Teaching from Rest: A Homeschooler's Guide to Unshakable Peace 2.0 Edition

by Sarah Mackenzie

Genres: Parenting, Nonfiction, Education, Christian, Audiobook, School, Book Club

112 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2018

About the author

Sarah Mackenzie is a homeschooling mother of six and the author Teaching from Rest and The Read-Aloud Family, as well as several picture books for kids.

She's the host of the Read-Aloud Revival podcast, which has been downloaded over 14 million times in more than 160 countries.

Her boutique, award-winning publishing house, Waxwing Books, makes timeless stories families will love to read aloud.

Sarah makes her home in the Northwest with Andrew, her husband of 23 years, and their 6 kids. You can usually find her reading stacks of picture books, mixing up a batch of sourdough, or loving on her doodles, Tomie dePawla and Gilbert Blythe.

Reviews

[Rebecca Wasch · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Teaching from Rest” teaches the homeschool mom how to reframe her thoughts regarding educational success. This book is not a how-to teach grammar manual, but a guide for living out your homeschool life with Sabbath rest. It contains healthy doses of both gentle admonishment and encouragement, necessary for both the enthusiastic, over-prepared homeschooler, and the tired, confused homeschooler. (Any longtime homeschooler knows we will have seasons of both.)

[Jana Grote · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book for homeschool moms! Highly highly recommend! It’s very short but full of wisdom. This book felt like a sigh of relief. It’s full of scripture and biblical wisdom for mom who feel like they have to always be checking things off the to do list and are anxious often. Must read for all homeschool moms!

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this my first year homeschooling in 2017 when my oldest was a first grader and just re-visited it again—that child is now a seventh grader, and he has four younger siblings who are school age, so needless to say, a lot has changed since my first time reading! It was interesting to see my highlights/notes from my first time reading and also see how those notes still resonated with me today, while other passages spoke more strongly to me now. I highly recommend this book for anyone considering homeschooling, or for anyone in the midst of it after many years.

[Blessing Bloodworth (naptimereaders) · Rating 4 out of 5]

If anyone appreciates a short & sweet book, it's a homeschool mom.
In this concise volume, Sarah Mackenzie offers both gentle encouragement and practical admonishments for the mom seeking to mother and teach from a place of grace & rest. It's very readable and easily feels like sitting down over coffee with a friend.

Parents who seek to teach from the perspective of educating the whole child in both knowledge and virtue will especially appreciate what Sarah has to share on the subject. Though not explicitly stated, Sarah's philosophy is based in the Charlotte Mason philosophy of liberal education for children with a slower and more grace-based mindset.

Though slightly less meticulously edited than other homeschooling books I have read, it's nonetheless encouraging and helpful. I also found myself wondering about her theology in a couple sections, concluding we probably hold differing spiritual beliefs.

[Beth Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Regardless of educational choice for your family, every home is a school. Our child is 1, but this was an absolute delight.

[Marla · Rating 4 out of 5]

"It is our part to offer what we can, His to finish what we cannot"

"Value academic work because nurturing the intellect is part of what makes us fully human, but don't elevate it beyond its place"

"Take a deep breath, mama. This isn't as dependent on you as you think it is"

Some good words for all of us...not just homeschool moms.

[Jill Marks · Rating 5 out of 5]

2024: re-read, still 5 stars and a great way to start the school year.

[Anna Caranci · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a sweet encouragement for the homeschooling mom! A gentle and easy read.

[Ashley Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a perfect re-read to kick off this school year! I definitely needed the reminder that my children are not projects to be managed, but rather souls to be cultivated.

[Anelise Judd · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this is a book that any homeschool mom should read yearly (especially right before the new school year) and to briefly review in the middle of the year. Has beautiful reminders of what it’s all about with helpful guidance tips too.

[Emily Freeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listen to this every year but probably needed it this year more than ever.

[Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

How can I teach from peace and rest if I am not spending time with the One who gives both?
Takeaways: Teach my children to preserve wonder and perceive truth! Teach them to love and hate what they ought. My children will learn well what they see in my husband and me! Focus on the shaping of souls and ordering of affections in my every day! What will I wish for at the end of the day— what if it didn’t matter as much about what all I got done but rather that I was more intentional about savoring the moments with my kiddos?

[Kate Thibodeau · Rating 4 out of 5]

At this point, I don't think I need another homeschooling book for a very long time.
This helped me step back from the stress of planning to homeschool and hone into my values and desires for our home life and how those peacefully translate into the education of my kids.
A must read for all beginning homeschool moms.

[Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend to all homeschooling or homeschool-curious mamas! Packed with both big picture encouragement/vision, as well as some great practicals and ways to walk it out. My only complaint were a few small references to some theology differences (claiming the title of “sinner”), but able to look past that and really appreciate the context of this book! Also appreciated that it’s a quick read!!

[Janessa Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

The perfect re-read to get me back into the homeschooling spirit (with a calm settled mind) after a very long holiday break. Gem of a book.

[Stephanie Danza · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must-read for homeschooling families who want to rest in the Lord’s strength. Something I plan on rereading again and again so I keep the priorities in line!

[Meghan Kelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick uplifting read with sound practical advice.

[Luci · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, for such a short book, it's miraculously packed with wisdom and encouragement. The perfect "between semesters" read.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another quick read through one of the most encouraging homeschool books on the market! It reminds me what’s important, to be faithful in the day to day, to continue my own professional development, and most importantly, rely on the power of the Holy Spirit.

[Sherene Deboer · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good. I need to buy a copy of this one!

[Chloe H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mom gave me this book to skim and perhaps use as a source for my research paper. (It's titled, Homeschooling vs. Public Schooling: What's Best for the Child?) I did, in fact, end up using it as a source, and I fell in love with it. I decided to continue reading it.

Sarah Mackenzie's writing is beautiful and honest. She communicates great truths with humility and honesty. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I... admit I'm not sure how to apply it to my own life.

I'm not a homeschooling mother (which is the audience of this book). But one day I hope to be. I've learned much from Sarah Mackenzie, and I hope that I'll one day be able to follow these breathtaking, restful principles she sets forth.

I am, however, an older sister. I am a student. In these two roles I found applications. I want to be the diligent student that Mackenzie encourages homeschooling mothers to cultivate. I want to love what I learn. I want to work hard, and I want my goal to be more than just getting done.

I want to be patient and kind to my younger siblings. I want to make time for them. Relationships don't happen overnight. They are the result of inviting your little brothers on a walk with you. Saying yes to playing a game with one of them though you were planning to listen to Pride & Prejudice and have some time for yourself. Restraining harsh words when your youngest brother is showing you something, then showing you something, then showing you something while you're trying to read a really good book. Answering that question thoughtfully and kindly. Relationships are built on that little moment. Those moments build up. But you have to take time for them.

This book has really changed my perspective on things; brought truths to mind that I'd forgotten. Even if you're not a homeschooling mother, this book may be helpful for you.

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

2025 update: This slim volume was once again a breath of fresh air as I surface from putting away the old school year and planning the one to come. Teaching from rest is the only way that I can survive the years to come (autocorrect said tears, and I suppose that's correct, too), but I so often revert to anxiety. Knowing my preferences as a mom, planning a schedule with margin, sifting any books and programs through a sieve of values, and ultimately surrendering my plans to His will can help guide my way forward.

2024 original review: This is my second time reading this tiny yet powerful book, and I think it's going to be a required pre-school pump up (or is that calm down?) every year for me. The author gently takes your eyes off the chaos in front of us, points your view where it needs to be, and keeps your attention with humor all the way through. It's a short read, but one you could sit in for a while.

[Patty Betts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rest is not the absence of hard work, but the absence of anxiety and frenzy!

The Lord has this journey in His hands - I just need to walk in what He’s prepared…This is a re-read for me…I recommend this book to be re-read every few years to keep our minds focused on what’s truly important when we homeschool our gifts from heaven! I love this book and grateful to Sarah for her honest heart and amazing encouragement.

[Lauren Windham · Rating 5 out of 5]

2nd read Aug 2025 and think I’ll read every summer before we start school-so encouraging!

Was looking for a book to set a good foundation/motivate and encourage me as we continue part time homeschooling in a few weeks, and this was recommended by a few friends. It’s thin and an easy read; it was very encouraging and brought me to tears several times, was practical and gave me some good ideas!

[Jody Gully · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read this book before but I love it so much and wanted the reminder❤️

[L.A. · Rating 3 out of 5]

There were 5-star statements in this book, but I definitely missed the hype.
- I don’t get loop schedules or symposiums.
- Review time is already built into my curriculum.
- A good curriculum is not gimmicky and integrates subjects.
- The bar is so low for grade levels nowadays that I think what level my kiddos read at *does* matter—I *am* doing something wrong *or* they need some specialized help if we aren’t even making grade level.
- I don’t solely cater to my child’s learning style, but I also do some things outside my comfort zone because I want them to see we consider others, not just our own preferences.
- Relationships are more important than schooling, but schooling also has to happen, and it does have to happen a certain way, whether a child is up for it or not.“Keep cutting back until there is peace in your home” sounds like great advice, and also terrible advice. If my kiddo is throwing a fit about school five minutes into the day, that doesn’t mean we’re taking the day off. It does mean I assess if we are having a will issue or a fatigue/hunger/sickness issue, and act accordingly. I know the title is “Teaching from Rest,” but how to actually handle a willful child or difficult situations wasn’t really addressed—other than cut some more school out, which may be what a willful child is going for.

