One of our fellow local home school moms linked us to the blog http://amongstlovelythings.com by Sarah Mackenzie, author of Teaching from Rest. I must confess, I haven't read the book (but I sure would like to win a copy!), but her words on the subject in her blog are key: you are teaching a person, not a curriculum. Home school moms are beset with anxiety about doing the best job of educating their children (they are ours, after all!), that I think we often forget they are first God's, and we are God's too. This book is a gem.
Sarah's book takes the teaching of some of the great minds in classical education and presents them in an encouraging, mom-to-mom way. Sarah shares her journey and explains how to go from a place of stress about homeschooling to teaching from rest.
I have been homeschooling for nineteen years, and I have read a lot of homeschool how-to books. This information wasn't really new to me, but it was a way to re-focus after all these years. So, it definitely resonates with seasoned homeschoolers, especially if you have lost your joy or are feeling burnt out. I would say it is a must-read for younger moms.
Sarah is sweet and her family is darling. You will feel like you are chatting with her over a cup of tea!
Pros
Down to earth, mom-to-mom explanation, easy read and inspiring
I have been homeschooling for 14 years now, and I have never read something so quite like Teaching From Rest. She addresses the stress we all feel about "Is my child doing enough/ am I doing enough/ are they on grade level/ she won't finish her math book on time". As mom of 5 children ages 7-18, I completely felt understood (Sarah has 6, including twins!) in my constant doubts and frustrations of "keeping everyone on track". Sarah breathed fresh life into our homeschool, and made me feel energized and excited about homeschooling, but with a fresh vision. Rather than piling more things on our plate (we must finish that handwriting book by May!), we learn to take some things off (such as doing 12 subjects every. single. day.). Sarah takes us by the hand and shows us the beauty and value of doing fewer things, but with more peace and purpose. What a gift Sarah has been to our homeschoool!
I loved the way that Sarah wrote and helped me learn how to be a homeschool mom. She talks about finding peace within our home and how to practically apply these tips.
Grade levels used
preK
K
Pros
Very detailed and so englightening. Helped me see what was important in homeschool life
This book is excellent. I stress so frequently over so many things, and this book helped me to remember what is truly important in this homeschool venture. A wonderful, not overwhelming read.
I purchased this book just this month and haven't finished it yet. Reading it is like drinking water --- refreshing! It has really helped me refocus and renew my strength. My local homeschool group had an event this week and I quoted from this book in the short talk I gave. Very helpful for homeschool moms!
Every Mother should read this, not just homeschoolers. What a breath of fresh air. I underlined half of the book and I have been a homeschooler for four years.
