This exceptional guide for the one million-plus homeschoolers who make up America's most rapidly growing educational movement tells what children must learn, and when. Includes subject-by-subject guidelines.

Up-to-date answers to all your homeschooling questions! More and more families today are turning to homeschooling to teach their children. But where do they go to find honest, practical answers to questions such as: Can I afford it? Or, how will my child make friends without going to school? Look no further. This invaluable guidebook—completely updated to include the 101 most important homeschooling concerns—answers all those questions and more. Inside, you'll learn: ·Methods of motivating, teaching, and testing homeschooled children ·The latest on the growing use of distance-learning tools ·Ways to homeschool your special-needs child ·The differences between homeschooling younger children and teenagers Drawing from the collective wisdom and experience of homeschooling's most respected voices, The Homeschooling Book of Answers is your essential guide to this widely popular—and flexible—educational approach. "I can't imagine a more helpful book on homeschooling—a happy marriage of the realistic with the idealistic, the passionate with the practical." —George Leonard, author, Education and Ecstasy "Of the many books on home education that have come across my desk, this is the most usable for the beginning homeschooler." —Jerry Mintz, Director, Alternative Education Resource Organization "Provides useful information that demystifies and makes accessible the homeschooling experience." —Marty Layne, author of Learning at Home: A Mother's Guide to Homeschooling

Homeschool the right way from day one. Are you considering homeschooling for your family? Today, many parents recognize that their child's school options are limited, inadequate, or even dangerous, and an increasing number are turning to homeschooling. But where do you start and how do you ensure the highest-quality educational experience, especially in that pivotal first year? This comprehensive guide will help you determine the appropriate first steps, build your own educational philosophy, and discover the best ways to cater to your child's specific learning style, including: ·When, why, and how to get started ·The best ways to develop an effective curriculum, assess your child's progress, and navigate local regulations ·Kid-tested and parent-approved learning activities for all age levels ·Simple strategies for developing an independent child and strengthening family and social relationships ·And much, much more! "To the thousands of requests we receive for help from families new to homeschooling, we will now recommend this warm and knowledgeable book. It will ensure that all families make it to the second year—including yours!" —Elizabeth Kanna, editor in chief, Homeschool.com "Linda Dobson addresses all the issues facing parents as they consider the task of homeschooling over other educational options. Those who wonder whether they really can or want to do the job will find unique perspectives in this well-researched work."—Beverly K. Eakman, author and cofounder, National Education Consortium

How much further would many of us be if we were given the chance as children to follow our interests and have a headstart toward our life's passion? Unschoolers are insane! That was Karla's first thought when she began to investigate this phenomenon that soon became her family's passion. This lifestyle as unschoolers has encouraged discovery and creativity as they live and learn through life. Take a glimpse into this family's transition from a rigid and dry homeschool into a completely interest-led and enjoyable journey. You will get first-hand experience, tips and strategies to help your homeschool soar. Hold on to your seat and let go of your fears as you jump into the world of interest-led learning. Are you searching for something to revolutionize your homeschool? Are you a parent that wants to encourage your children's interests and natural talents? This book is for you!

“If you read only one book on educating children, this should be the book.… With a warm, informative voice, Bauer gives you the knowledge that will help you flex the educational model to meet the needs of your child.” —San Francisco Book Review Our K–12 school system isn’t a good fit for all—or even most—students. It prioritizes a single way of understanding the world over all others, pushes children into a rigid set of grades with little regard for individual maturity, and slaps “disability” labels on differences in learning style. Caught in this system, far too many young learners end up discouraged. This informed, compassionate, and practical guidebook will show you how to take control of your child’s K–12 experience and negotiate the school system in a way that nurtures your child’s mind, emotions, and spirit. Understand why we have twelve grades, and why we match them to ages. Evaluate your child’s maturity, and determine how to use that knowledge to your advantage. Find out what subject areas we study in school, why they exist—and how to tinker with them. Discover what learning disabilities and intellectual giftedness are, how they can overlap, how to recognize them, and how those labels can help (or hinder) you. Work effectively with your child’s teachers, tutors, and coaches. Learn to teach important subjects yourself. Challenge accepted ideas about homework and standardized testing. Help your child develop a vision for the future. Reclaim your families’ priorities (including time for eating together, playing, imagining, traveling, and, yes, sleeping!). Plan for college—or apprenticeships. Consider out-of-the-box alternatives.