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FUNDAMENTALS OF HOME-SCHOOLING
a book review by Dona Reynolds, Senior Editor
Children of the New Earth (CNE) Online Magazine
http://www.childrenofthenewearth.com/
"As Ann says in this must-have book for all homeschooling families, “successful homeschooling families don’t happen by accident.” Ann’s book is one of the first homeschooling books that I have found that is overflowing with practical, everyday, hands-on information that relates to “in-the-trenches” type of homeschooling. For any of you who have homeschooled, we all know it can be a war zone. Ann (and I) have been there when homeschooling was something no one wanted to talk about. She worked in the trenches when there was no one and no information to fall back on."
"This 429 page book is chocked full of all the information and resources that will make your homeschooling days more fun, more exciting, more flowing and peaceful, and will make your family life more successful. From games to writing, from the ABC’s to social learning, including how to deal with growing up, attention surplus, and the toddler in the homeschool, you will find by the choice of Ann’s words, that she knows exactly where you are at! She’s been there and lived through it. Be sure you add this encouraging book to your homeschool resource library."
Note from Nettlepatch Press -
We were recently delighted to learn that, in addition to Dona's kind words of review, "Fundamentals of Homeschooling" has been awarded the CNE SEAL OF EXCELLENCE. This is an award created and awarded by the Children of the New Earth Magazine management team to recognize products, books, and CD’s that are outstanding in their field.
The CNE SEAL OF EXCELLENCE is not dependent upon any monetary gain in terms of advertising or sponsorship. Rather, it is awarded on a totally impartial basis by consensus of the CNE Senior Management based specific criteria, which you can read at
http://www.childrenofthenewearth.com/free.php?page=articles_free/awards/cne_awards
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What's in a name? What's in THIS name - Fundamentals of
Homeschooling?
Homeschooling. Unschooling. Family-based education. Eclectic
homeschooling. School-at-home. Auto-didacticism. Child-led
learning. Unit studies. Radical unschooling. Natural learning.
Extreme homeschooling. Charlotte Mason homeschooling. The Moore
method. Home education.
These terms describe some of the subgroups under
the big umbrella of homeschooling. Those who enter the
homeschooling continuum at any of these or other points are
united when they say, in effect, "We choose to trust ourselves -
parents and children - to create a meaningful learning lifestyle
together. We place our trust in ourselves first and foremost,
not in trained professionals and experts."
To help you find where you fit in the homeschooling continuum,
this book explores the underlying habits, themes, and
foundations - fundamentals - of family life that lead to
homeschooling success at every point on the continuum.
Do not let the title of this book belie its content.
Fundamentals of Homeschooling is the perfect jumping off place for:
Parents beginning to homeschool at any level
Parents thinking about homeschooling
Charterschoolers and others who want to leap into fully
independent homeschooling
Independent homeschoolers looking at a different
approach
Homeschoolers who are content with their approach but
looking for fresh ideas and materials
Parents with children of any age who want to give them a
"homeschool" start
Publishers Weekly, January 12, 2004:
"...reader-friendly...parents will appreciate the book's wealth of wisdom on child development, learning
and family life... reminds readers of the benefits of living a life that celebrates the simple things: play, conversation, togetherness, and
growing up.."
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The Old Schoolhouse
Fundamentals of Homeschooling: Notes on Successful Family Living
By Ann Lahrson-Fisher
www.nettlepatch.net/homeschool
Nettlepatch Press
PO Box 1279
Carson, WA 98610
ann@nettlepatch.net
In our family, learning is inextricably linked to life. That’s why I was so
excited to see this new title by Ann Lahrson-Fisher.
Many books make such a clear distinction between school and life. This books
helps us see how these can be beautifully intertwined.
Ann presents successful homeschooling as a series of habits - habits of
play, conversation, togetherness and growing up. She then dives into an
Exploration section, giving practical tips and suggestions for subject area
resources.
