3 Books I Wish I Had Read When I Was New to Homeschooling

Whether you are a new homeschooler or just thinking about homeschooling, there are many considerations as you begin your journey. When I decided to homeschool, I really had no idea how to homeschool my child but I just jumped in an started. People have been doing it for centuries, right?

Now, looking back 6 years later, with 3 kids being homeschooled full time, I think back to how I started my journey and what I have learned through the years.

I have talked to many people, attended conventions, conferences, tried different curricula, and read a LOT LOT LOT of material on how to homeschool. What I have learned is that if I were new to homeschooling, I would have liked to have read these books when I started my journey, not years into it. That would have taken a lot of pressure and indecision out of my life.

However, let me say, I wouldn’t change the journey at all and have no regrets. Deciding to homeschool our children was the best decision we have ever made (well, other than having them 🙂 LOL).

Here are the books I would recommend to begin learning how to homeschool, especially if your are new to homeschooling and looking to get started.

#1 The Core: Teaching Your Child the Foundations of Classical Education by Leigh Bortins

The author, Leigh Bortins, is a leading figure in the homeschooling community and the founder of Classical Conversations. However, even if you do not choose Classical Conversations as your curricula, Bortins solid understanding of classical education and the core areas of knowledge that are essential for mastery for children, makes The Core a great homeschooling parent tool. The tools provided in the book help parents plan an understanding to implement a rigorous, thorough, and broad curriculum based on the classical model. There is also a great reading list in the book that is great to have as a reference.

#2 100 Top Picks for Homeschool Curriculum: Choosing the Right Curriculum and Approach for Your Child’s Learning Style by Cathy Duffy

This book is packed with information. It is great to see all that is available out there and Cathy Duffy’s Top Picks is an industry leader in providing some great curriculum options and reviews of what is good and not so good about them. This can help you determine what might work for you and your children while schooling at home. If you don’t know what’s out there, this might be a great one if you don’t know what is out there because it will give you the opportunity to really see the plethora of options available to homeschoolers today.

#3 For the Children’s Sake: Foundations of Education for Home and Schoolby Susan Schaeffer Macaulay

This book was recommended when we started Classical Conversations and I took 2 years to get around to reading it. I wish I had read it right away. It really shows examples of opportunities to enrich the learning experiences throughout the child’s life, in all they do.

From a Christian perspective, the book discusses what it means to be a child, a parent, and a teacher and implement central ideas throughout our homeschool. However, the books practices and discussions will benefit any parent or teacher in any educational setting.

BONUS: The Brave Learner: Finding Everyday Magic in Homeschool, Learning, and Life by Julie Bogart

My most recent read is something that I don’t want you to miss out on either. After preparing this post, I started and finished The Brave Learner. This book has been a great read and if you are looking for something newer to get your hands on, consider reading The Brave Learner.

The book explores how to make education exciting and interesting to the your children, regardless of their age. The author talks about creating an environment that moves learning forward and instill curiosity in your children.