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Minimalist Homeschooling: A values-based approach to maximize learning and minimize stress
Remove the clutter in your child’s education by taking a deeper look at how you invest your time and energy. Homeschooling does not have to mean a crazy, busy life of too much to do, too much to buy, and too much to plan. You don't have to choose between excellence and sanity while homeschooling - you can have both! "Minimalist Homeschooling" will have you rethinking your priorities and your perspective to create a simple, focused, and meaningful homeschool based on the minimalist mindset and approach. Uniquely, "Minimalist Homeschooling" offers 15 thought-provoking worksheets so readers can purge their tasks, schedule, curriculum, and supplies with clarity and confidence. There IS a way for your children to learn MORE while doing less.
121 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 16, 2017
267 people are currently reading
362 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
August 6, 2017
This book is minimalistic in itself, which from the title, you can assume. It has some great practical tips, but overall, was not earth shattering info.
It is hard to have balance when often homeschool parents are working to survive on one income. But she gives some great tips on how she made it work for her.
I loved some things about it, like her free downloadable forms were great. But some of the other stuff, I walked away thinking that it was the same info told a different way.
Overall, it could be a valuable book when learning what you really need for homeschooling.
It is hard to have balance when often homeschool parents are working to survive on one income. But she gives some great tips on how she made it work for her.
I loved some things about it, like her free downloadable forms were great. But some of the other stuff, I walked away thinking that it was the same info told a different way.
Overall, it could be a valuable book when learning what you really need for homeschooling.
August 28, 2017
This was a very encouraging and insightful read. Just what I needed as the new school year approaches. I don't want to be overwhelmed or burned out. I want our school, our activities, our lives to have value and meaning. This book helped me think this process out. Definite must read for homeschooling parents who want to be organized and have peace in their daily lives
September 27, 2019
This is a really practical book that I'm likely to reread.
August 19, 2017
A Must Read
I found this book on a list of free books on amazon that a Homeschool blogger had listed in her weekly email. I kept "meaning to" start to read it,but hadn't found the time. As our Homeschool year is winding down and I am gearing up for the upcoming year,I found it a perfect time to finally read this book. It is a pleasure to read! It is chock full of quotes and tips,not just for homeschoolers but for families in general!! I love the fact that it comes with links to free worksheets to help with the minimalizing process and this book makes so much sense to me! We are finishing up our third year of homeschooling and our style has changed a lot from year one to now,and I think I have been moving in the direction of minimalizing without knowing it.Now that I have a name for it thanks to the book,I amready to put this into practice!
I found this book on a list of free books on amazon that a Homeschool blogger had listed in her weekly email. I kept "meaning to" start to read it,but hadn't found the time. As our Homeschool year is winding down and I am gearing up for the upcoming year,I found it a perfect time to finally read this book. It is a pleasure to read! It is chock full of quotes and tips,not just for homeschoolers but for families in general!! I love the fact that it comes with links to free worksheets to help with the minimalizing process and this book makes so much sense to me! We are finishing up our third year of homeschooling and our style has changed a lot from year one to now,and I think I have been moving in the direction of minimalizing without knowing it.Now that I have a name for it thanks to the book,I amready to put this into practice!
August 3, 2017
Not much new information. It's at least as much about decluttering as it is about homeschooling. "Less is more" sums it up pretty well. Simple worksheets included, which seem especially nice for beginning homeschoolers.
July 10, 2019
While I didn’t find anything about this book earth-shattering, it was very much in line with my belief system. I thought there were some great tips and I really appreciated the available downloads to work through some of the suggested exercises.
August 4, 2017
I am already sold on a minimalist lifestyle... It's how I have always been. In fact, several times in this book I thought to myself, "This is a kindred spirit writing!" Honestly, I think all the "stuff" in our lives just bogs us down, makes decisions harder, and our house messier.
