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Family Matters: Why Homeschooling Makes Sense
An honest, perceptive discussion of children, education, and our common life as a nation by the bestselling author of Snow Falling on Cedars. A high school English teacher, Guterson and his wife educate their own children at home. “A literate primer for anyone who wants to know more about alternatives to the schools� (Kirkus Reviews). Index.
264 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1992
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418 people want to read
About the author
David Guterson
51Ìýbooks1,210ÌýfollowersDavid Guterson is an American novelist, short story writer, poet, journalist, and essayist. He is best known as the author of the bestselling Japanese American internment novel Snow Falling on Cedars.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
May 28, 2011
The author of this book (most famously known for his novel Snow Falling on Cedars) was a high school English teacher in Washington state. He and his wife homeschooled their three children, which gives the author a unique perspective on the differences between formal school (in this case, public school) and homeschooling. For the most part, I agree with many of the author's conclusions: there is something tremendously industrial about how we educate our young people, which may have made sense for a manufacturing economy, but we've moved well beyond that now. Likewise, despite billions and billions of dollars being spent by local governments, state governments, and the federal government each year, the result of our public system's efforts to educate our kids is generally dismal. Overall, more often than not, America's school systems are failing to educate our kids.
The author's main contention--and it is unassailable--is that without family involvement in, and commitment to, the education of children, very little can be done. This book was written twenty years ago; since then, the anecdotes the author refers to have become data sets: the overwhelming vast majority of homeschooled children do tremendously well on every measure when compared to children who are more traditionally educated. The author insists, and I concur, that the difference is to be found in the commitment of the parents, not the quality of the teaching or the learning materials. If your parents aren't making education important, it is the extremely rare child who will learn a damn thing. I see this every single day in the school where I work. It is like the Law of Gravity.
So what is the answer? In the absence of some sort of stick (connecting a driver's license to a child's attendance and grades? Making Section Eight housing vouchers, food stamps, Medicaid and other welfare benefits contingent on parenting classes? Levying tax fines for parents who are inflicting ignorant little savages on the rest of us?) I don't see how parents can be forced to take responsibility for their children's education. America has yet to deal with the 800 pound gorilla in our collective living room: poor children, especially poor children of color, are failing spectacularly in our schools. Likewise, the 'average' kid who comes out of high school does not have the knowledge, skills, or habits of mind to be competitive in our technologically advanced global economy, regardless of whether they go to college or not. Parents with the means and the wherewithal spend too much money to live in suburbs with 'good' schools, or send their kids to private schools. More and more people choose homeschooling...and I don't blame them one bit.
Having taught high school for five years, and middle school for seven, I can tell you that the cultural and social forces that bear down on our children--and on their families-- are remarkably powerful. People tend to think that, because they went to school, things are just like they were when they were kids. They are seriously mistaken. Things don't just seem worse than they were; they are, measurably, objectively, much worse than they were when I was in school 25 years ago, and certainly when my parents where in school 40 our 50 years ago. By every measure you can imagine, children are doing poorly. Not all children; there are pockets of excellence and success. But overall, the state of our nation's young people is grim. I'm not talking about teen pregnancy and drug use; I'm talking about the basic ability to learn, to concentrate, to apply, and to think. There are many reasons for this trend toward stupidity; schools are wildly incapable addressing any of them (unless you count suggesting that kids get put on medication).
Julie and I have talked about homeschooling. It would be a tremendous commitment on our part, but I'm confident that we could do it were we willing to make the necessary sacrifices (like losing one of our incomes). We are gambling--as so many people do--that if we make our children's education our responsibility, and view school as necessary but not in and of itself sufficient, we will see our daughters grow into the knowledgeable, skilled, thoughtful, and kind people that we wish them to be. I must say, though, as a dad, as a public school teacher, and as a person who has studied the American school system in some detail, I am not committed to educating my daughters in this giant machine. There is too much wrong, too little right, and too little margin for error. So we'll see how it goes.
We may end up being homeschoolers yet.
