shanvan Posted August 8, 2012 Share Posted August 8, 2012 especially when you are feeling :willy_nilly::ack2::confused1::001_unsure:? (Where is the overwhelmed smiley? I picture it flattened by a pile of books, or spinning plates and having one fall and shatter!) I'm sure this has been asked many times before. I'm lazy this morning and don't want to search the boards. Not that I have time to even be reading something else. I should be going through curriculum, planning, etc. But, I'm thinking I'll go through my shelves to see what I might have that might give me some new energy or inspiration. Caffeine is not helping! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kdeno Posted August 9, 2012 Share Posted August 9, 2012 :bigear: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
milovany Posted August 9, 2012 Share Posted August 9, 2012 The Charlotte Mason Companion by Karen Andreola. I don't even use a a predominately CM approach; her writing style is just so gentle and encouraging. If I'm feeling overwhelmed I read a couple of chapters in her book Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mandymom Posted August 9, 2012 Share Posted August 9, 2012 The public school math book :001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scrapbabe Posted August 9, 2012 Share Posted August 9, 2012 The public school math book :001_smile: :rofl: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LibraryLover Posted August 9, 2012 Share Posted August 9, 2012 (edited) No book has ever fit that bill: inspire. I do it because I want us to have freedom. I do like some books, but I decided on hsing when I read Holt a hundred million years ago. YET!! I don't think he has all (any) of the answers. He never even had a wife or children. He has glorified & intellectual thoughts/ideas about educating the thougthful child, but zero day-to-day experience educating several different sorts of children within a family. I do like quite a lot of WTM, but it's really over-the-top for one person (MOM!) SWB has her family to help, which is lovely. :) Yet many of us do not have this. DH and I also have been to grad school +, and we still don't think hsing is this easy thing any book would have you believe. He read WTM, and he was overwhlemed by it. He could be on The Big Bang Theory (sans 'issues' lol) - he's no intellectual slouch! Eve Susan doesn't have to do everything alone. I have read her book, and I enoyed it. Yet I don't think it's the answer, as it reads as if one person is doing everything. I truly think that is impossible. I do think it takes a village to educate a child. It's rare that one parent can teach Latin and Greek, AP Spanish, plus a high level of chemistry, calc, & physics etc. (And when someone pops in to tell me they can, I will say "GREAT"! Come on over, and I will pay you to tutor!:)) I've read many, many books on hsing, and none have spoken fully to me, or my situation. I really have no recommendations except this board. (Which isn't like the WTM book.) I like some of what Alfie Kohn has to say, but he has never hs'd, and his children are nearly grown. He worked while his children were at school. Which is fine, but it doesn't make him a hser--- and I know many hsers who love his books. But his experience as a schooling parent is not ours. Who will help you? What resources are available to you? Edited August 9, 2012 by LibraryLover Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FO4UR Posted August 9, 2012 Share Posted August 9, 2012 The public school math book :001_smile: :smilielol5: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shanvan Posted August 9, 2012 Author Share Posted August 9, 2012 No book has ever fit that bill: inspire. I do it because I want us to have freedom. Me too, but I've read books or articles that show irl what that freedom can look like, what relationships can develop, etc. In that respect they are inspirational. I cannot remember right now what biography I was reading, but I know at some point this year I read a small section about the life of someone (probably an author) and thought, wow, that was a very interesting comment on home education. It was inspirational, but from an unexpected source (not a homeschooling book). Who will help you? What resources are available to you? Not really looking for help exactly. Just something that adds a spark to what can become tired and old at times. Something that shows you the value in what you are doing and makes you get off your butt to do it b/c you are just that inspired. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LibraryLover Posted August 9, 2012 Share Posted August 9, 2012 (edited) Not really looking for help exactly. Just something that adds a spark to what can become tired and old at times. Something that shows you the value in what you are doing and makes you get off your butt to do it b/c you are just that inspired. My kids do that for me. I admit, I let little ones play and play. If very young people are busy and engaged, I let it be. I have one near the ages of your children, and it's the child who inspires. I also don't do everything on my own. I will outsource if that respects the needs of the child. My dh is also heavily engaged in hsing, as he brings 'to the table' something I couldn't do. We don't have the most traditional hours, but it works for us. I can't/won't do everything. It would be a be a disservice. Edited August 9, 2012 by LibraryLover Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kalanamak Posted August 9, 2012 Share Posted August 9, 2012 The War Against Grammar. It will curl your hair. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
