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A Little Way of Homeschooling
Suzie Andres and twelve other Catholic homeschoolers describe how they implement an "unschooling" style of teaching in their homes. Drawing from St. Therese, St. John Bosco, John Holt (How Children Learn and How Children Fail), and ancient philosophers, the families paint a picture of authentic education without the constraints and pitfalls of typical modern education. Andres admirably addresses the question of whether a Catholic can happily and sanely unschool by explaining it as a sensible approach to the mystery of learning, not as an ideology in competition with her faith. The heart of the book is the honest and humble description of home education by twelve homeschooling mothers who have embraced unschooling in varying degrees. Anyone interested in education and particularly home education will be inspired by their narratives.
258 pages, Paperback
First published February 21, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
October 27, 2019
Reading about other Catholic Unschoolers was very affirming. Thirteen families discussed how unschooling looks in their homes. And it is different for them all, yet they all had the same underlying similarities - their Catholic faith, and their belief in letting their children learn at their own pace and in their own way. I love this book!
March 20, 2021
Summary
Suzie Andres and the other authors she’s compiled demonstrate both theoretically, practically, and philosophically that unschooling is compatible with a Christian (Catholic) faith and worldview. The book adeptly handles the issue of unschooling denying the fact of our sinful natures and being essentially a mode of neglectful homeschooling. The stories of the thirteen different families feature the spectrum of radical unschooling to unschooling as a mode within classical or other traditional approaches. The defense of unschooling is backed up not only through the stories given and a biblical perspective (and, of course, a lot of Holt, but also draws on Plato, St. Therese, Charlotte Mason, Don Bosco, Augustine, Aquinas, and Aristotle, and several popes.
The strong, unifying theme throughout the book is love.
### **Review**
This book is a compilation of personal essays, not only by homeschooling mothers, but also by a philosopher.
The homeschooling mothers whose stories make up the bulk of the book are not young and fresh, zealous with their newly discovered philosophy, but time-tested and experienced mothers nearing the ends of their journeys. These are women who have gone back and forth on the spectrum and who have the perspective to interpret their past and make recommendations based on the wisdom they’ve gathered. Not only that, but all of them can *write well*. It was a pleasure to read.
It is very much a very Catholic book, with the inspiration for the title and the “Way,” taken from a saint: St. Therese of Lisieux. Yet, the bedrock of these women and their choices is their Christian faith. I am thoroughly Protestant, but I am frustrated by the Protestant (mostly non-denominational types) habit of taking whatever they want to do and sprinkling it with out-of-context single Bible verses to make it “biblical.” This book was fundamentally, philosophically, culturally, and seriously biblical (yes, despite the bits about saints and Mass and marriage being a sacrament). It is not a book by light-weights, yet it is also gracious and kind and gentle.
The driving force behind all the differing personal reflections and journeys is that education does not occur only in the didactic, teacher-and-student, highly organized and structured mode. A full life, including education, can be lived in the relational mode: mentoring, conversation, doing, imitating.
**Favorite Quotes**
# Be with the children. Really look at them. Enjoy spending time together, talking, investigating, reading, playing. If you can wait and see, you will discover that they learn so much, so often, in such entirely individual ways. (Suzie Andres)
---
# One great vehicle to learning is conversation, something I believe is vastly underrated today. […] Conversation is really doing the same thing as narration, but in a more natural way. (Cindy Kelly)
---
# Ours is not necessarily the didactic model of teaching, but the collegial one of sharing and learning together. (Leonie Westenberg)
---
# Because for me, unschooling is simply the solution to the following equation: My kids + books and plans + discussion (-boxed curriculum) + flexibility (-a rigid definition of education) + willingness to abandon plans = Unschooling (Karen Edmisten)
---
# Where I connect with unschooling is in the understanding that people of all ages learn best when they to learn, are interested in the subject, and feel joy in the process, and that standard classroom educational methods are not necessarily, or even usually, the best ways to learn. (Melissa Wiley)
Suzie Andres and the other authors she’s compiled demonstrate both theoretically, practically, and philosophically that unschooling is compatible with a Christian (Catholic) faith and worldview. The book adeptly handles the issue of unschooling denying the fact of our sinful natures and being essentially a mode of neglectful homeschooling. The stories of the thirteen different families feature the spectrum of radical unschooling to unschooling as a mode within classical or other traditional approaches. The defense of unschooling is backed up not only through the stories given and a biblical perspective (and, of course, a lot of Holt, but also draws on Plato, St. Therese, Charlotte Mason, Don Bosco, Augustine, Aquinas, and Aristotle, and several popes.
The strong, unifying theme throughout the book is love.
### **Review**
This book is a compilation of personal essays, not only by homeschooling mothers, but also by a philosopher.
