Welcome to RainbowResource.com — Learning Tools for Homes and Schools Serving Home Educators Since 1989

A common marketing expression years ago was “Ask the man that owns one,” the idea being that someone who has lived with something over time knows it pretty well. Who better then to share their experiences with you than Rick and Marilyn Boyer, parents of 12 children who began their home education experience in 1980. They have experienced the rewards and challenges, highs and lows, kudos and questions that arose from raising and educating a large family.

This book offers encouragement. The first section deals with making the decision to home educate and opens with the chapter “Of Course You Can.” Rick (the primary author) addresses teacher credentials, time constraints, financial limitations, and social pressures. Chapter 2 reviews the biblical principals involved concerning child training, with the third chapter focusing on clarifying your goals, motivation, and training methods for successfully educating your children.

Part 2 gets into the nuts of bolts of home education, starting with the curriculum and materials to be used. Next comes the structure of the training – when and where do we work with the student, what type of learner is each student, which subjects should I focus on and at what age, what testing is appropriate. And, how do I make learning fun and interesting, so that the student really wants to grow in wisdom and knowledge?

The last 6 chapters address peripheral but important issues – spiritual training, appropriate discipline, where does Dad fit in if Mom is the primary instructor, socialization, preparing for a career and the advisability of college.

Many books of this ilk are chock full of the author’s personal experiences and cute stories about their kids. To their credit, the Boyers clearly present their beliefs and preferences without getting into a lot of family history. You will find many quotes from and references to the Bible, practical advice and a good summary of their home education experience, and the idea that ordinary parents can produce extraordinary children. 271 pg, pb. - Bob