Pioneering members of the home education movement in Australia, Beverley and Robin Paine are passionate advocates of true educational choice for families. They began homeschooling their children in 1986 and three years later started the South Australian Home Based Learners network. Beverley wrote several books and booklets on home education through her self-publishing business, Always Learning Books. Beverley retired from actively supporting home education in July 2008 to allow her to spend time on her garden and writing projects. She maintains an extensive collection of websites as well as several Yahoo groups supporting families teaching their children at home. Beverley continues to support the Home Education Association of Australia as a committee member. Beverley's books will remain available through her websites. Gradually all of her books will be converted to E-books as she makes the transition to a 'paperless office'.
Homeschooling, Unschooling and Natural Learning Books to Inspire and Encourage!

Teach Your Children at Home!

Homeschooling is easier than you think...
Save time and simplify your homeschooling life
by learning from experienced homeschoolers

HOW TO WRITE YOUR OWN CURRICULUM

It really is that easy!

"I have most of your books Beverley... Thankyou for your unending support for homeschoolers ... by sharing your experiences, we are into our third year of homeschooling and enjoying it thoroughly." Marina

"Thank you for your generosity in helping me to make a start in my
homeschool adventure. The information you supply is real and
generous - fantastic reading. I am so inspired... Your honesty is so rare. Most books do not really explain "how" as well as you do."
Tracy

Interested in homeschooling, but still not sure?
Read 'All You Need Is...'

The Homeschooling Trail...
a Journey of Faith

Michele Hastings

 

ISBN 1 876651 31 8
Paperback

ON SALE
now only $14.50

AUS$19.50

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…

"This book has been my attempt to share our homeschooling journey. In its pages I’ve revealed many of my deep-seated convictions, innermost thoughts, and most challenging struggles in the telling of our tale. Not only will you learn how we went about homeschooling our children, but what it actually looked like – on the good days, and on the bad. My hope is that everyone who reads this book will reap what he or she needs from it. If you’re looking for inspiration or ideas, I hope that thoughts are triggered as you peruse its pages. If it’sreassurance, I pray you’ll identify with our struggles as well as our victories over our struggles."

"Although our style of education — home and community based, hands-on, exploratory, service and project oriented, multi-sensory, and with integrated subjects, is as old as the hills — it is considered cutting edge in today’s society!"

 

What readers think...

Write a review and share your thoughts with other homeschooling families.


“We don't adhere to any particular curriculum or scope and sequence – our homeschooling recipe is an eclectic blend of styles and theories. Mary Griffith, author of “The Homeschooling Handbook” refers to eclectics as ‘balancing exploration with basics.' As much as possible, we allow our boys to follow their interests, as we consider any interest of educational benefit.”

And thus author and homeschooling mother, Michele Hasting, describes her homeschool. After reading her journey, a description of one year in their “unschooled” life, I feel it is an apt description. It also probably describes the homeschooling journey of many others – and is precisely why the book is a satisfying read. We see ourselves, our doubts, our experiences in Hastings ' description of her homeschool.

Hastings is a Christian homeschooling mother of two sons. Both Hastings and her husband are drawn to the unschooling end of the homeschooling spectrum. They believe that children, growing up in a loving and responsive home, will reach their full potential as adults.

This is, however, not another book about picture perfect homeschoolers. Instead, the author invites us to “be a fly on our wall for a realistic day-by-day glimpse of homeschooling life”, including sports, video games, chores and some angst over covering academic basics.

Michele Hastings reminds us that ordinary people, living ordinary lives, can homeschool. Indeed, can provide a learning atmosphere for children surrounded by ideas and learning and growth, even in the midst of financial and other concerns.

The intimate details of Hastings life are strangely reassuring – we see that others have “good" days and “could be better” days; we see the importance of free time and exploration in the growth of children; we see the individual differences between siblings and how unschooling can address these differences.

Most of all, the book is about trust. Trusting children to learn. Trusting ourselves as parents and as mothers – our intuition and our personalities are important in our homeschooling adventure. And, for Hastings , the importance of trust in God – she quotes Proverbs 3:5-6

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.” 