I got this book for free from Amazon thinking it was worth a perusal and I loved it! I always worry with "less is more" homeschooling books because sometimes I think they just sound lazy. But the key to this book was not less is more, but figuring out what season are we in right now in our homeschooling journey. For my kids, they are in Pre-K and 1st and Reading, Writing and Arithmetic are our major focuses, because those are hugely important for the rest of their schooling. We do those subjects every day. Because of the state regulations we have, I have to teach 8 (EIGHT) required subjects (math, science, social studies, English, health, art, music, physical education), but I was happy to hear someone else's affirming of my major subjects vs. minor subjects theory. I will obey the law and teach all eight (which is especially frustrating when English breaks down into really six subjects at their age - learning to read, reading literature, handwriting, grammar, spelling, composition), but if they don't get every fact of history this year or learn every bit of science, it's not going to end their lives. They will get it again later. They are really pretty young to be learning a musical instrument (although it's possible) or memorizing the great works of art, but a light smattering of those subjects every week will cover what they need to know. And singing in the car or along to the radio totally counts when you're homeschooled! ;-)
I especially appreciated the reminders about how "homeroom" teachers have their students for a few hours per day and then send them off to their various extracurricular subjects... Which are basically just keeping them busy. Their main subjects every day take two or three hours, which is exactly where we are in homeschooling. And then my kids get to play or read or bike outside like little ones should!
Thanks for a fantastic, encouraging book, Dr. Fagen!
I got this book for free from Amazon thinking it was worth a perusal and I loved it! I always worry with "less is more" homeschooling books because sometimes I think they just sound lazy. But the key to this book was not less is more, but figuring out what season are we in right now in our homeschooling journey. For my kids, they are in Pre-K and 1st and Reading, Writing and Arithmetic are our major focuses, because those are hugely important for the rest of their schooling. We do those subjects every day. Because of the state regulations we have, I have to teach 8 (EIGHT) required subjects (math, science, social studies, English, health, art, music, physical education), but I was happy to hear someone else's affirming of my major subjects vs. minor subjects theory. I will obey the law and teach all eight (which is especially frustrating when English breaks down into really six subjects at their age - learning to read, reading literature, handwriting, grammar, spelling, composition), but if they don't get every fact of history this year or learn every bit of science, it's not going to end their lives. They will get it again later. They are really pretty young to be learning a musical instrument (although it's possible) or memorizing the great works of art, but a light smattering of those subjects every week will cover what they need to know. And singing in the car or along to the radio totally counts when you're homeschooled! ;-)
I especially appreciated the reminders about how "homeroom" teachers have their students for a few hours per day and then send them off to their various extracurricular subjects... Which are basically just keeping them busy. Their main subjects every day take two or three hours, which is exactly where we are in homeschooling. And then my kids get to play or read or bike outside like little ones should!
Thanks for a fantastic, encouraging book, Dr. Fagen!
February 24, 2024
"Often we judge our lives (and our successes) by what (or how much) we are doing, or by what (or how much) we have."
I fall into this trap over and over. Like being exhausted all the time with a never ending to do list is a badge of honor. I feel like completion of things and being the best equals success. So if I can't finish as the best I won't even start. This is how I grew up but I don't want that for my kids so I'm trying to model healthier behavior.
"However, when I focus on being the type of mother and teacher I want to be and encourage my children to be the type of learners that I would like them to be, things are simplified. It takes conscious effort to focus, to be who you would like to be, and to encourage children to be the best version of themselves."
This means slowing down and evaluating how I want my kids to grow up. I get to decide what characteristics are important to me then make sure I'm teaching those to my kids. It's not just about educating the mind but about educating the heart. It's more important to me that my kids are kind and loving than the smartest kids in the room. So I have to prioritize our days to make sure that happens.
"You simply can't do it all, but you can do the most important things really well."
Good, better, and best. There's so many good ways to spend our time each day that we really have to be the gatekeeper of what comes into our homes and takes our precious time. Just because it's a good thing doesn't mean it's the best thing for my family and where we are in our journey. And just because it's best for me doesn't mean it's best for you. We're all in different places and need to respect that instead of trying to compete with each other!
I've really never thought about applying minimalism to my homeschooling but I really love it! It's really opened my eyes to where I'm wasting time and money unnecessarily because I'm trying to keep up with other homeschoolers. I'll probably add this to my beginning of school year rereads because of all the reminders to focus on my family is perfect! I've been homeschooling for 5 years and truly enjoyed this homeschool read!!
