A Funny Kind of Education Paperback – 4 Oct. 2012

Ross writes so vividly of the distress school caused her children and her fears about taking them out to home educate them - I had tears in my eyes as it brought back our agonising over whether to take our unhappy child out of school. And I remember the initial disbelief at how easily learning happens when a child is allowed to do it in the way that suits them. Surely anything worthwhile requires hard work? It can't be this easy... we must be doing something wrong.That was more than thirty years ago for us, and life was very different - computing was limited to programming a ZX81 in Basic - but so much of the experience is the same. I kept recognising one thing after another.We felt the same gratitude to Education Otherwise for bringing together home educating families to talk incessantly about it all, to admit misgivings we could not discuss with critical relatives, and find support and solutions or reassurance.We also had lovely supportive local authority advisors, although they were a minority in those days. We enjoyed their visits, and realised how rare it is for adults to listen properly to a child for any length of time. Then we had a spell when we sent in reports instead of having visits because we did not like the advisor they wanted to send. When he reached the end of statutory education (school leaving age) a different advisor came to visit. He insisted on seeing her on his own because, as he had always asserted, his learning was his own responsibility. She came out saying she was `most impressed', but we never found out any more.I remember the same struggle for time for myself. I remember it bringing us closer as we realised that we could only do it through being united in doing the best for our child; and then how rewarding we found it for ourselves, how much we learned and what good friends we made. I remember children who did not pester us to buy things because they understood that home educating meant less income. Children who considered that being kind to each other was more important than being good at reading and sums even if they were good at them. I remember the passionate need to play in mud and running streams and climb trees (hard in a city), the need for long periods of quiet and `doing nothing' and not being interrupted (impossible in school), the need at other times to climb and do headstands and move incessantly while questioning and trying to grasp a new concept, and of sometimes being told in the middle of an explanation, "That's all I want to know at the moment thank you, I need to go away and think about it." I remember children who could discuss anything rationally on an adult level and yet who could still play like children.I remember years later one of the people who had been critical saying, "I would still hate to have to do what you are doing. But it is a huge relief to know that if one of the children were unhappy in school I could ask EO the current regulations on deregistering them and just take them out." And a child who had decided to go back to school said, "It is so different being there from choice. The teachers are never sarcastic or bullying. If they start, I just look at them and they know I can walk away any time I choose, and they take a breath and talk to me as if I am a human being."And I love hearing about how our young people are doing now, and especially about how some of them are home educating the next generation.Anne Wade

This book is an honest account of one mothers experience of home education. Its ideal for someone considering or just starting to home educate.Both children in the book seem keen to learn which helps - my grandson was out of school for six months after being diagnosed as dyslexic and also being bullied. This book helped us to feel that it was ok to take him out of school and how to deal with other peoples views which were often negative.He spent 6 months out of school before returning to a new school. He loves school now and the period of home education built up his self esteem and confidence. If your child is struggling in school this is worth a read, also sets out the legal framework for home educating.

I am new at home educating but felt it was my last option. After reading all the reviews of this book I knew I had to read it and I am so pleased I did and grateful to the author for writing it. It's really about how the author overcame the negativity she received when people saw her and her children out and about during term time and how they managed everyday living. It makes you laugh and feel normal that you decided to home educate and also has sad moments within it. It also makes you realise that it matters not what people think as long as you feel that the way your children are being raised and as long as they are happy - they will learn - its just a different way of learning.

I had wanted to write a book like this - and you have done it for me. I felt this pretty much describes my experience of home educating. We have had a fantastic time with no regrets. I have two polite, pleasant teens, who seem to have gone through few of the school trials/rights of passage and less desirable teen behaviours that my peers have experienced with their kids. My kids now ready for 6th form and uni. Would have loved an update to the book to see what happened to yours, in fact, thats why i bought the book because i thought it might contain this - an enjoyable read nonetheless. What's needed is almost a next phase book and an HE kids reflection on their home ed experience/advantages/disadvantages?/skills gained. Fancy putting pen to paper? X

I ADORE this book. It helped me so much at the start of my home ed journey, and still helps me now. I pick it up regularly to re-read it. It is honest, funny and i found i was constantly nodding along in agreement as i read the story of Ross and her girls. By the end of it you really feel as if you know them, and feel comforted by their journey, knowing that home ed worked for them. It is hugely inspiring and my absolute favourite book on home ed that i have ever read. I love Ross new book also. 'Whose not in school' is a great children's story. My son loves it!

A perfect story of a funny kind of education. The ups and downs of Home edding, from the deciding days to the well established and all the bits inbetween.If you're considering Home Ed, it is a friend with which to sit and think about it. If you've been Home Edding for a while, it is a friend with which to sit and chat about experiences, laugh at the things we have both done, and support for the difficult times.It is a home education reassuring hug.Ross's writing style is beautiful, and I am very glad that she let me in to her world for a while.

We're a family who has struggled with the schooling system since our little boy started. The experiences Ross shared in a funny kind of education have resonated with me and I have laughed, cried and been inspired so much it has definitely helped us to make our decision to withdraw our little boy from school. Now officially starting our second week of HE and already seeing the difference in him and feeling excited for the future once again.Would recommend for anyone considering or already Home educating or just for anyone wanting to read about first hand experiences.

I'm considering home educating my kids but I've been really unsure about whether I can do it. This book is absolutely brilliant. I love how she's included both the good and annoying bits of home ed, dealing with mundane stuff like moving and major stuff like family emergencies. It makes home ed so relatable - if she can do it, maybe I can too!