More and more parents are turning to homeschooling for a variety of reasons. While sometimes it’s a necessity, their child is unable to attend a public or private school for health reasons, others are opting for the benefits. Homeschooling is flexible, children can often learn at their own pace. The curriculum can be customized to meet an individual child’s needs, and bullying is never an issue.
However, homeschooling a child can be a daunting task. You want to ensure your child is receiving the best education you can provide. This list of top 5 books can help both you and your child enjoy the journey and get the most out of their learning adventure.
My Top 5 Favorite Homeschool Books
1. In Vital Harmony: Charlotte Mason and the Natural Laws of Education by Karen Glass
Whether you’re just getting started homeschooling a child or you consider yourself an old pro, this book has something for everyone. You can learn new insights that can make teaching more enjoyable. When you’re enjoying your role as a teacher, it often translates into a better learning experience for your child.
Charlotte Mason noticed the world is governed by universal laws. The law of gravity is an example. Taking this knowledge, she wondered if there are also laws that govern how we learn. If so, can applying these laws to education produce promising results?
After spending her life searching for the key tenets of education, she developed innovative methods to make the most of these laws. In this homeschooling book, you’ll get a more comprehensive picture of how life and learning are intertwined. The principles outlined in this book are easy to implement and can make learning a fun and lifetime adventure.
2. The Homeschool Highway: How To Navigate Your Way Without Getting Carsick by Amy Dingmann
If you’re excited about the prospect of homeschooling your little one, you’re not alone. Parents often head into the journey full of hope and excitement. However, as the book warns, the ride can be bumpy.
The Homeschool Highway touches on freedom, togetherness, and the ability to teach your children in a manner that feels right for you and them. The author also acknowledges that this journey isn’t always easy. From experience, she’s hit a bump or two on her homeschooling journey. Instead of focusing on ideas for lesson plans, she covers some of the concerns parents often have.
You’ll find advice on how to deal with children who can’t get along. What to tell your friends and family who don’t agree with your decision to homeschool your child or children. She even discusses how to find free time for yourself. Homeschooling takes a lot of time and doesn’t leave room for much of anything else.
After reading The Homeschool Highway, you’ll feel better prepared to start your journey.
3. Everything You Need to Know about Homeschooling: A Comprehensive, Easy-to-Use Guide for the Journey from Early Learning through Graduation by Lea Ann Garfias
The title is a mouthful but this guide covers everything you’ve always wanted to know about homeschooling. After completing her journey homeschooling her children, the author has plenty of insights and advice to share with other parents.
You’ll find information on which books to buy and what the first day and year of school should look like. Remember, every homeschool is unique and this applies to what your first day will include. However, you’ll find some helpful tips that will make it a little less daunting for you and your students.
A common worry parents have is if their homeschooling efforts are successful. She covers this and how to know if your child is on track for their grade level. Since the book covers the entire homeschooling process from early learning to high school graduation, it’s a guide you’ll want to keep handy. You’ll want to refer to it time and time again throughout the educational process.
For parents who want to learn how to incorporate God’s word into their child’s learning, this book is a must-have for your library.
4. The Four-Hour School Day: How You and Your Kids Can Thrive in the Homeschool Life by Durenda Wilson
If you’re worried homeschooling means your child may be missing out on some important life lessons, this book can help put your mind at ease. The author is a trusted expert on the subject. She’s spent 25 years homeschooling her eight children.
In The Four-Hour School Day, you can learn more about the advantages of homeschooling including benefits like the improved health of your child’s future. She addresses fears parents often feel like worrying they’re not qualified to teach their children. Filled with engaging personal stories, useful advice, and plenty of encouragement, this book is a helpful resource you can use throughout your homeschooling career.
You’ll be able to create a sustainable plan that addresses your child’s unique educational needs.
5. The Homeschooling Starter Guide: How to Create and Adapt the Best Education Action Plan for Your Needs by Dr. Gina M. Riley
Deciding to homeschool your child and putting it into practice are two completely different things. Creating an encouraging learning environment is more than ensuring your child has a desk and chair. Creating the right environment is often challenging for parents and their children. In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know to help your child succeed.
From comparing different homeschooling models to breaking down the various standards and requirements, this starter guide covers this and more. You’ll also find tips on how to help your child stay on track, including action plans that address children’s various needs. Whether you want to incorporate religion into your lesson plans or have a special needs child, you’ll information on these topics and much more.
Conclusion
Homeschooling experienced a surge in popularity during the recent Covid-19 pandemic. As schools transitioned to remote learning, parents quickly realized the advantages homeschooling can offer children.
Getting started homeschooling your children will take some planning, and this will continue throughout the year. However, with guidance from these books both you and your children can learn to love this educational adventure.
