Rating: 
Summary: A great, great resource for homeschooling families...
Review: Actually I'd give it 4 1/2 stars but Amazon won't let you do that!
I found this book very very helpful and I've had good feedback from other parents who have borrowed it. The book is set up so that subject by subject parents can get advice and ideas about what and how to teach. There are links to many VERY good and well researched websites provided for each subject. After a year I'm still finding links listed in the book that I'd like to visit. I was a little disappointed that more resource books weren't mentioned. This book is most useful for those with a computer. Our family (we've homeschooled for 13 years now) uses online information much less than we use the library though we are very computer literate. Having more library resources would be helpful.
Rating: 
Summary: A book worth buying
Review: Actually I'd give it 4 1/2 stars but Amazon won't let you do that!
I found this book very very helpful and I've had good feedback from other parents who have borrowed it. The book is set up so that subject by subject parents can get advice and ideas about what and how to teach. There are links to many VERY good and well researched websites provided for each subject. After a year I'm still finding links listed in the book that I'd like to visit. I was a little disappointed that more resource books weren't mentioned. This book is most useful for those with a computer. Our family (we've homeschooled for 13 years now) uses online information much less than we use the library though we are very computer literate. Having more library resources would be helpful.
Rating:
Summary: A great, great resource for homeschooling families...
Review: Although many of the website links listed in this book were no longer in use, I still give this book 5 stars because the information provided inside led me to finding websites and ideas I might never have found otherwise. If you want to find "free" ways/methods of homeschooling, this book just may lead you down the right path. I first learned about the Charlotte Mason method of teaching in this book and am now following the principles of this method. If you are like my family and don't want to spend countless dollars on fancy curricula but want to give your family a solid education at home or supplement your child's formal education, this book just may lead you to some wonderful places.
Rating:
Summary: Awesome
Review: As a parent just beginning to research the world of homeschooling, this book is an awesome place to start. I believe it will be one reference I will use often. It has tons of great informantion.
Rating:
Summary: Awesome
Review: As a parent just beginning to research the world of homeschooling, this book is an awesome place to start. I believe it will be one reference I will use often. It has tons of great informantion.
Rating: 
Summary: My Kids Actually Use the Book!
Review: Authors receive a few gratis copies of the books they write. When my copies arrived from the publisher, the kids immediately snagged books for themselves and started going through the text. OK, sure, they wanted to see how many times they could find their own names ... but then they started asking for highlighters, so that they could mark subjects they wanted to study and sites they wanted to go visit! Happy day! My kids are still excited about learning, but now, with books in hand, they can take charge of their own academic progress! Writing this book was great fun. Although I'd already been using free resources to teach my kids, when I sat down to compile them all in an organized manner, I was astounded to discover thousands more terrific, FREE curriculum and teaching resources for children of every age. No matter how you teach -- whether it's school at home, child-led learning, or complete unschooling -- you'll find resources here to fascinate your children and educate your entire family. I know WE did! (By the way: You need never worry about the book going out of date. So long as this edition is in print, owners will have unlimited access to our companion Web site, with a regularly updated database of reviews and links to thousands of homeschooling resources.) ---------- CONTENTS HOMESCHOOL HOW-TO'S * Introduction to Homeschooling * Why We Homeschool * Internet Safety * Teaching Tips * Motivators * Dealing With Difficulties -- Infants during homeschool, and other problems, solved * Legal issues * Testing -- standardized tests, test-taking skills, performance evaluation, assessment testing * That "Socialization" question * E-mail lists * Newsgroups, message boards, forums, bbs, chat * Pen pals, support groups, collaboration, and other socialization and support opportunities CURRICULUM CORE * Placement testing -- Discover your child's reading, math and other levels * Lesson plans for multiple subject areas, Unit Studies * Worksheets * Unit Studies * Field trips, educational activities, events * Preschool curriculum, E.C.E., school prep. * Special Education -- gifted, handicapped * Unschooling "curriculum" -- including encouraging hobbies and interests EDUCATION ESSENTIALS * Community and School Service * Library and Media * Listening - Absorbing and processing information * Logic and Critical Thinking, critical evaluation. * Reference materials * Researching and Reporting - How to gather, organize, and present information. * Study skills * Values, Standards, Morality, Expectations LANGUAGE LITERACY * Etymology and linguistics * Grammar, usage and punctuation * Literature - Comprehension and appreciation * Reading Skills - Phonics, word attack, comprehension * Speaking - Effective oral communication, Speech and Debate * Spelling * Vocabulary - Developing and expanding word knowledge. * Written Expression - Expository, fictional and critical writing. (Compare to Grammar, where you'll find usage and style guides, and Literature.) MATHEMATICS MASTERY * Basic mathematics * Pre-algebra * Algebra * Geometry * Computer math, engineering (See also: Technology/computer science) * Calculus * Trigonometry * Statistics ART APPRECIATION * Art History and Appreciation * Crafts * Design (including architecture and interior design) * Drawing * Painting * Sculpture and ceramics * Visual Arts - photography, graphic arts HISTORY HIGHLIGHTS * American History - The study of the history and institutions of the United States of America. * American West * Ancient & Medieval History * Family History/Genealogy/Personal History * Modern American History * Religious History (includes comparative religions) * State History * World History - The study of the history and institutions of world civilizations. MUSIC MARATHON * Composition: Improvising, composing, reading and notating music. * Music Appreciation: Listening to and analyzing music, music history * Musicianship: Learning to play musical instruments * Vocal music: singing, choir, chorus SOCIAL STUDIES SKILLS * Anthropology, including sociology, and covering ancient and modern