The Well-Trained Mind: A Guide to Classical Education at Home, Third Ed. by Susan Wise Bauer and Jessie Wise
This is the book that changed and cemented the focus of our homeschooling. I read the first edition shortly after Holly began second grade (at which time, we'd been homeschooling for half a year). It quickly became my "how to" manual, and even today, when asked what we use to homeschool, I still reply, "We loosely follow The Well-Trained Mind."
When the revised edition came out several years ago, I checked out a copy from our library and noted that the majority of changes reflected curriculum suggestions to more closely mirror those written by the authors (Story of the World, First Language Lessons, etc.). Nothing special to me.
Well, ten years later, the 3rd ed. came out (I'm finally reading it now). It's a bigger book, with an additional ~80 pages, including clearer descriptions in the middle and high school years. This time I've ordered a new copy. The first thing I'll have to do is transfer all of my pencil marks, sticky notes, and dog-eared page references to the new book. My old copy is a well-used reference, and I anticipate putting the new book to good use for the next five years to see my younger child through the rest of his homeschool years.
The Boy Who Came Back from Heaven by Kevin and Alex Malarkey
Six year old Alex Malarkey died in a horrific car accident. He came back to tell his story.
A unique, interesting, and inspirational story by a remarkable boy. Some of his retellings are not Biblical, but it's an encouraging, wonderful story nonetheless. Do I believe all of it? I don't know that I have to; it's enough for me that Alex does.
Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis: What You Need to Know by Nancy J. Holland, EdD
I happened upon this book while browsing new books at the library. It was really, really interesting to me, as I've long doubted Robert's diagnosis of relapsing remitting MS. There is no doubt that he has PPMS, although we know there are valid reasons for any doctor to maintain the current diagnosis (because of treatment options). Great book for us, a nice surprise, and thankfully not of much interest to anyone else I know.
Crunch Time by Diane Mott Davidson
This is the 761st installment in the caterer-turned-crime-solver Goldy Culinary Mystery Series. From the time my mother in law gave me an autographed copy of the second book in 1993, I've been (mostly) a fan.
Until now.
I could not muddle my way through the first excruciatingly boring chapter. No where to be found is the charming Goldy of old, the cozy writing from early in the series. Many of these later books have been lacking, but this time I am so over it.
Who Is My Shelter? Yada Yada House of Hope Book 4 by Neta Jackson
I've surprised myself by enjoying this series. This fourth book is absolutely so far my favorite. (Yes, I said that about book three also, but this one is even better!) Gabby is barely managing to keep up with her kids' schedules, her Manna House responsibilities, and managing her apartment building for single moms, when her estranged husband's needs become an even bigger priority in her life.
The author has overcome her earlier challenges of successfully weaving in characters from the Yada Yada series. She has an uncanny ability to draw you into the storyline and have a heart for her characters.
Excellent book; a believable story about the ups and downs of marriage. I think I read it in two days, and I don't do that often anymore.
Red: My Uncensored Life in Rock by Sammy Hagar
Let's see. In addition to saving the band Van Halen, Sammy Hagar opened the number-one independent bike store in California, until Rockhopper copied him and became even more famous. He convinced the fire dept. of Fontana (CA) that sprinklers were better at putting out fires than fire depts. He won a triatholon and "finished so far in front," but because he's the nicest guy in the world, he gave his winnings to the second place winner.
I am convinced he would have invented the internet if Al Gore hadn't beat him to it. (Maybe he gave it over to Al out of pity.)
Definitely in the running for the most self-centered, egotistical autobiography I've ever read.
Showing posts with label Book Reviews - NF education. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Book Reviews - NF education. Show all posts
Monday, May 09, 2011
Sunday, March 01, 2009
Book Review--Senior High: A Home Designed Form+U+la by Barbara Edtl Shelton
The new school year will bring a new season of homeschooling for us, as Holly will begin high school. I have an oh-so loose idea of what I expect it will look like: a continuation of what we've been doing, just with a continued increase in difficulty, with work that is age appropriate. Yep, it's no different than the expectation I have for every year. But in the back of my mind looms words such as "credits," "transcripts," and "college."
I've been compiling information that seems relevant to me, including curriculum possibilities, items from Lee, and posts from my SHS list. I've also been reading through a few books that I thought may be encouraging or helpful. Form+U+la is one of those books that I've been planning to read; in fact, based primarily on Cindy's suggestion, it's been on my reading list for several years. (Honestly, others may have recommended it, but her recommendation stood out. And that's made her a bit nervous, lol. :)
It's a big book, a really big book, with topics ranging from determining credit hours, grading guidelines, and transcripts. It's packed with encouragements and suggestions. These alone would make this a helpful book.
But what makes Form+U+la stand out in a class by itself is the way it shows how to design your own high school classes. Barb shows here that the possibilities are endless, everything from creating a class from scratch, to using bits and pieces of existing curriculum, to compiling a variety of what your student is doing, and making it credit-worthy. She gives dozens of samples and suggestions, including what works for her (and why another option may work better for you). Barb's homeschooling style and goals for her kids are different than mine, but book allows for that. There are sample checklists, dozens of sample forms, both completed and blank for your own use. It's helped me to see the bigger picture, to think outside the box.
Oh, there's a downside. The book is huge. No telling how many pages there are--regular, consistently numbered pages don't exist. Topics are broken down into sections, with page numbers such as JP-5, VI-A-7, VI-D-11, and V11-3. (Good luck with that.) The Table of Contents is inadequate when searching, and there is no index.
The entire book text is loaded with additional cutesy notes and asides by the author. Hugely irritating, they are set off by different sized fonts and smiley faces, and divert your attention away from the subject. Throughout the book, the author defends her "folksy," chatty way of writing. I didn't care for her writing style, but neither did I want constant apologies reminding me just how obnoxious it was.
