I contributed to a homeschooling ebook. Want a copy?

ByKristen
153 Comments

This giveaway is now closed. Congrats to Ingrid, Jennifer, and Rebecca!


You Can Do It Too - 25 Homeschool Families Share Their Stories

Lorilee Lippincott of Loving Simple Living has been working hard to compile a book about homeschooling, called You Can Do it Too!

It's a collaborative effort with 26* contributors in total, one of which is yours truly. I know some of you have been wanting a little bit more homeschooling content from me, and hopefully this book will make you happy. 😉

*The graphic says 25 instead of 26, since one person got their portion submitted at the last minute, due to some technical difficulties.

All of the contributors are homeschooling parents, and we each shared about what homeschooling looks like for us by answering a series of interview questions. This makes the book an easy read...there aren't any super-long chapters or sections, and the interview questions are interesting and varied.

If you've been wondering what homeschooling looks like in practice, this will be a great read for you. The contributors run the gamut from unschoolers (like Leo Babauta) to more traditional homeschoolers, so you'll get a good idea of how real people make school work at home.

Plus, you'll get to hear from people in varying stages of homeschooling. Some of the interviews are with homeschooling veterans, whose children are grown, and many are with those of us still in the trenches of homeschooling.

Since I'm a contributor, I get to give away three free copies to you guys. Woo!

To enter, leave a comment on this post...you can say something about homeschooling, or if you're feeling uncreative, just tell me that you want the book.

I'll randomly choose three winners in 24 hours, so hurry and get your entry in.

If you're too impatient to wait for that, you can buy a copy right now for $9.99. You get a Kindle version AND a PDF, so you can read it on your computer or on a Kindle (I recommend reading it on the Kindle if you own one!)

P.S. I'm an affiliate for this book, so I receive a portion of the proceeds from each copy sold through the links in this post.

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Today's 365 post: It was a math book delivery day.

Joshua's 365 post: IT'S DISGUSTEROUS!

More Giveaways

153 Comments

  1. I would like this book! My twins are only 18 months, but I've been waffling between whether to homeschool them when they're older. I'd like to hear from some homeschooling moms, since I don't know any.

    1. Amanda,
      What part of the country are you in? Maybe we can match you up with a homeschooling family in your area...

  2. I would love to read this book. As a newer homeschooling mom, I love to read what others have to say about it!

  4. I'm gearing up for our second year of homeschooling. I've been trying to read several books over the summer to get me mentally prepared for the exciting year ahead of us! This sounds like a book that would be very helpful!

  5. We're expecting our first soon and I'm very curious to read about others' experiences with homeschooling...we may be headed that direction in a handful of years. 🙂

  6. My sister will be homeschooling for the first time this year. I'd love to win this for her!

  7. Full disclosure: I don't actually have kids, but am just really curious about homeschooling and all it's different dimensions.

  8. I would love this book! I have been thinking a lot about homeschooling as an option for my son. I have a while before I have to worry about it but I am a researcher at heart and I am already starting to look for materials to educate myself.

  9. I pulled my kids out of public school two years ago when they were starting 7th, 5th, and 2nd. My son decided to go back this year for high school but my daughters want to stay homeschooling. I would love to hear how other families adjusted to the transition of getting out/going back to the public school system. Thank you!

  11. I've been doing a lot of research on homeschooling lately because my soon to be five year old will start kindergarten next fall. My husband and I really want to homeschool him but he has special needs and needs lots of therapy. So it will be a balancing act of me working with several therapist but I think it will workout because we really feel that this is what the Lord is calling us to. And where He calls he supplies.

  12. Quite a few of my friends have been doing homeschool lately and although my two girls are in school I have thought about doing some homeschooling. I'm curious to see what this book has to say. Thanks! 🙂

  13. Just got an Ipad recently and would love to win this. Thank you so much for the giveaway!

  15. We've just started part time homeschooling while living in China, I'd love some ideas about how to be successful at it!

  16. I've been homeschooling a LONG time but am always interested to hear how others do it and gain inspiration!

  17. I know of homeschooling that was done incredibly well, but also of some that was less than successful. I'd like to read more about experiences and backgrounds.

