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Dec. 5, 2005
Secrets of Successful Homeschooling, A Review
Secrets of Successful Homeschooling: You Have What it Takes to Homeschool
A Review
While I have been asked the “socialization” question enough to do me for awhile, it really is not what comes up in most conversations I have. Perhaps it is because home schooling is slowly becoming popular enough that it is not such a novelty and a wider audience is aware of it benefits rather than just its controversy. Usually I am met with, “How do you do it?’ “I could never teach my own children,” or, “I know someone who home schools, but I just don’t think I have what it takes.” Now I have a quick resource I can direct them to that is straight-forward and quick and easy to read.
This e-book’s target audience is the new home schooler, or the parent considering taking this step in their child’s education. It offers encouragement and simple advice to get started, stay organized and develop an approach that suits your family. It gives an overview of some of the main curriculum choices out there, home schooling children with special needs, how to get started teaching the two subjects parents most often fret over: reading and arithmetic and gives some information about lap booking to help tie things together for your children. It provides several links to search out more information on several topics so that when you are finished, you truly will have a good “crash course” in the essentials of home education.
I appreciated the viewpoints given by different authors, and had to smile because I think I have visited the blogs of those who maintain one on homeschoolblogger. My favorite chapter was Homeschooling in the United Kingdom by Jane Bullivant. I greatly enjoy her writing style, and she offered some good information that I found interesting. In her opening paragraph, she states, “Educational laws in England state that it is the legal duty of parents to ensure their children receive a full time education suitable to their age, ability and aptitude. The parents have a choice whether to delegate this role to a school, or otherwise.” I really wish that were the prevailing view here! I believe strongly that the primary responsibility for the education of the child does fall on the parent, no matter what choice they pursue. I wish more parents realized this…especially those who have made the choice for public (or private) school. Not that they necessarily should all be home schooling, but too many people feel it is the state’s responsibility and do not feel qualified to speak up if they disagree with what is happening in their child’s classroom.
I also appreciated that the Principle Approach was actually mentioned! I at least feel like I’m a bit out there in our choice of home education, because no one I talk to has ever heard of it. And my definition does not help much when I try to explain it in a brief “sound byte.” My only “criticism” of this book as a whole is that the Principle Approach is actually misspelled (it happens in the best of books). And I’m not sure that I would agree with the statement that, “Every subject taught is filtered through God’s Word.” I’m probably being nit-picky there, because I know what is meant. I don’t think most of us consider it a “filter” though. We view it more as uncovering the scriptural roots of each subject and teaching from these roots, or principles. For more information on what the Principle Approach is, try this site from The Foundation for American Christian Education.
Overall, I think the book meets its target audience well. It is only 60 pages long so can be read in a single sitting, but still manages to give enough information to get you started. It does not overwhelm with details, but stays focused on encouraging parents that they do have what it takes to embark on this journey. There are plenty of other good resources mentioned for more information, so anyone could get started with the most important subjects while deciding on what kinds of curricular materials best suit their family
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Dec. 6, 2005 - Thanks for the clarification!
Kris