*Lulu* Posted August 9, 2012 Share Posted August 9, 2012 (edited) The greatest inspiration I have found is in my children. We will have a run of days where I just want to go beat my head against the wall and then, *BAM* I find an enthusiastic Punk explaining to Bug why Sherlock Holmes mysteries are the best ever. Or Sister explains to me why her worm farm is "essential for the garden". Or Bug gives me a hug and asks if we have any more books about whatever the topic of the day is. *sigh* Inspiration achieved. Lots of books give me ideas, but my kids view me the drive to implement them. Edited August 9, 2012 by BLA5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shanvan Posted August 9, 2012 Author Share Posted August 9, 2012 My kids do that for me. I admit, I let little ones play and play. If very young people are busy and engaged, I let it be. I have one near the ages of your children, and it's the child who inspires. I also don't do everything on my own. I will outsource if that respects the needs of the child. My dh is also heavily engaged in hsing, as he brings 'to the table' something I couldn't do. We don't have the most traditional hours, but it works for us. I can't/won't do everything. It would be a be a disservice. Yes, I have those moments where what I see my own kids doing is the inspiration. And, of course, they are the ultimate inspiration, or I wouldn't still be homeschooling after 9 years. But I also have those moments where the nitty gritty of homeschooling has to be done and I am tired. I'm outsourcing what I can afford to outsource and Dh is helping, but I am facing high school and some tough decisions about extracurriculars, dealing with a chronic health condition that tires me out, plus dealing with a church that wants to take my time and guilts me for not helping them out enough....so, I'm at a point right now where I might find some inspiring reading nice, though not necessarily homeschooling or 'how to homeschool books'. Actually, how to books would be very low on my list. :lol: Just wondering what others read when they are feeling this way---though I see I'm not getting many responses. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LibraryLover Posted August 9, 2012 Share Posted August 9, 2012 (edited) I wish I could give you a book title, but I don't have one, even after a decade of hsing. :( I am sure some folks might suggest reading a bible. Perhaps the morning readers will have some titles for you. I'm not one who feels hsing is this great, best thing for everyone, all of the time. I've never read a single book which gave me that sort of conviction. Hsing just happens to work right now. There are people who say they were called to hs, so perhaps those people will offer something thoughtful for you. I'm sorry tonight was a dud for you here. Hope you get some folks recommending some good books! I know you will! Maybe the morning folks will be more helpful. Edited August 9, 2012 by LibraryLover Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Liz CA Posted August 9, 2012 Share Posted August 9, 2012 The War Against Grammar. It will curl your hair. I used to re-read the Well Trained Mind and the blogs of various homeschoolers, even the one that used to be on the Timberdoodle website and Mary Price. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alte Veste Academy Posted August 9, 2012 Share Posted August 9, 2012 (edited) Here is a partial list of books that inspire me (some because of the negatives of PS and some because of the positives of HS). Last Child in the Woods Hold on to Your Kids The Well-Adjusted Child: The Social Benefits of Homeschooling From Crayons to Condoms Tested: One American School Struggles to Make the Grade Why Don't Students Like School? Through the Cracks Real Learning: Education in the Heart of the Home Educating the WholeHearted Child Marva Collins' Way Study Is Hard Work The Complete Home Learning Source Book (I really like her journal excerpts!) Mrs. Sharp's Traditions The Read-Aloud Handbook any and all Charlotte Mason books When I am feeling ambivalent about a particular subject, I like to read my favorite "teacher books" specific to the subject. Classics in the Classroom (and I love the videos of MCT on the RFWP web site) Awakening the Heart Nurturing Inquiry Organizing Wonder Social Studies That Sticks About Teaching Mathematics Knowing and Teaching Elementary Mathematics and I agree about The War on Grammar ...plus articles on the AoPS web site and that video of Richard Rusczyk's address floating around somewhere in cyberspace. Edited August 9, 2012 