The Basic Steps to Successful Homeschooling

A book review of The Basic Steps to Successful Homeschooling by Vicki A. Brady

Stars: ***

Vital Issues Press (1996)
Homeschooling
208 pages

This book was read for the Casual Reading Challenge and 888 Challenge.

This is another smaller book, almost exactly the same size as Homeschooling for Excellence.

This is a book for those who have already made the decision to homeschool and are looking for where to start. As the name implies, this is a homeschooling basics book. It is also, however, very Christian. I am finding there is a lack of good homeschooling books that don’t assume you are Christian. However if you ARE a devout Christian and feel that God has guided you towards homeschooling, than this book is a 5 star book for you.

Topics include: Following God’s Will, Organization, Record Keeping, Knowing your Legal Status, Knowing Your Learning Style, Educational Approaches, Curriculum Choices, Purchasing Materials, Establishing Roles, Keeping a Schedule, Home Skills, Tools of the Trade, The Fast Track, Streamline Schooling on a Budget, Home Industries, Branching Out, Networking with HEN Radio (their homeschooling radio), Vicki’s Recommendations plus two Appendices: Homeschooling Organizations and a copy of their Philosophy of Education. Also included are some charts: Daily Schedule, Curriculum Evaluation Sheet, Field Trip Record and Evaluation Sheet, Planner, Weekly Chore Chart and Weekly Educational Activity Planner.

At the end of each chapter is a very small, recommended reading list based on that chapter and a running checklist on each of her steps. The book is written so that each chapter builds on the last chapter and she suggests you do them in order.

It’s a good beginner book I just wish it wasn’t so religious.

Find Basic Steps to Successful Homeschooling at Goodreads.