I fall into this trap over and over. Like being exhausted all the time with a never ending to do list is a badge of honor. I feel like completion of things and being the best equals success. So if I can't finish as the best I won't even start. This is how I grew up but I don't want that for my kids so I'm trying to model healthier behavior.
"However, when I focus on being the type of mother and teacher I want to be and encourage my children to be the type of learners that I would like them to be, things are simplified. It takes conscious effort to focus, to be who you would like to be, and to encourage children to be the best version of themselves."
This means slowing down and evaluating how I want my kids to grow up. I get to decide what characteristics are important to me then make sure I'm teaching those to my kids. It's not just about educating the mind but about educating the heart. It's more important to me that my kids are kind and loving than the smartest kids in the room. So I have to prioritize our days to make sure that happens.
"You simply can't do it all, but you can do the most important things really well."
Good, better, and best. There's so many good ways to spend our time each day that we really have to be the gatekeeper of what comes into our homes and takes our precious time. Just because it's a good thing doesn't mean it's the best thing for my family and where we are in our journey. And just because it's best for me doesn't mean it's best for you. We're all in different places and need to respect that instead of trying to compete with each other!
I've really never thought about applying minimalism to my homeschooling but I really love it! It's really opened my eyes to where I'm wasting time and money unnecessarily because I'm trying to keep up with other homeschoolers. I'll probably add this to my beginning of school year rereads because of all the reminders to focus on my family is perfect! I've been homeschooling for 5 years and truly enjoyed this homeschool read!!
February 28, 2020
Surprisingly Good
I have to start by saying that I'm not a minimalist and I prefer unschooling instead of making lesson plans. That means that some parts of the book weren't very useful to me. However, I still found value in it. I actually put it down at first because I didn't think it was for me, so I read three other books and then came back to it. I was pleasantly surprised when I came back to it.
Basically, she uses the minimalist mindset in her homeschool. Minimalism, as I understand it, is about purpose and value. That means that there is no busywork in the minimalist homeschool mindset. She says to choose three core subjects to teach directly to your kids that you think are the most important (for that season) and 2-3 other subjects that interest your kids more for them to study on their own, with little guidance from you (favorite subjects). You should also reassess your approach often to make sure that what your doing helps you achieve your homeschooling goals. It has worksheets for you to assess your day, determine what's most important, and design a lesson plan.
What I liked:
- Focuses on your core values. What you teach your children should align with your family's core values.
- Discard anything that isn't helping you achieve your homeschooling goals and isn't being used.
- Some of the worksheets, especially the one where you write down what you do during the day.
What I didn't like:
- The formatting. Some paragraphs had awkward page breaks where there still was space in the page for a full paragraph.
This book is more suitable for parents using a more traditional approach in their homeschool. They feel flustered and overwhelmed because they want to do ALL THE THINGS and there's not enough hours in the day to do it all. It will help you identify what's most important and discard the extra.
Overall, it's a really good book. I highly recommend all homeschooling parents following a more traditional approach to read it. I gave it 4 stars for the poor formatting, but the information in it does provide a lot of value.
I have to start by saying that I'm not a minimalist and I prefer unschooling instead of making lesson plans. That means that some parts of the book weren't very useful to me. However, I still found value in it. I actually put it down at first because I didn't think it was for me, so I read three other books and then came back to it. I was pleasantly surprised when I came back to it.
Basically, she uses the minimalist mindset in her homeschool. Minimalism, as I understand it, is about purpose and value. That means that there is no busywork in the minimalist homeschool mindset. She says to choose three core subjects to teach directly to your kids that you think are the most important (for that season) and 2-3 other subjects that interest your kids more for them to study on their own, with little guidance from you (favorite subjects). You should also reassess your approach often to make sure that what your doing helps you achieve your homeschooling goals. It has worksheets for you to assess your day, determine what's most important, and design a lesson plan.
What I liked:
- Focuses on your core values. What you teach your children should align with your family's core values.
- Discard anything that isn't helping you achieve your homeschooling goals and isn't being used.
- Some of the worksheets, especially the one where you write down what you do during the day.
