Children

Library Services for Homeschoolers

The Educational Resource Center (ERC) at Middle Country Public Library offers support and enrichment for Middle Country residents, homeschooling families and educators 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.

Upcoming ERC Programs

These programs are open for registration to all Middle Country Public Library and Education Resource Center card holders. ERC programs are sponsored by the Long Island Community Foundation.

Compass Creations (J234)

For children in 3rd – 5th grade.  Learn about navigation and using a compass. Make your own compass and experiment with real lodestone, the naturally magnetized rock that enabled the invention of the compass.

Fall STEM Experiments (J245)

For children in K – 3rd grade. Pumpkin volcanoes, building with candy corn, seed exploration and slime! What could be more fun?

Family Game Time (J238)

For families with children ages 5 – 17 years old. Enjoy quality family time playing games together at the library. We’ll have our giant versions of Jenga and Monopoly as well as other favorites and games from the ERC collection.

Makey-Makey (T624)

For teens in 6th – 12th grade. Come check out Makey-Makey, an interactive kit for the 21st century! Turn everyday objects into touchpads and combine them with the Internet. It’s a simple invention kit for beginners and experts doing art, engineering and everything in between.

Phenomenal Photosynthesis (J235)

For children in 3rd – 5th grade. Compare and contrast leaf shapes and arrangements and learn all about photosynthesis. Each student will make and take a beautiful pressed leaf coaster.

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.

BrainPOP and BrainPOP Jr.

BrainPOP provides engaging short-animated movies for students, together with quizzes and related materials, covering the subjects of science, social studies, English, mathematics, engineering and technology, health, and arts and music. BrainPOP is for students in upper elementary through middle school, while BrainPOP Jr. is geared toward students in K-3rd grade. This resource is available for use in the library. Please see the librarian at the Youth Services desk to access this resource.

ePrep

Features expert video instruction, available anytime and anywhere, day or night, at home or on the road. Because ePrep courses are student-adaptable, having ePrep is like having a private tutor every step of the way. ePrep students maximize their scores by practicing under test-simulated conditions. Expert instructors then answer questions and solve problems in the same pencil-paper environment that students will experience on test day. By engaging both the student’s eyes and ears while demonstrating how to solve test problems in real time, ePrep magnifies understanding and retention. All ePrep videos can be paused, rewound, and reviewed again and again as needed. New users must create an account with ePrep prior to first time use.

Recommended Websites

Cathy Duffy Homeschool Reviews

This site features articles and reviews of books related to homeschooling, education and related political and spiritual issues.

Homeschool Diner

A fun and informative site about homeschooling with articles & how-tos.

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.

National Home Education Research Institute

New York State Homeschooling Regulations

Learn and keep up to date on New York State regulations.

NYSED/ P-12 / OSI / SSS / Home Instruction

Key laws and requirements related to homeschooling.

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.

The Secular Homeschool Community

Provides information, resources, and a place to share and connect with secular homeschoolers across the world.

Consumer Affairs: Online Homeschools Guide

Searching for an online homeschool curriculum? Compare the best companies using consumer reviews and our comprehensive buyers guide.