EDUCATION AND HOW TO TEACH

For Home Schoolers and Teachers and Administrators in Schools

We do not attempt to stock every book written on these subjects, but we do try to promote those we have personally used and found valuable and those that come highly recommended by others we know, and a few we think look interesting but we haven't had time to read yet. If there's a book you want on this subject that's not listed, feel free to ask about it anyway. Chances are we can get it for you.

We have not attempted to separate these into books for home schoolers and books for those who teach in public or private schools. We have discovered that many public school teachers attend Christian and other home school conventions during the summer to look for materials not available elsewhere. We know they are there --  they have walked into our booth.  We have also been happy to see that teachers in the private schools where we have held book fairs are excited to find teaching materials written by home schoolers.  And home schoolers are quite used to picking up good ideas wherever they find them. We see ourselves as a bit like honeybees -- facilitating the cross-pollination of the best ideas into homes and schools who want to provide excellent education.

If you are a parent whose children are currently in school, you might find books with a * right before the title especially helpful.

When Should We Start Formal Instruction of Math and Grammar? : A Blog

Students are Individuals -- Not Test Scores: A Blog

Should You Read Your Students Cum Files Before School Starts? A Blog

Must Reading For Teachers

The ABCs of Homeschooling by Vicki Caruana. Crossway Books, 2002, paper. 186 plus space for notes. The author had never intended to homeschool her children, but she finally pulled her children out of school to teach them at home. She shares here how you can decide which educational choice is right for your family, the basic things one needs to know to get started, and what end results to expect. BTH-2625 $10.80 -D

The Attention Deficit Child: What You Need to Know About Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder -- Facts, Myths, and Treatment, by Dr. Grant Martin, Chariot Victor Publishing, paper. This book was designed to help parents

• Identify the symptoms and causes of hyperactivity (ADHD)

• Find caring individuals who can offer effective treatment

• Evaluate the pros and cons of medication for ADHD

• Improve the way you deal with your child at home

• Devise appropriate educational strategies at home and at school

• Discover sound spiritual guidance for the problem.

If your child is abnormally restless, impulsive, easily upset, or hyperactive, you may want to read this. $9.89-D

A Biblical Psychology of Learning, by Ruth Beechick. This book may be out of print, so supplies may be limited. $15.00*

The Boredom Solution: Understanding and Dealing with Boredom by Linda Deal. Dandy Lion Publications, 2003. This complete exploration of boredom helps teachers and parents understand why children complain about being bored and helps them develop strategies to combat this boredom. It explains why some children are more prone to boredom than others, what can be done to alleviate it at home and school, and how teacher and parents can help. 95 pages with bibliography and index. BTH-5333. $13.46

Charter Schools: The Parent's Complete Guide -- Everything You Need to Know to Make the Right Decision for Your Child by Frederick A. Birkett. Prima, 2000. Are you unhappy with your child's public school? Are you seeking an alternative? You might want to try a charter school - a public school that operates independently of the regulations governing the traditional public schools. This book will tell you how a charter school can respond to your child's unique talents. You'll be led though a step-by-step process to help you determine if the charter schools in your area will meet the needs of your child. Charter Schools are listed by state (though the list isn't complete), and there are also lists of State Charter Granting Agencies, Web Sites, and Publications where you can find more information. Trade paper, 235 pages. BTH-5628. $13.50-D

Dr. Beechick's Homeschool Answer Book, by Ruth Beechick, edited by Debbie Strayer. This book contains the answers Dr. Beechick has given to questions asked in "Homeschooling Today," and at conferences where questions asked from the floor. Debbie Strayer offers this book as a help line to home schoolers who need help and who can't pick up the  phone as she does to call and ask Dr. Beecher questions. Questions and answers are on these topics: philosophy and learning theory; curriculum; preschool; reading; spelling; writing; math; Bible; high school; issues of family life, testing, and special education. 218 pages.
BTH-1950. $10.80-D

A Field Guide to Home Schooling: A Practical Guide for Parents, by Christine M. Field, paper.
This book is similar to You're Going to Do What? Helping You Understand the Homeschool Decision, farther down this page, in that it provides much of the same information. This book, however, is directed toward the parent who is making the decision about home schooling or trying to implement it, rather than toward a member of the home schooler's extended family. Thus this book includes material the other doesn't, including a discussion of the unschooling and delayed academics approaches. It also has practical ideas for those just getting started, on everything from goal setting, schedules and record-keeping to character building and finding support groups. It discusses using technology wisely, how to get children who have been in school used to home schooling, how to build positive relationships with the schools and community, and what it takes to be a successful home schooling parent. It suggests places to obtain home schooling resources -- if you can't find everything you need here -- and how to find a support group near you. It also contains a summary of the laws in all 50 states that affect home schooling. $11.69-D

For the Children's Sake: Foundations of Education for Home and School, by Susan Schaeffer Macaulay. This is an educational philosophy that takes for granted the truth of the Bible and is based on a Christian understanding of what it means to be a child, a parent, a teacher, and on the Christian meaning of life. The book also devotes a lot of space to the work of Charlotte Mason. It is very practical. Many of the central ideas has been tried and proven true over a century in almost every kind of educational situation. The author and her husband have also tried and proven them in their own family and school experience. This book can help any parent or teacher awaken the minds of their children and give them a new stability and joy for living. I have read and highly recommend this book. Paper, 165 pages. $11.69-D

Government Nannies: The Cradle-to-Grave Agenda of Goals 2000 and Outcome Based Education, by Cathy Duffy. Anyone concerned about education in America should read this book. It is, to quote Samuel Blumenfield, "...a much-needed exposé of the federal government's intrusive educational reform programs ...that will turn America into the most socially controlled society on earth." Would the federal government consider your family "at risk"  and your children "disadvantaged" or "disabled" because a child is born ill or with a handicapping condition, because his/her development seems delayed? Might you be considered a low-functioning parent or a parent who can't connect to your child? Could you be considered under "undue stress" or someone who has the potential for abusing a child? You might be surprised at how your government social worker might classify you and how easy it can be to suddenly find the government intervening in how you run your family. "Forewarned is forearmed" goes the old saying. So it's best to read this book and see which way the wind's blowing before it knocks you down. Noble Publishing, paper. Contains bibliography and index. 263 pages. $11.69-D

Heart and Mind: What the Bible Says About Learning by Ruth Beechick. Mott Media, 2004. Dr. Beechick has written using the most complete research available about heart as it's used in the Bible and how it relates to the brain. She also reports the physiological research  that supports the Biblical view. All of this information is important in teaching and learning processes, because the heart is important in learning. Secular learning theories view man as simply a body that learns by seeing, hearing, and using the other senses without a "heart" to act upon the sensory stimulation. Dr. Beechick explains the secular learning theories and then compares them to the Biblical view of learning. This book is useful for anyone training to be a teacher at home or in some field of Christian education, and will also be useful to parents, who are always the first teachers of a child. BTH-3178. $10.76-D

Home School: Taking the First Step, by Borg Hendrickson, Trade paper, 1990. Answers the beginners' most common questions, explains how to plan in light of your state's requirements and how to find curriculum, plan lessons,  and keep good records. 11.00-S

Homeschool Roadmap K-4th: How to Homeschool Need to find about about homeschooling right away? Download this ebook instantly for all the information you need to get started. From legal requirements and choosing your curriculum to managing your school day and keeping records, you will find everything you need to know on how to teach your children at home. Just  Click Here!click image. for a complete description, pricing, and  wonderful bonus offers.

The Homeschooling Father: The Key to Success and Sanity, by Michael P. Farris. Trade paper, 1992. Challenges   homeschooling fathers to take their proper leadership roles in their families,   support their wives in their efforts, and fulfill their role as protectors. Farris also shares advice on preparing children for a career, for marriage, and for citizenship. BTH-5626.$5.99-S

How to Help Your Child with Homework: Every Caring Parent's Guide to Encouraging good study Habits and Ending the Homework Wars by Marguerite Radencich and Jeanne Schumm. Free Spirit Press, 1997, trade paper. For the parents of children 6-13. Experienced teachers share their techniques, step-by-step strategies, and expert advice on how to

•    set up a homework schedule and home study center

•    communicate effectively with your child's teacher

•    quickly identify problem areas and carry out solutions, including getting ready for tests

•     help your child with reading, writing, spelling, math, science, social studies, and foreign languages

•     help with projects, reports, papers, and thematic units.

•     promote responsibility and independence

•     use technology wisely

•     play games that will make learning fun

•     teach study skills that will last a lifetime.

