Annotated Bibliography of Homeschool Resources

These titles were found in the collection of the Berks County Public Libraries - January - March 2008.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

100 Top Picks for Homeschool Curriculum

            Duffy, Cathy. 100 Top Picks for Homeschool Curriculum. Nachville: Broadman & Holman, 2005

Written by an expert homeschooling curriculum consultant this is a thorough guidebook to designing the proper educational program. While the topic is approached from a Christian view, this is nonetheless useful for any homeschooling family. The first portion discusses different types of learning styles, and how to know when one's child should learn what. The bulk of the work focuses upon individual texts, study guides, and CD-ROM software ideal for giving one's child a firm grounding in phonics, literature, mathematics, history, science, foreign language, and much more. The pros, cons, and unique features of each are discussed in depth.  This is a superb catalog of the best of the best educational resources. 314 p.

 

101 Devotions for Homeschool Moms

            Wellwood, Jackie. 101 Devotions for Homeschool Moms. Wheaton : Crossway Books, 2000.

Written for homeschooling mothers, this work shares a commonality on the challenges that only another homeschool mom would understand. Author Jackie Wellwood homeschooled her seven children over the past ten years.  Here she shares her personal experiences and how they drew her closer to the Lord. She also blends those challenges with encouraging scriptural insights and closes each devotional with a prayer and questions designed to lead the read in applying the principles shared in specific situations.

 

250 Things Homeschoolers can do on the Internet

            Orr, Tamra B. 250 Things Homeschoolers can do on the Internet. Lanham: Scarecrow Press, INC, 2003.

A short book listing various websites for children. Includes sports, schoolwork and social networking sites. Most sites listed are free but some have a fee. Easy to use, good for novice Internet users. Includes a recommended reading list. 53 p.

 

And the Skylark Sings With Me: Adventures in Homeschooling and Community-Based Education

            Albert, Davis H. And the Skylark Sings With Me. Cambridge : New Society Publishers, 1999.

This memoir describes the journey of David Albert and his partner Ellen as they begin homeschooling their children. Using a method of following their daughter’s interests, the two relate the travel from astronomy to opera and mythology.  They share how they found resources and created opportunities to meet the educational need of their children. They share the principles that guided their journey and the difficulties and rewards experienced along the way. 220 p.

 

The Basic Steps to Successful Homeschooling

            Brady, Vicki A. The Basic Steps to Successful Homeschooling. Lafeyette: Vital Issues Press, 1996.

Written from a distinctly Christian viewpoint, this text might be more accurately titled Basic Steps to Christian Homeschooling. While it holds some good advice, those who are not interested in a religious viewpoint on homeschooling may find the religious viewpoint difficult to sort through. Contains a list of homeschooling organizations, suggestions for games and activities and a bibliography. 200 p.

 

The Beginner’s Guide to Homeschooling

            Farenga, Patrick. The Beginner’s Guide to Homeschooling.  Cambridge : Holt Associates, 2000.

A true homeschooling primer, this work covers the basics of homeschooling. Includes outlines of typical days, curriculum information, record keeping suggestions and suggestions for portfolios.  Appendixes include information on national, state and local homeschooling groups, curriculum suppliers, learning material resources and a short history of homeschooling.  124 p.

 

Christian Home Educator’s Curriculum Manual

            Dufy, Cathy. Christian Home Educator’s Curriculum Manual. Westminster : Grove  Publishing, 2000.

With an opening section on how to choose a curriculum and recommendations for what to look for before you buy, the rest of this work is dedicated to evaluations of curriculum from various suppliers covering the complete scope of educational topics. Full of details, this is a one-stop source for curriculum information. Resource includes a section on testing and special needs students, a source list for materials, addresses for all sources and full index.  502 p.

 

The Christian Home School

            Harris, Gregg. The Christian Home School . Gresham : Noble Publishing Associates, 1995.

In this work, author Gregg Harris lays out his views on homeschooling and child rearing.  Written from a fundamentalist Christian view, Harris walks homeschooling parents through the steps needed to make a decision on home education. This work, while distinctly one-sided in its views, does cause the reader to ask important questions about the why’s and how’s of homeschooling. Contains end notes, a Christian resource list and a bibliography. 205 p.

 

The Complete Guide to Homeschooling

            Perry, John, and Perry, Kathy. The Complete Guide to Homeschooling. Lincolnwood: Lowell House, 2000.

This work gives insight into the “hows” and “whys” of homeschooling. Most of this work is formatted in a question and answer style it could be re-titled “FAQ’s of Homeschooling.” An informative resource that may not only help answer questions but give insight as to which questions to ask. Contains an index as well as list of homeschool organizations and a bibliography.  253 p.

