Customer Reviews

Homeschooling Methods: Seasoned Advice on Learning Styles

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(0)
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This book is just PACKED with information for the veteran homeschooler down to the family just beginning to consider the possibility of homeschooling.

One of the greatest things about this book is that each method of homeschooling represented has an introduction and two separate articles by two different authors. Not only did this format provide many different schools of thought presented in many different styles, this approach also gave such a rich view of each method that it made me wish I could do EVERY method... but then, again, I am the eclectic type and so I DO use many of these methods already!

I did wish that the very intense methods (i.e. The Principle Approach and Classical Education) would not have been listed first in the book because they were simply overwhelming. I think a new homeschooling might decide they could not do it and might not read any further. These methods were beautifully described, but I have to admit, my heart began to pound when I thought of how little Latin my children have been exposed to and how few hours we have spent on rhetoric and how many great classics we have still not read! If they had been placed after a few of the less structured methods... they would seem more approachable, I think. For instance, I would feel like I could handle some of the harder subjects if I could mix them with a style more like my own natural bent. I tend to mix Charlotte Mason, unit study, classical education and I use some workbooks, as well. Knowing more about the Principle Approach, I realized how much I agree with the concepts discussed and plan to adjust my style to reflect what I have learned!

I love the format of this book. I think Charlotte Mason would agree that its short, readable chapters lend themselves well to being fully understood in a one-sitting space of time without watering down the content or, conversely, fatiguing the mind.

On page 43 I think some of the scripture references listed were incorrect, but this book was otherwise flawless as far as I could see.

I found so much encouragement to help me on my own journey... especially the wonderful articles on homeschooling special needs children. Every article buoyed up my faith and my excitement at the wonderful gift God has given our family by allowing us the privelege of homeschooling our children!

My favorite quote from the book is by Christine M. Field (pg. 122):

"Let God work through your weaknesses. In his grace, he can accomplish what he wishes in your life and in your child's life. When we lay our burdens and the tasks that seem insurmountable at his feet, he opens the doors of opportunity and brings encouragers alongside as we navigate the path ahead."

This book definitely IS the opportunity, clearly expressed and the encourager to run along beside the overwhelmed homeschooling family. Thank-you to the authors and editors of this book for this well-compiled, beautifully written resource! I know it is a "keeper" and I will be recommending it often! :)

This is a good overview of the various homeschooling methods. But it is entirely from a Christian perspective. There is nothing wrong with this, but this should have been mentioned on the cover. Neither the front nor back cover even mention Christianity, but all of the chapters discuss the importance of God and prayer, neither of which appeal to me as an atheist. But I still give this book 4 stars because it is the best available overview of homeschooling methods, and so it is probably the best place for anyone to start investigating homeschooling regardless of their religious beliefs.

This book is so rich in information that I read it twice. Each chapter is about a different style of homeschooling and contains information written by experts in those areas. I enjoyed learning more about the different styles of homeschooling. And I know that I am satisfied with the way I have chosen to teach my children at home.

Home Schooling Methods: Seasoned Advice On Learning Styles offers an in-depth and comprehensive methodology for homeschooling a child's education, deftly edited, and is replete with consistent of contributions drawn from the expertise and experience of Paul & Gena Suarez, as well as additional words from Ruth Beechick, Clay and Sally Clarkson, Christine Field, Diana Waring, and others. Introducing the reader to varying approaches and perspective student attributes, Home Schooling Methods grants the reader a concept of classical and principle approaches, the traditional textbook, unit study, special needs, car schooling, eclectic students, unschooling/delight directions, and whole-hearted learning. Home Schooling Methods is very strongly recommended especially to all parents of homeschooled students for its extensive understanding and comprehensive guide to selecting the proper process of education for your student.

It should be noted that this book is based heavily on a Christian perspective, as it does not say that clearly on either the front or back cover. The only way you might know this, is if you know the editors of the book are also the publishers of The Old Schoolhouse Magazine, which is a Protestant Christian publication. This doesn't matter to me, and if you skip all the references to God and religion, it is still a useful book, but I know some people might not want to read it for that reason. If you are Christian, than the religious spin will only enhance its reading for you.

That being said, this is a very good overview of the popular different homeschooling methods. These include: classical, principle approach, traditional textbook, charlotte manson, unit study, special needs, carschooling, eclectic, and unschooling. Each section starts with a Bible verse and a non-Biblical corresponding quote (from people such as Einstein, Jane Austen, John Holt, Bill Gates, and Laura Ingalls Wilder), this is followed by a brief discription of the method about a page or so in length. This is then followed by one to three essays on the method by different authors experienced in the field. These authors include Christine Miller, Catherine Levison, Christine Field, Diane Flynn Keith, Dorothy and Raymond Moore, Mary Hood, and Sally and Clay Clarkson. Each essay is followed by a brief discription of the author of the essay.

This is not a place to find lists of resources, which I think would have been helpful, prehaps a page and the end of each section. The only resources listed are any that an author may have mentioned in their essay or on the summary of the essay author (that is if that have written any books on the subject). Still, this does a very good job to inform you enough of each method to at least give you an idea on what you may be interested in researching more or not at all interested. If you already know the method you want and aren't open to new ideas or if you have already extensively researched different homeschooling methods then you don't need this book. This book is recommended for those just beginning to learn about homeschooling methods and what they might be interested in.

