Take a good look at the reasons why homeschooling can help today’s kids thrive Homeschool Rising is a guide for anyone interested in homeschooling their children, regardless of background. It busts through the myths surrounding homeschooling, reveals the gross inadequacies in our current school system, and demonstrates how home education can provide a solution for students and families everywhere. There are many assumptions made about homeschooling―that your child will be ‘socially awkward’ due to lack of social interaction, that parents and caregivers are not equipped to educate their children, that homeschooling is only for White, Christian, middle-class parents, and more. In this book, experienced educator Christy-Faith disproves all these assumptions. The truth is, homeschooling sets today’s students up for success in a way traditional schooling no longer can. This evidence-grounded yet casual and relatable guide to homeschooling gives you everything you need to know as you consider launching your homeschooling New and experienced homeschoolers looking for support, as well as educators, psychologists, and others who work with homeschooled children, will love the clear and conversational information in Homeschool Rising.
I will definitely be recommending this to those who are making the leap into homeschooling! What an equipping, confidence-building read and I love the research she included!
I was a first generation homeschooler, born in the 80s, homeschooled in the 90s when no one had heard of such a thing. I found Christy-Faith on IG so I read her book. My kids go to private school, but I very much support homeschooling and homeschoolers’ rights. While the book was good, I was hoping for something more. It was a rehashing of the same homeschool defense I have heard my entire life - test stats, socialization questions answered, the history of compulsory public school attendance etc. The three stars aren’t based on the quality of the book itself. If you’ve never read a book about homeschooling before it is a great place to start. I was hoping to for something a bit more fresh and different since it is written by a modern-day IG homeschool influencer, so it fell a bit flat and redundant for me.
If you're someone who is on the fence about homeschooling, or if you're interested in learning more about its current momentum in the US, this book would be great for you. I am firmly in the homeschooling camp, so I was already aware of a lot of the information in this book (hence the 3 stars).
I am not the intended audience for this book. I have homeschooled for over sixteen years now, and I’d have to say that this book is for those who are wanting statistics and facts to be encouraged to homeschool. I did find the information interesting on how our education system has changed over the years, but other than that it often felt repetitive and full of information that I already knew. Some readers might really need this read though. There were some helpful tips on multiple aspects of homeschooling that I think those new to the idea or at the beginning of their homeschooling journey would find encouraging and helpful.
Well, that was fascinating. Compelling. Empowering.
Steeped in research, this book made me even more convinced of the educational approach my husband and I have committed to for our family.
As a second generation homeschooler who has a dear friend who is a public school teacher, I did think her tone came across as a little harsh at times, but the reality that the public school system is broken is pretty harsh, too.
Families are flocking to homeschool and dissatisfied with the public school. This book picks apart why our modern education system isn’t working and why homeschooling is!
I’ll keep this brief. Christy seems warm and cute and I have enjoyed watching her on social media, so I got her book. This book is for people considering homeschooling, not for anyone with any experience with homeschooling. If I knew nothing about homeschooling, this would of been a nice little over view. As it was, it took me way longer to read it because I was bored. I started skimming sections because I just knew all the information she had to offer. I was hoping for some suggestions on sibling fighting, curriculum, how to work through sticky spots in education, but it was farm more general with a hefty dose of “you got this”, and I’m over here, having homeschooled my now freshmen in high school her whole education going “but do I?!”…. There are better homeschool books if you have experience but this is a good one to gift someone who is homeschool curious.
What I admire the most about an author, is that they are authorities in their field. She is upfront when asking us why to perpetuate a cycle that probably does not work for the modern world. I like that. Maybe we should break loose from the belief that schools hold unquestionable authority over ourchildren.
I feel she tries first of all to help us with the guilt, in case we want to take the route, to help us break free from the social expectations and disregard the comments of the people near us. Which is huge coming from a woman who had a flourishing business centered on kid´s accomplishments to feed the traditional school needs. She made IEPs Individualized Education Programs.
I understand that to set yourself apart, sometimes an author must show what is wrong with the default method. I really do not think, specially coming from a broken school system in my country, that there is anything wroong with offering a public system, so I do not really agree with the criticism. I appreciate the history of the system it provides.
My Notes:
AP Bio, Honors English. Education reduced to going through the motions. Our school system is just 150 years old. Mary Lathrap "Walk a Mile in His Moccasins" Brené Brown "Braving the Wilderness. "People are hard to hate close up". The statistics show education is better at home. This 150 year old exercise in intellectual conformity threatens to rob future generations of the ability to think critically and engage with varying viewpoints. Homeschooling legalized in 1993 in USA. Tripled since COVID to 11% homeschooled The US Dept Defense reported 13 US military personnel dead in 2021 43 deaths in schools 50 injured and 53 reported shootings in schools same year. Length and quality of sleep. The need to fit in, fear of judgement and complexity of navigating peer relationships. Teens who homeschool not prone to peer orientation. A loving adult provides structure and orientation. "Simplicity Parenting" Kim John Payne- reduce excessive stimuli, schedules and pressures. Pros- Individualized instruction, Flexible curriculum, one on one attention, reduced distractions, more efficient use of time, tailored pace of learning, individualized support for special needs. -Traditional school emphasis in memorization, regurgitation, testing,and grades that shift the focus away from intrinsic motivation. -School can be done in less time. -A lot of learning can be done independently. "Accordnig to Plato th two most important questions for society are who will teach the children and what is taught to them." - The history of compulsory education in America cannot be fully told without encounteriing the intertwining threads of socialism. Colonial America- The Scandal of Independent Thinking. Grammar and secondary schools have been popping up throughout the colonies. Many are started by colonial gvmts but financed and controlled by townspeople. The European Industrial Revolution- Europe making transition from agricultural based economy into industrialized economy and child labor was part of solution. - Tutors and private instructors for the top brass, public school for all the others. Prussia- Country nestled between what is now Germany and Poland. Prussia light years ahead on the road to nationwide education. Prussia envy of all Europe having "The Abitur" national exam. They needed to uniform, conformity of behavior and obedience. There is no need for soldiers with critical thinking or individual initiative- just obey.
Henry Barnard points that system produces a spirit of blind acquiescence to arbitrary power. Adapted to enslave and not to enfranchise the human mind. In 1852 Massachusetts becomes first US state to institute compulsory education.
John Dewey traveled to Stalin´s Russia to observe its system. How they achieved mass obedience and conformity. Argues children need a more communal view of the world. Imprinting on students not how to think but rather what to think. He got the attention of billionaire John D Rockefeller where he funded his Lincoln School at Colombia University, where he sent his four children. All four developed Learning disabilities.
In 1972 there was a case of three defendants. Oh Amish Fathers, where they argued that their decision not to enroll their children in a Peker. Private School is the first amendment right. The Homeschool Legal Defense Association HSLDA created.
There is even a movement to make a education independent of the state as is religion. John Taylor Gatto New York State Teacher of the Year. The longer he taught the more he saw the damage. The traditional School system wreaked on children. The only thing that interferes with my learning is my education.
One of the many freedoms, homeschooling gifts is the ability to give your child classes that align with their interests. You can go create your child's transcript to show their interest in a remarkably different light.
The road less traveled is called critical, thinking. That you are developing a mind so potent in engaging Thought that it is prepared for any topic conversation or opportunity. Debate, engaging. Dialogue, critical, thinking exams, including the SAT and ACT and navigating Complex Great areas of ideology.
How do you know when someone is a good student without using grades as an metric of competency? You would be amazed at how this simple question stumps even season educators.
Do you own a smart phone then you have a tools to write published create record by cell, bill and collect. And yes to hire those college graduate to come and work for you.
Parents give up their rights when their children enter public School grounds.
Assuming a concept is mastered after a single pass isn’t realistic. Kids can just be victims of a system that moves at a set speed. We, as humans, are asynchronous learners.
The SAT/ACT tests are not knowledgeable based tests. They are logic and reasoning based tests.
Your are either educating your child by default or by design. All children get raised, whether you are there for it or not.
Homeschooling has a negative reputation.
Homeschooling doesn’t not require a parent to be an expert in any subject.
“How to homeschool Guide” at christy-faith.com. By following passions and curiosities learning becomes an exhilarating adventure. You can do traditional, Montessori, Waldorf, Classical, Charlotte Manson, Unit Studies, Unschooling and Interest Led. You can partner with other families to create an Alternative Learning Community (ALC) micro school, cottage school,, co-op, pod. It is the dedication, the personalization, and the genuine Care invested in a child's education the truly make it work.
Extend beyond Teepees, foster, emotional intelligence, empathy, and a strong sense of self. Five minute. Homeschool style finder at Christy-Faith.com.
Such a great book! I really appreciate how Christy sets out the research studies, statistics, historical facts, and personal anecdotes in a way that feels approachable and easy to understand, yet she never sugar costs the realities of our school system. I feel like you get just the right about of info to get a good base knowledge, which you can then take off from there if you choose. While there wasn't a lot of new info for me (as I've spent the last 6 years researching homeschooling and education like crazy) I think this would be an amazing starting point for new homeschoolers, as well as a nice refresher and extra encouragement for seasoned homeschoolers.
We need more honest and unapologetic people speaking out just like Christy, as there are so many misconceptions about homeschooling and education in general. She addresses all the major concerns in a way that is no-nonsense and yet sympathetic and kind.
The quality of writing here i would call average and her debate style is very black or white without much acknowledgment to the other side which makes me think i probably wont reccomend this book. That being said… in the week of reading this book i went from planning on hybrid schooling next fall to full blown throwing myself into the nitty gritty of planning on 100% homeschooling next year, reaching out on fb groups to find social opportunities for jessamy and making sure all her needs are met
This is the third book I’ve read on homeschooling and it was recommended to me by a homeschooling parent.
It was organized well and I appreciated that she cited her facts, so it wasn’t just a big opinion piece.
Overall, I think it is a great book for someone who is homeschooling and needs a pep talk. You won’t find a lot of information on types of curriculum, different homeschool approaches, or concrete guidance on the day-to-day. That isn’t a bad thing, in fact the focused scope is what makes the writing clear.
I’m really glad I read this, but I’m also glad this isn’t the only or first book I’ve read on homeschooling. This was a good balance for me, personally, given that the first book I read on homeschooling was The Well-Trained Mind, which is very into the weeds on what classical education is and how to do it at home. That book covered a lot of the how, so this book was like a cheerleader, pumping me up with some of the why.
This book and the second homeschooling book I read (The Montessori Homeschooler) both flagged the need to “deschool” as an important transition step between going from a traditional school setting to homeschooling. I found this book provided solid and practical advice on how to do that, which was very useful. In fact, deschooling is the entire focus of chapter 10. What was most important to me is that she advocates for stripping down to just math, reading, and writing lessons during this transition period, to create more space for the homeschooling parent and children to explore their interests, but by maintaining the foundational skills (she refers to them as core), it relieves anxiety over fears of “not keeping up with” traditional school pacing guides while taking time for an experimental approach. The Montessori Homeschooler talked about the importance of observing your child first, but there was nothing practical on how not to get anxious over what isn’t being accomplished while in this observation stage. Additionally, this author provides a great checklist of topics to discuss with your child, to help the parent assess the interests, concerns, etc of the child. So although this book doesn’t focus a lot on the how, there are some great tools provided here and there.
Given all the positive comments, why am I not rating this a 4 or 5 star book? Well, I don’t believe I’d ever reread this book (and I only give 5 stars to books I can’t wait to read again and again). And as much as it was a great pep talk for me, I’m not convinced I could share this book with someone who is skeptical about homeschooling and this book would compel them to rethink their position. Nor, as I mentioned, does it provide a lot of practical hows. So if its purpose is about the why, but only effective for those who are already aligned, then it can’t be a 4 either. That said, as a pep talk though, this book is great.
note: she does have substantial resources on her website that provides a lot of the how, but it seems you have to sign up for them
Could have been shorter but I learned a lot! A very informative (Secular) book on homeschooling stats, history, and how it can be implemented.
The stats on literacy, math, standardized tests, SAT/ACT, and college performance and graduation rate between public school-educated kids vs homeschooled kids is astounding. Not to mention the suppression of creativity and individuality that occurs from a "one-size fits all education" that is our current system of learning.
Some takeaways:
-25% of homeschool families are secular -41% of homeschool students are black, Asian, Hispanic, and others
The modern, traditional school pedagogy thrives on regurgitation, standardized testing, and an overwhelming amount of homework that serves little to no purpose, and age-segregated caste of academics, and authoritative instructions. p99
The increase in peer orientation in our culture is linked to increase suicide rates among kids. when studying teens who attempted suicide, the primary motive towards suicidal inclinations wasn't unhappy home lives, as many of us would think. When these kids were interviewed, the key trigger for the great majority was how they were being treated by their peers, not their parents". p 153
It's not just homeschooling parents who see children being exposed to way too much far too early. In his book Simplicity Parenting, Kim John Payne highlights the importance of recognizing children are not developmentally prepared to handle the overwhelming burden of the adult world. According to Payne, modern society imposes adult-like expectations on children, which deprives them of a healthy and balanced childhood." He advocates for simplifying children's lives by reducing excessive stimuli, schedules, and pressures. Payne emphasizes the significance of creating a nurturing and protected environment that respects children's natural developmental needs. p34
It's common for homeschoolers to: -Read different books than their school friends -learn classical languages -have a lot of freedom in their day -make academic decisions with their parents -be accustomed to an environment with mixed ages, including adults -take different types of classes, such as logic and rhetoric and nature study -enjoy more interest-led learning -do a lot of learning outside the home, not the once or twice a year field trip p159
Granted I *am* a homeschooler who grew up homeschooled - so I agree with her ultimate point already..homeschooling is great.
But this felt like a very privileged, very fundamental view of how inherently "evil" the public school system is and how amazing magical homeschooling is. It also felt like a slap in the face to people who have given their whole careers to teaching - especially in underprivileged areas.
We don't live in a system where most people have the opportunity to homeschool. And this didn't take that into account.
I think there are many better books on the subject.
The last two chapters on "de-schooling" and "you are enough" (though that one is poorly titled) were great and I feel like not enough people talk about the need of de-schooling and taking your time in the beginning and I do think that concept could serve many new homeschoolers.
This book was so bad I couldnt finish. The viewpoint is painfully narrow. The author does not ever address (or even seem to notice) her own privilege as a huge influence in her own success with homeschooling. She presents incomplete statistical data, which creates invalid arguments. Her history of schooling is painfully incomplete, viewing the growth of public schools as 'socialist', which is a poor word choice and shows a deep lack of understanding. Homeschool is not for everyone and yet the actual obstacles of homeschooling are never addressed. At best, this is a feel good book for like-minded parents of privilege. It is even more likely meant to serve as a self-marketing tool for her own business. Its gross.
As a mom forced into homeschooling and yes I mean forced by my middle child’s therapist that wanted him to continue ABA therapy full time and dealing with the struggles of my oldest daughters IEP and 504 plan, I first went down the rabbit hole on social media where I found Christy Faith and all her videos. She has helped me feel more comfortable about this decision and even thankful that we have to for our family, there is no doubt in mind now after reading all the information in her book that this is what’s best for my children and my family. THANK YOU for making this book and helping moms like me.
So good. Heard Christy-Faith at a homeschool convention recently and then listened to this audiobook. Basically this book is all the reasons homeschooling is great, so if you are struggling with your decision or contemplating whether to join the bandwagon, this is for you. This book is not faith-based. Her reasons for homeschooling are all about how it is superior both academically and developmentally. Of course, I believe it is the best option for children spiritually as well, but it's nice to be validated in my suspicion that is just all around a great option. Ditch the boxes, the busyness, the endless testing. Embrace freedom, childhood, connection, rest, and real learning.
Our current school system is failing our children. They’re not only not receiving the education they deserve but they also have to deal with a litany of challenges each day. Peer pressure, stress, bullying, violence. What are parents to do?
Enter Homeschool Rising. Christy-Faith challenges the norm and offers a fresh and timely challenge to the status quo. Read it and be encouraged. This isn’t your mama’s homeschooling book. You and your kids can keep your sanity while getting an excellent education outside of the rat race.
Life-changing book! I have been on the fences on homeschooling for years, but Christy shoved me over and I'm all-in. The book is witty, entertaining, and statistically backed. I feel like it has something for everyone; i.e., skeptics, advocates, and everything in-between when it comes to homeschooling. Grateful to be emboldened to take this next step in our family's journey, and highly recommend all to at least give it a read whether you have children or not. Thanks, Christy!
I listened to the audio of this and absolutely loved it. It was JUST the thing I was looking for with information, statistics, and history of the school system and homeschooling.
If you are someone who is interested in homeschooling or don’t believe homeschooling could ever work, please read this. It’s good for everyone. I appreciate Christy-Faith’s passion and her bravery to present the facts as they are and also encourage parents that a change is doable!
I began homeschooling my children after being a public school teacher for 8+ years, and I often doubt myself in this role. This book reminded me of the reasons we began this journey, and offered research into the history of education to reflect how we have developed this broken behemoth. This is a must read for anyone homeschooling, considering homeschooling, or related to a school aged child.
Definitely geared more towards the beginner homeschooler (or those thinking of it) as it focuses more on unschooling and listing all the reasons one should homeschool (which most of us already know). However, I wish I would have read this 4 years ago! Still, a confidence booster for all those that homeschool which is nice in any season.
(Audio) I needed this book! It’s filled with some really cool stats about the history of traditional school and homeschooling, as well as a general positive attitude about this journey I’ve chosen. It’s a great reminder and a warm hug!
I've followed this author for years now on social media. I was looking forward to reading this! It was pretty good overall. A lot of the information I already knew though.
A good book for explaining how our traditional school system came to be andencouraging and getting over fear of homeschooling. A selection of nice process starting questions to gauge what your child must enjoys, but does not include any actual suggestions on how to start out.
Easy to read - like having a coffee date with a friend - Christy addresses a lot of issues that one encounters on the homeschooling journey. Great read for a new or veteran homeschooler!