Complete Idiot's Guide to Homeschooling

by Marsha Ransom

"The Complete Idiot's Guide to Homeschooling" is a step-by-step manual written for the new and inexperienced homeschooler. The explanations, resources, and recommendations apply to families homeschooling for a wide variety of reasons and to families who "afterschool" their children. If you find yourself teaching subjects you know little about, undecided about what curriculum to choose, or concerned that your children may miss out on band, drama, or sports, this guide provides practical advice from an author who has homeschooled four children.

Genres: Nonfiction, Education

416 pages, Paperback

First published February 16, 2001

Reviews

[Kristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book serves as a basic overall guide of the basics you need to know to start your homeschooling plan. Some of the information is dated (such as some websites), but in a book that came out in 2001, that is to be expected. There was TONS of other information and ideas covered in the book though, such as, getting support, planning curriculum, and advice on how to teach subjects you yourself don't understand. There is also nearly 100 pages in the back of where to get curriculum, other books you can read, and different support groups across the country.

This was the first book I started to read about homeschooling, and I feel like I now have a good grasp of the basics on which to build information.

[JD · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was not impressed with the tone the author chose for this book. It would be more correctly titled "Complete Idiot's Guide to Unschooling". The author presents herself as someone giving an overview of homeschooling in general to those interested. But she is obviously slanted towards the homeschooling style called unschooling. I feel that is not fair to those just looking to learn about the homeschooling world. There are many ways to homeschool successfully, but she speaks with a condescending tone about forms other than unschooling.

[Brynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent book for someone who doesn't know much about homeschool options and wants a general overview.

My only complaint is that it was written 10 years ago so it's a little outdated. If a new addition came out, I would buy it just as a general reference.

[Staci · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice compilation of information for those wanting a "down and dirty" version of the "facts"

[Justin · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book for beginners and resource for those already homeschooling. Yes, the book is a little outdated, but that does not make it less helpful. There are so many well thought out explanations of the options we have before us in homeschooling from state laws to deciding on curriculum to dealing with burnout. This was definitely more information than I anticipated finding in one book. I recommend this to anyone beginning or already a home school veteran or even for those who are interested in the idea.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good primer on homeschooling and really identified, for me, the reasons I am interested in doing it for my own kids in the future. Those looking to homeschool will likely to want to check out some other more in depth resources based on your particular values and your children's individual needs, but this book is a very good intro to the philosophies, practices and resources you should become familiar with.

[Shira and Ari Evergreen]

Christian bias but aware of it, and very useful for this secular family. Contains a good overview of many major issues like recordkeeping, testing, preventing burnout, financial concerns, work/education/housework balance, curricula and their alternatives (like unschooling). The sections arranged by age are particularly helpful.

[Jennifer74 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book!

[Stasia Bruhn · Rating 4 out of 5]

The best book I have found so far. I learned alot about homeschooling from this book.