Skip to main content

What's in a Name? (TOS Crew Review)

Photobucket

I received Debra Bell's The Ultimate Guide to Homeschooling from Apologia Educational Ministries last month to read and review for the 2009-2010 The Old Schoolhouse Homeschool Crew. The first thing I can say is that it is APTLY NAMED. This is THE ultimate guide.... Seriously. I wonder how I lived through the past 2 years of homeschooling without the encouragement and truths found in this one book.  Not to mention, some of those niggling feelings over the course of our homeschooling journey thus far are explained and validated by Ms. Bell:

  •  not stressing about housekeeping (if I am cleaning my house, I'm not teaching; if I'm teaching, I'm not cleaning - it's an unending cycle)
  •  redesign your homeschool as needed (when I see something isn't working for one of my children, I want to throw it out and do it a different way)
  •  allow clutter in the living areas (yes, the environment sometimes needs tidying, but should I banish all books/magazines/crayons/critter keepers from the living space so guests don't see the disaster we call "home?")
  •  have a plan: what are you going to strive for? what will you teach? how will you teach it? how long do you want to spend on it? (I am terrible at sticking to a plan, but I have been feeling the need to have one)

There is so much more in the book: understanding your children's learning styles (and yours!!) beyond Auditory/Kinesthetic/Visual labels; knowing which resources to make use of with wild abandon (I've already tapped some of her recommended resources, and we are LOVING our new Moody Science Videos!!); program recommendations (I can't wait to try some of her suggestions); schedule and budget tips; as well as what to consider (both positive AND negative) about homeschooling before you decide (or even in the midst of homeschooling, as a great reminder).  PLUS MORE.

This book is really an invaluable resource, and though much of what she asks me to consider before homeschooling is not in the cards for us right now, it explains why this is sometimes a stressful choice.  Plus, I now understand why homeschooling is difficult for me and seems to be easier for some.  I HIGHLY recommend this book for homeschoolers.  Many of my Crew Mates have even said it was great for "seasoned veteran" homeschoolers.  Check out their reviews here.

*Disclaimer: I received this book for free with the understanding that I would read and review it.  This review is my honest opinion, and I have not been compensated for it in any way.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

How Has Homeschooling Affected My Life?

Well, homeschooling IS my life, so suffice it to say, there's no stone unturned!  Massive takeover, at times, a bit hostile!! For example, my second child was getting ready to embark on Mother's Day Out and my first child was conveniently ensconced in a Government-run "educational" facility, and I had a glimmer of real freedom... for about a day.  Then I found out I was preggo with Baby #3.  Commence Meltdown. I have since gotten over that traumatic , er, beautiful time, and we have embraced homeschooling.  The freedom never came, the oldest got pulled from Uncle Sam's Brainwashing Academy, and the second offspring never entered a public school.  The third will not go away to preschool. They go with me to the doctor.  This, they do not love.  Neither do I. ( Mommy, why is she putting that there?? ) Alas, it is our lot in life... at least until the eldest is of babysitting age. They go with me to the grocery store.  This, they love occasion...
3 comments
Read more

Health Care in the USA

Well, it is time for another political rant, so depending on your standing, you may want to mosey along.... Health care in the United States is apparently in need of an overhaul.  There are few who disagree.  However, the method of that overhaul is in question.  Many would like to use their power in government to take over health care.  Yeah, yeah, yeah, they are calling it a reform , but it is really just a takeover . So, okay, let's evaluate. Your company, which you have worked for your entire life, is losing money.  It is still afloat, but it isn't doing as well as it could.  You have a couple of choices as a member of the voting board of directors : you could vote in favor of a reevaluation of what is working and what isn't, what rules are already in place that aren't being followed that would benefit your bottom line, and what people in your company are beneficial and what people are detrimental, then you could weed out things and people who aren...
2 comments
Read more

How Do I Know What To Teach?

One question we all seem to ask (or at least wonder about) when we are thinking about homeschooling or we meet someone who does for the first time: how do you know what to teach?   For me, it was " How will i know what to teach? " I believe this to be a valid question because it stems from genuine curiosity and it is mixed with a touch of doubt, generally self-doubt, so it is a fair concern. Traditional Answer: buy a reputable curriculum and follow it to the letter.  As you get the "swing" of things, you will be able to supplement or skip pieces.  This is a valid answer, but it didn't fit our style around here, so.... Less Common Response: learn about whatever the kids are interested in!  What could be more fun than learning everything from the world around you rather than textbooks!?!  Also a valid answer, but it was a bit too loose for me - i am still struggling with my self-doubt too much to lean too heavily on unschooling (as this method is often called)...
1 comment
Read more