"The information is real and generous. Most books do not really explain 'how' as well as you do." Tracy

"I cannot seem to get enough of your writings on the whole home ed subject! You portray a lot of wisdom, knowledge and experience..." Marie

"A fabulous source of information and inspiration. I am very pleased to have some of your titles on my bookshelf... providing me with wonderful, detailed information and resources." Faye

"Whenever I read your writing I always come away with increased confidence in my ability to provide and share a wonderful learning journey with my family. Thank you!"Maaike

"I have been so grateful for the texts I have read from you so far. They have been so helpful as we entered our first year of official home schooling." Sue

Home education is a legal alternative to school education in Australia. Regulations differ between states and territories. Home educating families develop curriculum and learning programs to suit the educational and developmental needs of their individual children.

FREE SHIPPING within Australia. When you order from Always Learning Books you are purchasing from someone who has lived with home education for most of her life. The books we write and sell are based on personal lived experience. We understand our subject, having built empathy and understanding of the needs of home educating families over 30 years of volunteering and advocacy in the homeschooling and unschooling community.

Our aim is to encourage you on your home educating journey and to help you find ways to meet your family's educational needs. We wish to empower you as an educating parent and the nature of our books is to build your confidence to help you teach your children: we are not suppliers of fill-in-the-blank curriculum materials for children to complete. Our books give you information of the why and how of home education, what has and will work for you as an educating parent. Download our FREE Resource Directory. Follow us on Facebook.

Essential Step by Step Guide #1

CREATE YOUR OWN CURRICULUM

PARENT WORKBOOK

Part 1 - Create Your Own Curriculum - in the Getting Started with Home Educating Series of Parent Workbooks, let experienced home educators Beverley, Tamara and April walk you through HOW to create a learning plan that builds on solid foundations that works for YOUR family AND ticks all the boxes for home educaton registration!

Part 3 - coming soon! - will walk you through how to record and evaluate your children's education.

Beverley Paine, The Educating Parent 
April Jermey, Always Learning Books
Tamara Kidd, Tutor Your Own Child, B.Teach(Primary)/B.A.,GCertEdStud  

*please note: A4 plastic comb bind splines used instead of illustrated coil bind splines

Essential Step by Step Guide #2

DIY LESSON PLANS & UNIT STUDIES

PARENT WORKBOOK

Part 2 - Learn how to help the kids get the most out of homeschooling with these tried and proven home educational strategies. Create your own lesson plans and unit studies to suit your individual children and watch them thrive as their motivation for learning grows!

Part 3 -- coming soon! -- will walk you through how to record and evaluate your children's education.

Beverley Paine, The Educating Parent 
April Jermey, Always Learning Books
Tamara Kidd, Tutor Your Own Child, B.Teach(Primary)/B.A.,GCertEdStud  

"This practical workbook, densely packed with Beverley's common sense ideas based on years of personal experience, is a comforting guide for parents just starting out on their homeschooling adventures." Grace C

Getting Started with Home Schooling Practical Considerations

The original and much-loved Australian homeschooling manual. Packed with practical information and examples, this book sets out in detail how to write, record and evaluate a learning program tailored for your child's individual learning needs. Plenty of actual of examples of ways to organise and evaluate lessons, as well as excellent ideas for recording learning at home.

"Getting Started is very balanced in its approach to homeschooling methods and also covers so many of the areas and questions that I desperately needed to deal with." Joanne

"Beverley's patience, experience, and understanding of both the questions and the answers make her a wonderfully helpful guide to the adventure of helping children learn without school." Wendy Priesnitz, Life Media

"I would have loved to have had access to this book at the beginning of our leap into home education. I know I will refer back to it as we move into new stages of our journey. It covers everything I can think of that a prospective homeschooler might want or need to know." Kylie H, QLD homeschooling mum

"The best book of its kind I've seen!" Valerie Marett, Homeschooling Supplies Aust

ISBN 1876651008, e-book 179 pages, 1997

$9.45

Weekly Homeschooling Planner & Diary

Convenient A5 or A4 spiral bound diaries open flat to the current week. Leave them ready for recording on the kitchen bench, dining table or desk. Recording your children's learning becomes a breeze - taking only a few minutes throughout the day. Includes space for evaluative and anecdotal comments; calendar; annual learning program goals and evaluation for each subject; homeschooling contacts, networks, resources, and addresses.

