Although I feel more confident in my role as a homeschooling mama, I also feel like I have so much more to learn. So, I read and ruminate and let these mentor friend authors that I’ve never met speak to my heart.
This year I’m embarking on my fourth year of homeschooling and I’m adding my third child into the mix. Reid and I (with Jemma’s help, because naturally, she’s very excited for a teacher’s assistant position) will be kicking off The Peaceful Preschool, Jemma is rocking her way into 3rd with a little 4th/5th mixed in, and Max is going to take on 1st like the reading wiz that he has become.
It’s going to be a good year.
I’ve spent the summer wrapping my mind around this next year of schooling – researching curriculum, organizing the school room, and reading up on theories and teaching models. I’m moving into this year encouraged and I know these books play a part of why I feel excited to teach my children to the best of my ability. I hope you’ll enjoy them too!
The Brave Learner: Finding Everyday Magic in Homeschool, Learning, and Life
Oh Julie Bogart, you are a the muse of my homeschool year. Truly. I listened to this book on audio over the summer and promptly decided to pursue her language arts curriculum, Brave Writer, with both Jemma and Max.
Homeschooling is hard. No one will tell you it’s not. But, mama, you are brave, and you can do hard things well. It’s in you. It’s in me. Listen to this book while you do the dishes or walk or drive to and fro activities, it’s a winner! And yes, I’ll definitely share how we like Brave Writer once we get going!
Teaching From Rest: A Homeschooler’s Guide To Unshakeable Peace
Do you know Sarah Mackenzie? She’s the Read Aloud Revival gal and I LOVE HER.
Her podcast is fabulous, Read Aloud Family is fabulous, just … everything. So much of what she speaks to is creating a book club culture at home and doing it from a place of joy, a place of rest. It’s the perfect mix. It’s everything I want my kids to look back at and remember about our years together.
Also, it’s absolutely on my bucket list to see/hear her speak in person. Hopefully someday!
Mother Culture: For a Happy Homeschool
Karen Andreola is the queen who took Charlotte Mason’s throne and the mama who coined the term “Mother Culture”. I’ll confess, I’m only half through this book, but it’s good! And reassuring. I’ll definitely finish it because it’s on loan from the library so I’ve got a deadline :)
I especially love that the chapters in Mother Culture are short and concise. Books like that feel so much more manageable. Plus, hearing from a true Charlotte Mason mama as she reflects back on her years teaching at home is really lovely. I’ll never follow Charlotte Mason to a T, but a Charlotte Mason-inspired environment is up my alley and I’m aiming to implement what I can.
For the Children’s Sake: Foundations of Education for Home and School
This and Teaching From Rest are the two that I plan to read each and every year. They’re short and to the point. They remind me why I’m climbing this mountain of homeschooling. They remind me that it’s 100% worth it.
The Call of the Wild and Free: Reclaiming Wonder in Your Child’s Education
Releasing TODAY is this beauty from Wild and Free mama Ainsley Arment . The synopsis alone has me feeling all sorts of excited for the coming school year.
If you try to limit book buying like yours truly, (note “try”, because I do, I just fail often), request it at your local library so you can be one of the first to read it, it’s going to be good … and probably one I’ll eventually buy.
Now, I have to add, that I listened to two of these books and read two as traditional paper copies. Mamas, if you can’t find time to read, I 100% believe you can find time to listen. Give it a try >>> through Libby – most library’s free audiobook service, Audible – Amazon’s paid membership for audiobooks, or Scribd – my new favorite (you can get 2 months of this service for free here!). I listen while I nurse Eli, water the garden, do the dishes, drive, and sometimes even while I lay in bed at night to help calm my mind.
Which, brings me to my final note. If you don’t yet have AirPods they are hands down one of the most amazing pieces of technology and make audiobook listening 10x more enjoyable! Definitely a splurge I wholeheartedly recommend!
Ok, I hope some of these book ideas help you kick off your year well! What should I read next from the genre of home education encouragement? Tell me what you’ve loved!