Most inspirational HS book you've read..

[hipumpkins]

I'm thinking "Dumbing us down" but what are your all time favs.
I know this mom who wishes she could homeschool but fear is keeping her from it.
Her Dd is having anxiety issues with school;, stomach aches, lip licking, tantrums and tears often causing her to be late which causes more anxiety.
Her daughter has expressed several times she wishes she could be homeschooled.
I've told the mom about how easy it can be (we're in Nj so no rules at all) and I am trying to dispel the idea that she needs to be doing school at home.
I think the mom just might need a little inspiration that she CAN do it. that seems to be her biggest obstacle, "I don't know if I can do it"
So what books were a revelation to you?

[Lillian J]

An old cyberfriend suggested some years back that we veteran homeschoolers put together a book expressly for the purpose of empowering people who have those very same self doubts. She went all over the Internet asking for people who had already finished the journey to contribute. The majority of contributers came from among her Christian contacts, but not all (Mary Griffith, for instance, did a chapter), and it doesn't have a religious bent. None of the us made money from it - she was free to give authors' shares to whatever charity she wanted - we just wanted to help people get past that hurdle.
See! I Told Me So! Homeschool Veterans Declare "You Can Stop Worrying," An Ebook. Eighteen homeschool veterans from all walks of life share their experiences - their challenges, fears, trials and triumphs. Each contributor offers the same assurance. "We could have stopped worrying years ago, and you can stop worrying today."

There are lots of wonderful books I can think of that could accomplish the same thing, but it's just one that was specifically written with that in mind.
-Lillian

[hipumpkins]

Lillian, I just ordered it. thank you!

[Lillian J]

Originally Posted by hipumpkins

Lillian, I just ordered it. thank you!

Wow! I hope you and she enjoy it!

Lillian

[akichan]

Homeschooling: A Family's Journey by Gregory and Martine Millman

[akwifeandmomma]

Educating the Wholehearted Child - Clarkson. Christian slant.

[amis2girls]

Homeschooling: A Patchwork of Days http://www.amazon.com/Homeschooling-.../dp/0965130304

Thirty families wrote a description of their day, and every method is in the book -- textbooks to unschooling. They tell how they chose their method and how they make it work.

[Fillyjonk]

oddly, for me it was the teenage liberation handbook

it is written for teenagers, but I think it is a great handbook for anyone who wants to take control of their own learning. I got it for a 30th birthday present and i loved it, it still inspired me.

I see homeschooling as a whole family enterprise, I suspect it goes way more smoothly if the adults love learning, are committed to learning themselves, etc. We've never had any problems getting our kids to learn (ok they are very small-6, 4, and 2-so I am a rookie) but I don't think it hurts that they have seem dp and I studying, learning, overcoming obstacles, always with a book in our hands, etc.

TBH even the information on subjects is not that specific to teenagers. I've used some of the suggested resources with my kids.

Most of all it is inspirational. It gave me a glimpse of the life I want for myself and my kids.

[gaudynight]

I just finished reading the Well-Trained Mind. I'm not sure how closely we'll follow it, but I really resonated with their ideas about the trivium and a four-year history cycle. We kind of fell into hs'ing and have been making it up as we go along and it's really given me a sense of perspective.

[Theoretica]

Teenage Liberation Handbook: How To Quit School and Get A Real Life

My.Absolute.FAV!!!!

[MamaHappy]

Originally Posted by amis2girls

Homeschooling: A Patchwork of Days http://www.amazon.com/Homeschooling-.../dp/0965130304

Thirty families wrote a description of their day, and every method is in the book -- textbooks to unschooling. They tell how they chose their method and how they make it work.

I really like this book too! And the follow up to it...Homeschool Open House (which is currently oop) is good too.

[Callimom]

It depends on if you are looking for a philosophically inspiring read or a logistically inspiring one.

For philosophy

Dumbing us Down is a good one but it's anti school stance can be a bit harsh if you are on the fence. I like Grace Llewellyn's books as well.

I really liked Linda Dobson's The art of education : reclaiming your family, community, and self. It's way OOP now but I get it out of my library every once in a while.

Here's the abstract from ERIC
This book argues that the American school system is based on a false definition of education that leads to false goals. It explains the need for home schooling and describes the changes that must occur in child-rearing practices in order to shore up America's moral and spiritual fiber. Sixteen chapters are based on the notion that education is an art instead of a business. The chapters offer suggestions for examining priorities, getting started, and creating a family personal education philosophy. The book debunks five myths about family-centered education and describes the benefits to parents, children, and the community. Appendices contain a list of home-school "alumni," notes, and a list of resources. An index is included. (LMI)

The non-homeschool specific book which finally gave me the push I needed was Hold On To Your Kids.

From a motivation/how to standpoint, I found reading the journal entries in Rebecca Rupp's The Complete Home Learning Source Book to be inspiring (although I could see them be overwhelming to someone on the fence) and her lists and suggestions in Home Learning Year by Year to make things seem "easily doable".

I have to say I am not a huge Holt fan, and I sometimes feel like the only homeschooler who isn't , so I personally wouldn't suggest those but many people rave about them.

hth
Karen

[Lillian J]

Originally Posted by Karenwith4

have to say I am not a huge Holt fan, and I sometimes feel like the only homeschooler who isn't , so I personally wouldn't suggest those but many people rave about them.

A Holt raver here - Lillian