Home Sweet Simple Home

My Homeschooling Resource Books

When making decisions I like to have as much information as I possibly can. So when we began to talk of homeschooling- and being the voracious reader I am, I started reading as many books as I could on homeschooling.

Since I have just started this journey and a lot of my reading is still fresh in my mind- I thought I’d share what I’ve read and what I’ve gotten out of what I’ve read.

So You Think You Want to Homeschool- Lisa Whelchel

            This was a great and real quick read. Each chapter is a chatty read about how an individual family does homeschooling. Gives you a good overview of many different ways.

The Complete Guide to Getting Started in Homeschooling- Mary Pride

Very big, very informative book and practically every conceivable notion about homeschooling. A good reference tool.

Pocketful of Pinecones- Karen Andreola

            Oh, how I loved this book. I cherished it and so wanted to lengthen the experience that I limited myself to no more than 2 chapters a nite. It reads like the personal journal of a first time homeschooling mom in the 1930’s [fiction]. The best part is she weaves in all kinds of wonderful Charlotte Mason goodies, mostly nature study. Because of this book I bought Anna Comstock’s Handbook of Nature Study and clipboards for my children for our own nature study. This book is also an easy read and I would definitely recommend it for all who are homestead minded- it’s DE-LIGHT-FUL.

101 Top Homeschool Picks- Cathy Duffy

            This book is mostly just a list of different homeschool curriculums/resources. Since I had already read so much and made my decision about using Sonlight- it really wasn’t much use to me. It would, however, be a good first book to read if want to know the top choices in the homeschooling world and don’t know much else.

Homeschooling for Dummies- Jennifer Kaufeld

            Another resource book. This was the 2^nd homeschool book I bought. Good, straightforward and to the point. Very understandable but I love the next book even better . . . .

Educating the Wholehearted Child- Clay & Sally Clarkson

            This book is a keeper! I love the way it is set up and how the Clarksons share from their own experiences. It’s a good thick book- one I picked up and read a bit of then set back down again to pick up a day or two later. I plan on re-reading it again over the summer after I’ve had my first experiences.

Charlotte Mason Companion- Karen Andreola

            I bought this book because the Author referenced it in her other book Pocketful of Pinecones (and you know how much I loved that book). I enjoy Andreola’s writing style very much and I like how she makes Charlotte Mason teaching understandable in the clearest sense. I also enjoy how she broke down the chapters into much more manageable bite-size pieces. This is another great reference book not meant to be read all in one sitting. I hope to re-read [at least] parts of it next summer.

Homeschooling by Heart- Kristina Sabalis Krulikas

            Another favorite on my shelf. This one is another definite keeper. The subtitle is A Mom’s Road Map For Making it All Work . . . . . Yeah! Not only a delightful read but she packs it full over her own printables. Not only does she cover the homeschooling part but the home part too! She discusses cleaning schedules, recipes and menu planning, character training and so much more. Mrs. Krulikas really got me with how she discussed homeschooling as a lifestyle and journey and I absolutely love the thought-provoking discussion questions and further reading suggestions at the end of chapters. I dearly love the quotes and scripture she peppers the text with. If you were to see my copy- you’d see many colored post-it tabs marking certain parts and printables. Oh, I love this book!

A Garden Patch of Reproducible Homeschooling Planning & Educational Worksheets- Debora McGregor

            Speaking of printables- this book is a book of ‘em. This is the book to use after you’ve read the others and got an idea of where you are going with your homeschooling. You may purchase the reproducible book but I would recommend the CD as it is easier printing. Much more versatile. I love the quote on the front cover and must share it “Beginning to homeschool is like starting a garden. You plant a seed . . . water and weed . . . and the results are beautiful, healthy and mature.” Lovely isn’t it?! My all time favorite reproducible in the book is the Field Trip Form. I love that it asks such things as “What did God show you about Himself on your trip?” and “Was God pleased with you on this trip?” Very good thought- provoking questions that I just love to read my girls answers to. There are just under 100 reproducibles in the book. Quite a treasure.

So there you have it- the books that line and jam my shelves. I am a homeschool resource junkie. I am an information-aholic. A couple of the books I could live without but for the most part these books will continue to stay on my bookshelf thru-out our homeschooling journey.
So what are your favorites? What homeschooling reference tool/book could you not live without? I wonder if any of your favorites match up with mine? And I wonder- will anyone look into one of the books above? Hmm.

good advice

10:30 PM, 2006-Oct-10 .. Posted by MrsBurns

That Pocketful of Pinecones sounds really interesting....I'll check around for it. Thanks for sharing and good to know school is going well for you.