Hastings discusses her research into homeschooling and the resultant belief that it important to pay attention to not only a child's individual learning style but to his/her timetable for growth. She incorporates activities into a daily “table-time”, where she and the boys work on reading, writing, and mathematics. The children are fee to choose the aspect of these skills that they may wish to tackle that day, and to accomplish such work in ways that make sense to them, and at their individual pace.

In addition to table-time, the family works together on chores and then the bulk of the day is free – typically her children choose to attend homeschool activities, to play sport, to play with friends, watch television, play computer games….

Doesn't this describe the homeschool day of many families? Even in our differences there are similarities and this theme of familiar companionship along the journey of homeschooling/unschooling makes the book an easy and enjoyable read.

I left it in the book box by my bed and read a bit here and there – the book is easy to pick up, read and digest; it made me smile in parts, grimace in others and wryly commiserate at some points.

Upon finishing the book, I felt sadness at parting with Hastings and her family – the sharing of their life throughout a year of homeschooling made them seem like friends. I also felt renewed and refreshed as I continue my own homeschooling trail. This book is a good companion for the trail."

Leonie Westenberg © 2007


"What I sometimes find in the home schooling community is a false projection of perfection that makes me discouraged. I love the way Michele tells it like it is—walking me through her days and sharing with me her passion for home schooling. Her delight-centered learning approach offers me freedom to do home school in a more laid-back, child-centered way."

Paula Moldenhauer,
http://www.soulscents.us/author.htm

What's in this book? Contents...

It Takes Faith
A Journey Toward Identity
Up and Down the Homeschool Road
What Is Education?
Decisions, Decisions, Decisions
Roses Amongst the Thorns
Holding Onto What Is Precious
The Battle Belongs to the Lord
Being ‘Real’
Healing A Faith Full of Holes
A Balancing Act
What Is Important?
The Road Ahead About The Author

About Michele Hasting

Michele's first published piece was an essay along with a few quotes in Christian Unschooling: Growing Your Children in the Freedom of Christ by Teri Brown and Elissa Wahl. She then began a column on a website called Themestream, followed by regular items in the Christ Centered Unschoolers forum. Articles by Michele appear on the following sites:

  • The Link - http://www.homeschoolnewslink.com
  • Teach at Home - http://www.teach-at-home.com
  • Homeschooling Boys - http://familyclassroom.net/hsboys
  • Planet Vineyard - http://www.mtit.com/mbvine
  • Dragonfly Ministries - http://www.dragonflyministries.com
  • Home Education Magazine
    http://www.home-ed-magazine.com/wlcm_HEM.html
  • Life Learning Magazine
    http://www.lifelearningmagazine.com
  • The Old Schoolhouse
    http://www.TOSMag.com
  • Homeschooling Horizons Magazine http://www.homeschoolinghorizons.com
Homeschool Articles


Curriculum

Home

Beverley's Books
scroll down for a complete list
of available books.

Beverley and Robin wish to thank everyone for their patience as they convert most of the Always Learning Book titles to e-book format. As each booklet becomes available it will be listed on this website. If you wish to be informed about new listings as they appear and news regarding Always Learning Books please join our mailing list.

Questions about homeschooling? Or looking for educational resources?
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click here to find out more about the Home Eduation Association of Australia
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A percentage of sales goes to Trees For Life
to replenish the resources the books take from the Earth during manufacturing.

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We accept Personal Cheques and Money Orders (Aust only) or PayPal for credit card orders. Please see our HOW TO ORDER page for more information, and for international orders.
Home education is a legal alternative to school education in Australia.
State governments are responsible for regulating home education.
Different states have different requirements, however homeschooling families are able to develop curriculum and learning programs to suit the individual needs of their children.


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Beverley Paine.
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PO Box 371 Yankalilla 5203
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
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How to Order ~ Orders from Outside Australia
Click on each title to read reviews and
brief descriptions of each book.

Getting Started With Homeschooling: Practical Considerations
Beverley Paine
Packed with practical information and examples, this book sets out in detail how to write your own curriculum tailored for you children's individual learning needs. This book includes chapters on creating a suitable learning environment, making friends and building a homeschooling network, curriculum checklists for primary school age, how to evaluate and record your learning program, and more. 1997, 132 pages, illustrated.
We are in the process of revising and updating this popular book as an ebook but with twice the content!
Until the ebook is available a limited number of printed copies of Getting Started with be available from mid-December. Orders can be placed now and your book will be shipped when it arrives in stock.

