I received The Ultimate Guide to Homeschooling for a TOS Review sent to me by Apologia Educational Ministries. Yes, Apologia, as in Apologia Homeschool Science which happens to be our favorite science curriculum. Recently, Apologia Educational Ministries has added some new products to their ministry. One new addition is the Apologia Academy, which offers online classes in Bible, Apologetics, and Worldview. Apologia Press offers curriculum and parent resources. The Ultimate Guide to Homeschooling is another new product from Apologia Educational Ministries.
The Ultimate Guide to Homeschooling by Debra Bell has been revised and updated for today’s homeschool family. Included in this book, you will find:
- Six ingredients of a successful homeschool
- Subject-by-subject guidelines and program recommendations
- Keys to unlocking your child's learning potential
- Ten ways to motivate the reluctant learner
- Creative solutions for burnout, budgeting, and managing your time
This new edition includes a guide to using the Internet and new technology in your homeschool. Also, you’ll find the latest information on teaching middle school and high school courses, including a list of academic contests and competitions. Included are plenty of tips on multi-level teaching and engaging little ones. A helpful resource guide with current contact information makes this the ultimate guide for any homeschooler, new or experienced.
Meet the Author:
Debra Bell is a best-selling author and former public school teacher. She homeschooled her four children through high school. She has led two homeschool co-ops and has taught literature and composition classes for over twenty years. She teaches advanced placement English online, and directs Debra Bell’s Homeschool Resource Center. She has helped numerous homeschooled students, including her own four children, gain college admission and win substantial scholarships to their schools of choice. She is a Christian, and her faith is reflected throughout this book.
My thoughts:
I found this book to be overflowing with information and ideas. It was well organized, honest, and helpful in many areas. Debra Bell took the time to cover many questions and areas that affect both those just starting their homeschool journey, as well as those with years of experience under their belts. Tons of resources were included for each area of schooling, from elementary through high school at home. I especially enjoyed the section on homeschooling a high school student. As we are entering unchartered waters with a soon to be high school student at home, I believe this guide will be at the top of my go-to list for information and resources. I wish I had a copy of this book to give away to all of the new homeschoolers I meet. It’s so nice to hear Debra Bell’s voice of experience carry over in the book, I felt like I was sitting over a cup of tea with her, learning all I could from her own personal experience she received while homeschooling her children. The added in tid bits from her children, as well as her homeschooling friends makes this book even more well-rounded, with input from all sides.
I highly recommend this book to new and experienced homeschoolers alike. You can purchase this book for $20 at the Apologia website. It is an excellent buy for a resource that can be used for years to come.
Coming out later in the year is Debra Bell’s The Ultimate Guide to Homeschooling Teens. I can’t wait to get my hands on that one!
To learn about this and other products that Apologia Educational Ministries is offering, please visit their website. To read what my crewmates thought of this book, please visit The TOS Crew Page for Apologia.
*The author’s review and opinion is entirely her own. This product was provided to the author for free as a member of the 2009-2010 The Old Schoolhouse Magazine Homeschool Crew. No further compensation was received.*
**All ORIGINAL text and photos belong to The Homeschool Desk**
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