Book Description
We all want the best possible starts in life for our children, and one of the best possible starts in life, educationally, is the "method" pioneered by Maria Montessori and taught successfully today throughout the world.
Now, Lesley Britton, the leading Montessori practitioner in England for more than twenty years, will show parents how to bring Montessori home. If you would like to facilitate the development of your child's unique personality, make it possible for him to develop to his full intellectual capacity, and help him become socially and emotionally well adjusted, then this is the book for you.
Montessori Play and Learn is packed with ideas, activities, and games that can fit into your normal routine and help supplement preschool learning for your child. For planning your home, introducing your child to the supermarket or the neighborhood, and helping him discover other people and cultures, this book provides valuable tips and insights that help parents and children grow and learn together.
-- Create hundreds of learning opportunities from everyday life
-- Learn dozens of games and activities to help prepare children for mathematics, reading, science, and writing
-- Make your home environment as stimulating for your child as the best Montessori preschool.
Customer Reviews:
Informative & practical, easy-to-implement activities!.......2007-04-12
My daughter will be attending a Montessori preschool in a couple of months [she's 2], and I wanted a practical manual that would introduce me to Montessori methods I could implement at home. This book is full of practical ideas, and is filled with activities and games thatare easy to implement in the home, and as a follow-up to preschool learning. The book covers topics like who is Maria Montessori, what is the essence of the Montessori method,how to use the Montessori method, planning your home around your child[child's bedroom, living room, kitchen, bathroom, hall &stairs, games & activities] , exploring the neighborhood[in the backyard, in the park, in the countryside, in the city, going to school], & discovering about the world[the human family, journeys & explorations, the universe]. There are lots of practical & useful activities & games that one can implement with relative ease in the home or outside. The ideas in this book go a long way to helping stimulate a young child in line with the Montessori method.
Great intro book.......2007-02-23
We bought this book to get us familiar with the Montessori method of teaching. Our son is about to start at a Montessori school and we wanted to get educated in the teachings as well. It's a great intro book and I especially found the exercises fun and interesting.
great for moms, teachers, etc.......2007-02-12
I am a medical student, single parent and needed something to introduce me to Montessori instruction. I plan to enroll my 36 month old soon, but at this time, she is fine in the care of her grandparents and in the evenings, with me. Until she begins Montessori, I want to begin instilling some of the instructions. I ordered this book along with one other you will notice in my reviewed items. Both books are very good in my opinion, and all that I need. Even if I never enroll her in daycare, preschool, this is adequate. It gives great ideas that a parent or caregiver can share while with the child. Very good quality book.
A Good Read For Parents.......2006-03-18
This is a good book for parents not just those with toddlers and preschoolers. It gives insight into the montessori method and really shows you the interelationship between how a child deveopls intellectually and physically. I wish that I had gotten it earlier because it has good insights into toddlerhood - tantrums and all. My son is 21/2 and we are hoping to send him to pre-school in September, so we wanted to get a guideline so to speak about what we should be looking for and the best kind of learning at his age. Also we were looking for new ways to engage him, so I'm anxious to try out the activities. He's in the 'I want to be independent stage' and after reading the book I have adopted some of its advice on how to help him acheive this. All in all I would say its a good buy, quite informative.
Excellent Montessori resource for the home.......2006-02-18
I was looking for a good way to teach my preschool son at home using some elements of the Montessori method. However, I wanted to go at my own pace and in a relaxed way. If you need a more regimented and structured Montessori method at home read Elizabeth Hainstock's books. Leslie Britton's book is well-written, concise and hits all the main points. I really like the games and activities designed for children from two to six. I am able to pick and choose and with home materials to teach my son at home. My son is two so he's only able to participate in a few exercises. Can't recommend it enough.
