Reviews (1)

Help your underacheiver - read this book!
If your child is smart, but consistently fails to perform in school...
Read more

Subjects:  1. Education    2. Education / Teaching    3. Family & Relationships    4. Family/Marriage    5. Motivation    6. Parent Participation    7. Self-Help / Self-Esteem   

Reviews (7)

Educational Utopia
As a high school teacher for 15 years and now an educational consultant, I came to Dr. Smith's book with a lot of interest.There can be little doubt that there are some powerful ideas here.His belief that we only learn by joining "clubs" (e.g. the spoken-language club, the literacy club, etc.) is a great metaphor for the apprentice/journeyman/master mode of learner that has deep roots in our society.One can even argue, as Dr. Smith does, that this is the best way to learn things so we never forget.(In fact, Dr. Smith believes this is really the only way to learn things.)And yet, in many ways his ideas are utopian, despite the fact that he claims not to believe in "ideal schools."
The difference between schooling and learning...
...is enormous!
Quite valuable despite a bit of tilting at windmills
Smith, a cognitive psychologist, presents an informal interpretation of two disparate perspectives on human learning. On one extreme he presents the "classical view" in which learning is the natural, implicit, and unconscious byproduct of social contexts. On the other extreme he presents the "official theory" of learning that assumes learning is the result of effort, structure, repetition, and discipline. Read more

Subjects:  1. Cognitive Psychology    2. Developmental - Child    3. Education    4. Education / Teaching    5. Educational Psychology    6. Learning (Psychology)    7. Learning, Psychology of    8. Memory    9. Parent Participation    10. Psychology    11. Child & developmental psychology    12. Philosophy of education   

Reviews (27)

Important topics did not jive with my child rearing ideology.
When I first began reading I found the stories to be unrealistic but thought that it may still be worth reading.For Example: The man who hits his child because the child said they had gone to a specific place only last night when they actually had gone days/weeks ago. His claim was that the child was a liar. Anyone who is interested in bringing up a well child would not behave that way and certainly a person like that is not interested in reading a book to improve their parenting skills. Anywho, I thought this book would give me creative ideas with discipline when the book is really about, as Tucson Toddler Mom said, common sense ideology.
Indispensable resource for parents and educators
The authors of this remarkable parenting resource parallel discipline with teaching a child, and punishment with shaming a child. The emphasis of their philosophy is placed on physical and emotional readiness as well as on respecting a child as an individual capable of making choices about his/her behavior. As a child grows into an autonomous individual, parents often struggle to find their place. This resource lays out practical solutions for guiding a child to make good choices and being responsible for those choices at an early age. All of the strategies suggested by Nelsen, et. al. focus on raising a positive, happy child who feels taught, rather than shamed for his/her poor choices. The result is a child who views making a mistake as a learning experience rather than a permanent wrongdoing. This book, and the accompanying series, has become a useful resource to me in parenting my own child, but it has been equally assistive in my career as an educator. The philosophy of the authors is logical, simple, and easy to implement. It puts a positive twist on discipline and encourages healthy growth in a happy, predictable, and well-adjusted environment.

Did everyone else who reviewed this book actually read it???
First of all, let me say that nowhere in this book do the authors advocate weaning by twelve months or letting a baby "cry it out," as some reviewers claimed.If it did, I would have put it down right away in the bookstore and not bought it.If it seemed to clash with Attachment Parenting, a style I am fond of and have used for most of my daughter's nearly three years, I also would have been less inclined to read it.But it doesn't do any of those things.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Child Care/Parenting    2. Child Development    3. Child rearing    4. Discipline of children    5. Discipline of infants    6. Education    7. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    8. Infants    9. Life Stages - Infants & Toddlers/General    10. Parent Participation    11. Parenting - Child Rearing    12. Parenting - Discipline    13. Parenting - General    14. Toddlers    15. Family & Relationships / Parenting   

Reviews (16)

