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Why is it that Charlotte Mason homeschooling manuals seem to ooze warm, fuzzy snugglies? Whenever I spend time with one I want to start homeschooling all over again and read a LOT more books. Real Learning is like that. I came away re-convinced that relationships and character are more important than academics and that academics are really best conquered in an atmosphere of inquisitive learning; in fact, a lifestyle of learning.

Written by and for Catholic homeschoolers, quotes from the venerable Ms. Mason are placed alongside those of a much less well known (but equally wise) contemporary - Saint Teresa Benedicta (Edith Stein). Amidst a companionable array of insightful observations from these two wise ones, our author gives us a tour of all-things homeschooling with chapters on each of the major subjects (language arts, math, history, science, and religion) as well as more particular topics - art, “special blessings” (children with learning difficulties), and sports. Interestingly however, I personally felt most blessed by the material on the practical side of living (er, I mean homeschooling) - chores, dealing with bad days, and character-building. The author recognizes that “education at home works so well because parent educators naturally dedicate their hearts and souls to touching the hearts and souls of their children.” However, that dedication can lead to burnout, and that’s where the practical suggestions found in the burnout chapter might just make the difference between the success and seeming failure of your homeschooling experience as you avoid or recover from “going down in flames.”

Elizabeth Foss shares straight from the heart of her Catholic and homeschooling experience, but her book provides an ever broader picture as she includes the in-their-own-words advice and experiences of a number of homeschooling veterans. Designed to serve as an educational framework, the author takes the reader by the hand and helps her organize and orientate her homeschool. She makes the journey pleasant with vintage artwork as well as carefully selected pieces of the various artistic endeavors of her own and others’ children. She also leaves the reader with the “piece de resistance” - a lovely, age/grade-designated booklist for “reading around the year.” There’s really nothing left to do but read, absorb, enjoy, and employ. Janice

Customer Review

 
Megan D. from Georgia wrote the following on 07/07/2007:
I wish I had read this book before I started home schooling my children. It would have saved me years of frustration. Elizabeth Foss has done a wonderful job of implementing Charlotte Mason's "real learning" lifestyle in her home and has graciously taken the time to write this book so that we may do the same. Even if you aren't interested in the Charlotte Mason style of learning, this book is chock full of ideas that you could use to supplement any subject. In the back of the book Mrs. Foss has compiled a month by month reading list for every grade, K-8, as well as a list of great reference books that are handy to have around. A must have book for home schooling. It has brought the joy of learning back into my home. I promise you will be inspired.