Comments for Home Schooling Program http://www.homeprogramschooling.com Resources including Books and Software to help you home school your children Wed, 30 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 Comment on And What About College How Homeschooling Leads to by Anonymous http://www.homeprogramschooling.com/and-what-about-college-how-homeschooling-leads-to/comment-page-1#comment-9 Anonymous Wed, 30 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.homeprogramschooling.com/and-what-about-college-how-homeschooling-leads-to#comment-9 What a great book!<br>Rating:5 out of 5 stars<br>With a college-bound son who just turned 15, I find myself returning to this book again and again for advice, solace, detailed information, guidance. Cafi Cohen has been through it all. Her son attended the Air Force Academy and is now a test pilot. Her daughter attended an excellent college. AND she did a non-traditional, loose hs program with her kids. I wrote up a transcript for my son this week, using her book, and was truly heartened to see how beautifully it all came together. This is one of the best homeschool advice books I have ever read. A real gem. What a great book!
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
With a college-bound son who just turned 15, I find myself returning to this book again and again for advice, solace, detailed information, guidance. Cafi Cohen has been through it all. Her son attended the Air Force Academy and is now a test pilot. Her daughter attended an excellent college. AND she did a non-traditional, loose hs program with her kids. I wrote up a transcript for my son this week, using her book, and was truly heartened to see how beautifully it all came together. This is one of the best homeschool advice books I have ever read. A real gem.

]]> Comment on The Homeschooling Book of Answers The 101 Most by WeeBeaks http://www.homeprogramschooling.com/the-homeschooling-book-of-answers-the-101-most/comment-page-1#comment-13 WeeBeaks Tue, 29 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.homeprogramschooling.com/the-homeschooling-book-of-answers-the-101-most#comment-13 Good but better for people inclined to unschooling styles<br>Rating:4 out of 5 stars<br>I always enjoy the homeschooling books when I'm getting down or need inspiraton. This one I was looking forward to as it was highly recommended by several people. While overall I did enjoy it, there were several things that did not sit well with me. First, I'm going to focus on the positive: This book is written in question and answer format with the answers supplied by a panel of homeschoolers, homeschooling experts and even homeschooled students. It is a very nice style, and often a particular question will have an answer by 2 or 3 different panelists. This gives several experiences and viewpoints. Often the answers share personal antecdotes and experiences, making this read like sitting down to a chat with a few friends about homeschooling. I also have to stay that this particular book appears to a wide range of audiences, covering questions from "Is it legal?" and the question of socialization, curriculum choice (generalized, not specifics), family dynamics in homeschooling and more all the way up to how homeschoolers can and should be involved in political activism to continue to ensure homeschooling remains an educational alternative in the United States. Few if any other books I have read on homeschooling covered such a breadth of topics so well, while at the same time not being cumbersome and too fact-filled to be read easily. I really give high praise to the layout, writing and scope of this book. It is appropriate for newcomers to homeschooling while at the same time sharing many things relevant and interesting to veterans as well. <br /> <br />What I did not enjoy about the book is it is overtly pro-unschooling in methodology. If you use a boxed curriculum, school at home or other more structured styles, this book may not be for you. It is also decidedly against charters for various reasons, going so far as to question whether using a charter is actually homeschooling (see question #89), "But is it homeschooling? You decide. Homeschooling, by its very definition, implies that parents do it all and pay for it all." I do not utilize a charter, but I do know parents who do and feel this is a bit insulting to them, especially as charters continue to change and some allow great flexibility while offering benefits many parents enjoy. <br /> <br />So overall I do recommend this book as a wonderfully researched and interesting book. However, I do caution those of you who utilize charters or are towards more structured forms of homeschooling that some of what you read may feel a bit critical, especially if you used boxed curriculum, do formalized testing or "school at home" styles. Good but better for people inclined to unschooling styles
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
I always enjoy the homeschooling books when I’m getting down or need inspiraton. This one I was looking forward to as it was highly recommended by several people. While overall I did enjoy it, there were several things that did not sit well with me. First, I’m going to focus on the positive: This book is written in question and answer format with the answers supplied by a panel of homeschoolers, homeschooling experts and even homeschooled students. It is a very nice style, and often a particular question will have an answer by 2 or 3 different panelists. This gives several experiences and viewpoints. Often the answers share personal antecdotes and experiences, making this read like sitting down to a chat with a few friends about homeschooling. I also have to stay that this particular book appears to a wide range of audiences, covering questions from “Is it legal?” and the question of socialization, curriculum choice (generalized, not specifics), family dynamics in homeschooling and more all the way up to how homeschoolers can and should be involved in political activism to continue to ensure homeschooling remains an educational alternative in the United States. Few if any other books I have read on homeschooling covered such a breadth of topics so well, while at the same time not being cumbersome and too fact-filled to be read easily. I really give high praise to the layout, writing and scope of this book. It is appropriate for newcomers to homeschooling while at the same time sharing many things relevant and interesting to veterans as well.