by Alte Veste Academy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Night Elf Posted August 9, 2012 Share Posted August 9, 2012 One of my favorite books is Homeschooling Our Children Unschooling Ourselves by Alison McKee. It is a book about an unschooling family but it's not preachy to become an unschooler. It's just their life experience. But I like it because it reaffirms that I made the decision to homeschool because I wanted something special for my children, something I didn't think they would get in the school system. I want them to be themselves, not sheep which is easily picked up on in a large school. I always feel weird about recommending this book because I am sure someone will get hung up on the unschooling fact, but I still find the book to be completely inspirational. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
delaney Posted August 9, 2012 Share Posted August 9, 2012 http://www.amazon.com/Love-Time-Homeschooling-Daughters-Uncommon/dp/B005K6TJGK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1344511847&sr=8-1&keywords=love+in+a+time+of+homeschooling Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Halcyon Posted August 9, 2012 Share Posted August 9, 2012 The War Against Grammar. It will curl your hair. :iagree: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Halcyon Posted August 9, 2012 Share Posted August 9, 2012 One of my favorite books is Homeschooling Our Children Unschooling Ourselves by Alison McKee. It is a book about an unschooling family but it's not preachy to become an unschooler. It's just their life experience. But I like it because it reaffirms that I made the decision to homeschool because I wanted something special for my children, something I didn't think they would get in the school system. I want them to be themselves, not sheep which is easily picked up on in a large school. I always feel weird about recommending this book because I am sure someone will get hung up on the unschooling fact, but I still find the book to be completely inspirational. I love love love this book too. Really one of the best. Dont be put off by the title. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elegantlion Posted August 9, 2012 Share Posted August 9, 2012 We also just started our 9th year. One of the driving factors for me is knowing that this is the right decision for this child. Another driving factor is I have historically had a tendency to quit when things get tough. We only have 4 more year, surely I can do this. It's proving it to myself as much as to anyone. Particular books? I don't really have one, but I do read some cool books and know if ds was in public school he'd never study the interesting things he wants and some of the cool things I want. He's not a huge reader, so it's not like we could add extra on top of an existing public school course. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blueridge Posted August 9, 2012 Share Posted August 9, 2012 I think we all understand...the mental pressure we put on ourselves as high school approaches...what if we can't do it all. Can I face one more curriculum decision that might be a bomb, face one more cluttered room mess that will repeat itself tomorrow, agree to one more commitment outside my home, read one more amazing blog written by someone who apparently has 26 hours in her day. I had to just stop and consider. What is the most valuable thing I have right now with my children? Time. Time to build relationships. You might be encouraged and inspired by this little book that I picked up at a convention...Reaping the Harvest, The Bounty of Abundant-Life Homeschooling by Diana Waring. She is so funny, so transparent, such a genuinely nice person. I was greatly encouraged by it. Peace to you this year! :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shanvan Posted August 9, 2012 Author Share Posted August 9, 2012 One of my favorite books is Homeschooling Our Children Unschooling Ourselves by Alison McKee. It is a book about an unschooling family but it's not preachy to become an unschooler. It's just their life experience. But I like it because it reaffirms that I made the decision to homeschool because I wanted something special for my children, something I didn't think they would get in the school system. I want them to be themselves, not sheep which is easily picked up on in a large school. I always feel weird about recommending this book because I am sure someone will get hung up on the unschooling fact, but I still find the book to be completely inspirational. No worries. I think the book sounds interesting. And, I appreciate that you 'get' my question. I'm simply looking for some inspirational (but not religious reading). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