Our goals are to educate the kids while building a strong family. It is
possible to do both! This book shows us how to accomplish these goals with
love and togetherness.
-- Product Review by: Christine Field, Senior Correspondent, TOS Magazine
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"...yours is the only homeschooling book I actually bought..." - Veteran
Homeschooling Mom
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Mothering Magazine, July 2003:
"...This book bursts with creative ideas and resources that every homeschooling parent will find valuable."
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The Old Schoolhouse Magazine, 2003:
"...I was so excited to see this new title ...this book shows us how to [educate the kids while building a strong family] with love and
togetherness"
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Eclectic Homeschool Online
reviewer Beverly Krueger writes:
"This book is chock full of possibilities, things to do, avenues to explore and practical suggestions for overcoming difficulties, all of which are easy to implement because they are based not on the latest education theory but on real life family living. The particulars of how your family creates a satisfying learning lifestyle will be different from your neighbor's, but at the heart those who are successful do cultivate these basic family habits. If the thought of separating academics away from the rest of your family life seems disjointed to you, you'll find this book's approach to creating a learning lifestyle as an integral part of your family life very satisfying."
To read the entire review, go to
Eclectic Homeschool Online
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From Home Education Magazine, January-February 2003, Volume 20, Number 1. On page 50,
reviewer Elizabeth McCullough writes:
"If you are looking for a book that respects parents' common sense and wisdom, that honors children and their amazing power to learn, and that tackles its subject with thoughtfulness and insight, this is the book for you...[the author] pulls together research, experience, practical tips, and friendly encouragement to create a guide to homeschooling that really stands out.....a book that takes homeschooling back to its foundations: joyful, successful, fulfilling family living."
To read the entire review, go to
From Home Education Magazine or
Elizabeth's site: www.temporarysanity.org or
www.nettlepatch.net/homeschool/mccullough.htm
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Life Learning Magazine, January/February 2003, on page 43, the reviewer writes:
"a great resource...a rich and eloquently personal look at how children learn in families...a hefty book - over 400 pages in 45 chapters! - but one that is well orgnized and easy to dip into whenever the need arises...a wealth of resource reviews for all ages and interests."
To read the entire review go to www.nettlepatch.net/homeschool/
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From Midwest Book Review:
...strongly recommended primer...an invaluable supplementary resource...
If you are...homeschooling, then give [Fundamentals] a very careful and thorough reading!
(To read the entire review, visit www.midwestbookreview.com )
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From Gene Lehman, editor of Learning Unlimited Network of Oregon (LUNO):
"...This is the most detailed and handy Table of Contents I have ever seen. It serves as an appetizer before the main meal...Ann has an interesting and intriguing way of putting things. She has an extraordinary talent for writing that is very clear and readable but still realistically practical."
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From Linda Dobson's (author of Homeschooling Book of Answers) Foreword:
"In her opening note, Ann Lahrson-Fisher describes successful homeschooling's simple foundation as "living a satisfying learning lifestyle." Education characterized as a learning lifestyle instead of an ordeal to survive until you make it to the welcome reprieve of summer vacation. Success defined in terms of satisfaction instead of things. A family that plays, converses, and grows up together. Ah, yes, homeschooling is so different from - and so much more than - schooling at home.
"Forget about the "schooling" you received and focus instead on learning. Learning happens in a natural fashion when a child with curiosity even mildly intact sets off on an educational journey guided by a parent who is observant, caring, and "thinks out loud." (You'll find out more about this wonderful - and fun and effective - way to "teach" as you get into this book.)
"Lucky are the families newly turning to homeschooling, not only to have access to the wisdom of one who has "been there and done that," but also to receive that wisdom so neatly presented in a down-to-earth, common sense package as the one Fundamentals of Homeschooling has grown to be. Some of the ideas will leave you wondering, "Now, why didn't I think of that?" Others will be revelations that because of your own schooling you wouldn't have considered in a million years. All of the ideas are born of the author's experience, remembrances of the good and the bad, the personal successes, and lessons learned from the failures.