What I did not enjoy about the book is it is overtly pro-unschooling in methodology. If you use a boxed curriculum, school at home or other more structured styles, this book may not be for you. It is also decidedly against charters for various reasons, going so far as to question whether using a charter is actually homeschooling (see question #89), “But is it homeschooling? You decide. Homeschooling, by its very definition, implies that parents do it all and pay for it all.” I do not utilize a charter, but I do know parents who do and feel this is a bit insulting to them, especially as charters continue to change and some allow great flexibility while offering benefits many parents enjoy.

So overall I do recommend this book as a wonderfully researched and interesting book. However, I do caution those of you who utilize charters or are towards more structured forms of homeschooling that some of what you read may feel a bit critical, especially if you used boxed curriculum, do formalized testing or “school at home” styles.

]]> Comment on RealLife Homeschooling The Stories of 21 Families Who by L. Hammer http://www.homeprogramschooling.com/reallife-homeschooling-the-stories-of-21-families-who/comment-page-1#comment-5 L. Hammer Tue, 29 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.homeprogramschooling.com/reallife-homeschooling-the-stories-of-21-families-who#comment-5 Not As Expected<br>Rating:2 out of 5 stars<br>The vast majority of the homeschoolers interviewed were fundamentalist Christians using pre-planned curriculum and often rigid scheduling. This was certainly not, by any stretch of the imagination, an example of the rich variety of choices to be found within the homeschool world. There were also some rather pathetic innaccuracies within the text describing the Jewish family. Just one example is the word "sabbath" capitalized as "Sabbath" (for this family, "sabbath" would be a common noun) while the word "Shabbat" is not capitalized (Shabbat is the Jewish sabbath.) I wonder if the families represented were even given an opportunity to check the author's representations of their lives. If you want to read this book, buy a cheap used copy. <br /> Not As Expected
Rating:2 out of 5 stars
The vast majority of the homeschoolers interviewed were fundamentalist Christians using pre-planned curriculum and often rigid scheduling. This was certainly not, by any stretch of the imagination, an example of the rich variety of choices to be found within the homeschool world. There were also some rather pathetic innaccuracies within the text describing the Jewish family. Just one example is the word “sabbath” capitalized as “Sabbath” (for this family, “sabbath” would be a common noun) while the word “Shabbat” is not capitalized (Shabbat is the Jewish sabbath.) I wonder if the families represented were even given an opportunity to check the author’s representations of their lives. If you want to read this book, buy a cheap used copy.

