God did not forget to include “school” in his biblical design for raising children-home education is a natural expression of all that God intended for parents and their children. ~ Educating the Wholehearted Child
* Written by Clay Clarkson with Sally Clarkson
* Published by Apologia Press (3rd Edition – June 2011)
* Paperback Volume – (11 in x 8.5 in x 1in)
* 376+ pages
* Biblical, Christ Centered Advice for Homeschooling Families
* Available from Apologia Educational Ministries
* $22.00
* See the Table of Contents HERE.
The Clarkson’s began their homeschooling journey when their first child was four years old back in the 1980s. In 1994 they published Educating the Wholehearted Child. We now have the expanded and revised third edition. The book encourages a family to look beyond the books into winning the hearts of their children to make a homeschool which is centered on Christ. It goes on to give practical advice on a variety of topics standardized tests to your role as a homeschool parent. It covers every aspect one has any questions or concerns about when it comes to homeschooling. Moreover, it teaches you how to infuse that into Christian home with a Christian worldview. Homeschooling can be busy and sometimes so busy we lose the primary focus. Not academics but the focus on Christ in our lives and homes.
I have entered my 9th year of homeschooling. Some would call me a veteran homeschooling mom. Some would just assume that I knew the ropes and had it down. Sure, I can teach algebra, how to tie your shoes and feed a toddler with my eyes shut tight but that’s very hard to do. Yes, and just like those last few words I can break out into Dr. Seuss thanks to may many years of experience. What you may not know is that every year is different and brings different challenges. We cannot simply glide through our homeschooling journey. We need to be purposeful in how we set up our home. Homeschooling is not a part of what we do it is how we live and how we are raising those God entrusted to us with. It is a lifestyle. It is our calling.
In the middle of taking children to piano, ballet, and soccer while choosing curriculum we forget the heart. We need a reminder. Educating the Wholehearted Child gives you the tools to capture the hearts of your children. It refocuses you if you have been homeschooling for years. If you are new to homeschooling it will focus you and guide you. I find the book indispensable. I cannot overstate this enough, Educating the Wholehearted Child is the best book I have read on homeschooling and the most important book you will find on homeschooling. Each page is filled with encouragement and guidance. After reading a portion of the book I wanted to run off and do my best to capture the hearts of my children. If I had a bad day it was a book I used to remind me of my focus and God’s calling upon my life. I highly recommend this book to homeschooling parents no matter where they are on their homeschooling journey.
Disclosure: I am a member of the Homeschool Crew so I was given a copy to review on my personal blog. My love for this book and belief that it is an important resource to Christian homeschools led me to tell you all about it as well.
Discipling Young Hearts: Gratitude at the Dinner Table
Christian Character Curriculum: We Choose Virtues
Biblical Studies: The Three Weavers