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Good Reads for the Homeschool Mom

Professional development is essential for the homeschool mom.

10 Best Books for Homeschool Moms is always a popular post here on the blog. 

I'd like to add a few more today.... these books have proven useful to me recently and I know you will love them, too!

Good Reads for the Homeschool Mom

Teaching From Rest: A Homeschooler's Guide to Unshakable Peace

I enjoyed the first edition of Sarah Mackenzie's book, and can't wait to get the latest edition. 

Everything about this book exudes PEACE and TRANQUILITY; it is designed to encourage and equip homeschool moms in very practical ways. 

I'm also a huge fan of the Read Aloud Revival, also from Amongst Lovely Things. 

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The Conversation

 

This book, by Leigh Bortins, will spark your interest if you are a Classical homeschooler, or interested in the Classical method -- and homeschooling a high schooler!

Our family is deeply steeped in Classical education, and as a Classical Conversations mom I read anything by Leigh Bortins and enjoy it immensely. 

When You Rise Up

When You Rise Up, a Covenental Approach to Homeschooling, is a book I read in just one sitting. 

 

R.C. Sproul, Jr., reminds Christian parents of WHY we really homeschool, and what our goal as Christian homeschoolers should be. I found the book went closely along with the Classical education model, but at the same time reinforced to me that the MODEL of homeschooling isn't as important as the GOAL of our homeschool - to raise children who want to nurture and instruct their children in the ways of God. 

This book is not a nuts and bolts homeschooling book. It is an inspirational, back to WHY WE HOMESCHOOL kind of book. 

I enjoyed it very much. 

The History of the Ancient, Medieval & Renaissance Worlds

Authored by Susan Wise Bauer, these gems are  history primers for adults. 

We have loved The Story of the World for years, and now I am loving these books, too.

The Big Book of Homeschool Ideas

This book is packed full of practical, easy to implement homeschool ideas. 

It contains 103 topics for you to enjoy - and I'm happy to have authored the chapter about using LEGO bricks in your homeschool! 

It's a good one to have on your shelf - for a rainy day or just as a great all-around homeschool resource. 

 

Do YOU have a favorite homeschooling book you would like to recommend? Leave the title in the comments below! 

5 Ways to Raise Readers

Don't we all wish for our children to be avid readers?

We want them to ENJOY reading, and to become lifelong readers.

As my kids are getting older I am seeing the fruits of our "reading labors" -- not only do my children read well, but they read often and they CHOOSE to read. 

And, as I look back on the past fourteen years of parenthood, I can pinpoint ways we have cultivated READERS. 

Today's #collagefriday is dedicated to READING, and 5 Ways to Raise Readers. We've been on our spring break (at home), so my kids have been doing A LOT of reading!

5 Ways to Raise a Reader

*This post contains affiliate links. 

1. Flood Your Home With Books

When my children were little I can remember their rooms.... they had a dresser and a BOOKSHELF. 

In fact, every room in our home has a place for books. 

(I'm sure I've probably spent thousands of dollars on books, but I am investing in my children's LIVES.)

I can still hear Anna's sweet little 2 year old voice asking "Book, mommy?" as she would bring me book after book to be read to her. Those were precious times.

In our home books are the centerpiece of each room, and I want every member of our family to be able to plop down and read whenever they would like. 

Recommendations for your readers:

2. Model a Lifestyle of Reading (and ditch the TV)

Model Reading for your Children

Thankfully, both my husband and I like to read.

Even so, we have had to make an effort to keep books front and foremost in our OWN lives - choosing that over television, computer, and other things.

And, as my daughter has started the Challenge program through Classical Conversations, I am feeling motivated to read HARD things. I need to keep my education up to par with hers. 

 It's all about MODELING and SEEKING KNOWLEDGE.

Currently on mom and dad's nightstand?

We also gave up cable/satellite tv a few years ago and haven't missed it. Our downstairs family room lacks a television, and we have noticed that everyone reads MORE now that the television is completely gone from that space.

3. Hang Out at the Library

We have three wonderful libraries within a five mile radius of our home. What a blessing!

All of the librarians know us by name and know that we homeschool. They know my children's reading tastes and help them choose books.

Libraries have some of the BEST programs for children and they are usually FREE. 

This week we went to a LEGOS at the Library event. (and of course we checked out books while we were there, too)

LEGOS at the Library

4. Read by Interest

My children are interested in VERY different things.

Anna, my 13 year old, really enjoys historical fiction. She also reads a lot of science fiction. 

Books that are non fiction don't interest her.

Grant, my 10 year old, reads biographies and reads a lot for INFORMATION. He appreciates world records books, books about sports figures, and Peanuts cartoons. 

I try to feed each of my children's reading styles. 

Pushing a child to read won't work... you need to MOTIVATE them through what naturally interests them. 

The very first books that ever caught my son's eye were books about baseball greats. 

The very first books that captivated my daughter were American Girl books. 

Encourage your kids to make a collection of books according to their interests! 

5. Reward Your Kids With Books

I always keep a stash of books on hand and reward my kids for a job well done with a book.

This week the Scholastic Warehouse sale was in town.  

(Find one in your area!)

I picked up some wonderful books for the kids - I spent $20 and walked out with 11 books.  These books will get read and re-read. 

My kids also get bookstore gift cards for birthdays, Christmas, etc... It's just a well known fact that they appreciate the gift of books! 

So, while we enjoyed a week of spring break (play dates with friends, sleeping in, and a few fun outings), we were all still learning through READING.

We provided for our children the luxury of TIME, SPACE, and BOOKS. In my opinion, this is one of the most lasting gifts we can give our children - and one they will give to THEIR children, too.

Our favorites from the week include:

A Week of Reading

Is there a lot of reading that goes on in your home?

Do you have tips for raising readers?

Join Me For Collage Friday

Collage Friday

Join me for #CollageFriday!

Feel free to grab this graphic (right click and save to your computer) and include it with your photo collage post. Use the widget below to add your post with photo collages for the week. Visit other bloggers in the link-up to gain ideas and offer encouragement and support.

The #CollageFriday community is my favorite place to be each Friday!