Although the percentage of homeschooled U.S. students is 2% and growing, widespread misconceptions persist. Neighbors and relatives wonder if homeschoolers will be properly socialized and learn to live in the real world, teachers and administrators doubt that quality education can be achieved, and parents fear that homeschooling would be too hard. This book explains why homeschooling can be a great path for socializing a child and for excelling academically in a 21st century world, why homeschooling is easier than most people think, and how homeschooling can lead to the tranquil close family life many people seek. The book is written in a rational non-confrontational manner, ideally suited for homeschoolers to give to family and friends to inform them of the rationale for choosing this path of raising a child. It is also well-suited for teachers, administrators, journalists, and government officials who wish to learn more about this important educational approach.

The charming story of one family's mission to build a deeper, lasting connection to land and community on their Vermont farm When Ben Hewitt and his wife bought a sprawling acreage of field and forest in northern Vermont, they were eager to start a self-sustaining family farm. But over the years, the land became so much more than a building site; it became the birthplace of their two sons, the main source of family income and food, and even a classroom for their children. Through self-directed play, exploration, and experimentation on their farm, Hewitt’s children learned how to play and read, test boundaries and challenge themselves, fail and recover. Best of all, this environment allowed their personalities to flourish, fueling further growth. In Home Grown, Hewitt shows us how small, mindful decisions about day-to-day life can lead to greater awareness of the world in our backyards and beyond. In telling the story of his sons’ unconventional education in the fields and forests surrounding his family’s farm, he demonstrates that the sparks of learning are all around us, just waiting to be discovered. Learning is a lifelong process—and the best education is never confined to a classroom.

Hosts of the Homeschool Unrefined Podcast show you how let go of traditional measures of success, and instead measure learning by curiosity, joy, self-regulation, and critical thinking. Children deserve more than the systems we're currently using to educate them. Hardworking teachers, diligent administrators, and devoted parents are trying their best in an outdated system that isn't meeting our children's complex needs. Instead, imagine a different way to learn. With helpful, practical tips and anecdotes from homeschooling families, this guide covers all you need to know about learning differences, mental health, devices and technology, socialization, and more. It's for traditional school families who are learning to balance outer expectations with their own needs with a different way of learning. It's for homeschool families who are looking for a more inclusive, supportive, and authentic approach. Angela and Maren pair their years of teaching in a variety of different schools with their years of homeschooling their combined seven children. As they know first-hand, any parent, child, or family can thrive as they unlearn old ways, lean into their own strengths, and celebrate unconventional wins.

“If you read only one book on educating children, this should be the book.… With a warm, informative voice, Bauer gives you the knowledge that will help you flex the educational model to meet the needs of your child.” —San Francisco Book Review Our K–12 school system isn’t a good fit for all—or even most—students. It prioritizes a single way of understanding the world over all others, pushes children into a rigid set of grades with little regard for individual maturity, and slaps “disability” labels on differences in learning style. Caught in this system, far too many young learners end up discouraged. This informed, compassionate, and practical guidebook will show you how to take control of your child’s K–12 experience and negotiate the school system in a way that nurtures your child’s mind, emotions, and spirit. Understand why we have twelve grades, and why we match them to ages. Evaluate your child’s maturity, and determine how to use that knowledge to your advantage. Find out what subject areas we study in school, why they exist—and how to tinker with them. Discover what learning disabilities and intellectual giftedness are, how they can overlap, how to recognize them, and how those labels can help (or hinder) you. Work effectively with your child’s teachers, tutors, and coaches. Learn to teach important subjects yourself. Challenge accepted ideas about homework and standardized testing. Help your child develop a vision for the future. Reclaim your families’ priorities (including time for eating together, playing, imagining, traveling, and, yes, sleeping!). Plan for college—or apprenticeships. Consider out-of-the-box alternatives.

Do you long to homeschool with joy, simplicity, & success? Tried-and-true homeschool advice! Veteran homeschool moms Tricia Goyer and Kristi Clover dish out practical help on getting started and staying the course. Homeschool Basics will remind you that the best homeschooling starts with the heart. Packed with ideas to help you push aside your fears and raise kids who will grow to be life-long learners. Tricia and Kristi believe that homeschooling can transform your life, your home, and your family. Mostly, they believe homeschooling can truly prepare your children for the life God's called them to live. Homeschool Basics covers the "basics" and so much more... Top 10 tips for a successful first year Getting beyond your fears Homeschooling with multiple children -- even little ones Strategies for when you feel overwhelmed or behind Planning your year with confidence Keeping your sanity with homeschooling and housekeeping Don't let doubts hold you back any longer. Hope & refreshment await.