And that, dear reader, is what learning is all about."
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From David H. Albert, author, Homeschooling and the Voyage of Self-Discovery: A Journey of Original Seeking, and columnist, Home Education Magazine
"Finally! A homeschooling book that puts first things first! Ann Lahrson-Fisher has unlocked the simple but fundamental notion that children's learning is best rooted in successful family living.
"I've often told anxious parents that schools are nothing more than poor substitutes for good families. By focusing on what really matters -- play, conversation, togetherness, exploration, and providing living examples of lifelong learning -- Fundamentals of Homeschooling will both reassure and equip homeschooling families for chaotic and sublime journey that education should be all about."
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From Laura Derrick, homeschooling mom of two; president, National Home Education Network:
"Many years of homeschooling experience and wisdom shine bright and clear through the pages of this book. It goes far beyond the basics to get at the heart of how homeschooling families succeed, and offers a multitude of great ideas for all ages and stages. I REALLY enjoyed reading [this] book!"
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From Patrick Farenga, author, Teach Your Own: The John Holt Book of Homeschooling:
"Ann Fisher has written a thorough and friendly handbook about how to live comfortably with your children as you homeschool them. What separates this book from similar titles is Fisher's passion and insight about how to help parents "give their children freedom to discover their heart's desire in their own time and way." Lots of recommendations and useful advice and for learning resources too!"
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From John Taylor Gatto, author, Dumbing Us Down;
The Underground History of American Education:
"...a work of great good sense that will enlarge your imagination as it holds your hand. This is a potent package, a sword and shield against the demons of doubt. Mrs. Fisher deserves a medal."
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From Amy Grant, president, Oregon Home Education Network:
"Ann Lahrson-Fisher's book does for homeschoolers what the Joy of Cooking does for cooks - offers a guide to the novice and a handy reference tool for the experienced. Whether you need ideas for a new approach, or want help resolving a problem, you'll find the information in here. Ann adeptly offers both reassurance for what you're doing, and new ideas if you're looking for a change. The chapters offer food for thought for working with toddlers through teens. Even after seven years of homeschooling, I had never considered using a talking belly button alter ego to create a joyful disruption to help point my child in a more desirable direction!"
"This book is at the top of my list of recommended resources for all homeschoolers."
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From Helen Hegener, publisher, Home Education Magazine:
"Every so often someone from my long list of favorite homeschooling writers produces more than just another article or essay, but an entire book filled with personal insights, practical experiences, thoughtful essays, good answers to hard questions and much more. This book by Ann Lahrson-Fisher, whose writing I've enjoyed for over a decade, is one of those books.
"This is a book to share with anyone asking about homeschooling, or with anyone who just enjoys a good read on the topic. Ann's subtitle, "Notes on Successful Family Living," hints at the underlying thesis she works from, which is that homeschooling works because families work. She writes about finding the foundations of successful homeschooling "deeply rooted in the ordinary: the natural and age-old practices of successful families." Ann's writing portrays a sense of wonder and discovery at the simple truth of how people who live together also learn together.
"Ann identifies four habits - play, conversation, togetherness and growing up - which may be, as she acknowledges, 'so common they are taken for granted,' but which also provide a framework for discussing what works, what contributes to successful homeschooling. Through page after page I found myself nodding in recognition and agreement with her perceptive observations. She writes 'The Main Event of growing up is the process of gaining control, balancing freedom with responsibility.' Of course! This makes so much sense - I am reminded of the clear, common-sense observations of another great homeschooling writer: John Holt.
Fundamentals of Homeschooling delivers just what the title promises: basic and fundamental concepts about learning, with accompanying hands-on suggestions for materials, supplies and other resources for all ages and interests. This is a book that will inspire, inform, teach, encourage, hand-hold, and above all else, empower anyone seeking to homeschool".
