Resources

If you're completely new to the idea of independent learning, you might want to start with this overview, to get a sense of the concept and how the pieces can fit together.

Next, you may be wondering: What can tweens and younger teens do outside of The Hub's programs? There are countless options, and the ideal combination will ultimately depend on each individual and family's goals, interests and preferences. Here is a compilation that can serve as a starting point. (Please note that these lists are designed just to give a taste of what's out there; they are not intended to be comprehensive, nor are they endorsements of the listed items.) 

General Ideas Sampler (online):

• Prenda Family (curated, all-in-one package with core academic as well as creative project modules; do it all, or pick and choose elements)
• Academic curriculum programs (there are many options for self-paced academic programs focused on individual subjects, e.g., Beast Academy for math; some of them track the same grade-level standards used by schools)
• Individual or group tutoring sessions (arranged independently with tutors, or via platforms such as Varsity Tutors, Wyzant, Preply (for learning languages) or Tutora)
• Outschool (classes offered by independent teachers)
• Khan Academy (instructional videos on many subjects)
• DIY.org (hands-on projects plus sharing options)
• Scratch (beginning coding plus sharing options)
• Raspberry Pi (computing) 
• Art of Inquiry (science classes)
• Nobel Explorers (collaborative STEM programs with a global emphasis)
• Beautiful Math Minds (math and more)
• Amazing Educational Resources (resource-sharing site, with many ideas)
• YouTube (watch videos on almost any subject of interest; there are also curated compilations for different ages, e.g.: https://medium.com/the-graph/60-youtube-channels-that-will-make-you-smarter-44d8315c2548, http://www.opencolleges.edu.au/informed/features/197-educational-youtube-channels/#ixzz2kwAGp4td and https://www.lifewire.com/best-educational-youtube-channels-for-kids-4176195)
• Wikipedia (and Wiki for Kids; browse articles about subjects of interest)
• Podcasts (listen to programs about subjects of interest; curated compilations also exist, e.g., https://www.weareteachers.com/best-podcasts-for-kids/)
• Video games (Education researcher Dr. Yong Zhao talks about how to differentiate between engaging and educational video-game playing versus passive video-game playing in this interview)

General Ideas Sampler (self-directed, offline):

• Offline curriculum packages (e.g., Oak Meadow and The Well-Trained Mind) cover all academic subjects offered in schools; you can follow one in its entirety, or pick and choose elements
• Books
• Workbooks
• Playing or composing music
• Arts and crafts
• Board or other games (which can build math, strategy, literacy, teamwork and other skills)
• Outdoor exploration and skills development
• Sports and other active pursuits
• Play

Washington, D.C.-Area Ideas Sampler (these programs have traditionally offered drop-off, in-person options; check their sites to determine what they’re currently offering in person versus online):

• Ancestral Knowledge (outdoors education)
• Natural Leaders (outdoors education)
• Urban Adventure Squad (outdoor themed programs)
• Forest Explorers (outdoors education)
• RhizomeDC (art, literature, science, and other creative classes and programs)
• Learning Outside the Box (classes on geography, philosophy and other subjects)
• Compass Homeschool Classes (classes, clubs, and other activities)
• Art of Problem Solving (math centers and programs)
• Museum, historical sites, and botanical garden programs (many options, including Smithsonian museums, Mount Vernon, etc.)

Putting It All Together—Scheduling the Days:

If you like structure and maintaining a predictable schedule, this site suggests how different elements (such as the ones listed above) can be incorporated into a daily schedule that balances active pursuits and screen time: https://schoolclosures.org/#6th-9th-grade 

Putting It All Together—Keeping a Portfolio: 

You can maintain a portfolio using simple spreadsheet, word-processing or hand-written documents, supplemented as needed with folders/binders containing physical documentation of a child’s educational journey (stories, artwork, etc.). There are also third-party portfolio services.

You can find additional ideas, and opportunities to discuss options with other parents who are also directing their children’s independent learning, on numerous listservs and Facebook groups, Pinterest and Instagram accounts, etc. There are also online and offline co-op or co-learning opportunities (some formal, some informal), where parents trade off responsibilities with other parents, and/or pool resources to put together customized group programs.