Top Seven Books for the Homeschool Mom

Are you a homeschool mom just starting out on your home education journey with little ones?  Or even a more seasoned homeschooler looking for some continuing inspiration?  If I were to sit down with a homeschool mom looking for direction, these would be the titles I'd encourage her to read.  Whether she has young children or old, these must-read books are sure to refocus and refresh any homeschooler.

*Homeschool Bravely by Jamie Erickson-- This is the inspiration I return to every summer to help me refocus and find inspiration for the new year.  Erickson cuts to the heart of the matter, addressing the common fears that all homeschoolers face including if our homeschools are enough for our kiddos.  She reminds us that the Lord knows our strengths as well as our weaknesses, and has called us each to our particular families.  Our homeschool success if based not on our own efforts, but rather on our obedience and the Lord working in our kiddo's lives.  This one recalibrates my heart year after year.

*The Read Aloud Family by Sarah MacKenzie-- Filled with practical strategies for making read alouds a part of your family culture, MacKenzie reminds us that reading aloud has the power to shape individuals as well as the future.  Practical skills include; finding the time, developing empathy and compassion in your children, academic benefits, and family shaping.  

*Better Together by Pam Barnhill-- Morning Time has been a bedrock of our homeschool since the beginning.  This short, easy to read book sets a vision for Morning Time, practical ways to make it work in a variety of family situations, and a multitude of resources to try.  I'm constantly inspired by the resources included in this book.  This title is one I read year after year.

*Give Your Child the World by Jamie Martin--This extensive booklist includes over 600 titles to explore countries and cultures, organized by region, country, and age range.  I've used this one a lot to enhance our history and geography studies and haven't been disappointed by any of Martin's suggestions.

*For the Children's Sake by Susan Schaeffer Macaulay--Based on a Christian understanding of what it means to be human, Macaulay helps educators build an enriching and intellectually stimulating environment for their children.  This book takes education out of the classroom and into the world, helping the child thrives in all areas of life, not just formal learning.

*The Lifegiving Home by Sally Clarkson-- Though not necessarily a homeschool book,  The Lifegiving Home includes ideas of families to enjoy their space year round.  Organized by monthly themes,, Clarkson inspires her readers to create special memories, establish routines and rhythms, and cultivate an environment where children (and homeschoolers) can thrive.

*The Call of the Wild and Free by Ainsley Arment--  The Wild and Free community, founded by Arment, encourages a love of nature, great books, and using the world as the classroom.  Prolonging the wonder of childhood and nurturing curiosity are also an essential part of this philosophy.  This book reminds me not to take my homeschool too seriously, but to embrace the moment. To remember the joy and wonder in the everyday.  And to point it out to those around me.

*The Charlotte Mason Companion by Karen Andreola-- This book is divided into short, quick chapter.  It can be read through cover to cover, or chapters picked out based on topic.  I love how Andreola breaks down Charlotte Masons's principles into every day language, providing easy entry into a Charlotte Mason education.

What titles would you add to the list?

Reflection Questions As You End Your Homeschool Year

One of the best ways to finish out the homeschool year is with some simple reflection on the past months.  Prepare a special meal or celebratory dessert, and linger together.  Reminisce over the past year and appreciate how far you've come. 

Questions to ask your Kiddos:

*What was your favorite Read Aloud? Why?

*Did you have.a favorite independent read?

*Did you have a favorite part of Morning Basket?

*What was your favorite project or activity?

*What advice would you give someone about to embark on the grade you just finished?

Questions to ask Yourself:

*What did you enjoy teaching? Why?

*What didn't you enjoy teaching? Why?

*What was a highlight of your year?

*Did you have a lowlight in your year?

*What was your favorite area of exploration this year?

What do you have to reflect on this year?

A Peek Into Our Homeschool Week ll Spring 2026

 Our spring schedule definitely ramped up in April and into the first week of May.  Having High Schoolers means that different seasons of our homeschool are BUSY, and mom and dad are here for it!  

Mondays are always a favorite for myself (Mom) because it's one of the slower days of our week.  There are still a few things on the schedule, but for the most part, we're home and checking things off our list.  Anyone else love a good checklist?  I know I certainly do... maybe  a little too much at times.  But the weather has been getting nicer so we spent quite a bit of time on the patio doing school work.  Later that evening, my daughter had a longer dance rehearsal since it's getting closer to recital.  While she was gone, my freshman aged son, my mother and I played one of our favorite card games: Dutch Blitz.  It's fast moving and absolutely hilarious!

Tuesday rolled around and it was choir recital day.  This is easily one of the craziest days of the year for me as I work on the choir parent council as well.  We arrived at the church for a final rehearsal and afternoon concert at 1pm and didn't leave until around 4 pm.  That'a a lot of socializing for a homeschool mom!  Then we were back at the church before 6 pm for a final evening concert.  My son has moved on to the senior choir, but I still enjoy helping out with the jr choir.  They are full of nerves and excitement.  And it's always a joy to see these kiddos performing and worshipping the Lord at concert time!  Then off to ice cream to celebrate afterwards because who doesn't love a little ice cream?

Wednesday we all needed to sleep in a little.  So I didn't wake up the kids until I was headed out the door for Bible study.  Our church has been going through a study on I and II Kings, and this was our final week.  I never would have thought of doing a study on those two books, but I ended up learning so much.  A little bittersweet to end our time together.  