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From Shari Henry, senior editor, Homeschooling Today Magazine:
"Comprehensive doesn't say enough about Ann Lahrson-Fisher's Fundamentals
of Homeschooling: Notes on Successful Family Living." Forty-five chapters divided into six parts, plus a helpful appendix -- all in an easily readable 430 pages!"
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From Karen Taylor, editor, The California Homeschool Guide:
"...one of the most helpful new homeschooling books to come along in years! It's a refreshing compilation of practical advice by an experienced homeschooling mom who clearly knows what she is talking about. Fundamentals of Homeschooling is filled with encouraging hands-on advice and detailed information and support that parents can really use. Parents will be given practical encouragement along with specific tools to help them homeschool with success and joy.
"Parents can sometimes get so wrapped up in educational expectations and worries, that they forget just how easy it is for a child to learn, or what makes a child truly happy. This book gets them back on track, and not just by inspiring them, but by offering time honored detailed suggestions. Reading this book will help parents remember what made them happy as a child, so that they can share that happiness with their own child!
"Fundamentals is a new gem that could easily become a classic. It has been written for all homeschoolers from beginners to old timers, but I'd urge that it be placed in the hands of new parents as well because it's such an outstanding book on how to help children learn."
"This is a wonderful book - don't miss reading it, and don't forget to give it to new parents so their new family has a successful start!"
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“...yours is the only homeschooling book I actually bought...” - Veteran Homeschooling Mom
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Table of Contents
Foreword by Linda Dobson
Acknowledgments
Introduction - A Note From The Author
* Habits of Successful Family Living * This Book is About Habits * Play * Conversation * Togetherness * Growing Up * Exploration I - The Big Picture * Exploration II - Subjects *
Part One Play
1 Keynote: Play, the Root of Learning
* Before Play * Creating a Play-Friendly Environment * Social Consultant * Playtime General Manager * Playtime Protector * Activities Scheduler * The Right Amount of Free Play * Imagination Blooms *
2 Why Children Play
* Elements of Free Play * A Sublime Sense of Timelessness * A Sense of Power and Control * Creative Outlet and Self Expression * Life Skill Practice and Imitation * Essential Time for Processing New Knowledge * Protecting Playtime *
3 Enhancing Early Learning
* General Tips * Sample Activity Centers * Housekeeping Center * Dress-up Corner * Reading Center * Writing Center * Art Center * Play Center * Science Center * Math Center * School-Type Centers * Materials Lists * Resources *
4 Enhance Learning With Games and Puzzles
* Card Games * With Games and Puzzles * Board Games * Trivia Games * Mental Games * Simulation Games * Video and Computer Games * Homemade Games, value added * Self-testing Games * Puzzles * Jigsaw Puzzles * Problem Solving Puzzles To Try * Other *
5 Modifying Classic Games
* Tips for Modifying Games * Cooperate, Don't Compete * Play as Teams * Moral Support * Team Play * Surrogate Play * Modify the Rules * Reduce the Game * About Competitiveness * About Thinking Skills *
6 Game List, The Tried and True
* Homeschooler-Approved Games * Reading, Writing, Grammar, Language * Math - Strategy, Logic, Skill Practice * Resources *
Part Two Conversations
7 Keynote Conversations
* Optimal Learning through Family Chitchat * Knowledge as Conversation * Bridging Conversations * Interpersonal Conversations * "Family Size" Group Conversations * Inner Conversations or Self-talk * The Skilled Listener * The Skilled Reader *
8 Early Reading and Writing
