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February 19, 2020 by Tricia Goyer Leave a Comment

Chapter Books that Teach Kids Not to Grumble and Complain

Tricia Goyer, the author of the Grumble Free Year, shares some of her favorite books that teach kids not to grumble that she incorporates into her homeschooling.

Chapter Books that Teach Kids Not to Grumble and Complain

As a homeschooling, Sonlight mom, I love the joy of reading books together. I also love that books allow me to talk to my children about important character traits, such as not grumbling.

As we read about a character’s challenges, my kids and I also talk about how blessed we are in our lives. This became important to our family as we decided to strive for a “Grumble Free Year.” All eleven of our family members (including my grandma), tried to go a year without grumbling. It wasn’t easy, but we did focus on changing from the inside out … and these novels that we read aloud helped us do that. During our year, we had many great conversations about the little things we often complain about compared to the big challenges the characters in the books faced.

Books can be a great launching point for teaching gratitude for your family, too! Here are some of our favorite Sonlight books that have really grown our gratitude:

Mary Jones & Her Bible (HA08) This is an incredible true story of a girl so inspired by the Bible that she determines to get a copy—whatever it takes! This book made us grateful that we have Bibles that we can read at any time. More than once my kids told me, “I can’t imagine not having a Bible of my own to read.”

The Great Trouble (HA23) As a “mudlark,” the orphan, Eel, spends his days in the River Thames, searching for odds and ends to sell. Not only does Eel have a secret, but there is also an outbreak of the “blue death.” This book captivated all my children. We talked a lot about how grateful we were for our living conditions and for our health care.

Only the Names Remain: The Cherokees and the Trail of Tears (HR13) From 1837 to 1838, thousands of Cherokee Indians were forced to march from their homelands in Georgia to live in exile in Arkansas. Fighting bitter cold and blazing heat with little food or water, one out of every four died. This sad, but moving, account of the Trail of Tears made us thankful for the stability of our lives. Yet it also made us aware of the pain so many endured.

These two middle graders of mine love to read. With Sonlight we always have great choices that encourage and inspire them.

There are many afternoons they’ll sneak off with a book and get lost in new worlds. This is such a blessing to me as a mom who loves reading. I hope you catch your kiddos sneaking a book off the shelf, cuddled away in their favorite reading fort, or tucked in bed asking for just one more chapter. Cherish these precious moments and don’t forget to take some time out to get caught up in the pages of a book yourself!

Unexpected Blessings

Life never goes as we expect. Homeschool days never turn out as perfect as we’d planned, yet we can either grumble about those things, or we can shift our perspective. We can focus on the good blessings of having a home and a family—and a chance to grow to love Jesus and others better. It’s then we lift our eyes to God. When we remember all He’s done for us, our troubled hearts can become grateful hearts. The more we do this, the more we hard-wire our grateful response, even in the middle of our homeschooling day.

When I first started homeschooling, I believed my job was to get the schoolwork done. Yes, that is part of my job, but with each year that passes, I know that growing my children’s hearts for loving Jesus and others is truly the most important part. These are lessons our kids can learn through the stories in Sonlight’s curriculum. That’s something this homeschooling mom is thankful for and why I’ve come to depend on Sonlight.

Sonlight has helped us create a family culture around great literature. The quality, depth, and worldview help mold my children into lifelong learners and fully devoted followers of Christ. The number one goal of Sonlight is to teach my child to seek God’s kingdom above everything else. Their attention to high-quality, engaging content does just that. I know when I choose Sonlight, I’m choosing a curriculum that enhances and enforces the worldview and qualities I hold dear as a parent.

I want my children to “sense the excitement and challenge of following Jesus in big and little things – not only at home and at church, but also in their work and culture.” That’s why I trust Sonlight!

For more information about homeschooling excellence with Sonlight curriculum visit https://www.sonlight.com/

I believe in turning grumbling into gratitude so much that I wrote the Grumble Free year and started the Grumble Free Year Challenge. Check it out for your family!

Teach kids to turn grumbling into gratitude in a new picture book by bestselling Christian authors Tricia Goyer and Amy Parker.

The Grumbles were a happy family . . . some of the time. They tried hard to not complain but bills and laundry and sibling squabbles kept the Grumbles rumbling. But when Grandma Grateful came for a visit, they noticed something different. Will Grandma be able to show the Grumbles how to approach life with gratitude? Bestselling authors Tricia Goyer and Amy Parker have teamed up to provide children and their families a sweet, simple, and silly story about how to turn grumbles into gratefulness. Get the Book Here.

