The Homeschool Experiment Book Review and Giveaway

Julianne Miller feels God nudging her to homeschool her three children. The only problem is, she has no idea what she’s doing. Julianne was her high school valedictorian, graduated from college with honors, and had a successful career in the business world. How hard could first grade possibly be? 

Her plans and schedules all look so good on paper. But when it comes to avoiding her preschooler’s public meltdowns, keeping her toddler alive and in a clean diaper, and getting through the morning without everyone dissolving in tears, Julianne is thinking she might not be quite up to the task. 

Can her co-op friends help her before she loses her mind or ruins her children for good? Or should she give up this crazy idea and prove her mother-in-law right?

I found myself laughing at the many stories included in The Homeschool Experiment, some of which sounded all too familiar.  Whether you are a homeschool mom of one {like me} or many, I think you will relate to these stories on some level.

The author, Charity Hawkins, is a wife and homeschool mom to three children.  She writes about the homeschooling journey of Julianne Miller, mom to 6-year old Daniel, 4-year old Joy, and baby Michael.  The book takes the reader on a hilarious journey through a complete year with this homeschooling family, starting in May at their Homeschool Convention.

I was cracking up as she went from booth to booth at the convention.  First the "Classical" booth with children reciting the Latin noun endings, first declension: -a, -ae, -ae, -arum, -ae, -is, -am, -as, -a, -is {and yes, we too did this in K}.  ;)  Then the "Natural Education" booth where they suggest letting kids just play and learn by "doing" until the age of nine.  Next the booth for that "pre-packaged, hands-on curriculum."  The one that includes the manipulatives, history notebook, phonics, and reading program...all for just $459.  Sound familiar?!

The Appendix of the book includes a Homeschool Group Study Guide and a bunch of Homeschool Resources.  The guide goes chapter by chapter and asks questions that a co-op or group can work on together.  And here you can actually view and print off the entire Appendix.

My Thoughts:  This is a great book for both someone thinking about homeschooling and those who are new and old to it.  It makes light of many homeschooling situations but also gives encouragement to those who need it.

Find Out More:  You can find out more online at The Homeschool Experiment.  Here you can view the first three chapters.  The book can be purchased at Familyman Ministries as a paperback for only $12.99 or $7.99 for Kindle.  Homeschool groups who are looking to use it as a study can get a 40% off discount if purchasing 20 or more books.

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GIVEAWAY!!

So, here's how to enter to win a copy of The Homeschool Experiment!  For each comment, you will get one (1) entry.

1. Leave a comment telling me why you would like to win

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7. Post about this giveaway on your blog or Facebook

8. Tweet about this giveaway up to once a day:  I entered to #win The #Homeschool Experiment @OurHSReviews http://ourhomeschoolreviews.blogspot.com/2012/04/homeschool-experiment-book-review-and.html #Giveaway ends 5/1

**Remember to please leave a separate comment for each entry**

Contest ends on Tuesday, May 1, 2012 at 11:59 EST.  The winner will be chosen by Random.org.  This contest is open to U.S. residents who are 18 or older.  If I am unable to reach the winner by email within 48 hours, an alternate winner will be selected.  Your entry is only valid if you include a way for me to contact you (either an email address in your comment or on your profile).  The winner's name will be obtained and publicly announced.  The number of eligible entries determines the odds of winning.  No purchase is necessary to win and this contest is void where prohibited by law. 

Disclaimer:  This product was given to Our Homeschool Reviews for free for review purposes, and I do not have to return the product to the vendor.  I have received no compensation from it and all opinions and experiences within this review are my own.