There are almost an endless number of books to read and philosophies to consider when getting started with homeschool. It can feel overwhelming and intimidating to know which ones are really worth your time. But these three books have been recommended to me over and over again, and now, having read them myself, I understand why! These don’t prescribe a specific methodology for homeschooling, but they do provide incredible resources, inspiration, and general know-how to any homeschool mama, or would-be homeschool mama. Here are my reviews and hearty recommendations.
The Call of the Wild + Free by Ainsley Arment
This book is full of inspiration and homeschool and parenting wisdom not only from the author, but also from a whole community of mothers. It offers researched ideas about choosing an outside-the-box lifestyle and practical advice about how to create a beautiful homeschool experience for your family. It will change the way you think about education, and it is incredibly freeing, opening a new world of possibilities. If you want to homeschool, but it seems heavy, feels like drudgery, or you need a boost to get excited about it, READ THIS FIRST!
Teaching From Rest by Sarah Mackenzie
This book is a very quick read, packed with comforting content and beautiful strategies to manage a home, family and home education without panicking. It’s written from a Christian perspective, but the practical aspects could certainly apply to audiences of any belief system. The author gets what real life is like, and doesn’t push impossible ideologies, but instead very thoroughly guides you through creating an intentional, peaceful homeschool experience not in spite of life’s challenges, but because of them. If you are feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or struggling with a perfectionistic view of homeschool, READ THIS FIRST!
Rethinking School by Susan Wise Bauer
This book is powerful! The author is a homeschool mom, college professor and researcher, and in this incredible work, she debunks common misconceptions about modern education and puts learning differences (from clinically diagnosed disabilities to extreme giftedness) into perspective. It’s packed with powerful, practical strategies to help parents customize their child’s education, even if they choose to stay in the school system, but also specifically for those who “opt out” through homeschool. If you are feeling discouraged, concerned about your child, or anxious about the efficacy of homeschooling, READ THIS FIRST!
You can’t go wrong with any of these books, and I’d recommend reading all three of them, but for starters, use the reviews to choose the one that you need first! Happy reading!
Fearless Motherhood 