Review: Prufrock Press

When I am exploring something new, I tend to be a researcher. I check out a stack of books, scour the interest, and talk to those with knowledge in the area.  It was no different when I started homeschooling and I discovered there is no shortage to materials on homeschooling, whether about the reasons, the methods, or a source of encouragement.  What I did find, however, is that there is a shortage of information on homeschooling gifted children.  Aside from a few titles scattered here and there, gifted education materials are often geared toward traditional teachers.  During my hunt for information, I discovered Prufrock Press, a leading publisher for gifted education resources. In addition to materials that can be applicable to any homeschool or classroom, Prufrock Press now has some homeschooling-specific resources as well.

I received a sampling of titles that may be of interest to homeschoolers for review, which included Homeschooling Gifted and Advanced Learners by Cindy West, Free Resources for Elementary Teachers by Colleen Kessler, Math Dictionary for Kids By Theresa Fitzgerald, and an issue of Creative Kids Magazine.

When my stack of books arrived, the first title I picked up was Homeschooling Gifted and Advanced Learners ($24.95). This is a brand new, and much needed, release for homeschoolers of gifted children.  Written by a 14-year veteran of homeschooling, this title covers many of the same topics that any other homeschooling title would, such as the benefits of homeschooling, choosing curriculum, record keeping, and college.  However, these topics are covered specifically with the gifted student in mind, which often changes the needed information and suggestions.  In addition, topics specific to gifted kids, such as early college considerations, are covered.  “Real-life examples” are included throughout for a more personal feel.  When I reached the author’s bio at the end of the book, I realized that I had “seen her around” online homeschooling circles and read her blog, http://ourjourneywestward.com  in the past, which added to the personal feel of sitting down with a fellow homeschoolers for some needed advice.

Don’t let the title Free Resources for Elementary Teachers ($12.95) fool you.  Homeschoolers will love this book!  Furthermore, I discovered that the author, Colleen Kessler, is a former school teacher turned homeschooler! Utilizing Internet resources, chapters are broken down by subject.  The name, URL, and a brief description is given for each resource listed. Chapter 10 even includes a list of homeschool bloggers who share great ideas and downloadable resources for the home or classroom. This looks to be a very handy reference tool for teachers and parents and is currently 20% off with the code FRES20.

Math Dictionary for Kids ($12.95) by Theresa Fitzgerald, is a guide that helps students quickly find definitions, illustrations and examples to help them solve math problems.  Intended for kids grades 4-9, this title includes terms and strategies in algebra, geometry, statistics, fractions and measurement.  This is a great tool to have on the shelf for reference during math work.

Do you have a creative writer in your home? Creative Kids Magazine, $19.95 for a 1-year subscription, is for kids, by kids.  Kids age 8-16 have the opportunity to have their artwork, stories, poems, and games published in this magazine written entirely by kids.  My daughter has been a subscriber of this magazine for a couple of years and has really enjoyed reading the work of other creative kids.

Head over to Prufrock press and check out their selection of resources for gifted education. In addition to educational resources, Prufrock has a whole selection of Parenting Resources to assist parents in meeting the needs of their gifted children.