Introducing...........

[Levi]

So excited! Will get back with you asap.

[cookderosa]

So excited! Will get back with you asap.

Ah-hem, that would be good

[MomOfMany]

This is fantastic. I read previously about a book with a similar theme but it apparently was published something like over a decade ago, and from what I read parents have to scrounge for it. I thought it was a travesty to not keep it current.

Just think of all the people you will be helping in their lives. The ripple effect of this book will be HUGE.

I know! I bet we are thinking of the same book bc I JUST took mine to the used bookstore about a month ago. It was terribly outdated. Let me go see if I can remember the title or author...

Jennifer, an updated version is sorely needed, so don't sweat it at all.

[MomOfMany]

Got it!!! She has a new book out this month!!! It's the story of Joyce Swann and how all her 10 kids got their masters by age 16. Joyce has been a source of crazy controversy in home schooling circles for years since she graduated her first with a master degree at age 16 in the mid 80s. (That daughter wrote a book about her experience, which is the book I was originally referring to.) She homeschooled from 1975-2000. Personally, I think, even when I don't agree with her philosophy, there is no denying that she inspirational.

[MomOfMany]

Reading the reviews of her books, I think yours might be better. It seems her's are dry (her writing style is very dry. Almost bullet points.) and lacking in layout details. Which is what a person needs to actually implement putting their child on such a path!

[cookderosa]

Got it!!! She has a new book out this month!!! It's the story of Joyce Swann and how all her 10 kids got their masters by age 16. Joyce has been a source of crazy controversy in home schooling circles for years since she graduated her first with a master degree at age 16 in the mid 80s. (That daughter wrote a book about her experience, which is the book I was originally referring to.) She homeschooled from 1975-2000. Personally, I think, even when I don't agree with her philosophy, there is no denying that she inspirational.

That's interesting, I'll check it out- thanks! Master's by age 16 isn't really for my target, but I'm interested in what she has to say.

**EDIT**

Here is a link to several of her articles for anyone interested. http://www.home-school.com/Articles/#JSwann She uses Calvert Curriculum in a year-round format and then enrolls her children in coorespondance school to yield undergrad and grad degrees at age 16. I can see why that creates a stir, there are certainly a lot of pros and cons to that format. I don't have an opinion that I'd share, but I think it probably meets a need for many others. If nothing, it can show a family what can be done- anything that changes your paradigm is good.

[MomOfMany]

LOL. Well I have an opinion!:coolgleam:

I think there are some key things I took away from studying her methods several years ago. I have found them to be helpful in my home schooling. Someone else might not. Whatever works for the individual, yes?

Schooling year around for a set amount of time each day in and of itself can yield tremendous progress. (This is very similiar to the Robinson Curriculum philosophy.). It sounds daunting, but she does note that they took off any day dad had off work and it was rarely more than 3 hours a day. Being a postal carrier tho, he had plenty of national holidays, plus two days a week, plus good vacation time off. All in all, more free time than most kids get!

It also permitted structure to lean on when crisis came along. I know that was considered harsh to others, but let me assure of this: in a large family someone is always sick, hurt, or otherwise going through some sort of difficulty. If I don't school on those days, that is going to widdle my school days down considerably. Also, in life that is the reality. A husband can't usually quit his job just because his wife is dying of cancer or his kid. And really, maybe they need to go to work to avoid having whatever difficulty consume their life.

The other big thing I noted was that she didn't curriculum hop. I admit I've seen many a homeschooler lament that later on. Especially in maths and language arts.

Personally I think these two things more than anything else contributed to her children's academic success.

I woud like to read about where all those children are now and how they have faired. I wonder if she mentions it in her new book?

[cookderosa]

LOL. Well I have an opinion!:coolgleam:

I think there are some key things I took away from studying her methods several years ago. I have found them to be helpful in my home schooling. Someone else might not. Whatever works for the individual, yes?

Schooling year around for a set amount of time each day in and of itself can yield tremendous progress. (This is very similiar to the Robinson Curriculum philosophy.). It sounds daunting, but she does note that they took off any day dad had off work and it was rarely more than 3 hours a day. Being a postal carrier tho, he had plenty of national holidays, plus two days a week, plus good vacation time off. All in all, more free time than most kids get!

It also permitted structure to lean on when crisis came along. I know that was considered harsh to others, but let me assure of this: in a large family someone is always sick, hurt, or otherwise going through some sort of difficulty. If I don't school on those days, that is going to widdle my school days down considerably. Also, in life that is the reality. A husband can't usually quit his job just because his wife is dying of cancer or his kid. And really, maybe they need to go to work to avoid having whatever difficulty consume their life.

The other big thing I noted was that she didn't curriculum hop. I admit I've seen many a homeschooler lament that later on. Especially in maths and language arts.

Personally I think these two things more than anything else contributed to her children's academic success.

I woud like to read about where all those children are now and how they have faired. I wonder if she mentions it in her new book?

I absolutely 100% agree with those 2 points.

Year round- that's a win. Many reasons why, Outliers (discussed here) made a strong case as well. Totally agree.
Curriculum hopping- also agree. I've watched families shop and hop, the end result is inconsistency and randomness. It has taken me 17 years to figure out that the brand of curriculum isn't so important, it's more an issue of hard work every day. Consistency, imo, is the cornerstone to success. IMMO there's been wayyyy too much praise for the "child led learning" style. I believe, though it's too soon to tell, that we'll see "high test scores" among homeschoolers begin to level off. I believe it will be because of the ridiculousness surrounding the curriculum boom. You and I both know you can do an excellent job of homeschooling with a piece of paper, pencil, and library card. That's really it. But, like the public schools, that's not nearly as fun as buying stuff.
I think of it like weight loss. It's really only eat less-move more...but that's really not interesting (and it's hard work) so the public devours the latest and greatest gimmick - such is true with homeschool curriculum. (IMO lol)

[frankiebleyes]

Only you cook, you are so talented that anything you decided to do you would achieve. Congratulations!

[Lindagerr]

Well I go away for a few days (New house no internet yet) and I find another of us Forum members id being published. the more publicized our methods become the more accepted they should become. You are a women of many talents Jennifer, Mom, student, chef, teacher, nurse, Dr. writer. What is next?