Homeschooling Handbook (Revised 2nd Edition) (Paperback)

by Mary Griffith (Author) "EXPERIENCED HOMESCHOOLERS-those who've been at it for at least a couple of years-often forget how scary the first year can be..." (more)
Key Phrases: independent homeschoolers, parental panic attacks, homeschooling research, South Carolina, The Primary Years, Can We Wear Our Pajamas (more...)

Editorial Reviews

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

A must read for anyone who is considering homeschooling. -- Donna E. Nichols

If you're looking for practical, commonsense advice about homeschooling, if you're looking for answers to the really touch questions from someone with real insights to the movement, if you're looking for sensible commentary backed up by experience and savvy, Mary Griffith's The Homeschooling Handbook is just what you're looking for. -- Helen Hegener, Home Education Magazine

The Homeschooling Handbook is a valuable resource for anyone interested in nurturing their child. Whether you homeschool or not, you will find many fresh ideas for working with children in these pages. -- Patrick Farenga

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

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Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Three Rivers Press; 2 Rev Sub edition (March 30, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0761517278
• ISBN-13: 978-0761517276
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 7.3 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #97,344 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

48 of 49 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.

63 of 67 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.

40 of 41 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

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.