Fundamentals of Homeschooling: Notes on Successful Family Living (Paperback)

~ (Author) "Pssst! Wanna hear a secret?..." (more)
Key Phrases: joyful disruption, homeschooling lifestyle, learning clubs, New York, Learning Idea List, Early Math Conversations (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Home-schooling parent Lahrson-Fisher (Homeschooling in Oregon) presents a comprehensive, reader-friendly tome on home-schooling. Its scope is inclusive of all who might choose this alternative education, as well as of every aspect of home-schooling from curriculum materials and legal support services to home schooling organizations. Prospective home-schooling parents (and even parents of children who attend school) will appreciate the book's wealth of wisdom on child development, learning and family life. Part One, "Play," continues in the tradition of David Elkind (The Hurried Child) and Neil Postman (The Disappearance of Childhood) with its sensible argument for allowing children the time to develop their imaginative and expressive selves through play. Part Two offers reassuring advice for parents worried about how to approach the basics of literacy and mathematics with their children. Subsequent sections are more specifically oriented to home-schoolers and offer tips on family life and the organization of the living/school space, evaluation and testing, getting ready for college and other important issues, including how to respond to the inevitable criticism from family and friends. What Lahrson-Fisher's book lacks in theory, it makes up for in common sense, clearly rooted in the author's personal experiences. Although slightly redundant, the book will remind readers of the benefits of living a life that celebrates the simple things: "play, conversation, togetherness, and growing up."
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Review

" - a work of great good sense that will enlarge your imagination...a potent package." -- John Taylor Gatto, author

"...This book bursts with creative ideas and resources that every homeschooling parent will find valuable." -- Mothering Magazine, July 2003

"...a rich and eloquently personal look at how children learn...well organized and easy to dip into..." -- Life Learning Magazine January/February 2003

"...excited to see this title...how to [educate the kids while building a strong family] with love and togetherness." -- The Old Schoolhouse Magazine, 2003

"...makes so much sense. I am reminded of the clear, common-sense observations of another great homeschooling writer: John Holt." -- Helen Hegener, publisher,

"...respects parents' common sense and wisdom, honors children's amazing power to learn...tackles its subject with thoughtfulness, insight..." -- Home Education Magazine January/February 2003

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 430 pages
• Publisher: Nettlepatch Press (September 15, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0964081369
• ISBN-13: 978-0964081369
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #575,919 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Purchase I have made!, January 24, 2006

By	Choose the Right "inspireducation" (CA) - See all my reviews

I wish I would have found this book before any others. It was exactly what I needed. It is a wonderful guide to how to teach through real life and with plenty of fun. She gives an extensive list of things in your home that you already have that enrich your childs learning expirience. She talks about making habits in your home. It reminds me of "7 Habits of Highly Effective People. It sould be called Highly Effective Habits of the Homeschooling Family. It has been such a comfort to me and has given me wonderful new and fresh ideas to add to what I had been doing. She suggests several games that help children learn. I seriously cannot say enough about how much I love this book. It is a breath of fresh air. It isn't telling you that her way is the only way or the best way it is merely stating the fundamentals, the facts, the basics, learning should not be dreaded! Worth Every penny. I only wish it was sold in hard back since I use it so often, Mine has great wear and tear.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Common sense, expertise and heart, June 29, 2005

By	Valerie Bonham Moon (Not in the Alps, unfortunately) - See all my reviews

Ann Lahrson Fisher's book has proven useful to me in advising new homeschoolers on my email list, and at my website. Homeschooling parents want to know how to help their children in their studies and learning in addition to information provided in textbooks. Ann's book provides it.

Even though Ann published her book after my kids had received their high school diplomas and had gone off on their own, I still bought Ann's book for my home library. When new homeschoolers have called for help, I had a ready reference for hints, tips and strategies to augment my own knowledge. Ann's brain and mine are better than mine alone.

Ann's book is a long-term reference and is useful in homeschooling little kids, middle kids and great big kids.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars terrific resource, August 5, 2006

By	Corin Goodwin (GiftedHomeschoolers.org) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Check out this comprehensive "how to" on homeschooling, written by prolific author and homeschooler Ann Lahrson-Fisher. Easy to understand, you can read it from the first page to the last or simply thumb through it, using it as a resource whenever questions come up. There is plenty of information here that will apply to learners of all kinds. The author is a terrific speaker, too, and gives presentations at homeschool workshops around the United States. Go hear her speak if you get a chance!