What I didn't like:
- The formatting. Some paragraphs had awkward page breaks where there still was space in the page for a full paragraph.
This book is more suitable for parents using a more traditional approach in their homeschool. They feel flustered and overwhelmed because they want to do ALL THE THINGS and there's not enough hours in the day to do it all. It will help you identify what's most important and discard the extra.
Overall, it's a really good book. I highly recommend all homeschooling parents following a more traditional approach to read it. I gave it 4 stars for the poor formatting, but the information in it does provide a lot of value.
November 19, 2022
There are some good insights in this slim book. The advice to schedule your time before you determine your subjects is excellent. The observation that your minor subjects will bring a sense of abundance is something worth thinking about much more now that I've finished reading.
There is a religious overtone that's not really for me, and I don't care for the writing style (blog-post-like). There are also 35 nuggets of advice singled out like pull-quotes and labeled "Minimalist Homeschool Mindset Hack ##," which is an exhausting mouthful of words. I do appreciate that Fagen kept the book brief in keeping with the philosophy espoused in the book.
Overall: worth a read for home schoolers of various styles.
There is a religious overtone that's not really for me, and I don't care for the writing style (blog-post-like). There are also 35 nuggets of advice singled out like pull-quotes and labeled "Minimalist Homeschool Mindset Hack ##," which is an exhausting mouthful of words. I do appreciate that Fagen kept the book brief in keeping with the philosophy espoused in the book.
Overall: worth a read for home schoolers of various styles.
January 28, 2018
Absolutely the best homeschooling book I've ever read and I've read a lot
This book is like a homeschooling compass. Zara gives you a clear sense of how to create a homeschool according to your values and goals. I came to realize that although I had been enjoying the minimalist lifestyle by clearing physical clutter I need to also clear the clutter from my schedule siphoning my precious time. The mindset is liberating I feel like I can finally create the homeschool plan I've been trying to for years using the ideas in this book as guideposts on my way. If you read any book about homeschooling choose this one. The author did a superb job.
This book is like a homeschooling compass. Zara gives you a clear sense of how to create a homeschool according to your values and goals. I came to realize that although I had been enjoying the minimalist lifestyle by clearing physical clutter I need to also clear the clutter from my schedule siphoning my precious time. The mindset is liberating I feel like I can finally create the homeschool plan I've been trying to for years using the ideas in this book as guideposts on my way. If you read any book about homeschooling choose this one. The author did a superb job.
November 18, 2022
For someone who “bristles at the formality of her title,” Zara, PhD sure makes a big deal out of having a PhD. I mean, I get it, you worked hard for that degree, but girl, tone it down. Her website is literally zaraphd.
First of all, it was so hard to read this book because of how it was printed. I don’t know if this was self-published or something but the spacing and margins were so strange. Maybe she was scrambling for extra pages.
There is good information in this book, don’t get me wrong, but Minimalist Homeschooling reads mostly like a glorified listical with worksheets thrown in so she can sell them on her website.
First of all, it was so hard to read this book because of how it was printed. I don’t know if this was self-published or something but the spacing and margins were so strange. Maybe she was scrambling for extra pages.
There is good information in this book, don’t get me wrong, but Minimalist Homeschooling reads mostly like a glorified listical with worksheets thrown in so she can sell them on her website.
April 27, 2018
Best Homeschool Book So Far
We have recently decided to pull our 2 children (8 and 10) from Montessori School and begin homeschooling. The decision was not easy but for almost 2 years, something has pulled me this way. The Minimalist Homeschooler was the most influential book I’ve read so far (and I’ve buried myself in researching this alternative path). Full of wonderfully simple ideas and the encouragement I needed to plan our educational future. Thank you so much. I look forward to staying connected to all of your resources.
We have recently decided to pull our 2 children (8 and 10) from Montessori School and begin homeschooling. The decision was not easy but for almost 2 years, something has pulled me this way. The Minimalist Homeschooler was the most influential book I’ve read so far (and I’ve buried myself in researching this alternative path). Full of wonderfully simple ideas and the encouragement I needed to plan our educational future. Thank you so much. I look forward to staying connected to all of your resources.
