MUST READ BOOKS FOR EVERY HOMESCHOOL MOM:

When I made the decision to homeschool, I quickly jumped to reading and researching. I enjoy reading self-improvement books a lot, so I didn’t mind this part of the process at all. I still continue to read and discover various methods, approaches, and learning styles as each year goes by. I am always growing, and my children are constantly changing, so it helps to have new and refreshing perspectives as we take on this homeschool journey.

“Home Learning Year by Year: How to Design a Homeschool Curriculum from Preschool Through High School” – by Rebecca Rupp

This is a book that helps you to design a homeschool curriculum from preschool through high school. I did enjoy this book because it is very helpful to help you figure out a curriculum, especially when you are new to homeschooling. I appreciate having a guide like this because it gives you information from preschool through high school. Rebecca Rupp presents a structured plan that tells you what your children need to learn, grade-by-grade, so you are able to put together a program to keep them on track. Based on the traditional pre-K through 12th-grade structure, Home Learning Year by Year features:

• The integral subjects to be covered within each grade
• Standards for knowledge that should be acquired by your child at each level
• Recommended books to use as texts for every subject

“THE BRAVE LEARNER: Finding Everyday Magic in Homeschool, Learning, and Life” – By Julie Bogart

Finding everyday magic in homeschool, learning, and life. Sounds wonderful, doesn’t it? The Brave Learner is written by the creator of The Brave Writer curriculum. She shares her decade of experience to show how we can make education an exciting, enchanting experience for our kids, whether they’re in elementary or high school. It is also full of practical insights, which I really appreciate because I can apply it! She shows us how to make room for surprise, mystery, risk, and adventure in our family’s routine so they can create an environment that naturally moves learning forward. I have learned a lot about “natural ways” in more recent years.

“The Well-Trained Mind: A Guide to Classical Education at Home” – by Susan Wise Bauer

This one goes on the list of “must-haves.” There are great reviews of this book from some of the major publishers. This was my first homeschool book that I ever read. I consider this my homeschool to-go guide. Although I do not do everything suggested in this book, I constantly refer to it throughout my homeschool years and as I continue to build our The Brenly programs. The Well-Trained Mind will instruct you, step by step, on how to give your child an academically rigorous, comprehensive education from preschool through high school—one that will train him or her to read, think, understand, and be well-rounded and curious about learning. The book is organized with learning around the maturing capacity of the child’s mind and comprises three stages: the elementary school “grammar stage,” the middle school “logic stage,” and the high school “rhetoric stage.” Using this theory as your model, you’ll be able to instruct your child in all levels of reading, writing, history, geography, mathematics, science, foreign languages, rhetoric, logic, art, and music, regardless of your own skill in those subjects. You will be able to use the content to help you create an excellent curriculum whether full-time or as a supplement to classroom education.

“The Unhurried Homeschooler: A Simple, Mercifully Short Book on Homeschooling” – by Durenda Wilson

If you struggle with fears and doubts about your homeschool journey, grab this quick read to give you some reassurance and help you keep positive even through the heavy days. This book is short on purpose, which I appreciated. Reading this short book is like having a cup of hot chocolate (or coffee) with a trusted friend. I am so glad I read it when I did. Durenda draws on her twenty years of homeschooling eight children to gently remind us about the things that really matter as a homeschooling family.

“102 TOP PICKS FOR HOMESCHOOL CURRICULUM” – by Cathy Duffy

A well-known pick for homeschool moms. Most homeschool moms know about Cathy Duffy. It includes top picks for curriculum, and you can refer to it whenever you need to change something as your kids grow. It helps determine your child’s learning style and your teaching style and develop your own philosophy of education. Then, it gives you charts that break down the different curricula that may suit your family’s style. Cathy does a fantastic job thoroughly reviewing each selection as well.

“How to Homeschool: A Practical Approach” – by Jonathan Lewis

This book is a practical guide for new and experienced homeschool parents alike. It provides a step-by-step approach to homeschooling, helping you choose the best methods for your family’s needs. With insight into creating a schedule, incorporating various learning styles, and handling common challenges, it’s a solid reference for homeschool moms looking for structure and flexibility.

“The Charlotte Mason Companion: Personal Reflections on the Gentle Art of Learning” – by Karen Andreola

For moms who love the Charlotte Mason approach, this book is a must-read! It dives deep into the philosophy of Charlotte Mason, focusing on living books, outdoor learning, and developing a child’s imagination. Karen Andreola provides a practical guide to implementing this classic, nature-inspired, and child-centered approach to education in your home. It’s perfect for moms seeking a more relaxed, nature-based learning style.

“Dumbing Us Down: The Hidden Curriculum of Compulsory Schooling” – by John Taylor Gatto

If you’re looking for motivation to homeschool, this book offers a powerful perspective on the flaws of traditional schooling. John Taylor Gatto, a former award-winning public school teacher, critiques the conventional education system and explores why homeschooling can be a better alternative. It’s an eye-opening read for anyone questioning the status quo of education and looking to embrace a more personalized learning environment.

“The Homeschooling Option: A Handbook for Parents” – by Lisa Rivera

This book is a comprehensive guide that covers all the basics of homeschooling, from the legal aspects to choosing curricula and setting up a daily routine. It offers tips for managing homeschooling with multiple children, creating an educational space at home, and fostering a love of learning. It’s a great resource for parents just beginning the homeschool adventure and for those in need of refreshing ideas.

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