Ultimate Guide to Homeschooling {Apologia Press}

If there was ever a book that I wish I would have had handy when I first started homeschooling, The Ultimate Guide to Homeschooling  from Apologia Press would be one I would have referred to often…and fortunately still can.  Each member of the Homeschool Crew recently received this revised and updated edition by Debra Bell to review and it’s one that will stay on my shelf for me to use and lend out to friends.

About The Ultimate Guide to Homeschooling

Debra Bell, the author,  is no stranger to the homeschool community. She homeschooled her four children from kindergarten through high school and now speaks at homeschool conventions, sharing what she has learned over the years and helping other parents navigate the homeschooling maze.

This newly revised and updated version of The Ultimate Guide to Homeschooling is larger than previous releases {500 pages} and included current information for websites and using technology at home. It also includes ideas for working with kids at different grade levels, how to keep toddlers busy, and teaching middle/high school classes.

What areas does the book cover? Apologia Press offers the ability to view the full table of contents and a sample chapter online {Six Ingredients of a Successful Home School}. The Ultimate Guide to Homeschooling is divided into ten different sections:

• Homeschooling: Is It for You ~ looks at the challenges and advantages of homeschooling and also includes information for single parent families along with tips for success.
• Choosing a Curriculum ~ learning styles, curriculum fairs
• Organization and Planning ~ learning environments and daily schedules
• Preventing Burnout ~ provides ‘Burnout Busters’
• What to Teach ~ When and How
• Homeschooling Teens ~ course study, college admissions
• Computers in the Homeschool ~ Hardware and software
• Creative Solutions ~ toddlers, reluctant learners and the transition from school to home
• Measuring Your Success ~ assessment methods and targets
• Resource Guide ~ products/supplies, academic contests and competitions

My Thoughts

I’m currently a little partial on the section related to burnout {grins} and also the 50 pages of resources that the book provides. It is chocked full of great information. Overall, this book from Apologia Press is a great tool to recommend to families that are considering homeschooling, new to homeschooling, or even looking at the ‘next step’ for their younger children. 

You can purchase  The Ultimate Guide to Homeschooling directly from Apologia Press {$20.00} and also find it through major online retailers such as Amazon. If you are interested in learning more about science products from Apologia, be sure to read my review on their Young Explorer Science Series.