If you hang around home schoolers for very long, you will often hear Apologia mentioned often. As one of the original publishers of science textbooks for home schoolers, they have a history of providing top-quality materials that fill a definite need. As their mission states: “Since 1996, Apologia Educational Ministries has supported homeschooling families by publishing excellent, easy-to-use creation-based science curriculum. In recent history, we have expanded our efforts to include new books and curriculum through Apologia Press, online courses through Apologia Academy, networking and encouragement through Apologia World, and ministering to moms at Apologia Live conferences.”
One of these new books is The Ultimate Guide to Homeschooling by Debra Bell. As the TOS Crew discussed this book, I realized that this may be a new book to Apologia, but it isn’t a new one to homeschoolers, having been a “first pick” for many of my experience crew mates. Mrs. Bell has updated and revised this edition that Apologia is publishing, so if you’ve read an older version, it might be a good idea to check this one out too!
I first received this when I was in between books, so I had a chance to pour over it, and pour over it I did. My copy has been written in, highlighted, and sticky-noted. Even though we’ve been homeschooling for 7 years and 3 kids now, and I was homeschooled, I’ve found this to be a wonderful source of advice and encouragement. I wish someone had shown me this when I first began.
What I like:
- She does not sugarcoat the amount of work on the mom’s part—even going so far as saying that if you don’t have time to read and learn, you don’t have time to homeschool. Self-education is essential for all homeschool parents. (As I type this, my husband is at the other end of the table, working on his Latin pronunciations that he is going to teach the children later!).
- She presents the various philosophies of homeschooling (Charlotte Mason, Unit Studies, Classical, traditional textbook) and gives her personal preferences, but she doesn’t spend the entire book promoting one particular style
- She encourages parents to train independent learners. As a mother of 4, soon to be 5, children, I must spend the majority of my time with the ones who don’t know how to read or learn, while finding ways to direct the ones who do without neglecting them. As some of my recent posts have noted, this is a timely topic for me!
- She gives lists of favorite resources in all subject areas, making it a quick reference if you are stuck for a book on American history or physical science.
Were there things I disagreed with? Yes, but that’s ok. I can still glean much from her years of wisdom and experience. For those who are curious, I didn’t agree with her perspectives on using inventive spelling and on not teaching structure in writing until later. Also, her children were obviously more on the gifted end of educational abilities and were able to take advantage of overseas programs that may not be possible for all families. You just have to remind yourself of the goals you have for your family (something she encourages you to compose) and not compare her results to yours.
In recent months, I’ve had the blessing to share our homeschooling experience with three young moms who are either homeschooling now or are considering it for the future. Each time I’ve sent them home with some of my favorite books or a list of them if I don’t have a copy to lend. I’m going to add this to my list…my copy isn’t leaving the house unless they beg! :)
