Product Reviews/Top Picks

Category Listing | Alphabetical Listing of Products

Every month, we try to review and feature a "top pick"—a resource that we think will be of benefit to you. Below are our past "Top Picks." 

The Socialization Trap

MAY'S TOP PICK - Save more than 20%!
The Socialization Trap
by Rick Boyer
145-Page Paperback

Reviewed by Vicki Bentley, HEAV's speaker and special program's coordinator. 

If you homeschool, you've probably heard the challenge, "What about socialization?" Well, The Socialization Trap by Rick Boyer is the definitive answer. Using scriptural principles, documented research, and anecdotal evidence, Rick presents an overwhelming case in favor of a home discipleship model of social learning, in his own entertaining and down-to-earth style.

Rick outlines many of the myths of socialization, then spends much of the book exploding those myths. This is not just one man's opinion that age segregation is a poor model that harms our children, or a parroted thesis on the benefits of homeschooling. He cites public school teacher surveys, former secretary of education Bill Bennett, college sociology texts, New York State Teacher of the Year John Taylor Gatto, and many other non-homeschool-related sources, and recounts many eye-opening personal accounts of children stumbling down the slippery slope of age segregation and family separation. 

While most of us like to think that schools exist to teach children the "Three R's" over a twelve-year period, did you realize "John Holt has found that it only takes about thirty hours for a person to learn to read," and "John Taylor Gatto claims that plenty of evidence exists that people can learn to read, write and do basic arithmetic—in other words, learn to be self-educators—in about one hundred hours"? So what is the purpose of the other 11½ years of compulsory "education"? Rick explains why you, as a homeschooling parent, should still be concerned about what is taught in public schools, and how society's paradigm still affects your family.

I appreciate Rick's objective, calm (and brief) appraisal of television as a socializer in the lives of our children. He doesn't approach this subject with his eyes or mind closed, but as a former viewer who now has better things to do with his time. His non-judgmental examination of the influence of "the god with the glass face" is designed to encourage us to evaluate the effects of our viewing habits on our families. 

The Socialization Trap is not just an exposé of the agenda of public schools, but of any influence intended to divide the family. He concludes by outlining some natural principles for creating a healthy plan for social learning for our children.

This is not a book of boring statistics, but a conversational—yet powerful—appeal from one parent to another to examine where our families are headed. This might as well be your next-door neighbor chatting with you over the fence, but with a passion to save your family. Rick writes very conversationally and with much humor and great wisdom.

If you are a new or prospective homeschooler, this book will encourage you in the "why" of homeschooling. If you are a veteran, this book is reassurance that you made an excellent choice. If you're looking for a thoughtful answer for family members and onlookers who worry themselves(or you!) over the social development of your children, you have to read this book (you may want to keep a few extra copies on hand to lend out or give away—it's that influential). 

Order your copy today! For the month of May, we are offering The Socialization Trap for $6 (members)/$7 (non-members), plus shipping. That's a savings of more than 20%!

PhotoAPRIL'S TOP PICK

Home School Heroes: The Struggle & Triumph of Home Schooling in America
by Christopher Klicka

"Home School Heroes is a book of stories--stories of God's faith­fulness in answering the prayers of brave fathers and mothers, obeying His call to teach their children, while facing very intense and difficult legal opposition in the 1980s and ‘90s. This book tells the stories of God's miraculous deliverance of these homeschooling parents in the courts and in the legislatures, while explaining what to do when faced with social workers, police, and truant officers at their door.

"As you read this book and share these true and exciting stories with your children, be thankful for our present freedom to homeschool and be challenged to remain vigilant in protecting our hard fought freedoms." - From the back cover 

Don't miss this opportunity to learn about homeschooling's history--and God's faithfulness to His people! Whether you are a new homeschooler or a veteran, we encourage you to get this book and read it to your children.

"This book should be required reading for every homeschool student and parent." - Jim Bentley, HEAV's executive director 

Order your copy today!

Homeschooling: The Right Choice!MARCH'S TOP PICK

Home Schooling: The Right Choice
by Chris Klicka
Called the standard-bearer of books on homeschooling, The Right Choice covers all of home education's benefits, successes, heritage, how-tos, constitutional rights, and much more--this is one of the most complete and well-documented books on homeschooling!

Whether you are thinking of homeschooling, wondering why you homeschool, or 100% committed to homeschooling, Chris Klicka's book will provide you with encouragement and support. 

 "Written in an easy and conversational style, with splashes of humorous anecdotes. Klicka covers homeschooling from all perspectives, historical, academic, biblical, practical, and legal...."  -Debra Britt, in a book review for Charisma magazine, 1993.