Find out why homeschooling may be the best choice and discover how to do it in the way that best fits you and your family. I wrote Homeschooling: Why and How because overwhelmed parents kept calling and emailing me with the same questions even though they had read other books and done on-line research. There is so much information everywhere that it can be daunting, and difficult to know where to start. The basics get lost in the chaos of too much information. Homeschooling: Why and How is unique in addressing homeschooling hows and whys in a simple, easy to understand manner. Here are a few of the comments readers have made: ....I read your book and it was the best, most down to earth, easy to follow book on homeschooling I have read." It's amazing what loving and wise words can do. My confidence soared.... I received my book yesterday! I wanted to read all night... I'm enjoying it because 1. It is easy to read & 2. It's encouraging. This book has helped re-ignite a spark of excitement and a sense of confidence that I have made the right decision with my children. Thank you once again for writing such an amazing, eye opening book. Reading your information helped me to realize that my child and I can succeed. .... your book has given me a boost of energy. Gail, I wanted to tell you it did NOT take me this long to read your book; it's just that reading your book was so momentous that it created a beautiful shift in our family. It was a great opportunity for me to read yet another homeschooling book (my seventh), and yours was so powerful and accessible that it seemed to be the catalyst for change...(my daughter) is excited too. She thinks it is extremely "cool" that she can do math in her pajamas. Homeschooling: Why and How is endorsed by teachers, special education specialists, mothers, and children, and most notably, John Taylor Gatto New York State Teacher of the year, three-time Manhattan Teacher of the Year. author of Dumbing Us Down, The Underground History of American Education, Weapons of Mass Instruction, and more. This refreshingly approachable, well-documented homeschooling resource will: *Give you confidence that you can do an excellent job of meeting the educational needs of your child, whether that need is for extra help, extra challenge or a chance to pursue a passion not offered in schools. *Dispel the myth that homeschooled children miss out on positive socialization. *Give you real life stories and examples of the many ways families educate their children and the benefits for their children and their families. *Provide you with many resources and examples of various approaches. Even if you decide not to homeschool your child you can use these to enrich your children's educational experiences outside of the classroom. *Share enough facts about the successes of homeschooled children to convince even the most doubting friend or family member. http: //www.homeschoolingwhyandhow.com/ https: //www.facebook.com/HomeschoolingWhyandHow

For a comprehensive guide to home-based education, that does not promote any particular curriculum or religious view, this is one book parents should buy! Parents will appreciate practical advice on getting started, adjusting to new roles, designing curriculum that is both child-centered and fun, and planning for social and emotional growth. Parents will turn to their favorite chapters again and again. Features interviews and tips from many homeschool parents as well as long lists of resources. -Reasons to home-school -How gifted children learn -Positive changes for the family -"Big Ideas" thematic approach -Traditional and classical approaches -Curriculum resources -Record keeping -College planning -How to get started -Interviews with parents

This intimate, eminently practical memoir of a successful homeschooled family of six children illuminates today’s most exciting choice in education, and shows how it works from cradle to college. What is it that homeschoolers do that the public schools can’t or won’t? There are at least as many answers as there are studies. But nothing can capture the homeschooling experience in all its richness like the story of a real family that homeschools its children in middleclass America. Homeschooling: A Family’s Journey is the perfect book for those millions of Americans who may know someone who homeschools, who may have read about it, thought about it, and wondered whether homeschooling is right for them. Sharing the concerns of committed parents everywhere, authors Gregory and Martine Millman are consistently practical, informed, caring, and no-nonsense in their approach. They pay special attention to homeschooling and college, the economics of home-learning, and how a parent can really handle a child’s full education. Homeschooling opens a window on an exciting, important way of education—and, even more, a way of life—that can make all the difference in your family’s world.

How to Explode Homeschooling Success and Achievement! ”This book provides a unique insight into homeschooling, its pros and cons and steps that will help you make an informed decision about whether to homeschool your children.” – Pablo “This is the most complete guide to home schooling that I have come across.” - Rob Are you trying to decide if Homeschooling your child is right for you? Choosing to homeschool your child isn’t a decision you want to take lightly. As parents, teaching your child is second nature. You teach them to talk, walk and educate them about what to eat. It is fairly natural to want to be in charge of their formal education as well. I’ll help you navigate the ins and outs of the process before you’re committed so you know exactly what to expect. Maybe you’re struggling to get organized in your homeschool effort. It is absolutely crucial to your child’s learning success for you to stay organized. Creating a space that encourages learning and differentiating it from the rest of the home is a great first step. I have devoted an entire chapter to helping you get organized. Homeschooling Essentials is your one-stop resource for making your homeschool experience a success. If you are leaning in the direction of homeschooling your child, you will feel confident you have all the facts after reading this book. I have included proven steps and strategies on how to take on the all-important role of your child’s teacher. And I should know, I have homeschooled all 3 of my children with great success! I have packed in numerous resources for finding materials to make sure this is the only tool you need to give your child everything they require to succeed. Record keeping and standardized testing concerns are fully addressed to help you feel comfortable with your decision to teach your child at home. You will learn unique and established techniques for making your homeschool experience a rewarding adventure. Effectively sourcing curriculum is covered in chapter 3 so you will be confident with whatever program you choose. I’ve even included chapters covering teaching your child from preschool through high school so you can make the best decisions possible no matter what age your child is. Here Is A Preview of What’s Inside... * Choosing the Right Curriculum * Getting Organized * Finding Materials * Homeschooling from Preschool to High School * Socialization Concerns * Field Trips: Getting Out of the Classroom * Standardized Testing – What You Should Know And much, much more! Nothing in here is sugar-coated. There are going to be days you struggle a bit, but know you are making the best decision for your child based on your values, opinions, and your research. Overall, this book is intended to help you make an informed decision about homeschooling. One more thing: The “S” Word... How will your child survive without Socialization? Whenever the word homeschool is mentioned in certain circles, there is a noticeable gasp as people express their concerns for the poor child who does not get the chance to socialize, learn from his peers, or experience life like a “normal” kid. All of this is covered. Buy this book now so you can begin making the best decisions regarding homeschooling your child. You’ll be glad you did. FREE GIFT with ebook purchase! [Details inside]

This practical, hands-on guide from the No. 1 homeschooling Web site gives readers everything they need to create a customized education plan that works with children's unique intelligence and learning style. Veteran homeschoolers and interested newcomers alike can benefit. (July)