Additionally, the book is dated (my edition is 1999), and there is a section at the end where the author heavily promotes her own curriculum, with the usual defenses and apologies.
But jump in! Read what's good, and skip over the fluff. I finished the book with the confidence that we CAN do this, and we can do it easily. I'm convinced this comprehensive how-to-homeschool high school book, combined with a book on college prep, is all I need to be prepared. It has my highest recommendation, and you'll recommend it to your friends too.
I've been compiling information that seems relevant to me, including curriculum possibilities, items from Lee, and posts from my SHS list. I've also been reading through a few books that I thought may be encouraging or helpful. Form+U+la is one of those books that I've been planning to read; in fact, based primarily on Cindy's suggestion, it's been on my reading list for several years. (Honestly, others may have recommended it, but her recommendation stood out. And that's made her a bit nervous, lol. :)
It's a big book, a really big book, with topics ranging from determining credit hours, grading guidelines, and transcripts. It's packed with encouragements and suggestions. These alone would make this a helpful book.
But what makes Form+U+la stand out in a class by itself is the way it shows how to design your own high school classes. Barb shows here that the possibilities are endless, everything from creating a class from scratch, to using bits and pieces of existing curriculum, to compiling a variety of what your student is doing, and making it credit-worthy. She gives dozens of samples and suggestions, including what works for her (and why another option may work better for you). Barb's homeschooling style and goals for her kids are different than mine, but book allows for that. There are sample checklists, dozens of sample forms, both completed and blank for your own use. It's helped me to see the bigger picture, to think outside the box.
Oh, there's a downside. The book is huge. No telling how many pages there are--regular, consistently numbered pages don't exist. Topics are broken down into sections, with page numbers such as JP-5, VI-A-7, VI-D-11, and V11-3. (Good luck with that.) The Table of Contents is inadequate when searching, and there is no index.
The entire book text is loaded with additional cutesy notes and asides by the author. Hugely irritating, they are set off by different sized fonts and smiley faces, and divert your attention away from the subject. Throughout the book, the author defends her "folksy," chatty way of writing. I didn't care for her writing style, but neither did I want constant apologies reminding me just how obnoxious it was.
Additionally, the book is dated (my edition is 1999), and there is a section at the end where the author heavily promotes her own curriculum, with the usual defenses and apologies.
But jump in! Read what's good, and skip over the fluff. I finished the book with the confidence that we CAN do this, and we can do it easily. I'm convinced this comprehensive how-to-homeschool high school book, combined with a book on college prep, is all I need to be prepared. It has my highest recommendation, and you'll recommend it to your friends too.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Book Review -- Homeschoolers' College Admissions Handbook: Preparing 12- to 18-Year-Olds for Success in the College of Their Choice by Cafi Cohen
As I began reading this book, I wasn't impressed at all. That was no surprise to me, because I'd already prepared myself to not like it very much. I don't care for the small pool of interviewees throughout (or the entire series), and I couldn't relate at all to the ways that many of these families school (or unschool, imo). I read a 2000 edition; I found the high school foreign language recommendations lacking, and I would guess other information may also be dated.
But . . . several positives kept popping up. I appreciated the wide variety of topics here. The author covers different high school programs, and ways to accumulate college credit while still in high school. Many different options for credits and transcripts were offered, including detailed examples of each type. Also covered were recommendation letters, portfolio suggestions, recordkeeping, PSATs/SATs, tips on choosing the right college, financing options, and application essays. My favorite was the timeline chapter, which included checklists from 7th grade on. Each chapter concludes with additional reading recommendations, books and websites that might even be considered competition for this book.
So the book overcame my bias, not an easy thing to do. All in all, it was very helpful, so far the best I've read on this topic. Definitely recommended, especially if you can get it at your library.
:)
But . . . several positives kept popping up. I appreciated the wide variety of topics here. The author covers different high school programs, and ways to accumulate college credit while still in high school. Many different options for credits and transcripts were offered, including detailed examples of each type. Also covered were recommendation letters, portfolio suggestions, recordkeeping, PSATs/SATs, tips on choosing the right college, financing options, and application essays. My favorite was the timeline chapter, which included checklists from 7th grade on. Each chapter concludes with additional reading recommendations, books and websites that might even be considered competition for this book.
So the book overcame my bias, not an easy thing to do. All in all, it was very helpful, so far the best I've read on this topic. Definitely recommended, especially if you can get it at your library.
* * *
As I write this, I am waiting for Barb Shelton's Form-U-La, and I'm expecting that to be even better. :)
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Book Review - Homeschooling the Teen Years by Cafi Cohen
Cafi Cohen is a name I've heard in various hsing circles. This book is part of a series, an earlier book of which Robert and I read when we first began considering homeschooling. (The Homeschooling Handbook convinced him.)
I don't know that the time it took to read this was worth what I got out of it. This edition is from 2000, and it's quite dated by hsing standards. Many of its interesting book recommendations (on nature study, and composers, for example) are no longer available. But there were a few hints that I found helpful and am incorporating into Holly's 8th grade this year. It's quite generic, not nearly comprehensive enough to use for high school.
This book doesn't even come close to my favorite resource for homeschooling high school, The Home Scholar:
I don't know that the time it took to read this was worth what I got out of it. This edition is from 2000, and it's quite dated by hsing standards. Many of its interesting book recommendations (on nature study, and composers, for example) are no longer available. But there were a few hints that I found helpful and am incorporating into Holly's 8th grade this year. It's quite generic, not nearly comprehensive enough to use for high school.
