Homeschooling Styles + Favorite Homeschooling Books

What’s your homeschool style? Chances are, every homeschooler you meet will give you a different answer—and that’s part of the beauty of it. There’s no one “right” way to homeschool. The best approach is the one that works for your family.

You don’t have to stick to one method, either. Many families consider themselves eclectic, borrowing bits and pieces from different styles. Still, it can be helpful to learn about the main approaches so you have a framework for choosing curriculum and planning your days. (here is a great video on some of the more popular homeschooling styles)

When we first started, I was all in on the Classical method. Then I found myself drawn to Charlotte Mason before eventually discovering the Well-Educated Heart (WEH). It blends elements of both, which is probably why it felt like such a good fit.

Favorite Homeschooling Books:

The Well-Trained Mind by Susan Wise Bauer and Jessie Wise

This is often considered the gold standard for homeschooling, especially if you're interested in the Classical method. It offers top curriculum and resource recommendations by age, drawn from decades of experience. Even if you don’t follow a Classical approach, it’s a valuable resource for ideas and curriculum—definitely worth checking the library for a copy.

The Call of the Wild and Free: Reclaiming Wonder in Your Child’s Education by Ainsley Arment

This book makes a strong case for homeschooling and helps dispel common myths. She has a whole section on the socialization myth. It also gives a helpful overview of different homeschooling styles, which can guide you in finding your fit.

While the author leans toward unschooling (which isn’t my style) and uses a tone that didn’t appeal to me, (if I read the word “mama” or “tribe” one more time …) the book still offers plenty of encouragement and insight. Take what resonates and feel free to leave the rest.

Read Aloud Family by Sarah Mackenzie 

While this is not an exclusively for homeschoolers, it certainly is the model for how I want my homeschool to look and feel. I love Sarah Mackenzie and she is someone I look to for homeschooling advice and recommendations. I find her approach realistic and encouraging.

Favorite Online Resources:

Simple Wonders/Jessica Smith - Great resource for Charlotte Mason with an LDS focus. Very encouraging. 

Simply Charlotte Mason/Sonya Schafer - For all things Charolette Mason. She has a great YouTube channel. 

Ambleside Online - is a free online Charlotte Mason curriculum. It is pretty intense, but I like referring to their booklists for classical literature. Many of the books recommended by Ambleside Online are also recommended on the Well-Educated Heart website and included in the rotation. 

Sarah Mackenzie - My go-to for all things homeschool. Especially when I need a boost and some motivation. I love her podcast. 

Pam Barnhill - Another great resource for a variety of homeschooling helps. I would definitely consider her eclectic, but gravitates towards Classical and Charlotte Mason.