Editorial Review

The teen years are when many homeschooling parents start to question or abandon their efforts. It's a precarious time, with challenging academics, pressing social issues, and the prospect of college looming. Parents can now breathe easy: this guide calms the teen-time jitters and even offers hope to those just turning to homeschooling now that their child is about to enter high school. With brief "how we did it" testimonies from other parents sprinkled throughout the book, author Cafi Cohen offers sage advice with the turn of every page. A columnist for Read more

Reviews (7)

Easy Reader
This book was easy to read and divided into segments that allowed for user-friendly access.I have referred to it numerous times since I received it and would recommend it to those homeschool parents facing the teen years.The best part of the book was the resources at the end of each section.It helped me see what parts in our curriculum needed improvement and which parts were right on target.

Cafi Cohen Instills Confidence
This is the second book I have read from Cafi Cohen. I find her writing straightforward, exciting, and relaxing at the same time.
A Must Have for Homeschooling Teens
I have been homeschooling for 11 years now and I must say this has been one of the most useful publications I have come across.I have already struggled through two teens with little help and not knowing where to turn for resources.There is a great deal of information for the younger years, but very little for teens.This book not only give you insightful information to make your teens education well rounded and interesting, but it also provides a wealth resources to turn for further information.No homeschool should be without it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Education    2. Education / Teaching    3. Experimental Methods    4. Home Schooling    5. Teenagers    6. United States    7. Education / Home Schooling   

Subjects:  1. Action research in education    2. Education    3. Education / Teaching    4. Parent Participation    5. Reading (Primary)    6. Reading comprehension    7. Study and teaching (Primary)    8. Teaching Methods & Materials - Reading    9. United States    10. Education / Teaching Methods & Materials / Reading    11. English    12. English language: reading skills    13. Teaching of a specific subject   

Subjects:  1. Abridged Audio - Misc. Nonfiction    2. Christianity - Education - Program Resources    3. Foreign Language Study    4. Home Schooling    5. Spanish    6. Spanish: Adult Nonfiction    7. Teaching Methods & Materials - Foreign Language    8. Unabridged Audio - Misc.Nonfiction   

Reviews (21)

NO Doubt...A MUST READ!!!!!
I read this book a year ago and it was great! But it was a new approach for me and it was very helpful. I've been actually using the different approaches she mentions in her book and have adapted them to our family's needs. I decided to reread the book, and boy am I glad I did! I understood more about where she was coming. If you are new to the Charlot Mason, this is a great beginning! Plus, you will LOVE Robin's 4Mat System!!! I have no doubt, this Homeschooling book is a MUST READ! and a MUST READ AGAIN:)

A must have for ALL Christian homeschoolers!
I downloaded this ebook over the holidays and am in the process of implementing Robin's ideas. The review is lengthy, but I feel it is such a foundational and worthwhile book. The book is divided into five sections, so I'll explain my take on each section.
Refreshing Insight
I found this book to be refreshing, challenging, and full of insight.It encouraged me to teach our children the way that God intended for them to be taught.Robin kept taking us back to the Bible the only source of TRUTH and WISDOM.I have told many people about this book.It is one of my three favorite books from the past year (the number 2 book is by Robin also, What your child needs to know when). ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity - Education - Children & Youth    2. Education    3. Home Schooling    4. Religion - Christian Education - Home Schooling    5. Religion - Educational Resources    6. Teaching Methods & Materials - General    7. Christian education    8. Christianity    9. Education / Home Schooling    10. Education-Teaching Methods & Materials - General    11. Religion-Christianity - Education - Children & Youth   

Reviews (6)

best history I have used
If you are teaching more than one age group I couldn't recomend a better history curriculum. I have 5 kids from 6yrs to 16. We all use the same book for history. I read aloud to the kids who can't read yet or who would rather listen. If you want to use this you will also need to buy the Activity Book. It includes lots of things to do for each subject including a list of books to read for older kids. I realy like the receipes for each time period.

