Family Matters: Why Homeschooling Makes Sense Paperback – September 16, 1993

I was extremely disappointed with Guterson's book. It jumped back and forth with different writing styles, didn't really say all that much and really could have been an essay, not a full length book. The first chapter basically gives a run down on why public schools (although necessary in today's society) are not the optimal choice, and homeschooling is. It is nice that this is coming from a public school teacher, but this information could really be found in many more reader friendly books out there on homeschooling. The next chapter switches gears and describes a fishing incident with his neighbor, who doesn't particularly believe in homeschooling. He believes that it is selfish to give up on the public school system and homeschool ones own kids. And the chapter is their conversational debate on the matter. Again, interesting, but for some reason the switch in writing styles really bothered me. The next chapter focuses on socialization, and there were some interesting information and ideas in there and overall a good chapter. The following chapter was the most interesting, in my opinion, providing historical information about homeschooling. He did this by writing about how his father visited his classroom, after some of his students question how homeschooling can be legal. He described his father as someone who philosophically opposes homeschooling, but as a lawyer, defends parents rights to do so. The Constitution, state statutes, court decisions, and so on are mentioned, as well as the major court cases that established the legality of homeschooling. Although I was very much engrossed in this chapter, I again wondered why the switch in writing style?The next chapter gave a brief summary of how public school started as well as how modern homeschooling began. Interesting, but really nothing new here that isn't found in other sources. And to be honest, that was the last chapter that really held any interest for me. He touches upon life before schooling, money issues, philosophy, learning theories and more in the latter part of the book. I just found it to be repetitious and boring, with very little new or useful information in it.I understand that Guterson was writing with a more philosophical approach about homeschooling, but I found the title to be somewhat misleading. If you are someone who is just learning about homeschooling and entertaining the idea of trying it yourself, I would skip this book. There are a number of better books out there. "Homeschooling Handbook" by Mary Griffith or "The Imperfect Homeschooler's Guide to Homeschooling" by Barbara Frank are just two that come to mind. If you are trying to explain to family members why you want to homeschool, don't recommend this book to them. Tell them to read "So - WHY Do You Homeschool?" by Mimi Davis instead. Family Matters may be more useful to those who are doing a research paper on homeschooling or to homeschooling parents who try to read everything on homeschooling.

Gutterson is a NY school teacher who, along with his wife, homeschools his own children. This book is a really good book to read for someone who is considering homeschooling. Gutterson goes into ALL aspects of education. He sort of plays the role of "devil's advocate" in that he presents both sides of the argument about whether to homeschool or go forward with public school. In one chapter, he talks about when he presented homeschooling for a debate in one of his classes where he asked his students to research homeschooling and make a decision as to whether or not they thought it was acceptable. For that particular project, his father spoke to the class about his feelings on the matter. His father is a lawyer and against homeschooling, but he cannot argue with the fact that many homeschoolers outperform and are better prepared for life than public school educated children, which is why he has defended parents' rights to homeschool their own children. It is well written, and it is an excellent source for someone who is having trouble with the decision of whether or not to homeschool. The only downside is that he does not promote all types of homeschooling. Although he does not come right out and say it, he doesn't seem to be in favor of the unschooling method as he speaks against the child-led approach. He seems more in favor of teaching to the individual child with a gentle parent-led approach. In other words, parents need to introduce the material, but teach it in a way that each individual child will comprehend. Overall, it is a good read.

David Guterson writes a basic philosophy on homeschooling for the parental audience. This title is an excellent support book or defining book on the subject of homeschooling.Where "Family Matters" comes into focus is throughout the book as compared to the more traditional school system. This title is a great aid in building support or confidence for any family looking to homeschooling.Need to build a case for the grandparents? This is your book! If you are on the fence and need support, again this is your book. It truly is the best title on the argument for putting the family at the center and in control of your child's education.

I found this book to be full of usefull and helpful information! I think that Mr. Guterson did a wonderful job of informing parents of today's schools and how important family is in making education work. I would recommend this book to any parent wether they plan on homeschooling their children or not. Since the auther is both a public school teacher and a homeschooler he can see clearly both sides of the homeschooling "debate", (for lack of a better word.) He makes it abundantly apparent that all parents everywhere need to make a decision to be a major part of their children's educational experience whether that means teaching them in the home or choosing to send them to public school. No matter what you decide is best for your child(ren) this is a book that I would suggest any parent read!

We were researching homeschooling when I found this book recommended on several different "to read" lists. It was a very interesting book, including many different topics from the history of education, legal backgrounds, philosophy, and outcomes.Mr. Guterson does an excellent job of explaining his family's decision to homeschool without being defensive (or offensive), which means that this is a good book to lend to uneasy friends or family members, who are worrying about why you want to homeschool, or how it will work.We are happily homeschooling now.

I thought this book was validating for me as a homeschooler but also somewhat boring at times. Not very engaging but some of the quotes and things I took from it helped.