Homeschooling and the Voyage of Self-Discovery: A Journey of Original Seeking

by David H. Albert

Are children empty boxes into which we pour knowledge and wisdom? Or are they naturally predisposed to acquire these things? David H. Albert presents a collection of articles laden with gems, -including the single most important lesson to teach a child. -Topics How children learn to read.
"Perfection"—Why children are perfectionists and how to respond.
How to encourage your child to seek greater challenges and achievements.
Teens and what to do about them.
Why the testing is destroying our schools. "Once again David Albert applies his genius to children."—John Gatto, -author of the bestseller, Dumbing Us Down David H. Albert is the author of And the Skylark Sings with Me .

Genres: Education, Nonfiction, Parenting

224 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

Reviews

[Amanda]

We are unschoolers at my house. This book is a wonderful way to reaffirm the knowledge that I'm doing the best thing for my child by managing her education this way.

This book is full of wonderful ancdotes, beautiful language and a continual belief that children will learn no matter what the teacher does or doesn't do for that matter.

Made up of a series of essays, this makes for an easy read. I am able to pick it up for a little while and then take breaks as needed. No having to go back three pages to see what I missed or to get back into the book. Each essay stands alone.

I am about half way through. I can't wait to finish.

ETA: I made it all the way through. Mr. Albert is a very interesting man and has a wonderful way with words. I really like that the book is broken up into the smaller essays. Makes for an easier read. There is some very meaty content here. My favorite quote from the book is at the very end. Mr. Albert is talking with his bow-maker friend and he asks, "Is there any way to coax greater vibrational capacity out of the bow?" His friend replies, "Just hold it more lightly. The music is already in the bow. The mosre gently you hold it the finer it can sing."

I will endeavor to hold my child lightly, so she can sing.

[Meghan Davis strader]

This book is a collection of essays written by David Albert and many were published in various home education magazines. I enjoyed having them all in one place. As a classical homeschooler, I am always intrigued by the idea of unschooling (pretty much the polar opposite of classical). I found the suggestions in this book helpful regardless of the methodology. Really, no matter what education choice you make for your kids, the vast majority of parents have the same goals in mind. This book helps to remind us of those goals and gives some great inspiration to go on explorations with your children regardless of when, where or how they school.

[Araminta Matthews]

An inspiring educational narrative, but not enough practical suggestion.

[Alyce]

A collection of essays which discuss the various things that children learn (or are expected to learn) in a traditional school setting and how they can AND do learn them without school, in a self-directed, non-coercive environment. The author recounts his own educational experiences as a student in the NYC public school system, a college student, and an unschooling adult who learns for want and need. I found this book to be unbelievably inspiring. Firstly, he's amusing - a nice mixture of sardonic and dry wit with some plain good natured joking. And secondly, the man is wise, so very very wise. If you watch Avater: the Last Airbender he reminds me a little of Iroh. More amusing, just as wise, and more coffee than tea. I like books like this because you can pick and choose which chapters you'll read... not particularly easy in the case of this book because the titles don't seemingly relate to the chapter until you've finished it, but you can still jump around to whatever looks interesting. He discusses topics such as learning to read and write, math, science, social sciences, music (his daughters are both very talented musicians), etc.

You should read this book if:
* You want to know more about homeschooling/unschooling in general
* You are interested the learning progression of homeschooled/unschooled children
* You don't think that children will learn a damn thing if they're homeschooled/unschooled

[Trace]

Some really, really great essays in here (particularly loved the last one!!) .... and some that were so-so... all in all, I liked it, but I enjoyed his other book "And the Skylark Sings with Me", much more.

One of the author's recurring messages (now that I've read two of his books) is to become more active in your community. And I really like this reminder. So often, in the homeschooling community, I see a lot of co-ops and events that are planned just for homeschoolers by homeschool parents (and these are awesome!!) ...but I like the idea of volunteering in the community as a family....seeking out experts in the community on various topics to learn from... and this can be done with other homeschoolers or as a family.... but the idea of getting more involved in the community (to give back to, to draw from) is very appealing to me.

His disdain for several specific classical homeschool protocols is very evident in this book... and I found that a bit distasteful...

But all in all, I find his viewpoints and essays quite fascinating....

[Melinda Hammontree]

This book is a great encouragement for any parent concerned about their child's education. It isn't a how-to book for unschooling but more an illustration of what is possible. Albert advocates for letting chidren lead they way in their learning and gives concrete examples of what that looks like. He answers the "tough" questions on teaching reading, science, math, and when to let a child quit. Each chapter is a separate essay, and he uses personal stories from his youth or about his daughters as examples. He is a wonderful writer and storyteller, and this book is a joy to read.

[Cyn]

Enjoyed this book and the glimpse into his family's homeschooling life, but some portions of the book, where he came off as preachy about race issues, were enough of a turn-off to keep me from being able to rate it a full 5 stars.

[Angela]

If you are looking for a practical how-to guide, pass this one by. However, if you want something personal with inspiring examples included, this is your book. The major con I have is the lack of proofreading.

[Dalton Lynne]

Enjoyed this book and the glimpse into his family's homeschooling life, but some portions of the book, where he came off as preachy about race issues, were enough of a turn-off to keep me from being able to rate it a full 5 stars.

[Heather]

This was a wonderful antidote to the glossy coloured catalogues that still appear in my mailbox this time of year and a reminder that there are more important lessons for our kids than long division and consonant blends.

[Carla]

A homeschooling book by a fellow Quaker! Yahoo!

[Jessica]

I couldn't help but feel excited about homeschooling as I read this book. I, too, felt motivated to further my own education and to discover more about who I am.

[Lisa]

I really like some of his ideas and case studies, but I often felt like he left me hanging. Many of his chapters seem to start or end rather abruptly. Still a good read.

[Christa Nelson George]

After reading this book I am even more committed to homeschooling. I plan to to reread it every year or two. Excellent!