Reasons #6 Why I Love Homeschooling
Reading. I’m a lifelong bibliophile so it’s no surprise that books are a significant part of our daily homeschool routine. In fact, books are a part of our routine in general. We have quiet “reading dinners” and lunches sometimes (entirely at the request of my kiddos - one which I’m most delighted to oblige). We never leave home without a couple books, and keep a book basket in the car. Sometimes, I have to literally pry a book from their hands to ask them what they want for breakfast. We are fortunate to live in a state with a library consortium. This allows us to check out and return books to libraries all over Connecticut. We often teeter out of local libraries with stacks and bags full of books. One of the greatest joys of reading is sharing thoughts on a book with others. I love discussing books and have found that even better than a book chat is reading a book aloud to my kids. The shared experience lends itself well to discussions on life lessons and styles of writing. It sparks our imagination and encourages exploration of other topics. Books we choose to read aloud often reflect the mood we are in, the season, and/or our interests. Read alouds have enabled us to discuss heavy topics in a safe environment at home (like jealousy, death, war, racism, prejudice, and puberty - all topics that seem so mature for 9 year olds but are undoubtedly floating around out there). I’ve been reading to my kiddos since they were in the womb. Literally. When they were toddlers I read every Little Critter and Berenstain Bears book known to man probably 20 times over. We eventually matured into chapter books like Percy Jackson and the I Survived series. Non fiction books about all sorts of topics have also been part of our book rotation. This week, our library haul included several books on buildings and architecture since both kiddos are into house design at the moment. Over the summer we checked out nearly every book on fishing available. Last week, it was hair styling. Several times it’s been baking. We’ve read funny books, like Danny, The Champion of the World and Igraine the Brave. We’ve read a couple classics like the Secret Garden and Swiss Family Robinson. We’ve tackled all 7 Harry Potter books (with a short break in between 4 and 5) and recently started the Hobbit. Matilda, The Witches, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and James and the Giant Peace were all favorites. We’ve read lesser known books like the Turtle of Oman and The Inquisitor’s Tale. We’ve read outside, under blanket forts, on beds, during meals, and cozied up on couches. Reading books together provides entertainment and an experience we can all reflect on. It has been one of the most satisfying aspects of homeschooling for me, personally. Sometimes we read a chapter, sometimes we get lost in a read aloud for an hour. Sometimes my kiddos beg me to read more; confirmation that reading, for us, during the day, at all hours, wherever we are, is a huge homeschool win. The only problem we have when it comes to reading, is deciding what to read next. 📚
Happy homeschooling!
#homeschoolreading #homeschoolideas #homeschoolinspiration #homeschoolmom
One of the most enriching aspects of homeschooling is the opportunity to create a vibrant reading culture within the home. Reading aloud to children not only nurtures a love for books but also builds deeper connections through shared storytelling experiences. For example, reading classics like "The Hobbit," beautifully illustrated by Jemima Catlin, allows families to dive into imaginative worlds together, encouraging creativity and empathy. The shared experience of reading aloud opens doors to important conversations that may otherwise feel daunting. Topics such as jealousy, death, war, racism, prejudice, and puberty naturally arise from the stories children explore. Homeschooling provides a safe and comfortable environment where these themes can be discussed openly and thoughtfully, tailored to a child's developmental level. Keeping a diverse and evolving book collection supports children's changing interests and learning styles. Incorporating a variety of genres—fiction, nonfiction, classics, and contemporary works—engages kids with different topics like architecture, fishing, hair styling, or baking, based on their current curiosities. This individualized approach promotes lifelong learning and critical thinking. Libraries play a vital role in supporting homeschooling families by granting access to extensive resources through library consortia, enabling regular checkouts from multiple branches. This abundance ensures a constant rotation of fresh material, keeping children excited about what they’ll read next. Moreover, integrating reading into daily family routines—such as quiet reading dinners or trips where books come along—makes reading a natural and eagerly anticipated part of everyday life. This consistency helps children see reading not just as schoolwork but as a source of entertainment and bonding. In essence, building a reading-focused homeschool environment fuels children's imagination, enriches education, and fosters meaningful family discussions. It's no wonder that reading ranks as one of the top reasons parents love homeschooling. Embracing this practice can transform learning into a joyous, shared adventure.