Home Education Student Portfolio Reports
Beverley Paine
Produce a professional Report Card for your homeschooling student to put into their Portfolio each year! Includes details of educational aims and objectives for each of the eight nationally recognised curriculum subjects with adequate space to record student assignments and results. 2003

Early Childhood Student Report
covers preschool years to approximately year/grade 3 (ages 3 -8)
A4, Spiral bound, 130g
$6.00
(free postage)

Middle Childhood Student Report
covers approximately year/grade level 3 to 7 (ages 8 -12)
A4, Spiral bound, 130g
This report is no longer available in printed format. An Ebook version will be available later this year. Thank you for your patience.

Early Adolescence Student Report
covers approximately year/grade level 7 to 10 (ages 12 - 15)
A4, Spiral bound, 130g
$6.00
(free postage)

Homeschooling Diaries
Beverley Paine
These convenient A5, spiral bound diaries open flat to the current week. Leave them ready for recording on the kitchen bench, dining table or desk. Recording takes only a few minutes throughout the day. Both diaries include space for evaluative comments; calendar; annual learning program goals and evaluation for each subject; homeschooling contacts, networks, resources, and addresses.

Weekly Homeschooling Diary
Set up with space to record main learning activities each day.
Spiral bound, clear plastic cover, 180g, A5

Naturally Learning Diary
This diary includes a log of child-initiated activities, including play, as well as space for recording learning in each subject area, over a week.
Spiral bound, clear plastic cover, 180g, A5.
$8.50 (free postage)

Learning in the Absence of Education
Over 60 Articles in one volume on The Paine Family Homeschooling Life spanning over a Decade!
Beverley Paine
More than 60 essays covering a wide range of homeschooling concerns and issues, such as late readers, value of play, socialisation, learning maths, part time school, and thoughts on testing. Follows the Paine family's progress from homeschooling to unschooling. An intimate and honest look at the day-to-day life spanning several years. Illustrated with clear black and white photographs and children's drawings. 1999
ISBN 1876651016, 370g, 128 pp, A4, illus.

$22.95 (free postage)

The Homeschooling Trail:
A Journey of Faith

Michele Hastings
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. 2006
ISBN 1 876651 31 8 paperback, 200g, 140 pages
$19.50 (free postage)

Unschool~Kidz!
A collection of writing and art work by homeschooled students in A5 magazine format from the Unschool~Kidz! website. The cover is a board game.
48 pages, 80g, 2004
$5.00 (free postage)

Visit the Unschool~Kidz web site

also by Beverley Paine

Action-packed sci-fi thriller for teenage readers

The Chimaera Conspiracy

Aquadome, an underwater research station in the year 2024, is shrouded in mystery, hiding controversial genetic experiments and treacherous secrets. Psychic links draw teenagers, Katya and Coen, into an international conspiracy which threatens their very existence. 2002
ISBN 0947304525, 200g, 140 pages

Book store price... $14.30
60% discount
now only $5.80 (free postage)

Learning to Let Go
by Jacqueline Hall
Insightful and intimate poems embrace and celebrate the tumultuous emotional storm faced by those with cancer. Jacqueline shares her fear, grief, anger, hope, joy, and great love of nature as she journeys on her healing path, searching for the key to peace and well-being. Learning to Let Go is a collection of deeply spiritual and up-lifting poems that will resonate in the hearts of all enduring the storm. 2000
ISBN 1876651172 A5 stapled, 80g, 36 pages
$6.00 (free postage)

2008 Perth Seminar - Looking Back, What Would We Change?
by Beverley Paine
Collection of articles, including:

  • How We Became Home Educators: A Brief History
  • Our D.I.Y. Life-Style ~ A Natural Education
  • What Makes Home Education Successful
  • How Home Education Enriched our Lives
  • Looking Back: What Would We Change?
  • Creating a Happy and Busy Learning Environment
  • Motivating Our Children To Learn: Myths and Tips
  • Avoiding Feeling Overwhelmed
  • A Natural Educator: The Special Role of Fathers

ISBN 1876651288 A5, stapled, 60g, 30 pages.
$3.25 (free postage)

 

PRACTICAL HOMESCHOOLING BOOKLET SERIES
by Beverley Paine & others
Designed to take the worry out of education and to reassure parents, these booklets are a valuable aid in the homeschool. Written by experienced home educators and teachers, each booklet offers ideas, activities or tips on how to help your children learn at home in the different subject areas. All prices include postage.

