Homeschool

Resources for Educational Exploration & Homeschooling

Back to School Resources for Educational Exploration and Homeschooling

As families plan what their school year will look like, Seymour Library wants to help. This page provides lists and descriptions of library resources (both hands-on and online), virtual programs and activities, and community connections all in one place.  

As we continue to grow and expand this page, we would love to hear from you. Let us know what books, resources, and virtual programs you would like to see offered by emailing us.

These resources are meant to help families expand upon their own homeschooling/ education curriculum.

Library Resources

eLibrary

Seymour Library offers a variety of online resources with our eLibrary. Borrow or stream eBooks, movies, audiobooks, and more! With Libby (by OverDrive), find popular eBooks and eAudiobooks, with Hoopla, you can stream music, movies, audiobooks, or eBooks; Kanopy offers access to over 26,000 movies and documentaries and has an option for kids. Kanopy Kids offers enriching educational, and entertaining films and TV series for children. Get more info on using Kanopy Kids.

Virtual Programs

Explore the history of your local library

Join us for this virtual tour of Seymour Library and learn about the history of the library, our building, and some of the treasures within. 

This video was created for the Passport to History Program that invites 4th graders to explore historic places around Auburn, NY. 

Answer the following questions after watching the video.

Printable version here.

  1. What was the name of the library’s first librarian? 
  2. Seymour Library has two lions, just like the New York Public Library. What would you name them? 
  3. How old is the painting of the library’s founder Mr. James Seymour? 
  4. Name one of the items that are available to explore in the library’s History Discovery Center.

Field Trips

Seward House Museum: Fanny Seward Historical Fiction

photo provided by
Seward House Museum

Over the course of five weeks (starting mid September- October), children (grade 4+) will be able to listen to a chapter of a Historical Fiction story about Fanny Seward created by Reagan Graney, Seward House Museum intern. The story will follow 16-year old Fanny Seward, daughter of William Henry Seward, as she explores the complicated narrative of the Civil War: from the roots of the women’s rights movement to the horrors and dangers of slavery, to the truth behind the character of President Abraham Lincoln during this tumultuous period in American History.

Each reading/ activity will be pre-recorded and available to view on Seymour Library’s Homeschooling Resource page and Seward House Museums’s website (www.sewardhouse.org/education). Each week a link to the video and accompanying activity sheet will be posted on the library’s Facebook page. Please stay tuned for more information. Registration will not be required for this “at home” virtual learning. 

Chapter One: A Summer Afternoon Video and Activities

Chapter Two: Martha’s Visit Video and Activities

Chapter Three: The Passengers Video and Activities

Chapter Four: Mr. Seward’s Surprise Video and Activities

Chapter Five: To Washington Video and Activities

To further explore the Seward House Museum and learn about their collection, lectures, and events, visit their website at www.sewardhouse.org or their Facebook at www.facebook.com/SewardHouseMuseum/.  

Theodore Case: Inventor (Virtual Tour)

Take a virtual tour of the Case Research Lab with Geoffrey Starks, Development and Outreach Director for the Cayuga Museum of History and Art. Explore the lab where Theodore Case invented sound on film! 

To further explore the Cayuga Museum of History and Art and learn about their programs, and exhibits, visit their website at cayugamuseum.org or their Facebook at www.facebook.com/CayugaMuseum.

Past Programs

Did you know we live stream many of our programs on Facebook? 

For homeschooling families looking for some fun alternative resources, check out Seymour Library’s video library for past programs on local history, civics, science, and art.

Additional Resources & Community Events

Auburn Enlarged School District – Home School Instruction

Cayuga-Onondaga BOCES Homeschool Handbook

NYS Education Department – Homeschool Q&A

Educators| The New York Public Library – Did you know that all residents in New York State can get their New York Public Library Card? This card will give you access to all of The New York Public Library’s digital resources, including resources for students and teachers. 

To find out how to apply for a card visit: www.nypl.org/library-card