"Thank you for everything you taught me when I started this journey knowing nothing about what I was doing. I read everything you wrote and stocked up on enough diaries to see me through to year 12!" Moette C

$9.50

The Naturally Learning Diary will help you recognise the natural educational embedded in your children's everyday activities such as chores, hobbies and play. For over 14 years this popular diary has helped many families feel confident and comfortable about developing a 'play curriculum' and allowing their children greater freedom and responsibility in determining their own learning outcomes and activities.

A5 or A4 spiral bound. Includes space for evaluative and anecdotal comments; calendar; annual learning program goals and evaluation for each subject; homeschooling contacts, networks, resources, and addresses.Includes a log of child-initiated activities, including play, as well as space for recording learning in each subject area.

"Beverley's headings help me to remember to include activities that I might not have recorded otherwise." Belinda Moore

"I love the Learning Naturally Home School diary. A lot of playtime/leisure activities can easily fall under one of the subject areas, so write down everything you have done at the end of the day. You realise you are doing a lot more than think, and it is easy to see where the gaps are that you need to fill. For the first several years it was probably the best tool I had for figuring out our curriculum, recording and reporting. The diaries have saved me an enormous amount of time and worry." Violet

A5 - $9.50
A4- $14.50

Select A4 or A5 Diary

A5 format $9.50 AUD A4 format $14.50 AUD

"A bargain! Makes it easy to record activities and get on with life and learning." Nicole

Choosing Homeschool Curriculum

Finding the 'right' curriculum can be daunting, more so because we have a plethora of choices. Beverley gives a brief summary of the most popular approaches and guides you to asking the kind questions that will help you determine if it is the one for you and your family. From a DIY writing your own personalised curriculum for your child to buying a package or enrolling in online schools and courses, the emphasis is on working out what will work for your child and suit your family's situation.

ISBN 978-1-876651-57-2, 2011, available in print and e-book

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e-book $2.99 AUD paperback $5.00 AUD

Answering Objections to Homeschool

Home educating families face the same objections and get asked the same questions over and again. Beverley draws on her three decades of home educating experience, both with her children and now her grandchildren, to help parents feel confident when answering the many objections and comments relatives, friends and strangers raise.  She offers a selection of well-worn answers to over a dozen of the most popularly voiced objections to homeschooling you are likely to encounter.

ISBN 978-1-876651-43-5, 2008, available in print and e-book

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e-book $2.99 AUD paperback $5.00 AUD

Learning Without Schooling

A collection of 'how we homeschool' articles by 30+ home educating families from across Australia. Showing 'typical' days or weeks, this 'fly on the wall' look at what actually happens will both inspire, reassure and encourage you. There is no 'right' way to home educate - a considerable variety of approaches and styles are demonstrated in this book.

“I have just finished re-reading "Learning Without School"- very inspirational and reaffirming!” Kirby

Learning Without School and Getting Started with Homeschooling Practical Considerations. Both are books I found invaluable and still refer to in our 3rd year homeschooling." Rowena

ISBN 978-1-876651-60-2 , 2012, e-book 110 pages

$6.99

Frequently Asked Questions

Over 60 fundamental questions asked by families new to homeschooling are answered by Beverley. 2004

ISBN 978-1-876651-49-7, 2008, available in print and e-book

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e-book $2.99 AUD paperback $5.00 AUD

ISBN 978-1-876651-01-6,
1999, e-book $7.99

Learning in the Absence of Education

Containing over 60 articles drawn from Beverley's first decade of home educating her children, this book covers a range of issues, such as late readers, value of play, socialisation, learning maths, testing, etc. An intimate, frank and honest look at day-to-day home educating life spanning several years. The author's youngest child coined the title one day when he innocently asked, "Mum, I'm learning in the absence of education, aren't I?" meaning learning without school and the traditional methods of learning employed by schools. This book shows the transition the author family made from homeschooling to unschooling and natural learning.