Book Description
Teach your child at home or supplement his or her classroom learning --this book provides you with the techniques, curriculum, and resources necessary to ensure that your child's education is the best it can be. As a parent, you worry about your child's education. With thirty students per classroom, even the most dedicated teachers often can't give each student the individual attention so urgently needed, and neither teachers nor parents can control the social environment of many schools. Is your child getting lost in the system, becoming bored, losing his or her natural eagerness to learn? Maybe it's time to take charge of your child's education --by doing it yourself. This book will instruct you, step by step, on how to give your child an academically rigorous, comprehensive education from preschool through high school; one that will train him or her to read, to think, to understand, to be well-rounded and curious about learning. Through a language-intensive process that organizes learning around the maturing capacity of the child's mind, your child will receive the complete education that today's overcrowded schools are often unable to provide. You do have control over what and how your child learns; The Well-Trained Mind will give you the tools you'll need to teach him or her with confidence and success.
Customer Reviews:
A great guide if you are a first-time homeschooler.......2007-10-14
Since we just began homeschooling my son this year, I was pretty stumped on where to start when a friend recommended this book. I got a copy from the library and wow! what a find! It really put the exciting but sometimes intimidating world of homeschooling into context. I really like the way the authors condense the information at the end of each section into useful bites of information. They also suggest schedules (now isn't that convenient when you're biting your nails wondering when to do what?).
Although I won't call our style 100% classical homeschooling, this book does provide an excellent pathway for busy and confused moms like me. I guess the results speak for themselves -- my son who was a little perplexed by what his mom had in store for him every morning now thinks of each lesson as fun! I really owe that to this book. Can't wait to get a copy of my own.
Wonderful Resource- the "bible" for classical education........2007-10-09
Buy this book! It is a much easier read than expected. And don't be afraid of the 600 or so pages. I was able to read all introductory pages, as well as the pages appropriate for the ages of my children in two (2) days. No need to rush in and read the chapter on middle school and high school if you have a first grader.
This book is an excellent reference guide for homeschooling with a focus on classical education. It's easy to put into practice as little or as much as you'd like from this book.
I have really been drawn to Christian classical education, and while I do read other sources, always go to this text first.
I highly recommend, "The Well-Trained Mind".
A wealth of information..........2007-10-05
This book has sparked and altered my ways of educating my young 6 yr old daughter. I thought I would educate my own children differently, but this book has kept my goals in perspective and allows me to accomplish more with a simple schedule. Schedules and timeframes are included with each subject, as well as the people and events to incorporate with each subject. It given additional resources, such as books, textbooks and websites as resources. All which seem to be available right here through Amazon.com. Thank you Amazon!
the "Bible" for homeschoolers.......2007-08-08
If you are looking to homeschool, this is the book. It is a how to book for homeschoolers of any age. It goes from preschool right up to university age. I started my daughter on this system and I wouldn't use any other. I find that its' easy to use and allows a lot of freedom of choice and many options. The suggestions are invaluable and they list all your resources at the back of every chapter. Give it a complete read through before you start so you don't miss anything out. You'll have to make some decisions on curriculum yourself as they give many options, but if one doesn't work out just try another. I also like that they understand that not every child learns the same way and give you suggestions on how to teach each type of learner. They also give you advice on teaching different age groups at the same time and how to coordinate their curriculum so that you're not pulling your hair out teaching one child about middle ages and one about aincient history and one about modern history all at the same time. I know a lot of other homeschoolers in my area who have used this book and they swear by it as well. Once you read it you won't use anything else.
Great for those considering non-religious Homeschooling.......2007-07-30
If you are considering homeschooling, and after you do all the research on all the various methods of homeschooling, if you want something fairly structured and rigorous you might settle on Classical Education like we did. This book is great in that it does not presume that you are an evangelical christian like some other homeschool "guides" (even though my husband is a pretty conservative christian (I am not), we both find this presumption in homeschool curricula a real pushy and annoying turn-off). It also gives you step-by-step "how-to" which we needed for our comfort level as new homeschoolers (if you've already been homeschooling for a long time you might not need the structure and step by step approach of this book but it still has great ideas and information).
Book Description
One of America’s leading homeschool experts provides families with everything they could possibly need to know to start schooling at home in this 600–page volume. As entertaining as it is enlightening, this incredible storehouse of information...
- explains the advantages of homeschooling and corrects common misconceptions
- encourages and equips parents who may be reticent to start teaching at home
- gives tons of detailed, practical information on methods and materials
This encyclopedic reference includes chapters on the ways kids learn, planning and record keeping, testing and standards, and special–needs and gifted children. Families who are just getting started in homeschooling as well as experienced homeschool families who need more information will find answers to all their questions in this one–of–a–kind resource.
