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Homeschool Books

Thinking Tree Books in Our Homeschool

by Ashley Mullen Leave a Comment

We don’t homeschool the same way ever year. We change things up, and things change. Because life is not consistently the same every year. The beauty of homeschooling is that you can roll with the changes, you can makes changes as they are needed. This year we are trying Thinking Tree Books in our homeschool.

Thinking Tree Books in our homeschool

This post contains affiliate links, see my disclosure policy for more information.

Our first four years were spent some what structured in Saskatchewan, our fifth year was super relaxed, boarding on unschooling. This year, I am looking for the middle ground. Going interest led with my kids, letting them learn about what they want in an organized fashion.

All About Arctic Animals – 11 Different Animals – Google Slide Presentation

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Thinking Tree Books

I had a couple of these books way back when we first started homeschooling, but we didn’t use them because I didn’t understand how to use them for our lessons. I was still stuck in a curriculum mind set. I donated them before we left Saskatchewan. I wish we had them now.

Something I have noticed lately is that secular homeschoolers seem to be a lot more relaxed in the material options. These books are great for a creative homeschooling method. Each page is ready for coloring, doodling, creating, and learning.

There are books for bible use, but there are so many that are perfect for anyone! We currently have four for my kids, ready to go, plus I have more for later in the year, or next year, or for whenever I decide we are going to use them.

Books we are using:

  • Endangered Species – if you know my kids you know this is a favorite!
  • Learn Any Foreign Language
  • My First fun School Zoo Curriculum
  • All About Animals – Creative Writing

I also have a couple of these for myself. That’s right, they have books for mom!

  • Mom School: Teach Your Children by Being a Good Example
  • Homeschooling Handbook for Moms: How to Teach by Example

Why I like Thinking Tree Books

I like allowing my kids to learn about what interests them. These books let’s us do that. There are so many great books.

They are fun. They are perfect for kids who like to doodle, or are creative and like to color, which fits my kids.

They aren’t formal. These books aren’t telling me what to teach my kids , when to teach my kids it. They are more like suggests on how to follow your child’s interest.

How We Use them in Our Homeschool

We’re eclectic homeschoolers which means we draw from different resources for our education instead of using a particular curriculum. These books, these journals, have been a great way for us to homeschool using books and topics of our interest.

A homeschool routine is important for us. School starts when my kids are finished breakfast and getting ready for the day. It starts with their math lessons and then moves to the subject of day. That might be learning about endangered animals, and then creative writing. Or it might be foreign language.

We do things our way. We learn from watching documentaries and reading books. Thinking Tree books just give a place to collect our thoughts or knowledge in a fun and interesting way.

Similar posts you may be interested in:

Learning to Read in Kindergarten

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Filed Under: Books, Books for Homeschoolers, Curriculum, Homeschool Tagged With: Homeschool Books

How to Fill Your Homeschool Bookshelves

by Ashley Mullen Leave a Comment

Part of building your homeschool library, or any library is is finding the best books for your homeschool needs, while not breaking the bank. Your homeschool bookshelves do not have to be a physical bookshelf in your home, because e-books can be so much more cost effective and space saving for you.

Fill Your Homeschool Bookshelves

This post contains affiliate links, see my disclosure policy for more information.

I am a huge advocate for using your public library but there are times when I think that buying a book for your own homeschool library bookshelves. Those books that you are checking out of the library again and again and hate having to return. That’s one of the things I keep in mind when deciding to buy a book for our home.

You can fill your library with fiction and nonfiction resources that are not just informative but fun. You’ll find it helpful to have books on hand as resources for lessons, activities, fun days, and just because.

Stocking up on books for your homeschool library may sound awesome but expensive.

Best Places to buy homeschool books

Best Places to Look for Your Homeschool Bookshelf:

Amazon

Amazon has great prices for a lot of books. Often when looking for a book on Amazon, you’ll find that the book is available new, but there are often used copies available as well through Amazon, and through other

Plus there is Amazon Kindle. An e-book subscription that gives you unlimited reading from over 1 million e-books, that you can read from any device.

Costco

If you have a Costco membership then keep your eye out for great book series like Harry Potter to go along with your Wizard’s and Wands curriculum. They are often really great prices for new books.

