As I mentioned in the introduction, new homeschooling parents should learn as much about homeschooling as possible by reading many different sources. Here continues my Homeschool Glossary of books parents should read.
Books to Build On: A Grade-by-Grade Resource Guide for Parents and Teachers (Core Knowledge Series) by E. D. Hirsch Jr. and John Holdren (Paperback – Oct 1, 1996)
The book list for new and prospective homeschool parents should include more than just books specifically for homeschoolers, you should also read books teachers should read. This book is a great resource to have and keep in your homeschooling library. You can use it as a systematic guide as you build your homeschool curriculum, or as a reference book make sure you are covering all of your bases in your children’s education.
Charlotte Mason’s Original Homeschooling Series by Charlotte Mason (Paperback – Jul 1993)
The Charlotte Mason approach to homeschoolers is strictly followed by many homeschoolers, and influences all the rest. Therefore, every homeschooling parent should be familiar with Charlotte Mason’s educational theories. This six-volume set will inspire you to educate your children, while instilling a love for learning.
Classical Education and the Home School by Douglas Wilson, Wes Callihan, and Douglas Jones (Paperback – May 2001)
Taking education beyond back-to-basics is what Classical Homeschooling is about. Even for those that do not ascribe to the classic, Christian, approach to education, you should at least be aware of it. I know few homeschoolers whose ideas about education children are not influenced by classical education at least a some small way.
Complete Idiot’s Guide to Homeschooling by Marsha Ransom (Paperback – Feb 16, 2001)
If you wanted an instruction manual for homeschooling, The Complete Idiot’s guide to Homeschooling is the one you should have. This book, written for the new and inexperienced homeschoolers. If you only have time to read one book on homeschooling, I suggest you start with this one, and then read others anyway.
Cultural Literacy: What Every American Needs to Know by E.D. Hirsch Jr., originally written in1988, has been updated by The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy: What Every American Needs to Know by E. D. Hirsch, Joseph F. Kett, and James Trefil (Hardcover – Oct 3, 2002)
This is a true back to basics approach to education. According to this E.D. Classic, cultural education includes the bible, technology, idioms, world geography, mythology, folklore, and English literature. This is more than a trivia reference book. There is nothing trivial about it. Instead, it takes American History and breaks it down into a fact-filled resource that every homeschooler should have their shelf.
*Have a question about homeschooling? Just ask.
*Want to know more about homeschooling? Start with the 2006 homeschool blog in review!
* Have you seen the homeschooling curriculum glossary?