This book doesn't even come close to my favorite resource for homeschooling high school, The Home Scholar:
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Book Review - The Language Police: How Pressure Groups Restrict What Students Learn by Diane Ravitch
I'm familiar with Dr. Ravitch; she's loosely grouped with others who write about the decline of education in our country. Assistant Secretary in the Dept. of Education under (the first) President Bush, she later accepted an appointment by President Clinton to the National Assessment Governing Board (NAGB), which supervised national standardized testing. The NAGB approved potential reading passages for test questions, which then underwent the test contractors' "bias and sensitivity" review.
We all remember the stories about standardized test questions. Per "bias and sensitivity" review: Cake cannot appear in a comprehension story because it is not healthy; a story set in mountains discriminates against students who live in flatlands; it is wrong to describe peanuts as nutritious because they can cause severe allergic reactions. The list of stupidity goes on.
In addition to detailing a variety of well known testing companies' policies for standardized testing, this book also reveals how textbook publishers fall under the same unreasonable demands by feminists, ethnic minorities, the left, the right, religious groups, and the list goes on and on.
Background: textbook publishers pour millions of dollars into creating new books. Their eventual sales are dependent upon the approval of a few large states, such as Texas or California. If they are unable to sell in large numbers, they will also potentially lose the small sales. Publishers want to please their customers and therefore sanitize their books to avoid any possible potential objection.
Testing and textbooks must represent minorities in specific percentages. With original authors' permissions, popular stories were changed, for example: Judy Blume's Freddie in the Middle became Maggie in the Middle. Mrs. Jay was changed to Mrs. Chang. Although males and females were counted for equal balance, the state of Texas criticized a higher percentage of male animals. The state of California complained when The Little Engine That Could was depicted as male.
"Pioneer women doing domestic chores must be replaced by pioneer women chopping wood, using a plow, using firearms and handling large animals." (McGraw Hill) Women cannot be crying or doing "housework." Older people cannot be disabled or overweight. Men cannot be doctors or primary breadwinners. Children cannot be rude.
In short, test and textbook guidelines reach for a fictional world where there are equal numbers of males and females, where racial groups have participated equally in all aspects of history. History is not supposed to make us feel "good." How condescending that even student tests and textbooks are used to make a political point. "Literary quality becomes secondary to representational issues." "[The] ultimate goal of the academic curriculum is to advance multiculturalism." (Scott Foresman, which has 160+ pages of textbook guidelines.)
At the same time editors were simplifying reader vocabulary, which were found to be "too hard." ". . . standardized tests probe little more than basic skills. Depth, complexity and subtlety have been ruled out." I can well relate to this. As we began preparing for standardized testing when Trevor was in third grade, I saw that he was not doing well in "comprehension." I quickly realized that the testing wanted him to remember the color of John's dad's truck. Trevor had no idea--it was irrelevant to the story. But he could understand and easily explain WHY John liked to go riding with his dad. (Example.)
This was definitely a great read, very interesting, particularly the 25 pages of "banned words, usages, stereotypes, and topics." Wow. My personal subtitle would be something like "Reasons 224 - 592 to Homeschool." Note that the book was published in 2003, quite a while in terms of the school textbook industry, but probably not long enough ago to have made much difference in the books used today. On the downside, the book is poorly organized, with too much intermixing of testing and textbook requirements. Regardless, I recommend it as a definite eye opener, a fascinating book.
We all remember the stories about standardized test questions. Per "bias and sensitivity" review: Cake cannot appear in a comprehension story because it is not healthy; a story set in mountains discriminates against students who live in flatlands; it is wrong to describe peanuts as nutritious because they can cause severe allergic reactions. The list of stupidity goes on.
In addition to detailing a variety of well known testing companies' policies for standardized testing, this book also reveals how textbook publishers fall under the same unreasonable demands by feminists, ethnic minorities, the left, the right, religious groups, and the list goes on and on.
Background: textbook publishers pour millions of dollars into creating new books. Their eventual sales are dependent upon the approval of a few large states, such as Texas or California. If they are unable to sell in large numbers, they will also potentially lose the small sales. Publishers want to please their customers and therefore sanitize their books to avoid any possible potential objection.
Testing and textbooks must represent minorities in specific percentages. With original authors' permissions, popular stories were changed, for example: Judy Blume's Freddie in the Middle became Maggie in the Middle. Mrs. Jay was changed to Mrs. Chang. Although males and females were counted for equal balance, the state of Texas criticized a higher percentage of male animals. The state of California complained when The Little Engine That Could was depicted as male.
"Pioneer women doing domestic chores must be replaced by pioneer women chopping wood, using a plow, using firearms and handling large animals." (McGraw Hill) Women cannot be crying or doing "housework." Older people cannot be disabled or overweight. Men cannot be doctors or primary breadwinners. Children cannot be rude.
In short, test and textbook guidelines reach for a fictional world where there are equal numbers of males and females, where racial groups have participated equally in all aspects of history. History is not supposed to make us feel "good." How condescending that even student tests and textbooks are used to make a political point. "Literary quality becomes secondary to representational issues." "[The] ultimate goal of the academic curriculum is to advance multiculturalism." (Scott Foresman, which has 160+ pages of textbook guidelines.)
At the same time editors were simplifying reader vocabulary, which were found to be "too hard." ". . . standardized tests probe little more than basic skills. Depth, complexity and subtlety have been ruled out." I can well relate to this. As we began preparing for standardized testing when Trevor was in third grade, I saw that he was not doing well in "comprehension." I quickly realized that the testing wanted him to remember the color of John's dad's truck. Trevor had no idea--it was irrelevant to the story. But he could understand and easily explain WHY John liked to go riding with his dad. (Example.)
This was definitely a great read, very interesting, particularly the 25 pages of "banned words, usages, stereotypes, and topics." Wow. My personal subtitle would be something like "Reasons 224 - 592 to Homeschool." Note that the book was published in 2003, quite a while in terms of the school textbook industry, but probably not long enough ago to have made much difference in the books used today. On the downside, the book is poorly organized, with too much intermixing of testing and textbook requirements. Regardless, I recommend it as a definite eye opener, a fascinating book.