September 21, 2019
Of all the home education books I’ve read recently, this one definitely resonated with me the most.
We’ve just started to home educate and I can see already how easy it would be to try to do it all and buy it all. I like the author’s approach and there are plenty of things from this book I can incorporate into our family life. The worksheets are useful and definitely something I’ll refer back to.
A great find on KindleUnlimited!
We’ve just started to home educate and I can see already how easy it would be to try to do it all and buy it all. I like the author’s approach and there are plenty of things from this book I can incorporate into our family life. The worksheets are useful and definitely something I’ll refer back to.
A great find on KindleUnlimited!
August 13, 2020
The name of the book pretty much summarizes what it's about. I think this would be a good book for someone who tends to not let things go, over plan or for a frustrated newer homeschool parent but for someone that's been homeschooling for a while its not a must read. Its good to minimalize things and make your home more peaceful with less but overall you should be able to figure that out on your own; I think.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 7, 2020
If you are overwhelmed by your homeschool day, this book would be really helpful. I attended a workshop with the author at a convention. There wasn’t much new information in the book. It would be a helpful blog article. As a book, it was stretched and stretched for length without much substance. Plus the word minimalist was used about a dozen times on every page. That got redundant very quickly.
November 25, 2023
Excellent information with a Christian perspective, but you can extract solid points and implement ideas quickly without the Christian prompts.
Some chapters were more direct with suggestions and there was a lot of “parental homework” pages to work through to help the homeschooling parent figure out the areas that are more important to their family.
Some chapters were more direct with suggestions and there was a lot of “parental homework” pages to work through to help the homeschooling parent figure out the areas that are more important to their family.
October 6, 2017
Good basic approach
The key really is mindset, sometimes even type A , well-intentioned mothers can lose sight of why we started homeschooling and it's not always the child’s fault for not moving along more quickly look at the workload. Good refresh into what our family needed.
The key really is mindset, sometimes even type A , well-intentioned mothers can lose sight of why we started homeschooling and it's not always the child’s fault for not moving along more quickly look at the workload. Good refresh into what our family needed.
February 5, 2020
I needed this
I've always liked to think that I could be considered a minimalist when it came to things. But applying minimalist approach to our homeschooling has brought freedom and a breath of fresh air to our life.
I've always liked to think that I could be considered a minimalist when it came to things. But applying minimalist approach to our homeschooling has brought freedom and a breath of fresh air to our life.
April 6, 2020
This will change your views on "must do everything " homeschooling
This is a must read for overwhelmed homeschooling moms who feel they're drowning in all the options that come with homeschooling.
This is a must read for overwhelmed homeschooling moms who feel they're drowning in all the options that come with homeschooling.
August 18, 2020
Great book. Especially good for homeschoolers that are trying to figure out what they’re doing and how they want to devote their time. Or homeschoolers like me that just always try to do it all and get overwhelmed or burnt out.
May 12, 2025
I went into this book with an open mind, but I just can't get past the "less is more" mentality. It works well for some, but not me, apparently. if you are already into minimalist things and fresh into homeschooling, this is the book for you.
July 18, 2018
Very practical information. A must read for new homeschool moms and veterans
March 27, 2019
This book was a great inspiration to change up some things in my homeschool that I know aren’t working for us. I am feeling the call to simplify, and this book helped me figure out a tangible way to get there.
April 3, 2020
Simple, helpful read for beginning homeschoolers or those who have been at it for awhile. Definitely recommend!
April 18, 2020
A Small book with Big Ideas.
A small book with big ideas and, more importantly, a practical way to implement them in one's own home. Good read.
A small book with big ideas and, more importantly, a practical way to implement them in one's own home. Good read.
April 19, 2020
Excellent advice. Inspiring and encouraging read!
June 30, 2020
Goid read. Helped me somewhat in my homeschool. I just wish there was a bit more "meat" to this book. I kept waiting for the " meat" and all I got out of it was "milk".
October 18, 2020
Didn’t finish this either, but I got the general idea: don’t overschedule and only teach what’s most important!
February 26, 2021
I found this book absolutely helpful. Definitely recommend it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews