Level Up Your Homeschooling Journey With These (7) Books

Hey there, fellow homeschooling superheroes! Let's talk...real talk for a moment—homeschooling? It's like a roller-coaster ride through a theme park of emotions, am I right? As a proud homeschooling mom of three (yes, you read that correctly!), I totally get it. Sometimes finding a spare moment to even think about reading feels like discovering a unicorn in your backyard.

But fear not, dear homeschooling comrades! Whether you're a seasoned veteran or just dipping your toes into the homeschooling waters, I've learned that arming yourself with a treasure trove of inspiration, encouragement, tips, and ideas is an absolute game-changer. So, buckle up and get ready, because I'm about to unveil some of the top books that I firmly believe every homeschooling mom should have in her arsenal. Let's dive in and discover the magic together! 📚

1 - Homeschool Bravely: How to Squash Doubt, Trust God and Teach Your Child With Confidence

New to homeschooling and need some insight on moving forward or are you a homeschool veteran in need of some inspiration? Either way Homeschool Bravely is a great resource. Learn to thrive in homeschooling; rather than simply surviving. It provides some great insight into managing much of the unrealistic expectations and self-doubt that can creep in. Let go of guilt, homeschool with confidence and learn practical ways to simplify your homeschooling. Jamie shows you how to make homeschooling function best for you and your family despite obstacles such as teaching a struggling learner or naysayers.

2 - The Well-Trained Mind: A Guide to Classical Education At Home

Definitely a handy book to have in your library. No matter what educational framework you choose, The Well-Trained Mind has many valuable ideas. Jessie Wise successfully homeschooled three children through high school, and co-author Susan Wise Bauer is one of those children, as well as an educator and historian. The two draw from their own experiences with the educational system, homeschooling and being educators, to create a guide for homeschooling parents.

It is indeed a very detailed road map to creating a comprehensive home education program; curriculum, study resources, etc. Just keep in mind, it is a "guide." Don't get too caught up in the details, as it can be adjusted to fit your family's needs. Take from it, what works for you.

3 - The Montessori Toddler: A Parent's Guide to Raising A Curious and Responsible Human Being

This one is, of course, for any parent with a child at or nearing the stage of toddlerhood. Toddlers can be tricky. They're in a stage of newfound sense of independence and discovery. While it can be a wonderful experience, it can at times lead to a lot of frustration.

Whether or not you are curious about the Montessori method of teaching, I still believe any parent can still benefit from this book. This is a very easy read, and Davies provides practical insight that can help any parent in taming the chaos in the home.

To better see things through the eyes of your child and, guide them and support them through what can be a very challenging stage. It's helped me to let go a bit more, adjust some areas of my routine, practice more patience and allow my little ones to move more at their own pace.

4 - Call of The Wild + Free: Reclaiming Wonder in Your Child's Education

Author, Ainsley Arment is actually the founder of the Wild + Free community who aims to recapture the wonder of childhood. As a homeschool mom of five, she shares her experiences, including difficulties and lessons learned. This is a more recent addition to my library, but definitely a favorite. It has really helped me to rethink even some of the ideas I had as a mom who had already been homeschooling for a few years. And to be more intentional in my home and life.

I think even as homeshooling parents we can at times fall into some of the trappings in trying to validate our choices and how our child's time is spent to the outside world. But, this can take away from the beautiful experience that is childhood. This book also delves in reclaiming motherhood and embracing this season of life with our kids. There truly is so much to gain from this book. It's a great read for any veteran or new homeshooling parent, and just an overall great parenting book.

5 - Dumbing Us Down: The Hidden Curriculum of Compulsory Schooling

This book comes from a former educator. John Gatto was a teacher in Harlem, NY for about 26 years and was even awarded teacher of the year in 1991. He, however, quit teaching. This book is a collection of the speeches and essays showing his take on the public school system. He believes it is broken and basically creates a rift between children and their families.

The school system simply churns out the next set of compliant workers. Gatto became quite the supporter of homeschooling and I like that he challenged the principles of the school system.

This book is a short, easy read, but most certainly a classic. Do understand though, that this is not simply an attack on the school system. He instead sheds light on the difficulties that the current state of classroom learning is; the lack of community, networking and family involvement.

I recommend this book to any parent with school aged children; whether in the classroom or homeschooled. I took from it, how easily as a society we simply accept the systems and restrictions government puts in place, without question.

6 - TEACH: Creating Independently Responsible Learners

One of my goals with homeschooling for my children to develop a love of learning. I felt their experience in the classroom would instead slowly put that fire out. This is why I love this book. It serves as a guide to help both educators and parents encourage children to direct their learning.

The author went from being a teacher to a curriculum creator and realized that the roles of teachers and parents is to instead act guides for children's self-directed learner. Instead of kids simply regurgitating information, we teach them "how" to learn. I admit that I have in the past been too caught up in a particular curriculum rather than being intentional about their learning.

Dinoia provides some very practical tools and techniques in creating lifelong learners, as education is something that never really ends. His ideas on education (and life) aligns with my own; aiming to raise critical thinkers and expand on their individual gifts. This has definitely given me some great insight into doing so.

7 - Minimalist Homeschooling: A Values-based Approach to Maximize Learning and Minimize Stress

Despite being a minimalist at heart, Fagen helped me to see how I was managing to overcomplicate homeschooling. This book guides helped me to really step back and remember why I'm on this journey in the first place. I'd recommend this book to both experienced and new homeschooling parents, minimalist or not. It can become overwhelming; trying to do it all. It is very easy to get caught up into what homeschooling "should" look like.

The reflective questions she asks made me reevaluate my family's needs and the way my children learn. I feel like now I am more intentional, well-planned and feel more at ease in moving forward with our journey. For any beginners, this can help you to get off to a good start. And, for more seasoned homeschoolers Fagan's worksheets helps you in purging all that unnecessary clutter; curriculum, supplies, scheduling and move forward with inspiration and much needed clarity.

Wrapping It Up:

I understand the whirlwind of emotions and challenges that come with the territory. But amidst the chaos and the hustle, one thing remains clear: the importance of arming ourselves with resources that inspire, uplift, and empower us along the way.

Whether you're a seasoned homeschooling veteran or just embarking on this adventure, never underestimate the power of a good book to light the way. From practical tips to heartwarming encouragement, the books mentioned here are invaluable companions on your homeschooling journey.

So, fellow homeschooling warriors, let's lean on each other, learn from one another, and continue to grow together as we navigate the beautiful, although sometimes rocky, path of homeschooling. Here's to embracing the challenges, celebrating the victories, and finding joy in the journey. Happy homeschooling, everyone!

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