Reviews (28)

Quick and easy plans with great suggestions
This book is full of ideas to make learning fun. While it has your standard worksheets, it also has interesting and entertaining lesson ideas for your child. If you're pressed for time or just struggling to figure out where to start with your kindergartener, this book is for you. The worksheets are front and back - meaning you'll probably have to copy some pages to avoid ruining others. But the content is far and away the best I've found. Definitely a great guide.

Very disappointing
I just started homeschooling my nine-year-old daughter this year, and from the looks of it, this book was going to save me a lot of time, but it's failed me in several ways.
Good Curriculum
Here is the booklist:
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Subjects:  1. Curricula    2. Curriculum planning    3. Education    4. Education / Teaching    5. Education, Elementary    6. Elementary    7. Handbooks, manuals, etc    8. Home Schooling    9. Teaching Methods & Materials - General    10. United States   

Reviews (1)

Great Resource
This is a great resource for teachers looking to perfect their homework program. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Administration - General    2. Decision Making & Problem Solving    3. Education    4. Education / Teaching    5. Homework    6. Parent Participation    7. Teaching Methods & Materials - General    8. Education / General    9. Study & learning skills   

Reviews (3)

book
This is an excellent book for Early Childhood Educators. The book iseasy to read and it covers before birth to 12 years of age. It has excellent resources.

Helpful information
Although this book is a textbook I purchased it as a new parent for use as a guide to my daughter's development. While it does contain a great deal of useful information it doesn't go into significant detail about any particular phase of development but rather gives an overview of each stage, hitting the highlights. Nonetheless I would buy it again and think it was a good investment.

general review
This book gives the basic expectations for the ages specified. The book breaks the developmental expectations down by age, and covers most developmental expectations such as physical and cognitive and social. This is a good beginners book or one to reference.
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Subjects:  1. Child Psychology    2. Child development    3. Children's Studies    4. Developmental - Child    5. Education / Teaching    6. Elementary    7. Parent Participation    8. Pediatrics    9. Preschool & Kindergarten    10. Social Science    11. Sociology    12. Sociology Of Children    13. Education / Elementary   

Reviews (1)

useful test taking techniques
This book has concise reviews for grade 2-3 math. It teaches how to get the best result in standardized tests. It is especially valuable for those students who are lack of test taking experience. My child got better scores after applying the techniques, such as choice eliminations.
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Subjects:  1. Achievement tests    2. Education    3. Education / Teaching    4. Mathematics    5. Parent Participation    6. Study and teaching    7. Study and teaching (Elementary    8. Study and teaching (Elementary)    9. Study guides    10. Teaching Methods & Materials - Mathematics    11. Testing & Measurement    12. United States    13. Education / Testing & Measurement   

Subjects:  1. Education / Elementary    2. Education / Teaching Methods & Materials / Mathematics    3. Mathematics    4. Mathematics (General)    5. Mathematics / Study & Teaching    6. Parents And Education    7. Science/Mathematics    8. Study & Teaching    9. Teaching Methods & Materials - Mathematics    10. Education    11. Parent Participation   

Reviews (2)

Great for moms with preschoolers too!
I use this book on a regular basis to help with ideas for activities for my preschooler. It is so well organized with great ideas and easy activities. I have a stack of preschooler idea books at home and this is the one that gets the biggest workout! I plan to buy the next one in the series, too.

Easy to follow. Great Ideas
This is a popular one at the center that I contract out of for family child care. It's a worthwhile book. It's a great series. I like knowing that the activities are specifically catered to an age group. It helps withfamily child care and daycare, too. ... Read more

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

Reviews (9)

False Information
This book is worthless. It does not provide information on HOW TO homeschool your child (this has been noted in previous reviews). It also provides false information. I'm sure there are more things than I caught, because a sloppy researcher is always sloppy. The author states that the military will not admit anyone with ADHD because of a policy against people "with mental disorders and a history of methamphetamine use."
Not a "how-to", buta "why to" book
This is is not a "how-to" book but is a great resource for "why" to homeschool your child with special needs.We are just entering the realm of considering it for ourselves and this was a great way to begin our search.
I keep this book as reference and as support for what I do
I've had this book for two years and I refer to it to support my decision to home school my PDD-nos/ADHD inattentive daughter. It was a difficult decision to home school. I felt lonely and continually tested by my decision to home school her after trying private and public schools. This book cheers me on and has helped me chose curriculum. I also recommend Sharon Hensley's book (home schooling for special needs child?) for more curriculum suggestions. We home schoolers must support each other's decision for choices and I feel these books have helped me. Good luck to all of us awsome parents who strive for the best for our kids! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children with disabilities    2. Education    3. Experimental Methods    4. Handbooks, manuals, etc    5. Home Schooling    6. Religion - Christian Education - Home Schooling    7. United States    8. Education / Home Schooling   

