Behind the Wheel Chinese (Mandarin), Level 1: Learn to Speak Mandarin Chinese Quickly and Easily! (8 One Hour CDs)

Behind the Wheel Chinese (Mandarin), Level 1: Learn to Speak Mandarin Chinese Quickly and Easily! (8 One Hour CDs)
Average customer rating:

Excellent Supplement

Excellent! CD 1 and Beyond

Good for listening comprehension and practice

Great Course - Multi-Track - 2 Native Speakers

Out of the Box Creativity - Very Effective

Behind the Wheel Chinese (Mandarin), Level 1: Learn to Speak Mandarin Chinese Quickly and Easily! (8 One Hour CDs)
Mark A. Frobose
Manufacturer: Language Dynamics Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio CD

Chinese | Instruction | Foreign Languages | Reference | Subjects | Books
General | Homeschooling | Education | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
General | Books on CD | Audiobooks | Formats | Books
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ASIN: 1893564452

Book Description

At last a Mandarin CD course which requires no reading and which teaches you to actually speak Mandarin Chinese in a minimum of time and effort. Designed by the experts at Language Dynamics, 'Behind The Wheel Chinese For Your Car' takes the learner from basic to intermediate level Mandarin without the guesswork and pain usually associated with language learning. An expert English speaking instructor talks you through these tapes in English while 2 trained professional native Mandarin speakers teach you Chinese the way it is really spoken! Behind The Wheel Chinese For Your Car is the ideal way to learn Mandarin Chinese while you drive because there is no confusion, no reading, no looking up meanings, and no guessing. It's all on the CDs. Use your commute time to effectively learn Chinese with this delightful course whose method will have you speaking your first words in Mandarin within minutes of receiving your course, and enjoying it. The product has superb clarity of voices and exudes a spontaneity which makes learning Chinese fun. You'll be thrilled with the fast and easy to learn design of the course, beginning with the immediate gratification you feel when you conclude your first one half hour session with the CDs speaking sentences in Mandarin that Chinese speakers understand 10 minutes later on the street. You'll be amazed at the 'natural' way you just seem to pick up Chinese without having to learn grammar or reviewing. No need to go back. It's all 'built in' the course. Just imagine the thrill of being able to express what you really feel in Mandarin in 100 different ways because you know own a Chinese linguistic blueprint, a template that you can manipulate over and over again in different and personal ways while increasing your fluency in Mandarin. What' s more, you will also learn to speak in the past, present and future along with idioms all in the same course.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent Supplement.......2007-05-16

The most important thing to remember when purchasing this pack is that these CDs are for beginners, NOT novice speakers. People who have had some training with Chinese in the classroom or self-study may be able to pick up and use this CD pack, but the information is presented too rapidly (and there is too much presented at once) to be good for initial acquisition.

I would give it 5 stars, but there is no clear advertising about this product. If I had some information about the rapid pace and the target audience, I probably would not have purchased this set. It will, however, be a useful set once I've mastered some basic phrases.

Excellent! CD 1 and Beyond.......2006-06-16

The 'good' doesn't stop with CD1. It's just beginning.
I notice no difference between the approach used in 'Behind the Wheel Chinese/Mandarin' and other Behind the Wheel courses I have used.
CD 2 and beyond evolve sentence building, tenses, expressions,
and tons of vocabulary that they teach you how to assemble.
Great course.

Good for listening comprehension and practice.......2006-05-06

This audio set is very useful for getting an idea of how things are pronounced natively, and some slight variations on those pronunciations. However, it would not be a good idea to start here, as it relies heavily on memory. However, a good accompanying set to any books and courses.

Meant to be listened to, not to replace study while not driving.

Great Course - Multi-Track - 2 Native Speakers.......2006-03-24

I tried Pimsleur's Chinese (Mandarin) (Instant Conversation) and returned it because it didn't have multi-tracks, they presented too little vocabulary and the the course was 'rigid'.
I prefer the method in Behind the Wheel Chinese because there are multi-tracks
(very important for in-car language learning), a good memory technique and great original sentence formation exercises that get you speaking Mandarin from the get-go.

Out of the Box Creativity - Very Effective.......2006-03-12

As a foreign language professor, I must say that I have experienced my fair share of learning technologies.
I am originally from France and I speak several languages fluently. I have tried everything from the direct method to ALM including TPR (Total Physical Response).
Until recently, Mandarin Chinese was not one of the language I spoke.
Now, in grand part thanks to Behind the Wheel Chinese, I do speak a good deal of conversational Mandarin.
The method is highly effective I believe because it is structure to be simple and yet compounding at the same time.
By 'compounding'' I mean that you can use variations of the sentence structure forms that you learn in different way and thus magnify your communication without having to learn a lot of vocabulary.
This means that even a small fund of vocabulary, say 100 words can give you the ability to express yourself quite effective in a number of situations and even create your own communication quite easily.
I give this wonderful method and course 5 stars. And I am hard to please, believe me.