* Learning Conversation - Conversationally * A Reading and Writing Environment Models - Parents and Others Who Read and Write * Materials for Reading and Writing * Read Aloud Together * Point Out Print Wherever You Are * Think Out Loud About Reading * Parent Patience - Wait and Observe * Special Concerns * Children Who are Inclined Toward Literacy From Birth * Older Blooming Readers *
9 The Laptop Approach to Reading
* On the Floor, Across the Room-Together * Choice of Materials * When Your Child Reads to You * Teach Skills with Mini-Lessons * Semantics * Syntax * Correct Word Usage * Phonics * Rhythm and Flow of Language * Sight Words * Advanced Skills * Reading for Information * Critical Thinking * Resources *
10 Writing Toward Reading
* Learning to Read by Learning to Write * Spelling Words and Reading Words * But First, Handwriting * Forming Letters, Making Words * Writing Without Handwriting * Fluent Handwriting * Left-handed Writers * Encourage Writing Activities * Write, Edit, and Publish * Learning to Write by Reading * Resources *
11 Early Math Conversations
* Jump Start Math Understanding * Use Collections * What About the Calculator? * Use Measurement Tools * Ask Provocative Questions * Point Out Math Ideas Wherever You Are * Think Out Loud * Write Math Stories Together * Read or Make Children's Math Books * Use Math Symbols * Worksheets Are Optional * What About Drill? * When Your Young Child Wants to Know More * Resources
12 Math Whiz Basics
* Essential Math through Everyday Life * Counting and 1-1 Correspondence * Number - Seeing Numerals As Symbols Sequences and Ordinal Numbers * Spatial Relationships * Patterns * Shapes Measurement * Symmetry * Fractional Parts and the Whole * Estimation * Telling Time * Calendars * Money * Basic Operations: Add, Subtract, Multiply, Divide * The Multiplication Table *
13 For The Love of Learning
* Rousing Curiosity through Talk and Example * Listening * Demonstrating * Thinking Out Loud * Demonstrating Self Control * Responding to Mistakes * Learning through Trial and Error * Learning from Factual, Process, Careless, or Safety Errors * Conversing to Stimulate Thinking * Saying Nothing at All * Storytelling * Using Words and Language * Literature * Logic Puzzles and Brain Teasers * Arguing, Debating, Negotiating * Making Decisions * Questioning Strategies *
Part Three Togetherness
14 Keynote Homeschool=Togetherness
* Family Learning as Family Living *
15 Social Learning
* Getting Along With Others * Individualizing Social Experiences * Derailing Bully Behavior * Drawing Out Shy Students * Peer Pressure * Private Time *
16 Exploring Homeschooling Styles
* Seeking a Life-style for Full Family Expression * Child-Specific Developmental Styles * Unschooling * Study, Entrepreneurship, Service * A Smidgen of This, A Dab of That * Curriculum-based Styles * School-at-Home * Dual Enrollment * Parent-Partnered Programs * Finding Your Style * Observe Real Families * Read "How-we-did-it" Books * Parental Styles * Start Now, Adjust Later * Avoid Burnout *
17 Learning Activity Centers
* Optimizing The Home Environment for Natural Learning * Kitchen * Dedicated Project Room * Laundry or Sewing Room * Rough Space - Garage, Basement, Shop * Outdoors * Living Room * Studio or Home Office * Children's Rooms
18 A Learning Calendar
* Finding a Rhythm * Learning Idea List * Annual Events * Holidays * Scheduled Activities * Family Life Events * Academic Goals * The Master Calendar * Weekly and Daily Planning * Review, Revise, and Re-prioritize * Planning * Resources *
19 Against the Flow: Handling Criticism
* The Problem * Three Assumptions * Respond Calmly to Criticism *
20 Joyful Disruption
* Guiding with Kindness and Gentle Humor * The Liberating World of Joyful Disruption * When and How to "Joyfully Disrupt" * Disruptions to Try with Young Children * Desperation Days * Opening Doors for Teens * When You Are Stuck *
21 A Surplus of Attention
* Living with Children Who Resist Change * How Kids Cope * Multitasking * The Motion Kid * Deep Engrossment * Withdrawal * Procrastination * Helping Your Child Adapt to Change * Reducing Activities * Adjust Beginnings and Endings * Keep Group Activities Small * Follow Interests and Passions * Find a Balance *