The homeschooling mothers whose stories make up the bulk of the book are not young and fresh, zealous with their newly discovered philosophy, but time-tested and experienced mothers nearing the ends of their journeys. These are women who have gone back and forth on the spectrum and who have the perspective to interpret their past and make recommendations based on the wisdom they’ve gathered. Not only that, but all of them can *write well*. It was a pleasure to read.
It is very much a very Catholic book, with the inspiration for the title and the “Way,” taken from a saint: St. Therese of Lisieux. Yet, the bedrock of these women and their choices is their Christian faith. I am thoroughly Protestant, but I am frustrated by the Protestant (mostly non-denominational types) habit of taking whatever they want to do and sprinkling it with out-of-context single Bible verses to make it “biblical.” This book was fundamentally, philosophically, culturally, and seriously biblical (yes, despite the bits about saints and Mass and marriage being a sacrament). It is not a book by light-weights, yet it is also gracious and kind and gentle.
The driving force behind all the differing personal reflections and journeys is that education does not occur only in the didactic, teacher-and-student, highly organized and structured mode. A full life, including education, can be lived in the relational mode: mentoring, conversation, doing, imitating.
**Favorite Quotes**
# Be with the children. Really look at them. Enjoy spending time together, talking, investigating, reading, playing. If you can wait and see, you will discover that they learn so much, so often, in such entirely individual ways. (Suzie Andres)
---
# One great vehicle to learning is conversation, something I believe is vastly underrated today. […] Conversation is really doing the same thing as narration, but in a more natural way. (Cindy Kelly)
---
# Ours is not necessarily the didactic model of teaching, but the collegial one of sharing and learning together. (Leonie Westenberg)
---
# Because for me, unschooling is simply the solution to the following equation: My kids + books and plans + discussion (-boxed curriculum) + flexibility (-a rigid definition of education) + willingness to abandon plans = Unschooling (Karen Edmisten)
---
# Where I connect with unschooling is in the understanding that people of all ages learn best when they to learn, are interested in the subject, and feel joy in the process, and that standard classroom educational methods are not necessarily, or even usually, the best ways to learn. (Melissa Wiley)
June 14, 2018
Though I am not necessarily prepared to take on a complete unschooling lifestyle, there were some great nuggets of wisdom about Catholic homeschooling in this book that made it worth reading. I appreciated the way the author didn't argue that unschooling is the only good way to homeschool, and I especially enjoyed the chapters by Melissa Wiley and others who use an unschooling approach sometimes and other approaches at other times. The connections to Scripture and Catholic writings, including those of St. Therese, were also much appreciated.
June 29, 2017
This book really inspired me! I don't think I could ever be a real unschooler, but I do admire how these women seem to have helped form a love for learning in their children. That is what I want! For my children to really enjoy learning, reading and discovering—TOGETHER. Also, I appreciated the faith of these mothers! The message I received was that it is so important to surrender ALL of this to the Lord and trust that He will lead me to what is best for my children, my family.
We are just starting out on our homeschooling journey, and so I have to be patient with myself and my children. In the meantime, I am doing my best to enjoy the moment, and to surrender (I like to hold on a little too tightly sometimes =) and trust that God will show me what *our* Little Way is.
We are just starting out on our homeschooling journey, and so I have to be patient with myself and my children. In the meantime, I am doing my best to enjoy the moment, and to surrender (I like to hold on a little too tightly sometimes =) and trust that God will show me what *our* Little Way is.
September 18, 2011
A lovely book that fills a much needed gap in the Catholic homeschooling canon. Stories of unschooling or unschoolishness as practiced in several different families, these chapters are a reflection on trust and joy and faith, and a welcome boost to the spirit.
October 20, 2023
This was an interesting road to embark upon. The book was handed to me as I was rocking my baby back and forth so once I started reading, i thought I’d better finish! I had no knowledge of unschooling, except for a line I heard “they don’t take account of original sin” 😏 I’m still between 2 minds about this approach; I appreciate the honesty of the author and many of the other contributors about their experience and the constant not knowing of whether it’s the right approach, then, there’s the offsetting beauty of allowing children to wonder and pursue a thought/interest. The book was good, it will give a high level insight into the lives of unschoolers, but if you’re looking for the “how to”, this is not the book for that.
March 6, 2013
I always feel like 3 stars is sort of a sad number to give to a book I read quickly and enjoyed. Maybe it helps to know that I think of 3,4, and 5 as A-, A, and A+. On that weird teacher note I'll say that even though my oldest is in school right now, homeschooling is always a part of our discernment. I thought this book spoke to what I had personally rebelled against with traditional boxed homeschool curricula as well as which parts of the unschooling philosophy just don't work for me. I appreciated the testimonies of families who might be "unschoolish" but not "pure" unschoolers so to speak. I always like a book that lets me peek into and learn from the daily routines of other Catholic families, but this one spoke so beautifully to the importance of looking at your own child and family individually. Really appreciated the reminder to gently provide children with opportunities to learn, remember that they are learning all the time anyway and life provides so many beautiful lessons, and always trust God's plan for their education to unfold in His way and His time.
