The Four-Hour School Day: How You and Your Kids Can Thrive in the Homeschool Life

by Durenda Wilson

Giving your child a quality education experience for a life of happiness and purpose is possible--and it only takes four hours a day or less! We want our kids to have the best education, but less-than-ideal school environments and concern about our kids' specific needs have parents uncertain about traditional schooling. Trusted homeschool expert with 25 years of experience homeschooling her own eight children, Durenda Wilson offers a better way and promises that you already have what it takes to give your child a healthy, successful future. In The Four-Hour School Day, she unpacks the lifelong advantages of home education, both for the health of your family and your child's future. With inspiring stories about parents just like you, she demystifies homeschooling and addresses common fears like, what if I'm not qualified, how can I homeschool as a single parent, and what if I don't have enough time? Packed with encouragement and practical advice, this resource equips you with all the information you need to create a sustainable homeschooling plan customized to your child's needs. Wilson will help you Explore the rich and wonderful world of homeschooling because it's not only more doable than you think, but far more beneficial than you can imagine.

Genres: Parenting, Nonfiction, Education, Audiobook, Christian, Faith, Unfinished

224 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2021

About the author

Durenda Wilson has been very happily married to Darryl for 26 years and homeschooling for 20 years. They have eight awesome kids, 5 boys and 3 girls. Two are married, one is in college and the rest are still at home. Durenda is a Nana to four cuties! She writes for her own blog, Simple Nourishing Home and Hip Homeschool Moms. She also writes and podcasts over at The Busy Mom. Her passion is simplifying, being authentic and inspiring moms to homeschool and mother in freedom and joy.

Reviews

[Graham Charles · Rating 1 out of 5]

warning: it’s a God book

If you’re interested in Christian education, that’s fine, but you really ought to put that on the cover of your book. This is really deceptive, making it seem like actual homeschool information when it’s basically proselytizing.

Don’t bear false witness, as someone said once.

[Elena Melling · Rating 2 out of 5]

Don’t pick up this book and think you will be given a manual or plan on how to accomplish a 4 hour school day. This is absolutely not that book. As a veteran homeschooler I was looking for inspiration to start a new school year. If I had never homeschooled or was about to give up homeschooling perhaps the message of this book would have resonated more. As it stands I can’t help but feel the title is just click bait.

This is a book for people considering homeschooling. Yes there are some nuggets and quotes mined from the multitude of homeschooling literature that is already out there. And for a novice this would be a quick read to perhaps put some wind in your sails. Don’t stress. You can do it. However, It desperately needs an editor. It reads like a meandering multitude of blog posts and probably was at some point.

It’s lucky I have boys because she spent most of the book discussing the trials and triumphs of educating boys. A lot of redundancy. I’m clearly frustrated because I expected a suggested layout of a homeschool day for multiple children that could be finished by lunchtime. And there are just probably far better books out there which accomplish that task.

As a believer and follower of Christ Jesus The King, I also resented the casual way she inserted or insinuated that the readers of her book are in fact Christians with absolutely no preparation. Lots of unbelievers are choosing to homeschool these days and if you want them to experience the unmoving Rock which our homeschool foundations are built on, you should Start With That.

Again, I gave this a 1 star (changed 2 stars since there are some worthy highlights) because the title is misleading and it meanders. But if you just want to hear about a testimony of a family graduating their children using interest led learning successfully it might resonate and lift your sails!

In fact, it could have been titled Our Journey using Interest led learning.. or something

However even in that case you find out she heavily relied on parent led classroom co-ops... so..

*update: I made my highlights visible*

[Christine Epp · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a good book. So much wisdom and encouragement!! I already recommended it to so many homeschool moms😄
The only thing that I didn't liked is the title. It feels a bit misleading. It's not a book that gives advice on how to have a 4h school day. It had actually nothing to do with it 🤷‍♀️

[Kat · Rating 2 out of 5]

Here’s a review of the content:
1. Homeschooling takes less time than public school and can be individualized to the child.
2. Taking less time allows the child to explore their interests further.
3. Trust God to guide you in the process of homeschooling and raising your children. You have what it takes.

And you’re done. ✅

[Colleen Rein · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book should be used to teach publishers that a bad title will ruin the book experience. So much of my disappointment from this book comes from the fact that the title is very practical oriented and the book is inspirational not practical. With the exception of how she taught high school there isn’t a lot of practical information. And,while I appreciated the Christian worldview, I imagine a secular homeschooler would be very upset to find out that this book is very religious. Again the issue is the marketing not the book.

It is decent enough if you have a friend considering homeschooling, but even then there are better books out there. Glad I got it through the library.

[Julie Snell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a 21 year homeschool veteran with seven kids. This is my absolute favorite book on homeschooling I have ever read (and believe me when I say I have read many!). Durenda’s other homeschool book was my previous favorite! She is spot on with everything. If you are considering homeschooling then this is the book for you!!

[Bonny Lownds-Doctor · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am so conflicted about reviewing this. The author has some great points and I enjoyed many peices of this book. How-freaking-ever: nowhere on the synopsis does it mention that this book is written SOLEY from the world view of a Christian homeschool mother of 8 who believes all families should be Christian and have as many kids as possible. As a former Christian I admit I am sensitive to this subject - but if a book is going to dedicate several passages to proper spiritual instruction of children (*cough* indoctrination), what the Bible has to say on parenting, give voice in the testimonials section to an antivaxxer who homeschools so she doesn't have to adhere to California public school medical requirements and a "quiverfull" mother, and spend an entire chapter talking about the spiritual reasons the author chose to have 8 children; then I want that clear and upfront from the get-go. This is not an applicable instruction manual on how to have a successful school day with less book work and more independent, student-led learning. And that's a shame, because if the author could have put aside her proselytizing for a minute, I think she really has a great book hiding in here: it's just not the one that got published.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a super-inspiring homeschool book. Full of motivation and spiritual realignment. Wonderful to re-read at the start of a new school year. BUT there's one thing I find odd: There is NO mention of a 4-hour school day anywhere in the book. Haha!

The title implies that this may be some sort of how-to guide for completing school in four hours or less. But it's not that at all. It's an inspirational book that helps you wrap your mind around homeschooling and how you can make it work for your family. And, why you don't need to rush, stress, or compare your methods to anyone else's—or institutional best practices.

The older my kids get, the more I'm starting to embrace interest-led learning. Now that my boys are well on their way to grasping the basics of reading, (hand)writing, spelling, and math, I'm starting to look ahead and think about what our homeschool might look like in a year or two when I'm no longer teaching them to read, form their letters, spell, and do basic arithmatic. What will be the driving force behind what we learn and how we learn it?

It seems to me that helping my boys learn how to teach themselves things that they're very interested in is one of the best gifts that I can give them. As I teach them to become independent learners, books like this become more relevant for me.

[Becca Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're a Christian parent thinking about homeschooling, this is a must read! Durenda speaks from the heart with decades of experience & she is practical (although if you're looking for a minute-by-minute schedule for your homeschool day, this isn't for you!). I am a second generation homeschooler and I found this very practical and encouraging. Highly recommend this to anyone interested in or already homeschooling.

[Mary Hellmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really appreciated this book. I recommend this book for those considering homeschooling or those who have been and could use encouragement or fresh tips from a mom who’s walked before us.

Even after homeschooling for years, I find things to learn from other homeschooling families experiences. She’s completely right in saying that there are numerous ways to homeschool, and it’s definitely going to be different based on your family and kids. I like the questions at the end of the chapters just to reflect on. I hope her dispelling of concerns about homeschooling encourage others to give it a try. I think her explanation of the benefits was encouraging, as well as giving ideas for keeping teaching simple yet intentional.