The simple stories and explanations help make a picture of history.
I love traveling through time using different cultures and the simple explanations of the events.For me, to create a time line of facts that can than be broadened as more information is acquired as you read this book.I read this book over the summer for fun and now use it in an American History course.

and now for something completely different...
To be honest we are only ten chapters in to this volume (having read the previous three volumes), but this volume seems very choppy and disconnected.She does put a disclaimer at the beginning of the book stating the older age (fourth grade to eighth grade) of her intended audience, however the "storytelling" style of the previous volumes seems to be missing;that, in addition to the seemingly unrelated topics in each chapter make this book a much more difficult read, and certainly a more difficult "follow."We are hoping that the Activity Guide will make it more cohesive, however, it has not yet been released, which is very frustrating.Not giving up yet, however, as this has been a very good series overall. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity - Education - General    2. History    3. History: World    4. Home Schooling    5. Religion - Christian Education - Home Schooling    6. Religious Education (General)    7. World - General    8. World History   

Reviews (16)

A Wonderful Book!!
This is the very first book I read after I first had thoughts of homeschooling our children.I fell in love with the Moore's!They seem like the sweetest older couple you would ever want to meet.They show you their method (which as many reviewers have already pointed out is no formal education until 10-12 years of age) and tell you how to do it.I came away from reading this book encouraged, and I ordered all the rest of their books, too!They have written several; another very good one is "Home Grown Kids".I'm not sure if it's in print anymore - I bought it used.Other people have said they don't agree with some of the methods (such as waiting)and I must admit that it is hard to do.Today's society makes it almost impossible to permit your child to not be able to read when he/she is 10-11!!The thing is, though, Dorothy Moore was a successful remedial reading teacher - she knows what she is talking about when it comes to teaching reading!Two things they mention must go hand in hand with homeschooling is service to others and manual labor.They believe it is healthy for a child to have work with his heart and hands as well as his mind.I love that idea - too many adults (let alone children) only think of themselves.This book (and others they've authored) mentions different ways to make these two things happen.
borrow it if you can
This book will help you to relax about homeschooling if you're stressing about it, but other than that, i was pretty dissapointed. Info based on stereotypical information - not research
For example, William Sidis is described as 'burned out', or unbalanced. At the time of his death - his friends did not think that he was either. He wasn't. He rejected capitalism, for that he is remembered, even in new books - as unbalanced. This author did not do research. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Burn out (Psychology)    2. Christianity - Christian Life - General    3. Education    4. Home Schooling    5. Religion - Relationships    6. Teaching Methods & Materials - Classroom Planning    7. United States    8. Education / Home Schooling   

Reviews (2)

Reporting a Sucess Story
The previous commentator confuses reporting a success story with self promotion.In addition, she suggests that other students are treated as an after thought. Yet the aggregate data suggests otherwise, as the general average SAT, graduation rate, acceptance rate to premier graduate schools, etc.by "all" students has risen dramatically at UMBC in the past ten years.
Concept good, author ...
While I agree that there is a need for this type of work, and I commend the Author on his efforts to improve educational standards within the home, I'm not sure if I approve of the real reasons that this book was written: 1. Gratuitous self-promotion/$$$, 2. gratuitous promotion of his university, 3. gratuitous promotion of his university's scholarship program, 4. face-saving career move.Read more

Subjects:  1. African American women    2. Education    3. Education Of Black Students    4. Education Of Women    5. Ethnic Studies - African American Studies - General    6. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    7. Family relationships    8. Multicultural Education    9. Parent Participation    10. Parenting - General    11. Social Science    12. Sociology    13. United States    14. Women's Studies - General    15. Black studies    16. Family & Relationships / Parenting    17. Social research & statistics    18. Sociology | Education    19. USA    20. Women's studies   

Reviews (17)

One of the most important books that I have read in a while
In this wonderfully fascinating book, author Joel Turtel examines the modern American school system, and finds out just why it is the failure that it is - annually producing graduates that perform below world standards. Moving through the many flaws in the system, the author shows that the system isn't just flawed, it is broken. The system works against the children it is meant to serve, and against the parents who wish to be involved in their children's education. And, all the while it seeks to cover its own dismal failings.
Another brick in the wall
This book gets its philosophical basis from Roger Waters' The Wall.It's almost chapter and verse from Pink Floyd's dim view of the classroom.Although home schooling is a nice sounding alternative,for most working parents, it is an inane choice, as is this book.