I Love America SetFEBRUARY'S TOP PICK 

I Love America, Volumes 1 and 2
Written and Illustrated by Julianne S. Kimber
Published by The National Center for Constitutional Studies

Reviewed by Tammy Bear (HEAV's Exhibit Hall Coordinator)

By highlighting historical figures who helped shape America, this program does a great job introducing children ages 4-7 to America's history in an interactive way. Each lesson includes a story and couple of activities to go along with the lesson, such as songs, poems, coloring pages, or games. The activities are all easy to complete and only require household materials-you will not have to spend time hunting around town for some rare supply.

My family used this program at home and in a co-op setting and really enjoyed it! As they work through the program, children learn to honor our flag, hold a parade, say the Preamble to the Constitution in sign language, and have fun with a variety of other activities that reinforce the lesson. For example, when they learn about Columbus, they will get to have a walnut boat race! My children especially loved making "firecakes" while learning about George Washington at Valley Forge.

The program comes in two volumes. With more than 300 pages, Volume One contains a teacher's kit containing step-by-step directions, reproducible worksheets, suggested resources, and presentations; Volume Two has more than 350 pages and contains the children's I Love America Coloring Fun Book. The I Love America Coloring Fun Book features a 50-page reproducible coloring book about our national symbols and a state-by-state guide to our great nation. Both volumes come in a 3-hole-punched format for easy insertion into a binder. All the pages are reproducible, so you can use this program with all your children if you wish.

Pricing (click on the item to order):
I Love America, Volume 1 - 300+ pages - $17.95/members; $19.95/nonmembers
I Love America, Volume 2 - 350+ pages - $17.95/members; $19.95/nonmember

DECEMBER'S TOP PICK Mary Pride's Complete Guide to Getting Started

Mary Pride's Complete Guide to Getting Started in Homeschooling
by Mary Pride 

Reviewed by Vicki Bentley

In my early days of homeschooling, Mary Pride's Big Book of Home Learning was the definitive encyclopedia of home education for Christian parents (and I still have my dog-eared volumes to prove it!). In this latest revision, Mary brings her passion for parent-led, Christ-centered home education to your kitchen table. A homeschooling pioneer and publisher of Practical Homeschooling magazine, Mary Pride has kept up with the times, inspiring and equipping new and veteran homeschoolers alike with Mary Pride's Complete Guide to Getting Started in Homeschooling. The Complete Guide contains over 620 info-filled pages packed with practical, down-to-earth helps for homeschoolers written in Mary's entertaining style.

(Did I mention that Mary has two engineering degrees, has homeschooled all nine of her children - two of whom are National Merit finalists -has written several books, publishes a magazine for homeschoolers, and founded www.home-school.com? The woman knows her stuff!)

The first few chapters of the Complete Guide deal with basics of home education as well as steps to getting started - broken down into doable chunks like how to make a plan, what to join, what to read, where to shop, and what to expect. Chapters include "What's So Great About Homeschooling" and "Ten Things You Need to Know Before You Get Started."

Not sure what approach will be best for your family? Read the sections on learning and thinking styles to discover some "tricks of the trade" that can make a huge difference in how much you and your children enjoy learning!

The chapters on popular homeschool methods outline the differences between at least ten various approaches (Charlotte Mason, the Principle Approach, Unit Studies, Unschooling, Laptop Homeschooling, Eclectic Studies, etc.). Mary gives you the scoop on how each approach works, where to buy materials that are appropriate, how to use them, pitfalls to avoid - and tosses in a few extra articles on each approach for good measure. She doesn't tell you what method is "right," but gives you enough information to determine what might work best for your children in your family.

In many of the chapters, Mary doesn't simply rely on her own vast knowledge of home education, but brings you the best of well-respected experts such as Jessica Hulcy, Joyce Swann, Joyce Herzog, Chris Klicka, Phyllis Schlafly, Kathy von Duyke, and others. Chapters are generously peppered with supplemental articles, resource recommendations, and book reviews.

Mary includes lots of practical ideas on planning and implementing various types of unit studies, recordkeeping, homeschooling your special needs child (whether challenged or gifted), organizing for success, and testing and evaluating. Wondering about socialization? She covers co-ops and clubs, outside classes and activities, field trips, educational travel, family conferences for homeschoolers, leadership training for teens, contests, and more.

Appendices include a quick-reference guide to curriculum, homeschool statistics, homeschool laws by state and territory, and state homeschool organizations. One appendix even tells you what to do if a social worker knocks on your door!