  18. I am a stay-at-home mom now, expecting baby #2. However, in my previous life I was a Jr./Sr. High School English/speech teacher and forensics coach. Frustrations with the job (not the teaching parts, but other parts) have made me seriously consider homeschooling. I think a copy of this book would be a great resource for me as I try and make some decisions about this before my kids are of school age.

  19. I'd love this book!. We just started homeschooling our girls, 4th and 6th this year, and I'd like seeing the different perspectives.

  20. We're going to our third year of homeschooling, but I feel like there is so much I still have to learn.

  22. I'd love this book. I'm still trying to figure out public school vs home schooling....argh!

  23. I think your homeschooling story is inspiring. I find myself defending homeschoolers to some of my family who have a very narrow/stereotypical view of what it actually is.

  24. I think your homeschooling story is inspiring. I find myself defending homeschoolers to some of my family who have a very narrow/stereotypical view of what it actually is.

  25. I would love to win the book. In our second year of homeschooling and still have a lot to learn.

  28. I just started Kindergarten with my oldest this year and have at least two more following so I would love to see what other families' days look like.

  33. Sounds like a great read! I'd be interested to hear the different perspectives and approaches on this topic.

  34. We are on day 4 of our first time homeschooling our 9 year-old son. It has already proven to be the right decision! Needless to say, we'd love the book.

  35. I am just entering mommyhood with the knowledge that we will homeschool our children.
    I am sure this text has a wealth of knowledge and I love that there are so many contributers. There is more than one way to do things so it is nice to get different perspectives on how homeschooling works for different families.

  36. As a person who was homeschooled and would like to someday homeschool their own children, I would LOVE a copy of this book!! How exciting.

  37. I'd like a copy of this book. I do not currently homeschool but am feeling more & more like it may be a good option for us.

  39. Two friends of mine are homeschool their 5 year olds this year. My "baby" is only 2 but it got me thinking about the whole process. I'd love a copy to get more insight into homeschooling.

  40. I would love to have the book! My twin, four year olds are in public preschool right now, and while some things about it are great, I'm still giving thought to the benefits of homeschooling.

  41. Would love this book! I homeschool my 2 daughters - #1 is in 3rd grade and #2 just started Kindergarten. Eventually, child number 3 (due in October) will join in too! I love to read about how other families are homeschooling since I don't know many other homeschooling families in real life.

  42. My sister just started homeschooling her kids this year, and I know she would love a copy! I'm on the fence about homeschooling, but know she would appreciate it so I'd love to win it for her.

  43. I'm still trying to decide if I want to do homeschooling (I've pretty much decided to not send my son to preschool and do preschool at my house). I'd be interested in reading this book!

  44. I don't actually want it for me, but I have a friend who would LOVE this book, so I figure it's worth trying to win it for her... 🙂

  45. I've been homeschooling for 17 years and have graduated my two older children and am still schooling my younger two girls. I can say first hand that even despite my days that I find myself frustrated or impatient, when I weigh out all the benefits this has been a path that has been the perfect one for our whole family.
    With my oldest and youngest daughter entering our lives as older adoptees it's been a chance for them to have materials tailored to their special needs of learning English, catching up on even the most basic of learning skills as neither had attended school prior to adoption and were way behind their peer group. It's also a great way for them to learn to bond and become a part of a family unit by the regular interaction. It has served to meet the special challenges that can accompany institutionalized children and their adjustments.
    For all inclined to homeschool I would definately say go for it!!

  47. I could always use a book about homeschooling. I have homeschooled my children for a few years, but could always use some encouragement.

  48. Looks like an interesting read, and congratulations on being included in the book!

    I have a two year old and a 4 month old right now, and have been planning on homeschooling them. As I keep getting closer to my oldest being school age, I want to learn more techniques and gather more tips so that I can do the best job possible for my kids.

    We're looking forward to when our homeschool days come, and this looks like a great resource to help prep me!

  49. I have been tossing around the idea of homeschooling. This would give me some great insight! Thanks for this offer! I sure hope I win a copy.

  50. I would love to win this book! I don't have kids yet, but we are planning to homeschool. I was homeschooled until 7th grade, and I had a wonderful experience. I'm always interested to see the different perspectives other people have, and the advice/ideas/suggestions they give.

  51. I've always been interested in homeschooling and have always assumed I couldn't do it - I guess I need to read this book.

  52. We are beginning our journey into homeschooling next week, so this book would be a great addition!

  53. Being a homeschool Mom myself I'm always interested in the what/how/when/where of others who homeschool. Would LOVE
    to win a copy!

  56. It's my 7th day homeschooling a first and third grader. My son, the 6 year old, already wants to return to traditional school:( To say I'm feeling challenged is an understatement. Looking for any tips, encouragement or understanding.
    Thanks,
    Jenn

  58. My little guy is just 6 months old, but I am so excited to be a homeschooling mama in a few years! I would love to win a copy of this book. 🙂

  59. My first is going to be school aged next year and we are trying to figure which route to go...school vs homeschool. Would love to get a little insider knowledge on the issue.

  61. I would love to have this book! I finally decided to pull both of my kids out of school this year to homeschool them. I'd love to read what other families have to say about homeschooling.

  62. We are homeschooling this year for the first time and we need all the help we can get 🙂

  63. I'm starting our homeschooling adventure next year, and some insight would be great! (I'm a different Amanda, btw)

  64. I would love a copy of this book-we are going to be home schooling our three girls again this fall. I love getting a glimpse into other families and how they navigate different situations-it's always encouraging!

  65. I'm thinking about homeschooling my daughter next year when she will be entering middle school, but I'm not sure if it would be a good fit for her personality. I would like to read about what challenges other parents have faced in homeschooling and how they coped with them. Thanks for letting us know about this book and for the chance to win a copy!

  66. I just started my first year of homeschool with a 5 yr old, 4 yr old, 1 yr old, and one due in January. I could use some encouragement and tips from the veterans!

  67. Would love to learn more about homeschooling as I start to discern if it is right for my family!

  70. In practice I know nothing about homeschooling, since I went to public school, but my husband was homeschooled and loved it, and we both think that would be a great way to raise our future children. And even though that's still a few years down the road, I think the book would be incredibly helpful!

  71. My husband and I would love the read this book. Our daughter is only 18 months old, but we are thinking of trying homeschooling when she is older. I've been reading A Well Trained Mind about classical education, and it is fascinating.

  73. I never thought I would be a homeschool mom but recent events have opened my eyes to the great benefit of it! I was never one to do well in school (I had to study for C's) so this would be a challenge for me. But I'm excited to see how others do it and to learn from there experience!

  75. Oooh, I'd LOVE this book! We just started up with homeschooling again, and there are some things we struggle with. But our very favorite time of the day right now is our breakfast routine. We get up and eat, then we have tea time while I read the Bible, we work on our memory verses, read a nature story, and then read some poems. it's the sweetest time for us before we get into the craziness of the day 🙂

  76. I would love to win a copy of this book. I have been reading about homeschooling all summer long. We have no plans to homeschool right now but I have been toying with the idea for awhile now.

  77. Homeschooling is such a blessing in my life! I would love to win this ~ thanks for the opportunity!

  78. I am really interested in this book as we are still on the fence
    About homeschooling. Personal stories and experiences
    Are my favorite resource and so this book would
    Be perfect!!!!

  79. My sweet sister homeschools 4 kiddos with one on the way. I would sure love to win this for her!

  80. I am a homeschooling parent and always love peeking into other families lives and getting ideas for how to make this all work.

  82. We are beginning "Tot School" with our two year old this year. I love to hear how other families make homeschooling work. Some days it seems so overwhelming even though I taught public school before we had kids.

  83. I'm always ready to read another book on homeschooling. We are getting ready to begin our fourth full year of home education!

  84. My husband and I are considering home schooling for our little ones but I have some apprehensions. I would love to hear real life experiences - the good, the bad, the reality!

  86. My sister-in-law just started homeschooling her kids this school year and I would love to give her this book!

  87. I am headed into my first "real" year of home schooling and would love to read this book to encourage myself and others in our church's home school group!

  88. My daughter has just begun homeschooling my 7-year-old grandson. I would love to give the book to her.

  89. I am starting my 12th year of homeschooling and would love to glean some new inspiration from this book!

  91. Oh this would be great. I have an almost three year old and one year old. My days of school are coming soon!

  92. 4 of our 5 children and I will embark on our FIRST YEAR of homeschooling next week. Scared as hell, but OH SO EXCITED!

