Sage Homeschooling: Wild and Free

by Rachel Rainbolt

Sage Homeschooling: Wild and Free offers a natural learning path, for gentle parents who dream of living fully in joy and connection with their children while giving them all they need to be successful, with eight secrets to living a fulfilling unschooling life.

In this inspirational and secular guide, you will learn how to:

deschool, shaking off all the educational programming that weighs you down
maintain your relationship focus on connection beyond the early years

trust in your children and their natural learning journey
embrace the freedom that fosters meaningful productivity and independence
utilize collaboration in respectful partnership to achieve self-directed growth
fully realize the environment as a valuable tool for playful learning
live a fun lifestyle of learning through rich, adventurous experiences

set your compass for growth and success in all the ways that matter most
If you are ready to take the leap into a lifestyle of passionate learning with clarity and confidence, then read this book!
"Our job as parents is not to educate our children but to provide environmental contexts that optimize their ability to educate themselves. In this upbeat, fun-to-read book about her family's unschooling practices, Rachel Rainbolt provides a multitude of great ideas about how to do just that." Peter Gray, Research Professor of Psychology at Boston College and author of Free to Learn.

Genres: Parenting, Education

234 pages, Paperback

Published October 14, 2017

Reviews

[Sasha · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’ve just started this book, and while I’m looking forward to reading it (I really want to learn more about unschooling and deschooling from someone who is living it) but right off I have some thoughts about the quality of the writing in the book. I’m still on chapter one, so of course as I go through or maybe just when I’m done I’ll update this review appropriately. One week ago is when I heard of Rachel Rainbolt for the first time, I watched an interview of her on a Gentle Homeschooling Summit online. She said she wrote a book on the type of homeschooling she does (unschooling/natural learning), plus she has a podcast. I looked both up hoping to learn more about this kind of educational style for children. I am just finishing up a book by Ainsley Arment, founder of the Wild + Free homeschooling movement, and that book is so good, it is loaded with so much good information and very well-written. I’m on chapter one of Rachel’s book, and I can see a distinct difference in quality. It’s as if I’m reading an early draft of this book, it’s not refined at all. It’s very conversational in style, but not edited conversation. She tries to give a (very brief) history of education from basically the start of man (I guess??) at the hunter-gatherer stage to where we are today, but it’s so brief she does not develop what she’s trying to convey in an effective manner. She also has some personal biases woven in throughout, for instance she defines a “conservative approach to life” as being a life with no creativity or risk. She takes a punch at the church right away stating that mandatory schooling began in Europe by the church and following that up with some pretty scathing claims that are very generalized. I find it a bit difficult to believe that mandatory schooling began in Europe, as if the only places in the world worth talking about are Europe and America? What about the other four main continents of the globe? Her entire History section could have been better developed without all the biases. When I watched her interview, I noticed she rolled her eyes at the idea of baptism (presumably infant or child baptism), so she doesn’t do well at hiding (or fixing) her own biases. She states on the back of her book it is “an inspirational and secular guide”, which is fine- I like to read books from secular views as well as religious views, but based on what I’ve read (and heard) so far, I feel as though I know way more about this author’s personal biases than I should ever know. She is allowing her personal opinions to get in the way of the great message she’s really trying to share. This book looks as though it will be a quick read, I’m planning to keep reading. I just feel as though she is missing a great opportunity and hopefully she will revise this book and make it more appealing to everyone.
Update: I’m about halfway through and, as suspected, it’s still woven through with the same kind of biases that definitely don’t need to be in there, but I am getting some good and useful information out of the book. I like what she’s trying to convey in the Trust chapter and the Freedom chapter. Lots of good things in there, when you look past all her biased attitudes. The book definitely needs some work and refining. I’d recommend other books on this subject over this one.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must-read for unschoolers- such a perfect book.

[Jaime Scharf · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rachel has many good observations and thoughts. The book was an easy read. I didn’t appreciate her tendency to paint faith based homes as unhealthy environments for learning. Perhaps more specific Christian ones. We are definitely faith based, but value highly natural learning and attachment parenting principles.

[Jayme · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good for people interested in ‘unschooling’ but feeling unsure. Lots of great ideas. Generally relatively easy to read, but at times condescending towards other parenting choices.

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, let me start by saying that this author, as a human being, is such an intuitive, reflective individual. Not only an intellect, but one with a high EQ (emotional quotient), which is a necessary, admirable combinantion. She has other books (all relative to her Sage theme) and I strongly believe any new parent or someone on the path to parenthood could highly benefit from her message: be mindful. Okay, now on to this book. I have a Masters degree in Adolescent Education, graduated magna cum laude, and have eight years experience teaching in a classroom. I have a seventh grader who is a public school student, enjoys going, and whose marks every single marking period hover anywhere from 97-100. Let me say, this was not me. At all, at that age. I now have two young children, a year apart in age, who I stay at-home with and have known for a year now that they're likely not destined for the classroom. Full of energy, always on the go, constant playing, outdoors from sun-up to sun-down on good-weather days. And a quick learner, my older toddler can explain evaporation, how geysers work, and the life cycle of cicadas. Unfortunately, I am in much need of deschooling..and when I saw the various methods of homeschooling (Charlotte Mason, Waldorf, Classical, and so on) or realized we could unschool, I asked myself, "Hmmmm...what book to start with?" This is ABSOLUTELY it!" My favorite parts: the quotes, the peek provided of the Author's life (I am a memoir junkie), and her advice. Well-worth the price. And! She can be found onlin, with even more awesome contributions to the parenting world! This book made me feel that even I, one who worked so hard to be a teacher and loved it, could take my own children's educational journey into my own hands. And that the idea isn't "radical," but instead pretty common sensical.