 

The Complete Home Learning Source Book

            Rupp, Rebecca. The Complete Home Learning Source Book. Three Rivers Press: New York , 1998.

This monster work holds over 800 pages of resources for information for everything dealing with home education. There are lists of organizations, magazines, books and curriculum suppliers; but that is just the beginning. There are sections on electronic media, reading, writing, mathematics, science, geography, history, foreign language studies, the arts, philosophy and life skills.  Each section contains information on magazines, catalogs, books, online links, audiovisual suppliers, computer software,  games and activities for each topic and subtopic in that section.  While the date of this volume may require a little searching, the names of many of the companies are valid.  If you want to find something, this is the book you need.  Fully indexed. 865 p.

 

Creative Home Schooling for Gifted Children: A Resource Guide

            Rivero, Lisa. Creative Home Schooling for Gifted Children: A Resource Guide. Scottsdale : Great Potential Press, 2002.

The Dan Riley School for a Girl

            Riley, Dan. The Dan Riley School for a Girl. New York : Houghton Mifflin Company, 1994.

This memoir tells of a father’s adventure in trying to understand his daughter and his use of homeschooling for one year. This is an insightful, sometimes funny and brutally honest look at parenting a child who marches to their own drum. Recommended for parents seeking to use homeschooling to reach a unique or difficult child. 212 p.

 

Essential Homeschooling

            Linsenbach, Sherri. Essential Homeschooling: Everything you need to know to educate your child at home. Avon : Adams Media Corp. 2006

If you are looking homeschool, this handbook can help you take control of your child’s education, providing clear instructions on where to begin. From researching state and legal curriculum requirements to determining the type of homeschooling that works best for each individual child. This work helps parents overcome the fears that many parents face when considering homeschooling. This work addresses issues such as socialization and child development, provides up-to-date information on state homeschool departments of education, addresses religious and secular homeschooling, shares the best sources for curriculum guidelines by grade level and how to homeschooling multiple children. Also contains techniques for designing and documenting lesson plans.

 

The “Everything” Homeschooling Book

            Linsenbach, Sherri. The Everything Homeschooling Book. Avon : Adams Media Corporation, 2003.

This title seeks to help the novice homeschooler develop a learning style for teaching their student’s at home. Full of practical tips and theoretical guidance, this work outlines the basic steps for successful homeschooling.  Covering learning styles, how to homeschool multiple children, ways to adapt to the teen years and strategies for dealing with colleges, this work also includes a resource list, curriculum provides and programs for homeschoolers, a list of national homeschooling organizations and contact information for state departments of education.  Fully indexed. 305 p.

 

Everything You Need to Know about Homeschool Unit Studies

            Steward, Jennifer. Everything You Need to Know about Homeschool Unit Studies.  Garden Valley : Steward Ship, 1999.

This book helps with the nuts and bolts of planning a unit study. Unit studies can become a big production but this book helps get a handle on them and not let them grow and become overwhelming. It reminds you that there needs to be balance between projects and seat work.

 

Everything Your 1st Grader Needs to Know

            Tyle, Laura. Everything Your 1st Grader Needs to Know. Hauppauge: Barron’s, 2004.

This title gives parents easy-to-apply methods for helping to educate their children who are starting in the first grade. It's a combination manual and advice book, suitable both for parents cooperating with their child's teachers in standard classroom settings, and for home schoolers.  Making the Grade books are practical curriculum guides. Written by authorities in elementary education, they advise parents on books, software, and other teaching tools. Each book presents guiding principles for teaching reading, writing, math, social studies, and science. Pages are perforated for multipurpose use.

 

Everything Your 2nd Grader Needs to Know

            Arrigo, Elena R. Everything Your 2nd Grader Needs to Know. Hauppauge: Barron’s, 2004.

This title gives parents easy-to-apply methods for helping to educate their children who are starting in the second grade. It's a combination manual and advice book, suitable both for parents cooperating with their child's teachers in standard classroom settings, and for home schoolers.  Making the Grade books are practical curriculum guides. Written by authorities in elementary education, they advise parents on books, software, and other teaching tools. Each book presents guiding principles for teaching reading, writing, math, social studies, and science. Pages are perforated for multipurpose use.

 

Everything Your 4th Grader Needs to Know

            Roth, Robert R. Everything Your 4th Grader Needs to Know. Hauppauge: Barron’s, 2004.

This title gives parents easy-to-apply methods for helping to educate their children who are starting in the fourth grade. It's a combination manual and advice book, suitable both for parents cooperating with their child's teachers in standard classroom settings, and for home schoolers.  Making the Grade books are practical curriculum guides. Written by authorities in elementary education, they advise parents on books, software, and other teaching tools. Each book presents guiding principles for teaching reading, writing, math, social studies, and science. Pages are perforated for multipurpose use.

 

Everything Your 5th Grader Needs to Know

            Ermitage, Kathleen. Everything Your 5th Grader Needs to Know. Hauppauge: Barron’s, 2003.

This title gives parents easy-to-apply methods for helping to educate their children who are starting in the fifth grade. It's a combination manual and advice book, suitable both for parents cooperating with their child's teachers in standard classroom settings, and for home schoolers.  Making the Grade books are practical curriculum guides. Written by authorities in elementary education, they advise parents on books, software, and other teaching tools. Each book presents guiding principles for teaching reading, writing, math, social studies, and science. Pages are perforated for multipurpose use.

 

Family Matters: Why Homeschooling Makes Sense

            Guterson, David. Family Matters: Why Homeschooling Makes Sense. Orlando : Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1992.

This title is an essay on the validity of homeschooling, written from the viewpoint of an educator.  With points on why people choose homeschooling, the role of father in the homeschooling process, financial considerations and a historic perspective on home schooling.

 

The First Year of Homeschooling Your Child

            Dobson, Linda. The First Year of Homeschooling Your Child. Roseville : Prima Publishing, 2001.

A comprehensive guide on “how to” homeschool, this work includes many practical ideas for beginning to homeschool.  Structured for the homeschooling novice, this work shows you how to determine your student’s learning style, shares the things that experienced homeschoolers wished they knew when they began and includes dozens of learning activities.  Appendixes house a suggested reading list, links to finding online information on state and local support groups, ways to deal with financial constrains, curriculum sources and a state by state list of homeschooling requirements.  Part of the Prima Home Learning Library, Fully indexed, highly recommended. 248 p.

 From Homeschool to College and Work

            McKee, Alison. From Homeschool to College and Work. Madison : Bittersweet House, 1998.

A practical guide for helping a homeschooled student apply for college or a job. This work includes not only academic information but also resume suggestions and practical tips (be on time, dress appropriately, etc.) Sample portfolios are included. Appendixes include sample essays, cover letters and a list of resources dealing with life after high school.  94 p.

 

Fun Physical Fitness for the Home

            Harris, Sono Sato. Fun Physical Fitness for the Home. Gresham : Nobel Publishing Associates, 1997.

 

Fundamentals of Home-Schooling

            Lahrson-Fisher, Ann. Fundamentals of Home-Schooling. Carson : Nettlepatch Press, 2003.

A homeschooling parent, Ann Lahrson-Fisher work is an inclusive, reader-friendly volume on homeschooling. This work covers almost every aspect of home-schooling from curriculum materials and legal support services to home schooling organizations.

Divided into six parts, each covers a major aspect of home education. For example, part one entitled "Play," argues for allowing children time to develop their imaginations through play. Part Two offers advice on how to approach the basics of literacy and mathematics. The following sections are more offer tips on family life, organizing the living/school space, evaluation and testing, getting ready for college and other important issues. Full of common sense advice, this book will remind readers of the benefits of living a simple life. Highly recommended, appendixes contain legal, curriculum and support contacts, indexed. 428 p.

 

Guide to the PA Homeschool Law

            Richman, Howard. Guide to the PA Homeschool Law. Kittanning: Pennsylvania Homeschoolers, 2005.

 

Help for the Harried Homeschooler

            Field, Christine M. Help for the Harried Homeschooler. Colorado Springs : Shaw Books, 2002.

This is a practical guide for homeschool mothers on balancing school life and everything else. Written from a distinctly Christian viewpoint, this work carries many useful suggestions for most any homeschooling parent. Included are lists of contacts and suggested readings and each chapter ends with a list of down to earth ideas for dealing with that chapter’s topics. 278 p.

 

Home Education in Pennsylvania

            Harrisburg : Pennsylvania Dept of Education.

 

Home Learning Year by Year

            Rupp, Rebecca. Home Learning Year by Year. New York : Three Rivers Press, 2000.

This comprehensive guide walks a homeschooling rookie or veteran through the steps to designing a custom homeschool curriculum.  Written by one of the country's foremost homeschooling experts this work presents a structured plan to ensure that children will learn what they need to know when they need to know it, from preschool through high school. This title contains which subjects to be covered within each grade, the standards that should be acquired by your child at each level as well as lists of recommended books to use as texts for every subject.  Included in this work are also suggestions for how to approach non-academic subjects, such as sex education and physical fitness. Appendixes contain information on computer literacy, textbooks, distance learning, lesson plan sources and recommended books. Fully indexed, highly recommended within the homeschool community.