Customer Reviews:
Better books available.......2007-09-26
I bought this book based on the very high ratings it got from this website but I was disappointed by the content. The book is very long, very dull and based on one woman's point of view. It has a lot of very useful information and it is helpful but there are much better books available. While I was waiting for my order to arrive I checked out "The Homeschooling Book of Answers : The 88 Most Important Questions Answered by Homeschooling's Most Respected Voices" from my local library. This book has the same basic info but from many different viewpoints. The best part is it answered every one of my questions and some I hadn't thought of yet without having to sift through mountains of repetitive junk to get to it. I plan to donate my complete guide to our local homeschool lending library.
Too much of nothing.......2007-06-21
I've read several homeschooling books trying to suck up as much information as I can. What I've realized is that all these homeschooling authors seem like they are perfect mothers, wives, citizens. Just because I want to home school my kids doesn't mean I agree with of a lot of her ideals. Don't buy this book. Just try to borrow it from the library and just skim through it. It goes on and on about a lot of things that really don't matter. You'll have to fish for the stuff that really matters to you.
EXCELLENT Resource.......2007-02-06
We are looking into homeschooling our kindergartener next year and this book has been an excellent resource in our quest to learn as much as we can about the process. Ms. Pride gives you everything you need to be as educated and knowledgable as possible as you begin. From giving you many reasons to consider homeschooling to reviewing various types of education styles and curricula to helping you determine what kind of a learner your child is, this book has been a HUGE help to me in learning all I can about Home education. I HIGHLY recommend this book.
Excellent Resource!.......2007-01-16
Being new to the world of homeschooling, I had many questions and concerns. I don't think there was a single relevant topic that this book did not cover! Very thorough. My number one resource!
Helped us get started.......2007-01-10
A lot of information to digest for the new homeschooler. One area that I either missed or it was not covered was how to transistion a child from public school to homeschooling (mid-year). Homeschooling was not really an option at the beginning of the school year, but circumstances arose that lead to the decision not quite half way through the year (6th grade).
I skipped around the book from section to section as I had questions and needed answers.
I can't compare this book to any other on the subject because it is the only one I have read. I have also used on-line sources to answer questions, but all-in-all, it's a pretty good reference to getting started.
Book Description
A plain-English guide to teaching phonics. Every parent can teach reading—no experts need apply!
Too many parents watch their children struggle with early reading skills—and don't know how to help. Phonics programs are too often complicated, overpriced, gimmicky, and filled with obscure educationalese. The Ordinary Parent's Guide to Teaching Reading cuts through the confusion, giving parents a simple, direct, scripted guide to teaching reading—from short vowels through supercalifragilisticexpialidocious. This one book supplies parents with all the tools they need.
Over the years of her teaching career, Jessie Wise has seen good reading instruction fall prey to trendy philosophies and political infighting. Now she has teamed with dynamic coauthor Sara Buffington to supply parents with a clear, direct phonics program—a program that gives them the know-how and confidence to take matters into their own hands.
Customer Reviews:
Depends on what you are looking for..........2007-10-04
If you are looking for a book to help you with a basic outline of all the phonics rules your child will need to know then this is a great resource. It works great as a reference guide and is well organized.
If, on the other hand, you are looking for an engaging curriculum or one where you don't have to do much extra work, then I would suggest you look elsewhere.
The author has intended the book to be easy to use (which it is) with little to no preparation needed (and it isn't), but it will be the rare child whose attention can be kept by this curriculum without other added games and exercises. There are a few games here and there, but it is definitely a rarity in this book.
My 3.5 year old daughter was really interested in learning to read and so I bought this book to help me teach her. We skipped the lessons on letter sounds and started in with the blending lessons. She went along with it for a while, but eventually she became very bored and didn't want to do it anymore. She did, however, still want to learn to read and was reading everything she could at her level. Luckily, I feel confident in following her lead and teaching in a relaxed, natural way (Thanks Ruth Beechick!) so this book has been a valuable tool in helping me to see what she knows and what she still needs to learn. We've played some phonics games and I've made my own magnets with words that she's learning so that we can "write" sentences to each other on the refrigerator. It's working out great!
