When I wanted to start homeschooling, I had no idea where to start. I had no idea what style I wanted to use to teach, I had very little information and very little time. I want to help and encourage moms and dads who want to homeschool by presenting a list of the best homeschool books. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did.
1. Why Homeschooling Makes Sense by David Guterson
This book is not about How to homeschool, it is
about “why” we homeschool and is written by a teacher who homeschools his own
kids. It is a book that is good for both
the Christian reader and the Secular reader.
The book covers a lot of issues.
It starts off with a discussion on why America holds public schooling so
near and dear to its heart. It discusses
standardized tests, quizzes and schools teaching to tests. Chapter 2 is a debate with the author’s
father over homeschooling. Chapter 3 is about
socialization and that is just the start. There are many more chapters covering
a lot of issues.
2. Homeschool Business: Everything you need to know about
Homeschooling by Shanda Cadet
This book walks us through the author’s personal
journey of successfully homeschooling six kids.
This book is very Christian and Secular homeschoolers may not appreciate
it as much as a Christian homeschooling family.
There is a lot of how to in this book, but it is disbursed with stories
about the author’s experience making it an easy read.
3. 1. The
Homeschool Parent’s How to Handbook by Lynn Dean
Another How to book.
The author taught seminars in Texas and I am certain you would have paid
way more than the cost of this book to attend a seminar. The book is filled with great information on
things like teaching how your child learns (believe it or not, all three of
mine learned differently), and incorporating the senses into learning so that
what your child learns sticks with him or her….or all of them. I personally loved this book.
4. How to Grade Your Child's Writing: A
Practical Guide for Homeschool Parents Grades 6-12
You won’t need this book if you are just
starting out, but boy is it ever helpful if you have older homeschoolers. I am never confident in knowing if my child’s
writing is as clear as it should be or if it needs work. It
contains rubrics that help you determine if your child’s writing is good or
needs work. Some homeschooling parents
may feel this is too rigid, but I personally love to write and I want my kids
to be able to write professionally if they choose to write.
5. 1. They’re
Your Kids: An inspirational Journey from
Self-Doubter to Home School Advocate by Sam Sorbo
I love this book!
With chapters like “Poop in the Water” how could it go wrong? This book
discusses what is wrong with today’s education, then the author’s personal
story. I loved both parts.
6. 1. Homeschooling: An Ultimate Guide How to Teach Your Kids at
Home and Give Them the Best Education by Carrie Dresden
With Chapters like, “The Benefits of Homeschooling”
and “Learning Styles”, this book will help you decide if homeschooling is right
for you.
7. 1. Homeschooling
Today Homeschooling Guide by Margaret Knight
This book covers a LOT. It even has a chapter on preventing burnout
and homeschooling older kids. As your
child’s teacher, she refers to you as the Parent Administrator and has several
chapters dedicated to your role as teacher.
8. Teaching
from Rest by Sarah MacKenzie
.
This book is a religious book written by a
homeschooling mom of two. Many people
buy this book and read it over and over again and I am one of them. This isn’t just a book about homeschooling,
it is an inspiring book about life. This
book is funny, heartfelt and touching all at the same time and a must
read.
9. Give
your Child the World: Raising Globally
Minded Kids One Book at a Time by Jamie Martin
This is a collection of stories from around the
world for your child. While this is not
a how to or a why homeschool book, I still included it because it helps create
a well-rounded child with empathy for the rest of the world.
10. Learning
all the time by John Holt
I have to include a book written by the modern day
homeschooling movement. While I do not
agree with his thoughts that there should be no primers and no cursive, he is
worth a read. Even though I do not agree
with him in a lot of areas, he is very opinionated and clearly writes what he
believes. You may agree or disagree with
him, but the book is still great to read.
2. Farfaria Unlimited Ebooks - FarFaria offers over 1000 ebooks for your children. Each story comes to your mobile device as a colorfully illustrated book that they can flip through, read on their own, or have read to them. If they choose to hear the story, each word is highlighted as a professional actor recites it.
3. Learn to Read App: Lifetime Subscription - With music, games, lessons, and stories, HOOKED ON PHONICS: LEARN TO READ is the simplest, most effective and most fun way to learn to read. Enjoy songs, games and interactive entertainment in a style that has never been seen before in an educational app.
Which ones have you tried or do you want to try? Comment below to let me know which ones are your family's favorites!
