Homeschooling For Dummies

by Jennifer Kaufeld

If you believe that a good education is the greatest gift you can give your child, you're probably pretty unhappy with what's being taught in most classrooms these days. If you think that education should do more than just train kids to take standardized tests, that it should build their critical thinking skills, enable them to weigh ethical considerations, instill a passion for learning, and reflect your core values and beliefs, then you're probably fed up with the current state of our schools. If, like many parents, you're wondering whether homeschooling can be the solution you're looking for, then you'll be happy to know that the answer is yes-and Home Schooling For Dummies shows you how. This friendly, well-informed guide is a valuable resource for parents considering homeschooling, as well as veteran homeschooler interested in fresh homeschooling ideas. It gets you on track with what you need to know to confidently:


De termine whether homeschooling is right for you and your family Get started in homeschooling Obtain teaching materials Develop a curriculum that reflects your values and beliefs Comply with all legal requirements Find healthy social outlets for your kids Join a homeschooling cooperative From textbooks to computers to state compliance, expert Jennifer Kaufeld, covers all the bases. She anticipates most of your questions about homeschooling and answers them with clear, easy-to-follow answers enlivened by real-life accounts by parents around the nation who have opted to homeschool their children. Topics covered include:


Deciding at what age to begin Determining your kid's learning style and teaching to it Teaching special needs children Developing a curriculum that's right for your children Finding social outlets for you homeschoolers Complying with state and federal regulations Teaching at the primary, middle school and high school levels Preparing for the SATs, ACT and other key standardized tests Networking with other homeschoolers You shouldn't have to compromise on your children's education. Get Homeschooling For Dummies and find out how to turn your home into a school and raise smart, well-adjusted kids.

Genres: Nonfiction, Education, Self Help, Parenting

384 pages, Paperback

First published December 15, 2001

Reviews

[Adrienne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read a number of homeschooling books and this one is definitely the BEST overview of the subject. Kaufeld covers all the basics and also provides a number of great resources for supplemental learning such as games, toys, activities, etc. Her writing style is witty and engaging. One thing that really sets this book apart from a lot of others is that there are NO religious overtones, a very welcome attribute for me. The author does acknowledge religious homeschooling resources, but she does it with respect for all religious (or non-religious) beliefs. This should be the first book any parent reads once they begin to consider homeschooling.

[Ami · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a book for people who have DECIDED to homeschool. It is not a book discussing the pros and cons of teaching your children at home.

"Homeschooling for Dummies" offers a wide range of topics to prepare for the homeschooling adventure: from the legal aspects involved to finding space for homeschooling to what type of curriculum is available. In many cases it had chapters discussing some aspect to homeschooling I had not considered. While each chapter is a summary, and therefore does not go into depth, the author provides web-sites and other sources if the reader needs more information.

Best of all, the writing in this book is organized, clear, and concise. There are no annoying tables or insets that merely parrot what is mentioned in the text. Examples from the author's experience are clearly labeled as such and do not dominate the content. Helpful hints are marked, so as to help the reading avoid common pitfalls to homeschooling.

All in all an excellent tool for people who have decided to homeschool and need to know what to do next.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

No religious slant - secular - but does give resources for religious and non-religious homeschoolers. Explained the different teaching methods very well, which most other books I've read so far don't do, without any bias one way or another. Gave good tips and tricks. Would definitely recommend to new, thinking about it, or maybe even struggling homeschoolers. Like someone else mentioned, it does need to be updated as the technology sections especially are getting outdated.

[Lynnette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not going to homeschool because my husband doesn't want me to, but it teaches some GREAT things about doing after school projects and extra fun things to help children learn at their own rate and be ahead of the learning curve. It also helps me to help learning be fun and help my children enjoy learning with the learning style they respond to best. Great book!

[Robyn Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok so didn't think this was up to par with other Dummies books. Maybe because I had already done so much research that I covered all the topics already. I do think the reader who would find this helpful is the person who hasn't already done a ton of research. Good thing I bought it on Discover Books at a great price or I would have been upset.
All in all still a good basics book.

[Regina Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best book to get if you have any questions about homeschooling; it covers it all in an organized manner and answers any questions a person could ask.
THE place to start.
Also, THE place to go when you get stuck or want to start over.

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this before realizing there is an updated version in August 2020 which I would hope to be more helpful, as this version has pretty outdated resources. Otherwise a very well-organized overview of homeschool topics and a good starting point for someone considering homeschooling.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not typically a reader of "for dummies" books, but I must say that this book was helpful to understand the ins and outs of homeschooling. Even though it was not state specific, there was TONS of information and websites available to reference.

[Stefany Robles · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great advice, easy to read, lots of information. I feel more confident about homeschooling. Also feel I have made the right decision for my family.

[Cecile · Rating 2 out of 5]

The author believes whole-heartedly in evolutionary theory and treats anything else as nonsense.

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent source of resources and covers many aspects of homeschooling. Will definitely revisit on our journey.

[Cassie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Outdated a little, but still a wealth of information and resources.

[Amy Fly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was too dumb to read it through. I'm not a very good homeschool mom at all but this has good tips!

[Osama · Rating 4 out of 5]

Is more like a reference you, the main advantage for me was the different curriculums he reviewed and discussed. Mainly math curriculums.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tons of information-- maybe overload for a new homeschooler. However, if you've done some research and explored some youtube videos to find a good direction for your homeschool plan, I highly recommend this book. I took several screenshots to research a few things further.
The military-specific part of the book was vague and looked over an important detail.
Don't call your spouse's commanding officer. Call your SLO (school liaison officer). Like anybody, there's a chance your SLO might not be homeschool friendly, but our SLO in Connecticut fights hard for homeschoolers and connects people to resources. Often, SLOs will have a small back-to-school event which often have fun activities for the kids and useful information. Our SLO gave me a notebook to build a portfolio and was present to answer questions. Your SLO is a valuable resource in the military and should be one of your first contacts when you're moving. I wish the author had also mentioned that the military life and homeschooling are a match made in heaven! No more rushing to register your kids, arguing over proving that you live in the area and that you couldn't help missing registration, why the hotel manager is your emergency contact, etc.
I love that the author mentioned our favorite curriculum: The Good and the Beautiful. My children absolutely love their math, L.A., handwriting, and science. They offer their courses for free, which is how I got hooked because I downloaded it as our "temporary" solution while I shopped around, but I ended up preferring it to anything else I found. Now I pay for the materials to save some time and effort (it's still extremely affordable compared to other options), but many families still use their free downloads.
Personally, I prefer a secular science curriculum. I've been gifted religion-based science and history books, but they're not for me. That said, I thought the author's attitude toward religious-leaning science a bit judgy. It's perfectly all right to tell your children that a lot of history and science is based on theory from what scientists have discovered and it sometimes changes based on new discoveries regardless of whether you are or aren't religious. In fact, the other day I was discussing with my daughter how scientists are thrilled when they can disprove a theory that's been upheld as fact for decades. .
Overall, this was a wonderful book I hope to revisit again when I need resources teaching teenagers.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

My husband and I have an eight month old son and it seems that from the first few weeks of his life, we seriously discussed homeschooling. Between the two of us, we have experienced both private and public schooling and have obtained high school diplomas through attendance at a public high school. Having no idea what homeschooling entails, but having a desire to offer our children something more than a public school education, I bought this book in an effort to "de-mystify" the homeschooling process. And I have to say that this book was a gem. Though it is somewhat outdated and screaming for a new version, this book laid out homeschooling in a friendly and easy-to-access manner. It is chock full of resources for both veteran homeschoolers and those considering homeschooling. Although this book is definitely not the be all, end all resource on homeschooling, it will definitely point you in the right direction for further research on the topic. I would highly recommend this book to anyone considering homeschooling their children.

[Anna Larson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once I knew i was going to homeschool my children this book was really helpful in giving a broad sweeping introduction to all the various types, methods and ins and outs of what I needed to make it a success.

I found it super helpful and passed it along to another mom thinking about making the same choice.

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous book for those learning about homeschooling. I borrowed this as from the library but probably want to buy it if we decide to homeschool. Includes so much information about resources available, although some are out of date. Scary because it makes homeschooling seem like an achievable option..

[Siouxsie · Rating 5 out of 5]

For anyone who is curious about homeschooling or looking for new ideas or approaches, this is great. The author really covers a wide range of styles of homeschooling with an open style that is very informative.

[Tiffany Day · Rating 4 out of 5]

Covers the basics - good starting point for those considering the homeschooling option; biggest complaint is that it needs revised - it's becoming a bit dated in sections - and I wish these books covered more re: the teenage years.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is a lot of good information in this book. It was written in 2002 so will need an update soon though. With the current trend toward home schooling books such as this will need to updated periodically.

[jkdze · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've always liked the "for dummies" series. This book covers all homeschooling questions for dummies as promised, tons of links and resources. At the same time it gives a glimpse of what the education contents and requirements are in USA for someone not familiar with the system.

[Maicie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book won't help you make up your mind to homeschool but it does offer lots of resources.

[Skedatt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Despite an obvious bias in the writing, there was some good nuggets of information.

[Nel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very detailed and informative... a perfect first resource for a new home schooling parent. It has different perspectives and methodologies, and offers a wide variety of resources.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent resource for anyone thinking of homeschooling.

[Nadine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book. Lots of helpful hints. Not necessary to read the entire book, just like every other For Dummies book. But why wouldn't you? Great advice!

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very dated at this point, but still had a lot of interesting things to say.

[Daisy Paquet · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this for a laugh one day; it was actually kind of interesting.

[Nora Olmo]

A REALLY GOOD BOOK TO BUY....