[Hannah Jones · Rating 1 out of 5]

Had to DNF at 89 after the testimonies from peers. Homeschooling may be something I consider in the future but not because I refuse to vaccinate my kids or have so many so close in age, which seems to be the most common reason cited with this author and her peers, or if a child has special needs and you're not in a district that can handle them- which, fair.

[Kyra · Rating 2 out of 5]

Was hoping for more actual info about homeschool scheduling and management. Mostly got info on what to do if you're thinking about homeschooling and a LOT of God. Misleading title.

[Shannon Evanko · Rating 3 out of 5]

I mostly enjoyed this book! I think it had a lot of practical tips and encouraging examples about homeschooling.

I’m learning that with homeschool authors, the underlying tone about schooling choice can really affect a book.

Some authors are balanced and looking to their side of the street, while acknowledging homeschool isn’t for everyone (and this is the tone that I prefer). Some, like Durenda, clearly think that there is one clear way that is best.

For example, when speaking about public school educators/the education system, she said, “They are not even remotely invested in their futures”— speaking about educators’ investment in children. I just simply don’t agree that you can blanket-statement the public system and its teachers that way. I know teachers who are VERY invested in the children.

All that to say, the underlying tone about school choice distracted from all of the helpful things she said, in my opinion. But I tried not to throw the baby out with the bathwater.

I will be moving forward with reminders like this quote— “As long as you continue to learn alongside your kids, you will be thrilled with the results.”

[Amber · Rating 1 out of 5]

The title of this book is very misleading. If you are looking for actionable information you can put in place to successfully homeschool your children in 4 hours a day, you are not going to get it here.

What it boils down to is:
1) Make sure your child can read, write and do math, then leave the rest of it up to their interests.
2) You are qualified to homeschool your child.
3) Learning from daily life is as effective, if not more so, then a conventional school curriculum.

As an aside, as a veteran Secular Homeschooler of a non-Christian faith I've mastered the art of finding information like these that are relevant to homeschoolers across the board. Though this book is not a constant barrage of Bible quotes and statements like 'just trust in God and you'll be fine', non-Christian homeschoolers should bare this in mind.

[Hanna Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I audioed this, which can be hard for me with nonfiction/informational books and yet I still loved this and got a lot out of it. Would recommend who anyone is considering homeschooling and is of the Christian faith (or even if not and you just want a fresh perspective on raising children well). Despite the title is does not expound in detail on how to get all your school work done in 4 hours but rather talks about rhythms and reasons that make homeschool successful in the author’s home, and many homes around the world that opt to homeschool. It was encouraging as a parent and not demeaning to teachers or those who choose to formally educate in the public setting (as a former teacher). Would definitely listen again as she briefly went over her choices not just in the younger years but in the middle and high school years as well.

[Amanda Vonderheid · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED this. I found this very encouraging and optimistic in a way that feels so doable for homeschooling. She also really jives with my parenting style and I love that. I will be revisiting this book later down the road probably more than once, because there were some great practical tips for helping your kids love learning and thrive at different stages. If you are even the least bit considering homeschooling, I highly recommend!

[Dulce McKone · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book. I’d recommend to new homeschooling moms like myself. I don’t think the title is fitting. I just expected more practical application as far as homeschool logistics. Still informative!

[Betsy Cypress · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is probably more of a 3.5 star book, but I’m rounding up. I love the author, but this is not my favorite book of hers which is sad because I paid full price - $19 for a paperback. Ouch! It took me forever to finish this book, but I finally did. The part about Hugh school stressed me out. It felt prescriptive as though high school needs to be done this way. I had to remind myself that it is just her way of doing high school and it doesn’t have to be this way.
I wonder if the editor and publisher had too much say in this book?? I loved her first book and have read it multiple times. I think it was self-published. Read that one.

[Rebekah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this one - I enjoyed it even more than the Unhurried Homeschooler. This may just be my new favorite book on homeschooling. So much wisdom and encouragement all throughout the book, and I love that the author is writing from a Christian perspective.

