5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Maybe a different title?, February 14, 2008
This review is from: When Homeschooling Gets Tough: Practical Advice to Stay on Course (Paperback)
I purchased this book as I have reached that stage of the school year when homeschool feels tough. I found Diana Johnson's writing style to be clear and easy to read. The book is not too big, so I read through it within three evenings. However I was left disappointed. I feel this book should be called something like "Organizing Homeschool". There are many good ideas about choosing curriculum, time management and so forth, however there was very little about those really tough days when the children won't comply, everyone feels tired and has winter blues, and mom feels like she is barely hanging on and questions why she is homeschooling. A good book for organization but if you are really struggling you might want to look elsewhere.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Refreshing Practical Approach to Homeschooling, July 14, 2008
This review is from: When Homeschooling Gets Tough: Practical Advice to Stay on Course (Paperback)
When I read this book(in just a couple of days), I was both glad and sad at the same time! I was sad because I didn't have this kind of resource 20 years ago when I first started on the home schooling journey! I was glad because Diana's book is like a dear friend sitting down with you for a cup of coffee or tea and sharing the wisdom and experience of being with you in the trenches of home education. She is not someone who preaches from some ivory tower, but who has shared the agony and ecstasy of home schooling. This is a must read for new home educators as well as those who have experienced the "honeymoon is over" syndrome that happens to every family.
Especially helpful are the chapters about setting realistic expectations, dealing with comparing yourself and your children with others, and how to structure your school/schedule according to your style and your students' academic strengths and talents.
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5.0 out of 5 stars
Much Needed Read for Beginning Homeschoolers, June 2, 2011
This review is from: When Homeschooling Gets Tough: Practical Advice to Stay on Course (Paperback)
Recently, I read another book that I just loved! If I were to write a book, it is just what I would want to write. In When Homeschooling Gets Tough, Diana Johnson shares what she has learned in her 25 years of homeschooling. At one point, she says that in years 1 and 2, one struggles and then in years 3-5 you feel like you know what you're doing and often give advice that you have to eat later. After year 5, you realize that homeschooling is a constant work in progress--each year has its own challenges to tackle. Since I am at year 5, I suppose that would make me potentially one who would need to eat my words. But, I found that what I have said to other friends is exactly what she shares in her book. I agreed with all of her advice and it reinforced in my heart that I am on the right track in our schooling. I have been blessed to have friends ahead of me in the homeschooling journey and I often ask their advice and for ideas. I have learned many things from them which have opened my eyes to the realization and appreciation that all of our families are different.
If you are in your first or second year of homeschooling, I would highly recommend this book. I wish I'd read it then! If you are thinking about homeschooling, I would also recommend it. The middle of that first year can be especially tough and Ms. Johnson has a great chapter on planning a realistic curriculum program. She also addresses managing (and controlling) your commitments which is another huge challenge the first year. I saw this in myself 2 years ago when I committed to planning several activities for a co-op. I had a lot of zeal. But, I discovered that the more I stayed home, the better off my family was. Activities are a wonderful thing, but they also disrupt one's day.
This book isn't as specific as Help for the Harried Homeschooler, but it is just as valuable a resource. I have to admit that I was never the kind of teacher Ms. Johnson was. I was very glad to resign from teaching in the public schools. I actually enjoy homeschooling far more than I enjoyed teaching middle school. One other thing I differed with her on was that she shares that her husband is involved in her homeschooling less than other husbands--which she explains graciously. My husband is actually less involved than hers. But, it is the same idea. We should not compare how our families homeschool to others. We can look at them as examples and for ideas, but none will be exactly like yours or mine.
As Ms. Johnson wisely points out--there is no "if" homeschooling gets tough, it is "when" it gets tough. For, it is a great journey, but it will surely be filled with ups and downs.
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