377-0390

Catalog: Paper and Online

Although the Always Incomplete Resource Guide and Catalog is an impressive resource, it does sport a protestant "biblical" worldview. To that end, Catholics must choose carefully (should they decide to "choose" at all) and would be well-advised to avoid purchasing any materials pertaining to religion (especially bible and bible story cassettes). Also be especially careful in selecting family sources (many which are "biblically-based" meaning the King James bible), and history materials. Please be aware that titles which include the word "Christian" in either the title or description - like many Protestant homeschool catalog companies - means "fundamentalist" and not Catholic.

~Rainbow Resource Center

Rt. 1 Box 159A

50 N 500 East Road

Toulon, IL 61483 1-888-841-3456

E-mail: Rainbowres@aol.com

Catalog: Paper (charge $5.00)

Rainbow Resource Center is a Protestant homeschool supplier and it is mentioned here because it is a popular resource with all homeschoolers (Catholic and Protestant) especially with manipulatives and other "hands-on" accessories.

Theirs is another impressive, intriguing catalog. Although they carry many discounted items that will not be found offensive to Catholics, selections still must be made carefully. To those who choose to use this resource, Keeping It Catholic specifically advises caution when considering the purchase of anything relating to Religion (especially Bibles), History (especially the time period of the Renaissance and Reformation) and even biographies.