"Thanks so much! We use all your booklets all the time - at the moment we have 10 children and 2 facilitators in our natural learning centre here in Goa, India... greatly soothed and nurtured and by your guidance and wisdom." Anna Jahns

Practical Homeschooling
Booklet Series

Exploring Approaches
to Homeschooling

Adelaide Seminar 2008

This booklet combines the notes of seven speakers at the Adelaide 2008 Homeschooling Seminar and Curriculum Fair. Chapters in this booklet cover Charlotte Mason, Natural Learning, Unschooling, Discipleship Based, Relational homeschooling, Steiner influence, Unit Studies, and more!
ISBN 1 876651 423 paperback, 50g, 40 pages 2008

$3.25 (free postage)

Teaching Strategies, Book 1
by Beverley Paine

The first in a series of booklets sharing Beverley's reflections, experience, tips and suggestions to help you become a more effective home educator. Take the frustration out of everyday homeschooling.
ISBN 1876651415, stapled, A5, 80g, 36 pages

Motivation in the Homeschool
by Beverley Paine

"If I knew twenty years ago what I know I know now about motivation home educating my children would have been a breeze! What I can say is that it is never too late to make adjustments... Despite all the 'mistakes' we made in the early years we couldn't ask for a better outcome. Our now adult children make us proud every day." Beverley packs in a lifetime of learning about how to overcome motivation obstacles into this 36 page booklet.
ISBN 1876651297, stapled, A5, 80g, 36 pages
$3.25 (free postage)

Answering Objections to Homeschooling
by Beverley Paine
How do you answer all the questions people ask you about home education? These could be friends, family or total strangers. Beverley offers a selection of well-worn answers to over a dozen of the most popularly voiced objections to homeschooling you are likely to encounter. Includes a section on dealing with unsupportive relatives.

Printed Booklet
ISBN 1876651261, stapled, A5, 70g, 36 pages
, $3.25
(free postage)

Add to Cart Printable Ebook
ISBN 978-1-876651-43-5, 56 pages
, A4, $3.25
(instant delivery)

Write Your Own Unit Studies
by Beverley Paine
A detailed guide plus examples on how to write mini-learning programs that cover focus on an area of interest but cover all curriculum subjects at the same time. 2005
ISBN 1876651253, stapled, A5, 60g 36 pages.
$3.25 (free postage)

Learning Maths Naturally
by Margaret Etherton and Beverley Paine
Many of us became confused as young mathematicians at school... Margaret and Beverley share how they helped their children retain this natural ability. Tips, ideas and suggestions accompany these two reassuring accounts. 2005
ISBN 1876651164 A5, stapled, 50g, 36 pages.
$3.25 (free postage)

Frequently Asked Questions
by Beverley Paine
Over 60 fundamental questions asked by families new to homeschooling are answered by Beverley in this 36 page booklet. 2004

Printed Booklet
ISBN 1876651164 A5, stapled, 60g, 36 pages.
$3.25
(free postage)

Add to Cart Printable Ebook
ISBN 978-1-876651-49-7, 56 pages
, A4, $3.25
(instant delivery)

The Spelling Process
by Beverley Paine
This gem will get you started with teaching tips, advice and suggestions on spelling. 1999 ISBN 1876651059 A5, stapled, 50g, up to 32 pages.
$3.25 (free postage)

The Writing Process
by Beverley Paine
Simple, practical and invaluable suggestions on how to teach writing. 1999
ISBN 1876651032 A5, stapled, 60g, up to 32 pages.
$3.25 (free postage)

Learning to Love Reading
by Beverley Paine
40 pages of tried and proven ways to encourage your child to learn to love reading. 2005
ISBN 1876651210 A5, stapled, 60g, up to 32 pages.
$3.25 (free postage)

Developing Handwriting
by Beverley Paine
With clear examples, this booklet demystifies the process of developing handwriting. 1999
ISBN 1876651067 A5, stapled, 40g, up to 32 pages.
$3.25 (free postage)

Language Games You Can Play
by Beverley Paine
A collection of simple word games you can play with your children to encourage language development. 1999
ISBN 1876651083 A5, stapled, 40g, up to 32 pages.
$3.25 (free postage)