The author's main contention--and it is unassailable--is that without family involvement in, and commitment to, the education of children, very little can be done. This book was written twenty years ago; since then, the anecdotes the author refers to have become data sets: the overwhelming vast majority of homeschooled children do tremendously well on every measure when compared to children who are more traditionally educated. The author insists, and I concur, that the difference is to be found in the commitment of the parents, not the quality of the teaching or the learning materials. If your parents aren't making education important, it is the extremely rare child who will learn a damn thing. I see this every single day in the school where I work. It is like the Law of Gravity.
So what is the answer? In the absence of some sort of stick (connecting a driver's license to a child's attendance and grades? Making Section Eight housing vouchers, food stamps, Medicaid and other welfare benefits contingent on parenting classes? Levying tax fines for parents who are inflicting ignorant little savages on the rest of us?) I don't see how parents can be forced to take responsibility for their children's education. America has yet to deal with the 800 pound gorilla in our collective living room: poor children, especially poor children of color, are failing spectacularly in our schools. Likewise, the 'average' kid who comes out of high school does not have the knowledge, skills, or habits of mind to be competitive in our technologically advanced global economy, regardless of whether they go to college or not. Parents with the means and the wherewithal spend too much money to live in suburbs with 'good' schools, or send their kids to private schools. More and more people choose homeschooling...and I don't blame them one bit.
Having taught high school for five years, and middle school for seven, I can tell you that the cultural and social forces that bear down on our children--and on their families-- are remarkably powerful. People tend to think that, because they went to school, things are just like they were when they were kids. They are seriously mistaken. Things don't just seem worse than they were; they are, measurably, objectively, much worse than they were when I was in school 25 years ago, and certainly when my parents where in school 40 our 50 years ago. By every measure you can imagine, children are doing poorly. Not all children; there are pockets of excellence and success. But overall, the state of our nation's young people is grim. I'm not talking about teen pregnancy and drug use; I'm talking about the basic ability to learn, to concentrate, to apply, and to think. There are many reasons for this trend toward stupidity; schools are wildly incapable addressing any of them (unless you count suggesting that kids get put on medication).
Julie and I have talked about homeschooling. It would be a tremendous commitment on our part, but I'm confident that we could do it were we willing to make the necessary sacrifices (like losing one of our incomes). We are gambling--as so many people do--that if we make our children's education our responsibility, and view school as necessary but not in and of itself sufficient, we will see our daughters grow into the knowledgeable, skilled, thoughtful, and kind people that we wish them to be. I must say, though, as a dad, as a public school teacher, and as a person who has studied the American school system in some detail, I am not committed to educating my daughters in this giant machine. There is too much wrong, too little right, and too little margin for error. So we'll see how it goes.
We may end up being homeschoolers yet.
May 1, 2015
I picked this up at the library on a whim, back in the 90's. We had a family in our church that was homeschooling, which I thought was a little weird. I knew there would be more and more we'd encounter in the course of our ministry who'd be choosing this option, and as a pastor's wife, I wanted to understand the philosophy behind the choice. W-e-l-l, this book shook me to the core. It challenged me to consider my own philosophy of education. My firstborn was only 2 at the time, but this book was the pivotal point in my thinking and was largely responsible for my own decision to homeschool my 4 children. This is written from a secular viewpoint and from the position of a well educated Father. He is also thorough in helping the reader understand the legal aspects of home education. I owe him a debt of gratitude; homeschooling was one of the best decisions I ever made.
December 29, 2018
Another of the library's essentials. I appreciated Guterson perspective.
The County Commissioners had a justified policy of appointing a member of the home school community to the library board of trustees.
Obtaining inter-library loans for the older kids was an enjoyable aspect of my job.
The County Commissioners had a justified policy of appointing a member of the home school community to the library board of trustees.
Obtaining inter-library loans for the older kids was an enjoyable aspect of my job.
January 8, 2009
I couldn't put this book down! I read it over the course of two evenings. However, it was not what I expected at all by the title. Chad and I are in the researching and pondering stage of formally homeschooling our children. I thought it was a book about all the reasons it is great to home school. It is....kind of.
It is written by a Public High School English teacher, who home schools his children. He has perspectives from both worlds. His insights into public education ring true to my experiences after 8 years in a classroom at a "School of Excellence." He is careful to acknowledge the great work his colleagues perform in their classrooms. He understands the true limitations, as he has taught in public schools himself. He does not set out to bash schools or those who work in them or attend them.