Will definitely reference this one again!

[Bobby James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wilson does well here. I really appreciate her homeschool philosophy. It seems like she leans a little too interest/child-led learning for my taste but the strength in this is that she removes much of the pressure homeschool parents often feel to keep up with the government school standards and even other homeschool standards. Her biggest encouragement is to keep the end goal in mind; asking, “How do I want my kids to turn out? Is my main concern what I want my kids to know or is it the kind of people I want them to be?” Home education is not just about education. It is about forming a person. I agree with her assertion, that, with very few exceptions, a child’s parents are not only better suited for a high quality education (regardless of your education level) but more importantly, it is better for developing a responsible, honest, kind, hard working person. If we keep the end goal of our parenting in mind then that solves a lot of the stress that parents face in making education decisions.

If parents have believed the idea that they are not as qualified to teach their kids as the “professionals,” Wilson offers a method of relief and calls parents to reevaluate their standards. Again, is the standard for what what makes a well-rounded, educated person set by the government, by the classical Christian community, or by social media parenting influencers? Christians fundamentally and confidently say “no.”

A lot of the book is biographical which I don’t appreciate but that’s preferential.

Warning: if you’re sympathetic to government schools, this may put a bad taste in your mouth for Durenda Wilson and her style of homeschooling. She makes some unsubstantiated, blanket statements about the government school system’s harm to a child’s personal development and education. I don’t think she’s too off base but social media plays a massive part in that harm as well which she does not mention.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disappointed that there wasn’t more practical advice on how to implement a four-hour school day. I find the title misleading. This was geared more towards early homeschoolers (of which I am one, I suppose) but seemed to be for convincing or helping validate new homeschoolers than actually giving tips. I expected plenty based on the fact the author has eight kids. She would have a wealth of knowledge on juggling homeschool with multiple kids. But she shared very little of that info.

[Ericka Clou · Rating 2 out of 5]

There are a few little practical tidbits in here about homeschooling, but the majority of the book is built around saying the same thing in different ways over and over again. Its title refers only to having to do a small amount of time with toddlers or very young children; it's not in the pattern of the 4-hour workday book.

[Joy Welch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great read for anyone contemplating schooling choices. Durenda makes a great case in favor of homeschooling. I feel a renewed encouragement to continue pressing on as we enter year 3 of our homeschooling journey.
“I’m challenging you today to give home education a try…are you willing to take a risk? No time invested in your child is ever wasted.”

[Jessie Summers · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked it for a beginners take on imagining the task at hand for home schooling, but agree with all other reviews - it is really heavily religious, focuses mostly on helping boys, and doesn’t actually provide framework for a four hour school day (kind of odd, given the title). I can tell the author is passionate about homeschooling but this isn’t the/a book I would recommend as helpful.

[Kelly Fauver · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re a Christian considering homeschooling then you should absolutely read this book. This book will boost your confidence in your ability to homeschool and reminds you that you really do know what’s best for your child. I was so very encouraged.

[Giuliana Meza · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a first time mom to an 8-month old, this book felt like the perfect nugget of encouragement and exposure to homeschooling. Looking forward to re-reading it in the years to come.

[Bethany Feustel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. As a mom at the beginning of a homeschool journey, this was exactly what I needed.
That being said, I can’t give this book 5 stars like I wanted to, because the title is very misleading. It’s not about a 4 hour school day….almost at all. It’s a beautiful book that talks about holistic home education, and encourages structured mornings and gentle afternoons…but nothing about this book is a how to do schoolwork in 4 hours. 🤷🏻‍♀️

But again…I loved the book! It just needs a better title. 🙃

[Michal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very inspirational book, made me want to homeschool all my kids! It is not a technical how-to as the title may imply but a great book in other ways!

[Ivan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good encouragement for homeschool families. I wish it had more concrete specifics or tactical suggestions.

[Raven Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good! Will read again!