 

Home School Burnout

            Moore, Raymond and Moore, Dorothy. Home School Burnout. Brentwood : Wolgemuth & Haytt Publishers, 1988. 

The Moores advocate a balanced approach to education, which includes study, work, and service. They also suggest using the student's interests as a focal point for learning, using a unit study approach. Written from a Christian viewpoint, this work carries several warnings for homeschooling parents in an attempt to keep home educators from being caught up in things that can cause stress and burnout.  Contains an index and end notes. 336 p.

 

The Home School Manual

            Wade, Theodore. The Home School Manual. Bridgman: Gazelle Publications, 1996 & 1998.

This overview covers a wide range of topics on home education, including some of the foundational principles for homeschooling, information on the various areas of learning and ways to put this theory into practice.  The true value in this book is found in the appendices, which take up almost half the volume. Covered in these 200 pages are links for homeschool and correspondence schools, lists of books, magazines and other home education related materials, testing information and practical advice.  There is also a useful section with reproducible forms for record keeping.  While definitely dated, the second half of this title is worth looking over. Indexed. 526 p.

 

Home Schooling at the Speed of Life

            Rockett, Marilyn.  Home Schooling at the Speed of Life. Nashville : B&H Publishing, 2007.

This work gives busy homeschooling mothers a thorough resource for bringing order back to their home. In tune with today's pace, the book provides basic home-management principles, teaching parents how to de-clutter their homes, develop life skills in their children, tame the paper monster, and keep organized records. Also emphasized are ways to build relationships and use the home as a center for hospitality and outreach.

 

Home Schooling Children with Special Needs

            Hensley, Sharon C. Home Schooling Children with Special Needs. San Jose : Noble Publishing Associates, 1995.

This practical guide offers advice on helping children with special needs to learn. Hensley spends time describing the difference between a learning style and a learning disability, and then offers advice, encouragement and a resource list for the home educator of a special needs child. 181 p.

 

Home Schooling Laws and Resource Guide for all Fifty States

            Deckard, Steve. Home Schooling Laws and Resource Guide for all Fifty States. Ramona: Vision Publishing, 1999.

A dated resource collecting information on homeschooling laws. 

 

Home Schooling: Parents As Educators

            Maryberry, Maralee, et al. Home Schooling: Parents As Educators. Thousand Oaks : Corwin Press, 1995.

Written by four college professors, this work is unique in its approach to this book addresses the questions that critics are most concerned about: Who are Home Schoolers? Why do they take this task on? What are the results? Is it really legal? The authors also work toward dispelling the myth of isolation. This work presents a thorough look at the growing phenomenon of home schooling and its effect on the people involved. It also includes case studies that explore the motivations and characteristics of parent educators. This book offers insight into the why, who, what, and how of home schooling    Indexed, 120 p.

 

Home Schools: An Alternative

            Gorder, Cheryl. Home Schools: An Alternative. Meza: Blue Bird Publishing, 1996.

A persuasive work on the reasons why people homeschool. Covers legal aspects, includes ideas, plans, addresses and other helpful resources.  Indexed 176.

 

Home Schooling: Answers to Questions Parents Most Often Ask

            McIntire, Deborah, and Windham , Robert. Home Schooling: Answers to Questions Parents Most Often Ask. Cypress : Creative Teaching Press, Inc., 1995.

A simple, overview of questions parents should ask and answer before they decide if homeschooling is the best option for their children.  Includes reproducible planning sheets, a list of curriculum suppliers, a bibliography and glossary. 192 p.

 

Home Schooling on a Shoe String

            Morgan, Melissa L. and Allee, Judith Waite. Home Schooling on a Shoe String. Wheaton : Harold Shaw Publishers, 1999.

This book is a compendium of ideas for the family that wants to start or continue homeschooling on a tight budget. Topics covered include ideas for making money while staying at home, sources for an inexpensive curriculum, affordable teaching tools, suggestions for low-cost field trips, ways to save on everything from housing to utilities and ways to get free or low-cost computers.  Many of the ideas would be of benefit even if you are not homeschooling.  Indexed, 375 p.

 

Home Sweet Home-School

            Maakestad, Sue. Home Sweet Home-School. Grand Rapids : Fleming H. Revell, 2004.

Sue Maakestad draws upon twenty-four years of homeschooling eight children to write this devout Christian guide.  Emphasizing the importance of faith in God, this work stresses the positive aspects of homeschooling. Practical advice including guidelines for various levels of responsibility by children in both education and in helping around the house, suggestions for field trips, ways to maintain balance and discipline and preparing a homeschooled child to pursue higher education are all topics in this work. Contains a list of a few contacts for homeschoolers and chapter end notes.  222 p.