Editorial Review

Nothing beats seeking the voice of experience if you want to join the estimated 1 to 3 million parents who teach their children at home. Here's a guide that comes direct from the experts: a mother of two homeschooled, now-grown children and 83 homeschooling families she surveyed. Their stories make reading this starter kit on teaching ages 3 to 7 worthwhile. For those ready to take on what author Linda Dobson calls "a natural extension of being a good parent," the manual provides at-a-glance boxes of insightful anecdotes called "How We Did It," as well as lists at the end of each chapter of helpful books, magazines, Web sites, software, and computer message boards that connect homeschooling households. The straightforward writing covers the basics on reading, writing, and math; different teaching approaches; organizing a curriculum; even how to deal with skeptical relatives and spouses. There are no specifics on each states' homeschooling requirements, which vary widely. But as a primer for parents starting out, the book serves as a confidence builder and an inspiring how-to guide. Read more

Reviews (13)

A Fantastic Resource and A Great Inspiration!
This is not yet another mere "your child should `x' at `y' age" handbook focusing on academics, but a traveler's guide to creating a family's own itinerary for the homeschooling journey. It offers an expansive view of the home education landscape, with mountains of ideas and personal experiences contributed by fellow explorers, wellsprings of inspiration, and stockpiles of resources. Don't bother with this one.
I was all excited to get Linda Dobson's books. This, as well as most of the others, have been a disappointment. I hardly ever refer to them now. They weren't all that helpful at all. Her books (including this one) lack "meat" and are way too vague. I suppose it's a good, VERY basic, rather shallow introduction. But that's about it. The main thing that I did not appreciate about the author is her heavy unschooling bias. Not everyone is into unschooling. To the new homeschooler, that can be a real turn-off.

a great early resource for beginning homeschoolers
This book is subtitled "Your Complete Guide to Successfully Homeschooling the 3- to 8-Year-Old Child".It is a little less than that, since it does not contain information about specific knowledge your youngster "needs" to acquire (for that information, see The Core Knowledge series by E.D. Hirsch), but it is a marvelous book to impart the basics and instill in you a sense of confidence and enthusiasm regarding the adventure you are about to begin!Read more

Subjects:  1. Early childhood education    2. Education    3. Education / Teaching    4. Elementary education    5. Handbooks, manuals, etc    6. Home Schooling    7. Education / Home Schooling   

Reviews (5)

Kids and Parents Love It!
We bought this book a couple of weeks ago at the suggestion of our school's principal to prepare our son for junior kindergarten.The book has excellent activities that our son loves to do, and we as parents enjoy doing with him.Our son will bring the book to us and say, "Let's do something fun!"It provides a fun way for him to build a foundation in learning in preparation for kindergarten.As Christian parents, we appreciate the "A Minute for Mom" section given for each project.The scripture, short prayers and quotes are tremendous encouragement for parents. We also love the references within the "Activities" section pointing to God's love for us and His creation and how we should pray in thankfulness for all He has given us as His children.

Christian oriented
I was looking for ideas to do with my daughter, with which this was slightly helpful. I didn't however appreciate the constant references to God and Jesus in ALOT of the activities. I didn't see any mention of this in reviews/description so I was very disappointed. The back of the book DOES say 'foundation for develpoing healthy friendships and a love for God'.

Excellent resource!
My son will be starting kindergarten in September and I feel this book is a great resource to prepare him. I enjoy the activities and it gives us a structured time to "play" together. I also enjoy the references to religion as that is important to our family. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Activities    2. Child Care/Parenting    3. Education    4. Family & Relationships    5. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    6. Home Schooling    7. Kindergarten    8. Parenting - General    9. Readiness for school    10. Christian Interest    11. Christian life & practice    12. Family & Relationships / General   

Reviews (2)

Finally!!!
I would state unequivocally that every parent, educator, medical personnel, social worker and therapist should have this book -- it is the first concise, straightforward view of the system. While most parents of special needs kids become quite savvy at the system over time, this book would have saved me hours of headaches, heartaches and trauma if it had been available when I was first entering the system with my son fifteen years ago -- even so, it still has great information (summaries of over 30 private schools, lists of OT, PT and ST, lists of evaluators, and best of all, definitions that have been a mystery, i.e. I FINALLY know the difference between a psychoed and a neuropsychoed eval!). As you can tell, I highly recommend it.The only negative - it really deals with only the first 16 years in the system - I really wish the authors would consider doing a part 2 - middle school and beyond!!!

Finally, a much needed resource
my only complaint is that this guide has not appeared in editions for every city and county in the United States.For any parent navigating the unique world of special learning, this book is essential.Not only are we dealing with intensely emotional issues regarding our children, but we face the highly mysterious world of finding appropriate help.Written from the perspective of a parent and a specialist in the field - this book clearly and compassionately takes parents by the hand and leads them through the world of special learning.Even if you do not live in New York City, the process and key aspects of getting help is outlined, made clear - steps you need to take and in what order are laid out.Thank you to Jana Fromer and Laurie Dubos for giving parents a huge embrace and huge empowerment. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Directories    2. Education    3. Education / Teaching    4. New York Metropolitan Area    5. Parent Participation    6. Private schools    7. Special Education - General    8. Special education    9. New York    10. Schools    11. Teaching of those with special educational needs   

Reviews (1)

really important book
This book is well written, engaging and important for both teachers and parents of young children.The information is available in oother books, but this one is easy to read and well done! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cognition in children    2. Early childhood education    3. Education    4. Education / Teaching    5. Parent Participation    6. Play    7. Preschool & Kindergarten    8. Psychotherapy - Child & Adolescent    9. Educational psychology    10. Pre-school & kindergarten    11. Primary / junior schools   

Reviews (11)

A Breath of Fresh Air!
What a breath of fresh air! I cannot tell you how pleased I was to open an introduction to homeschooling book and find new information! This is definitely a book I will be recommending to those parents who call me asking for homeschooling information, as well as a refresher to help experienced homeschoolers recommit themselves.
Everything I Wanted to Know, and More!
I've been homeschooling for a year and a half, and am still eager to read new information on homeschooling.I wish I'd found this book sooner.It was all I would've needed to know and then some.Great resources!It explains the legal requirements, recordkeeping, how to deal with family and friends who look at you like you're crazy, ideas on how to teach each subject (from unschooling to highly structured approaches), discusses curricula, provides listings of state laws, support groups in all the states, websites, what if your child wants to go to college -- too much to list!I was surprised to see the "reader from USA" say that it was too general.But that is what makes homeschoolers so interesting -- we have a common bond even if we see certain things differently.I couldn't recommend this book more highly.Don't just think about it -- buy it!Good luck with your homeschooling.

great book, but not that helpful
I bought this book because of the great reviews here. I am a new homeschooling mom, and needed some "specific" information to help get me started.Read more

Subjects:  1. Education    2. Education / Teaching    3. Experimental Methods    4. Family/Marriage    5. Handbooks, manuals, etc    6. Home Schooling    7. United States    8. Education / Home Schooling    9. Mathematics and Science   

Subjects:  1. Administration - General    2. Children's Aid Society (New Yo    3. Children's Aid Society (New York, N.Y.)    4. Cognitive Psychology    5. Community schools    6. Developmental - General    7. Education & Training    8. Education / Teaching    9. Educational Policy & Reform    10. New York    11. New York (State)    12. Parent Participation    13. Psychology    14. Psychology & Psychiatry / Education & Training    15. Schools    16. Sociology | Education   

Subjects:  1. Cognitive styles    2. Education    3. Education / Teaching    4. Educational Psychology    5. Learning    6. Learning Styles    7. Multiple intelligences    8. Parent Participation    9. Teaching    10. Learning & study skills    11. Teaching skills & techniques   

Reviews (1)

dissapointed
The prior three activity books have been a great addition to our homeschooling, but this activity book vol 4 was a huge dissapointment. It contains mostly maps. We get plenty of maps in the reading book. This looks to be more appropriate for older grades. It is not as useful for the younger grades which was the benefit of her other books, they were great for all levels. Not this one. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. History    2. History: World    3. Home Schooling    4. Modern - 20th Century    5. Religion - Christian Education - Home Schooling    6. World - General    7. World History   

Reviews (3)

Good but better for people inclined to unschooling styles
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.
Truly a book of answers
Homeschooling can be an intimidating undertaking, but I think this book helps to ease many fears and also gives you lots of research data and professional opinions to really encourage you in this endeavor.Homeschooling; I can't think of a better way to raise your children.

My first read on this subject
This was the first book I picked up at the library on the subject of homeschooling and it was powerful enough in its message to sell me on the idea.I was quite sure that this was how I would educate my son but I needed to have some of my big questions answered - and they were.The only thing that I didn't like about the book was the heavy negative tone that is taken when discussing "the institution of shool".I don't want to be a homeschooling parent who puts down the choice of other parents, I think it makes us homeshoolers look bad and besides more people will join us if they don't feel bullied.Anyways the book got me started on the right track and I am now excitedly reading many more books on the subject. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Education    2. Education / Teaching    3. Home Schooling    4. Miscellanea    5. United States    6. Education / Home Schooling    7. Open learning & distance education    8. Schools   

Subjects:  1. Administration - General    2. Education    3. Education / Teaching    4. Parent Participation    5. Portfolios in education    6. Reference    7. Student-led parent conferences    8. Education / Testing & Measurement   

Reviews (8)

Give them the gift of reading and the sky is the limit!!
If you want a fancy program with alot of pretty colored pictures this may not be for you.If you want to educate yourself and give your children the correct foundation to open their eyes to a life long love of reading this is it!! I am now teaching my 4th child to read using this book and I am here reordering another copy because my first copy is wearing out after using it with the others!My 4th and 5th grade boys are sitting in the living room each reading a 400 page novel as I write this.I have found this solid program has kept us from the pitfalls of "sight words" and has helped them both with speech and spelling.Ionly used the games the book suggested if my child was either very young or was a little stubborn and needed encouragement! Check this out at your library, read it and you will find it makes sense!

pretty good, not perfect
I started this book with my 4-year-old when she was showing interest in reading.While the games initially caught her attention they eventually become uninteresting to her and I am finding that I am making up my own to keep her on track - this is fine but puts me well over the 10 mintues a day claim of the book.
Not as user-friendly as I wanted
This book is full of good information, but I was looking for something more in the lesson plan style, rather then just prose. It makes a good compliment to Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons by Siegfried Engelmann, which I purchased at the same time and have found very effective with my children. Engelmann's book is more pre-structered, where this book gives more of basic guidelines and turns you loose. Great together, if you're just looking for one, I'd suggest choosing based on which way you feel comfortable teaching. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Education    2. Educational Psychology    3. Experimental Methods    4. Home Schooling    5. 1-4120-1554-5,1412015545,sidney ledson,trafford publishing,teach your child to read in just ten minutes a day,reading instruction,preschool reading,reading and phonic method,reading and parent participation,raising children\'s intelligence    6. Education / Educational Psychology    7. Teaching skills & techniques   

Reviews (11)

Wonderful, helpful, encouraging book
Not every Christian homeschool family wants workbooks at the kitchen table. This book is an inspiration!! It shows just what homeschool can be. Read it!

A Great Help!
I found this book to be a great help to me and I think it is one that should pick up today and read.

Unschooling Encouragement & Information At Its Very Best!!!
I have been homeschooling for over 18 years. I started out with the traditional classroom approach, for that was all I knew. But as my children increased to five, I realized that I could not teach the traditional method and still have any time for fun, sleep, or anything else. At the end of each school day, I had a mountain of homework from each child that needed to be graded. I knew there had to be a better way!Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity - Education - Teaching Methods    2. Education    3. Home Schooling    4. Religion - Christian Education - Home Schooling    5. Christian education    6. Church & Ministry/Ministry Resources/Christian Education    7. Education/Home Schooling    8. Home training    9. Religion / Amish    10. Religion / Christian Education / Home Schooling    11. Religious Orientation/Christian    12. Theometrics/Evangelical   

Subjects:  1. Christianity - Education - General    2. Holidays - Christian    3. Home Schooling    4. Religion - Christian Education - Home Schooling