The Ultimate Guide to Homeschooling – TOS Review

When I first started homeschooling, I read the book The Ultimate Guide to Homeschooling by Debra Bell. 

I read it over and over and it got me through the first 2 years of this scary journey our family had embarked upon.  The pages were torn, corners bent down and I had written in it, a lot.  When  one of my best friends decided to start homeschooling,  I gave her my copy of the book so that she could learn all of the wonderful things I had learned. 

Now fast forward a couple of years.  I learned that I was going to be getting an updated edition of The Ultimate Guide to Homeschooling from Apologia Press to review for the TOS crew.  I had heard of Apologia.  What homeschooling family hasn’t?  But, when I hear the company Apologia, I think science.  They have wonderful science curriculum that you can see by visiting their website at Apologia.com.   You can also see reviews done by the TOS crew last year for Apologia’s science curriculum.  This past year they have expanded into other areas. 

When I received my book, I noticed that the cover looked different and I couldn’t wait to see what had changed inside. 

I thought that I would skim through and then pass this on to another homeschooling mom so she could enjoy this wonderful resource.  Oh boy, was I wrong.  After reading only the first chapter I knew that I would not be getting rid of this.  I had already highlighted and underlined several things.  The introduction says it all for me. She states that when homeschooling you are going to make mistakes. You will get frustrated and feel like quitting.

WHAT?  Did I read that right?  I just couldn’t believe that someone felt the same way that I do.  Homeschooling is not easy.  It takes a lot of work, dedication and sometimes it doesn’t happen the way you would like it to.  In this book, Debra will tell you of her journey, mistakes and all, and give you an abundance of information for homeschooling your children.  The great thing is that you don’t have to do it her way.  There is no “right way” when it comes to homeschooling.  This book just gives you LOTS of ideas and places to get started whether you are just beginning or need a refresher. 

Here are the titles of the chapters in the book.  You will be amazed at how much information is packed into this great book. 

• Homeschooling: Is it for you?
• Choosing a Curriculum
• Organization and Planning (this is exceptional)
• Preventing Burnout
• What to Teach – When and How
• Homeschooling Teens
• Computers in the Homeschool (great ideas)
• Creative Solutions
• Measuring your Success
• Pre-Game Pep Talk
• Resource Guide (Unbeatable)

Debra will help you do things like determine your child’s learning style, find resources on the web, how to utilize the library and surviving a curriculum fair.   You can read an excerpt from the book if you would like.  They offer Chapter 6: Six Ingredients of a Successful Homeschool on their website.

I have liked most of the items I have received from the TOS crew but this one is EXCEPTIONAL!!!   I recommend this book to every homeschooling family and anyone who is thinking about homeschooling.  I left this in the bathroom and I have even caught my husband reading it.  He has recommended a few things out of this for our family to try. This is great because he is usually a quiet, hands-off type of homeschooling Dad.  He leaves all of the decisions up to me and backs me up when needed.  But, it is wonderful when he sees something that can be helpful in our home and lets me know.

You can get your copy of The Ultimate Guide to Homeschooling for only $20 plus shipping by visiting the Apologia Press website .  Don’t forget to check out all of their other products while you’re there.  

Would you like to see what the other crew members have to say about this?  Click here to check it out.  

Please note that I received this copy of The Ultimate Guide to Homeschooling at no charge from Apologia Press in exchange for my honest opinion in this review.  No other compensation was provided.  I recommend that you see what others have to say about this before deciding if this is right for your family.