Each year through our weeks off during the Christmas break, I read several inspiring home-educating-related books to stay creative and motivated. Time alone spent educating ourselves makes us better teachers and mentors, and the breaks we incorporate in our schedules provide the time to read deeply — instead of peeking in here and there between hours in a busy homeschool schedule. Here are 5 books you might find inspiration from over the holidays:

 

1. For the Children’s Sake: Foundations of Education for Home and School
by Susan Schaeffer Macaulay

I really cannot count the number of times I have read this book. It provides such a wonderful reminder of what it means to learn, who these children are, how to respect them while encouraging their growth, and how to set the atmosphere in my home to accomplish these goals.

 

2. You Can Teach Your Child Successfully
by Dr. Ruth Beechick

There is something about reading any book by Dr. Beechick that is encouraging! Her practical tone and professional insight combine to inspire us to believe — yes, we CAN do this! This particular title is a favorite for several reasons, but it a worthy yearly read simply for the advice in the area of language arts. Believe me, there is a better way!

 

3. Dr. Beechick’s Homeschool Answer Book

This one is different, but just reading through can really calm the soul! If you find yourself anxious about your ability to educate your child, your child’s future, how to teach spelling, or testing (among a wide host of topics), grab this book!

 

4. A book on a particular educational method.

Grab ideas that work for you. You might not want to (and probably shouldn’t) change gears at this point, but you’ll come away with inspirational ideas that can be incorporated into your current schedule.

 

5. A favorite devotional.

In the past I have read devotionals targeted specifically at homeschool moms, but also some Christmas-themed titles that keep me in the right spirit during what can be a hectic time of year. Slowing down and spending time in God’s word is always an enriching way to spend Christmas break!

 

As I look around the over-filled bookshelves in my office, I cannot count the dozens and dozens of books that in one way or another made our time educating at home very special and vibrant — and yes, very effective! Certainly too many to recommend. And you too will grow to find your own favorites that you return to year after year.

Merry Christmas!