The book basically reviews many volumes of educational theory, from Plato to Kozol and educational history. Most of these I read in my freshman year of college, but they mean a lot more to me now than they did before I actually set foot in a classroom. He explains how schools came to be set up the way they are in modern American society. He questions all aspects and then offers a new alternative for families and public schools to work together. He answers difficult questions such as "What about socialization?" "What about democracy?" "What happens if all of the good parents pull their kids out of school?"
He truly encourages a return to parental involvement in the education of their children, whether they choose the traditional education method of teaching their children at home or to send their children to public schools.
It is written by a Public High School English teacher, who home schools his children. He has perspectives from both worlds. His insights into public education ring true to my experiences after 8 years in a classroom at a "School of Excellence." He is careful to acknowledge the great work his colleagues perform in their classrooms. He understands the true limitations, as he has taught in public schools himself. He does not set out to bash schools or those who work in them or attend them.
The book basically reviews many volumes of educational theory, from Plato to Kozol and educational history. Most of these I read in my freshman year of college, but they mean a lot more to me now than they did before I actually set foot in a classroom. He explains how schools came to be set up the way they are in modern American society. He questions all aspects and then offers a new alternative for families and public schools to work together. He answers difficult questions such as "What about socialization?" "What about democracy?" "What happens if all of the good parents pull their kids out of school?"
He truly encourages a return to parental involvement in the education of their children, whether they choose the traditional education method of teaching their children at home or to send their children to public schools.
March 2, 2010
While this book is somewhat outdated (published in 1992), it was a pleasant change of pace to read a homeschooling book put out by someone other than "typical" caricatured "religious right" homeschoolers we see.
I'm reading Guterson's book of short stories and noticed he'd written a book on homeschooling. I thought "Huh...?" Writer, public high school English teacher AND homeschooler? So, I bit.
Again, much of the information is a little outdated, and homeschooling seems more widely accepted now as opposed to the early 90's when this was published. But he goes into great detail, citing numerous studies on the success of homeschooled students not only in academics, but in socialization (the big concern of so many people), and involvement.
I would love to know how/what his 4 kids are doing now-- since they'd be long past post-college age.
But I have an inkling they're doing just fine.
And as a homeschooling mom of 4, one in college, one headed there this fall-- and all doing just fine, thank you very much ... it's gratifying to read these things.
I'm reading Guterson's book of short stories and noticed he'd written a book on homeschooling. I thought "Huh...?" Writer, public high school English teacher AND homeschooler? So, I bit.
Again, much of the information is a little outdated, and homeschooling seems more widely accepted now as opposed to the early 90's when this was published. But he goes into great detail, citing numerous studies on the success of homeschooled students not only in academics, but in socialization (the big concern of so many people), and involvement.
I would love to know how/what his 4 kids are doing now-- since they'd be long past post-college age.
But I have an inkling they're doing just fine.
And as a homeschooling mom of 4, one in college, one headed there this fall-- and all doing just fine, thank you very much ... it's gratifying to read these things.
December 19, 2011
Guterson (best known for his historical novel, "Snow Falling On Cedars") is a public high school teacher who, with his wife, taught his own kids at home. His book isn't about how to homeschool; rather, it's a look at the reasons, both historical and practical, to do so. While he addresses some common concerns like "What about socialization?" (although that's a rather dated question now), he focuses more on what homeschooling means for us as a society and how we got to this place where so many people have lost confidence in institutional education. For example, "What if all the involved parents take their kids out of school?", "Is taking your child out of school supportive of democracy?" and "Does public school serve us now the way it did when it was conceived during the industrial revolution?" While all this theory and history might sound dry, Guterson presents it in terms of his own experience as a teacher, a dad, and a member of the tightly-knit community of Bainbridge Island. Also, he's a gifted writer and I enjoyed his style and gentle wit.
February 29, 2012
This book may be 20 years old, but it's the most refreshing & inspiring message on homeschooling that I've read to date. Every other book I've tried to read, I couldn't finish.
December 17, 2018
A little dated, but some interesting history of schooling through history. I enjoyed the chapter where his father taught his students about the legality of homeschooling. It was a good way to present a challenging topic.
