Joy in learning, growth and discovery is success!
I
enjoyed this book so much that, after reading a borrowed copy, I HAD to
buy it for myself. I NEEDED my own copy so I could return again and
again to the author's wise council. I foresee using this book often in
my family's homeschooling journey. Why? Because of the confidence the
author imparts based on her own experiences - both successful and maybe
not so successful. I gain a confidence that I can succeed in assisting
my children in their intellectual growth and, even more importantly,
help them retain their curiousity and joy in learning.
Many
of the home education books I read make me feel somehow not up to par
if my children are not excelling in all areas. Ms Layne reminds me that
excelling is not just academic sucess. Real success is a joy in
learning, growing and discovering. She encourages me to enjoy my
children for who they are and what they bring to the world.
With all this encouragement come particulars - great bibliographies, wonderful ideas, doable experiences. In other words
this book is not just theory but practical as well.
I encourage all potential and current homeschoolers to add "Learning at Home" to their library and to utilize it often.
Susan (Beaverton, Oregon, USA)
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Like talking to your wise, experienced HomeSchooling best friend.
A
down to earth homeschooling mother shares her insights and experiences
about her four never-schooled children. This book is written in a
colloquial manner and reads as if the author were your best friend and
you were having a conversation while sipping tea.
The
difference between this book and all the other homeshooling books I've
read is that the author shares her personal experiences including flaws
and stumbling blocks. I left the book feeling that one does not have to
be a perfect person to homeschool her children effectively and that it
is OK to make mistakes so long as you learn from them. Layne gives
20/20 hindsight and states what she would have done if she had known
better at the time.
Very interesting to see how she taught her children to read, and teach math, and how each personality was different and
how she had to be flexible to the childrens different learning styles. Her list of personality traits and beliefs
that one must have to be able to homeschool are wonderful.
She
discusses discipline and addresses effective communication methods to
use with children. Of course, socialization is covered. Layne also
discusses various books and materials that she has used and which she
liked and which she didn't like. Layne even recommends certain toys
that she feels offer educational or developmental benefits. A summary
of board games and her critique is also helpful. Another
not-so-commonly discussed chapter addresses preventing parental
burn-out. A short chapter addressing college education ends the book.
... it is such a refreshing book because it is like hearing a friend speak instead of having the tone of a cold-unhuman
voice.
* * * * * * * * *
Wonderfully inspiring, compassionate guide for any mother! I
wish Marty Layne was my neighbor! How nice to have someone there to
hold your hand, make a cup of tea and share tried and true advise.
Marty seems to be a real person, someone you can relate to without
being intimidated by her perfection! Her book is easy to read, hard to
put down and indespensible. I have referred back to the chapters time
after time for encouragement and reassurance and have never come away
disppointed. This book is a must have for any mother, homeschooling or
not!
Teresa | 