]]> Comment on Kingdom of Children Culture and Controversy in the by Brutus http://www.homeprogramschooling.com/kingdom-of-children-culture-and-controversy-in-the/comment-page-1#comment-15 Brutus Sun, 27 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.homeprogramschooling.com/kingdom-of-children-culture-and-controversy-in-the#comment-15 Good but misses one thing<br>Rating:4 out of 5 stars<br>This book is an excellent introduction into home schooling today. As a home school graduate I think he captured much of the spirit of the movement today. However, he misses one point. He looks to Holt as the beginning of the movement. His bias towards the secular home schoolers blinds him to the private school movement that led to Christian home schools. The exodus of the Christians started during the time that Holt was writing. Thus, both movements were happening around the same time. He misses the fact that Christians such as R. J. Rushdoony were writing before Holt on the need to leave the public schools. Thus, the Christians were seeing the danger in the schools at the same time if not before the secular crowd. The Christians did not hijack a secular movement. Good but misses one thing
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
This book is an excellent introduction into home schooling today. As a home school graduate I think he captured much of the spirit of the movement today. However, he misses one point. He looks to Holt as the beginning of the movement. His bias towards the secular home schoolers blinds him to the private school movement that led to Christian home schools. The exodus of the Christians started during the time that Holt was writing. Thus, both movements were happening around the same time. He misses the fact that Christians such as R. J. Rushdoony were writing before Holt on the need to leave the public schools. Thus, the Christians were seeing the danger in the schools at the same time if not before the secular crowd. The Christians did not hijack a secular movement.

]]> Comment on The Homeschooling Book of Answers The 101 Most by Carrol Greenwood http://www.homeprogramschooling.com/the-homeschooling-book-of-answers-the-101-most/comment-page-1#comment-12 Carrol Greenwood Sun, 27 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.homeprogramschooling.com/the-homeschooling-book-of-answers-the-101-most#comment-12 Homeschooling<br>Rating:1 out of 5 stars<br>I cannot comment, book purchased as a gift for another. Unfortunately, I cannot send a review without choosing a rating, so have to choose one star just so I can send it. Amazon should sdd a category for this designation. Homeschooling
Rating:1 out of 5 stars
I cannot comment, book purchased as a gift for another. Unfortunately, I cannot send a review without choosing a rating, so have to choose one star just so I can send it. Amazon should sdd a category for this designation.

]]> Comment on Trivium Mastery The Intersection of Three Roads How by M. Strong http://www.homeprogramschooling.com/trivium-mastery-the-intersection-of-three-roads-how/comment-page-1#comment-11 M. Strong Sun, 27 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.homeprogramschooling.com/trivium-mastery-the-intersection-of-three-roads-how#comment-11 This book transformed my fear about homeschooling into excitement!<br>Rating:5 out of 5 stars<br>My husband and I recently decided to homeschool after leaving the classical Christian academy that our children had been attending. We wanted our kids to be inspired to think biblically, reason logically and eventually be able to clearly articulate their views in loving and respectful ways. We also wanted them to be spiritually and academically challenged in the process. <br /> <br />After agreeing to stick with the classical model, we realized that we didn't know where or how to start. After reading quite a few books, I came across Trivium Mastery. I combed through the book twice (it is well-written, making it a pleasure to read) and have spent a significant amount of time on the author's website gleaning even more information and encouragement about what the Trivium should look like at its best. <br /> <br />Ms. Lockman begins with an excellent overview of the history of the classical approach. This was eye-opening and made clear in my mind what can happen when the Trivium is applied based upon a correct view of its nature and function. Lockman then goes on to outline the results of individual family case studies in which she "makes over" their homeschool approach. This is the meat-and-potatoes portion of the book for those of us looking for the practical application of an excellent theory. I was originally quite daunted by the prospect of homeschooling. Now, though, I am thrilled at the idea of custom-designing a classical Christian home program that will make sense for our family. <br /> <br />I would like to finish by saying that, in many years of being a faithful Amazon customer, I rarely write reviews. This book, though, merits my taking the time to encourage others to read it. No matter what road you choose to take, you won't regret spending some time on your journey with this thought-provoking book! This book transformed my fear about homeschooling into excitement!
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
My husband and I recently decided to homeschool after leaving the classical Christian academy that our children had been attending. We wanted our kids to be inspired to think biblically, reason logically and eventually be able to clearly articulate their views in loving and respectful ways. We also wanted them to be spiritually and academically challenged in the process.