prairiegirl Posted August 9, 2012 Share Posted August 9, 2012 The books that have inspired me over the years are: When Children Love to Learn by Elaine Cooper. This is a CM book. Beauty for Truth's Sake by Stratford Caldecott. A defense of the Quadrivium written from a Catholic point of view. I am not Catholic but still appreciated his words. Beauty in the Word by Stratford Caldecott. Same kind of book as above but this one deals with the Trivium. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shanvan Posted August 9, 2012 Author Share Posted August 9, 2012 I think we all understand...the mental pressure we put on ourselves as high school approaches...what if we can't do it all. Can I face one more curriculum decision that might be a bomb, face one more cluttered room mess that will repeat itself tomorrow, agree to one more commitment outside my home, read one more amazing blog written by someone who apparently has 26 hours in her day. I had to just stop and consider. What is the most valuable thing I have right now with my children? Time. Time to build relationships. You might be encouraged and inspired by this little book that I picked up at a convention...Reaping the Harvest, The Bounty of Abundant-Life Homeschooling by Diana Waring. She is so funny, so transparent, such a genuinely nice person. I was greatly encouraged by it. Peace to you this year! :) Thank you. You are summing up my feelings very well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheReader Posted August 9, 2012 Share Posted August 9, 2012 This will sound so corny, but for me I re-read Little Men and Jo's Boys whenever I need that boost or reminder to keep going. I always dream that our homeschool will look like/feel like Plumfield (it never will, LOL!) and it reminds me what I hope for my boys and how I hope to get us there. Now, we're switching over to an on-line program this year for my oldest and a partial on-line program for my middle son, and I'll just be overseeing the work, but I'm pretty sure I'm in this for the long haul with my youngest as I doubt he'll ever do well in a traditional setting of any type. And even just being the overseer, that inspiration helps. Might not be the book that inspires all kinds, but for me it works. For you it might be re-reading whatever first got you excited about the idea of homeschooling; getting back to the beginning and remembering that excitement can be a huge help, I think. I've been at this since my oldest was 3.5 begging for phonics instruction so he could read, and I'd say I have to re-read Little Men at least once a year...... :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hsmom2011 Posted August 9, 2012 Share Posted August 9, 2012 Off to the library, I could also use some encouragement. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shanvan Posted August 9, 2012 Author Share Posted August 9, 2012 I'm also inspired by considering time, and how even though it flies by every single day, we seem to have so much more of it than the hustling, bustling PSers. I love how my kids' extra-curriculars add that little bit of spark to their days instead of being something heaped onto the end of an otherwise exhausting, too-full, busy, busy, busy dawn-to-dusk schedule. I'm inspired by what they do in their down time. Do your kids have hobbies? Do you? Maybe books on hobbies and handicrafts would inspire you? What used to inspire you outside of homeschooling? What inspires your kids outside of homeschooling? Can you bring some of that spirit into your official work? Umm.....yes, hobbies and extracurriculars abound here. Even though we don't send our dc to public school, we live a busy, hustle and bustle life. We are actually a family that is inspired by a A LOT. We read a ton, visit art museums and do artwork together. Art is part of our lives b/c Dh is a serious artist with paintings in many galleries up and down the est coast. Dc have their own dogs which they train themselves and compete in both 4H and AKC. What they do is amazing to me--especially my 10 yr old. Ds is an excellent public speaker and event organizer, skills which he has mostly been taught by me and uses all through the year as president of his 4H club. He also speaks regularly to the local kennel club and other community groups. Both Dc ice skate and swim for recreation and physical activity. Both take piano and Dd is talented enough that I need to find her another teacher soon. We bring all of these things into our school work. Dogs are trained every day. We have a very full and rewarding life.....and still I can need inspiration. Maybe sit down with your kids and have a little meeting. Explain that x, y, and z must get done but then ask them if they could have their ultimate dream of a homeschooling year, what would they like to do? Can they do an independent study in something that excites them (and maybe that also folds in writing, math, or other subjects)? I have no idea what curricula you use so this might all be useless, but I just wanted to put that out there because I find the spark of inspiration also comes from letting us all be a little bit creative, in our own individual way and in our common, familial way. Plus, when I stop being so much in my own head (AKA crazy-land :tongue_smilie:) and purposefully make room for the kids' wishes and energy, they are the best possible inspiration. Honestly, kids can have just a terrible attitude about homeschooling (I have BTDT a few times before