Costco typically has workbooks too for homeschooling, I have found some really great ones for my kids in the past there. They love using them during down time, and they are great for keeping that summer slide away.

Walmart

There aren’t always great books here, but occasionally they have one that we want. And you know what Walmart does have here that makes me add them to this list: 40% off.

Creative Writing Journal – All Subjects

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Facebook Groups

This is where I get a lot of books for my kids. Whether it is someone giving away a box of books, or a homeschool mom selling books that she no longer needs. This is what I do with books that no longer fit out needs or my kids have out grown.

You can search for Homeschool groups, Buy and Sell groups, other local groups.

Thrift Stores

Thrift store finds can be amazing! You aren’t always going to find some thing great here, but when you do chances are the price is going to be amazing.

Local Library Book Sales

This is another great place to find used books at an amazing price. Austin, my oldest, has found great human body books that she loves to learn from on her own.

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Similar posts you may be interested in:

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Filed Under: Books, Books for Homeschoolers Tagged With: Homeschool Books

Kindle Books for Homeschool Moms

by Ashley Mullen Leave a Comment

I know that I can’t be the only one going though new book withdraw? I just want to head to the library and grab some new books to read. But I can’t. I can download from the libraries OverDrive system, if they have what I am looking for, but when all else fails, Amazon is there for me with Kindle books. I have created a list of books for homeschool moms that are all available on Kindle.

Kindle Books for Homeschool Moms

Kindle Books for Homeschool Moms

This post contains affiliate links, see my disclosure policy for more information.

I have read almost all of these books. There are just a few that I still have on my to be read list.

The Call of the Wild and Free: Reclaiming Wonder in Your Child’s Education – Allow your children to experience the adventure, freedom, and wonder of childhood with this practical guide that provides all the information, inspiration, and advice you need for creating a modern, quality homeschool education.

The Ultimate Book of Homeschooling Ideas: 500+ Fun and Creative Learning Activities for Kids – As a homeschooling parent, you’re always looking for new and creative ways to teach your child the basics. Look no longer! Inside this innovative helper, you’ll find kid-tested and parent-approved techniques for learning math, science, writing, history, manners, and more that you can easily adapt to your family’s homeschooling needs. 

The Unhurried Homeschooler: A Simple, Mercifully Short Book on Homeschooling – Homeschooling is a wonderful, worthwhile pursuit, but many homeschool parents struggle with feelings of burnout and frustration. If you have ever felt this way, you’re not alone!

Minimalist Homeschooling: A values-based approach to maximize learning and minimize stress – Remove the clutter in your child’s education by taking a deeper look at how you invest your time and energy. Homeschooling does not have to mean a crazy, busy life of too much to do, too much to buy, and too much to plan. You don’t have to choose between excellence and sanity while homeschooling – you can have both!

The Brave Learner: Finding Everyday Magic in Homeschool, Learning, and Life – In this book, Julie Bogart distills decades of experience–homeschooling her five now grown children, developing curricula, and training homeschooling families around the world–to show parents how to make education an exciting, even enchanting, experience for their kids, whether they’re in elementary or high school.

The Read-Aloud Family: Making Meaningful and Lasting Connections with Your Kids – The stories we read–and the conversations we have about them–help shape family traditions, create lifelong memories, and become part of our legacy. Reading aloud not only has the power to change a family–it has the power to change the world.

5 Easy Steps to Successfully Homeschool Your Child – Do you want to create fun and engaging lessons? Are you struggling to motivate your child to learn? Are you looking for new ways to test your child progress without using conventional memory-based tests?

Home Learning Year by Year, Revised and Updated: How to Design a Creative and Comprehensive Homeschool Curriculum – Homeschooling can be a tremendous gift to your children—a personalized educational experience tailored to each kid’s interests, abilities, and learning styles. But what to teach, and when, and how? Especially for first-time homeschoolers, the prospect of tackling an annual curriculum can be daunting.

Extraordinary Parenting: the essential guide to parenting and educating at home – In this warm, accessible book, experienced parenting coach Eloise Rickman tells you everything you really need to know about parenting and educating your child at home. Whether you’re planning to make a permanent move to homeschooling or you’re temporarily balancing it alongside paid work, Extraordinary Parenting shows that you don’t need a huge house, endless free time, or a host of expensive resources to unlock your child’s potential.

Plan Your Year: Homeschool Planning for Purpose and Peace – “Plan Your Year” is a practical approach to homeschool planning that breaks free of grids and unrealistic expectations, focusing instead on the needs of the students, the teacher (yes, you!), and the busy life you lead.

Relaxed Homeschooling: How to Unlock the Secrets in Books and Life’s Hidden Curriculum – Is your homeschool full of worksheets and never-ending tasks that are draining the enjoyment of learning from your children? Do you find yourself dreading certain subjects because they only result in tears and frustration? Or maybe your homeschooling adventure is about to begin and your looking into your options. Relaxed Homeschooling is designed to help you learn how to homeschool in a relaxed and natural way. Its step-by-step guide will teach you how to inspire learning at home through classic literature, life, and experience. It will also teach you how to recognize your child’s interests and be a mentor rather than just a teacher.

The Big Book of Homeschool Ideas – In this book, we go beyond the basics of academics and delve into delightful methods like active learning, learning with video games, using LEGO® bricks for learning, teaching on the road, learning with movies, and gardening.

Think Outside the Classroom: A Practical Approach to Relaxed Homeschooling – The book challenges the status quo of “education”, helping parents to see what their children really need to do well in life, then equips them with practical strategies for a more relaxed lifestyle of learning.

Simple Science for Homeschooling High School: Because Teaching Science isn’t Rocket Science! – Let Lee Binz, The HomeScholar, show you the way! Lee’s fearless approach and easy to follow guidance will make any parent a science success, no matter how science-phobic! Just keep in mind the first principle of homeschooling high school: “You don’t have to learn it. Your kids have to learn it.”

The Unschooling Handbook: How to Use the Whole World As Your Child’s Classroom – Did you know that a growing percentage of home schoolers are becoming unschoolers? The unschooling movement is founded on the principle that children learn best when they pursue their own natural curiosities and interests. Without bells, schedules, and rules about what to do and when, the knowledge they gain through mindful living and exploration is absorbed more easily and enthusiastically.

The Book on Homeschooling: Making the Best Choices for a Successful and Fun Homeschool Experience – We all have fear and doubt when we venture into the unknown; homeschooling is no different. We all have concerns whether we can function as both parent and teacher. Can we manage work, homeschool, and family life without stress? Will I be able to find time for myself? You are not alone. These worries are common to everyone. Whether new to homeschool or a homeschooler who has hit a snag and become discouraged, we all need tools to assist us in making homeschool successful.

Homeschool Planning Guide for the Unorganized Mom – This Homeschool Planning for the Unorganized Mom is perfect for you if: You worry your lack of organization will ruin your family’s homeschooling and keep your kids from learning; you know you need to plan a little more but hate the idea of having your entire day scheduled out down to the minute.

Homeschooling When You Have to: A Quick Start Guide – Has your family been suddenly thrust into homeschooling due to the current pandemic crisis and nationwide school closings? Do you need help navigating this transition? This book is for parents who need to start homeschooling quickly, and in the most efficient and least stressful way possible. Whether you plan to continue homeschooling after the crisis is over, or if your time together at home is temporary.

Homeschool Adventures: Learning Through the Power of Field Trips – In this book, Melissa explains the research behind using adventures as learning, how to get the most out of them, plan them, and overcome excuses not to go. The second half of the book includes lists of places to go for your circumstance whether that is large families, just teens, children in special circumstances and many more. 

Help! I’m Homeschooling!: Helpful Habits for the Heart of Homeschooling – Help! I’m Homeschooling! is packed with the practical, how to advice to encourage you and build your confidence – whether you are a brand-new homeschooler or a seasoned veteran. For nearly two decades we’ve turned to our habits as the ‘bones’ of our day. Our habits help us accomplish a basic school day and get food on the table.

Kindle Books for Homeschool Moms

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Filed Under: Books, Books for Homeschoolers Tagged With: books for mom, Homeschool Books, Homeschool Mom

6 Secular Books for Homeschoolers

by Ashley Mullen Leave a Comment

Finding books for homeschoolers that do not have a religious view or take, or something can be hard. I mean, ridiculously hard, I have been looking for five years and still have hadn’t the best luck. But there are some, and they are great. There are some other really great books for homeschoolers that are fully secular.