There are also 42 pages of handouts that can be reproduced -- assignment sheets, study guides, book report outlines, word lists, project planners, and more. 198 pages. Cat.#157542-0066.  $14.46-D

The How and Why of Home Schooling, by Ray Ballman, 1993 printing. Presents a solid analysis of the Biblical reasons for home schooling and some practical guidelines for beginning a home school. BTH-3707. Was 7.99. Now only 4.99-S

The Language Wars and Other Writings for Homeschoolers: A series of essays that are especially useful in helping one evaluate whether one needs to buy a curriculum or just use real books, whether one should teach phonics and /or grammar as separate subjects or use a whole language or "living books" approach. The book also gives you Dr. Beechick's thoughts on the other school subjects. Back bottom of this new book was bumped in transit to a book fair, leaving a large crease on the back cover and light damage to the bottoms of several pages at the back. Still a clean, crisp reading copy. 249 pages. Paper, BTH-5627.$8.99-S

Learning to Learn, Revised Edition,  by Gloria Frender. Incentive Publications, 2004. ISBN: 086530-3487. Large format. 287 pages. This book for all levels contains ideas, suggestions, and strategies to help everyone achieve success in learning. It is intended for teachers, students, and parents and is designed for use as an interactive workbook for self-improvement. It is full of practical ideas, methods, tips, procedures, resources and tools. What's missing is educational jargon. It's written in plain English, with key concepts presented with a sense of humor. There are step-by-step procedures for the following:

• Understanding and Making the Most of Learning Styles

• Time Management and Organization Skills

• Note-Taking Skills

• Reading Skills

• Memory Skills

• Test-Taking Skills

• Problem Solving

• Tips for Parents

• Independent Study Techniques

BTH-418. $17.96

Lesson Plans Using Graphic Organizers, edited by Kristne Schwab. ©2000. Available for grades 1-6. This time-saving resource provides teachers with 22 pre-planned lessons to meet curriculum standards. There are four units per book: reading, math, science, and social studies. Academic standards are correlated to each lesson. Each lesson includes the lesson plan, modeling activity, group activity, and an independent activity. Bound-in answer key is included. 96 perforated pages. Here are the order numbers:
        Grade 1, BTH-1295, $10.79-D
        Grade 2, BTH-1296  $10.79-D
        Grade 3, BTH-1297  $10.79-D
        Grade 4, BTH-1298  $10.79-D
        Grade 5, BTH-1299  $10.79-D
        Grade 6, BTH-1300  $10.79-D

Multiple Intelligences Activities Grades K-4 by Deirdré Wilkens. This book begins with an explanation of the theory of multiple intelligences and helpful tips for putting the theory into practice in classrooms. The remaining pages are devoted to numerous activities for each of the intelligences as well as assessment strategies and tools. Reproducible for classroom use. 304 pages. BTH-491. $22.46-D

Multiple Intelligences Activities Grades 5-8 by Julia Jasmine. This book explains the theory of multiple intelligences and offers helpful tips for putting the theory into practice in classrooms. There are   numerous reproducible activities for each of the intelligences as well as assessment strategies and tools. From writing  and word games to geometry, music, and drama, there's something here for every student and every type of intelligence.  304 pages. BTH-492. $22.46-D

Real-Life Homeschooling: The Stories of 21 Families Who Teach Their Children at Home by Rhonda Barfield. This book lets you peek at homeschooling families with differing methods and philosophies. One homeschooling parent ran for the school board. Another was arrested. Another is blind. Another is single. One family unschools. Another lives on a Pacific Island. One family is African-American Christian. Another pursues a holistic New Age lifestyle. Another family is Jewish. Some families accelerated the curriculum to allow early graduation. Some were teaching ADHD or Down's Syndrome children. There are many more interesting home schools to view, as well. Each shares the best and worse advice they have received, a favorite quote, and their favorite resources. And the author shares the stories of how and why they started homeschooling, and how their homeschooling integrates into their lives as families. 306 pages. BTH-5623. $12.60-D  Click image to enlarge it.