I don’t think the author would disagree with any of these points, but I don’t think we’re on quite the same page. And I’m not clear what does embody a necessary and sufficient level of education based on this book.

One point I’m separating out: workbook pages and finishing books. Finishing the book isn’t the most important thing, but practice is required to nail down most concepts. “Just talking about what they know” doesn’t teach math problem solving, or improve handwriting, or develop sentence structure. I don’t expect my kiddos to do gobs of paperwork (I well remember being overloaded with busywork in fifth, sixth, and tenth grade), but I feel I have a great curriculum that provides the opportunity to independently workout and cement knowledge. Completing independent work takes care to read directions, follow them, check your work, and persevere (especially when something more fun is calling). A lot of “not doing busywork” and “not adding everything you see or hear about” comes down to selecting a good curriculum that provides the right amount of work, or approaching a curriculum knowing it provides more than what you need so you can pick out what works best for your student, *OR* selecting a simplistic curriculum that meets your objectives or can be filled out in a productive and efficient manner. I’m not saying my curriculum is the only one, I just truly don’t feel I’ve encountered many of the issues presented so seriously.

I also felt like this book broke in a bit abruptly, like, maybe I missed something because I’m not from the same camp as everyone else who recommended the author write this book. So when they proofed, it all made sense to them. Some of the Latin terms sprinkled around had some explanation toward the end, but not all. A lot of people I’m unfamiliar with were quoted (including a Catholic priest), so I’m unsure of all the theology behind the author’s examples.

Lastly, a few acknowledgments and disclaimers:
My hands are not as full as the author’s. So in all fairness, I won’t know how challenging homeschooling can be until my second formally begins school. I also only have the perspective of one child’s strengths and learning style.

[Mel Murphy · Rating 1 out of 5]

While there were a few moments where I thought “oh that’s a good thought!” Overall, I found this book lacking. I could also see this being extremely detrimental to someone who wants to be affirmed in doing the bare minimum. Sure, our kids and their hearts are the top priority, but this book would excuse getting waaaaay behind in the name of rest.

I think the fact that there author doesn’t have older kids is kinda weird too. She can’t point to them and be like “see?! They turned out with this method and aren’t complete idiots!” 😂 idk the proof is in the pudding, and so far there’s no pudding haha

It’s all a balance for sure, but having personally known extremely lazy homeschoolers whose kids were grades behind, it’s just not something I’m ok with glorifying or recommending.

[Jessica Ponder · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the practical wisdom of this book and the reminder that homeschooling is about educating the whole person. She does an excellent job of reminding homeschool mothers to trust God and school the kids right in front of them at their pace and needs. A few of the views about instilling a love of learning seemed idealistic to me and quite a heavy weight if we forget that children (and adults alike) often struggle to love learning. An artist might not relish the study of line anymore than a pianist thrill at practicing scales, but need both to create beautiful paintings or play Beethoven’s 5th. Likewise our children will likely not enjoy rudimentary portions of learning, but it is still shaping them to love the good, the true, and the beautiful! All in all, I’m thankful for this book and its reminders to approach all the varied parts of homeschooling with God-given peace, and I’m thankful for the candor with which she shares her experience.

[Sarah Humble · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve had this book on my shelf since we homeschooled our kids during the pandemic. We sent them back to school after a year, but I have been patiently waiting to homeschool again. The time is coming, so I reached for this book. I’m so glad I did! Wow- what an encouraging and uplifting book!! And one that points your eyes in the right place- on Jesus! Honestly, even if you don’t homeschool I think this book would be an encouragement in your parenting journey. It already is reshaping my thoughts on how I view my kids and interact with them.

[Rachel Breda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal. Deep wisdom that should be required reading for any homeschooling family. The title is arguably misleading and may seem like the book will help you BE more rested in some self-care centric way in order to be more productive and achieve more with our student children, but it’s quite the opposite. The wisdom here is that we need to do less, and do it better — never forfeiting the hearts and minds of our little ones (and our relationships with them!!) in the name of 36 week studies and rigid curriculum checklists. I’ll be reading this every fall for the foreseeable future! 🫡