Simply Homeschool: Have Less Fluff and Bear More Fruit

by Karen DeBeus

Are you feeling disheartened, discouraged, or lost on the homeschooling journey? It doesn't have to be so complicated... I want to tell you to stop. Slow down. Stop chasing. Stop striving. Stop making it about the world. Make it about Him. This world and all it has passes away, but He is eternal. Stop. Look in your child's eyes. Focus on the relationship with your child. At that moment. These are the things that matter for eternity. Let the extras go...if they are bogging you down, then they aren't meant to be there. This journey isn't going to last forever. In fact, each year it gets shorter and shorter...so do it well. I always tell my kids to do all tasks well. Whatever lies before them, no matter how big or small, do it well. So, we as homeschool moms...are we doing it well? Are you stretched so thin we are giving a little in a lot of places? Or are we focused on what really matters? Join me as we get back to the heart of our homeschools and simply...homeschool. *Get rid of physical and mental "clutter" *Meal planning tips *Homeschooling multiple ages *Simple Preschool *Schedules *Choosing Curriculum *..and more!

Genres: Education, Parenting

136 pages, Paperback

First published November 30, 2011

About the author

Karen was called to homeschool when her oldest child was about to enter kindergarten. She had no intention of homeschooling; after trying to run as far as she could from it, she obeyed the call and is now passionate about homeschooling. Karen is the author of Simply Homeschool, Called Home, and Real Homeschool. She speaks nationally at homeschool events, and truly believes her ministry is to encourage others on their journey. Karen is also the author of her blog Simply Living for Him, and she is the owner of Bible Based Homeschooling. 
To find out more, please visit Simply Living for Him.com.

Reviews

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick read. I believe I will re-read it again and again for encouragement.

[Emily Copeland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, an encouraging homeschool read. These views very much align with my views regarding homeschool and family in general. Perhaps I would've drawn more from the book in my earlier homeschool days, before my thoughts shifted this way. Nonetheless, Simply Homeschool is needed reminder for homeschool parents that less is more. All the money and curriculum in the world doesn't equate to homeschool perfection.”

[athenaowl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Free kindle book actually worth reading. I had sone great reminders in this one to help me through these last couple weeks of school and for the planning of next year.

"Simplifying homeschool is about getting back to the reasons that He called us, eliminating the distractions in our day that hinders us from keeping our eyes on those goals, about living more simply, so that we may Simply Live...for Him! "

[Michelle Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

For me, I didnt find much that helped me. But I've also been homeschooling for over 12 years and already know a lot of the tips. Perhaps a newer homeschooler would get more out of this.

[fhsjkdhvkf · Rating 3 out of 5]

From an Evangelical (I think) point of view, a bit intense for me, but many good ideas.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent book by Karen DeBeus. I first read her "Called Home: Finding Joy in Letting God Lead Your Homeschool", which was so, so good. This book was written first, has since been revised, and is also an inspiration.

She shares what she has learned about simplifying homeschool and life and keeping everything focused on the Lord. She testifies that He can do things with your homeschool that you never could, and his ideas and purposes are so much better than ours could ever be.

Her writing style isn't the very best, but it is scripturally based, pure, simple, from the heart, and inspiring. I am so grateful that I found these two books of hers, and plan to re-read them when I need reminders.

[Jenni · Rating 3 out of 5]

I first read this three years ago and found it again on my Kindle. I did find a few suggestions helpful as I am doing our mid-year evaluation to keep us on our path. After focusing on the decluttering the first read, I skimmed through the last few chapters this time and spent more time reminding myself of all the "whys". I hope this reevaluation will help get us through the mid-year hump a little more smoothly and focus more on enjoying this journey than the daily list.

[mRose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick read. I read the original and loved the perspective. I've read the 2nd edition and realized i needed to re read this because 2 years later into homeschooling you forget and get caught up. loved that she addresses meal planning but she doesn't talk about what to feed kids for lunch since they are home. Loved the simplistic approach to schooling at home, focusing on your purpose for your family and taking mom retreats. lots of tips tucked in too.

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend this quick read to any mom thinking of homeschooling or is in the midst of homeschooling. The author have rich encouragement from scripture and also practical advice, from picking curriculum, meal planning and homeschooling multiple ages at once. What I appreciated most about this book was the constant reminder that all we do here on earth is for the Lord and his glory and THAT fact is the most important thing we can teach our children.

[Misti Ulibarri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

While not all of us will be called to undertake this, I'm so glad the DeBeus family was called and has shared their work and details with the rest of us. What a lovely and exciting idea to pray over. And a gift for the rest of us to have the basic plan set up if we should be called.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

What Matters Most?

Good quick read that points you to what really matters in homeschooling and life in general!

The author includes great scripture references as well as tips that could potentially save any new homeschooling parent a lot of time and frustration.

Definitely worth reading!

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This would be a good book for beginner home schoolers. It had nice tidbits in it, and an encouraging short read for anyone that is feeling exasperated in their homeschooling. But, overall it lacked substance.

[Jazmine Casado · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply Delightful

i enjoyed the bible verses placed throughout the read as well as the encouraging word's of motivation. the authors realistic and simple approach to homeschooling should be the first advice given to someone considering the journey.

[Renée Parks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This little book is a treasure for the homeschooler! It is so full of wisdom and addressees many things that the Lord has laid on my own heart recently! I know that I will refer back to this book many times for encouragement and ideas! I only wish this book was longer. It is a very quick read!

[Jennifer Carlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really Good Read!!

if you are new to homeschooling this is a awesome book! it's the first one I've read that really understands life with kids and homeschool!
I've read a lot about homeschooling and this was the first one that was down to earth and real advise!

[April · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a short book that I think, ironically, could have been shorter. I did enjoy it and it gave me things to think about as I plan our next year of school. I also felt validated in some of my thoughts on how I run our homeschool.

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read it in 30 minutes during my kids' quiet time in the middle of a homeschool day! I really appreciated her concise yet meaningful tips and ideas. God-centered and practical, I have made a note to read this again in a few months!

[Serenity · Rating 2 out of 5]

Really not a lot of anything really new here. The writing was alright, but I felt more like I was reading a short pamphlet than a book and there was no new tips or things that I didn't already know.

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very encouraging!

[Heidi Jo Kemp · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great reminder what is important in this Homeschool Journey. This is one I usually read through again every year.

[Kara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great, quick read with lots of practical tips and encouragement! Also wonderful scripture references to guide your homeschool journey!

[Tysseer Harak · Rating 2 out of 5]

A little more than a waste of time :(

[Becky trowbridge · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy Read

Fantastic! Thanks Karen!!! An easy read, but so helpful! I so enjoy being able to pit things into practice. Thanks for the encouragement!!

[Nikki Edgar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! I highly recommend this to any homeschoolers!

[stephanie black · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you are struggling in the middle of it all....

I really enjoyed this book and shared with friends. Seek first the Kingdom of God. Will read over again for refresher.

[Rebecca Ray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Re-read :-) After reading, I just went and printed off the 31 days of prayer for your homeschool so I can Bible journal through the verses.

[Anne Hendricks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another awesome homeschool resource.

[Kristi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy reading with some good reminders.

[Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very encouraging and filled with so much truth!