If you’re a homeschooler, you probably think of science. But the beloved publisher of Christian science texts for homeschools is expanding its product line. In addition to science, Apologia now also offers world view study materials, a writing program, and helpful resource books for homeschoolers. They also have started on-line classes for both science and world view studies.
As a member of The Old Schoolhouse Homeschool Crew, I received a copy of The Ultimate Guide to Homeschooling: Updated and Revised by Debra Bell. I have read quite a few homeschooling books and this one definitely lives up to its name. The 509 page book is the most comprehensive homeschool manual that I have read. The book is divided into 10 parts that contain a total of 34 chapters plus a resource guide.
Part 1: Homeschooling: Is It for You?
Part 2: Choosing a Curriculum
Part 3: Organization and Planning
Part 4: Preventing Burnout
Part 5: What to Teach – When and How
Part 6: Homeschooling Teens
Part 7: Computers in the Homeschool
Part 8: Creative Solutions
Part 9: Measuring Your Success
Part 10:Resource Guide
As you can see, this book covers a wide variety of pertinent homeschooling topics. It is easy to read and contains many examples from the author’s years of homeschooling experience. This is our seventh year “officially” homeschooling, but I was one of those crazy people who researched for years before I had any school-aged children. I’ve also continued to read and study over the years. Even so, I found there was plenty of new information for me in this book. It should not be mistaken for a “Beginners” homeschool book though it is excellent for beginners and veterans alike.
The single biggest idea that I have gleaned from the book is that I need to be training my children to be independent learners. In addition, I need to give them more input in their studies as well as more responsibility. I think I’ve been trying to maintain (unsuccessfully) too much of the control. I’m not sure exactly what changes we will make, but I started by having a discussion with my oldest son about the things that he likes and dislikes about our current homeschool, including curricula, schedule, etc. We talked some about my expectations for him and what he should be working towards. Overall, it was a profitable discussion.
The Ultimate Guide to Homeschooling is available from Apologia for $20.00.
Disclosure: This product was provided to our family for free as members of the 2009-2010 Old Schoolhouse Magazine Homeschool Crew. Reviews and opinions expressed in this blog are our own.
By Kristen H.
I have the old version and I absolutely love the book. Wish I could get my hands on the new edition for free.