No matter how many years you’ve been homeschooling, don’t neglect to educate yourself. Discover new methods and ideas with the goal of always improving yourself and your homeschool. If you’re confused as to how you want to educate your child (aren’t we all!), check out this book. Over the years, I’ve read and applied the great ideas in several books, (including this one, "Charlotte Mason Companion," and "Unit Studies Made Easy") and have settled on an eclectic approach utilizing components of each method...but reading these books motivated and equipped me to do what I do. "A Well Trained Mind" is the book if you want to implement the classical approach to education. This is a huge book, filled with interesting and detailed explanations of what the classical approach is and how to apply it to your homeschool. Susan Wise Bauer includes guide lists on everything your kids should be able to do by the end of each school grade, lists of literature they should have read, skills they should have accomplished, resources, and more. She clearly explains the 3 stages of development in your child’s thinking, so that you can assess accurately what he can and should be doing in school. I read every page of this mammoth book and was challenged, encouraged, and a bit overwhelmed! All I can say is, “Wow!” If you are a classical approach person, you’ll want this book by your side throughout your child’s school years! List $39.99.