Busy Mama's Guide to Self Education: Catholic Homeschooling

You all know by now the importance I place on self education. Not only is it important for us to develop individually, but it is also important for us to learn all we mothers can about doing the best in the different roles we play. Let’s talk about our role as Catholic homeschooling mothers. How can we learn to educate our children to the best of our abilities?

How even the busy mama can learn about Catholic homeschooling!

My road to Catholic Homeschooling…

About 6 years ago I began exploring Catholic homeschooling. It was something I had vowed NEVER to do even though Husband was a successful homeschooling graduate. Praise be to God that He always gets the last word!

I educated myself into homeschooling by learning from the many of the resources below. As a homeschooling mother, I want to do the best I can in educating my children. Continuing to learn all I can about different methods, processes, and materials helps me reach that goal.

These are some of the resources I explored and found helpful along my journey to Catholic homeschooling. Many of the books I still pick up to be renewed in my vocation as the primary educator of my children. I pray these Catholic homeschooling resources will be a help to you!

You will notice that many of the resources I recommend aren’t necessarily Catholic. I’ve been somewhat unimpressed with the Catholic homeschooling literature and resources that I have perused. While I could fill this post with every homeschooling book I’ve ever read, I want to only give you the best of the best!

Top resources for learning about Catholic homeschooling:

Books:

(Don’t be intimidated by books! Even the busy mother can find ways to sneak reading into her day. Teach yourself to read for meaning and not necessary word-by-word. Keep them in strategic places around your home to pick up when you get that rare quiet moment!)

The Well-Trained Mind: A Guide to Classical Education at Home (Third Edition) This is one of the first books every beginning homeschooler should read. Don’t be intimidated by its size-much of its bulk consists of lists of recommended curriculum. Even if you don’t consider yourself a classical homeschooler, it will help you familiarize yourself with the ins-and outs of homeschooling and give you lots of great curriculum to begin looking through.

Educating the WholeHearted Child I read this book for the first time several years ago and it was like a breath of fresh air. You’ll learn about living books, Charlotte Mason style homeschooling, and about entrusting God with your children and homeschool. It develops a framework for thinking about homeschooling and is packed full of resources to explore! The book, written by Protestants Clay and Sally Clarkson, does have many “Bible alone” references within its pages, but nevertheless, it is a must read in my opinion.

Designing Your Own Classical Curriculum If you are a Catholic homeschooler, this will point you to many specifically Catholic resources to use in your homeschool. It contains specific course of study suggestions grade-by-grade, including solid ways to teach the faith. If you really like the book, you may be interested in enrolling through Mother of Divine Grace School or using their grade appropriate syllabi. While we used to use a more eclectic approach to our homeschooling, we have since switched to MODG and have loved the continuity and structure it provides.

Teaching Tips and Techniques I was referred to this book after making the switch to MODG in our own homeschool. This book is a series of talks given by Laura Berquist (founder of MODG) that have been reworked. I love how much practical advise was packed into this spiral bound book. I read through it the first time this summer, and I know I will be rereading it for summers to come! It is available at the MODG online bookstore here.

A Charlotte Mason Companion: Personal Reflections on The Gentle Art of Learning Karen Andreola does a magnificent job breaking down Charlotte Mason’s educational philosophies in this easily digestible book. I have also read Charlotte Mason’s original writings, but this companion covers everything in an easier to read format. If you want to bring truth, beauty, and peace to your homeschool, you must read this companion! I would mention that I find it comes up short on practical, step-by-step help. It will; however, help you develop the Charlotte Mason mindset.

Teaching from Rest This is a book I reread every summer. It doesn’t have a lot of meat concerning the ins and outs of homeschooling, but it focuses on the most important foundation – the mother’s heart. When you feel the weight of your homeschool burdening your shoulders, this book will pick you up. (If you need a pick-me-up, you’ll also enjoy my post on Preparing your Heart for Homeschooling.)

Websites/Blogs/Podcasts:

(Do be careful about the advise you get from the internet (that goes for my own blog!). While the web is such a great way to stay connected, it is also full of lots of empty noise. There are so many people spewing their opinions. Use caution, your conscience, and your own wisdom in gleaning advice from cyber experts!)

Pinterest has become my go-to source when I need ideas for my homeschooling. I have boards covering homeschool organization, school rooms, nature study, and much more! One tip: I only pin ideas that I find truly helpful and inspiring. I don’t want to be overwhelmed with useless pins when I go to one of my boards. I like Pinterest as a place to gather ideas rather than a place to glean wisdom, advice, or life philosophy – again, it’s about using wisdom. I’d love it if you followed me on Pinterest! Happy pinning!

Like Mother, Like Daughter

I really enjoy Auntie Leila’s posts on homeschooling. She takes a relaxed, living book approach similar to ours. It is always encouraging to see someone who has succeeded as a homeschooler! She is truly a cyber Titus 2 woman for us younger Catholic homeschooling mothers.

Amongst Lovely Things

Sarah McKenzie is a fellow Catholic homeschooler. While she doesn’t post a lot on the Catholic aspect of her homeschool, she is not afraid to share her faith. She also has a great podcast called The Read Aloud Revival which focuses on feeding our children with good literature.

Your Morning Basket, Homeschool Solutions, and Homeschool Snapshots

These podcasts are put out by Pam Barnhill and are such a great way to learn easily about homeschooling. I love to listen to podcasts while I clean, paint, or work on a project.

A Real Life Catholic Homeschooling Tribe

Friends in Your Season of Life

My family and I are so blessed to have a wonderful group of young, Catholic homeschooling families in our area. We have a co-op that meets monthly. The other mothers and I can be totally honest with one another and are always there to help one another out. There is no one-up-manship (is that even a word?). We are very different, but can talk and discuss things in a completely non-judgmental and respectful way.

If you don’t have this sort of support, pray for it! I prayed for a year before God dumped all these amazing people in my lap. He continues to bless us by letting our little group grow every year. The friendships for my children, for Husband, and for myself have been completely priceless! God is good!

Friends beyond Your Season of Life

I would be leaving out a key ingredient in my homeschooling success if I left out all the veteran homeschoolers who have offered inspiration and advice. Where would we be without these pioneers? While I don’t have constant contact with these older homeschooling mothers, I am always blessed when I do encounter them.

Last summer, our co-op invited one of these mothers to talk to us at every park day. The veteran homeschooler would just chat with us younger mothers while our children played. It was so encouraging!

These are the women we should be turning to when we need advise. We can judge them by the fruit of their hands and know whether they will give us Godly advice.