| | |  | Books | Home » » Pajama School - stories from the life of a homeschool graduate | | | | | | | Description: | | Do you get to wear your pajamas to school? Do you have recess or snow days? What about socialization? Every homeschooler fields dozens of questions like these. Natalie goes beyond providing simple answers and shares candidly about the experiences that led her to conclude that education is about much more than academics. Whether you have been homeschooling since the days of the New England Primer or are just embarking on this educational adventure, you will find hope, humor, and an ample dose of reality in the pages of Pajama School. | | | Product Details: | | | Author:
| Natalie Wickham | | Perfect Paperback:
| 336 pages | | Publisher:
| Sibro Publishing | | Publication Date:
| April 15, 2009 | | ISBN:
| 0982182805 | | Package Length:
| 8.4 inches | | Package Width:
| 5.4 inches | | Package Height:
| 0.9 inches | | Package Weight:
| 0.7 pounds | | Average Customer Rating:
|  based on 18 reviews |
| | | | Customer Reviews: | |
Average Customer Review:
 ( 18 customer reviews )
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
20 of 21 found the following review helpful:
 Not about homeschoolingJun 25, 2010
By Kelley Riggs
Just to avoid confusion, this is not a book about homeschooling, as I had expected when I got it. Instead it's about one young woman's Christian beliefs. References to her schooling are few and far between, as compared to her other experiences, and homeschooling in and of itself plays a small role in both the book and the development of her life as she describes it. I just want to correct the impression given by the title so that it is aimed at the right audience.
4 of 4 found the following review helpful:
 A Homeschool Grad's Spiritual MemoirSep 09, 2010
By Rachel Starr Thomson
Once upon a time, a blonde and blue-eyed family of girls (three, to be exact, all with names starting with "N") left old ways behind and lined up at the foot of the stairs for their first school picture as a homeschooling family. They had desks, organized bookshelves, maps and pictures on the walls, and a placard proclaiming "School Room."
Well, most of us homeschoolers know how that goes. The Wickham family soon gave up trying to be like a school and got more focused on being a home that teaches, and Pajama School -- Natalie Wickham's memoir of homeschooling, getting to know God, and learning to lead -- was born.
I came away from Pajama School feeling like I'd gotten to know Natalie, who is just a little older than I am and has had a journey in some ways like mine and in other ways very different. The book is steeped in the perspective not just of a homeschooler, but of a homeschooler who grew up connected to ATI (Bill Gothard's Advanced Training Institute), which is a subculture all its own. In many ways I enjoyed that aspect, which reminded me of dear friends who were also brought up in ATI and who, like Natalie, found places of service within that ministry as young adults.
In fact, Pajama School focuses far more on those experiences of service as a young adult -- with ATI in Children's Institutes and at the beginning stages of the Character First! program, in politics, in running a tea shop, and in teaching -- than it does on the childhood experiences I expected from the title. This is less a homeschooling book and more the record of one homeschooler's spiritual journey. More than anything, Pajama School is a memoir of Natalie's walk with God -- a memoir that is honest, humorous, and insightful.
Natalie has spent many of her years as a young adult teaching, whether in public-school classrooms as part of the Character First! program, in assemblies at big homeschool conferences, or in her own piano studio. I found her emphasis on teaching methods and experimentation slightly ironic for a "homeschooling book," but also very inspiring. She's implemented some fantastic ideas, and anyone who works with children will find something to encourage them here! In fact, I passed the book on to my partner in Soli Deo Gloria Ballet, as we're developing summer camp ideas.
For homeschool grads and older teens, parents who want to see how homeschooling can play out in their student's life, and anyone who enjoys good, clean, thought-provoking memoir, Pajama School is well worth reading.
3 of 3 found the following review helpful:
Extremely well written!Jun 08, 2010
By Amy Puetz
Every homeschool family has some of the same experiences--we all study, work to incorporate learning with daily activities, and we share special times with siblings and parents. Yes, homeschooling leaves a recognizable mark on those who have gone through it. The mark may be recognizable but each family has a unique story to tell about their homeschooling journey. Natalie Wickham shares her adventure with wit and honesty. Her book will particularly appeal to families who are looking into homeschooling or those who want to hear a first-hand account of a homeschool graduate. It is a rare author who can take an everyday subject matter and turn it into an engaging book for others to enjoy and that is exactly what Natalie Wickham has done.
As a homeschool graduate I could identify with Natalie's story. When she shared how she and her sisters became best friends it sounded like my life. When she told about the multitude of activities her family was involved in, I could relate because my experiences were similar.
Natalie Wickham really shares her heart in this book. We see her heart of thankfulness to her parents for following God's leading to educate her at home. Perhaps you are feeling overwhelmed along the homeschooling journey and need a little encouragement, PAJAMA SCHOOL will encourage you to continue this important path. Thank you Natalie for sharing your story!
Amy Puetz, author of Uncover Exciting History
[...]
5 of 6 found the following review helpful:
Motivating to excellenceJul 16, 2009
By J. Hager
This is the personal biography of a very Godly young woman. She shows how God has used homeschooling, her parents, and the community to shape her life and make her into an incredibly useful woman for Him. From a very young age, she began having unique experiences which are incredible to read about. I found myself wanting the same for my daughters, and setting the book on the coffee table is all it took for them to pick it up and read it! As I read, I feel motivated by Natalie's example to find opportunities and foster attitudes which will prepare myself and my daughters for a life with eternal significance.
2 of 2 found the following review helpful:
Excellent ReadDec 09, 2009
By savedbygrace
The thing I appreciated most about this book was its honesty. Natalie attempts neither to glorify nor sugarcoat her homeschooling experience. It was a delight to follow her journey from childhood to caring and capable young woman. I especially enjoyed the chapter on "Confronting Feminism" where Natalie presents a balanced and helpful view for single young women. Natalie's story will challenge and encourage readers of all ages and educational backgrounds to make learning a lifestyle. They will be inspired by Natalie's example of what one young lady determined to glorify God in all that she does can accomplish.
See all 18 customer reviews on Amazon.com
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