The Story of the World Volume 2: History for the Classical Child (Story of the World: History for the Classical Child (Audio))

Average customer rating:

Very convenient "teaching" tool
My eight year old really enjoyed this

The Story of the World Volume 2: History for the Classical Child (Story of the World: History for the Classical Child (Audio))
Susan Wise Bauer , and Barbara Alan Johnson
Manufacturer: Open Texture
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio CD

General | History & Historical Fiction | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Books on CD | Audiobooks | Formats | Books
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The Story of the World: Activity Book Two: The Middle Ages
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The Story of the World: History for the Classical Child, Volume 2: The Middle Ages: From the Fall of Rome to the Rise of the Renaissance, Revised Edition ... the World: History for the Classical Child)
The Story of the World: History for the Classical Child: Volume 1: Ancient Times: From the Earliest Nomads to the Last Roman Emperor, Revised Edition (Story ... the World: History for the Classical Child)
Story of the World, Volume 1: Ancient Times Audiobook CD: From the Earliest Nomads to the Late Roman Empire, Revised Edition (7 CDs)

ASIN: 0974239119

Book Description

A new Audiobook edition of Susan Wise Bauer'ss acclaimed children'ss narrative history, read by stage and voice actress and veteran homeschool mother Barbara Alan Johnson. This spirited reading of the first in Susan Wise Bauer'ss four-volume series brings to life the stories and records of the peoples of ancient times.

Customer Reviews:

Very convenient "teaching" tool.......2005-09-06

My 12 year old son loves listening to the CD. He doesn't even consider it school work and I would guess that he is learning a whole lot more than he would from a text book. It is a wonderful overview of history.

My eight year old really enjoyed this.......2005-08-31

and details about the medaeval world have filtered through his conversation ever since he listened to it. He also begged me to buy the next series.

100 Top Picks For Homeschool Curriculum: Choosing The Right Curriculum And Approach For Your Child's Learning Style

Average customer rating:

homeschool curriculum reviewing
OK
Too much info
A must read, especially for the new homeschooler.
This Book is a "Top-Pick" for Choosing Homeschool Curriculum

100 Top Picks For Homeschool Curriculum: Choosing The Right Curriculum And Approach For Your Child's Learning Style
Cathy Duffy
Manufacturer: B&H Publishing Group
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Education | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Curricula | Education | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Home Learning Year by Year: How to Design a Homeschool Curriculum from Preschool Through High School
Mary Pride's Complete Guide to Getting Started in Homeschooling
The First Year of Homeschooling Your Child: Your Complete Guide to Getting Off to the Right Start
The Ultimate Book of Homeschooling Ideas: 500+ Fun and Creative Learning Activities for Kids Ages 3-12
The Complete Home Learning Source Book: The Essential Resource Guide for Homeschoolers, Parents, and Educators Covering Every Subject from Arithmetic to Zoology

Accessories:

Health o Meter HDC100-01 "Grow with Me" Teddy Bear Scale for Babies and Toddlers

ASIN: 0805431381

Book Description

The key to successful home education, homeschool veterans will tell you, is determining your educational philosophy and marrying it to your child's learning style. Then you can make an informed decision in choosing the right educational curriculum for the child. This is the formula for success.

In 100 Top Picks for Homeschool Curriculum, homeschool guru Cathy Duffy can help you accomplish these critical tasks. Cathy will give you her top choices from every subject area, approaching everything through a Christian worldview perspective. This book is a critical volume for the homeschooling community.

Customer Reviews:

homeschool curriculum reviewing.......2007-07-28

This book is very complete and categorized so that the types of curriculums can be found easily.

