Children

Education Resource Center / Homeschooling


Library Services for Homeschoolers

The Education Resource Center (ERC) at Middle Country Public Library offers support and enrichment for Middle Country residents, educators, and homeschooling families with children age 5 and older by providing access to the Educational Resource collection featuring science equipment and kits, math manipulatives, curricula and educational games, online resources including subscription databases and ERC specific programming.  The ERC collection and programming is funded with support from the Long Island Community Foundation.  Education Resource Center cards are available to out-of-district homeschooling families. For more information, please contact Deborah Hempe at (631) 585-9393 ext. 223 or hempedeborah@mcplibrary.org. For those interested in booking a meeting room for educational purposes, please complete the linked form, and a librarian will contact you soon.

Programs for ERC Cardholders

The following programs are open to ERC cardholders for the Winter season. Registration opens on Thursday, December 14, 2023.

School Age Programs:

Beginner Chess Club  – Tuesdays, April 23rd and April 30th from 5:30PM – 6:15PM – For children in 1st – 5th grade.
This beginner class will teach you enough to get started playing chess. Learn how each piece moves and some basic strategies.

Cloud Critters – Thursday, May 23, 2024 from 5:15PM – 6:00PM –  For children in K – 2nd grade. What do you see when you look at the clouds? Using markers and pens add details to create a character or animal in the clouds.

Homeschool Meetup – Tuesday, March 26, 2024 from 12:00PM – 1:00PM – For homeschool families with children ages 5 – 10 years old (older and younger siblings welcome). Join us for an afternoon of engaging activities and learn about homeschooling resources available at MCPL!

International Museum Day – Thursday, May 16, 2024 from 4:00PM – 7:00PM – For all. Join us for our annual festival celebrating Museum Day. Representatives from many local museums, historical societies, science and nature centers will be on hand to share information regarding their collections, programs and exhibits!

Kids’ Chess Club – Tuesdays, May 7th & June 4th from 5:30PM – 6:15PM – For children in 1st – 5th grade. Join our brand-new chess club and play against other kids. All skill levels are welcome! Mr. Lombardi will be there if you need a little reminder of the basics.

LEGO Builders – Wednesdays, April 10th & June 5th from 5:30PM – 6:30PM – Share your love of LEGO and make new friends. Get creative with a new LEGO game or building challenge.

STEM Buddies – Mondays, May 13th & May 20th from 5:45 PM – 6:30 PM – For children in K – 2nd grade. Play fun STEM-related activities with our Teen Buddies!

What’s Up? In the Clouds – Tuesday, March 26, 2024 from 6:30PM – 7:30PM – For children in 3rd – 5th grade. What do you see when you look at the clouds? Using markers and pens add details to create a character or animal in the clouds. Then learn how to make a rain cloud in a jar!

Teen Programs:

Friday Night Teen Programs – Fridays from 6:30PM – 8:00PM – Based on availability, out-of-district patrons with an ERC card age 12 and older may register for Friday Night Teen Programs beginning two weeks after registration begins each season. In the event that registration fills to capacity, the program may be limited to in-district patrons at the discretion of library staff. Please follow the link for additional information.

Homeschool Hangout – Thursday, May 23, 2024 from 12:00PM – 1:00PM

Teen Writer’s Café – Tuesday, 3/19 from 6:45PM – 8:00PM – For teens entering 6th – 12th grade. Do you LOVE to write? Meet up at the library to explore poetry, prose, fan fiction and more. Share your own work and participate in fun writing challenges!.

Teen Writers Cafe: Spring – Tuesdays, April 16th, May 21st & June 18th from 6:45PM – 8:00PM – For teens entering 6th – 12th grade. Do you LOVE to write? Meet up at the library to explore poetry, prose, fan fiction and more. Share your own work and participate in fun writing challenges!

Tell Us About It Book Club – Tuesdays, April 9th, May 7th & June 11th from 4:00PM – 5:00PM – For teens entering 6th – 12th grade. Join a group of teens who love to read! Talk about what books you love or what you didn’t like so much. Get some recommendations from other readers.

Zine Club – Tuesdays, April 9th, May 7th & June 4th from 5:00PM – 6:00PM – For teens entering 6th – 12th grade.
Join us in designing and swapping Zines about a favorite topic or interest. Supplies will be provided to create and self-publish your own Zine, or mini-magazine. After the last session, you will receive “Zine Mail” along with a special treat!

Online Resources

Middle Country Public Library offers a wide variety of online databases providing learning experiences for all ages on a wide variety of topics which can be accessed with your Middle Country Public Library card or ERC card.
                     • MCPL cardholders click here for all a list of all Kids Databases and Online Resources for teens.
                     • ERC cardholders click here for a list of all ERC Databases.

Featured Databases

BookFlix
Scholastic BookFlix is an online literacy resource that pairs classic video storybooks from Weston Woods with related nonfiction eBooks from Scholastic to build a love of reading and learning. This engaging resource will help early readers develop and practice essential reading skills.
Muzzy Online
In Spanish, French, English, German and Italian, MUZZY Online is a comprehensive, interactive and fun way for kids to learn a second language.
Prenda Code Club
Learn the basics of coding! Make websites, video games, apps, animations, programs, and more. This is a self-paced learn-to-code program for ages 8-18.

Recommended Websites

National Home Education Research Institute
New York State Homeschooling Regulations
Learn and keep up to date on New York State regulations.
NYSED Home Instruction Laws and Regulations
Key laws and requirements related to homeschooling.
New York State Home Instruction Questions and Answers
FAQs covering home instruction, individualized plans, evaluations, suggested strategies, and more.
Cathy Duffy Homeschool Reviews
This site features articles and reviews of books related to homeschooling, education and related political and spiritual issues.
The Homeschool Mom
This portal of free resources available online includes information about many topics including ordering free curriculum, online unit plans, lesson plans, and worksheets, as well as information on supplementing or creating a homeschool curriculum.
The Well-Trained Mind
This site offers a step-by-step, grade-by-grade, subject-by-subject guide to the classical pattern of education called the trivium.
A2Z Homeschooling
An inclusive, non-faith-based homeschooling site offering homeschool help and information for all homeschoolers looking for educational resources without religious influence.
Consumer Affairs: Online Homeschools Guide
Searching for an online homeschool curriculum? Compare the best companies using consumer reviews and our comprehensive buyers guide.