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Rating: 
Summary: A very good book. . .
Review: . . .which was a significant encouragement for our family in our decision to homeschool, although we ultimately chose a different system. In this volume, Dr. Clark gives solid and specific advice about how to begin homeschooling, how to enlist the support of others, how to make one's faith active in homeschooling, etc.There are also informative sections on single-parent homeschooling, homeschooling disabled children (though I felt that the author of the chapter on disabled children has possibly "bought" too much into the tendency of modern society to label everything a "disability"), and legal aspects of homeschooling. What cost this book a star is the dated material. The computer information is virtually useless, and even the legal situations have changed significantly around the country. I would be very much in favor of a "revised edition" reflecting these changes. All in all, though, an extremely helpful book.
Rating:
Summary: A very good book. . .
Review: . . .which was a significant encouragement for our family in our decision to homeschool, although we ultimately chose a different system. In this volume, Dr. Clark gives solid and specific advice about how to begin homeschooling, how to enlist the support of others, how to make one's faith active in homeschooling, etc. There are also informative sections on single-parent homeschooling, homeschooling disabled children (though I felt that the author of the chapter on disabled children has possibly "bought" too much into the tendency of modern society to label everything a "disability"), and legal aspects of homeschooling. What cost this book a star is the dated material. The computer information is virtually useless, and even the legal situations have changed significantly around the country. I would be very much in favor of a "revised edition" reflecting these changes. All in all, though, an extremely helpful book.
Rating:
Summary: My handbook
Review: Hmmmm, I wonder if the person who called the suggested material "mediocre" has ever tried any of Seton's curriculum? It is a personal review true, but I have taught Seton's materials for 2 years now and can hardly agree there is anything "mediocre" about what K. Clark suggests in her book. Also this book is a good guide for helping the Catholic mom incorporate daily Catholicism in the home. Her reminder that a cross should be present somewhere in the home is exactly the sort of thing we don't hear enough of these days. A mom is overtaxed in the memory department sometimes and so I find Clark's reminders refreshing. True it could be updated a bit, but how many Catholic homeschooling guides are out there? I am grateful for this one. Mine is worn and thumbed through frequently. Other good homeschooling guidebooks are "The Well Trained Mind" and "Designing your own Classical Curriculum".
Rating: 
Summary: Review from the Publisher
Review: In this historic first, the director of the accredited and highly successful Seton Home Study School shows parents why and how to teach their children at home, giving scores of practical examples and setting forth the spiritual, moral and academic advantages. The book includes chapters by several experts and covers Catholic curriculum, textbooks, Catholic family life, legal aspects, discipline, socialization, home management, using computers, children with learning disabilities, single-parent home schooling, the father's role, Catholic home schooling support groups, and much more. Also included are the addresses of all 50 state home schooling associations. Perfect for mothers who are considering home schooling - or who want to convince their husbands or relatives that home schooling is a good idea. Parents already know the problems in the schools (both public and Catholic). This book gives the solution! A tremendously encouraging, uplifting and practical handbook. Catholic home schooling may well be the salvation of our entire society.
Rating:
Summary: Why are people so angry?
Review: It almost seems like people are making personal attacks on Dr. Clark, as opposed to reviewing her book. I've read most of the books out there, and I like to think that we're all on the same team, helping families educate their children. Maybe we all have a different approach, or philosophy, but that's why it's good to have varied sources. And as to having Matatics co-author a chapter of the book? He is Catholic, and I've heard his tapes, and he does know his stuff when it comes to Scripture. I must admit though, I didn't like that chapter very much.
