Customer Reviews

The McGraw-Hill Homeschooling Companion

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Being a new homeschooler I've read just about every book out there. This book was a GREAT surprise. It gave me more information than any other books I've seen and it answered questions I hadn't even thought to ask -- but now I know I should've. Every resource you could think of is in there yet the authors don't try to sell you on one particular kind of approach. Instead, they explain all the approaches and help you decide which one is best for your family. Then they tell you how to do just that. It even explains how to teach each subject! If you buy only one homeschooling book, make it this one -- you'll save a lot of money in the long run. I can't say enough about this book!...

Hi everyone! I don't know about you but I'm always wondering what I should be teaching and when, and this book has a scope and sequence of what should be taught in each grade PLUS a list of state laws, state support groups, and so many ideas on how to teach the different subjects it is unbelievable! I have read a lot of homeschooling books, and a many of them are helpful but this one has more info, and is written more clearly, than any book I've seen yet. Enjoy, and happy homeschooling.

My wife and I were seriously considering pulling our daughter out of public school last year because of various problematic situations in the school, but we didn't quite have the nerve to do it.It's not easy to announce to your in-laws that you're going to teach your kids at home, when they are teachers themselves! My wife read this book, and got me to read it, and it really gave us the information and encouragement we needed to take this (for us) courageous step. I highly recommend it.

I just received a copy of this book, and found it very helpful. It contained lots of information for the novice homeschooler, and hints that would help even the most seasoned homeschooler. The chapters that cover the different subject areas, and School on the Run were clever, and gave me some really terrific ideas. I found especially useful the chapter on Avoiding burnout, as well as the chapter on Social Studies. What a great way to teach your child what the concept of "history" means! Check out this book, it is a very refreshing one amongst the homeschool selection.

I've been homeschooling for a year and a half, and am still eager to read new information on homeschooling. I wish I'd found this book sooner. It was all I would've needed to know and then some. Great resources! It explains the legal requirements, recordkeeping, how to deal with family and friends who look at you like you're crazy, ideas on how to teach each subject (from unschooling to highly structured approaches), discusses curricula, provides listings of state laws, support groups in all the states, websites, what if your child wants to go to college -- too much to list! I was surprised to see the "reader from USA" say that it was too general. But that is what makes homeschoolers so interesting -- we have a common bond even if we see certain things differently. I couldn't recommend this book more highly. Don't just think about it -- buy it! Good luck with your homeschooling.

I bought this book because of the great reviews here. I am a new homeschooling mom, and needed some "specific" information to help get me started.
This book is a great "general" book,but lacked the specifics i was looking for.

What a great book! It has everything I could ask for in a homeschooling book. I'm new to homeschooling and not many books I found gave me all the information I was looking for. This book gave it all and then some. I will keep it on my desk with me at all times because it is like having an experienced homeschooler next to you. It got me even more excited to homeschool than I already was. Talk about a comfort to a homeschool family. The title Homeschooling Companion is accurate. Thank you Saba and Gattis! I feel like you are my new best friends.

What a breath of fresh air! I cannot tell you how pleased I was to open an introduction to homeschooling book and find new information! This is definitely a book I will be recommending to those parents who call me asking for homeschooling information, as well as a refresher to help experienced homeschoolers recommit themselves.

Just opening the book to it's table of contents was enough to convince me to read further. The McGraw-Hill Homeschooling Companion began as most homeschooling how-to books do. It addresses the issues of why people homeschool, the legalities, and a brief history of the movement. It is after the first chapter, however, where this book takes a different path from most.

Saba and Gattis do an excellent job of emphasizing the uniqueness of homeschooling and homeschoolers. They addresses the issues of attendance, they confront the "S word" with a real-life example, they even address the issue of cost-effective homeschooling! A chapter of particular interest to me was one in which they reassure all parents that all they need to homeschool are time, love, and conviction, not a fancy diploma or initials after their name!

Adding to it`s uniqueness is the fact that The McGraw-Hill Homeschooling Companion also hits home with many sensitive issues. These issues include unsupportive spouses, addressing the neighbor's concerns, single parenting, and what to do when your children score poorly on exams.

There is entirely too much good stuff in this book to sum up in one book review - so do yourself a favor and RUN to the bookstore and buy this book!! Loan this book to friends! Ask your library to add this book to their education collection! Heck, keep a copy in your car to give to the curious persons we meet in the grocery store! This book is complete, informational, down-to-earth, and thoroughly enjoyable. The book was written in very readable language and provided succinct, yet accurate and witty advice.

This book was not what I was actually what I was looking for but it was FULL of great resources...especially if you like to work online!

After reading this book I feel much more confident in my decision to teach my son at home next year. I was concerned that I wouldn't be able to teach highschool, but this book gave me the knowledge that there are many good resources available to support a parent who takes on that task. It gave me lots of good ideas!