OK.......2007-06-23

At first, I really appreciated this book. I'm very new to homeschooling. Trying to cobble together a worthwile curriculum for my young son when I had no idea what all was out there was very daunting so when I found this at the library quite by accident, I was excited. Finally, I thought, I will learn more about the various programs, curriculm, etc. that was available to help me make a more informed choice. While I have settled on a Waldorf base, I was also interested in Charlotte Mason and Montessori among others. My son is a very hands on learner, a Wiggly Willy if you will. I was pondering the notion of ordering this because there was more information than I could absorb in only three weeks, especially with four children to chase after and trying to move residence. I noticed the Christian overtones but that's ok. I did like the ideas of putting quotes on the fridge to learn (it didn't have to be a bile verse), etc. I also don't mind the Bible. There are a lot of moral issues that everyone would do good to read and learn by. However, I started to get a little upset towards the end of chapter 2. She was talking how there is religion and spirituality in all aspects of learning, intentional or not. That didn't bother me too much because for the most part it's true. Ones spirituality directly colors your views of life and those around you, especially how you learn. I do believe in God, or a higher power if you will. I do believe that we were all created although not quite to the extent of the views in Creationism. However, this quote quite offended me: "In literature texts and readers we often find folk tales of various pagan gods that show us how each of the gods "blessed" those who followed their instructions. The implication is that all "gods" are created equal. Those same texts probably include no stores about the one true God, and certainly none that imply He is the only one we should obey." This offended me because although I do believe there is a God, I also believe that there is a Goddess. Everyone needs a helpmate and there are always two sides of a coin to balance it all out. I also believe that all the different names for Him in all the different cultures, all are describing the same power. I am on a Pagan path but I don't mind some Christian influence in my children's learning. Just as I don't mind several other religions in the mix. I'm a Unitarian and we embrace all religions as equal. I was expecting a book that told me of all options out there, but for this to be the most comprehensive book of curriculum, it needs to include all of the best, regardless of whether it had a Christian view or not. There were also several curriculum and programs that I had heard about and wished to learn more but were hardly mentioned, if they were there at all. If you are new to homeschooling, and you want curriculum with a Christian base, this is an excellant book and a must have. Even if you want a non religious base, there is still some great info on the products available, and I did like most of the chapter helping to choose what type of style best fit me and my child and to identify what area's are best for me to focus on. Even if you don't want a Christian based curriculum, this would be a good book to look at so you could get a good idea of what you may or may not want or need. I was hoping to add this to my small library of slowly growing homeschool books, but in the end I was glad that I checked this out at the library and saved my very small budget for something that I can actually use.

Too much info.......2007-06-21

I bought this book so when I went searching for curriculum I wouldn't be so overwhelmed. I'm more overwhelmed now. Plus there really is no discussion on web based schools such as K12 or The Grace Academy.

A must read, especially for the new homeschooler........2007-06-13

This is a VERY helpful book. I am easily overwhelmed by the shear number of curriculum choices and this book helped narrow my range of choices based on learning styles. The descriptions of the reviewed materials are quite helpful. The author also suggested writing a Philosophy of Education, which really clarified the direction I wanted to take with the education of my children. I highly recommend this book, but make sure you read the introductory chapters and answer the questions/write your own philosophy for your family; otherwise, I don't think it will be as beneficial.

This Book is a "Top-Pick" for Choosing Homeschool Curriculum.......2007-05-31

I purchased this book 2-weeks ago and have used it cover to cover! I will have a first grader and kindergardener next year. It is very helpful and has some great suggestions for curriculum. I have been doing kindergarden with my 5-year old daughter this year and we used an all-in-one curriculum (or "umbrella" as Duffy calls it). Snore! It is 3/4 workbooks and she "hates" it. That is not what I wanted for our start into homeschooling. So I went back to the drawing board.

The book begins with encouraging you to start with goal setting. Besides your state's requirements(if applicable), what do you want your child to learn? How do you want to run your homeschool? Then she explains the philosophies/methods of education such as, Charlotte Mason, Classical, Unit Study, Eclectic mix and traditional textbooks. She also covers "Umbrella" programs (those that sell complete curriculum packages such as Calvert). She leads you through detailed questions and charts to help you put together your philosophy of education so that you can narrow down your curriculum choices. The coverage of homeschooling methods is not as exhaustive as Mary Pride's Mary Pride's Complete Guide to Getting Started in Homeschooling book, but it still is very comprehensive. I already knew that I liked the Classical Method, along with Charlotte Mason, and Unit Studies methods and her guide helped me to find curriculum that incorporates all three!

Then she covers learning styles and learning modalities. I have a "wiggly willy" and a "sociable sue" (at least this year). As Duffy cautions, this may change as the children grow and develop. These learning styles are not meant to be labels, but rather to help you pick curriculum that will hold the interest of your child. She gives advice on teaching to your children's strenghts no matter what their learning style.

Duffy then puts all the information you've learned about yourself and your children into review charts and rates them by product. It's hard to explain on paper, but using a rating of 1 to 5, she rates products across categories such as learning style, whether parent instruction is needed, for one or multiple students, how much writing, how much prep time, whether it is grade-level specific or can be used for multiple grades (important if you have more than one child that are different ages and want to teach them at the same time), ease of teacher use, if a teacher's manual is necessary or not useful, whether it supports Charlotte Mason's philosophy, supports Classical education and whether it is suitable for Protestant, Catholic or Nonsectarian. Yes, it is comprehensive and it cuts to the chase! If you like Unit Studies, you want Christian curriculum, and you have a Wiggly Willy - look for 4's and 5's under those categories in the boxes beside each product. If you don't want a lot of prep time, look for 1's and 2's. I got my highlighter out and highlighted the 4's and 5's under the categories important to me and that weeded out the rest and showed the products that I needed to review.

The categories of curriculum covered are: Phonics, Reading and Literature; Mathematics; Language Arts: Grammar and Composition; Language Arts: Spelling and Vocabulary; History/Social Studies; Science; Unit Studies; Foreign Language (a few); Miscellaneous (like art, health, logic and umbrella programs). The chart also gives the page number to the review of that product.

