Top Ten Must Have Items

Our Bibles and Kindles are necessary. And of course our shelves stuffed with books are vital. Library card? Yes, we like it, too! 

But when I think of top ten must have items . . . I think life savers. I think game changers. I think about the ten things I've fished from the sea of homeschooling resources–the ones that have formed my philosophies and shaped our adventures.

My friend Brandy claims: When Ami finds something valuable–something she wants you to experience–she wedges it between her hands while talking about it and pushes it toward you a little. And says this a lot. 

So here I go. I'm wedging and pushing and this-ing. 

1. Educating the Whole-Hearted Child by Clay and Sally Clarkson
If I could only mention one resource today, it would be this book. It oozes with wisdom and encouragement. 

2. Honey for a Child's Heart by Gladys Hunt
Gladys Hunt spoke at the very first convention I attended (when Elijah was just two years old!). I purchased her book and read it cover to cover. I used the book lists until I needed to find more. The foundation of our read aloud time was born from this book.

3. Nurturing Competent Communicators by Andrew Pudewa
I've heard Mr. Pudewa give this chat twice. If I could buy this download for every Walking by the Way reader, I would. Read aloud to your kids. If you don't currently do that, please listen to the download. And then read aloud to your kids!

Note: Danielle from IEW commented that this download is FREE right now. Just go sign up for the IEW magalog (magazine + catalog). It will be more than worth your time!

4. Read for the Heart by Sarah Clarkson
A book of good books written by Clay and Sally Clarkson's daughter, Sarah. I have my handy-dandy book lists, and I have Read for the Heart. 

5. Five in a Row by Jane Claire Lambert
Our first curriculum. We've used Five in a Row for eight years (and counting). Five in a Row taught me how to look for hidden treasure while we read. It is more than a curriculum for us–it's a way of life and learning.

6. Teaching Boys and Other Children Who Would Rather Make Forts All Day by Andrew Pudewa
I think I've gone to this workshop three times. It's just that good. The talk walks you through the differences between boys and girls. More importantly, it teaches how to motivate.

7. Seven Keys of Great Teaching by Oliver DeMille 
This was recommended to me by Andrew Pudewa. I don't necessarily agree with everything DeMille claims, but it has challenged me in so many ways! When I am tempted to stray off the delight directed path, I listen to these audio CDs. 

8. Books by John Taylor Gatto
Gatto first caught my attention because he was like me — a former educator who experienced a broken system. He walks you through the history of the machine, and his words are dumbfounding. 

9. The Strong Willed Parent by Mark Hamby
This talk is also known as Raise Them Up, Don't Crush Them Down. The basis for this chat is that children need to hear the beating of our hearts rather than the beating of our voices. It started a paradigm shift for me and my parenting . . . 

10. Calm Christian Parenting (Kirk Martin)
. . . and the paradigm shift continued with Kirk Martin who gave me practical ways to parent without trying to control my children. If you have the chance to go to one of Kirk's upcoming events, go. My husband and I are blessed by this man's ministry. 

Do you have any top ten lists? Check out the lists by other iHomeschool Network bloggers as well as Top Ten Tuesday hosted by Angie of My Little Blessings.