Children

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.

Curbside Pickup for ERC Cardholders

The library is now open to the public and items from all collections are circulating. If you would like to come to the library to browse and check out items we have in the ERC collection in person you may.

We are still offering curbside pick-up but those items must be requested ahead of time. ERC cardholders may not place holds using our online system, however, if there is an item(s) you would like to pick up via curbside you may call the Youth Services Desk at 631-585-9393 ext. 559. We will pull the item, if available, and schedule the curbside pickup.

ERC items and other “kit” items must be returned to MCPL, they cannot be returned at another library.

Programs for ERC Cardholders

The following programs are open to ERC cardholders for the Winter season. Registration opens on Thursday, March 23, 2023.

School Age Programs:

Building Story-by-Story – Wednesday May 3, 2023; 5:00pm – 6:00pm at Centereach. For children in K – 2nd grades. Come explore the world of structural engineering with us as we listen to some stories and build using fun foam blocks!

A Balancing Act – Monday June 12, 2023 5:30pm – 6:30pm in Centereach. For children in 3rd – 5th grade. Learn about gravity, speed, and motion as we experiment with pennies and balancing toys in a fun way! Then make a high-flying “acrobat” that can balance on a piece of string in this program from then Long Island Children’s Museum. Registration required.

Garden Rain Gauge – Tuesday June 6, 2023; 5:30pm – 6:15pm in Centereach. For children in 3rd – 5th grade. Create a unique rain gauge to take home. Registration required.

Homeschool Meetup – Friday April 21, 2023; 11:30am – 1:00pm in Centereach. For homeschool families with children 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! Registration required.

Pinkalicious & the Little Butterfly – Monday May 22, 2023; 4:30pm – 5:15pm in Centereach. For parents with children in K – 2nd grade. Let’s get together to read the story “Pinkalicious and the Little Butterfly,” then we’ll create a butterfly craft. Registration required.

Tweens Chat & Craft – Thursdays, 4/6, 5/11 & 6/15; 5:00pm – 6:00pm at Centereach. For children in 4th – 6th grade. Relax, socialize and craft at the library with our MCPL social worker! Registration required.

Teen Programs:

Homeschool Hangout – Friday April 21, 2023; 11:30am – 1:00pm at Centereach.  For homeschooled teens in 6th – 12th grade. Bring a friend or meet some new ones when you spend time participating in fun activities in the Underground. No Registration required.

Tell Us About It Book Club – Tuesdays, 4/11, 5/9 & 6/6; 4:00pm – 5:00pm on Zoom. For teens 6th – 8th 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. Registration required.

Teens Chat & Craft – Thursdays, 4/6, 5/11 & 6/15;  6:30pm – 7:30pm at Centereach. For teens in 7th – 12th grade. Relax, socialize and craft at the library with our MCPL social worker!  Registration required.

Teen Writers Café – Tuesdays, 4/4, 5/2 & 6/20; 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM at Centereach. For teens in 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! Registration required.

Zine Club – Tuesdays, 4/25, 5/23 & 6/27 5:30pm – 6:30pm at Centereach. For teens in 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! Registration required.

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.