The Pig in the Pantry: and Other Homeschool Tales

by Rose Godfrey

Rose Godfrey weaves together entertaining tales of homeschool life in this collection of essays adapted from her column, “Learning at Home.”From raising baby chicks in the kitchen to driving cross country with a van full of children to inviting friends over for Science Daze, the Godfreys have tried about everything and lived to tell the tale.Part slice-of-life, part try-this-at-home, The Pig and the Pantry and Other Homeschool Tales will inspire you and remind you that learning at home can be oh-so-fun.

Genres: Humor, Nonfiction, Memoir, Family, Education

188 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2011

Reviews

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Pig in the Pantry
And other homeschool tales
Rose Godfrey

Witty and hilarious, this collection of homeschool tales from the life of the Godfreys both encourages and enlightens. Each essay brought a smile to my face and many a laugh out loud. The antics of homeschooling brought to life by a family with 11 children.

I loved how Rose guides her children in more of an unconventional, hands on learning approach to school. More of the unschooling that I tend to love in my own homeschool adventure.

Tales on how kids will be kids and the things they say! She writes easy to read, quick essays for the mom on the run who doesn’t get time to sit and read a whole book. Each essay is grouped into chapters on topics such as food, socialization, farm life, family and more.

It is great to read about a homeschool family with a sense of humor, and the reality that things aren’t perfect in the homeschooling arena. That we don’t have to teach Latin, have our children speak several foreign languages, and be skilled in 3 musical instruments.

Homeschooling for real families. Families that understand that Mom and Dad are going to relate best to their children when it comes to their education, and despite the investment it is all worth it in the end. Great encouragement for homeschoolers from a Mom that finds the humor in daily living!

Thanks Rose for a copy of this book, it has brought great laughter and joy!

[Amber Polo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book and gave it to a homeschool mom to review.
"The Pig in the Pantry by Rose Godfrey is a great read. I love its light, but witty take on homeschool activities. I loved the short, easy to read chapters that explained their families homeschool days. I love reading about now others spend time teaching their children and would definitely recommend it to homeschooling families.
Summer Hood (Homeschool Mom)

[Cheree Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have no idea what our plans will be regarding schooling for Jack. That is several years away. But that doesn't mean that I don't think about our options from time to time. I believe that the school system in America is failing, even while there are amazing teachers out there, politics get in the way.

My overall belief in schooling is that parents have much influence in how much their children learn. If it is important to parents, it will become important to their children. What kids learning in schools should be augmented by their parents. Learning should be fostered regardless of where your child "goes" to learn.

Education is important to Daniel and I, but we also see the value of hands-on, non-book learning as well as sitting in a classroom learning...

My most recent book choice was The Pig in the Pantry: and Other Homeschool Tales by Rose Godfrey. It was an interestingly look into a very large family that has chosen to homeschool and farm. It brings humor into the everyday life and provides an intriguing glimpse into the possibilities when choosing to homeschool.

I have no idea if we will choose to go this route. I do know that we will always encourage all types of learning styles with Jack and any other children we may have.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

So many of the books about homeschooling experiences that I have read, or started reading and stopped, have been condescending, boring, or unrealistic. This book was the total opposite! As a person that was a homeschool mother, and now am homeschooling my grandson, there were so very many anecdotes that I could relate to not only in the book, but in each chapter. I even related to the author's feeling of being an outsider as a public school educator that homeschools, since I worked as an educational interpreter and paraprofessional while schooling my daughters at the same time. I laughed and cried while reading this book, sometimes both in the same chapter, and that is a very good thing! I honestly think that anyone that has an open mind about education would benefit from reading this, and enjoy the book immensely.

[Caedy Eries · Rating 5 out of 5]

You cannot read this book without laughing so very hard at some of it. My roommates homeschool both their children aged 16 and 9. Everything becomes a learning experience when you homeschool your child, especially if you unschool or use things other than traditional methods to teach your child.

Love this book. Recommend it. Full review coming soon.

[Tag · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun eclectic book of homeschool adventures written by a mom. The title intrigued me, and I was in the mood for a good laugh. This book totally reminds me of a dear friend. If she homeschooled these would be her tales. I rated it 3 stars, I liked the book, but didn't love it. For me if I knew the author I would find the stories so much more interesting and certainly even funnier.

[Debbie King · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a homeschoolers (like the author) this book put my mind at ease that I am doing the right things with my kids....letting them be free thinkers, guiding them, and being a strong family. It was a fun, quick read.

[Sherri · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was very entertaining.
You don't have to be involved in homeschool to enjoy this book.
Her kids say and do the funniest things.
I would recommend this book to any parent.

[Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this was a witty and enjoyable book. A very quick read. Homeschoolers will be able to see the humor in the stories!

[Patty Spanjer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I laughed and laughed. I could really relate.