The Homeschooling Handbook: How to Make Homeschooling Simple, Affordable, Fun, and Effective

199 Pages·2014·1.23 MB·English

by  Lorilee Lippincott

Copyright © 2014 by Lorilee Lippincott All Rights Reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any
manner without the express written consent of the publisher, except in the case of brief excerpts in critical
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10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Lippincott, Lorilee.
The homeschooling handbook: how to make homeschooling simple, affordable, fun, and effective/Lorilee
Lippincott.
pages cm
Summary: “The mere thought of homeschooling can be overwhelming. What curriculum do I choose? What
if we can’t afford all the books? How do I schedule our time? Will my children become socially awkward
recluses? What if I screw up my kids’ education?! Lorilee Lippincott, a seasoned homeschooling mom,
shows just how simple homeschooling can be. But homeschooling well does require some planning and
dedication, and a book like The Homeschooling Handbook to be your guide. Here you’ll find all your
questions answered in Lippincott’s straightforward, warm, and witty style”—Provided by publisher.
ISBN 978-1-62873-617-5 (pbk.) 1. Home schooling—Handbooks, manuals, etc. I. Title.
LC40.L57 2014
371.04’2--dc23
2013038041
Ebook ISBN: 978-1-62873972-5
Printed in the United States of America
T
his book is dedicated to my darling children who continue to live through
my learning how to parent and homeschool by trial, error, and prayer. As I
try to teach them to wash their faces and multiply double-digit numbers,
they are teaching me about the wonders of childhood, how natural learning
really is, and the joy of grasping a new concept. I love being a parent and find it a
great privilege to be part of your educational journey. You are both special and
brilliant, and I love you both very much!
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction
Just to Be Clear
Goal
Format
1. Why Homeschool?
Homeschooling for the Right Reasons
Can I Homeschool?
Does Homeschooling Work?
Why Not Homeschool?
Looking to Others
Case Study—Lee Binz
Case Study—Abigail
2. What Is Learning?
Home Learning
What Are We Training Our Kids For?
Case Study—Joy
Case Study—Nancy
3. Starting a Simple Homeschool
Your Mission
Religious Reasons for Homeschooling
Case Study—Heidi
Case Study—Natalie
4. Navigating Homeschooling Methods and Curricula
Methods of Homeschooling
Traditional
Classical
Case Study—Stephanie
Charlotte Mason
Case Study—Bambi
Montessori
Waldorf
Case Study—Marisa
Literature Based
Self-Learning
Moore
Thomas Jefferson
Case Study—Teri
Unit Study
Case Study—Marcy
Unschooling
Case Study—Leo
Curriculum Is a Tool
5. The Socialization Curse
Distractions
Some Things Are Just Genetic
Creating Positive Socialization
Case Study—Carisa
Case Study—Liz
A Simple Note
6. Basic Homeschool Scheduling
How to Add Up School Time
Creating a Home and School Schedule
Overload or Soul Fever
Schedule Failure
Real-Life Scheduling
Other Options to Try
Case Study—Mandi
Case Study—Kelly
7. Time Management
My Time Management Back-Story
Learning and Maintaining Time Management
Teaching Time Management
Case Study—Heather
8. Keeping Costs In Check
Curriculum Costs
Other Financial Considerations
Homeschooling Money Tips
Case Study—Linsey
9. Homeschooling under Special Circumstances
Special Kids
Special Schedules
Special Families
Case Study—Wendy
10. True Learning Activities
Unstructured Play
Enemies of Unstructured Play
Overscheduled Afternoons, Evenings, and Weekends
Exploring Nature
Simplifying Their Space
Here Are a Few Guidelines for Simplifying Toys
An Environment for True Learning
Case Study—Beth
Case Study—Jill
11. When You Want to Quit
Burnout
Taking a Break
Changing Something
Burnout Is Serious
Lack of Confidence
Guilt
12. The Legal Side
What Can I Do to Make My Homeschool Legal?
The Incredible Value of HSLDA
Parental Rights Amendment to the Constitution
Homeschool Encouragement
Homeschooling Contributors
Acknowledgments
Real-Life Homeschooling
About the Author
Endnotes
Index