August 14, 2023
I really liked the premise of this book! Made a lot of good points, however I felt that due to the nature of the author’s profession (English teacher) a lot of grandiose vocabulary was used unnecessarily and threw me off.
June 12, 2019
A good introduction to homeschooling.
October 3, 2020
An interesting and very educated approach. It accomplishes its subtitle. The last chapter about the possibilities of family life is great.
January 24, 2017
Read this review if you're interested in these keywords: family, education.
I give this 5 stars because I've grown up my whole life being surrounded by the thoughts that are pondered in this book, every one of them, on every topic, as someone who was always homeschooled.
And because I plan to homeschool my children.
And because this book was written around the time I was born and I enjoy having known how things were secondhand at the time the book was written--from my parents' and grandparents' comments and experience and all the articles and things you can find to read about it, and all the people homeschoolers meet, of all types, persuasions and circumstances, who have their own comments and experience--and now again from this book.
And because I have experienced the world changing for better and worse, for homeschoolers and those absolutely opposed to homeschooling, for most of the time since the book was written. (And of course, the more things change, in this case, the more they stay the same.)
And because he writes well.
And because it's nice and comprehensive, giving those of us who once again sometime will have to wrap our heads around all the reasons we do it as we explain to some inquisitor a good summary of why; and giving those who want a pretty "whole" picture of homeschooling, and want a decent explanation of each part of the picture, one (more) awesome place to find such a conglomerate, that can show all the things we're keeping in our heads on a regular basis.
And because it's funny.
Enjoy it for the humor and the joy of learning, folks.
And then ponder his wording, what he includes in the title, that education needs to be family-centered. And that family matters. And whatever you think about homeschooling or not homeschooling, one of the main ideas you will agree or disagree with is this idea of family. And family is what has been dragged through the mud since 1992 far more than most people imagined in 1992. I agree absolutely with the first two sentences in this paragraph. And that's why homeschooling (and lots of other things) make sense to me.
I give this 5 stars because I've grown up my whole life being surrounded by the thoughts that are pondered in this book, every one of them, on every topic, as someone who was always homeschooled.
And because I plan to homeschool my children.
And because this book was written around the time I was born and I enjoy having known how things were secondhand at the time the book was written--from my parents' and grandparents' comments and experience and all the articles and things you can find to read about it, and all the people homeschoolers meet, of all types, persuasions and circumstances, who have their own comments and experience--and now again from this book.
And because I have experienced the world changing for better and worse, for homeschoolers and those absolutely opposed to homeschooling, for most of the time since the book was written. (And of course, the more things change, in this case, the more they stay the same.)
And because he writes well.
And because it's nice and comprehensive, giving those of us who once again sometime will have to wrap our heads around all the reasons we do it as we explain to some inquisitor a good summary of why; and giving those who want a pretty "whole" picture of homeschooling, and want a decent explanation of each part of the picture, one (more) awesome place to find such a conglomerate, that can show all the things we're keeping in our heads on a regular basis.
And because it's funny.
Enjoy it for the humor and the joy of learning, folks.
And then ponder his wording, what he includes in the title, that education needs to be family-centered. And that family matters. And whatever you think about homeschooling or not homeschooling, one of the main ideas you will agree or disagree with is this idea of family. And family is what has been dragged through the mud since 1992 far more than most people imagined in 1992. I agree absolutely with the first two sentences in this paragraph. And that's why homeschooling (and lots of other things) make sense to me.
December 2, 2010
David Guterson has thought much harder about his reasons for homeschooling than I have. Or at least he has researched it more. I have given it a great deal of emotional thought, but not taken to the books in the same way that he has. Some of the issues he raises are completely unimportant to me;like the idea that taking my children out of public school is somehow undemocratic. This is not his own opinion, rather an accusation he has run into from critics.
Something i did feel helpful was his handling of the question of socialization. Within this chapter I was reminded of the powerful influence of other adults in my children's lives. I am eager for them to have mentors outside myself and Matt in many areas of their education.
Guterson's perspective within homeschooling is unique in that he is a public high school english teacher (or was at the time he wrote this book). Because he has a foot in both doors he is able to compare and contrast the experiences on a daily basis in a way that most can't. It seemed that his fundamental concern and advocation for his own choice to homeschool is that every child learns differently and at a different pace. As an Enlish teacher at a highschool he has no hope of being able to understand and conform to each of his 150 students' needs. As a parent of three boys that he works with every day he can hope to assess and meet their individual needs like no classroom could.
Something i did feel helpful was his handling of the question of socialization. Within this chapter I was reminded of the powerful influence of other adults in my children's lives. I am eager for them to have mentors outside myself and Matt in many areas of their education.
Guterson's perspective within homeschooling is unique in that he is a public high school english teacher (or was at the time he wrote this book). Because he has a foot in both doors he is able to compare and contrast the experiences on a daily basis in a way that most can't. It seemed that his fundamental concern and advocation for his own choice to homeschool is that every child learns differently and at a different pace. As an Enlish teacher at a highschool he has no hope of being able to understand and conform to each of his 150 students' needs. As a parent of three boys that he works with every day he can hope to assess and meet their individual needs like no classroom could.
March 7, 2010
A homeschooling book written by a public school educator. He teaches high school English at Bainbridge High and homeschools his children. A friend recommended this one.
I loved what he had to say in the introduction. What he came to in the conclusion seemed like it was written by a different man entirely.
I like that he didn't have too many prescriptions about doing (home)school. I resonate with his experience as a classroom teacher (though I'm befuddled by his unexplained, passionless decision to keep at it). I agree with his descriptions on the institutional troubles of public education. The book is anaconda long on problems, and is shorter than a toadstool on solutions -- and I think that's largely because he's in the system.
Guterson is stuck in the Second Wave (cf. Alvin Toffler). He almost looks ahead to the Third Wave, but he just isn't getting out his boogie board and going for it.
He constantly talks about how the family unit is weak and disintegrating, but he never explains *how* or *why* it is disintegrating ... this missing acknowledgement of the defining theme of the book is a gaping omission. He peppers the book with Progressive speech but can't seem to get down to brass tacks.
I loved what he had to say in the introduction. What he came to in the conclusion seemed like it was written by a different man entirely.
I like that he didn't have too many prescriptions about doing (home)school. I resonate with his experience as a classroom teacher (though I'm befuddled by his unexplained, passionless decision to keep at it). I agree with his descriptions on the institutional troubles of public education. The book is anaconda long on problems, and is shorter than a toadstool on solutions -- and I think that's largely because he's in the system.
Guterson is stuck in the Second Wave (cf. Alvin Toffler). He almost looks ahead to the Third Wave, but he just isn't getting out his boogie board and going for it.
He constantly talks about how the family unit is weak and disintegrating, but he never explains *how* or *why* it is disintegrating ... this missing acknowledgement of the defining theme of the book is a gaping omission. He peppers the book with Progressive speech but can't seem to get down to brass tacks.
July 7, 2008
I ultimately chose public schooling for my children--then later placed them in a charter school before becoming a public school teacher myself. You may say I'm a bit conflicted when it comes to the politics of education. Or, to spin it in another direction--I'm very broadminded. This book on homeschooling gives the simplest, most human argument for homeschooling I found. Guterson's reasons are not fear-based but spring from the natural relationship between a parent and child. Thinking about it now almost makes me wish I'd taken another path back when my children were first entering the system. Almost.
July 12, 2008
'Family Matters' offers a cogent look at the practice of homeschooling and, more broadly, the crucial role of parents and families in the education of young Americans. While David Guterson educates his three boys at home, he is not intent on championing homeschooling here so much as explaining the underlying rationale for it. Guterson himself teaches English at a public high school and acknowledges that homeschooling is not for everybody. But, he says, there are strong academic, social, and political grounds for examining the practice more closely.
Read my full review at:
Read my full review at:
January 7, 2014
I really enjoyed this book. I didn't always find it the easiest book to read (the author's style is pretty dense sometimes) but I think it offers a great overview of educational philosophies and our American school structure. I really appreciated reading a book on educating at home that is NOT from a religious or isolationist viewpoint (so refreshing!) and that is grounded in love for community and supportive of the institutions that have made us great. In other words, this is not a book of fear and hysteria but a rational challenge to rethink the options open to ALL children in our country, regardless of income-level and family structure.