  93. I would love a copy of the book. This is my first year homeschooling my 5 and 7 year old.

  94. I would love to hear what the veteran homeschoolers have to say. Their perspective can encourage and set me straight at the same time.

  95. I want to homeschool my now one year old son but am afraid I won't be smart enough! I would love to get the book!

  96. We're preparing to embark on our homeschooling adventure next year when my son starts kindergarten. We're experimenting with things are trying to find out groove this year so this book would be helpful!

  97. I would LOVE to read a copy of this book! I am just about to start homeschooling with my two kids this year, so in...one week!!! Eeek. I've been reading all summer, but am always hungry for more. Thanks for the chance!

  98. I'd love a copy! We're in our 2nd year homeschooling our oldest and would love the motivation and inspiration to keep going!

  103. We are on day 6 of homeschooling. It is going okay but I would love some help on keeping my DD more focused!

  104. Hi, I would love the book on homeschooling. A young family just moved in with us from out of state so the husband could go to seminary here. The wife is going to start homeschooling and is feeling alittle unsure of herself.
    Thank you!
    Darlene

  105. I'd love to share this book with my cousin. She & her husband recently adopted 2 boys, who join the son & daughter they already have, giving them children ages 5, 4, 3, and 2. They're considering homeschooling, as a lot of adjusting is going on.

  107. Congratulations on the new book! Of course I'd like to have a copy! Even in Canada... 🙂

  108. I'd be interested in this book - I'm really considering homeschooling my little guy when he starts kindergarten next year.

  109. I would love to win a copy. I've been considering home school and have tons of questions so this would be great

  110. I'd love to read the experiences and tips from people who are doing it and making it work for their families. I have 3 kids (7, 5 and 2). We're committed to homeschool but wonder sometimes how we'll make it work as they need more and more academic subjects. Luckily they love to read. Me too!

  111. Please pick me! Your blog has totally inspired me to consider homeschooling. I would love to know more about it.

  115. I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to win this book. I am homeschooling my four children (well technically only three since one of them is only three) for the first time this year! Crossing my fingers that I win!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  117. I plan to home school my two children ages 2 &3. I am already teaching them now. This book would be very helpful to me! Would love a free copy.
    Thanks

  118. I'd love to read this book. We've just started homeschooling and I'd love to hear what other families do and think. Thanks.

  119. I would love to have this book! I have a 20 month old and want to home
    school him! I do not know any homeschooling families and try to read as many blogs as I can to get tips and ideas. Thanks!

  120. I would love a copy of this book, I'm starting homeschooling for the first time with my 10,9, 6 and 4 year old in the next month!

  121. I would love this book. My youngest is in 5th grade but we are considering moving her to home schooling for 6th grade.

  123. I think that reading about others experiences is the best thing for people who are new to the idea and just testing the waters. I remember reading the Colfax family's experiences when I first decided to take the plunge, and spent more than one afternoon in tears thinking of how powerful an idea it was and "why doesn't everyone do it this way!!". I am now much later in my homeschool experience, but frequently serve as a mentor to others who are just starting out, so this book would not stay on my bookshelf, but would be shared with others (and yes, I would read it first, even though I don't need convincing!). Congratulations!!

  124. I am very interested in the topic of homeschooling! would love to win the book enter me please! (:

  125. i am interested in learning more about homeschooling for the purely selfish reason of not being tied down to a particular location or school. for the past few years, and ever since my daughter was born we have been living a nomadic life (ie. moving around quite a bit 🙂 ) and as she is approaching kindergarten, it doesn't look like we will be settling down anywhere soon either. so i would love to win your ebook!

  128. I'm also a homeschool grad and proud of it! My parents took more of an unschooling approach with us but I know I'll be much more structured with my future kids. I love a good routine!

  129. I still have 3 years to decide, but I'm thinking about homeschooling. This book would be a great asset!

  130. I'd love the book! I'm about two years away from beginning homeschooling my twins! But we're doing some preschool now in anticipation.

  131. I plan to homeschool, but i only know the way I was taught (as a homeschooler). I think this book wold be really beneficial!

  132. I am a public school music teacher who gave up my career to be home with my babies when my first was born. I am in my fourth year homeschooling, and I love the flexibility of it as well as the joy of watching my children learn. This book would be a treasure.