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
Book Review - Boys Adrift by Leonard Sax, M.D., Ph.D.
Recommended and lent to me by another mom in chess club, this is one of the most eye opening books I've ever read.
Why are boys of today more apathetic and disengaged than ever before? This is epidemic in our country, reaching over social and racial lines.
I was hooked within the first few paragraphs.
The author presents five reasons:
–Education theory/practice: academics are presented earlier, before children (more so boys) are ready; the lack of hands on curriculum; non-competitive school environment
--Video games
–Medications: overprescribing medications for ADD/ADHD, depression, and outbursts
–Environmental factors: widespred artificial female hormones, including plastic bottles
–Lack of proper role models
Each chapter expands on the different reasons and effects. The last chapter is devoted to "detoxing" boys, providing strategies to employ to help boys gain back motivation and enthusiasm for life.
I admit, I was doubtful when I first heard about this book. I mumbled (to myself of course) something about overblown hysteria. I don't think that anymore. The author is well regarded and his points were not hysterical but well thought out, with plenty of documentation.
Wow. Wow. I highly, highly recommend this book. Consider this: "[T]he average young man today has a sperm count less than half what his grandfather had at the same age." Track down a copy to read for yourself. I am returning the book to my friend tonight, but I want my own too. For more info, see the website here.
Why are boys of today more apathetic and disengaged than ever before? This is epidemic in our country, reaching over social and racial lines.
I was hooked within the first few paragraphs.
The author presents five reasons:
–Education theory/practice: academics are presented earlier, before children (more so boys) are ready; the lack of hands on curriculum; non-competitive school environment
--Video games
–Medications: overprescribing medications for ADD/ADHD, depression, and outbursts
–Environmental factors: widespred artificial female hormones, including plastic bottles
–Lack of proper role models
Each chapter expands on the different reasons and effects. The last chapter is devoted to "detoxing" boys, providing strategies to employ to help boys gain back motivation and enthusiasm for life.
I admit, I was doubtful when I first heard about this book. I mumbled (to myself of course) something about overblown hysteria. I don't think that anymore. The author is well regarded and his points were not hysterical but well thought out, with plenty of documentation.
Wow. Wow. I highly, highly recommend this book. Consider this: "[T]he average young man today has a sperm count less than half what his grandfather had at the same age." Track down a copy to read for yourself. I am returning the book to my friend tonight, but I want my own too. For more info, see the website here.
Saturday, September 01, 2007
Book Review - Teach Like Your Hair's On Fire by Rafe Esquith
I grudgingly admit to reading this sequel. Although I still don't believe Mr. Esquith's never ending proclamations of greatness, there are some good ideas in the book. Besides, it was an easy read, and I needed something light the week that we moved.
Three weeks later, as I type this, the book for the most part was unmemorable. It's a continuation of the first book. I did, however, gather a varied list of movies that we might choose from if I can ever pull together a weekly movie night at home. (I took the list from Mr. Esquith's "Film Club," which meets weekly in his classroom--when he's in a staff meeting in another part of the school . . . And I need to keep in mind that his recommendations for 5th graders include such dubious choices as Saving Private Ryan . . . )
This book is not recommended.
Three weeks later, as I type this, the book for the most part was unmemorable. It's a continuation of the first book. I did, however, gather a varied list of movies that we might choose from if I can ever pull together a weekly movie night at home. (I took the list from Mr. Esquith's "Film Club," which meets weekly in his classroom--when he's in a staff meeting in another part of the school . . . And I need to keep in mind that his recommendations for 5th graders include such dubious choices as Saving Private Ryan . . . )
This book is not recommended.
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Book Review - There Are No Shortcuts by Rafe Esquith
This book was briefly mentioned on a hs board that I visit occasionally. Rafe Esquith is an inner city 5th grade teacher who has won a number of teaching awards, including the American Teacher Award and the Disney Outstanding Teaching of the Year Award. Apparently, Oprah is a big fan of his too. (Visual note to SHSers: [eyes rolling].) And Mr. Esquith is a quite a big fan of himself too.
He is an extremely dedicated teacher and prefers to teach his gifted students Shakespeare, algebra, and classical music and read books such as The Autobiography of Malcolm X--every year. He puts in a lot of hours, guiding students in his classroom from 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and his claims of working every Saturday and every vacation day just don't ring true. Neither do his claims that his students travel to places such as Disneyland, Washington D.C. and Shakespeare Festivals every year. These are only the beginning of his laundry list of accomplishments.
This doesn't seem to mesh with his statements that these are very poor children. "Most" (his word) come to the school not knowing any English. How in the world is money raised to pay this classroom's incredible travel expenses? Mr. Esquith is not rich, and one chapter is dedicated to the lack of (financial) support from the community. I also tired quickly of his many repeated conversations with administrators/other teachers, who always came out looking stupid.
I'm still torn over this book. It was entertaining, yet I tired of reading of his self-proclaimed wonderfulness. I have his second book already from the library, and I may or may not read it.
Not recommended.
He is an extremely dedicated teacher and prefers to teach his gifted students Shakespeare, algebra, and classical music and read books such as The Autobiography of Malcolm X--every year. He puts in a lot of hours, guiding students in his classroom from 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and his claims of working every Saturday and every vacation day just don't ring true. Neither do his claims that his students travel to places such as Disneyland, Washington D.C. and Shakespeare Festivals every year. These are only the beginning of his laundry list of accomplishments.
This doesn't seem to mesh with his statements that these are very poor children. "Most" (his word) come to the school not knowing any English. How in the world is money raised to pay this classroom's incredible travel expenses? Mr. Esquith is not rich, and one chapter is dedicated to the lack of (financial) support from the community. I also tired quickly of his many repeated conversations with administrators/other teachers, who always came out looking stupid.
