After listening to Renee Ellison speak at a homeschool convention, I knew this CD set would be filled with practical, yet simple solutions for any homeschool mom. I was not disappointed with this wisdom-packed set of 13 CDs. Renees life experiences have given her the credibility to speak on topics such as: Twelve optimum ways to trigger the brain, How to teach the gifted student, and How to make sense of a miscarriage.

I found the CDs were easy to listen to as I worked in the kitchen. Although, Renee does suggest strapping on an apron with a pocket and slipping in a portable CD player to flood your brain with dynamite, empowering ideasall while you prepare meals, clean house, weed the garden, and run errands.

You will laugh, cry, nod your head in agreement, and if you are like me, maybe even wince from the many times Renees Godly insight steps on your toes. I have been convicted by her straight-forward, Biblical teaching on academic idolatry, how not to waste your youth, and how to overcome a besetting sin among other topics as well. Speaking from her own experience and study, Renee comes across as one giving grandmotherly wisdom and advice. You know that she practices what she preaches and genuinely desires to help you with simple strategies for victory.

Other topics included in the academic tips are: Just starting to homeschool or tempted to quit?, Famous people who were homeschooled, How to identify the earmarks of a Biblically sound education, How to avoid burnout, Rindercella--an example of a funny speech, How to share the birds and the bees, How to keep your children from falling into materialism, How to know if your daughter or son is prepared for marriage, How a grown daughter can have a fruitful life while waiting for marriage, and How to overcome an addiction to ones own adrenaline. As you can see, there is something for everyone in this set. Keep a pencil and paper handy to jot down the wealth of wisdom found in Renees teaching.

Cross-Over also offers further instruction for families through very affordable self-published booklets and CDs. Renee references several other products in the Academic Tips CDs for more information.

Renees enthusiasm for teaching is contagious. You will be inspired, challenged and ministered to many times over. The motivation for her simple solutions really made me consider why I do things the way I do. She offers these strategies so we will not waste a moment in practicing the things that are necessary, in order to have more time to do the things which matter eternally.

Product review by: Andrea Jones, The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine, LLC, July, 2008