Family Matters

I've read a good number of books about homeschooling and was surprised and delighted to find this book discusses some topics I've not seen covered in other books. The jacket and chapter titles are not very clear about the content of the book so I will give an overview of what the book contains.The introduction is one of the best pieces in the book! Guterson's theories on why American's hold public education so near and dear to their hearts, despite knowing the fallbacks and shortcomings. To ponder the notion of not sending our children to school is seen by many as un-American. Guterson feels we are unable to objectively examine schools for what they are because we are blinded by our memories. Chapter one discusses standardized tests and in the end he states they are "unsound measurements of learning". School tests, quizzes, essays and assignments don't measure learning so much as they measure the child's "approximate degree of adjustment to life at school". Despite the many differences in homeschooling reason and method, the one central theme is the parent delivering an education that is custom designed to the child. Guterson states, "Teaching method and content in abstract are not relevant to academic success". This is refreshing because even amongst homeschoolers we usually encounter opinions of one teaching method or curriculum being superior to another.Chapter two is a debate the author has with a father who does not support homeschooling and is a devout public school supporter. Debates about public schools as democracies, and the notion that homeschoolers should stay in schools and work to reform them and other topics are covered. Chapter three discusses socialization and what it is that non-homeschoolers worry about regarding homeschooled children and socialization. Counter arguments are made for common misconceptions and the value that homeschooled children get from forming relationships with people of all ages throughout the community. An interesting idea that schooled students are so far disconnected from their own parents and their parents work lives that some students seek a close relationship with a teacher, to form a relationship with an adult mentor since their own parents are away from them the majority of their lives. Guterson feels that the social lives of schooled children is both dangerous and unhealthy, and that homeschooled children do have peer pressure but are less peer obsessed.Chapter four is a dialogue between the teacher and his students about homeschooling and why he homeschools. To answer the question about "is homeschooling legal and should it be" the author brings his father, an attorney, in to the class for a lecture on the topic. Of note is that his father is opposed to homeschooling but supports the freedom Americans have and should continue to have to homeschool their children if that is their desire.Chapter five is a history of childhood and formal education, a good broad overview, albeit dry. Chapter six delv

I found David Guterson's book several years ago, before he wrote Snow Falling on Cedars and it was so well-written and interesting, I was anxious for him to write more. I wasn't expecting it to be fiction, but it was and only proved my point that he is an excellent writer. Family Matters: Why Homeschooling Makes Sense shows clearly both sides of the educational choice issue. It gives readers the option of thinking through the choices they make regarding the education of their children, without sounding preachy. Guterson is not homeschooling for religious reasons, he is a *public school teacher* who has decided that what is offered is not optimal for his children. And he is clear that this is not the best choice for everyone. Many homeschooling books pay lip service to this idea, but Guterson spells it out and even plays "Devil's advocate". This is not a book that preaches to the choir. It is fresh, clear and beautifully written. Even if you don't plan to homeschool your own children, read it so you can understand why others choose to do so.

I found this book to be full of usefull and helpful information! I think that Mr. Guterson did a wonderful job of informing parents of today's schools and how important family is in making education work. I would recommend this book to any parent wether they plan on homeschooling their children or not. Since the auther is both a public school teacher and a homeschooler he can see clearly both sides of the homeschooling "debate", (for lack of a better word.) He makes it abundantly apparent that all parents everywhere need to make a decision to be a major part of their children's educational experience whether that means teaching them in the home or choosing to send them to public school. No matter what you decide is best for your child(ren) this is a book that I would suggest any parent read!

As a Christian I already have biblical reasons for wanting to homeschool. I did however want to get a viewpoint from someone who was not necessarily coming from a biblical perspective. I found this book to be so educational! Seeing the school system through the eyes of a public school TEACHER was refreshing and helped me a great deal in confirming what my husband and I should do for our children. I highly recommend this book for anyone who is currently homeschooling or considering it.

Forget HOW to homeschool -- what really matters is this beautifully articulated argument for WHY to homeschool. Institutional school is inflicted on generations of Americans in large part because we assume it's necessary to our cultural identity. Guterson makes a cogent, complete, and compelling case that children learn best when their own families take charge, and that the cold war between public schools and everyone else must finally yield to a more integrated, cooperative focus on each child's learning (wherever it may take place). Like Guterson, I am both a homeschooling parent and a public school professional -- this is the book I would have written someday if he hadn't already said it all so well. END