Excellent Reference for Christian Homeschooling Moms
My son is just 19 months old, but I already know we will be homeschooling him. I've been reading various references on getting started and have found this book to be one of the best. Written from a Christian perspective, this book shares personal stories, basic how-tos and lots of references.
One of the best I have read yet!!!
Wow!! This book was exactly what I was looking for. Actually, it was above my expectations.I originally ordered this book because I was searching to find help with our homeschool.We are only in our third year, but I was feeling that things were very dry and redundant.I found MANY ideas and helps, but this book is so much more than a guide for a particular method.It starts with the heart issue of why we are doing this in the first place and helps to confirm the many convictions that I was feeling before I bought the book.There is more to life and education than workbooks and dry curriculum ( which is where we were).They give you many descriptions of types of methods and then lay out what they do in their homeschool.The system totally makes sense.Your foundation of your homeschool should start with Discipleship and then you work up from there.This book is a GREAT FIND in my opinion.

One of my favorite books!!
This book has been very useful to me.It has so many interesting ideas, and is quite inspirational.When I get stuck in a homeschooling rut, this book gives me ideas to emphasize a different aspect (or area of study per Ch4) of my homeschool.Usually ruts result from emphasizing structured (or disciplined) studies and letting everything else slide.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Education    2. Experimental Methods    3. Home Schooling    4. Religion - Christian Education - Home Schooling   

Editorial Review

Unschooling, a homeschooling method based on the belief that kids learn best when allowed to pursue their natural curiosities and interests, is practiced by 10 to 15 percent of the estimated 1.5 million homeschoolers in the United States. There is no curriculum or master plan for allowing children to decide when, what, and how they will learn, but veteran homeschooler Mary Griffith comes as close as you can get in this slim manual. Written in a conversational, salon-style manner, Read more

Reviews (23)

Homeschooling, Unschooling, it's still a great resource.
I've really enjoyed this book.I got it to open my mind a bit to try, and be a bit more creative this coming fall.This book is filled with very practical ideas on teaching without teaching.I appreciate how thorough Marry Griffin goes through every aspect of the homeshooling family and their responsibilities.There is a lot of experience in this book by some wonderful mothers.

Just as "homeschooling" comes in many different styles - so does "unshchooling".
This book was full of good information, ideas and advice.I liked all the personal stories and the interviews with kids.I would recommend it to anyone considering unschooling.

A lifesaver
As an ex-pat homeschooler thrown into the deep end, with frustrated, homesick kids and a pile of unfulfilled charts and lesson plans, I found this publication invaluable.It broke down the false walls of education I had erected myself and smashed my guilt into gleeful smithereens.I found my excitment heightening with each chapter and thoroughly enjoyed the practical feedback from other parents, and especially, their children.Since reading this book I have relaxed, chucked out the schedules and seen my children soar in creativity and passion for learning.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Education    2. Educational planning    3. Experimental Methods    4. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    5. Home Schooling    6. Learning    7. Reference    8. Self-culture    9. United States    10. Education / General   

Reviews (7)

Homeschooling
A gentle story of how the author (a teacher) came to homeschool her two kids. Very inspiring and
Vignettes of Experiences Applaud Unschooling
This is the book that verbalizes what so many of us do but have a hard time explaining to questioning relatives, friends, and just the people in the world that wonder why our four children are out and about town in the middle of the school day.
A great read for any unschooling family!
Read more

Subjects:  1. Education    2. Education / Teaching    3. General    4. Home Schooling   

Reviews (6)

Cute!
I think this is a charming book, though I do intend to skip some pages.It's a wonderful reference for some old fashioned etiquette.The character building isn't as complete as some wonderful old books, such as "Beautiful Girlhood" or simply stories such as those from "The King's Daughter".The parts that will be helpful are the ones on everything from introductions to posture.It is an inexpensive and enjoyable supplement to other areas of study for a young girl.The book is worth it even if you simply pick and choose what to go through.