  133. I'd donate my copy to the base library. There are more and more military families that have decided to home school instead of subjecting their children to the disruption that comes from starting over at another school when they move to another base.

  134. I would love to win this book. Although we are entering our third year of homeschooling, I could always use more tips and advice.

  135. I'd love a copy of the book! I am not currently homeschooling, but do hope to homeschool my children. I would like to learn more about it so that I'm prepared when it's time to start.

  136. Would love a copy! Maybe it would help convince my husband that it is do-able!

  138. Hi Kristin,
    I would like a copy of the home schooling book.

    I was chairperson for this years Friends of the Duncanville Public Library. We received a donation of the entire library collection of a private K - 12 school that was closing. This included many work books and textbooks. I contacted a local home schooling group and all the private and charter school and daycare centers in the area. This was in addition to our publicity with the general public. I was amazed at how many home schooling families came and purchased books from us.

    My daughter is an adult now and teaches high school English, so I will not be doing any home schooling myself. But I am interested in learning more about it. I live in Duncanville, a suburb of Dallas, Texas.

    I have two historical stories to tell you. I went to a private 9 to 12 grade girls school as a day student. They also had boarders. One year a new boarding student came. She had been home schooled out of necessity by her mother. Her father as a forest ranger in the wilderness parts of New Mexico. They lived in the forest and the only time they saw other people was the few trips per year they took to the nearest location where they could stock up on provisions. Becky seemed like an oddity to us the first few days we knew her, but we soon learned how well adjusted and friendly she was. She was very intelligent too. So that was my first experience with knowing someone who was home schooled.

    The second story is about the mid 1970's when I lived in Omaha , Nebraska. There was a church school located in southern Nebraska that was in the news for months and there was finally a court case which the school lost and was then forced to close their school. At issue was the fact that the pastor did not want to use state mandated curriculum. He said God would give the school the wisdom to choose their own curriculum and text books.

    Many of the home schooling parents I spoke to at the 2012 Library used book sale said they mainly did their own thing regarding choice of curriculum and textbooks. I thought this was an interesting fact when compared to the court case about the church school in Nebraska about 35 years ago.

    Thanks for listening to me ramble. Please enter me in the drawing for the home schooling e-book.

    Helen M. Beggane (loyal fan of the Frugal Girl since the beginning of 2009)

  139. Heading back into the year with a 1st and 2nd graders, a 4-year-old who wants to "do school" and a 20-month-old lovable monster who is into anything... I could use the encouragement that I really can "do this"!

  140. My husband was homeschooled and I wasn't, so this book would be helpful, as I plan to start homeschooling soon. Thank you for blogging, writing, and sharing your experiences with us!

  141. My husband and I are seriously considering homeschooling our future children. I think if I got a chance to read this (for free because we're sort of in a pinch, financially at the moment), then it would go a long way to give us an eye-witness example of the pros and cons of homeschooling. Also, I'm not quite that confident in myself to homeschool any kids so this might make me feel more confident. Thanks! 🙂

  142. We are starting our first year of home schooling next week, after 4 years in the public school system. I'm a bit nervous, but confident this is the right choice for our daughter at this time. Would love to read the book, and learn more from other experiences!

  144. I am seriously considering homeschooling once we have kids. It'll make buying a house so much more flexible...no need to worry about the school district!

  148. I hope I'm not too late to enter. I came home from teaching public school this year to be a stay at home mom. My baby is only 6-weeks-old, but we already plan on homeschooling her. We figure that we've already started, but the skills we are teaching are simple things like sleeping at night and smiling. We'll move on to harder subjects as she gets older. 🙂 I'd love to read about how other families make homeschooling work since we are just getting started on this journey. 🙂

  149. My daughter is only 3 months old but I know that I need to start early with my hubby to get him on board for homeschooling - currently he's terrified, but hours of talking have gotten him close to the point where he can admit that there are ways we can make it work .... I would love some perspectives outside of my own childhood homeschooling experiences!

  150. We are in our first year of homeschooling and would love more encouragement on making things work well. Thanks for the giveaway!

  152. A friend of mine is interested in homeschooling her kids, but is unsure where to start. This book would be great for her! Thanks for bringing it to our attention.

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