Newbies and veterans alike will surely find lots to digest in this valuable manual. Although we recently formally finished educating our last child (the seventeenth we homeschooled), Mary's book is providing new insights and inspiration to help with our grandkids!

Order your copy today!

AUGUST'S TOP PICK
LOVE & RESPECT
SAVE $5.50 WITH FREE SHIPPING UNTIL AUGUST 31

Love & Respect
by Emerson Eggerichs

Reviewed by Anne Miller

Since, apparently, wives are the ones who purchase the marriage-help books, I'm addressing my review to my sisters in the Lord.

Almost every teaching I've ever heard says husbands are to unconditionally love their wives as Jesus loves his Church. No problem there. (Do I hear cheering?) However, I don't recall ever hearing a sermon or a teaching (except from my parents) that says wives are to unconditionally respect their husbands. Why is that? Mostly, I believe, because we've been brought up to believe that respect must be earned...but guess what, that's not what the Bible says! Emerson Eggerichs not only puts Ephesians 5:33 in a new light, he gives the nuts and bolts of what unconditional respect (and love) look like.

Wives, if you're wondering if you need this book, try this experiment: Make a list -- mentally or on paper -- of five things you respect about your husband -- not what you love, what you respect. Then, share your list with your husband, and judge the response for yourself.

Your marriage doesn't need to be rocky to benefit from this book. If you are struggling, Dr. Eggerichs' message could turn your marriage and your life around. Ever wonder how a believing wife could win her husband to the Lord without a word? (1 Peter 3:1) Check out this book!

[This is also an exceptional book for husbands...and once they experience the newly-found expressions of respect, they may even want to read it! Judging from my own experience and from the evaluations of husbands who heard Dr. Eggerichs at the convention in June -- husbands LOVE this message]]

Order your copy today and receive free shipping -- a savings of $5.50! (Offer good until August 31st.)

MAY'S TOP PICK
Willi Gets a History Lesson in Virginia's Historic Triangle
By Dr. Ellen K. Rudolph
Reviewed by Anne Miller

As a long-time Williamsburg resident I took my first incredulous look at Willi Gets A History Lesson in Virginia's Historic Triangle and thought, "Oh, brother, how hokie, someone's dog "photoshopped" into local historic sites." But as I read the story about Willi's adventures in the Historic Triangle, I began to smile, and then to laugh. Next I gave it to my 10- and 13-year-old sons to see what their reaction would be and they LOVED it--even my husband laughed out loud.

Dr. Ellen Rudolph, the author of the book, has successfully created a fun-filled, but educational story that gives a memorable, albeit wacky tour of the historic area from a dog's perspective. Willi, who gets separated from her owner at Jamestown Settlement, takes the reader on a journey of learning and adventure.

In her quest to find her owner, Willi visits all the important places in Jamestown, Yorktown, and Williamsburg. Making many friends along the way, she gets help from Thomas Jefferson, the organist at Bruton Parish Church, visiting tourists, the creatures of the forest and rivers, the livestock at Colonial Williamsburg, and many others.

Filled with photographs, history facts, and tidbits about the local sites and sounds, this book would make an incredibly fun and interesting basis for a unit study. Dr. Rudolph has also put together a set of helpful History Notes with more detailed information on the places Willi visits, as well as an educational website with supplementary materials that include a quiz, maze, puzzles, maps, a glossary of unusual words, resource links for the study of Virginia history--even a blog for Willi!

If you're looking for a book on Jamestown, Yorktown, and Williamsburg that is out of the ordinary, and that will engage your elementary-aged child and make you laugh, this is the one to buy.

Coil-bound, making it easy for young children to hold and read, this 8.5" x 11" premiere edition comes shrink-wrapped with a 12-page History Notes supplement. Recommended for grades three through five, I think children as young as three and as old as 83 would delight in Willi's adventures.

Coil-bound paperback. 62 pp. EKR Publications.

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APRIL'S TOP PICK'S
Educating the WholeHearted Child
By Clay and Sally Clarkson
Reviewed by Vicki Bentley

In this meaty book, the Clarksons inspire the reader to meld Charlotte Mason's approach, unit studies, and the classical understanding of learning stages into a relaxed approach that considers not only the child's academic excellence, but the heart of the child and his total education. ETWC is a super tool for new homeschoolers, as well as a helpful review for veterans, as Clay and Sally share what they've learned about God's design for a lifestyle of home-centered learning, from chapters such as "Shaping Your Child's Heart," "Strengthening Your Child's Mind," and "Instructing Your Child," to "Home Management" and "Keeping It Going."

I especially appreciated the "5 D's of Learning," which breaks down the components of a great education into meaningful categories with lists and curriculum suggestions. There are so many practical suggestions, brand-name recommendations, learning styles tips, character training ideas, and more-all in all, a terrific "homework" resource to help you avoid feeling overwhelmed in the convention exhibit hall!

Paperback. 240 pp. Whole Heart Ministries. 

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What Your Child Needs to Know When
By Robin Sampson
Reviewed by Vicki Bentley

With testing season upon us, concerned homeschooling parents often ask me, "How can I be sure I'm teaching my children what they need to know?" This book provides helpful checklists to assess your K-8 students against state standards, but more importantly, you will be inspired by Robin Sampson to rely on God's standards for your children. Robin encourages parents to not separate academic standards from spiritual standards, but to teach and evaluate children from a biblical worldview.

The book is divided into four major sections that include:
-a brief philosophy and history of education,
-details on preparing for, giving, and interpreting achievement tests,
-guidance on how to use the Bible as the core of your curriculum, and
-an evaluation checklists section.
The section of the book that contrasts the Greek model of education (state-based knowledge) with the Hebrew model of education (home-based relationships) was so eye-opening that we made it required reading for our high school students!

The checklists comprise the second half of the book: The academic-skills checklists are divided according to grade level (K-8) in math, language arts, science, and social studies, with spaces to assess up to five children. There are also character-quality checklists, sight-word lists, and more! What Your Child Needs to Know When is a super tool to help you confidently set goals for your children, assess their progress, and chart your family's course for the next season.

Paperback. 296 pp. Heart of Wisdom Publishing. 

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100 Top Picks for Homeschool Curriculum
By Cathy Duffy
Reviewed by Vicki Bentley

Overwhelmed by the maze of curriculum choices? Wish a veteran homeschooler could come into your home to help you determine how your child learns best, then walk you through matching materials to your teaching approach and your child's learning style? In this must-have resource, respected curriculum reviewer Cathy Duffy does just that.

Quizzes and charts in the first several chapters help you figure out the content and methods that are right for your family. Cathy helps you identify not only your child's learning style/modality, but also your own learning/teaching preferences. Overview charts and detailed reviews give you the scoop on Cathy's top 100 curriculum picks in the typical subject areas such as math, science, language arts, and social studies-plus foreign language, unit studies and all-in-one packages, electives, and online courses.

Whether you are a veteran homeschooler "regrouping" for next year, or a newbie anxiously making those first selections, 100 Top Picks can help you choose the right curriculum and approach for your child's learning style.

Paperback. 314 pp. B&H Publishing Group. 

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MARCH'S TOP PICK
The Underground History of American Education
By John Taylor Gatto
Reviewed by Anne Miller

Smug in what I thought was our "outside-the-box" method of educating our children, I cried when I first read this book: We were the products of this compulsory-education system. And while we were stepping outside the box in our homeschooling endeavors, we were, in reality, just baby steps away from the very system that shaped our own inadequate development.

EVERY homeschool parent who doesn't want to replicate a failing education system at home must understand the basis and foundation of our government-run education system. In The Underground History of American Education, John Taylor Gatto, a three-time New York City Teacher of the Year, reveals the goals, strategies, and "successes" of a system designed to dumb us down.

This book is a must-read for all parents who care about the education of their children.

ORDER TODAY!

FEBRUARY'S TOP PICK
 Travel Through Virginia (1 & 2) and Historical People for Young Learners

Product Image This three-book set explores the history and heritage of our state and country. Discover Virginia's diverse geographical features and rich historical background as Travel Through Virginia (Books 1 & 2) take you through the "Old Dominion." These books have more than 30 pages and include word games, mazes, historical facts, and more! Then in Historical People for Young Learners, learn about more than 20 of America's great leaders, inventors, and other historical figures. Recommended for ages 4-9.

The Travel Through Virginia and Historical People for Young Learners' set comes with three activity books.

Purchase today!

JANUARY'S TOP PICK
Virginia State History Curriculum
Reviewed by Anne Miller

This has got to be my all-time favorite, non-politically correct overview of Virginia history. Southeast Educational Associates (SEA) has put together a nuts-and-bolts curriculum that covers the basics of Virginia history: names, dates, events...just the facts. We used this set of six workbooks when our older children were elementary age; my husband would read the text and have the kids answer the questions out loud.

We also used the lessons as a springboard for field trips and unit studies, and when the children grew up and were in high school, we had them repeat the course on their own.

The Virginia State History course comes with six worktexts and three answer-key booklets. Each  consumable worktext is approximately 25 to 30 pages long, and is appropriate for grades four through high school.

OREDER TODAY!