After agreeing to stick with the classical model, we realized that we didn’t know where or how to start. After reading quite a few books, I came across Trivium Mastery. I combed through the book twice (it is well-written, making it a pleasure to read) and have spent a significant amount of time on the author’s website gleaning even more information and encouragement about what the Trivium should look like at its best.

Ms. Lockman begins with an excellent overview of the history of the classical approach. This was eye-opening and made clear in my mind what can happen when the Trivium is applied based upon a correct view of its nature and function. Lockman then goes on to outline the results of individual family case studies in which she “makes over” their homeschool approach. This is the meat-and-potatoes portion of the book for those of us looking for the practical application of an excellent theory. I was originally quite daunted by the prospect of homeschooling. Now, though, I am thrilled at the idea of custom-designing a classical Christian home program that will make sense for our family.

I would like to finish by saying that, in many years of being a faithful Amazon customer, I rarely write reviews. This book, though, merits my taking the time to encourage others to read it. No matter what road you choose to take, you won’t regret spending some time on your journey with this thought-provoking book!

]]> Comment on Homeschooling for Excellence by G. L. Quetel http://www.homeprogramschooling.com/homeschooling-for-excellence/comment-page-1#comment-4 G. L. Quetel Sun, 27 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.homeprogramschooling.com/homeschooling-for-excellence#comment-4 Awesome<br>Rating:5 out of 5 stars<br>We start homeschooling next year. The Colfaxs' approach was refreshing, and added a lot of insight to what homeschooling can be like without the formal curricula. They used an approach that makes sense, and gives children a freedom to learn and grow that we haven't seen in all the years our oldest child has been in school. Their boys also were able to still be boys without the restrictions that formal schooling places on all children. <br /> <br />They watched their children closely before moving them ahead, and learned to set their egos aside. Working at the childrens' different paces made all the difference. They don't advocate keeping up with the schools, and yet their boys were able to out pace the schools without the formal structure. <br /> <br />It's a great short description similar to the Moore Method without the religious undertones. A fantastic guide for anyone who wants the best for developing children with: critical thinking skills, a great self concept, confidence, and close family ties as well as serving the greater community. Awesome
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
We start homeschooling next year. The Colfaxs’ approach was refreshing, and added a lot of insight to what homeschooling can be like without the formal curricula. They used an approach that makes sense, and gives children a freedom to learn and grow that we haven’t seen in all the years our oldest child has been in school. Their boys also were able to still be boys without the restrictions that formal schooling places on all children.

They watched their children closely before moving them ahead, and learned to set their egos aside. Working at the childrens’ different paces made all the difference. They don’t advocate keeping up with the schools, and yet their boys were able to out pace the schools without the formal structure.

It’s a great short description similar to the Moore Method without the religious undertones. A fantastic guide for anyone who wants the best for developing children with: critical thinking skills, a great self concept, confidence, and close family ties as well as serving the greater community.

]]> Comment on The Ultimate Guide to Homeschooling 3rd Edition by mntnmom http://www.homeprogramschooling.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-homeschooling-3rd-edition/comment-page-1#comment-7 mntnmom Sat, 26 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.homeprogramschooling.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-homeschooling-3rd-edition#comment-7 good info, but....<br>Rating:3 out of 5 stars<br>It would be nice if SOMEWHERE on the book it mentioned the highly Christian focus. The information is thorough and well presented. But the entire book is written with the assumption that a Christian worldview is the focus of your life. As a non-Christian, I found the book very difficult to read. Along with a good attitude and stimulating environment, she considers "Biblical conviction" to be necessary to successful homeschooling. If you share her general worldview, or can ignore it, you will find this book invaluable. But if you don't, I advise finding it used at your local thrift store like I did. good info, but….
Rating:3 out of 5 stars
It would be nice if SOMEWHERE on the book it mentioned the highly Christian focus. The information is thorough and well presented. But the entire book is written with the assumption that a Christian worldview is the focus of your life. As a non-Christian, I found the book very difficult to read. Along with a good attitude and stimulating environment, she considers “Biblical conviction” to be necessary to successful homeschooling. If you share her general worldview, or can ignore it, you will find this book invaluable. But if you don’t, I advise finding it used at your local thrift store like I did.