I thought we would get back to a regular routine on Thursday, but no such luck.  My son had an afternoon Robotics class and while he was gone, I checked in with my senior daughter.  She's getting ready to graduate so I wanted to touch base about some of the required classes she is taking from me.  She finished up Michael Farris' American Civics class this week.  I cannot believe how much she learned from that course.  It's phenomenal!  She's also working her way through an 8-week accelerated nutrition course from our local junior college.  She's loving it, but it's very fast!

That afternoon, we met with our teacher from the charter school.  She was checking in with the kids to see how they're finishing out the year and we started talking about next year.  I put together a list of curriculum wants and needs for her.  It was a little sad as I'll be down to one student next year.  I'm excited for my daughter to graduate and excited for my son to be taking on new challenges next year, but it's hard to believe that we're already to this point.

Friday, we did finally take a breath.  Dance classes were over for the week.  We lived through choir concert.  Our homeschool group was on a hiatus.  It was a good chance for all of us to catch up on a little sleep.  I had muffins ready for the kids as we went through our morning time together.  It's still my favorite part of the day!

My husband and I wrapped up the week with Friday Night Small Group.  We've been meeting with this group for about two months and will take a beak soon.  But it's been a joy to meet and get together with people from church.  It's truly been a blessing!

What do your homeschool weeks look like lately?

The Elephant and the Piano {Review}

 

"An incredible and uplifting true story about how music has healed troubled elephants in a sanctuary in Thailand."

Short-tempered Bonti lives on an elephant sanctuary in Thailand.  Temperamental, the other elephants give Bonti lots of room, and he lives a fairly solitary life.  But when Paul Barton arrives with his piano, something magical happens.... for all the elephants, but especially for Bonti.

This story is beautifully lyrical, magical, ... and even more special considering it's a true story.  It's an inspiring triumph, reading how music and friendship created a special bond between man and animal.  This picture book touches on themes of big emotions, empathy, and the healing power of music.

A sweet and beautifully illustrated story for readers of all ages.

*Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book for review.  All opinions are my own.

15 Ways to Bless a New Mom

 1. Offer to bring the family a meal-- Everyone feels better with some food in their tummy.  And even if Mom's not hungry, her other little ones probably are.  What a relief to concentrate on her family without scrambling for dinner at 5 pm.  Be sure to check and see if there are any allergies and what time the family usually eats.  Otherwise, most moms find a meal to be such a blessing.

2. Bring a little something extra-- Don't forget dessert or something quick and easy for snacks or breakfast.  Those little extra touches can go a long way.

3. Set up a meal train for others to provide meals-- Most people want to bless the new family and see the new baby as well.  Setting up a meal train gives others an opportunity to see a need, meet it, pop in for a second, and use their gifts of hospitality as well.  This can be as simple as a piece of notebook paper passed around on a Sunday morning or as high tech as utilizing a meal train on TakeThemAMeal.com

4. Offer to bring a freezer meal-- On the other hand, sometimes a freezer meal is helpful as well.  Freezer meals are awesome for families who have relatives visiting and just want to set something aside for when visitors cease. 

5. Take other children to the park-- Offer to take her other kids to the park to run off some energy.  Often times when mom's at home with the new baby, the kids get sick of being cooped up.  They need to get out of the house with their friends and mom might just need a nap.  Even if Dad's home, this could be a good opportunity for he and Mom to just reconnect and get a breather.

6. Pick up some groceries-- If you feel comfortable knowing the family well enough, pick up a few things while you're at the store that you know they'll enjoy.  If not, check in with mom before you stop by and see if she needs anything.  Most families will be blessed by something as simple as a gallon of milk, a loaf of bread, and some peanut butter and jelly.

7. Clean her house-- If you can get away for a little while, send Mom to take a quick nap while you clean up the kitchen, sweep, or run a quick vaccum over the rug.

8. Give a gift card-- In today's society, there is no end to the type of gift cards available.  Coffee, groceries, diaper services, take-out, or delivery,... just to name a few.  Or if you like the idea of helping her clean our house, but don't have the time yourself, you can pay someone to make a one-time stop just to help her catch up.

9. Send a card-- If you're far away or just want to do something a little special for her, send her a note telling her that you're praying for her or a few words of encouragement.  The power of the written word can go a long way in encouraging a new mom.

10. Bring the older kids a treat-- If she has older kids, it's always nice to bring them something special.  It doesn't have to be much.  It can be something as little as some dollar store glow sticks, a pack of gum, or just telling them that you brought dessert 'cause you were thinking of them.

11. Fold her laundry--No one really enjoys doing laundry, but the real work begins when it comes out of the dryer.  This is a great one for helping out mom and still finding a way to visit.

12. Clean up her yard-- This is a big one for Moms and Dads both.  Yards often are at the bottom of the list in getting things done, but what a blessing to come home to a mowed lawn or trimmed hedges.  And this is a great way for your whole family to work together on a project: mowing, trimming, raking, prunning, or even planting.

13. Bring diapers-- Pick up a package of diapers and wipes.  If you're not sure about Mom's preference, you can't go wrong with those for sensitive skin and a receipt. 

14. Take her out for the evening-- Sometimes Mom just needs a night away from the chaos.  This will probably come later, but keep her mind as the weeks go on.  Recruit her husband in encouraging her to get away for awhile and find some place where you can both be comfortable and reconnect.  Every mom will spend a lot of time talking about her kids, but also wants to remember what it's like to just be a friend as well.

15. Follow up--Keep her in mind as the weeks and months progress.  When a new baby is born, there's usually a big rush to bless the family, but eventually all the buzz dies down.  That's when she needs you the most.  Check in with her from time to time and don't let her isolate herself.

What ideas to you have for blessing a new mom?