As relevant today as when it was written
My mother guided my sister and me through this course when we were young teenagers.Now as an adult, I still remember the lessons we learned through it.
Just...no.
As the previous reviewer said, the character building tips are generic and can be found anywhere else. The clothing and beauty tips are a scream. Some of the advice is ridiculous and offensive--for example, in the "How Feminine Are You?" Quiz, you get points off if your voice is deep and gravelly. And yes, this is really a part of the same book, it just isn't available on the Amazon preview pages. Please, if you have any love and respect for your daughters, DO NOT BUY THIS BOOK. Except maybe for laughs. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity - Christian Life - Character & Values    2. Christianity - Christian Life - General    3. Home Schooling    4. Religion    5. Religion - Christian Education - Home Schooling   

Reviews (26)

Fun to read
This is a great book to give you an idea of how people from different walks of life handle homeschooling. Every story is different, and I can't imagine someone not being able to relate or connect to anyone in the book. It also has some information about different resources to help you do a little research.
What an inspiring book!
Lisa Whelchel has way with words and I am betting her kids loved being homeschooled by her. She shares so much of herselfin this book. You literally feel like you just sat down for a chat with her at her kitchen table.
So much information in this little book!
This book wasn't even on my radar when I went to check out books about homeschooling. I'm so glad I picked this one up because it ended up being the most useful one I have yet read. A Focus on The Family publication and written by Lisa Whelchel (who is SO much more than just Blair from "The Facts of Life"), it shouldn't be a surprise that it is Christian-oriented both in its message and in many of the resources listed in the appendix. Even so, I think this book would be useful to persons of all faiths who are considering homeschooling.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity - Christian Life - General    2. Christianity - Education - Children & Youth    3. Education    4. Home Schooling    5. Parent participation    6. Religion    7. Religion - Christian Education - Home Schooling    8. United States    9. CHRISTIAN LIVING / RELATIONSHIPS / HOME SCHOOLING    10. Religion / Christian Life   

Subjects:  1. Directories    2. Education    3. Education / Teaching    4. High schools    5. New York    6. New York (State)    7. Parent Participation    8. Public schools    9. Reference    10. Secondary    11. Reference works    12. Secondary schools   

Reviews (21)

Shining Star
This is an awsome book! I read it over & over & was convinced that my child fit the mold of an underacheiver, with a few exceptions. I was ready to take him to Texas to meet with the doctor/author for help. I actually called the doctor & talked to him at length about my son, free of charge! The doctor knew that my son was NOT an underacheiver from the information I gave him. My son was suffering from Asperger's Syndrome. Dr. Whitley told me the type of doctor to seek & gave me great comfort. He is a very nice man & the book is excellent. You can learn from it even if you don't have an underacheiver.

Helpful but Not the Answer
It has been several months since we started using Dr. Whitley's program.After a month or so, our son became increasingly impatient with our calm questioning and was making no progress.While we still use the calm, methodical approach to communications with our son, we dropped the more structured questioning. Our son has been dianosed twice with ADD by psychiatrists.He refuses to accept the diagnosis or medication, and we discuss these issues with him in the calm manner suggested by Dr. Whitley.However, Dr. Whitley's program is not going to result in better grades for our son if the problem is physiological.Dr. Whitley does a disservice to parents by not at least mentioning the possibility that underachievement can have a biological cause.