"I read this book when we were first researching homeschooling. It helped me see home schooling as a practical possibility for our family. It helped me see what home schooling can look like. It prepared me for some of the challenges that lay ahead. It was while reading one of the essays in this book, that Jonah snuggled up beside me, and asked me to read it aloud to him. I did. He asked me if he could start being homeschooled straight away, or if he had to wait until he was five. He didn't want to wait." Marika, SA homeschooling mum

"Hopefully this book will answer many people's questions and fears about natural learning. It is all in here: how right it feels when natural learning is working well, what happens when we have insecurities ourselves, and the results so far. By presenting the natural learning case in this essay style, Beverley has been able to reflect the different moods, the ups and downs, that make the book a valuable resource for all those interested in home education, whatever their current style." Janine Banks

A comprehensive step-by-step guide which considers factors such as why start a group, how to manage and promote them, resolve conflicts, as well as list suggestions for different types of groups and activities. Tap into Beverley Paine's three decades of active involvement in the Australian home education community. Since 1988 she has edited and produced newsletters, magazines, promotional leaflets, books and booklets, as well as organising local groups and networks, homeschooling and unschooling camps and expos. In addition to presenting workshops and seminars Beverley has been a keynote speaker at Australian conferences. She admins for several online support groups, including The Educating Parents Homeschooling and Unschooling.

"Your group and comments gave me the courage to create my own local homeschooling group, which is absolutely thriving and who meets every Tuesday on a regular, committed basis." Samantha J

ISBN 978-1-876651-56-5, 2010, e-book 110 pages

$4.99

Three decades of home educating experience is pulled together in this comprehensive list of consumables, materials and resources; everything you can think of to inspire learning and creativity in the home educating environment. Arranged under the curriculum subjects of English and Language Development; Mathematics; Healthy and Physical Development; Humanities and Social Sciences; Science; The Arts; Technology and Information Technology. Also includes invaluable information and tips on how to set up your home to encourage and maximise learning opportunities.

ISBN 978-1-876651-48-0, 2008, available in print and e-book

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e-book $2.99 AUD paperback $5.00 AUD

Write Your Own Unit Studies

Learn how to create your own ‘unit studies'! Personalise your children's curriculum by exploiting their natural curiosity to produce real education experiences that are also fun while covering learning across most of the curriculum subjects. Learn how to capitalise on your children's learning styles by incorporating how they individually learn best into the activities. There are several examples of unit studies to illustrate the principles and information in the booklet. Unit studies are essentially child-centred, parent-guided learning explorations!

ISBN 978-1-876651-45-9, 2008, available in print and e-book

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e-book $2.99 AUD paperback $5.00 AUD

Motivation

Beverley Paine takes a fresh new approach to the issue of motivation in the home learning environment, or what most of us would call, "what to do when my child doesn't want to learn anything"! In her typical self-critical and analytical way she digs deep into the subject of motivation, unearthing some practical and useful tips and ideas to help make life easier for both parent and child... Peppered with personal anecdotes and examples, Beverley's honest and authentic writing style will help you to discover a path toward developing trust in instrinsic motivation and less reliance on extrinsic motivation. Expect bunches carrots, rather than bundles of sticks!

ISBN 978-1-876651-44-2, 2008, available in print and e-book

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e-book $2.99 AUD paperback $5.00 AUD

Natural Learning Answers

A refreshing practical approach to unschooling based on the needs of the child and family which demystifies and simplifies the philosophy and practice of this style of home education. Using a question and answer approach Beverley Paine uses real examples (with names changed) to help parents better understand how natural learning can enhance their home educating experience.

ISBN 978-1-876651-58-9, 2011, 89 pages, e-book

$4.99

Learn to take your children's everyday activities and wrap them up in the jargon of school – not only to help you report your children's learning to educational authorities if you need to, but also to help build your confidence that no matter what your children are doing, it is probably covered somewhere in the school curriculum – and it's definitely learning! Beginning with an exploration of what jargon is and why it used, and the benefits of becoming confident (if not comfortable!) users of it, Beverley gives some examples of how we can use it when recording what and how our children are learning. There are also practical examples showing how to decode jargon, and a list of educational jargon you with which you can have a play!

