"So You're Thinking About Home Schooling"

What People Are Saying

“Deciding if homeschooling is right for your family just got easier with this warm, entertaining, information-packed portrayal of its flexibility, diversity, triumphs, and challenges. Grab a cup of tea and enjoy!”

---Linda Dobson, author of The First Year of Homeschooling Your Child: Your Complete Guide to Getting Off to the Right Start

“Regardless of your religious beliefs or personal approach to homeschooling, this is a every important book—both for veteran homeschooling families and those who are just thinking about homeschooling. As I read, I felt even more connected to the wonderful community of homeschoolers and also found new ways to help my children learn."

--- Elizabeth Kanna, coauthor of Homeschooling For Success: How Parents Can Create a Superior Education For Their Child

A faithful friend is an invaluable part of every homeschooler’s life. A friend buoys your spirits when you are facing tasks that seem too big for the moment. She tells you the truth when you need to hear it. And most of all, she listens and understands.

Lisa Whelchel proves herself a faithful friend to those who are contemplating the big question: Should we homeschool our kids?

Lisa tells you the truth about homeschooling. She has listened to the joys and tribulations of more than a thousand homeschooling families, and by taking you into the lives of several composite families, she paints an accurate picture of the struggles you can expect and the sacrifices which may be required. But most importantly, Lisa is telling you the truth when she says that whatever the struggle, the rewards make it all worthwhile.

I have met Lisa, Steve, and their homeschooled children, and I can tell you she is truthful about them as well—her kids are just as delightful as she says. But Lisa is careful to make a couple of other very important points that you should keep in mind as you consider the needs of your own family:

1. Every child is truly different.
2. There is no one right way to homeschool.

If you decide to homeschool, pick an approach that is right for your family’s situation and for the needs of your children.

First of all, let me assure you that every family portrayed in this book is quite lawful in their approach to homeschooling. No state mandates a particular form of teaching (e.g., traditional, textbook, classical). While there are legal details that must be considered—for example, some states do require that the child’s own parent do the teaching—any parents who choose to diligently homeschool their children have a constitutional right to do so.

So how do you pick the right approach for teaching your children? You can visit a number of websites or go to a curriculum fair and learn about the various options. But one of the best ways is to hear from the people who have walked this path before, people who have already explored and family-tested the many different possibilities. The stories in this book are told from the hearts of the moms and dads who have lived them.

So You’re Thinking About Homeschooling is a great introduction to home education. Open the book and you will also find a good friend in Lisa.

Michael Farris
President, Patrick Henry College
Founder and Chairman, Home School Legal Defense Association

Reviews

So You're Thinking About Homeschooling: Fifteen Families Show How You Can Do It!
by Lisa Whelchel

"Send the kids outside for recess. Brew up a cup of tea or coffee and settle in with this book because you are in for a real treat!" -- TOS Magazine

Lisa Whelchel has been a household name for decades. As "Blair" on "The Facts of Life" she brought humor and lightheartedness to millions. What's Lisa up to these days? Plenty, and it might surprise you!

Welchel has written a number of books, including, Creative Correction and The Facts of Life (and Other Lessons My Father Taught Me). The Old Schoolhouse Magazine was honored to receive a galley proof of Lisa's newest work of art, So You're Thinking About Homeschooling (Multnomah). Send the kids outside for recess. Brew up a cup of tea or coffee and settle in with this book because you are in for a real treat!

I've never spoken with Lisa and I've never read any of her books. I have, however, seen probably every episode of Facts of Life, because I "grew up with Lisa" (we are close to the same age). The theme song is running through my mind, now, even as we speak. When I found out Lisa was a homeschooler, I was excited. You hear so much negativity in the Hollywood realm, where child stars don't often-times end up so jolly. Not only is "Blair" a Christian, but a homeschool mom! How exciting was this to discover? We promptly scheduled an interview with Lisa (see Summer, '03 issue).

Now, that's just great; Lisa is a Christian and homeschool mom. Does that mean this automatically makes her a writer? Sure, she has a story to tell, and there's a big enough audience to appeal to with her popularity. But -- does this mean she can actually write? Is she boring? Full of herself? Too good to be true?

No "into-herself-ism" here! She's down to earth, fun...a real friend. She sincerely tells her own story, what works for her, and then introduces you to a number of "families" who will also make you laugh and breathe easy that you are not alone. She's actually a GIFTED writer; I really like her style and philosophies.

Lisa is absolutely hilarious; however, she's also very real. I felt as though we were sitting across the table from one another as she easily dialogs in her book with the reader. The words fly off the pages. I was drawn into all the energy.

The book's purpose is to introduce you to all the beautiful diversity out there. Also, it purposes to encourage homeschoolers in their journeys, no matter where they are on the trail. There is no 'one way only' way to homeschool (something our magazine stresses in its own vision). You'll meet all sorts of people and enjoy interesting scenarios. Another thing that made me happy was the fact that she represents a good number of the ever-increasing homeschool methodologies available in her book. Again, there is no one right way to do it, and she captures this essence well. Perfect for the newbie homeschooler, veteran, and anyone in between. Ten stars on a scale of one to five -- Well done, Lisa!

-- Review by Gena Suarez, Co-Publisher, The Old Schoolhouse Magazine

Readers

"Just finished ur new book 'So You're Thinking about Homeschooling'. WOW!!!! I love the way u wrote the book. Honestly, I thought it would just be studies on different methods and curriculums, dry and boring. But taking us into the homes of homeschooling families was a brainstorm. and Awesome!!! I have been a homeschooler for 2 yrs. Problem I had was w/each chapter, I was ready to change the way I was doing it to that particular way. It opened my eyes to a lot of things, but most of all, it made me feel good as a homeschooler. I AM doing okay. I cannot wait to pass
this book on. This will definitely hit the bestseller list. It was truly God-inspired. Thankyou for doing it, and thanku to ur kids for letting u take the time to do it. :)"

"I just got your new book (so your thinking about homeschooling) yesterday. I just love it. I didnt want to put it down but was forced to by my 5 year old. I\'ve been homeschooling for 2 years and love it. the stories in your book reassured me that Im doing ok. That there really isnt a "wrong" way to do homeschooling."

"Thank you for writing, "So You're Thinking of Homeschooling" I read it in less than 24 hours! This past year was our first year homeschooling. My boys are 51/2 and 41/2. We have really felt God calling us to do this. Anyway, this book is not just for people thinking about homeschooling. It is definatly for those who need encouragement. Our family had a great year. However, to say the least our chuch does not have a lot of homeschoolers.

The day before I recieved your book from Alpha Omega, a dad (and family friend) was talking to me explaining how my children (mind you they are boys) are emotionally immature even though they are very smart. He went on, but I really didn\'t understand it. I was really feeling down ( I probally would have blown off what he said, except he is a family friend). Your book, along with a homeschool friend (I prayed for one!), was JUST WHAT I NEEDED TO READ! I thought I would just give the book to someone
thinking about homeschooling when I was done reading it. However, I am just going to lend it out! I know this is a resource I will read and re-read in my future of homeschooling."