 

Home-Schooling Resource Guide & Directory of Organizations

            Hood, Mary. Home-Schooling Resource Guide & Directory of Organizations. S.l, 1993

 

Homeschool Journey

            Card, Susan and Card, Michael. Homeschool Journey. Eugene : Harvest House, 1997.

This encouraging work is for those considering teaching out of the home. Stories shared in this work show that the "teacher" does not need to be perfect, just willing to listen, learn and adapt to their children's learning needs. This book offers a variety of resources from mentoring and community involvement to individual books and curriculum, all while stressing the need to tailor the teaching to each individual child.

 

Homeschool Open House: Interviews with 55 Homeschooling Families

            Lande, Nancy. Homeschool Open House: Interviews with 55 Homeschooling Families. Bozeman : Windy Creek Press, 2000.

This companion book to Homeschooling: A Patchwork of Days shares a five year follow-up on the original homeschooling families as well as interviews with many more homeschooling families, from Alaska to Zimbabwe . This work is full of encouraging stories for those who are seeking individualism in home education.  

 

Homeschool Your Child for Free

            Gold, LauraMaery and Zielinski, Joan M. Homeschool Your Child for Free. Roseville : Prima Publishing, 2000.

While this work contains a short discussion of the basics of homeschooling, the primary bulk of the text is dedicated to describing how to homeschool on a tight budget. Each chapter lists tips, helps and online links for free or almost-free resources. Well designed and organized by subject, this is a helpful volume for keeping homeschoolers from going broke. Part of the Prima Home Learning Library, Indexed, 475 p.

 

Homeschooler’s Book of Lists

            Haskins, Sonya. Homeschooler’s Book of Lists. Minneapolis : Bethany House, 2007.

 

Homeschoolers’ College Admission Handbook: Preparing your 12 to 18 year old for Success in the College of their Choice

            Cohen, Cafi. Homeschoolers’ College Admission Handbook. Roseville : Prima Publishing, 2000.

This is a step-by-step work on how to prepare your homeschooler for college. Topics include shopping for colleges, things to consider when deciding if your student should attend college, the importance of a diploma, portfolios, transcripts, essay and asmission testing.  Easy to follow, practical advise for the college-bound homeschooler. Part of the Prima Home Learning Library, Indexed, 321 p.

 

Homeschoolers Guide to Free Internet Resources

            Homeschoolers Guide to Free Internet Resources. Randolph : Educators Progress Service, 2006

This work is the third title dedicated to providing homeschooler’s with information about free, quality educational aids that will help eliminate some stress on the family budget. This work contains information on over 1,070 web sites, lesson plans, downloadable programs, books and booklets and WebQuests.

 

Homeschooler’s Guide to Free Teaching Aids

            Nehmer, Kathleen Suttles. Ed. Homeschooler’s Guide to Free Teaching Aids. Randolph : Educators Progress Service, Inc. 2005

An alphabetical listing by topic of contacts for free teaching aids in the United States . Many contain a website and email as well as an address and phone number.  New entrees are marked.  Topics include the environment, food & nutrition, various science and social studies topics, math, language arts and physical fitness. Work includes a title, subject and source index.  223 p.

 

Homeschoolers Guide to Free Videotapes

            Homeschoolers Guide to Free Videotapes. Randolph : Educators Progress Service, 1999

 

Homeschooler’s Success Stories: 15 Adults and 12 teens share the impact that homeschooling has made on their lives.

            Dobson, Linda. Ed. Homeschooler’s Success Stories. Roseville : Prima Publishing, 2000. This work touts the ability of home education to adapt to the needs of each child, allowing them to succeed.  It gives examples of different people, famous and not famous, who were home educated.  Examples include a student in Harvard Law School , Jason Taylor – Retired defensive end for the Miami Dolphins, multimillionaire Aaron Fessler – founder of Allegro software, an Olympian, US Navy airman, a state police trooper from Arkansas and a columnist for the Provo , Utah Daily Herald. Each person gives a description of the pros and cons of their homeschooling experience. Part of the Prima Home Learning Library, Indexed, 286 p. 

 

Homeschoolers and the Public Library

            Scheps, Susan G Ed. Homeschoolers and the Public Library. Chicago : Public Library Association, 1993.

 

Homeschooling

            Mur , Cindy, eds. Homeschooling. Farmington Hill: Greenhaven Press, 2003.

