Creative Home Schooling: A Resource Guide for Smart Families

by Lisa Rivero

For a comprehensive guide to home-based education, that does not promote any particular curriculum or religious view, this is one book parents should buy! Parents will appreciate practical advice on getting started, adjusting to new roles, designing curriculum that is both child-centered and fun, and planning for social and emotional growth. Parents will turn to their favorite chapters again and again. Features interviews and tips from many homeschool parents as well as long lists of resources. -Reasons to home-school -How gifted children learn -Positive changes for the family -"Big Ideas" thematic approach -Traditional and classical approaches -Curriculum resources -Record keeping -College planning -How to get started -Interviews with parents

Genres: Nonfiction, Education, Parenting, School

401 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2002

About the author

Lisa Rivero is a writer, speaker, and the publisher of Hidden Timber Books in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She enjoys writing fiction, poetry, and non-fiction. Some of her publications include a food and wellness column, magazine and journal articles, four non-fiction books, a middle-grade historical novel, and a blog at Psychology Today.

Reviews

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Of all the homeschool books I've read, and there's been quite a few, I think this one does the best job of laying out all the basic homeschool philosophies without bias. I do wish it was not a book for "gifted" kids because it's really a great resource for anyone who wants to learn about homeschooling, besides that I truely believe all children are gifted in one way or another.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lot of things I've already figured out on my own--wish I'd had it eight years ago! But a good solid resource for homeschooling the gifted.

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book seemed best-suited for parents who are still on the fence about homeschooling. It briefly discusses the different types of homeschooling and various concerns parents might have, such as what to do about college. It just didn't seem to go too in-depth with anything and since it's somewhat outdated, the book lists and websites aren't as helpful as they could be if this were updated.

[Lexi Zuo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative and incredibly detailed, but still a tad dated on curriculum and resource recommendations.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am reading this book for the third time. I would recommend it to any family considering homeschooling. I borrowed it from the library the first time I read it NOT because of the "gifted" portion. I picked it up because it was one of the only homeschooling books in the library. It has a great layout. The end of each chapter has an excellent highlight page, questions to ponder and a list of resources. I bought it because the list of resources at the end of each chapter and throughout the book is invaluable. I would recommend it to ANY family considering homeschooling or already homeschooling. I too wish the high emphasis on "gifted" was removed because the book itself is such a great resource.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very, very helpful for my homeschooling journey. I like her clear description of the characteristics that define "giftedness." It helped me understand myself and my child better, and provided helpful information for understanding and interacting with my child in all facets of life. I also like the second half of the book, the overview of different homeschooling methods and the clear pros/cons for each method, specific to educating a gifted student. Most of all though, the comprehensive resource recommendations and reviews! Incredibly valuable as I plan and begin homeschooling my son.

[Mona · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not a book you will ever be done with... well, at least until your children are out of school and into their adult lives. So helpful, I just keep it on my shelf with our textbooks and refer to it whenever I need a little boost or a hint, or a reminder why we're homeschooling. Thank you, Lisa!! Lifesaver.

[Angela · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not as helpful for me as what the hype portrays (due to redundancy to other related books I've read). However, I did like the way the book lists were separated. I may use again specifically for this reason.

[Jo Oehrlein · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a good introduction to giftedness and homeschooling, with lots of pointers to other books. I think that if you were considering homeschooling a gifted kid, especially a younger (elementary or early middle school) kid and could only read one book, this would be it.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book really helped me believe I could meet my children's educational needs very well. I liked the resources listed, but also really benefited from her slightly different point of view.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

great resource for gifted & creative learners - lots of insight as to how they think & into different learning styles & areas of concern for beginning home school parents

[Krystal 🦢 · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great resource for anyone thinking about homeschooling. Lots of information in small chunks that are not overwhelming.

[Lorna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of great information! I'm sure I will be referring back to this one over and over.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great resource, I keep it on my quick reference shelf. Lots of workable useable ideas for homeschooling any child.