I strongly believe that each child has his/her own timetable of when they are ready to learn to read. It is usually sometime between 3 and 8 years of age. Pushing a child to learn to read before his/her brain is ready for it will effectively ruin their love for reading and learning. Watch for signs that your child is ready and simply follow his/her lead. If you are spending time with your child daily you'll know when to start moving forward and at what pace.
Last note - for additional ideas for a reading curriculum try Reading Reflex, Phonics Pathways, or Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons. Or just follow your child's lead and answer their questions when they ask!
PLEASED.......2007-08-24
I started this book right after 100 Easy Lessons by Siegfried(loved it) and followed up with Parent's along with Spelling Workout A.
Upon completing 100 Easy Lessons she was able to read most 1/2 easy readers but we needed to fill the gap with spelling rules and just plain old practice.
This combination has given my 6 year old daughter such confidence. She is picking up books and tackling them head on because she has the tools to do so. We are on Lesson 155 and half way through Spelling Workout A and she loves it.
I think the spelling program along with the reading fuels the learning process.
I absolutely love this book because it is repetitive enough to build confidence and it weaves review throughout the book so there is a continuous strand of practice all along the way.
Works for my daughter.......2007-08-23
This book is great; I wish I'd had it when my daughter was in kindergarten, rather than after. There are some parts that are probably over her head, but seeing it now and being introduced to it will make it that much easier for her later. My daughter is now 6 and starting first grade. We do a lesson or 2 a day and she is a very willing participant. I see great improvement in just the month we've been working with this book.
Simple and Effective .......2007-07-01
There are many positive things I could say about this book, such as, it was simple, straight forward, uncluttered and effective. The BEST thing I think I can say, though, is that it took my child from a non-reader to reading on a third grade level in just one year. IT WORKS!
Great tool to teach reading.......2007-04-04
At first glance the book looked very technical but after reading through it, I found it to be very useful and have started to teach my 4 year old and he caught on amazingly quick. I highly recommend this book either to supplement your childs education or for homeschooling.
Book Description
Writing is a magical realm of expression that allows children to come to terms with the joys and pains of daily living. It is a way for them to explore the inner self. A few words, a few sentences glow on a page like a little crayon drawing. It is an expression of personal vision, a perception of the world as the child sees it. It is also a permanent record of experience--words and sentences holding and keeping the essence of a moment in language. In this delightful and engaging book, Dr. Harvey S. Wiener shows how parents can encourage their children to write with a home program that can be used from preschool through high school. As Dr. Wiener explains, such a program begins with the building of attitudes and moves through simple, varied, and practical experience with the written word. By setting up an atmosphere in the home that encourages creative written expression, coupled with a parent's guidance in writing (guidance that often falls short in many schools), children will gain an outlook on writing that will build confidence in their abilities to use language. Children learn by imitation, and there are countless opportunities for a child to watch an adult performing simple writing tasks everyday. For example, lists are some of the most accessible day-to-day writing activities. Dr. Wiener shows that children of any grade level can work with an adult to put together a list: for family groceries, the next birtday party, a list of toys to take on a visit to Grandma's. And, as the child grows older the list can be adapted to his or her own interest and needs: a schedule of activities for after school, or a list of expenses to keep track of weekly allowance or money earned babysitting. Other enjoyable and easy writing experiences are room signs (Peter's Room), labels affixed to objects throughout the child's bedroom (window, closet, desk), birthday notes to parents, brothers, and sisters that can be displayed on the refrigerator, table, or bedroom door, and, with a home computer, children can make signs for every holiday and celebration (Happy Thanksgiving, Happy Anniversary). Dr. Wiener goes on to offer ideas on how to use riddles, games, and rhymes to build vocabulary, and how to use a small child's crayon drawing as an inspiration for his or her first written communication. Children love words, says Dr. Wiener; they are natural storytellers. In general, however, their writing skills seem to be getting poorer. This is due in part to to television, movies, tape and disk players, and other technological advances. Dr. Wiener insists that this can be overcome. Parents are a child's best teacher, and this wonderful book shows just how simple it is for a parent to help their child draw upon ordinary experiences and put them down on paper. He offers helpful hints for working with a child on homework, an entertaining list of one hundred ideas for writing at home for all ages, a special parents' refresher guide to the basics of grammar in clear, simple language--so parents can spot mistakes--and a reading list for young readers and their parents. Written in a warm and engaging style by a renowned educational authority, Any Child Can Write will allow parents to instill positive attitudes toward writing in any child. Encouraging a child to write is giving the gift of communication. This fascinating book will help parent's give the gift of a lifetime.
