The Well-Trained Mind by S. Wise Bauer; Jessie Wise AKA My Homeschool Bible

This has got to be my favorite homeschooling book! When I first began my homeschooling journey, I checked this and many other books out of the library. Out of all the books chosen this was one of three that were renewed. I continued to renew this book 5 more time, the max my library allows, and then requested to check it out again. Yes, it is THAT good.

The first year I needed a lot of hand holding and used this book as a strict guide. However, as my confidence has built I have ventured away from some of the recommendations. Funny enough, the grammar program I chose to switch to is now the top recommendation in the new edition. The science recommendations are not a good fit for my family and we have tried using Abeka, My Father's World, and most recently Apologia. All of the science programs have been O.K. but none have really brought out a love for the subject.

After reading through the WTM once you are able to see the big picture and understand the steps need to get there. Although I have purchased the current edition, I feel the schedules listed in the first edition are the best and have referred back to them occasionally to make sure we are on track. Susan and Jessie really have written an amazing homeschool book. I love the classical approach and can see how it has benefited my son.



The Well-Trained Mind by S. Wise Bauer; Jessie Wise (Hardcover): booksamillion.com
"This educational bestseller has dominated its field for the last decade, sparking a homeschooling movement that has only continued to grow. It will instruct you, step by step, on how to give your child an academically rigorous, comprehensive education from preschool through high school. Two veteran home educators outline the classical pattern of education-the trivium-which organizes learning around the maturing capacity of the child's mind. With this model, you will be able to instruct your child in all levels of reading, writing, history, geography, mathematics, science, foreign languages, rhetoric, logic, art, and music, regardless of your own aptitude in those subjects.

Newly revised and updated, The Well-Trained Mind includes detailed book lists with complete ordering information; up-to-date listings of resources, publications, and Internet links; and useful contact information."