and it is almost always my fault, which is humbling and annoying all at once :lol:). I wonder how often it's because they end up just as voiceless with regards to their education as PS kids are. Now I am really rambling and I am absolutely not imagining that this applies to you at all, I promise. :tongue_smilie: That's good, b/c it absolutely does not apply to my situation, at least not at this time. Attitude problems can happen, but my post was not about that at all, though I realize attitudes can lead people to feel like throwing in the towel. Lastly, curricula and a routine that we have come to love inspire me. I am confident that my kids aren't going to get this kind of education in any public school. I can't begin to imagine how hard it would be to have all of this responsibility, this constant, (many times) overwhelming workload day after day after day if I didn't truly enjoy (1) what we are using, and (2) the rhythm of our days. I am doing very best I can do for my kids. It is imperfect, of course, but it's perfectly us. Maybe mix up your curricula or schedule a little this year? Curriculum is not an issue here. The only mixing up I might do is when I donate the stuff that doesn't sell and it gets jostled int he box on the way to the local thrift shop. :lol: I'm obviously not dealing with the scariness of high school planning, and I know the challenges must be significantly greater for you at this point. Maybe that is even more reason to be sure you're doing something so engaging that you just can't wait to get to it every day. It's also a really good reason to be sure you're taking extra good care of yourself. You say you have a chronic health condition so you really need to go the extra mile for self-care. Inspiration can only go so far if the body hasn't got enough steam to act on it. Just say no to the guilt from your church. Tell the powers-that-be that this is a season in which your health and homeschooling are transitioning and demanding more time and attention and that you will let them know when your schedule can accommodate more volunteer work. Reject the guilt because it has nothing to do with you and everything to do with a lack of empathy on the part of those dishing it out. Then take the time you gain to bolster your physical health and reinvigorate yourself for a great transition to high school. :grouphug: Yes, I realize I need to take care of my health, but my original question was simply about inspirational books. I only mentioned the issues I'm facing b/c I felt he need to explain why I might feel the need for inspiration. I'm amazed that I'm not getting more book suggestions. I read A LOT, and I find a lot of the reading I do thought provoking and inspirational. I think Agatha Christie's autobiography was absolutely inspirational and strangely enough it gave me ideas for homeschooling. Ditto on James Herriot's biography. I find it fascinating that he was horrible at math and still became a veterinarian. His experiences also inspire me. I did enjoy Real Learning, Education in the Heart of the Home. Anyway, thank you for the suggestions, I'll add them to my list for consderation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shanvan Posted August 9, 2012 Author Share Posted August 9, 2012 This will sound so corny, but for me I re-read Little Men and Jo's Boys whenever I need that boost or reminder to keep going. I always dream that our homeschool will look like/feel like Plumfield (it never will, LOL!) and it reminds me what I hope for my boys and how I hope to get us there. Now, we're switching over to an on-line program this year for my oldest and a partial on-line program for my middle son, and I'll just be overseeing the work, but I'm pretty sure I'm in this for the long haul with my youngest as I doubt he'll ever do well in a traditional setting of any type. And even just being the overseer, that inspiration helps. Might not be the book that inspires all kinds, but for me it works. For you it might be re-reading whatever first got you excited about the idea of homeschooling; getting back to the beginning and remembering that excitement can be a huge help, I think. I've been at this since my oldest was 3.5 begging for phonics instruction so he could read, and I'd say I have to re-read Little Men at least once a year...... :grouphug: Does not sound corny to me at all. It sounds exactly like what I was looking for....books that inspire. I'm amazed at all the advice I'm getting instead of book suggestions. I think I'm off to check my own shelves. Maybe I'll come back and list the books I want to read again ---on the off chance that someone else here might need inspiration. :lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shanvan Posted August 9, 2012 Author Share Posted August 9, 2012 We also just started our 9th year. One of the driving factors for me is knowing that this is the right decision for this child. Another driving factor is I have historically had a tendency to quit when things get tough. We only have 4 more year, surely I can do this. It's proving it to myself as much as to anyone. Particular books? I don't really have one, but I do read some cool books and know if ds was in public school he'd never study the interesting things he wants and some of the cool things I want. He's not a huge reader, so it's not like we could add extra on top of an existing public school course. I'm right there with you. I do know that it's the right decision for both Dc. Even Ds realizes he would not be able to pursue his interests to the extent that he does if he went to school. We actually looked at a couple of classes at a classical school for this year and he decided no b/c of the things he would have to give up, especially b/c of the driving time. I'm starting to think my original question is actually a tall order. :tongue_smilie: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheReader Posted August 9, 2012 Share Posted August 9, 2012 Does not sound corny to me at all. It sounds exactly like what I was looking for....books that inspire. I'm amazed at all the advice I'm getting instead of book suggestions. I think I'm off to check my own shelves. Maybe I'll come back and list the books I want to read again ---on the off chance that someone else here might need inspiration. :lol: oh, good! I was afraid maybe throwing out just a "normal" book and not a homeschool specific book was too "out of the box" for the thread, LOL! Along those lines, then, and since you mentioned biographies as well.....maybe biographies about Thomas Edison? Abe Lincoln? other greats who were educated in non-standard formats? Also, another odd one but for me works (because my kids are very quirky) is the Wrinkle in Time series; not even a homeschool story, but reading how the family encourages Charles Wallace in the 1st book and supports him in his...uniqueness...can sometimes encourage me. I'm kind of goofy that way, though. I'll have to think on what else has that effect on me.....Little Men is my go-to book for this, but there's bound to be more. And I do hope you'll share your list if you post it, I am always game to read more! We're facing high school too, and I'm a little bummed that we're choosing a public school on-line curriculum for it, but because of where we live it's the best option at this time. I do understand that "deer in headlights, can I really do this" of approaching high school though. Suddenly it all matters so much more.....or at least, that's what I was feeling. I hope you are able to find inspiration; I think it's very normal to need that little boost from time to time. All the conviction in the world that you're doing the right thing can't prevent you from sometimes growing weary and needing something to rejuvenate, inspire, reenergize, etc. and help you keep going. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
laughing lioness Posted August 9, 2012 Share Posted August 9, 2012 Here's my incomplete list of educational influencers :001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shanvan Posted August 9, 2012 Author Share Posted August 9, 2012 Here's my incomplete list of educational influencers :001_smile: Whew! That's quite a list. I still have not found time to pull out my selections. I did walk the dog and talk to my neighbor though.:tongue_smilie: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LibraryLover Posted August 9, 2012 Share Posted August 9, 2012 I love love love this book too. Really one of the best. Dont be put off by the title. That is a good book. It's been years since I read it. Maybe I should reread it. Thanks for the reminder. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
5wolfcubs Posted August 9, 2012 Share Posted August 9, 2012 This will sound so corny, but for me I re-read Little Men and Jo's Boys whenever I need that boost or reminder to keep going. I always dream that our homeschool will look like/feel like Plumfield (it never will, LOL!) and it reminds me what I hope for my boys and how I hope to get us there. :iagree: I was scrolling through your thread to see if anyone recommended Little Men. I listened to it on librivox.org while walking the dog earlier this year. Despite the fact that it was a "school" I was very inspired for my own homeschool. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alicia64 Posted August 10, 2012 Share Posted August 10, 2012 I'm ordering most of these great titles from the library -- thank you everyone! The book that keeps me on the path is Hold Onto Your Kids. I'm a big library user, but I ordered this book so often that I finally bought it. Alley Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris in VA Posted August 10, 2012 Share Posted August 10, 2012 Elizabeth Foss' book--but you've already read it. What got me originally inspired? Pocketful of Pinecones. I just love that book. I love it because she strives to preserve her children's childhood and innocence while inspiring them to learn about the world. It's Christian, but gently so. I remember closing it in the middle of one of the chapters--My heart just felt so full, I had to pray, and I said "Yes. Yes, God, this is what I want for my child." The various books about abused/ED children by Torey Hayden (particularly One Child) inspired me to become a teacher, as did a trio of books by Sylvia Ashton Warner. But Pocketful...it inspired me to be a mother who happened to be a teacher, too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Firefly Posted August 10, 2012 Share Posted August 10, 2012 We're not unschoolers, but like doing unschool-y things to supplement. I find inspiration in unschooling-centric books because they help me feel like we ARE accomplishing so much, and these books inspire me with ideas as well as encouragement. I find anything by John Holt very inspirational. I particularly like Teach Your Own and Learning all the Time. Now that my two are older, I also like Grace Llewellyn's The Teenage Liberation Handbook and Guerrilla Learning, and also Between Form and Freedom by Betty Staley. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fraidycat Posted August 10, 2012 Share Posted August 10, 2012 The public school math book :001_smile: :lol: and :iagree: Vehemently! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
laughing lioness Posted August 10, 2012 Share Posted August 10, 2012 This will sound so corny, but for me I re-read Little Men and Jo's Boys whenever I need that boost or reminder to keep going. :grouphug: One of the reasons I've loved reading DLS's Wimsey/Vane series this year- the educational model that they live and speak is inspiring! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heidi @ Mt Hope Posted August 10, 2012 Share Posted August 10, 2012 I loved Eight Cousins by Alcott and Understood Betsy by Dorothy Canfield Fisher. They are great children's fiction that inspired me as a teacher when I read them. I have Carry On, Mr. Bowditch on my inspiration list, too. :) (I need to re-read Little Men!) I'll second Hold On to Your Kids and add Cultural Literacy by Hirsch. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shanvan Posted August 10, 2012 Author Share Posted August 10, 2012 One of the reasons I've loved reading DLS's Wimsey/Vane series this year- the educational model that they live and speak is inspiring! Any specific titles you'd be willing to recommend? I still have not looked at my own shelves....instead I've gone to sewing class and 2 dog classes. I did get all the piles of books/curriculum organized, so maybe this thread inspired me, idk. in the process of organizing books I found a book of essays I meant to read some time ago. I may start on that, though I'm still looking at some of the suggestions in this thread. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
laughing lioness Posted August 11, 2012 Share Posted August 11, 2012 (edited) Any specific titles you'd be willing to recommend? I still have not looked at my own shelves....instead I've gone to sewing class and 2 dog classes. I did get all the piles of books/curriculum organized, so maybe this thread inspired me, idk. in the process of organizing books I found a book of essays I meant to read some time ago. I may start on that, though I'm still looking at some of the suggestions in this thread. Here's the order for the Wimsey/ Vane mysteries (there are more featuring just Wimsey: Strong Poison, Have His Carcase, Guady Night, Busman's Honeymoon. Howevah, Gaudy Night really talks about education (along with feminism and intellectual women) as a theme, and the very role of education and the role of women. Both Vane and Wimsey are Oxford educated (like Sayers herself) and DLS peppers her writing with Latin, French, literary references, ancient hx references, etc. I think it was in Busman's Honeymoon, the couple kept quoting Donne to each other. I had no clue what they were talking about, but I loved the intellectual banter. Gaudy Night-one of my fav books of all time (as well as 9 Tailors- beautifully written/ metaphor upon metaphor- I cried at the end). But Guady Night has an ending in Latin- I had to look it up. It is perfect. Because it is so subtle and richly meaningful. Edited August 11, 2012 by laughing lioness Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kolamum Posted August 11, 2012 Share Posted August 11, 2012 When i felt that way I felt it was time to recharge my batteries & had a mini conference. It was such an amazing refreshign feeling. I need to do it every year. :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shanvan Posted August 11, 2012 Author Share Posted August 11, 2012 When i felt that way I felt it was time to recharge my batteries & had a mini conference. It was such an amazing refreshign feeling. I need to do it every year. :D Describe this mini conference of which you speak. I'm getting some ideas---but if I make one for myself I'm afraid I'll never return from it. :lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ScoutTN Posted August 11, 2012 Share Posted August 11, 2012 The "Social Studies" books used by an academically excellent public school system near where we live. YUCK! :thumbdown: The LA workbooks used to teach the test in most of the public schools in this area. YUCK! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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