The Successful Homeschool Family Handbook

Rating:
Summary: better titled the succesful UNSCHOOLING family handbook
Review: After reading the first few chapters of this encouranging book I realized, with relief, that I can homeschool my children. Not only that, I am now confident that they will be the better for it. Thank you Dr. and Mrs. Moore.

Rating:
Summary: A BOOST OF CONFIDENCE TO HOMESCHOOLING PARENTS
Review: After reading the first few chapters of this encouranging book I realized, with relief, that I can homeschool my children. Not only that, I am now confident that they will be the better for it. Thank you Dr. and Mrs. Moore.

Rating:
Summary: Info based on stereotypical information - not research
Review: For example, William Sidis is described as 'burned out', or unbalanced. At the time of his death - his friends did not think that he was either. He wasn't. He rejected capitalism, for that he is remembered, even in new books - as unbalanced. This author did not do research.

Rating:
Summary: Worth Reading
Review: I almost didn't finish this one. In the opening pages, the authors assert that without using their method, one will burnout. In spite of my irritation, I continued to read. The method the book goes on to describe is a combination of service to others (you know, work), prioritizing relationships over academic achievment, and waiting to begin formal academics until the child is really ready(the author's criteria seem mysterious and unknowable.) Pretty common sense stuff. They present a large number of personal testimonials, some of which I identified with and some not(it does take all kinds of people to make a world.) The book is worth reading for Ch.40, "History's Wise Lessons for Educators". It is a fairly encouraging and supportive manual, with comprehensive advice on just about every aspect of homeschooling. The original assertion that theirs is the only way weaves it's way throughout the book, which would be annoying except that, this couple was promoting homeschooling a generation before most of todays homeschool moms and dads were born. Their point of reference was extensive work in the field of education in the schools from elementary to college level. So, as annoying as the tone was, I am glad to have gained the point of view of such highly educated and experienced mentors.

Rating:
Summary: Worth Reading
Review: I almost didn't finish this one. In the opening pages, the authors assert that without using their method, one will burnout. In spite of my irritation, I continued to read. The method the book goes on to describe is a combination of service to others (you know, work), prioritizing relationships over academic achievment, and waiting to begin formal academics until the child is really ready(the author's criteria seem mysterious and unknowable.) Pretty common sense stuff. They present a large number of personal testimonials, some of which I identified with and some not(it does take all kinds of people to make a world.) The book is worth reading for Ch.40, "History's Wise Lessons for Educators". It is a fairly encouraging and supportive manual, with comprehensive advice on just about every aspect of homeschooling. The original assertion that theirs is the only way weaves it's way throughout the book, which would be annoying except that, this couple was promoting homeschooling a generation before most of todays homeschool moms and dads were born. Their point of reference was extensive work in the field of education in the schools from elementary to college level. So, as annoying as the tone was, I am glad to have gained the point of view of such highly educated and experienced mentors.

Rating:
Summary: almost burned out homeschool mom from Utah
Review: I have been homeschooling for three years now, and I realized awhile ago that I had brought "school home" instead of homeschooling. This book gave me confidence to wait until my children are ready (one daughter is 7 and can read, but not well and she does not enjoy it) to even teach the basics. My son (10 yrs. old) hated to read, but backing off and not pushing him helped a great deal, and now he enjoys reading. This book is an excellent help in avoiding burnout. Homeschooling has become enjoyable again and the atmosphere of our home has changed drastically. Dr. Raymond and Dorothy Moore have much expertise in their field, but they have also experienced much of what they teach. They have a great website
Rating:
Summary: better titled the succesful UNSCHOOLING family handbook
Review: I have read many, many homeschool books and this is by far the worst I have read.

This book is so clearly about unschooling that the title should most definitely be changed. They recommend NO formal instruction whatsoever until 8, 10 even 12 years of age! At the point that formal instruction does begin, they insist only very little drill or workbook work.

This book is full of catalyst arguements and written in an extremely condescending fashion. Consider this quote " When we send our very young children off to school...is there a more pervasive from of child abuse today?"

Also, there is no room for discussion of what works and doesn't work. "The best methods, as represented in this book, bring the best results". How arrogant! Every child is different and has different responses to different curricula, how ridiculous to assume that the Moore's view of what works is THE best.

Stewardship, discipleship and other statements of faith appear regularly. I'm glad that works for the Moore's, but not everyone homeschools for religious reasons and I do not appreciate their idea of religion being force fed me through the pages in this book.

Rating:
Summary: Not great but not awful
Review: I think this book must be able to hit someone well. I think if your just starting out, Christian and sort of interested in unschooling this might be a good book for you. Unfortunatly for me I have been homeschooling awhile and found this book a waste of my time. I don't like how they tell you to be wary of curriculum companies and people trying to sell you things but in the next sentence they are pushing "their way" on you. A little two faced for me. But I did walk away with some good information so it wasn't a total waste. I have read worse books on homeschooling that is for sure.

Rating:
Summary: If you're questioning your ability to homeschool, READ THIS!
Review: If I could recommend one and only one book to anyone either looking into homeschooling, or struggling with homeschooling, this would be it! This book helped me see that we as parents are more than capable of homeschooling our children successfully. It gave me the absolute confidence to do it, and to stop worrying about what everyone else thinks. Dr. and Mrs. Moore cover every question that you might have from "what to tell the neighbors" and "What if all I have is a high school education" to "What if my child is handicapped or has a learning disability." By the time you're through reading this you will have the confidence not just to answer the questions people ask you but also not to be intimidated or question yourself everytime you are confronted by critics. Besides just the confidence, the Moores teach you (with studies to back it up, and real life family stories as testomonials) how you can avoid just doing "school at home" and instead "homeschool". They give you study after study, and reason after reason, to let the rigid classroom structure and workbook method go out the window, and instead replace it with the loving and relaxed (and enjoyable!) way to teach your children even more successfully at home. I feel indebted to this book,and these authors, for the enjoyable and stress-free education I'm able to give my children at home!

Rating:
Summary: Don't Homeschool Without This Book!
Review: New to homeschooling? Experienced and burning out? Trying to determine your philosophy of home schooling? Doubting your ability to teach your kids? Wondering what kind of education it takes to create a genius? Anxious over the expense of home schooling your kids?

This book covers it all, and is worth looking at again and again for encouragement and a sense of direction. The Moores, a God-fearing, beautiful old couple, are amongst the most noteworthy home school pioneers in home education. Mrs. Moore was a teacher herself, and Dr. Moore and she have conducted lots of research regarding early education and learning styles.

Find out how to apply the Moore Formula for good education in your family. This is a balance of academic learning, work, and community service.

If you've never had a chance to meet the Moores, don't miss your chance if they are in your area. Read this book and you'll yearn for more. Note: they are featured on Sky-Angel satellite, "Home Grown Kids" if you have access.

Note: I have no affiliation with the Moore Foundation and I wasn't asked to write this review. I just love the Moores and what they've done for me, my family and home schooling in this nation.

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