Finally, some direction
My husband and I have only just started implementing the suggestions in this book, but it is a relief to finally have some direction as to how to handle our 16-year-old son.I just wish we could have read this 5 years ago.After years of struggling and following teacher recommendations of consequences, planners for teachers to sign, and rewards--all to no avail; Dr. Whitley's approach puts the solution responsibilities back on the child.I can't say he particularly likes the process at this point, but it's not because we are angry or punishing.We are simply asking questions and Dr. Whitley says if they become irritated, "take heart" because that means we're hitting the right buttons.He compares the approach to Columbo and Mr. Rogers:caring, logical, inquiring.Even if it takes a long time to have the desired effect of better grades, at least we are not screaming at him and feel like we are acting more like we are on his side--which, of course, we always have been! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Academic achievement    2. Achievement motivation in chil    3. Achievement motivation in children    4. Education    5. Family & Relationships    6. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    7. Family/Marriage    8. Parent Participation    9. Parenting    10. Parenting - Child Rearing    11. Parenting - General    12. Underachievers    13. Family & Relationships / Child Care   

Reviews (2)

A wonderful resource for homes...
This book was a present to me a few weeks ago from my husband. He gave it to me because he knows as a first grade teacher it helps to know someone "understands" these children's issues, and what is going on each day beyond my open doorway in the life of children which can be so varied and which so affects what can happen within the classroom. Teachers should all rave a bit about Well's work, the incredible contribution it is making to yet another year in my classroom is wonderful. We should tout how her stories with their ear for children's lives and hearts are certainly unique and awe inspiring. Great pieces of primary literacy speak for themselves. But instead of too much on those stories, I'm going to talk about this text as a much better place to start talking to families about "virtues", over much canned programatic virtue/values pieces seen typically in the school. There is something rather condescending and separate feeling about "virtues" and character programs in schools.Really top down and rather awkwardly preachy. It really takes inventive leadership, staff and quality community liaison type work, empathy and understanding to connect and make meaningful suggestions to the parents of children living in America's poverty that I teach in public school. That is where much of the time these "assistingreadiness in a learner traits" are less securely in place, and the resources and access to opportunities very limited, as well as the drive to access them,by the nature of the life in poverty. A lot of time it feels like, "Well, walk in these shoes awhile and see what you know...". Sometimes I think I'd have trouble dealing with that newsletter on self-control or acceptance if my rent was past due and I was having to pawn my TV for food.The book rather spoke to me through that perspective, as I work in an area where children have children, and have yet to develop real introspective strands about the long term job they are doing in parenting these babies due to the nature of their short term perspectives.
A MUST read for all families
Rosemary Wells is known for her commitment to children's literacy. Her "Read to your Bunny" campaign rolled out across the country a few years ago. Wells addressed a group of librarians recently and passionately discussed the education challenges facing our schools and our nation. Young children are struggling more than ever in school. The reasons are numerous and familiar to most of us. Rather than continue to bewail the whys and wherefores of the issue, she used a brilliant analogy to explain what we need to do.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Education    2. Family & Relationships    3. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    4. Family/Marriage    5. Life Stages - School Age    6. Parent Participation    7. Parenting - General    8. Parents And Education   

Reviews (1)

Much Needed Resource
This book covers areas of study such as philosophy, biology, politics, and law and guides the reader toward viewing each from a Christian perspective.The Christian reader will enjoy being able to integrate these fields into an overall worldview or way of looking at life.The non-Christian believer will gain understanding into how Christians might look at the world.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity - Education - General    2. Christianity - Education - Program Resources    3. Home Schooling    4. Religion    5. Religion - Christian Education - Home Schooling   

Reviews (2)

What a wonderful program!
We have decided to homeschool our son.We are not fanatics, this is just the best option for our family.That being said, I really wanted my son to have a structured preschool experience.I am so glad that I found this curriculum!I am so impressed!What wonderful ideas Ms. Shaw has put in it!The layout and daily plan has really been thought through.There is just the right amount of content and time spent on each subject for the short attention span of children this age.Each day, there is Bible, a themed topic from God's World (My Birthday, Birds, Communication, Insects, Food, Five Senses, etc) - this topic is continued all week, Language Skills, Physical Education, Math, Art or Music (alternate days), Health, Safety & Manners or Character Building (alternate days), a Memory Verse and snackThis truly is a wonderful program for children of the 3-5 age range.A complete listing of topics covered can be found on the Bright Beginnings website.http://www.bright-beginnings.net There is a yahoo group for users of this curriculumhttp://groups.yahoo.com/group/Bright_Beginnings/ Take good care and enjoy!