As the title implies this easy to read book contains a compilation of authors from a variety of Christian homeschooling methods. Most chapters offer at least two perspectives on the stated method and are concise summaries that direct the reader to a fuller understanding of how the method is implemented in an actual homeschool setting, as well as where to find more information about the method. It is not, however, an exhaustive internet or vendor resource, and thankfully is not a blatent advertisement for any particular company or method.
The chapters are divided as follows: Classical Education Method, Principle Approach Method, Traditional Textbook Method, Charlotte Mason Method, Unit Study Method, Special Needs Unit, Carschooling, Eclectic Method, Unschooling or Delight-Directed Studies, and Whole-Heart Learning. The Suarez's offer insight into each method in a brief synopsis before each chapter.
Homeschooling Methods could easily be a substitute for workshops in the event one starts homeschooling mid-year or doesn't live near a convention. It is a must-read for new conference attendees, as it can direct which workshops to attend and/or avoid. This book may also save a lot of time and money on curriculum that isn't the right match for a child's or family's educational style or goals.
Although veteran homeschoolers will likely gravitate to chapters outlining methods they currently use followed by those that pique their interest, I would recommend beginning with the "Whole-Heart Learning" chapter - which happens to be the last chapter. In the words of the authors:
"One of the many benefits of homeschooling is tailoring each student's education much as a professional tutor would do, and the family approaching this task from the whole-heart viewpoint will set goals for the family as a whole and for each child involved in the homeschool journey."
I found this insightful chapter to be one that could easily be adapted to any method aforementioned in the book. The encouragement and personal testimony in this chapter alone are worth the price of the book in my opinion.

Homeschooling Methods , edited by Paul & Gena Suarez, publishers of The Old Schoolhouse magazine, is a book for every homeschooler. Those just starting out will learn a great deal about the choices they have as far as methodology, and those who've been at it for years will come away refreshed, and maybe with new vision for their children, as I have. The contributors to Homeschooling Methods give theoretical and practical information in their methods, making it fairly easy to decide which will fit with your family.



My only disagreement with the book is found on page 117 in the Special Needs Unit. The recommendation is "Check your state's requirements by contacting your local state or county board of education or the Home School Legal Defense Association. . ." Having no experience with HSLDA, I cannot recommend them, but I CAN emphatically recommend AGAINST counting on your school board for accurate information. In my home state of Virginia, MOST school boards do not know the law. In fact, they routinely try to put unlawful restraints on parents. In my county, we refer to the Homeschool Coordinator as the "Homeschool Nazi." My advice is to read the law for yourself, contact state homeschool groups, or consult a lawyer. Just don't get your information from the school board. They love to give themselves power that is not legally theirs.



All that aside, I would recommend this book to anyone - from those who are just thinking about it to those who are seasoned veterans. Great job, Paul and Gena!

Homeschooling Methods is written by over twenty of some of the best-known homeschool experts and examines ten popular teaching methods. Edited by Paul and Gena Suarez, publishers of The Old Schoolhouse, this book is a valuable resource for homeschooling parents investigating learning options for their family. Described as "a homeschool convention in a book," the concise method descriptions offer a wealth of statistics, examples, and contact information in a single place, helping parents to find an approach that fits one or all of their children.

As I have run the gamut of teaching methods during our homeschooling years and am now taking a more serious look at textbook style learning, I especially enjoyed the chapter titled, The Traditional Schoolroom Approach: Bringing the Classroom Home, by Jenefer Igarashi and Dr. Heather Allen. But more than anything, I appreciated being able to read a book that placed the various techniques on an equal footing, allowing the reader to easily sift through the sometimes overwhelming number of homeschool methodologies. Homeschooling Methods is a refreshing acknowledgement of the individuality of the learning process, the uniqueness of each child, and the diversity of family needs. I recommend this book for parents at all stages of home-educating.

Like the cover says, it really is like a homeschool convention in a book! I only wish I had this book when I first started homeschooling! Oh well, better late than never...

This is my 3rd year homeschooling and I thought I knew all about the different learning styles and methods available. But who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks?

It was quite interesting to learn that I am in fact... a Traditional Homeschooler. Who knew?! I have always loved the Charlotte Mason Method and the idea of Eclectic Homeschooling... but looking at what I am currently doing, I am definitely in the Traditional category.

NO WONDER THINGS AREN'T "QUITE RIGHT"!!!

It's funny how God reveals things in His own time. I've been debating, wondering, praying, wondering, thinking, and wondering about our curriculum choices for next year... And then I read this book and realize that the current curriculum we are using does not match up to my ideal of homeschooling. While it appeals to the busy, organized, check-off-the-box side of me, the fun and excited wonderment is definitely missing. And this little book helped me to put in words what I've felt all along.

So whether you are thinking about homeschooling, just starting out, or still tweaking the process (like me!), this book is definitely for you! It is truly a handy-dandy resource that is laid out in easy-to-read chapters. It discusses the what, why and how of several different approaches/methods/philosophies of homeschooling. These include Classical Education, the Principle Approach, Traditional Textbook, Charlotte Mason, Unit Study, Special Needs, Carschooling, Eclectic, Unschooling/Delight Directed and Whole-Heart Learning.

A BIG thank you to Paul and Gena Suarez (and the many talented contributing writers) for putting out such a great resource! Two big thumbs up from me!

I liked this book as it truly is like going to a homeschool convention and getting very educated in every different style of homeschooling. I also found it very motivating and informative.