This series of essays explores both sides of the homeschooling issue.  Published as part of the “Opposing Viewpoints” series, this work gives an in-depth look into the pros and cons of homeschooling in America .  Includes a list of organizations to contact, fully indexed with a bibliography. 207 p.

 

Homeschooling: A Patchwork of Days

            Lande, Nancy. Homeschooling: A Patchwork of Days.  Windy Creek Press, 1996.

Written with 30 homeschooling families, this work walks one through a varied group of homeschooling possibilities.  From religious to non-religious, unschooling, “out of the box” homeschooling, single and multi-child families, there are plenty of examples of how and why people homeschool.  297 p.

 

Homeschooling: A Parent’s Guide to Teaching Children

            Blumenfeld, Samuel. Homeschooling. New York : Citdel Press, 1997.

Written from a distinctly Christian view, this work describes the author’s arguments for homeschooling.  Discussions include the problems with state schools, dealing with learning difficulties and teacher to student ratios. Indexed, 215 p.

 Homeschooling Almanac 2002-2003

            Leppert, Mary and Leppert, Michael. Homeschooling Almanac 2002-2003. Roseville : Prima Publishing, 2001.

This extensive work holds vast amounts of information on homeschooling. Part 1 discusses how to start, different methods, extra-curricular activities, college information and a FAQ section.  Part two has lists of homeschool resources and products, broken down by subject; these resources have age, topic and contact information as well as a description of the format and information contained.  Going beyond just books, there are science kits, computer programs, games, CD’s and flashcards.  Part 3 is a resource list for the homeschool parent.  Here are listed books, curriculums and methodology, catalogs, online links and other resources helpful to the home educator. Part 4 lists state by state information on homeschool organizations, groups and conferences. A 50 page index finalizes this almanac.  667 p. Highly Recommended.

 Homeschooling Book of Answers

            Dobson, Linda. Homeschooling Book of Answers. Roseville : Prima Publishing, 2002.

This book is written in question and answer format with the answers supplied by a panel of homeschoolers, homeschooling experts and homeschooled students. Often a particular question will be answered by 2 or 3 different panelists. This gives several experiences and viewpoints and may include personal anecdotes and experiences, making this read like sitting down to a chat with a few friends about homeschooling Topics covered include questions from "Is it legal?" and socialization, curriculum choice, family to how homeschoolers can and should be involved in political activism. Recommended for new and veteran homeschoolers. Part of the Prima Home Learning Library, Indexed, 356 p.

 Homeschooling for Dummies

            Kaufeld, Jennifer. Homeschooling for Dummies. New York : Hungry Minds, 2002.

This is a user friendly guide for parents considering homeschooling, as well as veteran homeschooler interested in fresh ideas. Topics covered include trying to determine whether homeschooling is right for you and your family,  get started in homeschooling, develop a curriculum that reflects your values and beliefs, comply with all legal requirements and joining a homeschooling cooperative. From textbooks to computers to state compliance, expert Jennifer Kaufeld, covers all the bases. She anticipates most of your questions about homeschooling and answers them with clear, easy-to-follow answers enlivened by real-life accounts by parents around the nation who have opted to homeschool their children.  Indexed, 359 p.  

Homeschooling for Excellence

            Colfax, David and Colfax, Micki.  Homeschooling for Excellence. New York : Warner Books, 1998.

David and Micki Colfax taught their four sons at home in the 70s and '80s.  Three of them attended Harvard. Due to an isolated location the children learned geometry while constructing outbuildings on their ranch, explored aspects of chemistry and biology as they improved their livestock and garden, and discovered the value of self-reliance as they went about life without TV or neighbors. Their world is described with fondness which shows the how the family cares for each other. The Colfaxes share their experiences as a trial-and-error effort, with some of their mistakes shown as lessons for others. The Colfaxes' philosophy is that every child is gifted. Also, the Colfaxes do caution that teaching at home requires much time and money--and they don't advise it for single parents or most working women. Includes an appendix of suggested references for building a family library and a delightful list of their children's favorite books.

The Homeschooling Handbook: From Preschool to High School.

            Griffith, Mary. The Homeschooling Handbook. Roseville : Prima Publishing, 1999.

This title covers many of the basics about beginning homeschooling. In an overview of the major topics, Mary Griffith discusses legal issues, structuring the homeschool, financial issues, evaluation and record keeping, finding resources and working with the homeschool community. Informative, easy to use resource, even though some of the information is dated. Appendixes include homeschool resources, list of homeschool organizations, colleges that accept homeschoolers and an index. Part of the Prima Home Learning Library, 295 p.

Homeschooling Step-by-Step

            Gold, Laura Maery and Zielinski, Joan M. Homeschooling Step-by-Step. Roseville : Prima Publishing, 2002.

