Homeschooling Methods

Homeschooling Methods: Seasoned advice on Learning Styles, by Paul and Gena Suarez, General Editors. Nashville, Tennessee: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2006. 269 pp. $14.00 ISBN: 0805440178.

Originally published in The Christian Librarian 51:51-52 no. 1 2008

Paul and Gena Suarez are the publishers of The Old Schoolhouse magazine for homeschoolers. They have homeschooled their four children from birth. The Suarezes bring together over twenty experts to provide real-world advice and the pros and cons of ten of the most popular methods for homeschoolers. The models include Classical Education, Principle Approach, Traditional Textbook, Charlotte Mason, Unit Study, Special Needs, Carschooling, Ecclectic, Unschooling or Delight Directed Studies and Whole-Heart Learning. As the cover says, it is “a homeschool convention in a book” that will help parents to “discover what will work for your family and why.” Contributors include such well known homeschool veterans as Christine Field, Jessica Hulcy, Dr. Raymond Moore and Dr. Ruth Beechick. My personal favorite was the article on “The Power of Books and Reading” by Sally Clarkson. It is worth the price of the book.

Homeschooling Methods is a great resource for families exploring the option of homeschooling; beginning and more experienced homeschoolers searching for the best method of homeschooling for their families. It will help parents to develop an “effective educational game plan” and to choose a model that would be right for their family. It is separated into short, readable chapters. It can easily be read in one or two sittings. It is highly recommended for all libraries.