By Julianna Dotten

One of the great benefits of homeschooling is the daily opportunities we have to teach our children the practical skills of life. After all, your son’s future boss won’t care if he can factor polynomials if he doesn’t know basic time-management skills. To help along the journey, I’ve included a list of six practical books that will help your high schoolers prepare for life.

What’s Best Next by Matt Perman

Time management is one of those essentials skills necessary for life. But we have to go further than just schedules and lists. After all, we’re not being effective if we’re tackling the wrong lists — or the wrong life. Matt Perman’s grasp of both secular productivity concepts and biblical theology leaves readers challenged with vocational direction and practical tips. This book is a must-read for every high school student. Check out the book here.

Remember Everything You Read by Frank D. Stanley

Do your studies take way too long? Is reading a laborious process? This overview of Evelyn Wood’s speed-reading and studying program equips students to both excel and speed up their study times. This book is excellent college prep, covering reading, studying, and test-taking skills. Find the book here (and don’t forget to support CHEC through Amazon Smile while you’re at it: get started here).

How to Read a Book by Mortimer J. Adler

It’s great to be able to speed read. But how do you approach a classic work that needs careful study and thought? In How to Read a Book, Mortimer J. Adler teaches the crucial skill of asking questions. Learn how to work through high-level literature and come out a better reader and thinker. You can find a pdf of the book here.

Your Money Counts by Howard Dayton

A practical and biblical guide to money management, covering issues such as stewardship, getting out of debt, honesty, giving, work, investing, and budget-keeping. An excellent manual to introduce young people to responsibility in the area of finances. Find the book here.

Making Great Conversationalists by Steve and Teri Maxwell

Conversations are the basis for life — for relationships, for work, for leadership. Learn how to ask better questions, listen better, and hone your communication skills for successful relationships and life. Find the book here.

Everyone Communicates, Few Connect by John C. Maxwell

Successful leadership, whether it be in the home, the workplace, or the church, is based on connecting with people. In this easy-to-read book, leadership expert John Maxwell takes you through the basics of communication skills and prepares you for success in whatever arena God calls you. You can get the book here.

What practical books have helped your family? Please comment below and share them with others!