Book Recommendations for Mom

When I started looking into the homeschooling path, Norah was still too young for us to jump all-in right away. Instead of forcing her to start official schooling too early, I decided I could take the time to read and prepare for the journey myself.

I am so glad I did.

The beauty of schooling at home in that all families/homes/children are different. Schooling at home is the same in that it should look different for each family. I quickly learned that there are all sorts of philosophies, curriculums, and styles.

The time I spent reading allowed me to cross examine our family goals/lifestyle/and my their individual learning styles to step forward in confidence.

It also helped me to navigate choosing curriculums/programs that would best suit my kids.

These are a few of the books I read that have encouraged me greatly, and I think would encourage you as well.

-Raising Upright Kids in an Upside Down World by Dr. Ray Guarendi

This book put words to feelings I have wrestled with for a long time. It is no secret that our world is not the same as when we were little... it is also no secret that something is missing today when looking at school-aged kids and their relationships (or lack of) to the world around them.

- Teaching From Rest by Sarah Mackenzie

This is a book I would recommend to every homeschooling parent. It was an encouraging and life-giving book that helps to root our schooling intentions in Christ and allow grace as we journey into this world of homeschooling. This is a book I will reread often.

- The Well Trained Mind by Susan Wise Bauer

This book helped me to find confidence in teaching my kids with practical guides and resources. It introduced me to the classical style of education and this author has a website with curriculum she wrote/endorsed.

- The Brave Learner by Julie Bogart

I don't know if any book has made me more excited about schooling from home. Her writing has helped me step forward in my dream of child-led creativity/learning with incredible ideas for pursing that practically. She also challenges the current ideas of intelligence, giving a new passion for seeing our kids individual strengths.

- Homeschool Bravely

This is another deeply encouraging book with a strong message of incorporating Christ in school. I recommend this as another helpful book to reset our minds and intentions before a new school year or as a lifeline in a hard season of schooling.

-The Call of the Wild + Free

I am a mess-loving, boredom seeking homeschool mom. I firmly believe in the magic of hours of free-play... the beauty of letting kids play with risks (climb, get hurt, use tools)... and in the natural educator that nature is. This book fostered that love and opened my eyes to the experience modern living has taken away from kids and their opportunity to go out and learn through uninterrupted play.

Comment below with any books you've read that have encouraged you on your homeschool journey!