I'm still torn over this book. It was entertaining, yet I tired of reading of his self-proclaimed wonderfulness. I have his second book already from the library, and I may or may not read it.
Not recommended.
Friday, June 29, 2007
Book Review - The Order of Things by Barbara Ann Kipfer
Holly and Trevor usually work on memorization daily, learning a wide range of things, from books of the Bible and the original 13 colonies to the more frivolous 'Twas the Night Before Christmas and other silly poems.
In my quest in keeping their topics both interesting and educational, I noticed this interesting book mentioned on TWTM boards as a possible resource. Consider the title: The Order of Things: How Everything in the World Is Organized into Hierarchies, Structures, & Pecking Orders. The book contains an amazing variety of lists such as artillery ranks, bodies of water, federal tax system, Chinese dynasties, Hebrew calendar, branches of anthropology, motion picture rating system, and the satellites of Uranus.
It was easy to "read"--as fast as I could turn individual pages, I could see if anything on a page interested me. But I'm not sure that was even worth my effort. I noticed the Beatitudes, something I've considered before that would be a good addition. As I flipped through the countries of the world section, I thought that learning the U.S. Presidents might be a good one too--but in a **bizarre** omission, the 43 Presidents of our country are not listed in this book. (But the many dozen British Prime Ministers are.)
Not a book I'd recommend. Although I don't have to choose just one, I would overall much prefer Jack Prelutsky. Hey, he may not be quite as educational, but he makes the morning fun!
In my quest in keeping their topics both interesting and educational, I noticed this interesting book mentioned on TWTM boards as a possible resource. Consider the title: The Order of Things: How Everything in the World Is Organized into Hierarchies, Structures, & Pecking Orders. The book contains an amazing variety of lists such as artillery ranks, bodies of water, federal tax system, Chinese dynasties, Hebrew calendar, branches of anthropology, motion picture rating system, and the satellites of Uranus.
It was easy to "read"--as fast as I could turn individual pages, I could see if anything on a page interested me. But I'm not sure that was even worth my effort. I noticed the Beatitudes, something I've considered before that would be a good addition. As I flipped through the countries of the world section, I thought that learning the U.S. Presidents might be a good one too--but in a **bizarre** omission, the 43 Presidents of our country are not listed in this book. (But the many dozen British Prime Ministers are.)
Not a book I'd recommend. Although I don't have to choose just one, I would overall much prefer Jack Prelutsky. Hey, he may not be quite as educational, but he makes the morning fun!
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
Book Review - Great Books by Kathleen Odean
(Should I admit that I went to two different libraries today? Trevor and I stopped at the "big" one on the way home from karate, specifically looking for Thornton Burgess books for him. Later, Robert and I went to our neighborhood library to pick up books that were on hold for me.)
Kathy mentioned Kathleen Odean's Great Books for Girls a few days ago on our hs list. At the same time I requested it from my library, I noticed another book by the author, Great Books for Boys, and I picked both up today. These aren't book that I so much as read, but scanned through. Each one contains several hundred book selections for children, loosely grouped first by ease of reading (picture books, beginning chapter books, medium chapter books, and older books), and broken down by genre within each reading level category. Each book recommendation includes an age range and a brief description of the story.
I'm familiar with many of the selections and/or authors, and they are good, giving me more confidence with the other books. I wrote down many choices for both Holly and Trevor as I leafed through the descriptions. I winced at the author's obvious feminist slant and her refusal to include books such as Bemelman's Madeline ("...although she is described as fearless, Madeline does not actually do anything in the first book about her. Worse, her fellow students spend an awful lot of time crying") and Anne of Green Gables ("...at the end of the book, she consciously sacrifices her education to help her beloved relative. ...Anne has become dreamier and less given to speaking her mind that when she was young. ...the lesson it ultimately offers girls is a very traditional one.") Well, for pete's sake, let's not offer girls TRADITIONAL lessons!
There are several books out there that offer "great books," and this is one of the better ones. I recommend it.
Now I'm armed with yet another reading list (and I do have several floating around!). I just have to decide where to begin for my kids, lol.
Kathy mentioned Kathleen Odean's Great Books for Girls a few days ago on our hs list. At the same time I requested it from my library, I noticed another book by the author, Great Books for Boys, and I picked both up today. These aren't book that I so much as read, but scanned through. Each one contains several hundred book selections for children, loosely grouped first by ease of reading (picture books, beginning chapter books, medium chapter books, and older books), and broken down by genre within each reading level category. Each book recommendation includes an age range and a brief description of the story.
I'm familiar with many of the selections and/or authors, and they are good, giving me more confidence with the other books. I wrote down many choices for both Holly and Trevor as I leafed through the descriptions. I winced at the author's obvious feminist slant and her refusal to include books such as Bemelman's Madeline ("...although she is described as fearless, Madeline does not actually do anything in the first book about her. Worse, her fellow students spend an awful lot of time crying") and Anne of Green Gables ("...at the end of the book, she consciously sacrifices her education to help her beloved relative. ...Anne has become dreamier and less given to speaking her mind that when she was young. ...the lesson it ultimately offers girls is a very traditional one.") Well, for pete's sake, let's not offer girls TRADITIONAL lessons!
There are several books out there that offer "great books," and this is one of the better ones. I recommend it.
Now I'm armed with yet another reading list (and I do have several floating around!). I just have to decide where to begin for my kids, lol.
Monday, May 07, 2007
Book Review - The History of the Ancient World by Susan Wise Bauer
If you are unfamiliar with Susan Wise Bauer and her Story of the World series, you will want to skip this review.
