How to Create a Multimedia Homeschool

The first year that I homeschooled I used nothing but books. The approach worked. However, sometimes my son would ask if there was a video that he could watch to go along with his lessons. That's when it dawned on me that homeschool would be even more enjoyable if I used an assortment of materials to teach my children. Here is how I have made our homeschool a multimedia one.

Books, Books, Books
I cannot stress how important books are in our homeschool. With the exception of math, we use multiple books in each subject throughout the school year. I use a combination of textbooks, books from the library, and ebooks that I print out or read online. It takes some planning, but I find books that go with the subjects we are currently studying. Check out the links below for more detailed information on how to do this.

Free World History Textbooks for Homeschool
Where to Get Free Reading Primers
Homeschool Using Free Printable Coloring Books

Incorporate Videos
I have written extensively about how I use free videos from the internet in our homeschool. Please check out the following links to learn how to have access to hundreds of educational videos.

Use Cable in the Classroom in Your Homeschool
Use a Search Engine to Find Free Educational Videos
Use the Internet Archive for Free Educational Videos

Use Audio
You can also use audio in your homeschool. There are two main ways that I do this. I find famous speeches using the Internet Archive and work those into our history lessons. I also use free online radio stations like Pandora.com to teach music appreciation.

Let the Children Play Games
Of course, I mean let the students play educational games. There are many good sites that have free games for students. The ones that are popular in my house are Gamequarium.com, Funbrain, and Funschool. I don't usually schedule in games. But I allow the children to have half an hour game time if they complete all of their school work in a timely and satisfactorily manner.

I don't use videos, games, and audio in every subject each day. But I try to make sure that there is something educational for the children to listen to or watch at least a few times a week. Using this multimedia approach to homeschooling keeps school time interesting for the children.