Ask The Principal

Saturday, June 03, 2006

Why are textbooks important?

As we begin the textbook post(s) we need to examine the importance (or lack thereof) of a textbook as we know it. The first step is to do some thoughtful reflection of what we have come to expect of such a book, or text. What do we want a text book to do for us as homeschool parents? Everything? Somethings/What things? The same questions would be asked in regard to what we want for our children. Post some of your responses or email them to me. Remember, there are no "stupid" answers :-). (I'm going to have to learn how to put a real emoticon here someday :-)

posted by The Principal at Saturday, June 03, 2006

9 Comments:

  • I have never used textbooks except as a reference. We have never used a textbook as the main resource in our homeschool. I find them dull and boring. Instead we read real books and use the textbook to get more information about a particular topic.

    I have enjoyed reading your posts thus far!

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at Saturday, June 03, 2006 1:15:00 PM  

  • Textbooks. Ah, one of my favorite subjects. I actually collect them as I can afford them.

    Usually mathmatics, English, and grammar because they are timeless. Occasionally, science if they are basic and accurate (sometimes things change so it takes judicious editing on my part). I'll also purchase History books if they are well written.

    But the first thing I check is the date it was published. I won't buy anything published after 1968 because that's when I noticed textbooks beginning to 'pander' to political correctness - (Insert big ICK here)

    So when I look at textbooks, I look for:
    Accuracy, uniformity in text size, text and page layout that is easy to read - too many font sizes and colors are distracting. (if you'd like to see what I mean by distracting, I have a very poorly designed spelling textbook I'd be happy to send you free of charge); I also look for text that is free of bias and superfluous detail - detail that enhances the experience is great; detail that adds nothing but to cater to political correctness annoys me greatly.

    By Blogger uniquematerial, at Sunday, June 04, 2006 10:05:00 AM  

  • As homeschooling parents, often we lean on our textbooks. I'm not saying we can't teach, but sometimes it is just nice to have a whole chapter on a subject, with many parts of the whole, all in one place. Textbooks are great jumping off points for unit studies, rabbit trails to follow on the internet, at the library, or where ever we are able. I expect historical accuracy without politically correct language. I hadn't thought about seeking out old textbooks... interesting idea. I prefer texts that are interesting, even possibly written conversationally, such as BJU history texts and Apologia science texts. Also, history that is based more on people, biographies, etc. because people are interesting, and dates are not.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at Tuesday, June 06, 2006 3:15:00 AM  

  • Whoops don't even know my own web page! LOL

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at Tuesday, June 06, 2006 3:19:00 AM  

  • Glad to see your actual site perkidawn!

    Bill

    By Blogger The Principal, at Wednesday, June 07, 2006 8:47:00 AM  

  • One thing useful about textbooks is that they make a topic more understandable to the child's level. If a textbook is too easy for the child, then the parent can use a higher grade. Certainly a parent can take complex material and break it down themselves for the child, but a good textbook saves the time and effort of doing so.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at Thursday, June 08, 2006 6:50:00 AM  

  • Textbooks -- eww!!

    I prefer to use them sparingly :)

    Reading “real” books seems to awaken in our kids a desire for more. It truly is an interaction between the author and the child. Textbooks are often so regurgitated that much of the “fun” or “realness” seems to have been extracted in favor of tidbits and factoids. The textbook writer (writers, usually!) have already done all the thinking for the child.

    For example, TruthQuest History has changed the way we homeschool! Michelle Miller has produced guides to DELICIOUS “living books,” full of commentary that asks the student to think through all of history through the question of the 2 Big Beliefs: What did these people believe about God? What did these people believe about other people? (I have heard people call Truthquest "Francis Schaeffer-with-a-Discovery-Approach.")

    We have been able to apply this wonderful blend of "learning to think through ideas with God’s perspective in mind while reading yummy books" to other academic areas.

    Of course, some subjects we need textbooks for -- for instance, math and science (By the way, I am also sold on Apologia’s Elementary Science Series by Jeannie Fulbright -- it really reads like a living book!).

    When text books MUST be used, they need to remain a servant to us as parents and our children -- if we become a slave to the text, well, yikes.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at Friday, June 09, 2006 12:12:00 AM  

  • to me textbooks help me in math because it shows me step-by-step process and it helps me with the informance i gather up in progess and it helps me when the teachers don't know wht there talkin about i can use a textbook in need of help

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at Tuesday, January 03, 2012 9:44:00 AM  

  • textbooks because they give u example and help descible and because they have all types of informance

    By Anonymous prettybrown eyes, at Tuesday, January 03, 2012 9:52:00 AM  

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