Homeschooling for Success: How Parents Can Create a Superior Education for Their Child

by Rebecca Kochenderfer, Robert T. Kiyosaki, Elizabeth Kanna

This practical, hands-on guide from the No. 1 homeschooling Web site gives readers everything they need to create a customized education plan that works with children's unique intelligence and learning style. Veteran homeschoolers and interested newcomers alike can benefit. (July)

Genres: Nonfiction, Education, Parenting

304 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2002

Reviews

[Rachel Graves Alsop · Rating 4 out of 5]

Keep in mind this book was published in 2002 haha 😆 I didn’t realize it until halfway through the book.

I still appreciated all the breakdowns of types of intelligences, it mentioned briefly learning styles, which I was wanting more information on. It listed styles of homeschool and even gave sample schedules for each type. It also had general advice like relax 😂 and how to organize/set goals for your homeschool. Setting goals can actually help you determine the style of homeschooling you want to do. It also listed resources for reading, science, math, and history. I’m interested to see if they are still available, as this is over 20 years old 😅

[Gena Lott · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book for anyone considering changing over to homeschooling.

[Kasey Dietrich · Rating 4 out of 5]

Took some good notes, really helpful in describing the different types of homeschooling plans.

[Elise]

This is a good overview of what homeschooling is and how it works. The authors go over several of the most common education philosophies and introduce different styles and structures for implementing those at home. Anyone looking into homeschooling should get to know the different education approaches, such as the Charlotte Mason method, the Classical Education method, the Waldorf method, and the Montessori method. I appreciated the examples of "typical schedules" for each homeschooling style. While much of the material was not new to me, it would be perfect for someone who is completely unfamiliar with homeschooling. It did help me know how to explain homeschooling to others: as a homeschooling parent, you are not necessarily teaching your children every little thing; rather, you are facilitating their learning as they discover for themselves how to learn.

There was definitely some redundancy here--it was kind of like the authors didn't expect you to read the whole book cover to cover, just pick out the chapters that were applicable to you, as there were a few things that were covered in probably every single chapter!

I noticed some awkward switches from first person to third person (two women co-authored this book, and they couldn't decide whether to say "my daughter" or "Rebecca's daughter" so they switched around a few times). Also, they kept spelling "googol" like "google." And of course there were some silly generalizations, like "most homeschool teens develop mature manners and values" (this is just as silly as someone else saying "most public school teens exhibit excellent social skills").

The resource guides and appendices are thorough and really useful for anyone starting up their homeschool.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved reading this book. I recently made the firm decision to homeschool and this book has empowered me to know that I can do this. It does not recommend one method over another and recognizes that most parents use an "eclectic" style of homeschooling where they use several methods...and often changing methods based on the needs of each individual child.
I love how it celebrates the individual child as a unique individual with unique talents to be explored and unique learning preferences.
As I read this, I think, yeah, I can do this!

[Sanz · Rating 2 out of 5]

Eh. This was only okay. Two things that stood out:

1. Let your kids quit. It doesn't mean they are quitters, it means they are explorers. Let them sample different things until they find something they want to pursue.

2. (At time of printing in 2002...) "There are currently 2.5 million children in the United States labeled as ADD or ADHD. These children are often treated with medication. The medication most often prescribed is Ritalin, and its use by school-age children has risen 700 percent in the last 8 years."

[Jill Robinson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Way too anti public school. I am homeschooling now out of necessity and actually enjoying it more than I thought I would. But this book was over the top in saying that the only way a kid can get a good education is through homeschooling. My kids have been in public school for 4 years and had amazing teachers.

[Alejandra Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is THE book that convinced me to homeschool our daughter. The very first page listing the benefits of homeschooling showed me that this is what I wanted for her. Make sure to check out e author's website and Free podcasts!

[nessa rodarte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very useful info

I am considering homeschooling my daughter and this book was very helpful and informative. It answered my questions. I highly recommend this book.

[Maureen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The most helpful aspect of this book is its something-for-everyone capacity. I have young kids - my friends have older kids and teens. It has application for everyone.

[Amber Stueven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Useful guide. Quick read. Many links and helpful quotes from actual homeschoolers. Borrowed from library but might consider owning for the extensive resources list in the back of the book.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great information and encouragement about homeschooling. This book goes in depth about learning styles, which will help guide our way.