Customer Reviews:
I wouldn't suggest this book.......2004-04-22
I recently bought this book, and then promptly returned it. The opening line of the preface is an unclear, run-on sentence, which concerned me right from the start, and the book is generally overwritten, devoid of proper punctuation, and repetitive. As a result, I feel that using this book to teach writing might be like getting your cat to teach you how to swim. My family did have fun suggesting alternative titles before settling on "Any Child Can Write As Well As Me Do".
A great addition to the home library.......2003-11-25
As a home schooler of seven plus years, we have been using the suggestions and ideas in this book for the past couple of years and have found them most effective. Our children enjoy the activities and I have noticed an improvement in their writing skills which I am sure is due, in part, to these activities. The book itself is a very easy read and I would highly recommend this book to anyone. It's a great resource for those just beginning home schooling and, for those already established, provides some new ideas to add to their programme. For those not home schooling it will assist parents who are eager to help their children improve their writing skills. Well done Mr Wiener and thank you!
Great Writing Advice and Ideas.......2000-02-17
Descriptive, creative expression is the focus of Wiener's book. He gives many concrete examples of how to improve the quality of one's writing. This book is full of fun activities to encourage lively, precise writing--yet it has none of those ghastly, contrived writing assignments.
Instead the author states: "A better synonym for creative writing is 'autobiography.' Those countless moments in an individual's life--brief, intense stretches of time--stud a child's day and glitter in his mind like diamonds long after the moments pass. By recalling those moments of experience through sensory language--specific, exact, sharply drawn--the young writer can practice the vital skills of writing. ...you should mine the riches of experiences in every child's world, riches for the pen or pencil to transform into record."
My children refer to the lists of tips I copied from "Any Child Can Write" as they write about their experiences, or a book they read, or a painting they studied. The lists help them write a description of a place or person or event. They also use more descriptive vocabulary as they write about a photo to place in their scrapbook. We find our writing has improved from our time with Mr. Wiener.
Wonderful addition to the home library..........1998-05-21
As a homeschooling mother, this book has been a great addition to our home library. It's not one of those books that I spent money on just to have it sit on my bookshelf taking up precious space. The simple exercises and helpful ideas have become the backbone of our home writing program. This book is much less expensive than investing big money in a complete writing curriculum. The ideas in this book would also provide easy supplemental writing activities for parents to do with non-homeschooled children, as well.
Amazon.com
This ambitious reference guide lives up to its name. Practically three inches thick--and we're not talking large print here--it's packed with titles, ordering information, and Web site addresses. From where to send away for a kit to make your own Chilean rain stick to how to order a set of Elizabethan costume paper dolls, the book connects families to a world of learning possibilities. Book titles, short synopses, authors' names, publishers, and years of print make up the bulk of the guide. Classics such as The Cat in the Hat and Curious George share billing with lesser-known titles like Stone Fox, the story of a legendary Indian dog-sled racer. Every entry appears with recommended ages and an icon that shows whether the item is a book, computer disc, or video; an outstretched palm denotes hands-on materials. Most of the resources seem to have been test-driven by the author and her three homeschooled sons. Rebecca Rupp, a former scientist who has been teaching her kids at home for more than 10 years, peppers the guide with anecdotes about her children's experiences in various subject areas, much of it drawn from the family's extensive journals. Along with books, magazines, and kits for reading, math, writing, science, and history, a considerable amount of space is given to computer and television resources, as well as "life skills," a broad category that includes everything from etiquette and carpentry to sewing and sex education. Like a Yellow Pages guide to knowledge, The Complete Home Learning Sourcebook belongs on the shelf of anyone looking for new ways to spark a child's imagination. --Jodi Mailander Farrell
Book Description
This exhaustive and comprehensive sourcebook provides parents and teachers with information on all the resources needed to plan a well-balanced curriculum for the home or the classroom, from preschool through high school. The Complete Home Learning Sourcebook not only covers basic academic subjects--the three R's--but also addresses interests that are off the beaten path of public school curricula, such as paleontology and meteorology. Thorough and up-to-date, this invaluable resource reviews all possible learning tools:
Arranged by subject, including "Philosophy," "Life Skills," and "Electronic Media," the sourcebook's organization and succinct and insightful entries make it a breeze to use. Icons next to the entries denote the format and intended age group of each resource. Whether readers are looking for the best way to explain relativity or Egyptian mummification, The Complete Home Learning Sourcebook opens the door to a whole new universe for teaching and learning.
