Field Day: Getting Society Out of School

by Matt Hern

Does institutionalizing our children for six hours a day, five days a week, really bring out the best in them? In this provocative book, Matt Hern argues that there are effective alternatives to school as we know it. Hern believes that local communities are in the best position to decide what kind of schooling their children need. In suggesting ways that we can leave the traditional school model behind, he sketches a future in which personal autonomy and social change go hand in hand. In the process, he shows how children thrive outside of school and make every day a field day.

Genres: Education, Nonfiction

240 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2003

Reviews

[Ken · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good read that lies halfway between an illustration of the problems with compulsory schooling and an exploration of some solutions. There are plenty of books on the former (though this makes a nice quick introduction). But Hern's experiences with some of the latter are much more interesting to me, and so I wish he had spent more time on those. There are some real challenges to grapple with in looking at an evolution of schooling, and as Hern says, a variety of solutions. I'd love a more in-depth look at those.

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

everyone should read this book!