There are problems with public education, but books like this are not the solution
I will open this review by first stating some of my experiences with the public schools.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Education    2. Education / Home Schooling    3. Educational Policy & Reform    4. Family & Relationships / Parenting    5. Home Schooling    6. Alternative Education    7. Corrupt practices    8. Family & Relationships    9. Parent Participation    10. Parenting   

Subjects:  1. Administration - General    2. Boston    3. Case studies    4. Education    5. Education / Teaching    6. Education In Urban Areas    7. Education, Urban    8. Family literacy programs    9. Illiteracy And Literacy Education    10. Language Arts & Disciplines    11. Literacy    12. Massachusetts    13. Minorities    14. Parent Participation    15. Sociology - Urban    16. Teaching Methods & Materials - Reading    17. Education / Teaching Methods & Materials / Reading    18. Primary / junior schools   

Reviews (2)

Wonderful book
This book has become a favorite of my 10 and 13-year olds. We use it for Creative Writing class in our homeschool. It's our "together" time--I read the start of the story to them, and of course, they finish it. The stories are very inspiring to their imaginations and they have become more descriptive in their writing. This book could easily be used for all ages - even younger children, though they might not be able to write, could finish the story verbally. I sure hope a second edition is in the works!

So far, so good!
We haven't had a chance to use this book a lot, but what opportunities we have, my daughter has enjoyed using it. It is a thick book, so it has a lot in it for the money. Can be used for several grade levels, especially good for those who like the classics or a more old fashioned approach to story writing. The illustrations are fun, straight out of vintage style books. I do recommend this for those who find their child likes getting a spark to get them going in their writing! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Composition & Creative Writing - General    2. Home Schooling    3. Language Arts / Linguistics / Literacy    4. Religion - Christian Education - Home Schooling   

Reviews (7)

Absolutely wonderful!...just one note of caution
I've known that I want to homeschool my children since birth and have slowly but surely been devouring everything I can about the subject.I started by reading general guides on the subject of homeschooling, then progressed into some more specific books based on the methods and curriculum choices that appealed to me the most.I purchased Charlotte Mason's original series after reading Karen Andreaola's companion book (which is excellent).When I began reading Charlotte Mason's original work, I couldn't believe how much wisdom just oozed out of it.It seemed to be dripping from the pages.I interrupted my husband's reading and tv shows to share her pearls of wisdom about 20 times an hour while reading it.I have been totally impressed with her general philosophy but, now that I have read further, I'm even more impressed with the VERY specific instructions to the homeschooling mother.I mean, just her discussion of teaching children about geography and boundaries, including the use of a compass, was mind-numbingly useful.I absolutely recommend her books to anyone interested in incorporating Charlotte Mason techniques into their homeschool.So, where's the caution?All of the other reviewers are right.This is some heavy reading and the reviewer who said you need to read it little by little in order to digest the wisdom is completely correct.That does not mean that it is intimidating reading!It is simply packed to the gills with incredibly useful information.I would like to caution anyone considering buying this six volume set to first select a companion guide to read.I found that falling in love with the idea of Charlotte Mason instruction by reading a companion guide gave me the patience to read through the original works because I had a general idea of the wisdom contained therein.If I hadn't read a companion guide first, I might have grown impatient with the sheer weight of the originals.This may not be true for everyone, but I know it would have been for me.So, I recommend this without hesitation but with the recommendation to get your feet wet with a companion guide prior to reading the full set.

A rich resource
Charlotte Mason (1824-1923) was a British educational reformer, whose philosophy was considered revolutionary at the time. She Believed that children deserved respect and needed a rich and varied diet for their minds as well as their bodies. Towards that end, she developed her curriculum of "living books," narration, outdoor activities and short lessons on a variety of subjects. This series contains the original six volumes of Charlotte Mason's book, a rich resource for educators - both teachers in schools and teachers in home-schools.
Treasure-trove of Educational Ideology
For those who are interested in Miss Mason's philosophy of education or are still forming their own, this set is "must" reading.Deep, intense, and serious in some places, the 6-book set is not a quick read.The series needs to be intellectually digested and the time of the writing held in context.Many of her turn-of-the-century examples can be wisely applied by a contemporary reader. Read more

Subjects:  1. Home Schooling    2. Religion - Christian Education - Home Schooling   

Reviews (4)

Making the Grade is a Good Resource and Practice Tool
Making the grade is an excellent resource.There are practice pages to help my child better understand the subject(s) she is learning in school.The book has been a great resource for me to turn to when helping her with her homework.

Good supplement
This was a good supplement to an already swamped homeschooling mom. The lessons are broken down into finer components and very well meshed together to teach the whole of the subject at hand.
Finally, a workbook that won't bore a kid!
I bought this book for my little brother who was having some difficulty in school. The summer break would put him even more behind so in search of an activity book, a fell upon this one, and I have to say it's one of the more intresting work books out there. It's not about ripping out a sheet and hoping they get the answers right. With this book, I've learned how to help my brother learn the new and old concepts a little better. Writing, reading, math...science, it's all in there! He was actually having fun. And let's face it.If they're not having fun, they're not going to learn.I recommend this book to anyone whose looking for a new approach to teaching their own kids. (God, I sound like an infomercial.) ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Child Development    2. Curricula    3. Education    4. Elementary    5. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    6. Fifth grade (Education)    7. Home Schooling    8. Parent Participation    9. Parenting - General    10. Parents And Education    11. Education / Elementary   

Reviews (2)

Good, Helpful Overview
This book presented a very nice and not too overwhelming overview of homeschooling.Chapters featured a little something for everyone-from those homeschooling little ones to those removing their older children from school to homeschool them.Full of helpful resources, this book is a good start for anyone considering homeschooling.

Homeschooling in a Nutshell
Written by the founders of Homeschool.com, "Homeschooling for Success" is the most up to date and complete informational book on homeschooling available. It was printed in 2002, and is filled with un-dated viewpoints and findings that I could really sink my teeth into. Read more

Subjects:  1. Education    2. Experimental Methods    3. Home Schooling    4. Parent Participation    5. Religion - Christian Education - Home Schooling    6. United States    7. Education / Home Schooling    8. Education-Experimental Methods    9. Education-Parent Participation   

Subjects:  1. Child Development    2. Child rearing    3. Children    4. Children's Studies    5. Early Childhood Education    6. Education    7. Family relationships    8. Language    9. Parent Participation    10. Parents And Education    11. Preschool & Kindergarten    12. Socialization    13. Sociology    14. Computer Communications & Networking    15. Education / Teaching Methods & Materials / General   

Subjects:  1. Card Games - General    2. Cards - Playing / Tarot    3. Games    4. Games/Puzzles    5. Parent Participation    6. Teaching Methods & Materials - General   

Reviews (11)

unrealistic expectations of society
There is nothing wrong with celebrating your child's strengths, regardless of whether they've been diagnosed with ADHD. It's the right thing to do, and this positive message is something all parents need to hear.
Can't wait for Camps to come to town!
I meant to write this review a few weeks ago, but was just reminded after my son read Kirk Martin's novel, GIFTED, about a teenager with ADHD.
The first book to read after an ADHD diagnosis!
Like most parents of ADHD children, I have spent hours researching on the Internet, reading books, talking with teachers and physicians, scheduling medical evaluations, etc.This is literally the first book that I have found that affirmed exactly what I feel in my heart.I sobbed through the first 30 pages, grateful to find that I am not alone in my perspective that my ADHD son is a great kid with a bright future!I am so exhausted by dire predictions of life-long struggles and failure associated with ADHD kids. This book outlines how ADHD kids are actually more aligned with the attributes necessary to achieve success in life than those without.They are creative, gifted in the arts, imaginative, risk-taking, and courageous.(Think Stephen Speilberg, Thomas Edison, Walt Disney.)Celebrate!ADHD encourages parents to focus on your child's strengths instead of their weaknesses.By labeling our kids as deficient and medicating them for the convenience of adults, we are destroying their natural self-worth and ambition.We don't expect ourselves to be compliant drones who excel in every field or subject, so why do we hold children to such unattainable standards?How would you feel going to work everyday in an uncomfortable work environment, where you are given incomprehensible tasks to complete, and being told that you are a failure or that "something is wrong with you"?I am actually going to send a copy of this book to my son's principal, in the hope she will remind teachers that all students are good at something and worthy of praise.BUY OR BORROW THIS BOOK...you will not regret it! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Education    2. Family & Relationships    3. Children with Special Needs    4. Parent Participation    5. Special Education - Learning Disabled    6. ADHD    7. Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder    8. Attention-deficit-disordered children    9. Treatment    10. Attention-deficit disordered children   

Reviews (7)

Clear Direction for Home Schooling Parents
Authors Cafi Cohen and Patrick Farenga have addressed the "getting into college" questions raised by parents schooling their older children at home, like, "How do we work up a set of transcripts?" "How do we get them into college without a recognized degree?" and "What choices in education do we have?" What a great book!
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.

Cafi Cohen's "And What About College?"
I want to thank Cafi for the wealth of information contained in 'And What About College?' We used it for all aspects of the process- from early planning when Shauna was 13 to the final stamping of the five college applications... We are happy to report that Shauna is accepted at Brown University under early action, and awaits word from the other four. Cafi's guidance, humor, clarity and ideas were invaluable... and the sample cover letters were a helpful prompt for this homeschool principal! I look forward to her new book and wish her the best! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Admission    2. College choice    3. Education    4. Education / Teaching    5. Experimental Methods    6. Home Schooling    7. United States    8. Universities and colleges   

Reviews (2)

A Great Book on Important Role of Parenting
This book gives an outstanding overview of developmental psychology with an emphasis on guided participation.The book is very clear and easy to understand.Dr. Berk makes a convicing case that the interaction of children with caregivers and teachers has a profound influence on cognitive development.The book is particularly relevant to parents who are raising children with autism.The concepts are very consistent with the autism remediation strategies of Dr. Steven Gutstein in his book Autism Aspergers: Solving the Relationship Puzzle.

Excellent!
This book is wonderful!Berk gives great insight and realistic ideas to better help both teachers and parents alike to understand and foster development in children. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Developmental - Child    2. Education    3. Educational Psychology    4. Family & Relationships    5. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    6. Family/Marriage    7. Parent Participation    8. Parenting - General    9. Advice on parenting    10. Child & developmental psychology    11. Family & Relationships / Parenting    12. Psychology | Education   

Reviews (2)

Loved it
I am a stay at home who works nights for AAA so I'm kept pretty busy 24/7. This book helped me enhance my creativity and helped me to encourage my daughter's desire to learn. She now is 20 months old, counts to 10 on her own, sings the whole twinkle,twinkle little star song (missing a word here and there) and is starting to really grasp letters. She can sing up to the letter D. Not that the only reason is this book but it gave me some really great ideas to help her along. Some are very common knowledge but many are not. I am so glad I came across this and am about to go onto the twos book. I can't wait. By the way it's not all about work it's really a lot of fun as well.

Great for people in daycare.
I found this book to have a lot of great ideas to do with toddlers ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Activity programs    2. Children: Grades 1-2    3. Day care centers    4. Development    5. Early Childhood Education    6. Education / Teaching    7. Games & Activities - General    8. Infants    9. Juvenile Nonfiction    10. Mental Health    11. Parent Participation    12. Psychotherapy - Child & Adolescent    13. Teaching Methods & Materials - Workbooks    14. Child & developmental psychology   

Features

• Box set

Subjects:  1. Christianity - Education - Teaching Methods    2. Curricula    3. Education    4. General    5. Home Schooling    6. Religion - Christian Education - Home Schooling    7. Teaching Methods & Materials - Science & Technology