ISBN 978-1-876651-54-1, 2008, available in print and e-book

"I sat in a cafe about 9 years ago with that booklet to help myself learn the jargon and 11 years in, its almost natural speech!" Lusi Austin, That Homeschool Life

Select version

e-book $2.99 AUD paoerback $5.00 AUD

Natural Learning

Allow your children to pursue their passions and interests and build learning programs around every day life.

"After reading this booklet, I feel encouraged and liberated. It is written simply and clearly, and reinforces my conviction that play, freedom and joy are integral aspects of Home Education. Beverley re-opened my eyes to the learning which occurs during child-initiated play; she offers examples and ideas of how we as parents can facilitate and support that learning as it happens. Her section on ‘What Natural Learning is NOT' dispels some of the myths and misconceptions about this approach. Beverley writes, as always, in a non-judgemental, objective manner." Leslie L, NSW homeschooling mum

ISBN 1 87665107 5, 2005, available in print

Benefits and Disadvantages of Home Education

"I'm known for saying that the benefits of home educating your children just keep on growing. And while that's true, isn't all love and roses, there's a fair bit of sacrifice, hard work and way too many doubt-plagued days… Let me talk you through the ups and downs and hopefully help to build your confidence as we piece together a realistic vision of what home education is and can be for your family."

The first part of this ebook is a collection of article from Beverley's archives and concludes with the notes from her Eyes Wide Open presentation at the 2020 Australian Homeschooling Summit.

ISBN 978-1-876651-66-4, 2021, ebook

$2.99

In homeschooling families the focus is usually on what is taught – the content. This booklet seeks to examine the how of teaching. Beginning with exploring and celebrating what kind of teacher you are, Beverley shares many of her reflections, experience, tips and suggestions to help you become a more effective home educator. Perhaps, if your children are resisting your attempts to help them learn, it is time for a 'teacher-make-over': Beverley has some suggestions for that too!

ISBN 978-1-876651-46-6, 2008, available in print and e-book

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e-book $2.99 AUD paperback $5.00 AUD

It's through playing games children learn to share and take turns, work and play together in constructive and sociable ways. To the children, of course, it's all about having fun! This collection of traditional games, largely taken from Beverley's memory as well as those of her friends, harks back to those halycon days of childhood where long lazy summer evenings were spent playing chasey, hide'n'seek, or all-over-red-rover...

"We love playing games, and this booklet contains some great ones! Very simple, very effective, and lots of fun." Jennifer D

ISBN 978-1-876651-46-6, 2008, available in print and e-book

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e-book $2.99 AUD paperback $5.00 AUD

Tune Into How Your Child Learns

"Thank you for opening my mind up to understanding my children in this way." Fee D

"You have given me the confidence I needed ... I didn't even think about finding out my childs learning style, didn't even know this was a thing. to actually hear how different we all are and how it can effect us, has been an eye opener for me. ... I am so grateful. Thank you" Hannah K

ISBN 978-1-876651-65-7, 2019, e-book

$2.99

e-book $4.99

The Homeschooling Trail

Faced with an uncertain financial future, Michele Hasting, a Christian unschooling mother of seven years experience, begins to doubt her ability to continue teaching her children at home. Her insecurities lead her to begin to question her faith and her ability to provide an adequate education for her two boys.

The Homeschooling Trail is an intimate and detailed account of how the children in one family learn at home using an eclectic mix of methods and resources, finely tuned into the passing seasons of school work, community participation, and family life. Share Michele's quest for faith in this revealing ‘warts and all, fly on the wall' account of daily homeschooling life.