]]> Comment on Teaching the Trivium Christian Homeschooling in a Classical by Julie Cheek http://www.homeprogramschooling.com/teaching-the-trivium-christian-homeschooling-in-a-classical/comment-page-1#comment-16 Julie Cheek Fri, 25 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.homeprogramschooling.com/teaching-the-trivium-christian-homeschooling-in-a-classical#comment-16 most helpful homeschooling book I've ever read<br>Rating:5 out of 5 stars<br>Don't hesitate to buy this book. It is well worth the money. It has been so helpful to me. I have bought so many other homeschooling books, trying to figure what is the best way to teach my children. If I would have purchased this one first, I would have saved a lot of money. The Bluedorns really spell it all out in this book. They provide a wealth of information and list lots of resources. They know what they are talking about having homeschooled their children successfully. most helpful homeschooling book I’ve ever read
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
Don’t hesitate to buy this book. It is well worth the money. It has been so helpful to me. I have bought so many other homeschooling books, trying to figure what is the best way to teach my children. If I would have purchased this one first, I would have saved a lot of money. The Bluedorns really spell it all out in this book. They provide a wealth of information and list lots of resources. They know what they are talking about having homeschooled their children successfully.

]]> Comment on Trivium Mastery The Intersection of Three Roads How by Nerka homeschooler http://www.homeprogramschooling.com/trivium-mastery-the-intersection-of-three-roads-how/comment-page-1#comment-10 Nerka homeschooler Fri, 25 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.homeprogramschooling.com/trivium-mastery-the-intersection-of-three-roads-how#comment-10 What research?<br>Rating:3 out of 5 stars<br>In short (3 page) chapters, the author gives detailed lists on what is required for a classical home education. Fair enough, the lists are detailed and, although repetitive, easy to follow. That is what I found most helpful about this book. <br /> <br />Things I did not like about this book: <br />-no footnotes <br />-no bibliography <br />-no index <br />-assumes reader knows who people are and why they are important (one example: on p88, she talks about Andrew Pudewa with no reference or footnotes) <br />-short chapter on why she disagrees with neo-classical education but does not elaborate on her research; lack of footnotes or bibliography is really felt here (she disagrees with Dorothy Sayer's breakdown of classical education as "one woman's theory") <br />-does not introduce herself or her children (all personal information is under "About the Author" and not included in the text; her son is not mentioned until p62) <br />-does not state her qualifications (besides practicing as a CPA for 9 years) as a homeschooler; how long has she homeschooled? How old are her kids? The only date I read was 2006. <br />-"according to so & so..." with no footnotes or references appears several times <br />-no instructions on how to use Appendices <br /> <br />I really wanted to like this book, but the lack of footnotes or bibliography makes it inadequate and incomplete. What research?
Rating:3 out of 5 stars
In short (3 page) chapters, the author gives detailed lists on what is required for a classical home education. Fair enough, the lists are detailed and, although repetitive, easy to follow. That is what I found most helpful about this book.

Things I did not like about this book:

-no footnotes

-no bibliography

-no index

-assumes reader knows who people are and why they are important (one example: on p88, she talks about Andrew Pudewa with no reference or footnotes)

-short chapter on why she disagrees with neo-classical education but does not elaborate on her research; lack of footnotes or bibliography is really felt here (she disagrees with Dorothy Sayer’s breakdown of classical education as “one woman’s theory”)

-does not introduce herself or her children (all personal information is under “About the Author” and not included in the text; her son is not mentioned until p62)

-does not state her qualifications (besides practicing as a CPA for 9 years) as a homeschooler; how long has she homeschooled? How old are her kids? The only date I read was 2006.

-”according to so & so…” with no footnotes or references appears several times

-no instructions on how to use Appendices

I really wanted to like this book, but the lack of footnotes or bibliography makes it inadequate and incomplete.

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