Books
Videos
Magazines
Catalogs
Timelines
Kits
Hands-on activities
Board games
CD-ROMs
Educational Web sites
Customer Reviews:
So blessed I found this!.......2007-04-07
I am so blessed to have purchased this book early in our homeschool experience. They weren't very many formal cirriculum packages I liked, but everyone I knew was using them. Now what? I found this book and I am able to build my entire cirriculum around the contents! Our library has most of the books I need, or can be lent from another library. It has helped our budget TONS! This is a purchase you will not regret!
When she says COMPLETE.......2007-03-02
she means complete. It is a great book to follow and use as reference for your homeschooling experience.
Needs to be updated.......2007-01-06
It needs to be updated big time. A lot of recommended resources on the internet no longer exist and some recommended books are not recommended by the amazon customers. I have a 2 year old and I want to get ready to home school my child, but seems like this book will be so much out of date by the time he becomes 10 years old!
excellent resource book - update needed.......2006-10-26
This book provides lot information for every subject and age group. The author uses personal experiences to emphasize that each kid learns in his own way. She makes good suggestions based on what would work for which type of child and why.
However, after a few years, I realize there have been new resources created that are not in this book. My son's favorite Beestar math was found in google search. So, I think it's time for the author to update the book, especially to cover the emerging online resources.
Overall, this is probably the best book in this area. I recommend it.
Favorite resource of this veteran homeschooler!.......2005-09-14
Rebecca Rupp is inspiring. The pages and pages of resources include books, films, science kits, board games,coloring books and more. We homeschool very eclectically and I love the way she thinks outside the box! This book gets more use at my house than any other homeschool guide or materials catalog. The one drawback is that it is getting a wee bit dated- and some internet links no longer work. I'd also love to see her include in an updated version some of the programs we've been very happy with, such as Story of the World and Singapore math.
Book Description
Homeschooling moms and dads can be overwhelmed by the demands on their time. Between their children’s educational needs; their roles as spouse, parent, and more; and their own individual desires and goals, these mothers and fathers struggle to accomplish all that must be done. In Help for the Harried Homeschooler, experienced homeschooler, author, and mother of four Christine Field offers sound advice for parents who want not only to achieve homeschooling success but also to reach a balance in their lives.
Customer Reviews:
One of the best books out there.......2007-08-14
for the harried homeschool. I love this book. Christine field has a way of making homeschool seem like a cool breeze and something that doesn't have to be worriesome.Lots of encouragement can be gleened from this book.
It helped this harried homeschooler.......2006-07-30
This book is very well written. The organization is superb, the ideas fresh and practical and the humor engaging. I really like the author's writing style and the personal stories she shares. She covers a wide variety of topics and actually gets down into them, instead of mentioning that they exist and wishing you the best at figuring it out. I came away feeling like a) I wasn't alone, b) I could do this because c) the book gave a lot of wonderful advice and how to apply it.
Several reviews mentioned that they didn't like the 'Christian' perspective. While not fundamentalist, I am Christian. I don't agree with some of the statements or expressions used, but I respect the author's right to write what she chooses. I felt in no way did the Christian statements detract from the book.
This book is a valuable resource. I have recommended it to other struggling, harried homeschoolers and will continue to do so because I feel it is one of the few homeschooling books I've read that really works.