The rest of the book is the actual reviews of the top 100 picks. In the reviews she tells you what is included with the product, which grade levels the product covers, some have how long the studies should take (especially in the unit studies), as well as what she likes about the product. She even tells you what she thinks the drawbacks of the product are if there are any in her opinion.

The bottom line, is this is a very useful book, but most especially if you are a Christian. The coverage is definitely more toward Protestant products, but there are Catholic and nonsectarian options as well. So far I have ordered Five in a Row unit studies and Media Angels science books. I'm very excited about this school year. We will keep the boring workbooks to a minimum this time! I chose a different phonics program (a vertical phonics program from TATRAS) but other than that, my picks will be from this guide. I also recommend reading Mary Pride's book and Rebecca Rupp's Home Learning Year by YearHome Learning Year by Year: How to Design a Homeschool Curriculum from Preschool Through High School. Happy Homeschooling!

The Shame of the Nation: The Restoration of Apartheid Schooling in America

Average customer rating:

Gross inequality in today's public schools
Re-Segregation
Not Kozol's Best
A compelling story, but no solutions
segregation

The Shame of the Nation: The Restoration of Apartheid Schooling in America
Jonathan Kozol
Manufacturer: Three Rivers Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Discrimination & Racism | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

General | Education | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Policy | Education | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

General | Education | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
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Letters to a Young Teacher
Radical Possibilities: Public Policy, Urban Education, and A New Social Movement (Critical Social Thought)

ASIN: 1400052459
Release Date: 2006-08-01

Book Description

Over the last 15 years, the state of inner-city public schools has been in a steep and continuing decline. Since the federal courts began dismantling the landmark ruling in Brown v. Board of Education, segregation of black children has reverted to its highest level since 1968. In many inner-city schools, a stick-and-carrot method of behavioral control traditionally used in prisons is now used with students. Meanwhile, as high-stakes testing takes on pathological and punitive dimensions, liberal education has been increasingly replaced by culturally barren and robotic methods of instruction that would be rejected out of hand by schools that serve the mainstream of society.

Filled with the passionate voices of children, principals, and teachers, and some of the most revered leaders in the black community, The Shame of the Nation pays tribute to those undefeated educators who persist against the odds, but directly challenges the chilling practices now being forced upon our urban systems by the Bush administration. In their place, Kozol offers a humane, dramatic challenge to our nation to fulfill at last the promise made some 50 years ago to all our youngest citizens.

Customer Reviews:

Gross inequality in today's public schools.......2007-10-07

I knew inequality existed in our public schools before I read Kozol's book. I am in a teacher education program and I have done my own research on this subject. I have read Kozol's "Ordinary Resurrections"; I have been aware of his work for a few years.

It is time for the way public schools are funded to change. It will continue to be impossible to provide the same quality of education to all of the students availing themselves of public education in the United States. If someone is unsure of the validity of this statement, read "The Shame of the Nation." Kozol brings the reality of the disparity of our school system into stark relief. His experience puts real faces on the picture of disparity he has witnessed. The public school system isn't working for everyone, it's not set up to work for everyone, and it's time to get the word out.

Re-Segregation.......2007-09-26

You must read this book if you are a teacher in the urban American public school machine. This book is especially helpful for those who have not been exposed to cultural groups other than the white-dominant-privileged middle/upper class. You will not believe that these social injustices occur in our so called "democracy."

Not Kozol's Best.......2007-05-30

I wasn't as moved by this book as his others. The book worked hard to make its major point- schooling in America is becoming more and more segregated. It also pushed funding as the answer, almost ignoring others. Worth the time, but not a classic as Savage Inequalities was.

A compelling story, but no solutions.......2007-04-24

In The Shame Of The Nation: The Restoration of Apartheid Schooling In America, Jonathan Kozol writes a convincing argument of the resegregation of children's schools in America. Although his argument is compelling, he leaves the reader feeling helpless because of his lack of solutions to the problem.

Kozol used experiences and stories from his own teaching at schools and from his visits to poor minority schools as evidence for his argument. His work at segregated schools and his experience of resegregation in schools, showed that he has been around for a long time, which proves his wisdom and knowledge. He has brought credibility into his data. He also does not attempt to slander anyone in particular or point at someone to blame for the entire problem. His use of narratives and vignettes of different characters made his story interesting and easy to read. He seemed very honest and reliable because he talked to kids and teachers who gave him their opinions from which he based his evidence upon.

Kozol's accounts and experiences were very eye-opening for me considering I grew up in a middle class area. His research made me look back and examine my own public school experiences, where I had not realized that segregation still existed. Kozol is very successful in convincing the reader that America still faces segregation to this day.

However, as the book came to an end he had yet to provide any solutions for ending segregation in America's public schools. He easily criticized government funded programs and attempts towards reform, but neglected to say what the government could specifically do in order to solve the problem. His negative outlook on their attempts made me feel hopeless that anything could be done. Kozol believed that educational reformers were headed in the wrong direction, but then what is the right direction? This is where Kozol lacks in explanation. If America is taking the wrong turn, then where do the students, teachers, principals, and parents go from here.

segregation.......2007-03-19

This has been a eye opening book for me. Before I read this novel, I had no knowledge there was such a wide gap between schools attended by more minorties versus schools in more middle or upper middle areas. Kozol has established a convincing argument that there needs to be an end to segregation in our school system and a change in the way schools are administered. After reading this book you cannot help but feel sorry for the millions of children who are being left behind despite other efforts.
I recommend reading this book to everyone who lives in the United States; to discover what is happening in our country because many of us have little understanding of what is occuring, even in the same school district. It is an insightful look at our educational system and I look forward to reading more from Jonathan Kozol.

The Story of the World: Activity Book One: Ancient Times

Average customer rating:

Excellent multi-age resource
What a wonderful way to teach kids history!
Great Time Saver
I Wish I'd Bought This Sooner!
An excellent resource

The Story of the World: Activity Book One: Ancient Times

Manufacturer: W. W. Norton & Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Education | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Preschool & Kindergarten | Education | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

General | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

The Story of the World: History for the Classical Child: Volume 1: Ancient Times: From the Earliest Nomads to the Last Roman Emperor, Revised Edition (Story ... the World: History for the Classical Child)
First Language Lessons for the Well-Trained Mind
The Kingfisher History Encyclopedia
The Well-Trained Mind: A Guide to Classical Education at Home, Revised and Updated Edition
The Story of the World: Activity Book Two: The Middle Ages

ASIN: 0971412952

Book Description

This comprehensive activity book and curriculum guide contains all you need to make history come alive for your child!

Don't just read about history—experience it! Color a picture of a Minoan bull-jumper, make a model of the Nile River, create Roman armor and Celtic jewelry and more. Designed to turn the accompanying book The Story of the World, Volume 1: Ancient Times into a complete history program, this Activity Book provides you with comprehension questions and answers, coloring pages, lists of additional readings in history and literature, and plenty of simple, hands-on activities—all designed for grades 1-4.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent multi-age resource.......2007-10-07

The Story of the World: Activity Book 1: Ancient Times: From the Earliest Nomads to the Last Roman Emperor, Third Edition

This activity book is filled with review questions, map activities, coloring pages, and hands-on activities that kids from kindergarten through upper elementary school would enjoy. Some of the activity ideas are the messy or physical type that kids love, and some are cleaner and calmer. My homeschooled kids look forward to history, because the text and activity books draw them into the action.

What a wonderful way to teach kids history!.......2007-09-25

We homeschool our 5 and 6 year old children. We haven't had a real history book yet, but I wanted to try sparking interest in history for them early. When I read Susan Wise Bauer's "The Well-Trained Mind" a guide for classical education at home, she suggested this book so I checked the reviews.

I just bought the first volume, but will be buying the rest of them as we go forward. I think the activity book is an absolute MUST HAVE to accompany the book. My kids have been interested in the way she writes, they remember the stories well, and I especially appreciate the pronounciation guide she gives in the back of the book. I couldn't begin to pronounce some of these names or places-thank goodness for the extra "help".

I look ahead to the next chapter and reserve the books at our library that she recommends to supplement that lesson. That way, there are other resources to amplify their learning. I love the review questions, maps, and coloring pages. It gets my 5 year old involved too.

All of Susan Wise Bauer's books are wonderful. I just keep adding to my collection. Most of all, the kids are loving their education at home-with me!

Great Time Saver.......2007-06-29

I guess we could all put together enough coloring and activities to go along with Story of the World Vol. 1, but some of us have other things to do. My kids enjoyed the activities. We certainly didn't do all of them and we tended to go with the more hands on. The Nile Delta was a big hit as was the pyramid. The instructions were simple enough to be adapted if we needed to do that... I see that as a plus. My kids are not into coloring, but there were plenty of other ideas to choose from. I am sure that your kids might get bored if you had them do EVERY SINGLE THING, but as a former classroom teacher, I recognize a resource that is well thought out and designed to appeal to a variety of learning styles.

I Wish I'd Bought This Sooner!.......2007-06-21

We bought "The Story of the World" book one last year, but didn't buy the activity book until this year. Big mistake! Although our girls were enjoying listening as we read aloud from the book, adding the activities has made it so much better. There are coloring pages about each chapter for them to work on while we read and then fun activities and games when they are done. We've made simple costumes in under 10 minutes, paper dolls, photo copied and played the board games, and read through the review questions. The review questions really help us to know how much they understood from the chapter. Our whole family is learning so much about history!

An excellent resource.......2007-05-17

I bought the workbook for my 9-year-old daughter, to go alone with the "textbook" and it's been an informative and interesting addition to our homeschooling library. I've even used some of the worksheets (the maps in particular) with my older son. Bauer included a lot of helpful information on ways to integrate the lessons into larger activities. It is well-organized and very useful.

