There are books every homeschool mom needs to have in her library.
When I was a new homeschool mom a friend loaned me a bag of books to borrow during our beach vacation.
They were her stash of best homeschooling books for moms. I devoured them on the car ride there, while we were on the beach, and on the car ride home.
I learned SO MUCH from those books. They gave me inspiration, motivation, ideas, encouragement, and just the TOOLS I needed to begin my journey.
I have since invested in many of those same books (plus my friend wound up giving me some of them!) and happily loan them out to my friends. I also re-read these books frequently. I have also added to the books as I hear of new recommendations.
My children are constantly changing, and I constantly need encouragement and ideas.
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1. For The Children's Sake: Foundations of Education for Home and School
This was the VERY FIRST homeschool book I read, and I still read it each summer. It is full of so much gentle wisdom, inspiration, and advice.
2. A Charlotte Mason Companion: Personal Reflections on the Gentle Art of Learning
This was the SECOND book I read. It was so helpful to me in forming my homeschool philosophy, which ultimately became an Classical/Charlotte Mason/Interest Led mix!
3. The Well Trained Mind: A Guide to Classical Education at Home
This is the primer on Classical Education. It contains curriculum suggestions, a thorough explanation of the stages of learning, and so much more. I have been reading this book A LOT lately!
4. The Core: Teaching Your Child the Foundations of Classical Education
The Core is another great primer on Classical Education. I read this book last year and it convinced me we needed to join Classical Conversations (which we start in August). Leigh Bortins offers WONDERFUL suggestions if you are interested in educating your child Classically.
5. Educating The Whole Hearted Child
Sally and Clay Clarkson have put together a must have resource for homeschool families. This book is full of encouragement, curriculum suggestions, book suggestions, schedules, chore charts - you name it, they have included it in this homeschool bible of sorts.
6. The Handbook of Nature Study
Normally this book stays in the back of my van, because I love to use it as a reference when we are out and about. If you're like me, you didn't know a lot about nature study when you started homeschooling, and I feel it is such an INTEGRAL part of appreciating God's world.
*Guess what? My friend Barb has an entire blog, The Handbook of Nature Study, devoted to this book. It's a fabulous resource.
7. Pocketful of Pinecones: Nature Study with the Gentle Art of Learning
This book, actually in story format, inspired me to slow down and enjoy my children. It showed me that we needed to spend time being TOGETHER, not me scheduling "activities" for them to do. It's a sweet read that refreshes tired souls.
I laughed OUT LOUD while reading this book. It's written by a young homeschool mom who shares her escapades, triumphs, failures, and dreams in story format. I read it in two nights - it was THAT good.
9. Soundbites from Heaven: What God Wants Us To Hear When We Talk to Our Kids
This is a great devotional - and it made me think a lot about how I speak to my children, and what that says about myself and my walk with God. It was a bit painful to read, but I believe it grew me in an area where I needed (and still DO need) work.
If there are ever days where I feel tempted to flag down the big yellow bus, I sit and read this book. John Gatto tells the tale (in no uncertain terms) of the effects of compulsory schooling on our culture. While I believe everyone makes their educational choices for different reasons and homeschooling doesn't work for everyone, I FIRMLY believe our current system of compulsory schooling fails our children.
Do YOU have a favorite homeschool book that has helped you greatly on your journey? I'd love to know what it is!