Beware Non Christian Homeschoolers.......2006-04-22
As I am often a harried homeschooler, the title of this book caught my eye. There was nothing on either cover that suggested it was written from a Christian point of view. I absolutely don't think there is anything wrong with being a Christian, but we all weave that into our daily lives (and homeschooling) in differing amounts. This writer is high up on the weaving scale! I don't mind some references to prayer and God, but find it distracting to have it on every page. I just want to get down to the nitty gritty of "Balancing Your Child's Education With the Rest of Your Life". A non-Christian person will definitely not like this book.
One of the best I've read.......2003-12-31
This book is indeed from a Christian viewpoint, and it literally touched me on a soul level. I found myself laughing at times, and close to being choked up at times as well. Christine is a brilliant writer with a touching wit. I received this book as a gift two days ago, and have honestly not been able to put it down. I finished it this morning and am grateful for the insights it provided me. I highly recommend this book!
Great book - like a good friend!.......2003-07-15
I'm buying my own copy so the library can keep their copy for others to read! It's one of the best books for homeschoolers on the market!
To Andreaadam - most Christian homeschoolers don't separate those two aspects of their life - we usually make Christ the center of our homes and the learning that takes place therein.
To Sandship - everything I've ever read on the subject shows that the majority of homeschoolers are Christian so you can assume that most homeschooling books such as this are from a Christian viewpoint.
Book Description
Many families choose to homeschool their children when they realize that they are more advanced than their classmates. Some parents have already made the homeschooling choice for other reasons. Regardless, homeschooling parents need challenging material to teach their gifted children. Students who learn at home will use this book to build on their already solid base of language arts and math skills as they prepare for the challenges of high school and beyond. This book brings together advanced skills practice for Math, Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, Writing, Grammar, and Spelling targeted specifically for the middle school student. Clear, straightforward, and engaging, parents find the lessons and practice questions to be the perfect supplement for standard middle school textbooks.
Customer Reviews:
Great for gifted kids and non-traditional learners!.......2002-11-01
This book is full of great, original ideas for teaching gifted kids at home. There's helpful information for determining whether and how your child is gifted, but for me, the most useful part was the language arts exercises themselves. There is a wide range of ideas, writing topics, and suggestions for projects -- they all lend themselves very well to adaptation for different skill levels and learning styles. It's been a great resource and is my favorite supplement to the English textbooks we use with our kids.
Book Description
This personal look at the lives of 15 homeschoolers between the ages of 17 and 22 examines life after homeschool and offers insights into the effects of homeschooling as these students reenter the mainstream. Featured are interviews with young adults of varying backgrounds, along with their parents, who explain why they chose the homeschooling path, what homeschooling philosophy they followed, and what the future may hold. The result is a revealing glimpse into what this older generation of homeschoolers is like and how they may change the world in which they live.
Customer Reviews:
A really inspiring read.......2003-06-12
I finished this book in a day; the reason I couldn't put it down is because the stories it contains are just very inspiring to read. It is very wonderful to read about these awesome young people, and the success of their homeschooling lives. It is a nice collection of differing homeschooling types, ie. secular, religious, structured and unstructured. It is a good book to read for those who may doubt their ability to keep their children out of school through high school. Before reading this book, my close friend suggested high school would be a good place to send my son, and after he read it he made a 180 degree turnaround in his opinion! If you have a family member who is a thorn in your side in regards to homeschooling, this is a must read for them, as well as for anyone else who is already very familiar with homeschooling.
Customer Reviews:
Different versions different bindings.......2006-12-13
I just wanted to let others know that the picture above shows the 1988 version which IS spiral-bound. The other customer photo is of the 1995 version which is NOT spiral-bound; it's just a regular paperback bound book. I have yet to notice any difference between the two versions, and honestly, I don't know why they wouldn't do the newer version in a spiral bound. I love the fact that its spiral bound for the exact reason that other reviewer mentions...I can lay it open flat or fold it back to keep it open to one page.
A Pleasure to Teach At Home.......2006-08-15
This is the most complete, inexpensive book on the market for preschool and kindergarten. Ann Ward's guide gives day by day lessons with a wonderful, Biblical focus. She covers every aspect of education from the spiritual to the physical and is thoughtful in her consideration of the average mom's resources. The library references are nearly exhaustive and her tips are invaluable. You cannot buy a better book to begin your homeschooling experience!
Very helpful!!.......2005-07-30
I used this for my oldest two children (now 9 and 10)and now again 5 years later for my next 2 in line. We loved it. It was a very well rounded, easy guide to follow. You can pick and choose what you want to use but there were tons of ideas. Probably more things than you can do realistically. Field trip ideas were fun and helpful. I lent this to several people and now need to purchase another. (...) They are a great resource for Christian homeschooling curricula at the lowest prices I've seen. Happy schooling!!
Charlotte Mason/ Classical/ Christian..look no further .......2005-03-15
I have owned this book for 4 years now and as each year goes by I find myself going back to it. Coming from pure classical to christian based to charlotte mason, this book has something for all.
One who is familiar with Saxon maths morning meeting will know exactly what the math memorization/calendar time looks like. In addition to this math time, Ward includes oral or manipulative based lessons without worksheets or with homemade ones.
An advocate of Charlotte Mason would appreciate the short 10 min lessons. Ward incorporates "narration" each week by having the child dictate a summary of Fri's field trip. Copywork is a regular part of the child's lessons.
My favorite part is the K section. This section is equivalent to a full year of Saxon Math 1 and Writing Road to Reading. Ward takes the child thru section K of Ayres list and explains the methodology of the WRTR program so well, that the original text is not needed. And other than a desire for workbook pages, I would forgo an additional math text.
I agree that a second year of the daily lessons could be boring, especially for the parent. One could wait to do the program in K or use different library books each week the second go around ( she lists plenty of choices). BUT for someone with a K and a PreK child, there is no better program.
Great book!.......2004-08-13
I stumbled upon this book at a thrift store and LOVE it! It is much easier to follow than most books I've purchased. Step by step instructions, plenty of reading material listed that you can find at most libraries, fun make-it-yourself activities. Loved the notebook that you keep to show their work and progress. Nothing negative what-so-ever to say! I worked in the public school system (elementary) for 6 years, but am homeschooling my own now. This fits perfectly! And it's very easy to supplement with the reading program and math program I'm using (The Reading Lesson and Pre-Math-It.) This curriculum has just made my planning SO much easier!
Books:
- Mother Angelica's Little Book of Life Lessons and Everyday Spirituality
- Nectar in a Sieve (Signet Classics)
- Nemesis: The True Story of Aristotle Onassis, Jackie O, and the Love Triangle That Brought Down the Kennedys
- No Easy Answers: The Learning Disabled Child at Home and at School
- Nurture by Nature: How to Raise Happy, Healthy, Responsible Children Through the Insights of Personality Type
- Parents as Partners in Education: Families and Schools Working Together, Sixth Edition
- Promoting Health And Emotional Well-being in Your Classroom
- Questions For My Father: Finding The Man Behind Your Dad
- Raising a Sensory Smart Child: The Definitive Handbook for Helping Your Child with Sensory Integration Issues
- Raising Your Spirited Child: A Guide for Parents Whose Child Is More Intense, Sensitive, Perceptive, Persistent, Energetic
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
- Cracking the AP Economics Macro and Micro Exams, 2006-2007 Edition
- The Ethnic Cleansing of Palestine
- Impending Crisis: Too Many Jobs, Too Few People
- Lodges: the Faithful
- Public Policy Analysis: A Political Economy Approach
- The Complete Calvin and Hobbes
- Smoke, Sound & Fury: The Civil War Memoirs of Major-General Lew Wallace, U.S. Volunteers
- Euro: Impact and Reality
- Insatiable Is Not Sustainable
- A Short History of the Wolf in Britain
Family Activities
| Parenting & Families
| Subjects
| Books
Teaching Montessori in the Home: Pre-School Years: The Pre-School Years (Teaching Montessori in the Home)
Teach Me to Do It Myself: Montessori Activities for You and Your Child
Basic Montessori: Learning Activities For Under-Fives
How To Raise An Amazing Child the Montessori Way
Montessori Read & Write: A Parents' Guide to Literacy for Children
Health o Meter HDC100-01 "Grow with Me" Teddy Bear Scale for Babies and Toddlers
Braun IRT 4020 ThermoScan Ear Thermometer