This is a step-by-step work on how to homeschool. This work covers all the basic aspects on “how to” successfully homeschool. Everything from state by state legal issues to scheduling and how to motivate your student are covered. I would recommend this title for any newbie to the world of homeschooling. Part of the Prima Home Learning Library, loaded appendixes, Indexed, 376 p.

Homeschooling the Child with ADD (or other special needs)

            Hayes, Lenore Colacion. Homeschooling The Child with ADD (or other special needs). Roseville : Prima Publishing, 2002.

This work focuses on the “whys” of homeschooling a child with special needs. While there is little practical “how to” information, this work would be of help for the parent who needs to decide if they can homeschool their child and to encourage them as they make this journey.  Part of the Prima Home Learning Library. Indexed, 256 p.

Homeschooling: The Early Years

            Dobson, Linda. Homeschooling: The Early Years. Roseville : Prima Publishing, 1999.

This guide comes from experts: a mother of two homeschooled, now-grown children and 83 homeschooling families she surveyed.  For those ready to take on what author Linda Dobson calls "a natural extension of being a good parent," the manual provides at-a-glance boxes of anecdotes called "How We Did It," as well as lists at the end of each chapter of helpful books, magazines, Web sites, software, and computer message boards that connect homeschooling households. The straightforward writing covers the basics on reading, writing, and math; different teaching approaches; organizing a curriculum; even how to deal with skeptical relatives and spouses. As a primer for parents starting out, the book serves as a confidence builder and an inspiring how-to guide. Part of the Prima Home Learning Library, Indexed, 330 p.

Homeschooling: The Middle Years

            Henry, Shari . Homeschooling: The Middle Years. Rocklin: Prima Publishing, 1999.

In this work author Shari Henry offers an uplifting outlook on both parenting and homeschooling the “middle years” child.  Through real-life experiences she offers hope and encouragement to even the most worried parents. This work begins with several chapters on preparing for the homeschooling journey. Especially helpful for those with children leaving a traditional classroom this section is full of practical advice such as getting to know your child again and creating a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere. The middle section of this work addresses specific areas of study. This section is particularly helpful as it provides advice on taking a prepared curriculum and adjusting it to meet your child’s specific needs as well as resource lists and quick tips, trick and ideas. The last section of this work offers very practical help such as keeping house while homeschooling and entertaining younger siblings. Part of the Prima Home Learning Library, Indexed, 329 p.

Homeschooling: The Teen Years

            Cohen, Cafi. Homeschooling: The Teen Years. Roseville : Prima Publishing, 2000.

Author Cafi Cohen offers advice for parents whose homeschooler is about to turn teenager. A columnist for Home Education Magazine and Homeschooling Today, Cohen has also homeschooled her two children into college. She begins with 10 reasons for homeschooling your teenager and then goes on to devote chapters to traditional subjects such as math and history, and even gets to those you might not have considered, like driver education. Her suggestions for parents new to homeschooling will save much time and reduce those trial-and-error episodes.  A large collection of lists and quick tips offer everything from the top 10 books for teens and the most popular math programs to money-saver suggestions such as joining a local college's foreign-language club and asking for discarded equipment from local schools.  Part of the Prima Home Learning Library, Indexed, 344 p.

 

The How & Why of Home Schooling

            Ballmann, Ray E. The How & Why of Home Schooling. Wheaton : Crossway Books, 1995.

This edition of The How and Why of Home Schooling makes a persuasive case for home schooling.  It also gives practical guidelines for successfully teaching your children at home. It includes a comprehensive resource list which provides information on available curricula, support groups, legal defense organizations, and also highlights seminars and radio programs for home educators. Contains a selected bibliography, 217 p.

 

How to Begin Homeschooling

            Garvey, Judy. How to Begin Homeschooling. Turning Point, 1989.

This small, somewhat dated pamphlet describes the author’s experiences home schooling their children. 53 p.

 

How to Home School : A Practical Approach

            Graham, Gayle. How to Home School. Melrose : Common Sense Press, 1997.

This is a small “how-to" guide for those who are new to homeschooling, frustrated, or just confused. How to: plan, teach reading, writing, and math with ease, pull subject areas together thru unit studies, make sense of the curriculums and streamline record-keeping.  Contains blank reproducible forms.  169 p.

 

How to Teach Your Child at Home

            Bowdoin, Ruth. How to Teach Your Child at Home. Brentwood : Webster’s International, 1976.