cultures and social groups. * Civics/American Government - The study of the complex of political institutions, laws, and customs through which the functioning of government is carried out. * Current Events - The events of the day that affect the way in which people live. * Economics - The study of the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. * Geography - The study of the earth and its life to include the physical, economic, political and cultural factors that have affected each. * Multicultural education, covering minority groups in North America. * Psychology * Social problems, integrating modern world affairs and international studies. HUMANITIES HOME * Dance and performance art * Drama and film * Foreign Language * Journalism * Philosophy SCIENCE SCHOLARSHIP * Anatomy, genetics * Archaeology and Paleontology * Astronomy/The Universe and aviation * Biology/Life Sciences - The study of Living Systems * Botany/Agriculture * Chemistry * Earth Processes/Earth Science/Geology * Ecology/Environmental education/Oceanography * Physics/Physical Science - including the study of Matter and Energy, Force and Motion * Scientists, inventors, history of science/science careers * Technology/computer science * Zoology -- Animal studies HEALTH HANDBOOK * Community health: hygiene, medical issues, disease control and prevention. Drug Education and substance abuse * Human growth and development, reproduction, and aging * Mental health: knowledge of self and others, self-esteem and other mental health issues * Nutrition: Food science, nutrition and diet * Physical Education: fitness, sports and athletics * Safety: Home safety, highway safety, emergency first aid GRADUATION GUIDANCE * COLLEGE: Advanced Placement * College Testing/GED * Financial Aid: Loans, scholarships, grants * General admissions information, definitions, introduction to college * University and college search, comparisons, ratings CAREER (resources available online) * Career Planning and Exploration * Starting Work: Resumes, part-time jobs, employment * Business, commerce HOME MANAGEMENT (resources available online) * Financial Planning and Investing * Home Economics -- cleaning, cooking, maintenance and repair, sewing, cooking, gardening, etc. * Parenting, Infant and Child Care * Marriage and Relationship Skills APPENDIX: Suggested Curriculum -- Recommended scope and sequence for providing a comprehensive education to children at all ages.
Rating:
Summary: The biggest library/laboratory in the world
Review: Homeschool Your Child for Free The subtitle of this book is: "More than 1,200 Smart, Effective, and Practical Resources for Home Education on the Internet and Beyond." Those three words: "smart, effective, and practical" describe the reasons you should own this book! This is one homeschool investment that will pay off the first time you use it. Author LauraMaery Gold has provided a wealth of resources on such topics as language literacy, mathematics mastery, art appreciation, history highlights, music, social studies, humanities, science and health. In addition, she has crafted this book in such a way that there are multiple messages for both the novice and the veteran homeschooler. I just love the way she weaves storytelling of the very fabric of homeschooling life into her carefully selected resources. The hands-on, practical nature of her advice creates a complete homeschooling handbook, not just a reference book. Included are quotes and recommendations from actual homeschooling families, screen shots of sample web sites, a section on "the socialization question", and hundreds of "the very best" internet links, legal guidelines, and complete curriculum plans. From the back of the book: "For families who want to splurge on education but scrimp on spending ... The Internet is an open door to the biggest library/laboratory the world has ever seen--and it's all at your fingertips for free! This never-ending source of information, adventure, and educational experiences for the entire family is now compiled in a complete curriculum for any age in _Homeschool Your Child for Free_." (Note from the author: By the way: You need never worry about the book going out of date. So long as this edition is in print, owners will have unlimited access to our companion Web site with a regularly updated database of reviews and links to thousands of homeschooling resources.) Courage! Marji
Rating:
Summary: The biggest library/laboratory in the world
Review: Homeschool Your Child for Free The subtitle of this book is: "More than 1,200 Smart, Effective, and Practical Resources for Home Education on the Internet and Beyond." Those three words: "smart, effective, and practical" describe the reasons you should own this book! This is one homeschool investment that will pay off the first time you use it. Author LauraMaery Gold has provided a wealth of resources on such topics as language literacy, mathematics mastery, art appreciation, history highlights, music, social studies, humanities, science and health. In addition, she has crafted this book in such a way that there are multiple messages for both the novice and the veteran homeschooler. I just love the way she weaves storytelling of the very fabric of homeschooling life into her carefully selected resources. The hands-on, practical nature of her advice creates a complete homeschooling handbook, not just a reference book. Included are quotes and recommendations from actual homeschooling families, screen shots of sample web sites, a section on "the socialization question", and hundreds of "the very best" internet links, legal guidelines, and complete curriculum plans. From the back of the book: "For families who want to splurge on education but scrimp on spending ... The Internet is an open door to the biggest library/laboratory the world has ever seen--and it's all at your fingertips for free! This never-ending source of information, adventure, and educational experiences for the entire family is now compiled in a complete curriculum for any age in _Homeschool Your Child for Free_." (Note from the author: By the way: You need never worry about the book going out of date. So long as this edition is in print, owners will have unlimited access to our companion Web site with a regularly updated database of reviews and links to thousands of homeschooling resources.) Courage! Marji
Rating:
Summary: Excellent resource for all Parents !!
Review: I initially found this book in the local library and liked it so much, I had to purchase it. It has valuable information for all families regardless of whether or not you homeschool. Tons of websites and tips.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent resource for all Parents !!
Review: I initially found this book in the local library and liked it so much, I had to purchase it. It has valuable information for all families regardless of whether or not you homeschool. Tons of websites and tips.
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