[Ali.RootedAtHome · Rating 1 out of 5]

Personal bias abounds in this anecdotal book, largely a reflection of the author’s direct experience, a regurgitation of things stated in social media circles as fact that are loosely, if at all, researched. The author, who references inclusivity, value, and acceptance, in her writings, appears to only apply that to same-thinking individuals and families.

The us vs them narrative of homeschool vs public education is a tired one. In today’s world it is not a battle of either/or. For many families, it is a choice of BOTH.

[Alexis Nascimento · Rating 4 out of 5]

This isn’t my usual go-to genre, but I really enjoyed this book! Filled with solid, practical advice, I feel more confident going into homeschooling my children. The author’s approach is quite refreshing, and some of the areas she focuses on have already proven to be successful for our family! This book is a MUST for any parent looking to homeschool/roadschool/wildschool/unschool their little ones.

[Anastacia Maio · Rating 5 out of 5]

liberating

I love how real and raw this is. I love that there is no bullshit, just authenticity. I feel empowered by reading this. Of course, it created some questions. THAT’S the best part. This is just a starting point, planting of a seed.
Could it be “more inclusive”? Sure. But I don’t believe everything is meant to be inclusive in the way we use the word as a society.
If you have even an inkling or curiosity about this book, it’s worth the read.

[Cynthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

Overall, I connected with several of her ideas and viewpoints. I especially enjoyed the numerous quotes she incorporated on education and childhood—they provided me with food for thought and additional texts to add to my reading list. For those who practice attachment parenting, homeschooling is a natural progression, and she provides a compelling argument for natural schooling.

[Daniel J Gormley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Considering homeschooling due to Covid-19

My wife and I have 5 young children and are planning to homeschool due the pandemic. I found this book very helpful, instead of being concerned about finding a curriculum, it encourages natural learning, which makes sense. I would recommend this quick and valuable read.

[Seema: Love and Let Grow · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall, this is a good book for those Interested in unschooling and need some insight on where to begin. It’s a pretty easy read but I just didn’t love it. There are quite a few typos, the text is weird and the size randomly varies (which isn’t a big deal but it bothered me), and there are countless plugs of her other books and courses so it feels a little like an ad in book format.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this warm and gentle book about homeschooling. I love Sage Family Pod and Rachel's view and outlook on parenting and life. So reading about how she views home school, or self directed learning, was a given. Great book full of gentle reminders, science back info about child brain development and great suggestions for websites and tools for schooling kids at home.

[Jeri Sandoval · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was pretty low quality. A lot of parentheses (like, a lot🤪). It’s definitely a secular book, and while I enjoy reading all kinds of books, this one just wasn’t for me. There were a lot of quotes that spoke negatively about the school system. The reasons I homeschool my children are a bit different than this author’s reasons.

[Terri Shedden · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love the podcast and have read many homeschool books. We are secular and I appreciated that viewpoint in this book however it felt more like a self righteous, do as I do type self help book. I really wanted to love this book and was excited to find it in my local bookshop but it just didn’t speak to me.

[Katie Will · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh, there were some good nuggets and great examples in this book. So much of it felt like her bragging about her own kids and her own political idealism. Which is fine but took a bit away from the context for me. This was my second read of this one and I’m glad I just highlighted the parts I found interesting so I don’t have to read it again.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Homeschooling with purpose

This book is worth reading, considering and reading again. Make a few changes, adopt a few concepts or two.. even perhaps disagree and hone in on what your family atmosphere should be.

[Leenu - · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a good book but I was quite annoyed with all the references to her other books and e-courses. I bought the book to get the relevant information, not to get a list of a hundred other books/courses to buy

[Stephanie Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sage Advice

Rachel’s warm and inspiring words calm my nerves that insist my kids should be following a curriculum in order to be successful. I feel so ready and comfortable to jump into unschooling knowing it’s the best choice for us and we’ll all be better for it.

[Lisa C · Rating 3 out of 5]

There were valuable insights in this book for me, not everything was my jam. We definitely homeschool differently but that’s ok too. I appreciated hearing a different perspective. Definitely inspired me in a few ways for homeschooling this upcoming year.

[Shanda Scherdin · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75

Some great and helpful content to inspire a homeschooling/unschooling journey and also some repetitiveness and some advice that feels inaccessible to some families. But I’m glad I read it and have it on my shelf to reference.

[Alexandria Fisk · Rating 4 out of 5]

There were a few profound snippets that will stick with me forever.

[Erica Lenart · Rating 5 out of 5]

eye opening and inspiring

Getting out of the “school” mindset is hard, but reading Sage Homeschooling is inspiring and motivating. I may not agree with everything Rachel Rainbolt states in her book, yet that’s what makes homeschooling/unschooling unique. We can all do what fits best for our families. I love all of her stories about her family and how they make unschooling work in their home. I highlighted much of her advice and quotes. She definitely has the experience and I would recommend her book to everyone. Even those with children in school, would benefit from reading this book.

[Jazmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came across these books on a search on kindle unlimited at a time where I was extremely lost in my life.
I think the biggest qualm I have had against motherhood is the target on your back for other people’s opinions and how difficult it is not to hear those opinions in the back of your mind on overwhelming days.

This book, well, this series appeared in my life at the exact moment I needed it to. It’s like she knew exactly which heartstrings to pull at to get me to listen. As the one who provides encouragement and nurturing in my family, this was a gift to myself. It truly has changed my perspective of how me and my family wish to live.
It’s like all the late night talks with my husband about where we want to be has found its guide.

Thank you for laying down a beautiful foundation for the values and lifestyle we thought were possibly only in our dreams.