A Sample ‘Approved' Learning Naturally Homeschooling Program & Review
by Louise Wilton
One family's learning program for an eight year old, as presented to, and approved by,  the SA educational  authorities. 2004
ISBN 1876651113 ISBN 1876651121 A5, stapled, 90g, up to 32 pages
(both booklets together)
$4.95 (free postage)

Natural Learning
by Beverley Paine
Allow your children to pursue their passions and interests and build learning programs around every day life...  Beverley shares her tips on how to homeschool with simplicity and efficiency. 1999
ISBN 1876651075 A5, stapled, 60g, up to 32 pages.
$3.25 (free postage)

Learning Materials for the Homeschool
by Beverley Paine
A comprehensive list of consumables, materials and resources; everything you can think of to inspire learning and creativity. 2004
ISBN 1876651148 A5, stapled, 70g, up to 32 pages.
$3.25 (free postage)

Translating Every Day Life into Educational Jargon
by Beverley Paine
. 2008

Printed Booklet
ISBN 1876651180 A5, stapled, 70g, up to 36 pages.
$3.25
(free postage)

Add to Cart Printable Ebook
ISBN 978-1-876651-54-1, 48 pages
, A4, $3.25
(instant delivery)

 

 

2007 National Home Education
Conference DVD

This 4 DVD pack includes over 8 hours of conference speeches by John Taylor Gatto, Alan Thomas and Eleanor Sparks as well as the Brisbane Conference Question and Answer session. Includes Conference Notes from many of the Workshop Presenters.
All funds from the sale of this DVD go to the Home Education Association of Australia to help pay for the NHED. 160g
Bring internationally renowned educator John Taylor Gatto and the 2007 National Home Education Conference into your living room for only $40!

NHED Conference DVD $50 for International Orders

[Please ensure that your TV and DVD player will handle DVD-R disc in the PAL format before purchase.]

Let's Play Together Traditional Children's Games
by Beverley Paine
A collection of remembered and shared traditional children's games with introduction. 2005
ISBN 1876651156 A5 stapled, 80g, 52 pages
$3.25 (free postage)

Kathi Wyldeck's very practical Educational Games Booklets draw on her extensive educational experience with children and will help supplement your children's learning across the curriculum.

Fast Games and Quiet Games
Physical and Mental Games for Families Book One
Kathi Wyldeck
ISBN 1876651385, 70g
$3.25 (free postage)
Outdoor, Campfire, Water and Theme Games
Physical and Mental Games for Families Book Two
Kathi Wyldeck
ISBN 1876651369, 70g
$3.25 (free postage)
Maths, English, Music and Art
Educational Games for Families
Book One

Kathi Wyldeck
ISBN 1876651350, 70g
$3.25 (free postage)
Science
Educational Games for Families
Book Two

Kathi Wyldeck
ISBN 1876651342, 70g
$3.25 (free postage)

History Geography, French, German and Latin
Educational Games for Families
Book Three
Kathi Wyldeck
ISBN 1876651407, 70g
$3.25 (free postage)

Estimation, First Aid, Health, Tracking, Safety, Knotting and Navigation
Life Skill Games for Families
Book One
Kathi Wyldeck

ISBN 1876651377, 70g
$3.25 (free postage)
Character Building, Handcraft, Aussie Flags and Emblems, Discovery, Nature and Conservation, Cooking, Self Expression, Tools and Construction
Life Skill Games for Families
Book Two

Kathi Wyldeck

ISBN 1876651393, 70g
$3.25 (free postage)

STOCK TO CLEAR

EDUCATION CHOICES MAGAZINE
Back Issues

Take advantage of this opportunity to fill in any blanks in your collection of this great homeschooling magazine no longer in production.Education Choices featured columns by well-known, experienced home educators in various practical departments, such as:

  • managing life while homeschooling;
  • beyond homeschooling life;
  • teens writing about homeschooling;
  • different approaches;
  • homeschooling children with special learning needs;
  • different approaches to homeschooling;
  • the perspective of homeschooling fathers.

$4.45 (plus postage)

Issues available:

 
#2 : Declining Standards in Schools; Natural Learning; History Resources; Child Care Options for Homeschooling Families