It is summer and I have astronomically more time to read this time of year. I know many of you may also have some more "free time" (although I am not sure any of our time as parents is truly free).
I wanted to share some of my favorite books on homeschooling, maybe one will speak to you this summer (or whenever you have a brief moment to read something other than curriculum and a child's research paper).
My all time favorite read is from the very insightful (and honest) Sarah Mackenzie: Read-Aloud Family. Whether you are a beginner in this homeschool world or an old pro, her book is sure to give you confidence to homeschool and will remind you it does not have to be complicated.
A book that I read for the first time this year but really hit high on my list is: Homeschool Bravely. I love this book for a plethora of reasons. It is practical and gives you real life examples from other homeschool families. There is a family for everyone to connect with on some level. Make sure you grab some Post-It notes or a highlighter while reading, as her ideas and suggestions are incredibly helpful!
If you are looking for something you can just incorporate daily, check out
5 Minute Devotionals for the Homeschool Mom. They are simple but powerful and worth going back to. I use this throughout the year as my heart needs.
Teaching From Rest is the exact book I needed to reread after a wonderful but exhausting year (I am sure a lot of you just mumbled yep). It is also the ever mindful Sarah Mackenzie. It was the perfect refresh for my homeschool heart. I actually have the Kindle version and Audible. The Audible version is easy to listen to and calming. I highly recommend it!
I find it so easy to get sucked into busyness and schedule fillers. Sometimes I feel pressure that my kids should always be enrolled in something (sports, art, robotics, music, you name it and I am sure there is a class online or in person) but the truth is we just need to let them breathe. Let Them Be Kids is a great reminder of the wonder of childhood and how to rein ourselves in when we feel we aren't doing enough or when we start playing the comparison game (which is so easy to do).
One of the reasons my husband and I have chosen to homeschool at this time in our life is because of the quality time it allows our family. We realize we only have young, impressionable kids for a short time. In a few years we will have independent pre-teens and teens who want to hang out with friends, work, and participate in whatever activities interest them. Right now they WANT to be with us (yay) and we have the flexibility to make it work. Better Together is a wonderful book that helps you put your family first. It gives examples of what you can do together as a family (especially for those with multiple ages) and encourages you even when you need a break from the all of the togetherness (and you will - we all do).
This is one my favorites: The Unhurried Homeschooler. This book helps put things in perspective and reminds you have all the possibilities homeschooling has to offer. It can be what works for you family and what you envision. As a former classroom teacher, it took some time for me to readjust my expectations and I still struggle with not recreating the traditional classroom (I hold on to some great aspects but have let go of others). It reminds you to be flexible and to stay true to your family's homeschool vision. It also reminds you to slow down, there is more to it than just checking boxes and marking days on a calendar.
The Brave Learner is a book I would recommend to anyone who is beginning (or thinking about) their homeschool journey. Julie is realistic and offers a wealth of information without overwhelming. If you are seeking peace and confidence, this may be the right book for you.
If you are thinking about the world of classical education or your brain bends that direction, this A Classical Education: The Stuff You Wish You'd Been Taught in School is a great read. I tend to be a hodge-podge. I am in a classical co-op (but not C.C.), but I also really work to incorporate nature and hands-on activities. Sometimes I feel I am a classical/Charlotte Mason/Public School Teacher mash-up. This book does a great job of explaining the benefits of a classical education though, so my classical teacher brain loves it.
I have to slip in one other great read for classical education (sorry, not sorry). Susan Wise Bauer and Jessie Wise have updated their well written book: The Well-Trained Mind: A Guide to Classical Education at Home. This is a great tool for getting started and for truly understanding classical education.
Last but not least: Call of the Wild and Free. If you are looking for brief insight on the wide variety of homeschool methodologies available this book will help you. If you need a little pep talk and some inspiration quotes to hang on your wall - this is your read. It is a light and easy read and will help encourage new (and current) homeschool parents. It is inspirational for many.
As with any library in my home, this is just a snippet of the homeschool resources out there. I am sure I'll share a few more at a later date but felt this was a solid starting point for those looking. Happy reading!