Empowering Your Home Education Journey: Must-Read Books for Every Educator

I solidly believe that embarking on the journey of home education begins with the reshaping our of mindset. If you were sent to any public or private school in the UK, chances are your entire way of being - everything you believe, judge, worry about, criticise yourself for is linked in some way to your schooling career.

I don't believe that any of us can truly embrace home education in all its beauty unless we have done a pretty serious amount of self work. DON'T PANIC - this is literally what I am here for, but also this doesn't take as much time as you think and I wanted to share with you today some amazing reads - if you love a book like I do - that have been instrumental in reshaping my perspectives and approaches. Let me share a bit about each one and how they've influenced my path.

1. Untamed by Glennon Doyle

While not specifically about home education, this is the first book I read when I started my journey. Glennon Doyle's Untamed is a profound exploration of personal growth and self-discovery. Doyle's journey of shedding societal expectations and embracing her true self resonates deeply with the home education ethos. Her words inspire me to live authentically and empower my children to do the same. 

2. Weapons of Mass Instruction by John Taylor Gatto

John Taylor Gatto's Weapons of Mass Instruction offers a deep and insightful critique of the traditional schooling system, from inside the walls he resided in as a well loved and respected teacher. It exposes how it often stifles creativity and critical thinking. Gatto, a former schoolteacher, argues for a more personalized and liberated approach to education, one that empowers students to pursue their interests and passions. This book is a powerful reminder of why many of us choose home education—to break free from conventional moulds and to nurture our children's unique potential.

3. Out of Our Minds by Sir Ken Robinson

Sir Ken Robinson's Out of Our Minds explores the necessity of fostering creativity in education. Robinson challenges the status quo, advocating for a system that values diverse talents and encourages innovative thinking. His insights have inspired me to create a learning environment that embraces creativity and supports my children's individual learning journeys.

4. Divergent Minds by Jenara Nerenberg

In Divergent Minds, Jenara Nerenberg delves into the world of neurodiversity, highlighting the unique strengths and challenges faced by individuals with different neurological makeups. This book has been particularly impactful for me as a parent of neurodivergent children, offering strategies to better support their needs and celebrate their differences.

5. Unschool Yourself First by Mark Beaumont

Mark Beaumont's Unschool Yourself First is a guide to breaking free from traditional educational constraints. Beaumont encourages parents to embrace a more flexible and child-led approach, one that prioritizes curiosity and self-directed learning. This book has reinforced my belief in the power of unschooling and the importance of trusting my children's innate ability to learn.

6. Neurosensory Divergence: Autistic Languages by Helen Daniels

Helen Daniels' Neurosensory Divergence: Autistic Languages offers a deep dive into the unique ways autistic individuals perceive and communicate with the world. Daniels provides insight into the diverse sensory experiences of autistic people, helping educators and parents better understand and support these unique perspectives. This book has expanded my understanding of communication and sensory processing, allowing me to create a more inclusive and accommodating learning environment for my children. Even if you or your children are not autistic, understanding the sensory experience we all have day in, day out, is vital in understanding how to best support your children's learning and your own patience, personal calm and joy. 

These books have not only informed my educational philosophy but have also empowered me to become a more confident and passionate parent and home educator, as well as to seek far more self compassion, set better boundaries and meet my own needs as I deschool and disentangle myself from the systemic education that has worked so hard to fix my mindset. I hope they inspire you on your journey as well.

About the Author

I am Kelly, a home educating parent of 2, with ADHD. I coach parents on how to transform their OWN journey within home education to embrace their own joy and find a balance that means they can keep their cool, have space, hobbies, boundaries, and banish limiting beliefs that cause them to burn out home educating their kids time and again!

If you would love to work together, you can reach out via my work with me page—or find out more about my story here.

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