The Right Choice: Home Schooling, by Christopher Klicka, with supplementary chapters by Gregg Harris. 1993 Revised edition. (Not the latest edition.) Was 13.00. Now only 7.50-S

Should I Home School? How to Decide What's Right for You and Your Child  by Elizabeth and Dan Hamilton. Intervarsity Press, 1997.Helps parents answer questions such as these: Do I have the right background to home school my child? Where can I find help and support and training? Will this be good for my child? Are there other options that might be better? What state and testing requirements might be imposed on me? How do I know where to start? What do we tell the neighbors? <P> Written by experienced home school parents who have been there, done that, and who know others who also have home school experience. BTH-1273. $8.99-D

Teaching Children: A Curriculum Guide to What Children Need to Know at Each Level Through Sixth Grade, by Diane Lopez. Introduction by Susan Schaeffer Macauley. This book uses Charlotte Mason's approach to learning as it culminates in the Child Light approach, which views curriculum as all the experiences a child encounters in the learning process -- not a series of textbooks to finish. This Child Light curriculum guide is broad-based in scope, and applies a written, literary, and verbal approach to teaching. It makes provision for each child's uniqueness and special needs. It incorporates critical thinking and problem solving skills. It aims at helping  children arrive at a Christian world view. If you are a Christian educator who does not plan to use a packaged curriculum, I highly recommend this book as a planning reference. Paper, $14.39-D Now just $6.50 with light earthquake damage. BTH-3622. Follow link for sale copy.

The Three R's by Ruth Beechick. This may be all you need to start teaching the basic skills to your K-3 children. It includes three separate manuals in a package: A Home Start in Reading; An Easy Start in Arithmetic; and A Strong Start in Language. It also includes an 11" x 17" 2-sided chart for phonics and arithmetic. Please read this first before investing in any other curriculum. BTH-2337. $10.80-D

The Well-Trained Mind: A Guide to Classical Education at Home by Jessie Wise and Susan Wise Bauer. Hardcover with jacket. This is a resource for homeschools or parents who want to supplement their child's learning at home. It provides the techniques, curriculum, and resources to make your child's education the best that it can be. It uses the pattern of classical education for instructing children in reading, writing, history, geography, mathematics, science, foreign languages, logic, art, and music. There is also a section of the book devoted to the nitty-gritty of home education -- record keeping, scheduling, testing, dealing with schools, finding materials, getting help, preparing for college, working, apprenticeship, and more. 764 pages. $31.50-D  Click on image to enlarge it.

You Can Teach Your Child Successfully: Grades 4-8 by Ruth Beechick. Dr. Beechick, whom I've had the privilege to meet and talk to, is a highly experienced teacher and curriculum developer. This has led her to believe that parents are the best teachers for their children. Here are some of the questions this book answers:

• Is there a way out of the grammar treadmill?    

• What do you do after your child can read?

• What should be taught in each grade?

• How can you make the best use of achievement test scores?

• How can you make history more exciting to your family?

• Which of three major approaches to teaching spelling works best?

• Why is the Bible the best possible core for education in the Western world?

• Do you need textbooks for every subject?

• How can you teach art and music without being a musician or artist?

• What should I teach in science? 

This is, in my opinion, the basic book to have if your children are in grades 4-8. It teaches the teacher everything he/she needs to know about building reading, arithmetic, and language skills, and also offers plenty of solid tips on teaching social studies subjects, science and health, music and art, and the Bible. Read this book first, before you spend money on buying an expensive curriculum. You could save yourself a lot of money. This book, in paper, is only $12.60-D. BTH-3177.

You're Going to Do What? Helping You Understand the Homeschool Decision, by Laurajean Downs. This book was written primarily for new homeschoolers who face objections from their parents or other extended family to give to those family members in order to help them understand  home schooling better. I would also recommend this book as a beginning point for those just beginning to home school or who are considering if they should. It discusses the three main reasons families choose home schooling: It can be a path to academic excellence; it can help build stronger families; it's a Biblical mandate. The author then addresses the most common concerns and objections that are often raised: Is it legal? What about socialization? The author also offers one of the best brief overviews of the different educational philosophies and approaches that many home schoolers choose: the textbook method; the Classical Approach; the Unit Study Approach; the Principle Approach; Living Books and the Charlotte Mason Approach. (This book does not really get into "unschooling" -- probably because of it's purpose for being written.) The last chapters discuss available resources and curriculum (not in detail -- just enough to convince someone that a home schooler doesn't have to "wing it" anymore), the challenges of homeschooling, and, best of all, how that extended family member who is reading the book can be supportive and even be involved, should he or she care to. I think this is a "must read" for a beginner -- especially one who has opposition in the extended family. Paper, 176 pages. BTH-5624.$8.05-D

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