As I see the homeschooling groups share ideas for summer reading, as well as lots of other information they pass along, I imagine many other families would appreciate similar tips.

Here are just a few:

1. Of course, Reading Horizons tops my list. See Reading Horizon Resources for free resources such as vocabulary building, games, worksheets, and an online workshop for parents that teaches the entire Reading Horizons methodology in a condensed form. You can print out a syllabus at the conclusion of the training. 

Also see the vocabulary game Lemons for Literacy that provides opportunity for donated programs to be earned for less-fortunate students 

2. Free book downloads are offered on Fridays at Barnes & Noble ( bn.com/freelibrary). Each Friday they will have a new set, and often there are a lot of classics. You do not need an e-reader, since they also offer a free app for your iphone, blackberry, pc or mac. 

3. See the blog Homeschooling for Free for lots of learning opportunities.

4. The websitewww.donnayoung.org has many free learning resources.

5. Visit About.com and go where your children's interests lie.