Homeschool Reading Opens Exciting Possibilities

Homeschool Reading:
The Key to Possibilities

homeschool pile of classic books

Is it possible to adequately emphasize the value of homeschool reading? It is the key, the pivot, the magic. Reading unlocks the words on a page. Then it transports a child to a far-off place, introduces him to a famous person, involves him in a daring mystery or explains the intricacies of plant growth. Reading is life-long and life-enriching.

Whether for education or pleasure, this ability is of immense consequence to a young person. "90% of all academics hinge(s) on reading." Of course, this refers to literature and English, but also to the less obvious subjects of science and math.

Enjoyment plays a key role at this point. Homeschool reading paves the way for the demands of school. Practice makes perfect. Improved skills, comprehension, vocabulary and writing result. A youngster familiar this pleasant pastime is not intimidated by a thick, densely printed textbook. He is already ahead in the learning game.

The renowned Dr. John Senior emphasizes that good books till the soil for the great ones. In other words, a youth must be introduced to excellent material in order to be capable of appreciating the true classics of Western tradition.

Laura M. Berquist, Director of Mother of Divine Grace Home School, states in her book, Designing Your Own Classical Curriculum, "It is crucial to fill the imagination of children with rich and varied images. Careful selection of poetry, literature and Scripture readings will do this and will contribute to a lifetime of thoughtful, serious, intelligent reading."

How to encourage homeschool reading?

Select appealing literature. Please check the homeschool book lists for grade school and high school students. The level of difficulty can be just a little below his capability.
Make story time a family enterprise. Start with light, not-too-complicated adventures.
Begin early with homeschool reading. For a little one, a delightful resource has just become available. Written by a homeschool Mom, ABC Fun & 1-2-3 is a literature-rich preschool curriculum. It includes lesson plans, worksheets, crafts, stories and nursery rhymes, and is available as an e-book. Click Here! to find out more and read the money back guarantee.
Be alert for an opening to discuss anything your child wishes when the mood strikes him.
Put homeschool books in an accessible place.
Designate a certain time each day for quiet time devote to homeschool reading. Maybe you can have a minute to sit down with your favorite book, too.
Be creative. To develop or maintain your youngster's interest in reading, it's important to find the best, most interesting books to him. It's also sometimes necessary to try new, different routes. A father and writer has a web site with an extensive reading list as well as intriguing, helpful tips. He even suggests that a parent write a book just for his child.
His perspective is especially inviting. He notes that not all people share the same principles. He highly recommends reading the literature beforehand and offers other ways to ensure that the books you give your child espouse your values.
For Usborne Books on a myriad of topics, check this colorful, reliable site, The Children's Guide.
St. Anne's Helper Catholic Homeschool Catechism CDs and Books If you are designing a Catholic homeschool curriculum, you might be interested to find that St. Anne's Helper has put the First Communion and Confirmation questions and answers on Audio CDs or Downloads with printable text.
They also have the same text available as worksheet downloads which is great for practicing handwriting, learning the answers, or spelling the words. These are awesome aids to learning the Catholic catechism whether your children are in school or out. You might easily memorize a few answers yourself!
Have your child/teen keep a literature list of all the literature he reads. It's something in which to take pride and a great incentive to continue.

Read together. It is one the most memorable rewards of homeschooling. Favorite times are after lunch and just before bedtime. Do both!

Note: Sometimes, despite our best efforts, a student still does not enjoy reading. (This usually starts at an early age.) Do research. Try several methods. You are the parent. You know your child better than anyone. You probably will have a "feel" for what is going on.

If you conclude that you need to talk with an empathic professional, please consider Learning Disabilities Reading Tutor. She has been working with struggling readers for over 20 years and would be honest about how to best help you and your child. She begins with a free 15 minute consultation.

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Below are several of our family favorites. Each is of interest to both boys and girls and listeners of multiple ages:

The Bible and stories of heroic religious figures

Peter Pan--Barrie, J. M.

The Moral Compass--Bennett, William J. (both Bennett books contain lovely poetry)

The Book of Virtues--Bennett, William J.

A Christmas Carol--Dickens, Charles

The Chronicles of Narnia--Lewis, C.S.

Black Beauty--Sewell, Anna

Heidi--Spyri, J.

The Hobbit--Tolkein, J.R.

Tom Sawyer--Twain, Mark