May 28, 2016
If you can get past the terrible writing, this book is worth the read. The author is in the unusual position of being both a public school teacher and a homeschool teacher. This is not a guide on how to homeschool. It is not even a description of homeschooling. It is somewhat of a defense of homeschooling. Homeschoolers tend to score as well or better than their school counterparts on standardized tests. Homeschoolers are in a better position to individualize programs of study to each individual. Homeschoolers have had legal cases ruled in favor of their existence, so as not to conflict with freedom of belief. And that's about it.
June 5, 2008
I loved reading this book. It was packed with the history on the homeschooling movement, history of legal cases and information on methods, education philosophers and the authors own personal experiences as a school teacher and homeschooler to his three children. Although I didn't agree with every thing he said he did bring up some though provoking points. I learned a lot from reading this book, especially the history of education. I would buy this book to keep on hand and use as a reference.
March 10, 2009
Guterson makes a compelling case for homeschooling. As a teacher, himself, his Gatto-speak resonates deeply with me and probably with anyone who has lived inside the institution. His style is much more academic than Gatto, but he touches on many similar points. Why do we separate ourselves from our children? How are we to learn from them if we shut them away as we do our old people? Very interesting book.
July 7, 2009
I picked this book up at Healthy Kids. This author is a high school english teacher, but also homeschools his own kids together with his wife. After reading it I feel more intrigued and I want to ask people I know why they homeschool. Like everything in life, there are pros and cons to both. I don't know if I could do it or not, but I know Julia would get a better education at home. You just can top one-on-one instruction. I just wonder about all the rest she'd miss out on. =)
January 6, 2010
I randomly picked this book up off of the library shelf on my way out of the homeschool section one day. I am so glad that I did. What a thoughtful way with words this man has. The author was a public school teacher who chose (along with his wife) to homeschool his children. THIS REVIEW on Amazon does a fabulous job of summing up this book. I have purchased a copy of this one to keep. He articulates the case for homeschooling in a way I have not read anywhere else.
February 28, 2008
It's interesting, in a way, but I wouldn't really recommend it unless you want an exhaustive review of education in general, homeschool specifically, legal principles, etc, etc, ad nauseum sometimes. It is interesting if you want a lot of theory, but not very practical for "how to do it." So
The Complete Guide to Homeschooling by the Perrys, instead!!
The Complete Guide to Homeschooling by the Perrys, instead!!
October 28, 2008
Great book written by the author of Snow Falling on Cedars. He is a high school English teacher and he and his wife homeschool their children. Some great ideas about community learning and ways to give support and resources to moms of underprivileged preschoolers, rather than ripping those kids out of their homes at earlier and earlier ages.
January 14, 2015
I thought this book was well written. I appreciated it especially because Guterson's style of reasoning through the pros and cons of homeschooling are similar to my own. I didn't rate the book higher because as a Christian I felt the book missed the mark as to why we as parents pour ourselves into our children and why we believe parents are the best teachers.
November 7, 2007
I enjoyed this book immensely, as it's a look at a public school teacher who homeschools his own kids. He makes the case for homeschooling even while making the case for being a good public school teacher. I liked David Guterson's writing long before he became a big-name novelist!
December 27, 2010
This book is written by a public school teacher who chose to homeschool his own children. Before reading this book, I was considering home-based education for my son. This book helped me see other benefits to homeschooling that I was not aware of at the time.
January 2, 2013
I was interested in this because I'm curious to hear why people believe homeschooling is a good idea, since I don't, particularly. It turned out to be a very evenhanded, apolitical discussion of the subject. Still don't agree, but I have a better understanding of at least one family's reasons.
May 18, 2013
Guterson adds meaningful perspective to the homeschool concept. A teacher himself, he understands both perspectives. His analysis is meaningful and very understandable. He emphasizes several key contextual points, especially that, despite the aspiration, public education is in no way democratic.
February 21, 2016
why? indeed, a must-read during the dull February homeschool burn-out time of the school year! intelligently written by a public high school English teacher/homeschooling father. a bit dated, but the good points still apply.
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