All you need in two books to teach your preschooler
I wish I had BRIGHT BEGINNINGS when my children were preschoolers! I'm a home schooling mother of six, whose oldest, completely home schooled, child graduated last year from high school.I have a masters degree in school psychology and am familiar with many home school curricula.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Curricula    2. Education    3. Home Schooling    4. Preschool & Kindergarten    5. Religion - Christian Education - Home Schooling    6. Religion - Educational Resources   

Reviews (4)

this book has helped me to make up my mind to move back to NY
This book has helped me to make up my mind to move back to NY--helped me understand the byzantine system, and highlights specific schools that I would never have heard or read about otherwise.
A good place to start
I agree with both previous reviewers. I am so glad this book exists because there are many wonderful public elementary schools in NYC. (My son's at one!) But this book does not always contain the very latest information, such as a change in principals. (Principals are very important.) Use this book as a starting point and then talk with as many parents, teachers as you can for the latest developments in the schools you're considering.

Not as in depth as I wanted
Not as in depth as I wanted, but I had high expectations.Good as a starting point only, tends to repeat "common knowledge." ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Administration - General    2. Directories    3. Education    4. Education / Teaching    5. Elementary    6. Elementary schools    7. New York    8. New York (State)    9. Parent Participation    10. Public schools    11. Consumer guides & advice    12. Primary / junior schools   

Reviews (1)

The Story just keeps getting better
My children (ages 6 and 14) studied through volumes 1 and 2 last year for our homeschool social studies curriculum.Volume 3 is everything we hoped for to extend our knowledge!The activity guides have proven to be a vital resource to cut some preparation time for lessons. In Volume 3 each chapter covers a slightly broader time frame, making it even more important to follow up the lesson with additional activities.We recommendStory of the World to all our homeschool friends. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Curricula    2. Education    3. Education / Teaching    4. Home Schooling    5. Teaching Methods & Materials - General    6. Interactive & activity books & packs    7. World history: c 1500 to c 1900    8. c 1500 to c 1600    9. c 1600 to c 1700    10. c 1700 to c 1800    11. c 1800 to c 1900   

Reviews (4)

Can't recommend it enough!
If you're the parent of a preschool age child (3-5) and aren't totally comfortable with the idea of trusting these early learning years to a stranger, I'd strongly recommend this book.It is packed with encouragement for parents and tons of fun activities to do with kids.Although the authors advocate beginning (or joining) a co-op preschool at home, it's suitable for homeschoolers too.A co-op preschool may be something I consider at a later time, but right now we're just getting our feet wet with learning.I always thought I'd send my precious little one off to a swanky preschool when the time came, but he's 4 now and the time is here, and neither one of us are ready for anything like that.We're having so much fun playing and learning together.I always thought learning at home would be frustrating (for me) and boring (for him), but it's really not if you take it in stride and follow your child's lead for the most part.The first part of this book "exposes" the history of preschool and why it ever came into being (whereas kids used to start school in 1st grade), and why it may not be the best thing for your child.It's really sad the way we parents compete with the Joneses...we want our child to talk first, spell first, add first, read first...etc.And so many of us are afraid that not sending them to preschool will cause them to be "behind" when the time for actual school (or homeschool) comes.How many of us have felt like wanting to crawl under the carpet when caught up in a group of of mothers who incessantly brag about their children's accomplishments ("My Mary could read when she was 4"..."My Johnny could add when he was 4 and a half"...My Sarah already knows all the names of the planets, and she's only in kindergarten"...)This book deals with all of those questions and insecurities quite well.Hope you find it as helpful as I have!

Preschool for Homeschoolers and Others
As a homeschooling family, we have chosen to bypass day care, preschool, and traditional school. This book reinforced our views on maintaining the special parent-child bond in childhood while incorporating the stimulatingenvironment our children need for their mental, physical, social, andemotional development. This book won't sit on the shelf.

Preschool for Homeschoolers and Others
As a homeschooling family, we have chosen to bypass day care, preschool, and traditional school. This book reinforced our views on maintaining the special parent-child bond in childhood while incorporating the stimulatingenvironment our children need for their mental, physical, social, andemotional development. This book won't sit on the shelf. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Early childhood education    2. Education    3. Education / Teaching    4. Parent Participation    5. Preschool & Kindergarten   

Reviews (7)

Everyone liked this but me...
I think I kinda jumped the gun, I bought this for a first grader and I think it is for older kids.. it seems um, like a nice book. I'm used to KONOS and well, this didn't seem to make any history information fun... so, it depends on your teaching style.

A Must for All Homeschoolers!
This history book is a must for all home educators.This book and the corresponding workbook should serve as the starting point for your history lessons.Enjoy!HOMESCHOOLERS: READ MY OTHER REVIEWS!

Another good read!!
Like the previous two volumes, we enjoyed SOTW Vol. 3.It is written in an interesting and engaging style.My younger children enjoyed it as much as my third grader.Susan Wise Bauer does a good job handling some rather difficult and unpleasant parts of History.She did choose to leave out a couple of topics, but explains her reasons at the beginning.My only complaint is the lack of church history that is covered.(There seems to be a decreasing amount of church history covered in each successive volume.) ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 4-8 - History - General    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Nonfiction    3. Education    4. History - General    5. History: World    6. Home Schooling    7. Teaching Methods & Materials - General    8. World history: c 1500 to c 1900    9. c 1500 to c 1600    10. c 1600 to c 1700    11. c 1700 to c 1800    12. c 1800 to c 1900   

Reviews (5)

It just makes sense
I encourage anyone, everyone to read about these theories and apply them as best as they can to students, their own children, other children they may encounter, if you are stuck in that must-sit-still-and-listen traditional-mindset, you owe it to yourself and others to open up your mind to how kids learn differently. Would love to have this be enforced reading for certain teachers my children and I have encountered in the past.

Seven intelligence Types
The Education Products Information Exchange shockingly reported, 80% of the content in school textbooks was known by students before they studied.If the content was known then education meant time consumption and rising tides of mediocrity.A national education reaction was expressed in the book "Nation at Risk" providing the following recommendation: 1) rigorous grading 2) more standardized tests 3) better textbooks 4) and adherence to English, Math, Science, Social Sciences, and Computer Science. The core curriculum was designed for students to compete against other nations but considered boring by students.
You'll never force a square peg into a round hole again!
This is the kind of book you have to keep replacing because when you loan it out it won't come back! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Child Development    2. Child rearing    3. Education / Teaching    4. Family & Relationships    5. Family/Marriage    6. General    7. Intellect    8. Multiple intelligences    9. Parent Participation    10. Psychotherapy - Child & Adolescent    11. Child care & upbringing    12. Juvenile Fiction / Action & Adventure    13. Marriage, family & other relationships    14. Organization & management of education   

Reviews (10)

recommended for new homeschoolers!
If you are new to homeschooling and your child is gifted, this book is a must-have. The different styles of homeschooling are reviewed and presented in an objective manner. Informative quotes from kids and parents are liberally sprinkled through the text. Go ahead and borrow it from your public library, but you're going to want to buy it after you see it!
Targets a Different Audience
I read several dozen books on homeschooling when I decided that my kids were going to be homeschooled.Creative Home Schooling by Lisa Rivero was by far the best book I came across.Initially I just checked the book out from the library as I did with the rest of books on homeschooling I read.I actually bought this book and am happy about it.Most of the home schooling books are designed for the average family that pulls its kids out of school, often for religious reasons.Ms. Rivera targets the audience of people who homeschool because their kids are just too smart for normal public school.She discusses different learning styles, t