A review of Catholic Home Schooling by Mary Kay Clark, PhD
ISBN # 0-89555-494-1 published by TAN 448 pages
In his Jan. 23rd, 1998 homily from Cuba, the Holy Father stated, "In married life, the service of life does not end with conception, but continues in the education of the new generations. Since parents have conferred life on their children, they have a solemn obligation to educate their offspring. Hence, parents must be acknowledged as the first and foremost educators of their children. Their role as educators is so decisive that scarcely anything can compensate for their failure in it. We are speaking of an irreplaceable and inalienable duty and right." When I read those words for the first time in late Jan. of 1998, I felt that the Holy Father had spoken directly to me and had validated the educational choice my husband and I had made for our children. It is a choice that I am questioned about on a daily basis. I am always happy to answer questions and now I have some help from a wonderful book.
Catholic Home Schooling by Dr. Mary Kay Clark is the "why and how-to" manual for Catholics who are interested in the homeschooling movement. It is for those who are interested in learning more about what homeschooling is as well as for those who are considering it as an educational option for their children. It is written by the woman who pioneered the Catholic Homeschool movement in the 1970's. Her vast experience, as an educator and mother of seven sons, is given freely to those who read the book. Several chapters are written by specialist in their areas. For example, Ginny Seuffert, the mother of twelve children, writes a chapter on home management in a homeschooling family. Cathy Gould, a learning disability specialist with more than twenty-five years of experience, writes a chapter on teaching children who learn differently. There is also an appendix article on Catholic Homeschooling by the late Fr. John Hardon, who in life was the very active in helping Catholic homeschoolers and now intercedes for homeschoolers before the throne of God.
The book begins by defining what Catholic Homeschooling is and why anyone would want to do it. It continues on to explain Church teachings on marriage and education and the biblical foundations of home schooling. It really is a very old educational style and not the latest fad as some believe. Other chapters address how to begin, the father's role in homeschooling and discipline. Oh, yes it also has an entire chapter on the number one question homeschoolers are asked (again and again and again), "What about socialization?". By the way, if you see me around the parish and want to ask me the socialization questions, I promise not to roll my eyes or gnash my teeth but to give you an honest and complete answer.
Catholic Home Schooling is a very informative book. There are more than twenty chapters and five appendices to the book. For the new homeschooler or individual who is just interested, it is a terrific introduction to the topic. For the veteran homeschooler, it is a book to come back to time and again as a reference. I pull out my copy several times a year to reread specific chapters.
I highly recommend Catholic Home Schooling by Mary Kay Clark. It considered by many, myself included, to be the best book on the topic of homeschooling within the Catholic Church.