Easy Homeschooling Techniques
Author: Lorraine Curry
Publisher: God's Gardener
For more information or to order: www.easyhomeschooling.net

Full of practical advice and encouragement for both the new and veteran homeschooler, Easy Homeschooling Techniques is a book you'll want to read with highlighter in hand!  If you follow the author's advice and implement her suggestions, you've really got a whole method of homeschooling that is efficient and low cost.  But even if you're like me and prefer to pull ideas from different sources or stick to your chosen "method" of homeschooling, you'll find plenty of inspiration in this book.  Many moms don't have the time to wade through lots "warm fuzzies" and lengthy dissertations on the benefits of homeschooling, so Easy Homeschooling Techniques focuses on useful ideas arranged in bite-sized sections for easy reading.

Written from a distinctly Christian perspective, author Lorraine Curry walks you through the homeschool maze - beginning with a solid foundation in the important areas of planning, goal setting and making order in the home.  She encourages moms to beware of things that rob our (and our children's) time.  This list includes the telephone, TV and computers.  While I don't completely agree with the author regarding eliminating TV viewing and computer use, I was challenged to be more aware of the amount of time our family spends "looking at screens".  Using easy-to-understand language and with all the wisdom of a veteran homeschool mom, Lorraine also does an excellent job explaining the different homeschool methods.  No matter what method you choose to follow in your homeschool, she stresses the importance of (1) laying a strong foundation in the basics, (2) teaching our children the importance of forming good habits, and (3) striving for excellence. 

Homeschooling does not have to cost a fortune!  In her chapter "Getting Started" and throughout the book, Lorraine points to many resources that are either inexpensive or extremely cost effective - including encouraging us to use those things we already have on hand, such as a set of encyclopdias.   Some of the subjects addressed with specific teaching ideas are: phonics, organizing and cleaning, state studies, math, science, history, choosing good literature, building a business and sailing through high school.  She also includes a chapter titled "Training Our Children for Eternity" and another for moms, "Abiding in the Vine".  In the back of the book Lorraine provides a sample course of study for each grade level, an abbreviated literature list and a list of suppliers for resources mentioned in the text.

With over 250 pages of helpful information, Easy Homeschooling Techniques is a thorough resource you'll refer to again and again.

Making the Grade: A+
Cost: $18.95
Value for your homeschool dollar: 10
Review provided by Cindy Prechtel, Editor