After being a schoolteacher for over six years and a homeschool mom for almost eleven years, I pretty much thought I had the "education thing" down pat. I've read about, heard about, seen, or tried many different kinds of curriculum and resources. And I've read countless "how-to" books on the subject of home education over the years. So what more was there for this veteran homeschool mom of six to discover?

The answer to that somewhat silly question arrived in my mailbox packaged in a small envelope. But that little package contained big ideas in the form of the book Homeschooling with TLC in the Elementary Grades. Tamara Chilver has had years of experience as an elementary teacher, curriculum coordinator, homeschool evaluator, private tutor, and of course, homeschool mom. She is also the author of Tutoring Your Elementary Child with TLC and founder of Teaching With TLC Ministries.

Homeschooling with TLC in the Elementary Grades is a practical, concise guide in an easy-to-read format. It is full of ideas, advice, resources, suggestions for scheduling, tips, and techniques that are sure to help new homeschooling parents. But Tamara has also included activities and creative teaching strategies that will inspire and re-motivate those who've been homeschooling for years. Many of the ideas presented in the book would work for any curriculum.

The book's opening chapter is entitled "Getting to Know Your Child." The remaining chapters cover such things as choosing a curriculum and implementing specific strategies for teaching reading, math, writing, social studies, science, and much more. (A complete list of chapter titles and topics can be found on the website.) An appendix at the end of the book includes book lists of Newberry Medal Winners and Caldecott Medal Winners.

I have personally been in contact with Tamara Chilver via email, and I could tell instantly that she has a passionate heart for homeschooling! She is definitely enthusiastic and dedicated to helping other homeschooling parents. One of her goals is to provide parents with the tools they need to help their children succeed academically. She also has the gift of encouragement and strives to use her experience and talents to make a difference in the lives of parents who are striving to make a difference in the lives of their children.

Homeschooling with TLC in the Elementary Grades is a 109-page paperback book, and it can be purchased for $11.95 at Tamara's website at www.teachingwithtlc.com. There is also an e-book version available for $9.95. Additionally, Tamara's website provides links to over three hundred educational products that she has personally used as a tutor, classroom teacher, and home educator. There are many other educational topics to explore, as well as free monthly parent workshops with teaching tips--definitely a treasure trove of great information.

Even after being a home educator for many years, I discovered many great ideas, resources, and terrific tips in Homeschooling with TLC in the Elementary Grades. I think it would be a wonderful "getting starting" guide for new homeschool parents, but it would also be a beneficial resource for the veteran homeschooler l! So be sure to check out Tamara's book for learning the basics . . . or for just putting a little more fun, creativity, and sparkle into your homeschool day!

Product review by Amy O'Quinn, The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine, LLC, August 2007