EDIT TO ADD: I actually decided 3 stars WAS too sad of a number to give to this book. I've been thinking about it since I finished it, and it definitely deserves a bump up. This book opened a door for me and pointed out some misconceptions I'd had about an education philosophy that definitely deserved a deeper look.
EDIT TO ADD: I actually decided 3 stars WAS too sad of a number to give to this book. I've been thinking about it since I finished it, and it definitely deserves a bump up. This book opened a door for me and pointed out some misconceptions I'd had about an education philosophy that definitely deserved a deeper look.
April 7, 2021
This book is a collection of informative statements from a variety of Catholic unschoolers of all stripes. Andres is one of the few authors to address Familiaris Consortio and the papal admonition not to depend on children to educate themselves about religion. She argues that that the Pope was addressing ONLY the postponement of religious education. However, I do not think this argument is very strong. Intellectual training is clearly indivisible from moral education in general, which can be clearly seen from the atheist tendencies of secular education. As Catholic intellectual Marshall McLuhan said: The Medium is the Message. In my readings, Church tradition has always been clear about the damaging influence of Rousseau's child-led philosophy to modern education. I often meet intellectually enthusiastic unschoolers but I am more attracted by the helpfulnesss, community-mindedness, modesty and perseverance of those students whose parents assign inspiring but realistic goals. I think the author means to propose “a little way” for overwhelmed mothers. I empathize with this more than the author will ever know, but I think it is better to sit for 20 minutes and help children conform themselves to good habits. In many ways what children learn is secondary to the relationship of mutual respect being built in homeschooling.
March 18, 2012
I enjoyed this series of testimonials on homeschooling in general and unschooling more specifically. As a homeschooler in the classical generally, I've wondered about the whole concept. It's not an introduction or guidebook; terms are left undefined ("strewing," for example) but it's not supposed to be a guide. It's a nice insight--sort of a gentle invitation--to the unschooling subculture.
I didn't feel preached at; it doesn't seem didactic. More of a, "Here's where we are, and where we hope to go. Would you like to come along for the ride? If not, perhaps next time."
It's not technically an introduction, it's a very nice "first book on the topic."
I didn't feel preached at; it doesn't seem didactic. More of a, "Here's where we are, and where we hope to go. Would you like to come along for the ride? If not, perhaps next time."
It's not technically an introduction, it's a very nice "first book on the topic."
January 19, 2013
It's dangerous for me to read books like this. Yet I guess it is exactly what I needed exactly when I needed it. We put away the textbooks and dove headfirst into unschooling.
In the end, I was a little disappointed that this book did not provide more application of St. Therese's "little way," but it was worth reading to get reassurance of the value of finding your own way in the homeschooling journey. And I'm sure that the reading list I compiled (and that appears in the appendices) will feed my desire for more concrete info.
In the end, I was a little disappointed that this book did not provide more application of St. Therese's "little way," but it was worth reading to get reassurance of the value of finding your own way in the homeschooling journey. And I'm sure that the reading list I compiled (and that appears in the appendices) will feed my desire for more concrete info.
July 10, 2011
I really liked this. I'm not an unschooled, I don't think I'm even that close. However, I liked Melissa's tidal learning, and imcan see moving that way in some subjects and times of the year. There were several quotes I plan post for future encouragement. Even if you don't unschool, or plan to, I think it's good to see what unschoolers do. I appreciate the authors opening up and being honest.
March 12, 2015
Unschooling while Catholic -- sounds controversial, doesn't it? Rather, the author does an amazing job of applying the lessons she takes from St. Teresa to raising children in many areas. Well worth reading, for Catholics and Protestants, convential schoolers, unschoolers, and more.
May 7, 2011
Not fair to rate this since I published it, but it's a good read nonetheless!
June 20, 2011
I really enjoyed this book. Here is my review: http://www.thecarelesscatholic.com/20...
September 18, 2011
Most wonderful book on Catholic unschooling and how it worls in real life EVER!! Wonderfully written and lovely, real stories of Catholic unschooling families!
August 7, 2012
Wonderful book...leading me on a journey of unschooling1
January 21, 2013
This is a total "Mom book", but I enjoyed it. :) Each chapter - if I remember correctly - is about a different family and the way that they implement "unschooling" approaches.
May 10, 2013
It was interesting to read stories by Catholic families in the midst of home schooling.
January 10, 2017
Loved this book! Such refreshing and challenging ideas!
