The Imperfect Homeschooler’s Guide to Homeschooling

Have you ever read an article with glossy photos of the perfect homeschool family?

Older children work on math while little ones build the Eiffel Tower with popsicle sticks. Mother posts the schedule on the refrigerator and everyone follows it. Father stages a play to reinforce the lessons of the day. The whole family always smiles at the camera.

Barbara Frank wrote The Imperfect Homeschooler’s Guide to Homeschooling to combat discouragement that trails these misconceptions of utopia.

The conversational tone of this veteran homeschool mother of four overflows with wisdom. She shares practical tips such as the Top Ten Tools for Homeschooling Parents and 115 Organizing Tips for Homeschoolers. (I am almost convinced to get a filing cabinet.)

In the extremely helpful chapter about overcoming obstacles, Barbara Frank tackles the issue of time management and personal habits.

She also discusses how personality traits can help or a hinder home education. See if you are a teacher, a perfectionist, a follower, etc., and then learn to temper your natural bent with the grace of God.

Other circumstances can strain efforts to teach, and Barbara touches on them all: children with special needs, stresses with finances, and difficulties with relationships.

Chapters include:

• Confessions of an Imperfect Homeschooler
• Homeschooling 101
• Teaching Specific Subjects
• Teaching Techniques and Ideas
• Covering All the Bases
• Overcoming Obstacles to Homeschooling
• Coping with Changes and Challenges
• One the Home Front

It is easy to view a snapshot, but the noise behind the photo is muted. Barbara gives the reality of homeschooling a voice. She teaches her children. She believes you can, too.

Written by Renae Deckard, Biblical Principled mother of 3. Find Renae’s reflections about homeschool and family life at Life Nurturing Education.