Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Wish I had this book NINE years ago when I started homeschooling!, April 29, 2006
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! :)
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Good Overview from a Christian Perspective, June 27, 2008
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.
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5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent Resource for New and Veteran Homeschoolers, May 21, 2006
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.
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