22 Eleven, Going on Twenty-one
* Rethink Your Teen's Curriculum * Respect the Teenage Need for Privacy Independence Projects * Rethink Your Relationship * Spend Time Together
23 A Toddler in the Homeschool
* Lose Your Lap * Baby as Math Project * Baby-proofing in Reverse * Baby-talk * Baby's Own Curriculum * Materials * Outdoors * Field Trips * Bite-sized Activities *
Part Four Growing Up
24 Keynote Growing Up
* How homeschooled students make their way into the world *
25 Rites of Passage
* Honoring Maturation through Celebrations, Awards, Mementos * Kick-off Activities * Camps and Conferences * "Not-Back-to-School" Events * Day Trips * Culminating Activities * Accomplishments * The Prom * Graduation * Yearbooks *
26 Family Friendly Evaluation
* Helping Children Know What They Know - Parents, Too * Types of Evaluation * Natural Daily Evaluation * Periodic Evaluation * Reflection and Self-Evaluation * Written Narrative Evaluation * A Learning Journal * Traditional Grading Systems * A Simple Portfolio System * Special Collections*
27 Avoiding Standardized Testing Traps
* Some Dehumanizing Side Effects of Testing * Minimizing Negative Side Effects * "Unlearn" Negative Attitudes * Alternatives to Tests * How to Prepare *
28 Ready for College and Work
* How Homeschooled Students Enter the Mainstream of Life * Entrepreneurship? * Work? * Joining the Military? * College Bound? * Types of Proof * College Entrance Exams * The GED * Transcripts and Credits * College Credit Through Testing * Community College * Interviews * Resumes * College Through Work * Resources*
Part Five Explorations I - The Big Picture
29
Keynote: Creating Habits for Learning
* For Exploring the World * (click to view this chapter)
30 Field Tripping
* Learning on the Road and in the Community * Sample trips * Planning Tips * Pre-trip The Day of the Trip * After the Trip * Are We There Yet? Sibling Issues *
31 Learning Clubs
* Creating Successful Group Learning Experiences * Characteristics and Advantages of Clubs * Creating a Club * Types of Learning Clubs * Resources *
32 Apprenticeships and Mentorships
* Bring Community Experts and Students Together * How to Create Apprenticeships * Look for Connections in Your Community * Making It Work * Resources *
33 Teen Medley
* Options for Independence-seeking Students * Work/Volunteer * Self-Education Interscholastic Activity * High School/Diplomas * Community College * Resources *
Part Six Explorations II - Subjects
34 Keynote Choosing the Right Stuff
* Finding Materials that Help Students Explore Deeply and Broadly *
35 Exploring Math
* Moving Beyond the Basics * Handling Errors * What about Mastery? * Resources
36 Exploring Science
* Getting to know the world * Family Science Notebook * Resources *
37 Exploring Social Studies
* Bringing Life to History and Geography * Suggestions * Resources *
38 Exploring Vocabulary and Spelling
* Tips for Building Vocabulary * Tips for Improving Spelling Skills * Resources *
39 Exploring Literature and Books
* Nonfiction * Use Book Lists * Picture Books * Write Your Own * Resources *
40 Exploring Writing
* Pre-Writing * Editing * Publishing Student Writing * Resources *
41 Exploring Music
* Can You Afford Not To? * Suggestions * Resources *
42 Exploring Arts and Crafts
* Learning with the hands and heart * Suggestions * Resources *
43 Exploring Foreign Languages
* Suggestions * Resources *
44 Learning by Computer
Common Computer Uses * Myths About Computer Use * Resources *
45 Considering Textbooks?
* Textbooks Are Not Necessary * Using Textbooks * Tips for Selecting Textbooks *
A Final Note from Ann - About the Author
Appendix I Legal Compliance & Finding Support
* Legal * Support * Organizations *
Appendix II Bibliography/Parents' Bookshelf
* Periodicals * Books - How-to * Books - Why-to *
Appendix III Curriculum Resources
* Schools, Programs, Guides * Catalogs *
Index
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