Homeschooling for Excellence

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Description: Role models for a generation of homeschoolers, David and Micki Colfax are teachers turned ranchers who taught their four sons at home in the 1970s and '80s and schooled three of them into Harvard. Isolation on their northern California homestead forced them into the experience, but this resourceful family eventually discovered all kinds of advantages to home education. Like a modern-day Little House on the Prairie, the Colfax children learned about geometry while constructing outbuildings on their ranch, explored aspects of chemistry and biology as they improved their livestock and garden, and generally discovered the value of self-reliance as they went about life without TV or neighbors. Their world is described in clear, warm words that illustrate the fondness these parents and children possess for each other. Family photos grouped throughout the book show the boys working and learning together. The Colfaxes don't purport to be experts; they don't prescribe a formula for their success. Rather, their experience is described as a trial-and-error effort, with some of their mistakes offered up as lessons for others. The value of critically examining textbooks in advance, for instance, is learned after one son falls behind in algebra using a schoolbook that touts "new math" principles. The Colfaxes' philosophy is that every child is gifted. Parents don't need to be certified teachers to teach them (although it does ward off doubters). But, despite the contention of some homeschoolers, the Colfaxes do caution that teaching at home requires much time and money--and they don't advise it for single parents or most working women. Any parent interested in connecting with his or her child, however, will find the Colfax take on life an enjoyable and enlightening read. The couple closes the book with an appendix of suggested references for building a family library and a delightful list of their children's favorite books. --Jodi Mailander Farrell

Genre: Home Schooling; Education / Teaching; Education; Education / Home Schooling; Home instruction; United States;

Average Review: 4.5 stars

Review: Awesome : We start homeschooling next year. The Colfaxs' approach was refreshing, and added a lot of insight to what homeschooling can be like without the formal curricula. They used an approach that makes sense, and gives children a freedom to learn and grow that we haven't seen in all the years our oldest child has been in school. Their boys also were able to still be boys without the restrictions that formal schooling places on all children. They watched their children closely before moving them ahead, and learned to set their egos aside. Working at the childrens' different paces made all the difference. They don't advocate keeping up with the schools, and yet their boys were able to out pace the schools without the formal structure. It's a great short description similar to the Moore Method without the religious undertones. A fantastic guide for anyone who wants the best for developing children with: critical thinking skills, a great self concept, confidence, and close family ties as well as serving the greater community.