Bookshelf
Homeschooling books are an essential resource for families who choose to educate their children at home. They can offer valuable insights into teaching methods and strategies, as well as tips for managing a homeschooling schedule and balancing academic work with other activities. They also provide alternative ways of thinking about education or inspire a new direction. Whether you are new to homeschooling or a seasoned veteran, homeschooling books can be a valuable asset in providing your children with a high-quality education. We've created a selection of books that local homeschooling families often enjoy and find useful.
Note: We've curated a range of books that reflect diverse approaches to homeschooling and are often recommended by local families. However, do not expect to agree with every idea in every book - homeschooling is not a dogmatic monolith. It is a large community made up of families often with wide range of world views. Take what works for you and leave the rest. This is your homeschool life to design in a way that meets your values and works best for your unique family.
Books About Education and Homeschooling
Self-directed Learning Unschooling
By Peter Gray
"Free to Learn" by Peter Gray challenges traditional education, emphasizing the value of freedom, play, and curiosity in children's learning, inspiring readers to reimagine education and embrace alternative approaches that honor children's innate desire to learn and thrive.
Child-led learning Unschooling
By John Holt
"How Children Learn" by John Holt explores the innate curiosity and learning abilities of children, challenging traditional schooling methods and offering practical insights for parents and educators seeking to support children's natural learning processes.
Classical Education
The Well Trained Mind:
A Guide to Classical Education at Home
By Susan Wise Bauer and Jessie Wise
"The Well-Trained Mind: A Guide to Classical Education at Home" by Susan Wise Bauer and Jessie Wise provides practical advice and curriculum suggestions for homeschooling families interested in a classical education approach, guiding them through the various stages of education.
Teens
Your Complete Guide to Successfully Homeschooling the 13- to 18- Year-Old
By Cafi Cohen
This book focuses specifically on homeschooling teenagers, offering guidance on designing a high school curriculum, navigating socialization challenges, and preparing for college.
Unschooling
Teach Your Own:
The Indispensable Guide to Living and Learning with Children at Home
By John Holt & Pat Farenga
"Teach Your Own" is a seminal guide that empowers parents to take control of their children's education and explores the philosophy and practicality of homeschooling. It advocates for a learner-centered approach that respects children's individuality and natural curiosity.
What to cover by grade
How to Design a Homeschool Curriculum from Preschool Through High School
By Rebecca Rupp
"Home Learning Year by Year" offers a structured framework for designing a homeschool curriculum tailored to each child's developmental stage, providing guidance and recommendations for each grade level.
Simplifying Homeschooling
A Simple, Mercifully Short Book on Homeschooling
By Durenda Wilson
"The Unhurried Homeschooler: A Simple, Mercifully Short Book on Homeschooling" by Durenda Wilson encourages a nurturing approach to homeschooling, emphasizing the importance of slowing down, simplifying, and prioritizing family relationships.
Practical Advice
How You and Your Kids Can Thrive in the Homeschool Life
By Durenda Wilson
In "The Four-Hour School Day," homeschooling expert Durenda Wilson shares inspiring stories, demystifies homeschooling, and addresses common fears while equipping parents with practical advice to create a customized homeschooling plan that nurtures their child's interests and cultivates independent learning.
Books About Child Development & Parenting
Middle School Teens
By Chris Balme
"Finding the Magic in Middle School" helps parents discover the secrets to staying connected with their middle school-aged children, helping them navigate friendships, emotions, and self-discovery, all while fostering their curiosity and motivation. In this engaging and informed guide, Chris Balme, an experienced middle school founder and educator, combines insights from adolescent neuroscience with practical advice. It offers valuable parenting strategies for fostering independence, peer connections, and deep learning, while educators learn how to create a sense of belonging, promote social and emotional growth, and unleash students' full potential in the middle school environment.
Brain Development
12 Revolutionary Strategies to Nurture Your Child's Developing Mind
By Daniel J. Seigel & Tina Payne Bryson
Daniel J. Siegel, renowned neuropsychiatrist collaborates with parenting expert Tina Payne Bryson to present a groundbreaking approach to child rearing in "The Whole-Brain Child." This pioneering book introduces twelve essential strategies that promote healthy brain development, leading to greater emotional well-being and contentment in children. By explaining the science behind brain wiring and maturation, the authors provide accessible tools for parents to navigate and integrate their child's emotions, resulting in improved emotional and intellectual growth, and ultimately enabling children to lead balanced, purposeful, and connected lives.
Communication
By Adele Faber & Elaine Mazlish
This classic book provides guidance for parents and caregivers seeking effective communication strategies with children. Drawing on their extensive experience and research, they offer practical techniques that encourage cooperation, problem-solving, and understanding. This insightful book equips adults with the tools to nurture positive relationships, enhance children's self-esteem, and promote open, empathetic dialogue that fosters mutual respect and cooperation.
Teens Communication
By Adele Faber & Elaine Mazlish
In "How to Talk So Teens Will Listen and How to Listen So Teens Will Talk," authors Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish extend their communication expertise to the realm of teenage relationships. With compassion and practicality, they provide guidance on navigating the unique challenges of communicating with teenagers, addressing topics such as independence, decision-making, and conflict resolution. This book equips parents, educators, and caregivers with effective strategies to foster healthy, open communication, strengthen relationships, and support teenagers in navigating their emotional and social development.