Get the printable here!

February 4, 2020 by Tricia Goyer Leave a Comment

Growing Your Child’s Love For Jesus and Others!

As a homeschooling parent, I know growing your child’s love for Jesus and others is a priority. Like me, you probably chose to homeschool because you want your children to have a strong, spiritual foundation. We feel homeschooling will give us more of an opportunity to help our children to grow to love Jesus and others. Yet when it comes down to the day to day busyness of life (and reading, writing, and arithmetic), this often gets pushed to the side. Here’s how to make it a priority:

Make Time for Bible reading.

When we start getting behind in English or Math, reading the Bible is often the first thing we cut out. Yet knowing the Word of God will help our children throughout their lives. As children grow in their relationship with their Heavenly Father, God will be there to teach, lead and guide them.

If kids can read, I recommend the Discoverer’s Bible (https://www.sonlight.com/DB02), which is part of our Sonlight Curriculum. The Bible provides the full text (Genesis to Revelation) of the New International Reader’s Version®of the Bible. Edited for a third-grade reading level, the NIrV uses the NIV as its base, but breaks long sentences into shorter ones and substitutes simpler words where appropriate.

There are many Bible reading plans you can try, but the important thing is teaching children to read to understand … and not read to finish. Sometimes my children will read a whole chapter, during their Bible reading times. Other times, we will read one or two verses and take time to discuss them. What’s important is that God’s Word is read and God’s messages take root in children’s hearts.

And that’s why I appreciate the Sonlight Curriculum—the Bible Study is included in the lesson plan. Another wonderful book we loved, that is part of Sonlight, is Mary Jones and Her Bible (https://www.sonlight.com/HA08). This true story made us appreciate how much God’s Word should mean to us. It’s something we shouldn’t take for granted.

This is Alyssa reading from the Discoverer’s Bible in her “dramatic” voice!

Serve and Pray for Others

We can teach our kids important character traits, but we also must allow them to use those traits. Kids can learn about love, but better is allowing them to love others by holding a canned food drive. Kids can learn about being joyful, but better is them sharing their joy with an elderly family member or neighbor. When kids serve, it allows Jesus to work through them, and it’s a gift they carry into life.

We attend an inner-city church, and our kids have many opportunities to serve. One of their favorite things to do is to help babysit for the Teen Mom Support Group that I lead. My younger girls love to play with babies as the young moms receive help and instruction.

I also teach my children to pray for others—those who live close and those who live far.

One of our favorite Sonlight books was Window on the World (https://www.sonlight.com/CH04). This book is a wonderful introduction to ninety-two largely unevangelized countries and peoples of the world. From Afghanistan to the Zulus, and beyond. Each two-page spread includes a story, maps, interesting facts, full-color photos and illustrations, and suggested prayers. A treasure-trove for developing a godly heart for the world!

Grow in Gratitude

It’s easy to take all we have for granted. It’s easy to grumble when we don’t have what we want or when things haven’t gone as planned. Our family recently took on the challenge of trying to stop our grumbles and focusing on grumbling instead. You can read about it here: The Grumble Free Year

The desire for something “better” in our homeschooling day, makes us forget what we already have. Comparison with other homeschooling families always results in grumbling. Gratitude, on the other hand, reminds us of what God has done. It makes us understand that we have enough to share with others.

Do you find yourself grumbling? Take time in God’s presence to evaluate what is at the root of your grumbling and discontentment. Then, think about things you can change. Ask,

“How can I focus on the solution, not just the problem.”

Also, only God can change our hearts, and He can change our kids’ hearts too. Things change when we seek His help in our day.

Instead of simply trying to change our kids’ behavior, we can remind them that we love them, and God loves them … and they can turn to God in prayer when they need help. Then, intentionally notice and praise your kids when they are doing something well! Point out you can see how God is helping them.

When I first started homeschooling, I believed my job was to get the schoolwork done. Yes, that is part of my job, but with each year that passes, I know that growing my children’s hearts for loving Jesus and others is truly the most important part. These are lessons this homeschooling mom is thankful for!

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Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” Read full privacy policy here.

March 12, 2019 by Tricia Goyer 1 Comment

How to Get Your Kids to Pay Attention While You Homeschool (Through Crafting!)

Want to learn How to Get Your Kids to Pay Attention While You Homeschool? Believe it or not, crafting can help them focus. Let me share how I’ve helped my kids learn better while keeping their hands moving.

How to Get Your Kids to Pay Attention While You Homeschool

We brought our kids home to homeschool after adoption. Because the older girls had been in public school for all their lives they had an idea of what school looked like—lots of lessons and worksheets and counting down the hours until they can play.

When we started homeschooling with Sonlight, they didn’t know what to think. Not only was mom spending hours a day reading wonderful books to them, but their hands were also often free to be creative while they listened to me read.

How to Get Your Kids to Pay Attention While You Homeschool (Through Crafting!)

Yes, I let my kids do art while I read. The whole dining room is often a mess when they’re done, but they seem to pay attention better when their hands are busy! In addition to art, they are allowed to play with legos or small toys. My daughters might play with their stuffed animals and my son might have his toy cars “vrooming” while I read the lesson. This allows them to focus their minds while calming the inate desire to move their hands and bodies.

How to Get Your Kids to Pay Attention While You Homeschool Outside

Who says you have to homeschool inside? Kids who get fresh air and sunshine everyday are healthier. Let them go outside and count the number of red cars they see on a walk. Let them draw math problems or spelling words with sidewalk chalk in the driveway. Help them find leaves and rocks for science. The world is their classroom. Help them see everything in their environment as a source of information and you’ll grow life long learners who thrive.

Here are some of our favorite craft items that I keep in stock. I actually got this list from my “previously ordered” list on Amazon!

For sculpting:

Clay! Ideas to help keep kids’ attention while homeschooling!

Magic clay https://amzn.to/2EqtHEv (dries hard)

Bake clay https://amzn.to/2VsUmYo

For bracelet making:

Thread for friendship bracelets: https://amzn.to/2tIB2un

Bead kit: https://amzn.to/2NzoD50

Foam beads: https://amzn.to/2H8lkAD

For felt dolls and animals:

Felt: https://amzn.to/2NBWj1M

For painting:

Birdhouses https://amzn.to/2UdG5yF

Craft books:

Foil art: https://amzn.to/2EkzkUU

Sticker art: https://amzn.to/2TayxjJ

More Sticker art: https://amzn.to/2T4firQ

Sticker art: https://amzn.to/2XsyhLf

How to Get Your Kids to Pay Attention While You Homeschool (Through Crafting!)

Box kits:

Sewing Kits to keep your kids’ attention while homeschooling!

Needle point kit: https://amzn.to/2Vwpvu7

Needle point kit: https://amzn.to/2T9x25i

Quilt kit: https://amzn.to/2T765ip

Sewing kit: https://amzn.to/2Xsunlz

Duct tape kit: https://amzn.to/2H9l1FN

Papermaking kit: https://amzn.to/2UeTtlZ

Button art: https://amzn.to/2T61xZZ

Tile art: https://amzn.to/2UewXK5

More on How to Get Your Kids to Pay Attention While You Homeschool (Through Crafting!)

Origami

Paper: https://amzn.to/2UfQolw

Beading:

Perler boards: https://amzn.to/2Tc1o75

Perler boards: https://amzn.to/2Uf91WL

Beads: https://amzn.to/2UezjZe

Peg boards: https://amzn.to/2XtedII

Tools a parent can help with:

Hot Glue Gun https://amzn.to/2VtteIK

Click here to see all the fun things listed here and more!

These items are sure to bring hours of fun while learning!

Are you ready to learn how to have True Homeschool Success? Let me show you what has worked for our family for over two and a half decades. I want to share what’s given us the power so you too can lead your family through home education. Learn more here: True Homeschool Success

December 4, 2018 by Tricia Goyer 4 Comments

Sleep as a Benefit of Homeschooling

Did you know that sleep can be a benefit to your homeschool?

I’d been a homeschooling mom for twenty years when I was forced to have kids in the public school system. I say “forced” because we had kids in foster care and DHS would not let me homeschool them. So for the first time ever I filled out paperwork and had to figure out the schedules of three different schools.

During this time I was homeschooling three children at home. And our new daughters were between the ages of 11 and 15-years-old. Suddenly I had kids in homeschool, elementary school, junior high and high school. There were many challenges. I had to figure out how to help kids with homework and how to communicate with various teachers. We had to figure out school lunches and schedules, but by far the hardest thing to deal with was my kids’ lack of sleep.

You see one of the benefits of homeschooling is allowing my kids to sleep in. On most days my kids wake up around 8:00 a.m., and we start school around 9:00 a.m. This is a far cry from what we’d experienced when they went to public school. I usually had to wake them up around 6:15 a.m. and had to get them to school by 7:40. The mornings were chaos with everyone getting dressed, making lunches, and fighting. There was a lot of fighting because it was a big hassle to get everyone out of bed.

My kids were extremely tired because they often came home with homework. Sometimes we stayed up late finishing it. And on days when they finished homework before 8:00 p.m. we tried to squeeze in family time by hanging out. After all, we hadn’t seen our kids all day.

Because my homeschooling kids finish all their schoolwork during the day there is no homework at night. We have dinner together and participate in taekwondo. Then we hang out and everyone goes to bed at a decent hour. And then, they get to sleep in. With this schedule, my kids get 9-10 hours a night, which is what they need.

Years ago I was interviewing a doctor, and she told me that most of the problems that parents have with tweens and teens have to do with lack of sleep. Teens are staying up too late and waking up too early. Because they are growing so much, tweens and teens actually need the same amount of sleep as toddlers. And when they don’t get it, they’re like a whole bunch of BIG cranky toddlers running around. I’ve found this to be true.

There are many benefits to homeschooling, and sleep is one of them. By the time we start school at 9:00 a.m. my kids are awake and ready to learn. We sit down with our Bible Study and our Sonlight Curriculum. There is no rushing out the door. There are no cranky kids … well, if they are it usually isn’t because of lack of sleep. And for that I am thankful.

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October 8, 2018 by Tricia Goyer 3 Comments

How I Homeschool With No Stress (5 Grades!)

People are amazed that I homeschool with no stress (or very little) with FIVE grades all at once without losing my mind. I’m actually amazed too. When I first began so many years ago, I could not have imagined that I could have a large family AND teach homeschool with no stress. Multiple grades were intimidating, that’s for sure!

I shared some details about how I do that HERE. In this video, I actually unbox all our books and give you an overview of how I homeschool. I have learned so many things over the years that have lead to being able to homeschool with no stress. There have been lots of mistakes but we have gained wisdom along the way.

Yet, after that video was made and shared, I’ve gotten more questions. A lot more questions. People want details. So I created this new video.

In this video, I share how I use two levels of Sonlight curriculum to teach children in Grades 2, 3, 4, 8, 9, and 9th. And the best part is they are all excelling while we are also having fun! We are homeschooling with no stress!

Enjoy this video. And if you have more questions please leave them in the comments below!

More Resources to help you to Homeschool with No Stress:

I have written a book that will go a long way in helping you to be able to homeschool with no stress. Here is a description of it.

Do you long to homeschool with joy, simplicity, and success? Finally, all the best tried-and-true homeschool advice you’ve been looking for in one amazing book. With more than thirty years of combined experience, homeschooling moms Tricia Goyer and Kristi Clover provide thoughtful and practical advice on how to get started and stay the course in your home-school journey. But they don’t stop there.

In this book, Tricia and Kristi unpack tons of great tools that will help you take unnecessary pressure off yourself so you can focus on what is truly important. (Hint: It’s not academics!) Homeschool Basics will remind you that the best type of homeschooling starts with the heart. You’ll find ideas to help you push your fears to the side and raise kids who will grow to be life-long learners and who have a positive impact on God’s kingdom. Tricia and Kristi believe that homeschooling can transform your life, your home, and your family. Mostly, they believe homeschooling can truly prepare your children for the life God’s called them to live. Homeschool Basics covers the “basics” and so much more…

Top 10 tips for a successful first year
How to get beyond your fears•How to homeschool with multiple children — even little ones
Strategies for homeschooling when you feel overwhelmed or behind
How to plan out your homeschool year with confidence, as well as tips on selecting curriculum
Advice on how to keep your sanity with homeschooling and housekeeping
Best ways to take advantage of teachable moments
How to help your child develop a lifelong love for learning and a heart for serving if you are new to homeschooling, don’t let your doubts hold you back any longer.

You can learn more about Homeschool Basics HERE.

Homeschool Resolutions

I love making homeschool resolutions. And after almost three decades as a homeschool mom, I can see the benefit each year from evaluating the systems I use and making adjustments. Even tiny changes can reap big rewards. Let’s look at what’s worked to make our homeschool run smoothly.

Homeschool Resolutions

I’m counting down the days until homeschooling starts this year. I love the beginning of the new school year. New school supplies. Cracking open new books! I love learning right along with my children. Yet each year there are always challenges. At the beginning of each new school year, I make note of these challenges and try to come up with resolutions—things I can do to make positive changes. Sometimes these resolutions work. Sometimes they don’t, but it’s always worth trying something new to fix a current problem.

A few years ago my homeschool problem was teaching six different grades for six different kids. I was only one person. How could I manage that?

My resolution was to find a good system that would work well for my kids, allowing us to do a large chunk of learning together. I accomplished this by using Sonlight Curriculum, a literature-based curriculum, that allowed me to do a lot of reading aloud to all my kids. This year I’m using:

Intro to World History Year 2 of 2, Literature C. We’ll be journeying from the fall of Rome through modern world History.

I’m also using:

World History, Year 2 of 2, Literature H. Again, we’ll be exploring the ever-changing world of the past 500 years.

For the last two years, I’ve loved using Sonlight for my kids. I read Read Alouds from both of these sets of books to all my kid, ages 7-15. Since both sets of kids are studying the same time period the books are both enjoyable and educational. We have all loved this, and it has really bonded our family.

To have our kids from Grades 2 – Freshman laughing and sometimes crying over the same books has given us common ground. The kids do have individual subjects they are learning, too, but it’s fun to see my children sharing these stories with each other.

This year I’m continuing using Sonlight, but I also have a few resolutions:

Spend time with others, including more homeschoolers. Just homeschooling seven kids has taken up a large chunk of our day, but I’m looking into finding small co-op activities to do with other, local homeschoolers.
To actually do the Science projects. Confession. My 18-year-old Maria, who is now in college, was the one who did Science projects for me. This will mean I’ll have to pull out the manuals for the kids myself.
Follow rabbit trails, instead of just trying to get the next thing done in the teacher’s guide. Like my friend Lyndsay recently confessed to me, “Last year had to hold too many ‘check the box’ kind of moments. I want and crave more ‘explore and dig’ moments. Not so rushed.” I can totally relate.
Listen more, laugh more.
Memorize more Scripture. We’ve memorized a few verses, but I know my kids would do great with this challenge. It’ll just take me challenging them.
Pray more about our homeschooling journey with my kids. I do pray about homeschooling (mostly that God will give me wisdom, patience, and strength), but I want to encourage my kids to start praying too. I know it will make all the difference.

What about you? Made any resolutions n the past that have changed things for the better? Also, do you have any current resolutions? I’d love to hear!

Are you ready for Homeschool Success?

Do you want to:

—Understand the basics of homeschool laws and what your kids need to graduate and go to college.

—Discover your gifts as a homeschool teacher.

—Finding extra help for special needs kids.

…and so much more!

I’ve taken all my experience from almost three decades as a homeschooling mom and given them to you in my new Homeschool Success Course.

Here is my welcome module to give you a glimpse of this course!

YOU can give the gift of a homeschool education to your family by joining me here: www.homeschoolsuccesscourse.com

Get a free printable of these homeschool resolutions here!

June 5, 2018 by Tricia Goyer 8 Comments

Sonlight Unboxing & How I Homeschool Multiple Ages Together

Get a peek into my Sonlight curriculum box + get tips on homeschooling multiple ages together!

One of my favorite times of the year is when my new homeschool curriculum arrives. The last couple of years I’ve used Sonlight to homeschool all my children together. It works great!! I’m doing the same thing this year, too.

Below is my unboxing video. This year I’m using History/Bible/Literature (HBL) Levels C and H.

HBL level C is for Grades 2-4. My three youngest kids will be in grades 2, 3 and 4. HBL level H is for Grades 7-9. My three older kids will be in grades 8 and 9. Both of these cover Middle Ages through modern day. Middle Ages is one of my favorite times in history.

I literally put the two together and do the Read Alouds to both groups. Last time it took me 1 ½ years to go through the doubled-up curriculum this way, but none of us minded. The younger kids enjoyed the older kids’ books and the older kids loved the young kids’ books. This really helps the kids bond. From ages 7-15 (and 46!) we all enjoy the stories together. I can’t tell you the number of times all the kids were either laughing or crying at the same time. It’s fun to hear them talking about the stories months later.

I usually spend 2 – 2 ½ hours each day reading aloud to all my kids together. While I’m reading they’re usually coloring, playing with Legos, doing puzzles or crafts. I pause every few pages and ask questions to make sure people are paying attention. Sometimes the older girls take turns reading too.

Then, after the reading aloud time, everyone breaks up to do their individual work. This takes anywhere from 1-4 more hours, depending on the age of the child, how much work and independent reading there is, and how motivated they are.

Teacher’s Guide

What makes Sonlight easy is that Teacher’s Guide has everything listed out—what needs to be done each day. There are also handouts and worksheets to go with the books. Since everything is figured out for me, there is little prep.

I’ll admit that we don’t cover every single thing in the teacher’s guide. Sometimes I’ll choose not to do all the extra activities, and we just read the books. That’s okay. My kids are learning a ton and excelling!

How I Organize

Next, I’ll do another video showing how I organize our homeschool. I don’t have a dedicated school room. We homeschool in the dining room. We also eat in the dining room every evening, which means everything needs to be cleaned up and put away after we’re done.

Here is the Unboxing video:

Here are some more photos:

I love Sonlight. See my unboxing video, plus get tips on homeschooling multiple ages together!

If you have any questions about homeschooling (or Sonlight) let me know! Leave your questions in the comments.

More than just Summer Readers! Looking for even more fun things to do this summer? Check out Sonlight’s Exploration Packages in Art, Science, Music, Programming and more!

May 24, 2018 by Tricia Goyer Leave a Comment

Summer Reading For Family Togetherness

Would you like to create more togetherness for your family this summer? Here is some great summer reading!

Summer is supposed to be a relaxing time, but I’ve found that kids who have too much free time often get into trouble. Also, my kids are also prone to fight because they don’t have many activities to pull all ages together. Do you find the same thing?

We have a lot of time together during our homeschooling schedule reading aloud, and we love it. Over the years, my homeschool kids have spanned every age, and it’s an amazing thing to see the children of different ages laughing (and sometimes crying) together as I read.

We love summer reading! You should try summer reading to promote family togetherness this summer!

I decided to bring everyone together one summer through the Sonlight Summer Reading Program. I chose the middle school readers since they looked as if they’ll appeal to all ages. Also, since I had five girls at the time I chose the books that the girls would be most interested in …. and my son did mind, in fact, he enjoyed it!

My kids were SO excited about these books. Also, we had a teen friend from Europe that stayed for a month, as well. I thought these middle school readers will be perfect since English is her second language.

Here are a few reasons why you should consider summer reading:

It’s super easy. All you need to do is gather everyone together and read.
Kids of all ages can enjoy the same book.
It provides a meaningful experience to fill up summer days.
It provides a time of intimacy as everyone gathers close.
It takes kids on new adventures and fun experiences without leaving home.

I encourage you to check out Sonlight’s summer reading program. If you do, let me know how your family is enjoying the books!

Seven All-Time Favorite Read-Alouds | Sarita Holzmann

Sarita Holzmann shares her seven all-time favorite read-alouds – *This post contains a couple of affiliate links — in short, if you click on a link and purchase something, I get a bit of commission.*

As moms, we have the unique privilege and joy to read to our children. As Sonlighters, we get to cuddle on the couch to read every day and call it “doing school.” Glory! The natural love for reading and learning blossoms from these moments we spend together.

I have always been a book lover. As a child, I’d bike to our local library and check out the maximum number of titles allowed, tuck them in my bike’s saddlebags, and read even after lights out with a flashlight under the blankets.

In school, my favorite teachers read aloud to me. I learned so much from stories and I wanted that same pattern for my family.

So naturally, it followed that reading aloud became a part of my family’s style of homeschooling right from the beginning. Originally, I chose my favorites—books with meaningful characters who overcame struggles, set in true time periods—stories that left an impact. I chose stories for my children to love and remember. Sonlight Curriculum grew out of my family’s sweet time together reading through these tales.

In honor of Get Caught Reading Month, I’d like to share a few of my favorite titles (most Sonlighters can tell you it’s so hard to pick just one!).

My all-time favorite Sonlight books, in no particular order:

The Horse and His Boy—A title that always ranks high on my list. I read this story twice a year for many years. I love its beautiful picture of how God orchestrates our lives to accomplish His plans. How He uses even tough situations for the good of others, and how He walks beside us even when we don’t see Him.

Shadow Spinner—When I first read this title, I finished it, went to put it down, and instead picked it up and re-read it. Then, I re-read portions of it that I had enjoyed a third time. I loved how the author took a familiar story (the story of the Scheherazade), wove in fresh intrigue, new compelling characters, and believable storyline, in an unusual setting, and crafted a winsome story. My children would not let me stop reading this one.

A Murder For Her Majesty—One of my “comfort” books. When I need a charming but thoughtful story, I re-read this one. The protagonist must somehow fight enemies she doesn’t know or recognize, within a cathedral and boys’ choir, and includes friendship and learning. All my children would give this story a “thumbs up.”

The Great and Terrible Quest—Another story I re-read immediately after reading it for the first time. A boy helps an injured knight travel to the city through trouble and uncertainty. The surprise ending delights.

About Average—The protagonist is average in all areas (and how many of us can identify with that). The young girl, in the midst of a severe trial, overcomes by keeping her head and using common sense. My favorite type of story—ordinary people who do extraordinary things. I tear up every time I read it.

The Winged Watchman—When I rediscovered this title as an adult, I remembered reading it as a child. I loved it then, and I love it now. Set in Holland during WWII, the family heroically rescues an airman, passes necessary messages, and lives joyfully through the war. Beautiful.

A Ring of Endless Light—Another title I read, and then immediately re-read. The protagonist deals with the life-threatening illness of her beloved grandfather, new relationships to be navigated, an unusual scientific study, and warm family relationships. Thoughtful and interesting.

I hope you catch your precious little ones sneaking a book off the shelf, cuddled away in their favorite reading fort, or tucked in bed asking for just one more chapter. Cherish these precious moments and don’t forget to take some time out to get caught up in the pages of a book yourself.

What will you get caught reading this month? I’d be interested in hearing what you’re reading and what your favorites are too—just email me at President@Sonlight.com. Or share on our Facebook page!

Get Caught Reading this Summer with Sonlight

Sarita Holzmann shares her seven all-time favorite read-alouds

Sarita Holzmann is the co-founder and president of Sonlight Curriculum. Although she started as a reluctant homeschooler, she soon came to love it and is considered one of the pioneers of the homeschooling movement. With a heart for missionaries serving overseas and the people they serve, Sarita has always had an eye towards bringing geography to life using literature. Her literature-based approach to homeschooling has proven to be a favorite for families all over the world. She is happily married, with four children and eight grandchildren.

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Books can be a great launching point for teaching gratitude for your family, too! Here are some of our favorite Sonlight books that have really grown our gratitude:

More Great Reads For Growing Readers

The Monk Who Shook the World (GR23) The Story of Martin Luther held us spellbound. We could not believe all the rules and relics that past church officials used to control people. It made us grateful that we can go to church and serve God, knowing we have direct access to Him.

Chapter Books that Teach Kids Not to Grumble and Complain

Books can be a great launching point for teaching gratitude for your family, too! Here are three questions to ask:

1. What makes you grateful for your life after reading this book?

2. What character traits do you appreciate?

3. What did we learn about being grateful?

Unexpected Blessings

I want my children to “sense the excitement and challenge of following Jesus in big and little things – not only at home and at church, but also in their work and culture.” That’s why I trust Sonlight!

Make Time for Bible reading.

Serve and Pray for Others

I also teach my children to pray for others—those who live close and those who live far.

Grow in Gratitude

Do you find yourself grumbling? Take time in God’s presence to evaluate what is at the root of your grumbling and discontentment. Then, think about things you can change. Ask,

How to Get Your Kids to Pay Attention While You Homeschool

How to Get Your Kids to Pay Attention While You Homeschool (Through Crafting!)

How to Get Your Kids to Pay Attention While You Homeschool Outside

For sculpting:

For creative crafting:

To make google eye puppets:

For sketching:

Art books:

For stamping:

For bracelet making:

For felt dolls and animals:

For painting:

Craft books:

How to Get Your Kids to Pay Attention While You Homeschool (Through Crafting!)

Box kits:

More on How to Get Your Kids to Pay Attention While You Homeschool (Through Crafting!)

Tools a parent can help with:

Are you ready to learn how to have True Homeschool Success? Let me show you what has worked for our family for over two and a half decades. I want to share what’s given us the power so you too can lead your family through home education. Learn more here: True Homeschool Success

More Resources to help you to Homeschool with No Stress:

More posts to help you:

Homeschool Resolutions

Homeschool Resolutions

This year I’m continuing using Sonlight, but I also have a few resolutions:

Are you ready for Homeschool Success?