Greetings from Me & My House,
Several months ago I posted my list of resources I would take along, if I was going to home educate on a remote island for a year, and my packing space had to be limited.
Recently, on another elist, a similar question was posed about very limited packing and living space. I wrote my list again, before comparing with my previous list to see if my thoughts had changed – but also specifically thinking – compact, long term, and this “hypothetical” situation did not include younger children. I don’t know that the poster would think along the same lines as I do, but I did think of what I would do, if it was me in this situation.
I have a large library that I love and am very thankful for. (And am very grateful to my dh for building me a library to house them in.)
Here’s my list for this situation, including resources that would be foundational for teaching all upper elementary – high school for each subject. Things that you could pull out of to teach all that’s “needed” for all grades. Of course using this type of resources for all grades requires a bit more of you to present it at the appropriate level to the child.
These resources would require the child to do the work of learning – Notebooking. They would help the student to reflect and reason through the ideas, causes and effects – not just memorize facts, such as through an encyclopedia or such. I think this list should only take 1-2 storage tubs or book shelves. Also I have not included any of my own resources on this list.
Bibles for each person of course are first. I’d recommend good study Bibles – perhaps different types for each one, so you’d have several different commentaries to consult.
An exhaustive concordance so you could find Scriptures. We use Strong’s. A Topical Bible – Nave’s, if you have room. Personally I’d include a Complete Commentary like Matthew Henry’s, and also a Systematic Theology – like Wayne Grudem’s.
Ruth Beechick’s Encyclopedia of Bible Truths - outlines each “school” subject giving the Scriptures that pertain to it. It would provide the foundation for all our studies.
A comprehensive dictionary – Webster’s 1828 (original).
An English handbook – Bob Jones’ is good and thorough. If I had room and felt I needed the help, I’d throw in Understanding Writing which is one book for teaching writing to all ages. If you had little ones that needed reading and spelling, I’d include a one-stop phonics/spelling program like Writing Road to Reading.
A comprehensive, non-consumable math program – like Ray’s.
Worldview specifically on history and cultures – How Should we Then Live? by Francis Schaeffer is our top pick. Add other worldview resources as able. Tearing Down Strongholds by RC Sproul is one short book. Understanding the Times by David Noebel is one BIGGER book. And America’s Providential History by Stephen McDowell and Mark Beliles. is a great overview of the stream of Hisory.
A good government resource – Gary DeMar’s God and Government.
Some practical self-governmental resources – dealing with relationships etc., including some biblical manhood/womanhood and Christian relationships type books – here’s a few we’ve used in the past: Basic Life Principles, God’s Priceless Woman, several “courtship” books, etc. PeaceMakers is on our list “to do”.
History overview – Sketches from Church History and (not my favorite, because I like many different books by different authors for each time period – but a comprehensive coverage of all) Streams of Civilization. Though we prefer Diana Waring’s What in the World’s Going on Here? audios, they aren’t as detailed. I’d add in Charles Coffin’s Story of Liberty series for more life and detail – but doesn’t cover ALL of time. Our Wall Chart of World History is a must for us – a 15′ timeline in a book showing the streams of history. Oh, I guess I’d need a good World Atlas and basic Geography too.
For science I’d take Character Sketches, (I’d cover character and nature science with these), Unlocking the Mysteries of Creation, Master Book’s Wonders of Creation series (and Exploring …, and …by Design series for high school,) and Field Guides appropriate to the area. Of course, you may want some kind of scientific method book too.
A good collection of poetry - like Favorite Poems Old and New. A great collection of music – both to listen to and to play/sing (guitar, if electric piano wouldn’t fit). And favorite literature both Christian and such as: Pilgrims Progress, some “Lamplighter” rare classics, biographies, etc.
Misc., as room allowed – more living books – such as:
Henty’s for boys especially,
Elsie Dinsmore series for girls perhaps, and
Music biographies and history,
Art teaching and supplies, and art reproductions and biographies for study.
My other “musts” would include Guide to American Christian Education – because it gives so much insight and outlines for teaching many different subjects Biblically. And as many Christian “classics” as space would allow – not recent/new “Christian living” books, but excellent books (mostly from ages past) on growing in the Christian faith/theology.
Well, I may have 3 tubs full by now, so I’d better quit.
At Jesus’ feet,
Lisa @Me and My House
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