Product Description

The Grand Matron of Catholic home schooling sets down all the reasons why to home school, successfully refutes all the reasons why not and gives 101 pointers on how to do it. Home schooling well may be the salvation of our entire society.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #618215 in Books
• Published on: 2009-01-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 452 pages

Customer Reviews

An excellent introduction to Catholic homeschooling
This is the book that singlehandedly convinced my wife and myself to seriously consider homeschooling our children. I was, as some of my friends can attest, very suspicious of the idea of homeschooling, and frankly, had seen some abuses take place. I am still critical of some of the methods and rationales of some homeschoolers -- but they probably have the same view of myself and my methods!

However, this book changed my mind. Dr. Clark describes in painstaking detail using the Scriptures, the teachings of the Church, and examples from history the benefits and justifications for the homeschooling of children. Each chapter set out, in detail, a separate theme discussing various aspects of homeschooling. Included were chapters dealing with difficult issues, such as the role of the father in homeschooling, homeschooling in a single parent household, dealing with children with special needs, legal aspects to homeschooling, etc.

It also demonstrated an openness by Catholic homeschoolers for the rights of Protestant homeschoolers. Unfortunately, in my experience, the same openness has not been demonstrated flowing back the other way.

If the book has a flaw at all, it is that it is a bit dated. The section on computers could stand a major update, and legal issues change so frequently that, while the general legal information is quite valuable, anything specific needs to be updated as well.

It is my hope that the author and publisher strongly consider a revised edition.

The First book to read on how to teach in a Catholic home
I've read this book twice now. It's fantastic and uplifting. You won't find too many liberal Catholics recommending this book because this book is truely, 100 % Catholic. No fundamentalism or ecumenism involved here. Ms. Clark states the truth about Catholicism and what your responsibities as a Catholic parent are. Read this book first before you buy any others.

Best start to develop a philosophy for your family
This is the first book I recommend to families looking for information on Catholic home education. Dr. Mary Kay Clark, Director of Seton Home Study School, has devoted much of her life to Catholic education to help her family and others. Her zeal and success, chronicled in this book, fills the reader with a confidence which has deep roots. A parent who reads this book will come away with an understanding that homeschooling does not have to be just a stop-gap measure until a "good" Catholic school is found. Catholic homeschooling can become a life for you and your family.

Before embarking on the home education journey, two very important question parents should ask themselves is "Why do we want to home school?" and "How and what do we use to accomplish our goals?" Dr. Clark's book addresses both with the emphasis on the first. Unless each family develops a philosophy and goals, the "how" and "what" will have no direction, possibly leading to burnout.

Reading this meaty book before others will help Catholics form a firm foundation. Be sure to have your own copy in hand with a highlighter!