Fundamentals of Homeschooling - Notes on Successful Family Living
Author: Ann Lahrson-Fisher
Publisher: Nettlepatch Press
For more information or to order: www.nettlepatch.net/homeschool/

Ann Lahrson-Fisher, mom of two grown homeschooled children, has discovered some of the secrets of homeschooing success and she has graciously decided to share them with the rest of us!  Her book, Fundamentals of Homeschooling - Notes on Successful Family Living, is filled with practical advice, research, techniques and encouragement from a mom who has "been there, done that" AND enjoyed it.  In her over 20 years of research and experience, the author has found that "homeschooling success builds on this simple foundation: living a satisfying learning lifestyle."  Yep, that's it - the secret is out!  Although it is a huge responsibility, homeschooling is really all about what comes naturally - living, loving and interacting with our children on a daily basis.

Fundamentals of Homeschooling is a robust discussion of the limitless possibilities for homeschooling success.  Although she mentions various methods of homeschooling and offers plenty of recommendations for everything from phonics instruction and fun, family games to evaluations and college preparation, Lahrson-Fisher's book is first and foremost a book about habits that become the basis of a life-long, learning lifestyle.  The book is organized around five basic habits of successful family living: Play, Conversation, Togetherness, Growing Up, and Exploration.  Each section begins with a "Keynote" chapter, which serves as an introduction and a discussion of the "whys" of the particular habit.  Subsequent chapters in each section deal with more of the particulars as they pertain to family living and learning. 

Parents of young (and not-so-young) children will appreciate the words of wisdom shared throughout the book, but the first section, Play, provides us with plenty of ideas and suggestions for early learning through the use of games (either purchased or homemade), books and observation of the world around us.  This section includes a huge list of creative suggestions including an inspiring list of items that are useful for encouraging language development, gross and fine motor skills, music and more.  You might be surprised at how many of these items you already have tucked away on shelves, in closets or buried in the toy box!  As a mom whose children have outgrown much of the material presented in this section, I appreciated and "ditto" the author's encouragement to "fiercely protect playtime as a priceless jewel of childhood."

The other sections, or habits, covered in this 411 page guide are just as packed and just as practical as the section on Play.  The "Conversation" section reminds us that our children learn so much just by interacting and conversing with us throughout the day.  I was challenged to remember that every conversation or question is a potential teaching moment, whether it is about a math problem or simply asking why we have to eat vegetables for dinner!  This section also contains practical tips for teaching reading and math skills.  I have often heard (and used) the term "late bloomer" for those children who learn to read later than "normal".  Recognizing this as a struggle for many families, Lahrson-Fisher provides some practical encouragement and chooses to use the term "Older Blooming Readers".  I like this term -- they're not "late" they just learn to read at an older age than other children did. 

Fundamentals of Homeschooling continues to get better and better as each habit is discussed and expanded.  The "Togetherness" section explores some of the challenges of learning together, social concerns, homeschool management and tips for coping with varying ages and stages.  In the "Growing Up" section, several chapters are devoted to the ways families might find to recognize and celebrate traditional milestones in ways that are consistent with a homeschool lifestyle.  There are many creative ideas for evaluating educational progress and preparing for the future - college, apprenticeships, military, entrepreneurship, etc.  In the final section, "Explorations", you will find a veritable storehouse overflowing with practical tips, suggestions, and resources.  The first part of this resource section deals with successful field trips and group learning activity suggestions.  The second part covers the typical subject areas and includes nuts-and-bolts instruction for approaching each topic, as well as pointing you in the right direction with a good sampling of resource suggestions.  Add to all of this an appendix which includes curriculum and legal compliance/support resources and you have an incredibly comprehensive guide to creating your own unique, family-based homeschooling lifestyle.

I found Fundamentals of Homeschooling: Notes on Successful Family Living to be both refreshing and thought provoking.  This is not a book to be left on a shelf gathering dust, but rather one to be read and highlighted as your family grows and learns together.

Making the grade: A
Cost: $19.95
Value for your homeschool dollar: 10
Reviewed by Cindy Prechtel, Editor