My Favorite Resources for the Catholic Homeschooling Mom

As a new homeschool mom I felt like I was always trying to read whatever information I could get my hands on, gain wisdom from whomever would hand it out, and talk about homeschooling with whoever would listen!  I am still very new at this, but there are a few resources out there that I would love to share with you that have been my biggest blessings along the way!

1.  Prayer and the Blessed Mary:  I figured if there is anyone who can teach me about being a good mother and teaching my children it would be the Blessed Mother Mary.  One of my Bible Studies is currently reading Mary: A Biblical Walk with the Blessed Mother.  I think that it is very important being one of the primary educators of our children, that I show my kids my own interest in life long learning.  The boys love their nights with Daddy or Grandma when I go to my Bible Study and know that I am going to "learn about Mary and Jesus".  One thing that this study discusses is the phrase "To Keep and Ponder" which Mary is described doing in Luke's story of the Nativity.  This idea "To Keep and Ponder" is also in the Old Testament in Genesis 37:5-11, Proverbs 3:1-2 and Psalm 119.11.  It makes me really sit back and realize that although there are always trials and times of humility that our role in imitating Mary is "to keep and ponder".  This has been so calming to me in being with our children every day, that even in times of frustration that I take a minute, pray, and keep it in my heart.  Also, I continue to grow a deeper relationship with Mary having started a daily rosary and also completing my first Marian Consecration after reading 33 Days to Morning Glory this past year with my own mother.  I know that this relationship with Mary has and will continue to give me many graces.

The beautiful prayer garden at our parish church

2.  My spouse:  There are a million books out there, thousands of blog posts, hundreds of different opinions, but in the end what matters most is what you and your spouse choose to be right for YOUR family.  As much as I sometimes try to go to outside sources, it is always when my husband and I can sit down at the end of a night to talk about what our goals are for our marriage, family and children that I get the most clarity and feel most at peace.  I know that one of the biggest successes for homeschooling in our family will be my spouse and I being open, communicative and able to support each other on this journey.

I love this guy!

 

3. Kimberly Hahn:  I spoke of her influence briefly in by post about Our Choice to Homeschool.  In her book Blessed and Beloved: Biblical Wisdom for Family Life she discusses that "our educational goal for our children has been and continues to be that they be self - directed, lifelong learners who serve the Lord with their gifts, abilities, skills and knowledge".  She also points out that "Ordinary life at home, lived in the context of faith, prepares our children to know how to function well in society while living faithfully for the Lord."  She continues to inspire me in her book Catholic Education: Homeward Bound as she states that "Home education offers Catholic families a compelling opportunity to make loving God and serving His Church an integrated part of their lives."  Both of these books are wonderful resources and have been a great support in discerning and carrying out the role of a homeschool parent.  She also gives wonderful resources and examples of some of the most popular Catholic homeschooling curriculums that you can use for your family, including Seton Home Study, which we have chosen for our family.

Visiting the Holy Family Shrine in Grenta, NE

 

4. Guiding Your Catholic Preschooler:  Out of all of the books I have read about starting homeschooling, Guiding Your Catholic Preschooler has been one of my favorites!  It is a great little book that explains with wonderful concrete examples and resources how to teach our young children about the Catholic faith and how to have FUN!  It discusses how to witness the love of Christ to our preschoolers and how to integrate the liturgical year into our homes.

Two of our boys learning about the Road to Easter during Holy Week

 

5.  Teaching from Rest:  A fellow homeschool momma Lisa Schmidt, of The Practicing Catholic recommended this book and it is a MUST for homeschooling parents.  When I first got this book I read the whole thing in a one day!  Now I continue to go back and read little pieces like little cups of encouragement to take a deep breath, to enjoy my children and to focus on the most important things in life.  There also is a wonderful printable journal to help focus your thoughts and priorities in regards to homeschooling and family life.  This book has helped remind me that it isn't only the curriculum choice that is important in educating our children but also the day to day learning experiences in life.  Also, it helped me to slow down and enjoy my children and family as the blessings that they are.

 

Relaxing and enjoying a nice fall afternoon picking apples with the boys

 

 Those are some of my favorite resources so far!  What are some of yours?  Please share!