The Teenage Liberation Handbook: How to Quit School and Get a Real Life and Education

Average customer rating:

it changed my life
How to bring up a "Theory Y" Individual
Read it First
I read this when I should have been doing my math homework...
Interesting and over-reaching ideas

The Teenage Liberation Handbook: How to Quit School and Get a Real Life and Education
Grace Llewellyn
Manufacturer: Lowry House Pub
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Careers | People & Places | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

School & Education | Reference & Nonfiction | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Guerrilla Learning: How to Give Your Kids a Real Education With or Without School
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Homeschooling: The Teen Years: Your Complete Guide to Successfully Homeschooling the 13- to 18- Year-Old (Prima Home Learning Library)
The Unschooling Handbook : How to Use the Whole World As Your Child's Classroom
Dumbing Us Down: The Hidden Curriculum of Compulsory Schooling

ASIN: 0962959170

Amazon.com

You won't find this book on a school library shelf--it's pure teenage anarchy. While many homeschooling authors hem and haw that learning at home isn't for everyone, this manifesto practically tells kids they're losers if they do otherwise. With the exception of a forwarding note to parents, this book is written entirely for teenagers, and the first 75 pages explain why school is a waste of time. Grace Llewellyn insists that people learn better when they are self-motivated and not confined by school walls. Instead of homeschooling, which connotes setting up a school at home, Llewellyn prefers "unschooling," a learning method with no structure or formal curriculum. There are tips here you won't hear from a school guidance counselor. Llewellyn urges kids to take a vacation--at least for a week--after quitting school to purge its influence. "Throw darts at a picture of your school" or "Make a bonfire of old worksheets," she advises. She spends an entire chapter on the gentle art of persuading parents that this is a good idea. Then she gets serious. Llewellyn urges teens to turn off the TV, get outside, and turn to their local libraries, museums, the Internet, and other resources for information. She devotes many chapters to books and suggestions for teaching yourself science, math, social sciences, English, foreign languages, and the arts. She also includes advice on jobs and getting into college, assuring teens that, contrary to what they've been told in school, they won't be flipping burgers for the rest of their days if they drop out.

Llewellyn is a former middle-school English teacher, and she knows her audience well. Her formula for making the transition from traditional school to unschooling is accompanied by quotes on freedom and free thought from radical thinkers such as Steve Biko and Ralph Waldo Emerson. And Llewellyn is not above using slang. She capitalizes words to add emphasis, as in the "Mainstream American Suburbia-Think" she blames most schools for perpetuating. Some of her attempts to appeal to young minds ring a bit corny. She weaves through several chapters an allegory about a baby whose enthusiasm is squashed by a sterile, unnatural environment, and tells readers to "learn to be a human bean and not a mashed potato." But her underlying theme--think for yourself--should appeal to many teenagers. --Jodi Mailander Farrell

Customer Reviews:

it changed my life.......2007-08-29

After reading this book at the age of 17, I got a GED, went to community college, and now hold a Master's in English. As a highschool student I had a 1.7 GPA and as a graduate student my GPA was a 3.8. I have Grace Llewellyn to thank.

This book gave me the courage to step away from public school and follow my own path. I realized how much energy I was wasting rebelling against a system I could just walk away from.

God bless Grace Llewellyn.

How to bring up a "Theory Y" Individual.......2007-08-08

According to Douglas McGregor, an uber-famous professor from MIT's sloan business school, a person can be viewed in two ways. 1st way is externally-directed known as "theory x." 2nd way is self-directed known as "theory y." (In learning circles, "unschooling" can be equated with "theory y." )

This book's methods are for those who see a young person from a "theory y" viewpoint. It's the rare teacher, principal, or guidance counselor who views a student as "theory y." The demands and pressures put on them by the school-system itself tends to make them and even their students hold a "theory x" viewpoint. (Private school-systems are no better than their public counterparts in this regard. This reader's contact wtih private school-system educators has been contact with those who believe "theory x" to pretty much the only credible viewpoint.)

I read this book and it does provide a lot of good pointers on how to "unschool" a teenager. This reader has some reference to judge methods on how to school a teenager. This reader has taught public high-school courses for nearly a year as a long-term sub.

Read it First.......2007-07-25

I liked this book - but I am a 43 year old mother. For anyone who has put bright, interesting kids into the school system it is a validation of how poor our school system is. I would urge parents to read it first or simultaneously.

I read this when I should have been doing my math homework..........2007-07-12

and absolutely loved it! This book is helping convince my mom to let me leave school to get on with my life already! I highly reccomend this book to anyone who is not too happy with the school system. The author lists several reasons school is damaging (and I mean several chapters' worth of reasons), things to do when not in school, how to go to college if you never went to school (if you so desire), and how to get a job (easier than you thought.) Buy this book if you want to be set free!

Interesting and over-reaching ideas.......2007-07-11

I can see why this book appeals to so many young people: it's written with unhappy students in mind. One of the reasons that this book appeals to so many people is that it simply confirms what they already believe. That kind of reading is always very comforting and appealing--but is it good for us?