This book and video are the first in a set designed to help the homeschooling parent walk their way through teaching their child.  Designed to be used by teachers, tutors and parents, these 46 lessons are each built around an activity. Designed to touch several topics at once, the lesson may cover math, problem solving, vocabulary building, spatial issues and other topics.  Comes with an accompanying video.  Also available in Spanish. 48 p.

 

I am a Home Schooler

Voetberg, Julie. I am a Home Schooler. Morton Grove : Albert Whitman & Co., 1995.

This juvenile book describes the experiences of a nine-year-old girl who is taught at home by her mother on their farm in Washington State . This book shares the experiences of a Christian homeschooling family. It describes the positives and some of the drawbacks of home education.  It is a good introductory work for parents who want their children to think about or know about homeschooling. Includes photos and a brief summary of the history of homeschooling.

 

Issues Related to Estimating the Home-School Population in the United States With National household Survey Data

Henke, Robin and Kaufman, Phillip. Issues Related to Estimating the Home-School Population in the United States With National household Survey Data. Washington D.C. : US Dept of Education, 2000.

A research project commissioned by the US Dept of Education.  Not for the casual reader, this work is a report on research conducted in 2000.  92 p.

 

The Joyful Home Schooler

            Hod, Mary Ph.D. The Joyful Home Schooler. Cartersville: Ambleside Educational Press, 1997.

This work, written from a distinctly Christian view, encourages the reader to slow down and enjoy the homeschooling experience with their child/student. Covers topics such as the Father’s role, burnout, dealing with differing age groups and record keeping.   217 p.

 

Kandoo Kangaroo Hops into Homeschool

            Ratner, Susan. Kandoo Kangaroo Hops into Homeschool. Green Forest : Master Press, 2000. 

This is a distinctly Christian picture book written for new homeschooling children. With colorful illustrations and a gentle story, this work shows a realistic approach for parents who are beginning to homeschool their young children.

 

Kingdom of Children

            Stevens, Mitchell L. Kingdom of Children. Princeton: Princeton University Press, 2001.

In this unique, in-depth study of homeschooling and the homeschool movement, author Mitchell Stevens has taken the time to attend meetings, visit homes and read literature. From his research, he concludes that home schooling is an activity that grows out of long-held American traditions and is an honest and possibly successful attempt at education that meets the needs of children.  Covering topics such as why parents opt for home-schooling to the long-term effects on their children, Mitchell draws on interviews with a mix of parents from fundamentalist Christians to pagans and educational radicals.  He concludes that home education has developed "organizational strategies of the progressive left and the religious right" in an attempt to preserve their core set of values. In depth, academic and scientific in nature, a very interesting book for those seeking theoretical and philosophical information on home education. With chapter notes and index, 228 p.

 

Learn at Home: Grade 1

            American Education Publishing. Learn at Home: Grade 1.  American Education Publishing , 1999.

This workbook includes 36 weeks of lesson plans with instruction in Reading , Language Skills, Spelling, Math, Science and Social Studies.  In addition it has activities supporting each week's lessons, explanations of concepts and teaching approaches, a set of step-by-step instructions, ready-to-use, reproducible activity sheets and full-color illustrations Part of the Learn at Home series.   383 p.

 

Librarians Guide to Homeschooling Resources

            Scheps, Susan G. Librarians Guide to Homeschooling Resources. Chicago : American Library Association, 1998.

This work provides a checklist of resources and services home schoolers want from public libraries and describes eight programs in communities across the country. The directory of resources covers national, state, regional, and provincial home-schooling organizations in the U.S. and Canada ; entries include information on religious affiliation, materials and services provided, and statements of organizational purposes and goals. Included are bibliographies with home-schooling-related periodicals and other print materials and a listing of Web sites for general material on homeschooling and for materials on such specifics as teaching techniques and study of specific subjects round out coverage.

 

A Literary Education

            Levison, Catherine. A Literary Education. Vancouver : Champion Press

Author Catherine Levison shares how she created her list and then she shares her collected resources for Literature, History, Science & Nature, Poetry, etc. For each book, she includes the ISBN#, a summary of the book and the IRL (Independent Reading Level). She also includes a general educational Scope & Sequence of the US in the Appendix.  This is basically a bibliography of great books. This list is especially helpful when implementing the Charlotte Mason homeschool method.  95 p.

 

Making the Grade: Everything Your 1st Grader Needs to Know
         Tyle, Laura. Making the Grade: Everything Your 1st Grader Needs to Know. New York : Barron’s Educational Services, 2004.  

Making the Grade: Everything Your 2nd Grader Needs to Know
        
Arrigo, Elena R. Making the Grade: Everything Your 2nd Grader Needs to Know. New York : Barron’s Educational Services, 2004.