Episode 42

You know I love books, right!?! In this episode of my podcast, I want to just share my five favorite books for homeschoolers. And why I love them so much! Books every homeschooling parent should read.

Part of the challenge in choosing books is that there are just so many out there!

Whether you’re new to homeschooling, new to Waldorf or holistic homeschooling, or just looking to find inspiration for your homeschooling journey, I think you’ll discover some new resources in this episode.

I hope you’ll take the time to listen. And you can find my list of five favorite books for homeschoolers (with links) below in the show notes.

This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience (which means if you make a purchase after clicking a link, I will earn a small commission but it won’t cost you a penny more). You can read my full disclosure policy here.

“There is no single effort more radical in its potential for saving the world than a transformation of the way we raise our children.” ~ Marianne Williamson

Books for Homeschoolers

**#1: Simplicity Parenting by Kim John Payne**

This is the book that has brought me so much comfort as well as conviction for my parenting and homeschooling journey. It is hands down one of my very favorite books for parents!

It’s a beautiful book, inspiring a feeling of “I can do this!” and “My work is important!” So encouraging and practical! There is real magic in the Simplicity Parenting Movement.

Here are a few of the concepts explored in the book: how to work with a daily rhythm, the importance of the home environment for you and your kids, keeping it feeling peaceful and open, and how to simplify schedules and filter out the adult world, particularly for younger kids.

This is the book that led me to develop my mantra, “Rather than perfection, let’s focus on connection.”

#2: You Are Your Child’s First Teacher by Rahima Baldwin

You Are Your Child’s First Teacher helped me to see all of the important learning that was going on in day-to-day life with young children, even when I felt empty and overwhelmed as a young mom.

Funny story: I actually called up Rahima Baldwin, the author, on the phone after reading her book! And this was before cell phones! She actually answered her house phone and we talked for over an hour.

Rahima’s book is full of so many practical ideas about topics such as nourishing your child’s imagination and artistic ability, and developing rhythm. If you have children under the age of seven, read this book!

#3: Family Matters by David Guterson

Now on to my favorite book about choosing to homeschool. This is such a great book if you’re having doubts or someone you love has doubts about homeschooling.

This book explores how children learn and why homeschooling is a legitimate choice. It’s an easy read, practical and inspiring. Check it out if you want to read about choosing homeschool in order to give your children the very best education you can.

#4: The Tasks and Content of the Steiner-Waldorf Curriculum, edited by Martin Rawson and Tobias Richter

Next up is a resource book for parents interested in the Waldorf approach and the Waldorf curriculum in particular.

So many people come to me as a homeschool mentor asking, “What curriculum should I buy?”

One of the very best things we can do as homeschoolers is to learn how to craft a curriculum that meets the needs and development of our particular children right where they are. And this is the book to help you understand the different subjects and developmental stages of Waldorf education. It’s a fantastic reference book to have on your bookshelf because it is so useful for planning out your homeschooling year and your main lesson blocks.

#5: Creative Pathways: Activities That Strengthen the Child’s Cognitive Forces by Elizabeth Auer

This final book on my list of favorite books for homeschoolers is full of beautiful but doable projects for holistic, hands-on homeschooling.

Elizabeth Auer’s book includes a brief explanation of the effectiveness of a hands-on teaching approach and a section on creativity. It love this section because it’s quite digestible and really inspiring!

Then the book progresses from grade 1 through grade 8, giving three or four hands-on activities for each grade. For each project, Elizabeth describes a bit about why, but also then goes into detail about what supplies you need and how to do the project. From beginning handwork, painting, and modeling in first grade to mosaics, black and white drawing, and modeling clay busts in middle school, this book has just enough guidance to give you confidence and spark your creativity.

My Recommendation: Pick One!

So there you have my five favorite books for homeschoolers.

Wherever you are on your homeschooling journey, I suggestion you pick one and start from there. Because collecting lots and lots of resources, books, anything really, could be a sign that we’re feeling less than confident. Myself included!

So keep it simple and start with one that speaks to you the most right now.

I really encourage you to find books that not only help you with frustrations you may have in your current phase of parenting, but also books that help you to feel better about yourself and why you have chosen to parent and homeschool the way you have.

Parenting is such amazing work because through our parenting we really are changing the world, one family at a time.

Thank goodness there are some amazing books out there!

“If you want to change the world, go home and love your family.” ~Mother Teresa

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