I'm not sure that I buy into the product that Llewellyn is selling; that is, that we can teach ourselves better than others can do it for us. The process of seeking out mentors is slightly addressed in her book, but what about seeking mentors in fields that perhaps we don't immediately have a love for? There is value in learning things we didn't think we needed to learn from people we didn't think we'd like.

Still, I do think that high schools do a disservice to a number of young people by requiring a certain number of credits in subjects and assigning grades. Llewellyn does make some interesting points regarding this and other issues that could work for some strongly self-directed and independent students.

Overall, I think the book contains some interesting ideas that would appeal to the average student, but the over-generalizations sink many of her arguments.

Home Learning Year by Year: How to Design a Homeschool Curriculum from Preschool Through High School

Average customer rating:

Good Guide
Awsome Reference!!!
Great Book For Homeschoolers
Home Learning
Must have for any homeschooler

Home Learning Year by Year: How to Design a Homeschool Curriculum from Preschool Through High School
Rebecca Rupp
Manufacturer: Three Rivers Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Education | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

The Complete Home Learning Source Book: The Essential Resource Guide for Homeschoolers, Parents, and Educators Covering Every Subject from Arithmetic to Zoology
The Ultimate Book of Homeschooling Ideas: 500+ Fun and Creative Learning Activities for Kids Ages 3-12
100 Top Picks For Homeschool Curriculum: Choosing The Right Curriculum And Approach For Your Child's Learning Style
The First Year of Homeschooling Your Child: Your Complete Guide to Getting Off to the Right Start
The Unschooling Handbook : How to Use the Whole World As Your Child's Classroom

Accessories:

Braun IRT 4020 ThermoScan Ear Thermometer

ASIN: 0609805851

Book Description

Finally, homeschoolers have a comprehensive guide to designing a homeschool curriculum, from one of the country's foremost homeschooling experts. , Rebecca Rupp presents a structured plan to ensure that your children will learn what they need to know when they need to know it, from preschool through high school. Based on the traditional pre-K through 12th-grade structure, Home Learning Year by Year features:

The integral subjects to be covered within each grade
Standards for knowledge that should be acquired by your child at each level
Recommended books to use as texts for every subject
Guidelines for the importance of each topic: which knowledge is essential and which is best for more expansive study based on your child's personal interests
Suggestions for how to sensitively approach less academic subjects, such as sex education and physical fitness

Customer Reviews:

Good Guide.......2007-08-25

This book offers a good guide for someone new to homeschooling or maybe interested in the idea. If you are not certain what your child will need or where to begin this book will get you started.

Awsome Reference!!!.......2007-07-23

If you want to build your own curriculum or just want to know what your kids need to know for each grade than this is your book!

Great Book For Homeschoolers.......2007-06-23

I have read a lot of books on homeschooling. This book is by far one of the best books for educating your children at home. It breaks everything down not only by subject, but also by grade. There are many great resources and ideas given in this book. If you are new to homeschooling or would like a idea of what is taught grade by grade, this is the book for you. Thank you so much to this great author.

Home Learning.......2007-04-10

I first checked this book out from the library after deciding to pull my children from the public school system. I loved the book so much that I bought it. It lists everything that children should know by grade level and even gives some resources...and some are free! Some of the resources listed can be found at the local library, which also adds up to free!Without this book I would be lost on what my children should be learning. This book has made all of the difference in my children's learning schedule. If you are homeschooling this book is great!

Must have for any homeschooler.......2007-03-31

I have been home schooling for three years and never really thought about using any guides or books to assist me. However, with my two eldest entering middle school stage and my youngest just starting out, I realized that I needed help! This book is exactly what I needed. It helped me to see what my kindergartener was suppose to know before she began first grade level and also gave me a great bench mark for where my older children should be.

Added to that, I have spend many wasted hours on-line and in bookstores trying to find suitable text and workbooks which are appropriate for home school settings. Many times I have wasted money by buying books or teaching tools which I think will be useful, only to find that they are not. I know that this will never happen again now I have this book as my guide. It gives recommendations for text-books, workbooks and curriculum, appropriate to grade level. In September, I have two children going into grade 8, one into grade 4 and one into first grade. This book is solely responsible for making me absolutely prepared for the whole school year for the first time since I began home schooling! If you are a homeschooler, new or experienced, this book is definitely required reading!

Montessori Play And Learn: A Parent's Guide to Purposeful Play from Two to Six

Average customer rating:

Informative & practical, easy-to-implement activities!
Great intro book
great for moms, teachers, etc
A Good Read For Parents
Excellent Montessori resource for the home

Montessori Play And Learn: A Parent's Guide to Purposeful Play from Two to Six
Lesley Britton
Manufacturer: Three Rivers Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Family Activities | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books

School-Age Children | Parenting | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books

General | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books

Pedagogy | Education | Nonfiction | 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

Accessories:

Health o Meter HDC100-01 "Grow with Me" Teddy Bear Scale for Babies and Toddlers
Braun IRT 4020 ThermoScan Ear Thermometer

ASIN: 0517591820
Release Date: 1992-12-29

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.

