The Homeschooling Handbook: From Preschool to High School, A Parent's Guide (Prima Home Learning Library) [Paperback]

Mary Griffith (Author)

Book Description

Series: Prima Home Learning Library | Publication Date: January 8, 1997

Homeschooling has become one of the fastest growing educational movements in the country. Most experts agree that, as of 1995, at least 500,000 school-age children were being educated by their parents, outside of schools, and that ten times as many parents consider the idea of homeschooling their children.
Author Mary Griffith is a homeschooler, and she knows the answers to the important questions parents ask themselves before deciding to homeschool. She also understands the challenges they face along the way. The Homeschooling Handbook guides homeschoolers through the decision-making process, to creating an effective study program. Parents will learn how to:find the best resources and materialsdiscover their child?s learning stylefind the best program for their childmaintain a productive learning atmosphere at homedeal with legality issuesand much, much more . . .Full of practical tips and valuable insight from other homeschoolers who share their experiences, this book is a must-read for anyone who is currently homeschooling or considering the possibility.
About the Author
Mary Griffith is a long-time board member of the Homeschool Association of California, and edits its monthly newsletter. Her two children have always been homeschooled. She lives with her family in California.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Don't Even Think About Teaching Your Child at Home—Until You Read This Book

From the Inside Flap

Homeschooling has become one of the fastest growing educational movements in the country. Most experts agree that, as of 1995, at least 500,000 school-age children were being educated by their parents, outside of schools, and that ten times as many parents consider the idea of homeschooling their children.
Author Mary Griffith is a homeschooler, and she knows the answers to the important questions parents ask themselves before deciding to homeschool. She also understands the challenges they face along the way. The Homeschooling Handbook guides homeschoolers through the decision-making process, to creating an effective study program. Parents will learn how to:find the best resources and materialsdiscover their child?s learning stylefind the best program for their childmaintain a productive learning atmosphere at homedeal with legality issuesand much, much more . . .Full of practical tips and valuable insight from other homeschoolers who share their experiences, this book is a must-read for anyone who is currently homeschooling or considering the possibility.
About the Author
Mary Griffith is a long-time board member of the Homeschool Association of California, and edits its monthly newsletter. Her two children have always been homeschooled. She lives with her family in California.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Prima Lifestyles (January 8, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0761501924
• ISBN-13: 978-0761501923
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,570,682 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Mary Griffith is the author of three books on homeschooling and the parent of two grown homeschooled daughters. She lives in California with her husband and a moderately neurotic Vizsla named BB. She spends time she should be working on her books blogging on children and learning, and on fencing. She also avoids writing by volunteering as a member of US Fencing's national tournament staff.

www.marygriffith.net

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

52 of 53 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars If you're only going to read one book....., July 21, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Homeschooling Handbook: From Preschool to High School, A Parent's Guide (Prima Home Learning Library) (Paperback)

As someone who regularly helps new homeschoolers get started homeschooling, this is the book I recommend as the best "first-read" on the subject. Most other homeschooling books overwhelm the new or prospective homeschooler with minutiae. Griffith's perspective is broad; giving the reader a thorough, readable overview of the topic.

If you're just beginning your journey into homeschooling, The Homeschooling Handbook is THE book to read.

71 of 75 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Not For Beginners Only, September 7, 2000

By 

Terrie Bittner (California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Homeschooling Handbook: From Preschool to High School, A Parent's Guide (Prima Home Learning Library) (Paperback)

I normally dislike homeschooling books, because so many have nothing to do with reality. However, when I reviewed this book for my BellaOnline column, I was very impressed. Even though I'm on my nineth year of homeschooling, I learned from it.

I was impressed by the honesty. She does not fall into the trap of pretending all of homeschooling is wonderful or perfect. No, the house won't always stay clean. Yes, sometimes the kids won't cooperate. Yes, sometimes people will harass you. However, she also tells you what to do about all these problems. She tackles even the toughest problem-children who want to return to public school, for example-gently, but without sugar coating.

The book is designed for beginners, but there was so much about homeschooling I didn't know. If you like to be well-educated about your type of homeschooling, be sure to read this book.

44 of 45 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent reading for those considering homeschooling, June 18, 2001

By 

Gowie "gowie" (CO USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Homeschooling Handbook, 2nd Edition (Paperback)

Based on the previous reviews, this was the first book I chose to read as we begin to consider to homeschooling our two young children.

Beginning with the introduction, this informative book is written in an easy-to-read format, with chapters leading the reader through "Does Homeschooling Really Work," legal information and ideas to think about for your own homeschool. How much structure do you want? Will you need outside assistance? How much does it cost? The book covers the huge differences between primary education, middle school, and high school education. It discusses recordkeeping, learning resources, and finding your niche in the homeschooling community. It provides information on "rough" spots and learning/physical disabilities.

Although the book is definitely slanted for the person wanting to find out more information, the author takes no stand on such personal choice issues such as: different theories of learning (unschooling), the private school umbrella, and many other matters. Instead, the author provides a detailed list of pros and cons for these choices, leaving this decision to the reader. Throughout the book are interview excerpts from homeschooling families around the country, providing their viewpoint on many different areas.

This book gave me courage to continue to find out more about homeschooling. It answered questions that I hadn't even begun to think of. The easy to follow format means I could easily go back to reread something. It also includes an index and terrific appendices such as homeschooling resources, organizations and selected learning resources. I highly recommend this book.