I noticed that Tristi Pinkerton and Valorie Delp have been discussing appropriate reading materials for children. It got me thinking about the items I have, and wish I had in my homeschool library.
Why have in-home homeschool libraries? As homeschoolers, it pays to have a library of books children can get their hands on quickly and easily. Of course, there is always the public library, but the public library will not necessarily have all of the books you will want your child to read. When we (my children and I) want a particular classic book, we have to request it and wait for it to be sent to our local library. Just by having classic books on the shelves in your home increases the chance that your children will read them. Having good books to read in your home also decreases the chance that you child will read books you do not want them to read.
The value of reading classic books: Classic books, books that you can read again, and again, but will always be fresh, are the stuff good minds are made of. They often demonstrate a good use of language and grammar from which your child can learn. Classic books lay a foundation for a good and varied vocabulary. Classics are books you can trust as you very likely have read them in previous years. Why not pass down your old trusted friends to your children? By having read the same books as your kids, deep discussion over the subjects will come easily, encouraging debate and questions.
Where do I put an In-home Library: An in-home library can be built in any room in your home. Personally, since the formal dining room is the least used room in the house, it makes sense to me have the room double as my home library. It just takes a few matching bookshelves of any style, and the beginnings of your homeschool collection. While you are building your library, fill in the open spaces with baskets of magazines, photographs, and children’s artwork.
Stay tuned for “Where I find Classic Books?”
Recommended reading (school reading lists)
Great Books for Preschoolers
Suggested Reading List for Kindergarteners
1st Grade Reading List
Second Grade Reading List
Third Grade Reading Lists
Fourth Grade Reading Lists
Reading List for Fifth Grade