* * * * *
This book, titled The History of the Ancient World from the Earliest Accounts to the Fall of Rome is SWB's long awaited first volume of history for adults. I checked it out from my library with the thought of considering it as a history spine for high school. Additional books in this series are expected. It follows the general chronological format of SOTW, although there is considerably more detail and twice as many chapters. At almost 900 pages, I didn't actually read much of it, and I had conflicting opinions as I skimmed through. While written as a narrative, the book is very dry. With names such as Hierakonpolis, Manetho, Khasekhem, Saqqara, Naram-Sin, a pronunciation guide would have been extremely helpful. (Unfortunately, one is also lacking in the SOTW books.) As the book progressed through history, the reading became more entertaining, and I read several chapters on Caesar, since that's what we're currently studying in history. (Sample chapters can be read by clicking here, and don't let the chapter on monotheism fool you. It's not representative of the rest of the book, and I can only guess why it was chosen for a sample.)
I don't get SWB. Her husband is the pastor of a non-denominational church. Why does she try so hard to satisfy the masses--her secular readers? On the other hand, when I consider her track record, it really comes as no surprise. (In a twist of irony, her non-Christian readers always claim that her books are "too Christian," proving that in her quest to please everyone, no one is that pleased.) This adult book contains about as much Bible history as her children's book. I don't know how the two can be separated, but she's done her best to eliminate Biblical history. (And no, Noah, Abraham, Moses and Nebuchadnezzar don't count. Especially when they garner more mention than Christ.) For this reason alone, I would never consider this book as part of our curriculum, nor would I recommend it as a general interest read. It was a disappointment, but I should have rather expected it . . .
* * * * *
This book, titled The History of the Ancient World from the Earliest Accounts to the Fall of Rome is SWB's long awaited first volume of history for adults. I checked it out from my library with the thought of considering it as a history spine for high school. Additional books in this series are expected. It follows the general chronological format of SOTW, although there is considerably more detail and twice as many chapters. At almost 900 pages, I didn't actually read much of it, and I had conflicting opinions as I skimmed through. While written as a narrative, the book is very dry. With names such as Hierakonpolis, Manetho, Khasekhem, Saqqara, Naram-Sin, a pronunciation guide would have been extremely helpful. (Unfortunately, one is also lacking in the SOTW books.) As the book progressed through history, the reading became more entertaining, and I read several chapters on Caesar, since that's what we're currently studying in history. (Sample chapters can be read by clicking here, and don't let the chapter on monotheism fool you. It's not representative of the rest of the book, and I can only guess why it was chosen for a sample.)
I don't get SWB. Her husband is the pastor of a non-denominational church. Why does she try so hard to satisfy the masses--her secular readers? On the other hand, when I consider her track record, it really comes as no surprise. (In a twist of irony, her non-Christian readers always claim that her books are "too Christian," proving that in her quest to please everyone, no one is that pleased.) This adult book contains about as much Bible history as her children's book. I don't know how the two can be separated, but she's done her best to eliminate Biblical history. (And no, Noah, Abraham, Moses and Nebuchadnezzar don't count. Especially when they garner more mention than Christ.) For this reason alone, I would never consider this book as part of our curriculum, nor would I recommend it as a general interest read. It was a disappointment, but I should have rather expected it . . .
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Book Review - The Essential 55
The full title of this book is The Essential 55: An Award-Winning Educator's Rules for Discovering the Successful Student in Every Child. Author Ron Clark won the 2001 Disney Teacher of the Year Award. As I'm not a Disney fan here, this was really more of a negative for me.
My dear cousin Adriene first recommended this book a year or two ago. I liked it then; it stuck out in my mind enough to check out again.
The "Rules" range from practical life skills ("When you answer the phone at your house, you must do so in an appropriate manner." "Make eye contact. When someone is speaking, keep your eyes on him or her at all times. If someone makes a comment, turn an face that person.") to specifically school related ("Homework will be turned in each day for each subject by every student with no exceptions." "If you have a question about your homework, you may call me."). Each rule is explained further, usually with a background, and the effect the rule has had on his students.
The amazon reviews often scorned Mr. Clark for some of his commentary, but I found that irrelevant to the rules. It seemed more of an attempt to spice up his writing, to add more words to the book. Obviously, I don't agree with everything he says, but overall, I found the rules to give good direction.
I didn't read through the entire book this time. I checked it out only to see if it was something that I could use as a "curriculum" with my kids. I plan to buy my own copy, and we can work through these, one rule per week. Some of them will go over better than others; but those difficult ones are probably the ones that NEED to be worked on.
Yes, I would recommend this book.
My dear cousin Adriene first recommended this book a year or two ago. I liked it then; it stuck out in my mind enough to check out again.
The "Rules" range from practical life skills ("When you answer the phone at your house, you must do so in an appropriate manner." "Make eye contact. When someone is speaking, keep your eyes on him or her at all times. If someone makes a comment, turn an face that person.") to specifically school related ("Homework will be turned in each day for each subject by every student with no exceptions." "If you have a question about your homework, you may call me."). Each rule is explained further, usually with a background, and the effect the rule has had on his students.
The amazon reviews often scorned Mr. Clark for some of his commentary, but I found that irrelevant to the rules. It seemed more of an attempt to spice up his writing, to add more words to the book. Obviously, I don't agree with everything he says, but overall, I found the rules to give good direction.
I didn't read through the entire book this time. I checked it out only to see if it was something that I could use as a "curriculum" with my kids. I plan to buy my own copy, and we can work through these, one rule per week. Some of them will go over better than others; but those difficult ones are probably the ones that NEED to be worked on.
Yes, I would recommend this book.
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Book Review - Teach Your Own: The John Holt Book of Homeschooling
John Holt is best known in hsing circles for his unschooling philosophy. "Unschooling" has many different "definitions," and contrary to what some believe, it does not mean that children are left entirely on their own to do whatever they please. There's a little more to it than that.