Rating:
Summary: Comments on the book itself
Review: This book is organized into chapter section each focusing on a step in the process of becoming a homeschooler, and then succeeding at it. The book begins with several sections devoted to justification and support of homeschooling using Catholic tradition and biblical interpretation as well as a section written by a priest advocating such a system. This is followed by sections on the process of setting up a homeschool including the examination of curriculum, the organization of space, managing the household while teaching, and maintaining discipline. There is also a helpful section on incorporating the sacraments and practices related to the liturgical calendar in the lesson plans and another on socialization. Also contained are sections regarding the legalities of homeschooling, how to repsond to authorities, use of technology in homeschooling, homeschooling in the highschool years, and the future of homeschooling both in terms of the future for an individual who is homeschooled and for the practice itself. It is true that in this book Dr. Clark is a stong supporter of homeschooling and combined with her socially conservative postions can be intimidating. The book will probably not change the minds of those who are catagorically opposed to homeschooling, but may give those who are "on the fence," if you will, a push in this direction, and will definately provide encouragement to those who currently teach at home. It is also true that Dr. Clark does not make secret the fact that she is the director of Seton Home Study, but she offers room for those who design their own curriculum or use another. In the book, Dr. Clark gives credit where credit is due for the establishment of this school. For a begining homeschooler this book offers much in the way of process and tips but is best read as each chapter is needed as it can be itimidating to read in order.
Rating:
Summary: Review from the Publisher
Review: This is the book that singlehandedly convinced my wife and myself to seriously consider homeschooling our children. I was, as some of my friends can attest, very suspicious of the idea of homeschooling, and frankly, had seen some abuses take place. I am still critical of some of the methods and rationales of some homeschoolers -- but they probably have the same view of myself and my methods! However, this book changed my mind. Dr. Clark describes in painstaking detail using the Scriptures, the teachings of the Church, and examples from history the benefits and justifications for the homeschooling of children. Each chapter set out, in detail, a separate theme discussing various aspects of homeschooling. Included were chapters dealing with difficult issues, such as the role of the father in homeschooling, homeschooling in a single parent household, dealing with children with special needs, legal aspects to homeschooling, etc. It also demonstrated an openness by Catholic homeschoolers for the rights of Protestant homeschoolers. Unfortunately, in my experience, the same openness has not been demonstrated flowing back the other way. If the book has a flaw at all, it is that it is a bit dated. The section on computers could stand a major update, and legal issues change so frequently that, while the general legal information is quite valuable, anything specific needs to be updated as well. It is my hope that the author and publisher strongly consider a revised edition.
Rating:
Summary: An excellent introduction to Catholic homeschooling
Review: This is the book that singlehandedly convinced my wife and myself to seriously consider homeschooling our children. I was, as some of my friends can attest, very suspicious of the idea of homeschooling, and frankly, had seen some abuses take place. I am still critical of some of the methods and rationales of some homeschoolers -- but they probably have the same view of myself and my methods! However, this book changed my mind. Dr. Clark describes in painstaking detail using the Scriptures, the teachings of the Church, and examples from history the benefits and justifications for the homeschooling of children. Each chapter set out, in detail, a separate theme discussing various aspects of homeschooling. Included were chapters dealing with difficult issues, such as the role of the father in homeschooling, homeschooling in a single parent household, dealing with children with special needs, legal aspects to homeschooling, etc. It also demonstrated an openness by Catholic homeschoolers for the rights of Protestant homeschoolers. Unfortunately, in my experience, the same openness has not been demonstrated flowing back the other way. If the book has a flaw at all, it is that it is a bit dated. The section on computers could stand a major update, and legal issues change so frequently that, while the general legal information is quite valuable, anything specific needs to be updated as well. It is my hope that the author and publisher strongly consider a revised edition.
Rating:
Summary: Best start to develop a philosophy for your family
Review: This is the first book I recommend to families looking for information on Catholic home education. Dr. Mary Kay Clark, Director of Seton Home Study School, has devoted much of her life to Catholic education to help her family and others. Her zeal and success, chronicled in this book, fills the reader with a confidence which has deep roots. A parent who reads this book will come away with an understanding that homeschooling does not have to be just a stop-gap measure until a "good" Catholic school is found. Catholic homeschooling can become a life for you and your family. Before embarking on the home education journey, two very important question parents should ask themselves is "Why do we want to home school?" and "How and what do we use to accomplish our goals?" Dr. Clark's book addresses both with the emphasis on the first. Unless each family develops a philosophy and goals, the "how" and "what" will have no direction, possibly leading to burnout. Reading this meaty book before others will help Catholics form a firm foundation. Be sure to have your own copy in hand with a highlighter!
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