I am a book lover. I always have been. From elementary school on, I was a bookworm, checking out stacks of books from the library and carrying a book with me much of the time! I would have LOVED the opportunity to be homeschooled and to use a curriculum like Sonlight that is based on great books!
So, it’s no great surprise that books have played such an important role in our homeschool through the years. We have used both Sonlight and Diana Waring’s “History Revealed” program for our history spine. Both involved spending large amounts of time both reading aloud and reading independently. My children developed a love of books and a love of history because they were exposed to more than just dry textbook facts. Instead they often begged for “just one more chapter” of the latest mystery or stayed up late reading biographies of missionaries or scientists. I think they have retained more knowledge through reading lots of “real” books. I love when my young adult children reminisce fondly about the novels they read in the fourth or fifth grades!
Because they all read a lot when they were young, my children absorbed grammar and punctuation rules well just from seeing them in use. We did use grammar programs, but not every year. They also seemed to be naturally good writers without a lot of instruction. I believe this is due to the amount of reading they did when they were young. I realize that not all students will learn writing or grammar rules without specific instruction, but I’m sure that reading will help all students with these skills.
If you have a small homeschooling budget, the library is a great resource. Who needs a science book when you can visit your local library to find several books on planets or Isaac Newton, or mammals at any reading level? Even if you prefer to use a textbook curriculum, adding supplemental “real” books can add more interest or color or give additional information on any topic. I just can’t imagine homeschooling without access to a large variety of books!
Read more about “Homeschooling Essentials” this week at the following blogs, or click on the banner below!
Amanda @ Hopkins Homeschool
Jennifer @ Royal Little Lambs Supplies
Sarah @ My Joy-Filled Life Books Every Family Should Own
Lisa Marie @ The Canadian Homeschooler Have a Plan
Laura @ Four Little Penguins Non-Essential Essentials
Dinah @ The Traveling Classroom
Dawn @ Guiding Light Homeschool
Erin @ Water on the Floor Successful Homeschool Days Require Prepping Schoolwork
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