I'm not sure why I chose this book. Maybe I thought it was time to read John Holt? Maybe it caught my eye someplace recently? True unschooling is a wonderful method, but I've always known that I'm not committed or creative enough to pull it off. I'd read a book like this to be informed, become a little more well-rounded, pick up hints to apply at our homeschool, and I'd read it in general for pleasure and entertainment.
John Holt died over 20 years ago. Teach Your Own has been updated and edited, and the editor's comments are interspersed with the text of the original book. The revised book does not flow well, and I often found myself trying to figure out exactly whose writing I was reading.
While we don't choose public school for our kids at this time, I don't feel the need to slam it across the board. A few comments in the book really bothered me: "One of our readers gave us a vivid description of what must be a very typical school experience." "This reader's experience is surely not unusual." "Parents could argue . . . that since they believe that school can and probably will do their children deep and lasting harm . . ." Please. If someone painted hsers with such a stereotypical brush, we'd be up in arms.
After reading garbage like this, I decided to stop the book. It's not informative, it's of no benefit to me. Unfortunately, I'm unable to recommend it.
I'm not sure why I chose this book. Maybe I thought it was time to read John Holt? Maybe it caught my eye someplace recently? True unschooling is a wonderful method, but I've always known that I'm not committed or creative enough to pull it off. I'd read a book like this to be informed, become a little more well-rounded, pick up hints to apply at our homeschool, and I'd read it in general for pleasure and entertainment.
John Holt died over 20 years ago. Teach Your Own has been updated and edited, and the editor's comments are interspersed with the text of the original book. The revised book does not flow well, and I often found myself trying to figure out exactly whose writing I was reading.
While we don't choose public school for our kids at this time, I don't feel the need to slam it across the board. A few comments in the book really bothered me: "One of our readers gave us a vivid description of what must be a very typical school experience." "This reader's experience is surely not unusual." "Parents could argue . . . that since they believe that school can and probably will do their children deep and lasting harm . . ." Please. If someone painted hsers with such a stereotypical brush, we'd be up in arms.
After reading garbage like this, I decided to stop the book. It's not informative, it's of no benefit to me. Unfortunately, I'm unable to recommend it.
Monday, March 26, 2007
Book Review - Climbing Parnassus
"If I have brought anything original to the task -- a tricky when not ridiculous word -- other than my own limited experience, it's probably just a bit of retrograde thinking feared and eschewed by others saddled with that side-glancing reticence often awarded with academic tenure."
How's that for a representative sentence from Tracy Simmons's Climbing Parnassus: A New Apologia for Greek and Latin? It never stops, every other sentence in the book reads like that.
I don't think I'm a complete illiterate and yet I would get just as much from flipping through the dictionary reading words at random. It will go down in my book log as surely the most overrated book I've ever read.
I've heard for years that Climbing Parnassus is so inspiring, encouraging readers to return to true roots of classical education, including the languages of Latin and Greek. At least I think that's what it's about. Well over 100 pages into this book, I finally gave up the mind numbing reading. The only thing keeping me awake was the turning of the pages and I'm relieved it's over. Books like this can explain why regular people find the idea of Latin and Greek 'tricky if not ridiculous' (see quote at beginning).
I have no doubt that the author is very intelligent, but I honestly cannot imagine anyone I know having the energy, mindset or desire to make their way through this unbelievably tedious book. I borrowed it via interlibrary loan, and the last --and ONLY-- time it was checked out was 2003. I'm just thankful that I waited so long to (try to) read it, because it seriously would have killed any of my enthusiasm of bringing the study of Latin (or Greek) into our home.
Climb Parnassus? Nope, not me. I'll take sea level. Or possibly even underwater.
How's that for a representative sentence from Tracy Simmons's Climbing Parnassus: A New Apologia for Greek and Latin? It never stops, every other sentence in the book reads like that.
I don't think I'm a complete illiterate and yet I would get just as much from flipping through the dictionary reading words at random. It will go down in my book log as surely the most overrated book I've ever read.
I've heard for years that Climbing Parnassus is so inspiring, encouraging readers to return to true roots of classical education, including the languages of Latin and Greek. At least I think that's what it's about. Well over 100 pages into this book, I finally gave up the mind numbing reading. The only thing keeping me awake was the turning of the pages and I'm relieved it's over. Books like this can explain why regular people find the idea of Latin and Greek 'tricky if not ridiculous' (see quote at beginning).
I have no doubt that the author is very intelligent, but I honestly cannot imagine anyone I know having the energy, mindset or desire to make their way through this unbelievably tedious book. I borrowed it via interlibrary loan, and the last --and ONLY-- time it was checked out was 2003. I'm just thankful that I waited so long to (try to) read it, because it seriously would have killed any of my enthusiasm of bringing the study of Latin (or Greek) into our home.
Climb Parnassus? Nope, not me. I'll take sea level. Or possibly even underwater.
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Book Review - For the Children's Sake
This book, by Susan Schaeffer Macaulay, is popular among homeschoolers. I can certainly see why. It lays out an overview of Charlotte Mason's teachings. While I usually say that we loosely follow The Well-Trained Mind, which claims to be classical education, we really follow a blend of Charlotte Mason and neo-classical education.
My favorite Charlotte Mason style book is Karen Andreola's A Charlotte Mason Companion. I liked it enough to buy it several years ago, and that's unusual. Because I have too many other books I need to be reading (which are due back at the library), I'm skipping this Schaeffer book. I've read about 20% of it, and while I enjoy reading hs books in general, I have already fallen in love with the oh-so-gentle tone of Mrs. Andreola's writings. I don't think completing this book would be of any benefit. (Is it bad that I don't have any interest in reading the original Mason material?)
