So You're Thinking About Homeschooling - Book Review
Fifteen Families, Fifteen Styles: Lively Intro to Homeschooling Informs Curious Parents.
by Lisa Whelchel

Facts of Life star Lisa Whelchel left a Hollywood career to homeschool her own three children. In her latest book, So You're Thinking About Homeschooling, she provides parents - those who are seriously considering it or simply curious - with an informative, amusing, and highly readable journey through the worlds of fifteen composite homeschooling families.

"Homeschooling is not necessarily the best option for everyone," the author affirms. Still, she says, "I do believe it is such a fabulous alternative that no one should reject it without first looking full into the face of it." True to her word, she gives readers a pressure-free, eye-opening introduction.

Many homeschool books blandly address teaching methods, standard curriculum, and schedules. This unique resource approaches all the same subjects through the eyes of fictional narrators - homeschooling moms and dads, and even homeschooled kids. Hundreds of interviews led to these illustrations of parents tackling issues like time management, lack of expertise in certain subject areas, and outside responsibilities. Children's age variations, social life and sports, learning disabilities, and boredom are also covered in a personal, entertaining way.

Whelchel's book emphasizes the broad appeal of home-based education. "Many people have a preconceived idea," she laments. "They think that because they don't fit that particular picture, it excludes them from seriously considering the option. I think you'll be surprised to discover that there really is no such thing as a stereotypical homeschooling family."

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