Almanac This topic tells you what holidays or anniversaries are coming up. Use them to plan interesting thematic units, and mark them on your calendar for next year. Some examples are: Carpenter Ant Awareness Week (there is a week for everything! This one is good for science.), the day the typewriter was patented, Midsummer's night and the banning of public prayers in the US. (A good government topic) Special events are world-wide.
American Civil WarMike is my managing editor, and a good one he is. He has excellent articles on the war, so be sure to turn to him for the extended information your textbook doesn't have. His links to other Civil War sites are excellent. Be sure to check out his article on the Emancipation Proclamation. You'll be surprised to learn what it did not do!
Ancient Egypt I've linked Nikole's topic on my page already, but it is worth a second mention. You could do your whole unit from her column, and her homepage, which you can reach from her Suite101.com topic. She has wonderful pictures and articles, and her research is outstanding.
Artists This is a newer column. Each article is about a specific artist. You get a great biography, and links. Really good to fulfill your art requirement, for those of us who aren't too artistic.
20th Century British History and Politics Joseph is another newer editor. His column on British history is terrific. Read his bio-you'll be impressed.
Censorship and Banned Books This is not for the conservative. If you have a teenager studying Civics, you will find some of the columns here helpful. I like to introduce controversial material, and even things I disagree with, into my teen's curriculum, to keep things interesting, and to force thinking. You might be surprised to find out what books have been banned in the past. Be sure to visit here first-as you always should-to decide if this is right for your child. I plan to use it this year.
Child Writing This column is actually about writing for children, but it also has many articles and links on children's literature. It's an excellent parent resource, as well as a creative writing resource for your children who write.
Folklore This is a real help for your literature class, and has wonderful links. It's fairly new, so keep checking back. There is nothing like a good bit of folklore to liven up a rainy schoolday.
Historical Headlines This topic tells us some of the stories that made headlines in their day. Current article subjects include the triangle shirtwaist company fire and Georgia lynchings.
Irish Literature There are some great authors featured in this new topic, including Yeats. Be sure to follow her links.
Medieval Art, Iconography and History This one is best for older teens, because the reading level is challenging. The author is very qualified.
Philosophy This is a challenging subject to teach, but if your teen has a yen to try, start here. The author directs a college honors program in Michigan.
Photography When the teens want an elective we know nothing about, it's time to turn to the experts. There is an article here on fine art nudes, so you may just want to print the articles your teen needs.
Precolumbian Art Another newcomer, but check out his very impressive bio. You're learning from the best here.
Women's History Okay, I confess. This one is mine. I don't have impressive credentials, but as we homeschoolers know, if you can research, you can learn. I specialize in biographies, but venture now and then into other areas of women's history. Will you visit if I beg?
World War 2 The stories the history books don't have room for. I especially enjoyed an account of VE Day through the eyes of someone who was a teenager then.
Education and the Internet.As a teacher addicted to educational internet, I was thrilled when Gareth joined our staff. His new column is especially impressive when you realize he is seventeen years old.
Higher Education There is an article here on distance learning, in case your kids decide to homeschool their way through college too. We're all looking ahead, and if you have teens, you'll want to explore here.
Homeschooling Naturally we have a homeschooling column. Yvette is so knowledgeable she makes me jealous. Her specialty is unit studies. Be sure to stop by.
K-12 Resources Randi has really outstanding links to help us teach. She's another newcomer we're really glad to have.
Multicultural ResourcesThis is a well-established column with very thought-provoking articles. It is written by a teacher with three multiracial children.
Music Education Deborah is an exceptionally talented music teacher. There is so much in her column we can use at home to enhance our music education. Check out her article on street games and play parties.
Special Education Another editor with impressive credentials. This is the place to go for help with your special needs child.
Thinking Really, we have a topic for everything! The author says he started thinking 20 years ago at the age of 50, and wanted to learn how he thinks when he's thinking when he is thinking. Right away, you know this will be fun!
Classical Music If your kids think this is a dull subject, prove them wrong. Kelly's column is a great place to start. We covered classical music last year, and my kids loved it. Biographies and background information make the subject come alive.
Web Sites for Kids Wayne writes a child-friendly column. You'll find all sorts of fun places to safely go with your kids.
Opera When you finish classical music, move on to this subject. Katherine has an article on how to help people learn to like opera. After that, follow her writings and links to learn more.
Zoo Animals Your children are going to love this. I did. In MaryAnn's first article, she writes a wonderful story about the gorillas at the zoo. She knows these guys personally. She is featuring one animal every month. Be sure to check it out.
Wildlife This is an excellent starting point for a unit on environmental issues relating to animals. This is especially good for older grade schoolers who can understand the issues Connie discusses.
Archaeology Paul is very well- published, and his columns are a great starting point for older students, or as a research tool for you. Check out his article on dating artifacts.
Astronomy This is best suited for teens with good reading ability, but it's lots more interesting than your average textbook. This column is on my curriculum list for next year.
Microbiology This has lots of health related articles, such as the recent breakfast cereal Salmonella outbreak. Your child might never take microbiology, but he will take health. This provides good solid research from a professor with a stack of degrees.
Women in Science Too many girls get left behind in science class. This topic will tell them about women who succeed in spite of the normal school patterns.
Anthropology Much of this column is accessible even to kids (check out why the author no longer puts artifacts in her mouth.) Anita is a real anthropologist who has babysat for Koko, the sign language gorilla.
Folklife and Folklore This can lend a new slant to your socioology or culture lessons. Check it out and use your imaginations. I know lots of ways I plan to use this new column.
EnvironmentThis is a serious study of the environment by a highly qualified professional. Check it out, especially for teens.
Family FunCindy's new column is for the times in between school work. This lady knows how to have fun, even on long car trip vacations. She also happens to be a very nice person. Check her out.
From Field to Table This is about everyone's favorite topic: food. Good links for a themed unit, or to help you start a discussion that gives you school credit during lunch!
Parenting This column even includes an article on homeschooling resources.