March 9, 2018
I think this was recommended on "Stories of an Unschooling Family". I started it a couple of times but did eventually finish it. I'd already come across Melissa Wiley's "tidal homeschooling," which resonated. We're not Catholic, but made me want to find out more about St Therese.
I can't remember if I read it in this book or somewhere else, but I liked the story about St Therese in which a fellow sister had passed away, and someone commiserated with St Therese about how hard it must have been for her to lose her best friend. St Therese was surprised because actually she had found the deceased particularly difficult to be around, but had apparently done such a good job of loving her anyway that people were convinced they were close. Admirable!
I can't remember if I read it in this book or somewhere else, but I liked the story about St Therese in which a fellow sister had passed away, and someone commiserated with St Therese about how hard it must have been for her to lose her best friend. St Therese was surprised because actually she had found the deceased particularly difficult to be around, but had apparently done such a good job of loving her anyway that people were convinced they were close. Admirable!
June 22, 2022
Since unschooling and Catholic homeschooling appear to be diametrically opposing teaching theologies, I found their philosophical cohabitation and joint application to be fascinating. However, I generally enjoy my teaching books to be more functional than idealistic, filled with concrete examples and practical applications rather than emotional testimonials. Therefore, I was tore between four and two stars: four stars for the interesting intellectual exercise but two stars for a complete lack of tangible utilization. I split the difference at three stars, but the book sits uneasily on my educational shelve, most likely reprieved from returning to the resale shop only until my shelves begin to overcrowd again.
May 24, 2018
The various methods of unschooling/relaxed homeschooling described in this book ease the anxiety of embarking on this monumental vocation. Many of the contributing authors incorporate or started from Charlotte Mason education or Classical education. The success stories of the grown kids give me confidence that after the basics, all children truly need is unconditional love and time to develop their unique interests. Especially for those inevitable times of having to delay formal lessons, a bit of unschooling does no harm and plenty of good.
May 28, 2021
After reading Suzie Andres’ ‘Homeschooling with Gentleness’, I was hoping this subsequent book would prove a little more instructional. While I decent read, it seemed more about building confidence in parents interested in homeschooling, and particularly the unschooling style, and encouraging them to actually give it a try. The book provided plenty of pointers to more instructional authors and their premier works, but personally I felt my time would have been better spent reading one of those books than this one.
December 23, 2017
I enjoyed this collection of homeschooling experience by a variety of Catholic unschoolers, and found their commitment to understanding their children inspiring. The bookend chapters on St. Therese and a philosophy of unschooling, however, I found unconvincing.
December 21, 2018
Just beautiful.
Encouraging, insightful, comforting, inspiring, reassuring, delightful. I cannot recommend it enough. I am going to buy the hard copy (as well as Homeschooling With Gentleness) so I can scour it with a highlighter and open it with a cup of tea when I need to.
Encouraging, insightful, comforting, inspiring, reassuring, delightful. I cannot recommend it enough. I am going to buy the hard copy (as well as Homeschooling With Gentleness) so I can scour it with a highlighter and open it with a cup of tea when I need to.
July 14, 2018
I've had this book for awhile and attempted to read it a number of times, but for whatever reason I stopped. I took my time and took notes. I needed this book at this time. I'm not alone!
April 23, 2019
I loved this book now that I’m a few years into homeschooling and can identify with the authors’ experiences.
August 30, 2023
A tad overlong (how self-published books always are) but this book is what finally brought me to take the leap to really unschool. So great and reassuring.
July 9, 2025
Totally lovely. Would like to read again every few years!
June 4, 2015
I quite liked this book, it gave me a good insight into unschooling and made me realize it is not for slackers! In some sense it requires even more 'planning', to ensure that your kids are exposed to all kinds of learning opportunities. A few fave quotes below:
Education according to Aquinas and Aristotle:
1- Education should be for the good of the learner
2- All men by nature desire to know
3- The learner is the principal agent in learning
4- Different learners are fitted to learn different things at different times.
"Consequently, the effort to make every student study the same subjects at the same age and same pace is bound to do more harm than good" (p 187)
- In the homeschool... "I would like to propose gentleness to you as a way worth pursuing"
- p 119 "The beauty of homeschooling is that we get to do what works for us. Sometimes that means a carefully crafted plan. Other days it mean abandoning the plan and seeing where our day takes us".
Education according to Aquinas and Aristotle:
1- Education should be for the good of the learner
2- All men by nature desire to know
3- The learner is the principal agent in learning
4- Different learners are fitted to learn different things at different times.
"Consequently, the effort to make every student study the same subjects at the same age and same pace is bound to do more harm than good" (p 187)
- In the homeschool... "I would like to propose gentleness to you as a way worth pursuing"
- p 119 "The beauty of homeschooling is that we get to do what works for us. Sometimes that means a carefully crafted plan. Other days it mean abandoning the plan and seeing where our day takes us".
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews