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Things We Wish We'd Known
Who do parents turn to with questions about homeschooling, whether they're novices, long-timers, or just testing the waters?
Experienced homeschoolers. Who better to answer the questions arising from any serious endeavor than those who have been there, done that, and found a better way?
In "Things We Wish We'd Known," Bill and Diana Waring, authors of "Beyond A Guide to Abundant-Life Homeschooling," make available to you the time-earned secrets of fifty veteran homeschooling families. Coming from pioneers and leaders in the homeschooling community, "Things We Wish We'd Known" will become an indispensible guide and inspiration for your own journey.
Experienced homeschoolers. Who better to answer the questions arising from any serious endeavor than those who have been there, done that, and found a better way?
In "Things We Wish We'd Known," Bill and Diana Waring, authors of "Beyond A Guide to Abundant-Life Homeschooling," make available to you the time-earned secrets of fifty veteran homeschooling families. Coming from pioneers and leaders in the homeschooling community, "Things We Wish We'd Known" will become an indispensible guide and inspiration for your own journey.
- GenresEducationNonfiction
232 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 1998
6 people are currently reading
38 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
May 31, 2017
A lot has changed in the homeschooling world but some things never change. When, twenty years ago, Bill and Diana Waring asked 50 veteran homeschoolers what they wish they had known when they started their homeschooling journey, they got heartfelt, time-tested tips and nuggets of wisdom that are as relevant now as they ever were....
You can read my complete notes on this book (long) here:
http://anniekateshomeschoolreviews.co...
You can read my complete notes on this book (long) here:
http://anniekateshomeschoolreviews.co...
August 2, 2010
The wisdom of this book can be summarized as follows:
1) READ, READ, READ, read aloud to your children. Even after they can read, read aloud. And read aloud some more after that. Then, read aloud.
2) Homeschool is a different animal from institutionalized school. Don't try to make it into 'school', enjoy the flexibility, creativity, togetherness, and ability to customize your child's school experience that only comes through homeschool.
3) Don't push too hard. Use your curriculum as a guide, but particularly in the early ages, adjust to what your child is ready to handle. Feel free to try something, determine they aren't ready and hold off for 3-6 months to reintroduce it when they are interested. Feel free to pursue the subjects/ topics in which your student excels. Obviously, there are limits to this, but the authors are reacting against the American desire to kick out high achievers.
This was a light, interesting read that got redundant. I made it about half way through before I had to return it via inter-library loan. Almost all the parents referenced what it was like to start out homeschooling in the 70's and 80's so the work felt really dated. Many of these families had few resources (curriculum or fellowship) and were re-inventing homeschool as they went. While the push to ensure your child is highly educated continues, I did not find a testimony that dealt with the incredible RESOURCE OVERLOAD of today.
Bottom line: While I was thankful for the view of the past and how far homeschooling has come, but this book felt dated and was not as practical as I'd hoped.
1) READ, READ, READ, read aloud to your children. Even after they can read, read aloud. And read aloud some more after that. Then, read aloud.
2) Homeschool is a different animal from institutionalized school. Don't try to make it into 'school', enjoy the flexibility, creativity, togetherness, and ability to customize your child's school experience that only comes through homeschool.
3) Don't push too hard. Use your curriculum as a guide, but particularly in the early ages, adjust to what your child is ready to handle. Feel free to try something, determine they aren't ready and hold off for 3-6 months to reintroduce it when they are interested. Feel free to pursue the subjects/ topics in which your student excels. Obviously, there are limits to this, but the authors are reacting against the American desire to kick out high achievers.
This was a light, interesting read that got redundant. I made it about half way through before I had to return it via inter-library loan. Almost all the parents referenced what it was like to start out homeschooling in the 70's and 80's so the work felt really dated. Many of these families had few resources (curriculum or fellowship) and were re-inventing homeschool as they went. While the push to ensure your child is highly educated continues, I did not find a testimony that dealt with the incredible RESOURCE OVERLOAD of today.
Bottom line: While I was thankful for the view of the past and how far homeschooling has come, but this book felt dated and was not as practical as I'd hoped.
August 17, 2010
If I could only recommend one book for homeschooling this would be it. It is a compliation of 50 different essays from different homeschoolers. The basic theme that seems to run through them all are:
"Don't sweat the small stuff."
"Trust and ask God to guide your decisions and your day."
"Do what is right for your family and don't compare your family to others."
"Don't sweat the small stuff."
"Trust and ask God to guide your decisions and your day."
"Do what is right for your family and don't compare your family to others."
November 25, 2012
This marks our 7th year of homeschooling & it is good having refresher courses :) and this book, though dated with some of the suggestions, the framework is sound and no matter where you are on the home school journey you will be refreshed, gain nuggets of wisdom, laugh and be able to relate on some level.
April 10, 2013
I thought this book would provide some year-end inspiration, but I found it to be very dated and all of the articles were very similar. There is some timeless wisdom in this book about reaching the heart of your child. Homeschooling has changed A LOT since this book has written and I wish someone would either revise this or start from scratch and develop a new book like it.
January 9, 2015
Common themes were don't try to "bring school home" and that this is a lifestyle, not simply an education choice. I want to remember that I cannot carry the weight if their learning alone; God has created my children with ability and desire to learn. They are made in His image, not simply a blank slate.
May 19, 2008
Loved this book. I love reading about what other people do in their homeschools and adding their ideas to our own school.
May 9, 2013
Not as much practical advice as the title would suggest. It was mostly parents discussing religious beliefs and their home businesses.
January 8, 2015
Super helpful and insightful! Wish there was a book 2.
September 6, 2013
Excellent! A must-read for Christian homeschoolers, especially newbies!
February 4, 2016
Wonderful advice from a plethora of real homeschooling families. Encouragement.
I'd like to own this book, so I could keep referring to it.
I'd like to own this book, so I could keep referring to it.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews