Homeschooling? Books to Get You Started

Mini Series on Beginning Homeschooling {Part Two}
Part One
Part Three


In yesterday's post about my three best tips for beginning homeschooling, I promised a reading list of books to guide and inspire.  Happy reading!

“Getting Started” Books
{or}
“Refresher and Encouragement Books for Those Who Have Already Started”

Mary Pride's Complete Guide to Getting Started in Homeschooling ~ Mary Pride

When I first began homeschooling, I read Pride's The Big Book of Home Learning.  It was invaluable. It is no longer in print, but this book (Complete Guide...) is the updated and improved version.

If you've ever read anything by Mary Pride, you know that she does not leave a stone unturned. She has a passion for excellence when it comes to all areas of family life, including homeschooling.  
    


The Christian Home School ~ Gregg Harris

A great first book about homeschooling!  Harris, a pioneer in the homeschool movement, presents the Biblical case for parents being the primary teachers of their children.     

How to Homeschool ~ Gayle Graham

Chock full of teaching and organizing ideas for the beginning homeschooler.   I read this book every summer for years. 

A Charlotte Mason Companion: Personal Reflections on the Gentle Art of Learning ~ Karen Andreola

Perfect book to read to be introduced to the methods of 19^th century educator Charlotte Mason.  Andreola provides lots of practical ideas she has used in teaching her own children. 

Homeschool Burnout ~ Dr. Raymond and Dorothy Moore

I read this book before I ever started homeschooling—not because I was “burned out” (I hadn’t even begun!), but because it was one of the few books about homeschooling that I could find in the public library.  However, it gave me a vision that “home schooling” did not have to be “school at home.”  

The Moores authored many other books such as Home Spun Schools, Better Late Than Early, and Home Grown Kids.  Their most recent book is The Successful Homeschool Family Handbook.  (I have not read this one.)

Educating the Whole-Hearted Child ~ Clay and Sally Clarkson

The Clarksons emphasize the HOME in homeschooling!  They have many ideas for teaching to the heart of your child.  Lots of Scriptural foundation. 

Beyond Survival: A Guide to Abundant-Life Homeschooling ~ Diana Waring

This book encourages you to find joy in the journey of the homeschooling life.

           

Homeschooling the EASY Way ~ Cindy Rushton

Cindy Rushton’s “you can do it” style inspires confidence!  If you think, “I can’t,” then borrow, beg, or buy this book.

Home Designed Form-U-la ~ Barb Shelton

Fresh ideas about teaching, designing courses, and record-keeping for the high school student.  

You Can Teach Your Child Successfully and The Three R’s ~ Ruth Beechick

These books offer strategies for simplifying the teaching of every subject. 

Homeschooling for Excellence ~ David and Micki Colfax

The Colfaxes tell about their "out of the box" education methods as they homeschooled their four sons in the 1970's and 80's.  (Three of the sons continued their education at Harvard!)  

I know that this is not an exhaustive list! Fellow homeschoolers, are there books that you'd add to my list?  Let my readers know in the comments!