Homeschooling Meme

Imagine my surprise and delight when Jeanne tagged me for a meme.  I was so honoured to read she was interested to hear from me!  So… 

1. One homeschooling book you have enjoyed

Over the years I have read a number of homeschooling books, particularly back when Anna Maria was a baby and we were cementing our decision to home educate our children.  I’ve previously shared many titles in My Top ‘How To’ Homeschool Picks and Our Friendship Quilt.  All our previous reading has influenced us our home education journey, resulting in an eclectic style including; Charlotte Mason and child directed education.

As a veteran home educator, and a mum of many of all ages, I haven’t really found a homeschooling book that has grabbed my attention for a number of years, many of my previous favourites are no longer applicable to my situation.  When in need of a ‘booster shot’ these days, I am more likely to have a browse through the ebooks at Simply Charlotte Mason or read Charlotte Mason’s volumes themselves.

2. One resource you wouldn’t be without
One???  Our home library, excel spreadsheets, my blogs; general and learning notes.  The 4 Real Community, ‘brain bank’ and support network.  Can my husband be considered a resource?

3. One resource you wish you had never bought

IEW’s Teaching Writing was a flop for us, Andrew Pudewa’s bombardment style of teaching was too different from my teaching style, the children (and I) were overwhelmed.  However we have been very impressed with other products from IEW. I’ve bought few ‘duds’ over the years, mostly because I research and over research before I part with money. (I’m very ahem, frugal;) I rarely buy textbooks, mostly purchase living books.  Before I purchase any new resources I ask lots of questions at 4Real, keeping in mind to listen to those who have a similar teaching style/children with similar learning style.

4. One resource you enjoyed last year
Spelling Wisdom was one of our best investments last year.  Finally we are seeing improvement in spelling, listening and writing.  One Year Adventure Novel has also been a BIG hit for our aspiring novelist!

5. One resource you will be using next year
A writing based resource from Institute for Excellence in Writing.  Have yet to decide if a history theme or literature will best meet our needs. 

6. One resource you would like to buy
I’m seriously considering purchasing All About Spelling or Phonetic Zoo, just waiting for a dear friend to arrive with her goodies so I can decide if it is a ‘good fit’ for us.

7. One resource you wish existed
Sometimes I think a ‘junior’ version of the Didache series to help instruct our younger children in their Faith and a Australian Catholic Charlotte Mason curriculum would make my life simpler.  Then I realise I like our uniqueness, I like our freedom, I enjoy making choices.  Instead I will be thrilled if I can find a resource to teach all my children to be strong spellers… and writers…. and mathematicians and….;)

8. One homeschool catalogue you enjoy reading
Emmanuel Books is greatly thumbed and marked by me, but I haven’t received one in quite a time.
I’m currently receiving a homeschool magazine Mater et Magistra, courtesy of a dear friend:){{}} and love it.

9. One homeschooling website you use regularly
4Real of course:) and Simply Charlotte Mason semi-regularly. 

10 Tag six other homeschoolers
I’d love to hear from any of my readers:)
I’m particularly keen to hear from;

Sue from Stories of an Unschooling Family
Leanne from Roses, Tea and Our Lady
Chareen from Every Bed of Roses
Tracey from Little Men in My Library
Cat from Serenades and Solace
Judy from Benmakesten

ETA: These wonderful ladies have shared their thoughts, head on over to read what they have shared.
Sue
Leanne
Chareen
Tracey
Cat
Judy