Secular Books for Homeschoolers

Homeschool Books for Secular Homeschoolers

*This post contains affiliate links, see my disclosure policy for more information.*

Zenschooling: Living a Fabulous & Fulfilling Life Without School – Homeschooling is an extraordinary experience, but it can also be stressful and overwhelming. Bring a little Zen into your education at home, and use the power of experience, mindfulness, and acceptance to create an amazing homeschooling life.

Homeschooling and Loving It – Learn the art of stress-free homeschooling so you can homeschool your children without losing your mind or your pocketbook.

Positive Discipline Ninja Tactics – Are you struggling to live peacefully with your young child? Do you sometimes feel like, between temper tantrums and resistance to simple requests – such as coming to the dinner table or getting dressed – you want to melt down right alongside your kids?

The Art of Self Directed Learning – This book will inspire you to craft your own unconventional education, no matter whether you’re a young adult, recent graduate, parent, or simply someone who never wants to stop learning.

Secrets of a Successful Homeschool Mom – Most of us have at least a few insecurities hidden inside about whether or not we can actually do this homeschooling thing. Often we are our own biggest obstacle. It makes sense that we would feel this way–after all, we’ve been taught that education is complicated. But what if some of what we’ve been taught is not true?

Homeschool Teacher: a practical guide to inspiring academic excellence – Homeschool Teacher is a guide for families new to homeschooling, old hands looking for ideas, and parents wanting to help their children after school. Based on twelve years of homeschooling experience and academic research, Homeschool Teacher covers how we learn, teaching tactics, specific recommendations for subject areas, how to choose the best curriculum for your family.

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Homeschool Books I Recommend for Beginning

Homeschool Books I Recommend for Beginning

Filed Under: Books, Books for Homeschoolers Tagged With: Books for Homeschoolers, books for moms, Homeschool Books, Secular homeschool Books

D.E.A.R. Day! Drop Everything and Read: April 12

by Ashley Mullen Leave a Comment

It does not take much to convince me to drop everything and read, just show me to a library, a bookstore, or hand me a great book. My kids thankfully are rather similar. If you need us on April 12th you’ll know where to find us, curled up on the couch, or in bed read some great books. Need a great book suggestion? I have some for you.

Drop Everything and Read - April 12

D.E.A.R. Day! Drop Everything and Read: April 12

*This post contains affiliate links, see my disclosure policy for more information.*

We have five bookshelves in our home, with books for all of us. But we all have our favorite books, books that we can read again and again. Books that I’ve bought for our family, some really great books that came with our BookShark curriculum this year.

Little Kids Books

Green Eggs and Ham – This book is great and repetitive enough for little ones to try reading on their own

One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish –  A fun book for little ones to listen to, and to start their reading with

Oh the Places You’ll Go – my favorite children’s book, I love read it to my kids.

Kids Books

The Book with No Pictures – This book is so much fun on both sides – reader and listener.

Berenstain Bears – Any of them, we love them all.

Harry Potter – we have listened to these on audio, they made our driving anywhere so much better. And I have my eye on buying the actual books, because we are just that big of fans that we want to re-read them again. And again.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid

Books for Teens

Divergent Series – These were a great read, I love reading series and if you or your teen read The Hunger Games then you just might love these as well

The Fault in Our Stars – I totally read this one before the movie came out. So sweet.

City of Bones – I read these a while ago as well, I went through a period of time reading series after series

Red Queen

Homeschool Books

Home Learning Year By Year –

Homeschool Your Child for Free –

The Homeschool Experiment – Review here – A great read even if you don’t homeschool.

Books for Moms

These are on my “to be read” reading list.

Small Great Things – Jodi Picoult

Surprise Me – Sophie Kinsella

The Perfect Nanny – Leila Slimani

 

What are some of your family’s favorite books be? What will you be

Filed Under: Books, Books for Homeschoolers, Books for Kids Tagged With: Books, Books for Homeschoolers, books for kids, books for moms, books for teens, Homeschool Books

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A Little About Me

I'm Ashley, a Canadian secular homeschool mom of 3, living in Nova Scotia.

I share our adventures in homeschooling and parenting.

You can usually find us at the library surrounded by books.
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