Michele's insights into the developing character of her sons and their strengths and limitations allow us to see more clearly how learning unfolds in the homeschool environment. One of the most valuable aspects of Michele's account of daily homeschooling life is the constant name dropping of books and resources… In her quest to provide the best education possible for Asher and Tymon, Michele never tires of seeking out new and relevant advice, tips and activities from those more experienced on the path…

ISBN 1 87665131 8, 2004, e-book

Drawing on her obvious enthusiasm for geography Beverley shows how to integrate this subject into your everyday life in simple, easy and achievable ways. With chapters on why teach geography, it's benefits, how to monitor your children's learning as well as checklists to guide you as you plan your explorations, Beverley includes 100 ideas and activities you can implement to enhance learning geography from home. 

ISBN 978-1-876651-52-7, 2010, available in print and e-book

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e-book $2.99 AUD paperback $5.00 AUD

Children immersed in a world where reading is valued and an everyday part of life naturally develop a desire to read. With help and encouragement they will soon become readers, even those for whom learning to decode the little squiggles on the page is difficult. In this booklet, Beverley includes dozens of practical and simple, tried and proven ways to encourage your child to learn to love reading.

ISBN 978-1-876651-47-3, 2008, available in print and e-book

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e-book $2.99 AUD paperback $5.00 AUD

The Spelling Process

This gem will get you started with teaching tips, advice and suggestions on spelling.
"Practical ideas to ... facilitate our children's progress toward becoming competent spellers." Kylie

ISBN 1876651059, 1999

$5.00

"I found the content of this booklet refreshing and encouraging. It will help parents understand and follow their children through the natural process involved in learning to spell. It offers very practical ideas to help us support and facilitate our children's progress toward becoming competent spellers." Mandy Blacksall

The Writing Process

Simple, practical and invaluable suggestions on how to teach writing.
"Clearly outlines the process involved in initiating, developing and refining a piece of writing." Kylie

ISBN 1876651032, 1999

$5.00

"Clearly outlines the process involved in initiating, developing and refining a piece of writing, with examples and ideas which can be easily implemented. I am keen to incorporate Beverley's suggestions into my own writing, and they are simple enough to be helpful to the beginner writers in our family too. This booklet offers ideas and insights which have the potential to enhance the writing experiences and output of us all!" Mandy Blacksall

Developing Handwriting

With clear examples, this booklet demystifies the process of developing handwriting.

ISBN 1876651067, 1999

$5.00

"I appreciate the examples Beverley has included, and her suggestions are practical and do-able!" Bec, SA homeschooling mum

Early Years Language Pack

Learning to LoveReading, The Writing Process, The Spelling Process, Developing Handwriting, and Language Games: simple, invaluable tips and suggestions to make it easy for you to help your child to learn. 5 booklets pack - over 20% discount off. Language Games is no longer available as a separate item.

$17.50

Drawing on her notes from her 2008 presentation at a conference held in Brisbane in 2008 Beverley shares insights she's learned along the way as a home educating parent and talks about what she and Robin felt they did right, their regrets, and what they would differently if they had their time over again. Beverley's honesty and frankness shines through her writing, imbuing them with authenticity. Two decades of home educating experience are packed into this gem of a booklet.

ISBN 978-1-876651-55-8, 2008, available in print and e-book

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e-book $2.99 AUD paperback $5.00 AUD

Notes from the keynote speakers at the 2008 Adelaide Exploring Approaches to Home Education Seminar, all with many years of experience. Topics covered included: Unschooling, Classical Education, Steiner Inspired, Distance Education, Natural Learning and Unschooling, Using a Unit Study Approach, Charlotte Mason Home Education, Home Educating Children with Special Needs, and Discipleship Relational Based Home Education.

ISBN 978-1-876651-51-0, 2008, available in print and e-book

April Jermey publishes publishes information about the home education experience in Australia. She home educates her three children in NSW. As a child she experienced a mix of education: homeschooling, unschooling, part and fulltime attendance at school, completing her high school certificate at school. She supports the right of families to choose the education that best meets the needs of their children.

Beverley Paine home educated her three children from 1985 to 2004, during which time she wrote and produced several titles on home educating, including newsletters and magazines. She continues as an active volunteer supporting and promoting education choice for families for over three decades as The Educating Parent. She enjoys helping her children home educate her grandkids.

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