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Summary: The book does not promote traditional Catholic education.
Review: Although I found the book informative it lacks in true knowledge of Catholicism. They also promote the use of secular and largely protestant materials and barely mention the traditional Catholic programs out there for Homeschoolers. Think twice before you buy this book. I wouldn't recommend it.
Rating: 
Summary: This is a great book -- I would have given up without it!
Review: I think "Catholic Education" is the finest book out there for Catholic home-schoolers. Without taking anything away from Laura Berquist or Mary Kay Clark, it was this book that kept me going, right when I was ready to give up. It is totally orthodox but not traditionalist, which is pretty much where my family and Catholic friends are. I just hope it helps others as much as it's helped me.
Rating:
Summary: A resource that I keep learning from
Review: Let me add one more thing to what so many others have already said. Our support group purchased two copies of "Catholic Education: Homeward Bound" when it first came out. Now, after my second reading, I can say that I got much more out of it this time than before. Maybe it's because I have more experience, whatever, I realize what a valuable resource this book is, one that I keep learning from. But I agree with the suggestion made by another reviewer who suggested that the authors should think about adding a brief update to the end, so we might find out more about what other new resources have come out in the last few years.
Rating:
Summary: This book does promote a traditional Catholic education
Review: Looking at the sad state of many Catholic schools today (which have produced many "cafeteria" Catholics) this book is a welcome alternative to paying thousands of dollars to watch your children lose their Roman Catholic identity in your parish school. Mrs. Hahn and Mrs. Hasson have produced a large, though by no means exhaustive, body of work that deals with the hows and whys of homescholing with a Catholic flavor. The chapter on "What about socialization?" was wonderful, as was the chapter written just for dads. Though they do recommend some Protestant resources, they print the caveat that some of these sources, in the latter grades, become anti-Catholic. They DO mention the traditional Catholic correspondence-type schools like Seton and Our Lady of the Rosary. I see no problem with using non-Catholic sources to homeschool, as long as the material is checked by the parent for any anti-Catholic bias. The question and answer format of the book was very helpful when I had specific questions and didn't want to read a whole chapter. This book and Laura Berquist's "Designing Your Own Classical Curriculum" should be on the shelves of every Catholic homeschooler.
Rating:
Summary: Hahn & Hasson make home-schooling much more manageable
Review: Reading this book has helped me so much. I found recommended resources that I didn't know about. There were useful discipline tips too. The curriculum suggestions saved me all the time that I would have spent tracking them down on my own. It's also well-written and a pleasure to read. I must admit that I don't understand the negativity in some of the reviews, like the one from Eastern USA who criticizes others for not really reviewing the book, and then turns around and gives it only one star, without ever reviewing it herself. Oh well. I highly recommend this book for anybody considering home-schooling, and for those who are already doing it.
Rating:
Summary: A helpful guidebook and a great encouragement
Review: The mothers in my support group all agreed that this is the best guidebook for Catholics who want to start home-schooling. It is also a great encouragement for those of us who have been doing it for years. Several of us were wondering, will there be an update?
Rating:
Summary: A Light and Easy Read
Review: This book gives the Catholic homeschooling community a light and easy read describing the thoughts and methods of two homeschooling mothers. I did not feel, however, given the title, that the book had a clear, original focus. In 1996, Catholic homeschoolers already had two strong books - Catholic Home Schooling: A Guidebook for Parents by Mary Kay Clark and Designing Your Own Classical Curriculum by Laura Berquist. The Hahn/Hasson book didn't add anything new to understanding *Catholic* home schooling. It is more of an opinion piece on what methods and resources they like and don't like. Most homeschoolers can get that information from support groups, email, and friends. Another challenge I had was the lack of acknowledgement of long-standing Catholic home schooling proponents and programs already on the scene for twenty years and more. For new homeschoolers reading this book, Hahn and Hasson may appear to be trailblazers, which they are not. The dismissive and negative attitude toward those trailblazers with different methods and idealogies (especially full-service curriculum providers)was a bit embarassing. I found the ommision of Catholic home schooling history in America to be a distraction. Finally, the long list of resources, while helpful, had many Protestant materials which were constantly being defended in the text of the book. Each family has to pick and choose what is best. But one has the feeling while reading the book that these mothers have a hard time with those who believe that only Catholic materials should be used in a Catholic education. Perhaps some have given the authors a hard time on this topic. I am not sorry I read the book, but I am sorry I bought it. I haven't picked it up since 1996. But I lend it to anyone who askes. Something may strike a chord with them.
Rating:
Summary: Some good information but a bit of a disappointment
Review: This book has some great information but when I read it I felt it was geared towards Protestants. Most of the materials and books recommended in here are secular or Protestant. I don't recommend this book at all. It will truly confuse you about teaching in a Catholic home and make you feel as though it's okay to teach with Protestant materials. Read Mary Kay Clarks book before buying this one. You won't be disappointed.
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Summary: A confident, 100% Catholic way to keep a loving home!
Review: This book is a breath of fresh air -- a sign that Catholic homeschooling has, finally, come into its own. Hasson and Hahn speak with a confidence that is never overbearing, an orthodoxy that is joyful, and a love for diversity that is refreshing. The authors are not pushy; they never tell you what to do, but rather help you to make the decisions that are best for your unique family (and each unique child). I can't tell you what a difference this makes. Years ago, when I first considered homeschooling, I read another book that was fairly dogmatic about teaching and childrearing methods, pretty much saying that, unless you toed the author's particular line, you'd probably fail as a homeschooler. That book actually persuaded me NOT to homeschool (at least temporarily). What I love about Hasson and Hahn is their appreciation for the variety of good Catholic homes, and thus the variety of appropriate methods for Catholic homeschoolers. Now that I've been homeschooling for almost seven years, I know this to be true. Hasson and Hahn are magnanimous but prudent as they recommend support materials, choosing from Catholic, Protestant, and secular sources. This can help a family to find the best that's available. (As one Vatican official recently put it: There's no such thing as "Catholic math.") The authors deserve a Nobel Prize for their suggestions for making homeschooling a family activity. They're right: You don't have to stuff the little ones in a playpen to make it work. Nor do you need to run your home like a military academy. This book is especially good for Catholics who lean toward "unschooling" or other unconventional methods, or for Catholic moms who practice attachment parenting or extended breastfeeding -- lifestyles unsuited to the barracks, perhaps, but perfect for a home. An added plus in "Homeward Bound" is the stack of record-keeping forms in the back, ready to be copied or adapted for home use. No Catholic homeschooling family should be without this book.
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Summary: It made my wife a believer
Review: This book is outstanding. My two sisters have been home-schooling their kids for the last five years, but my wife didn't think it was possible for her to consider it. My older sister told me to get her this book. So I did. After reading it last summer, she got the materials together to begin teaching our oldest daughter in September. Here it is, six months later, and my wife says it is the best choice she's ever made. Thank you Mrs. Hahn and Mrs Hasson.
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