The Well-Trained Mind: A Guide to Classical Education at Home

Average customer rating:

A great guide if you are a first-time homeschooler
Wonderful Resource- the "bible" for classical education.
A wealth of information...
the "Bible" for homeschoolers
Great for those considering non-religious Homeschooling

The Well-Trained Mind: A Guide to Classical Education at Home
Jessie Wise , S. Wise Bauer , and Susan Wise Bauer
Manufacturer: W. W. Norton & Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Education | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Parent Participation | Education | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

School-Age Children | Parenting | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

First Language Lessons for the Well-Trained Mind
The Story of the World: History for the Classical Child: Volume 1: Ancient Times: From the Earliest Nomads to the Last Roman Emperor, Revised Edition (Story ... the World: History for the Classical Child)
The Story of the World: Activity Book 1: Ancient Times: From the Earliest Nomads to the Last Roman Emperor, Third Edition
The Kingfisher History Encyclopedia
The Ordinary Parent's Guide to Teaching Reading

ASIN: 0393047520

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).

What Your Sixth Grader Needs to Know: Fundamentals of a Good Sixth-Grade Education (Core Knowledge Series : Resource Books for Grades One Through Six,)

Average customer rating:

Excellent Resource...
MTEL saver
Fine Arts of this book only
A great basic for adding to your child's education at home
Absolutely Essential!

What Your Sixth Grader Needs to Know: Fundamentals of a Good Sixth-Grade Education (Core Knowledge Series : Resource Books for Grades One Through Six,)
E.D. Jr Hirsch
Manufacturer: Delta
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Education | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

General | Parenting | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

What Your Fourth Grader Needs To Know - Fundamentals Of A Good Fourth-grade Education
What Your Fifth Grader Needs to Know, Revised Edition: Fundamentals of a Good Fifth-Grade Education (Core Knowledge Series)
What Your Fifth Grader Needs to Know: Fundamentals of a Good Fifth-Grade Education (Core Knowledge Series)
What Your Third Grader Needs to Know (Revised Edition): Fundamentals of a Good Third-Grade Education (Core Knowledge Series)
What Your Second Grader Needs to Know: Fundamentals of a Good Second Grade Education Revised (The Core Knowledge Series)

ASIN: 0385314671
Release Date: 1995-07-01

Book Description

Grade by grade, these groundbreaking and successful books provide a solid foundation in the fundamentals of a good education for first to sixth graders.

B & W photographs, linecuts, and maps throughout; two-color printing.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent Resource..........2007-07-17

I really enjoyed this book. This is a must for parents and teachers of a 6th grader (the grade level really does not matter). Categories covered are Language Arts, Geography/World & American Civilization, Fine Arts, Math, and Natural Sciences. What an excellent resource with key fundamentals in one book.

MTEL saver.......2007-01-10

This is a great book with a wealth of information for upcomming teachers who have to take the teacher tests (this is how I found out about it). There is knowledge from standard English through music and the arts. It covers everything and is great for anyone looking to increase their knowledge of education.

Fine Arts of this book only.......2005-09-09

This book was recommended to study for the CSET test for teacher licensing. I only bought this book to study for the Fine Arts and Music Section of the test. It is very easy to read, however, it is not a revised book like for grades 1 to 4. The reason I say this is because in the visual arts section, the paintings are not in color. I had difficulty trying to understand the lingo of art without seeing the color. Plus I am not a fan of art.

On page 239, the author talks about an African-American artist Henry O. Tanner and when the author writes "it would easy to imagine a story by looking at it"...I looked at it and still didn't understand the story. How can a regular person who has no experience in art be able to understand a painting?

On the same page, the author writes "light filetering in from the left makes a bright glow behind their heads, so that we tend to pay attention to this part of the painting." When I first look at the painting (black and white) I didn't notice the glowing heads...I noticed the father and son playing the banjo because they were only ones in black and white in the center of the picture! Many people have different ways of seeing art and how can an author says that "we tend to pay attention to..."?

A great basic for adding to your child's education at home.......2005-09-06

I found this book and all of the Core Knowledge Series books to be very helpful. They allow parents to see what their child should be getting in each grade and add to the classroom education at home if needed. These books are full of common sense! My daughter has been in public elementary school as well as a private Episcopal Day School and the books are helpful in both circumstances.

Absolutely Essential!.......2002-11-11

This book has completely educated me on what my eleven-year old son needs to know for his 6th year. I have read the book and can say that if everyone in the country knew everything in this book we would all be better off. As a matter of fact, I know very few adults that know one quarter of what is in this book. This has motivated me to add this to my son's daily routine. We work it together and have wonderful mom-son time alone. A book you can't do without!

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