So I guess this post isn't so much a book review, but more my brief thoughts about my preference for the Andreola book, my lack of enough reading time, and my reminder to myself that we aren't following a true "classical" education. :)
Off to go teach Latin. Or history. Or something.
My favorite Charlotte Mason style book is Karen Andreola's A Charlotte Mason Companion. I liked it enough to buy it several years ago, and that's unusual. Because I have too many other books I need to be reading (which are due back at the library), I'm skipping this Schaeffer book. I've read about 20% of it, and while I enjoy reading hs books in general, I have already fallen in love with the oh-so-gentle tone of Mrs. Andreola's writings. I don't think completing this book would be of any benefit. (Is it bad that I don't have any interest in reading the original Mason material?)
So I guess this post isn't so much a book review, but more my brief thoughts about my preference for the Andreola book, my lack of enough reading time, and my reminder to myself that we aren't following a true "classical" education. :)
Off to go teach Latin. Or history. Or something.
Saturday, March 03, 2007
Book Review - The Language Wars by Ruth Beechick
I've said before that I enjoy reading Ruth Beechick's perspective. In many ways, she reminds me of a Charlotte Mason style of teacher, specific yet gentle, and that's a nudge from which I can always benefit. The Language Wars and Other Writings for Homeschoolers is a collection of 25 articles all written by Dr. Beechick and published in various homeschool magazines over several years.
Although I don't agree with everything she says, I liked the information that was in this book. It was different than her "how to" books that I've read. I'd recommend it to my hs friends who follow Beechick and can get this book through their library system.
Although I don't agree with everything she says, I liked the information that was in this book. It was different than her "how to" books that I've read. I'd recommend it to my hs friends who follow Beechick and can get this book through their library system.
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
Book Review - Pass the Poetry Please! by Lee Bennett Hopkins
After reading through this gem of a book, the biggest surprise is that I've not seen it in mentioned in homeschooling circles before. Pass the Poetry Please! is jam packed with wonderful information, in an easy to read, easy to follow format.
The writing style is reminiscent of Ruth Beechick, encouraging in a Charlotte Mason-way gentle but thorough exposure and teaching of many different sides of poetry. There is emphasis on "gentle" here, specifically avoiding analysis and other approaches that kill further interest to learn. (I need to take note of this.) The first section covers this is detail. Although the book is probably written to use in a classroom, it can also easily be used at home.
The second and largest section contains brief chapters of two dozen assorted children's poets, ranging from Robert Frost to Jack Prelutzsky. The author encourages you to pick and choose a variety that you think will appeal to your children. Each poet is afforded several pages, including interesting biographical information, interview excerpts, a brief poetry sample and further book recommendations.
This is followed by an inspiring chapter on "teaching" children to write poetry, again doing this gently, beginning with modeling (copying an existing poem with the child changing a line or two). A myriad of poetry styles is included. The final section is for bringing poetry activities to children in the classroom.
I found this book to be very comprehensive; I'm already requesting some of the books through my library. I want to have fun with this, no memorization, just fun reading, see what appeals to my kids, and encourage them to want to learn more.
Excellent book, and I can imagine that I'll check it out again a few times. I ready to pour through it again already.
The writing style is reminiscent of Ruth Beechick, encouraging in a Charlotte Mason-way gentle but thorough exposure and teaching of many different sides of poetry. There is emphasis on "gentle" here, specifically avoiding analysis and other approaches that kill further interest to learn. (I need to take note of this.) The first section covers this is detail. Although the book is probably written to use in a classroom, it can also easily be used at home.
The second and largest section contains brief chapters of two dozen assorted children's poets, ranging from Robert Frost to Jack Prelutzsky. The author encourages you to pick and choose a variety that you think will appeal to your children. Each poet is afforded several pages, including interesting biographical information, interview excerpts, a brief poetry sample and further book recommendations.
This is followed by an inspiring chapter on "teaching" children to write poetry, again doing this gently, beginning with modeling (copying an existing poem with the child changing a line or two). A myriad of poetry styles is included. The final section is for bringing poetry activities to children in the classroom.
I found this book to be very comprehensive; I'm already requesting some of the books through my library. I want to have fun with this, no memorization, just fun reading, see what appeals to my kids, and encourage them to want to learn more.
Excellent book, and I can imagine that I'll check it out again a few times. I ready to pour through it again already.
Sunday, January 07, 2007
Book Review - Genesis: Finding Our Roots by Ruth Beechick
I don't buy a lot of books. For several years, I've wanted to get my hands on Ruth Beechick's Genesis: Finding Our Roots, and I finally bought it. I was not expecting a young earth Bible study. Say what you will about coincidence (g), but at the same time I am also reading Dr. Hugh Ross's Creation and Time on old earth Creationism.
I remain a Beechick fan, but this is not a book that interests me. I skimmed through the narrative. I'm glad I have a copy; I no longer need to wonder about this book. I like some of the artwork. But for me personally there are too many young earth issues I cannot resolve, and any books I do seriously read on this topic would be authored by someone with significantly more credentials pertaining to the topics. I don't believe this book is written for children, but it could be more appropriate for that age group. I wouldn't recommend this book.
(I still haven't read my copy of Adam and His Kin yet though, and I continue to look forward to that.)
I remain a Beechick fan, but this is not a book that interests me. I skimmed through the narrative. I'm glad I have a copy; I no longer need to wonder about this book. I like some of the artwork. But for me personally there are too many young earth issues I cannot resolve, and any books I do seriously read on this topic would be authored by someone with significantly more credentials pertaining to the topics. I don't believe this book is written for children, but it could be more appropriate for that age group. I wouldn't recommend this book.
(I still haven't read my copy of Adam and His Kin yet though, and I continue to look forward to that.)
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