I have been going back and forth regarding The Well Trained Mind updated & revised book that is hot off the press right now. Do I get it or not. I am interested to see what some of her reviews and recommendations are. Especially now that Jessie & Susan have written more curriculum since the last revision.

I usually do recommend this book to new homeschoolers but at the same time feel a little guilty about it.

I have mixed feeling about it because so many people (including myself) have felt guilty if they couldn't keep with the rigid schedule. I didn't feel confident enough in myself back then. I still don't sometimes but something I have learned along the way is you don't have to be bound to one way or philosophy on how to educate your children at home.

As you read this book remember that's it's not the ONLY Way and you'll be fine.

Keep in mind that Susan Wise Bauer lives right next door to her mother. They live on a farm and if I'm remembering correctly they added on to the original house. Susan's house is connected to her parents. Jessie Wise (Susan's mom) helps her teach her children. I believe she is the one that taught some of her children how to read and continues to help. Susan's husband also teaches the children too. So as you can see she has  help. Something that most of us mom's don't have. Here I am the only one teaching the children. Lupe, supports me but he is not helping out in the day-to-day teaching.

Take from the book what will work for you. I have tried many of TWTM suggestions and they didn't work with my children, but I still like to have the book on hand to gauge or get some encouragement to continue on this journey.

Don't take the book as gospel. TWTM is not the only way to give your children a good education. It's a good resource but it's not for every family and that's okay.

Your children will be okay if they only learn Latin roots instead of doing a full blown Latin course

It's okay if you DON"T follow the 4yr. history cycle. Some families do not like to teach about Greek gods and so forth at an early age.

You don't have to be so rigid for 1st grade. I believe while children are learning to read they shouldn't have to have a spelling program or learn Latin. Phonics and Math are the two main subjects and everything else is gravy. Get a good kid friendly science & history book to read to your children. They'll be fine. You can start adding more in through out the year or start in 2nd grade.

Anyway, my point is, if you read the book don't feel like you have to follow it to a "T". You are not a failure at homeschooling if you do decide to school as The Well Trained Mind suggest but  four years down the road you are ready to give up or it's not working for you. Again, take from what you need and move on.

Personally I don't agree with everything in The Well Trained Mind book and just because I'm not  using something that Susan suggested doesn't mean the sun will not shine tomorrow ,  life will go on. 

One main reason why TWTM does not work for  me is I  like more of my curriculum to be centered around Christ as I have mentioned in a previous post. Another is I only have so many hours in a day .

Like the Charlotte Mason Philosophy. I read a post a few years ago about a mom who felt like she was failing her children because she couldn't do everything that CM suggested. If you step back and think about it. Charlotte, didn't have to do laundry, keep house, change diapers etc.

 Blessings,

Linda<>< (who most likely will get the new book but will not be bound by it )

This is not meant to be a negative post about The Well Trained mind method of schooling, but to encourage others that it's okay if you don't 'fit' into the WTM mold :)