So You're Thinking About Homeschooling: Fifteen Families Show How You Can Do It    by Lisa Whelchel Order:  USA  Can Multnomah, 2003 (2003) Paperback      Reviewed by Melissa Parcel Have you ever considered homeschooling for your children? Do you think it means you must have twelve children, raise goats, and grind your own wheat? Former actress turned author and homeschooling mom, Lisa Whelchel, provides fifteen different scenarios to help anyone thinking about homeschooling make an informed decision. This is not a book telling how to homeschool. Instead So You're Thinking About Homeschooling supplies wisdom from people who have been there. Each chapter is written in a conversational tone, giving the reader the feeling of sitting in a person's home talking about their homeschool experiences. We learn how each person researched and made their decision to homeschool, and what it's like for their family. A variety of family situations are covered: stay-at-home moms and dads, working parents, work-at-home parents, single parents, even homeschooling grandparents. Methods discussed include the principle approach, traditional textbooks, the classical method, video/computer schooling, apprenticeship, unschooling, unit studies, the Charlotte Mason method, self teaching, and combinations of the above. It's an excellent survey, that is both encouraging and comprehensive without being overwhelming. An appendix provides a wealth of information - including addresses, phone numbers, and websites - that allows the reader to explore further any methods and companies they find intriguing. I personally learned a great deal from So You're Thinking About Homeschooling. It makes clear that while homeschooling is not necessarily the best option for everyone, it can be worked into any lifestyle or family situation. There are methods to suit anyone who makes the choice to homeschool. This book is not high pressure, and it doesn't attack traditional public or private schooling. If you're looking to dip your toe in the water and see what homeschooling is all about, this is the book for you. Pour a cup of coffee, sit back for a chat with the parents and grandparents who have gone through the decision-making process, and let them help you make the best decision for your own family. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more NonFiction books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews