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A Thomas Jefferson Education Home Companion
At a time when the American educational system is in crisis and the family is under attack, the tried-and-true principles handed down through the ages, herein called Thomas Jefferson Education, are fostering the revival of a culture of leadership and liberty. As a result, the family is being restored to its rightful place as the basic unit of a prosperous and free society; and the prospects for American education are looking brighter than ever. These incredibly helpful articles read, at times, like a letter from a friend, at times like an entry in a journal of Education or Child Development, and even, at times, like we're overhearing a conversation. But in every case it is relevant, accessible, and empowering.
241 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2006
About the author
Oliver DeMille
28 books124 followersOliver DeMille is the founder and former president of George Wythe University, a founding partner of The Center for Social Leadership, and the author of A Thomas Jefferson Education: Teaching a Generation of Leaders for the 21st Century.
As a university student, Oliver went on a search for a truly great education — experiencing private and public universities, technical and religious schools, corporate and international educational institutions, prestigious colleges and worthless diploma mills; he literally sampled the best and the worst that modern education has to offer, and virtually everything in between.
As a result, he found a small Bible school where he worked closely with mentors and studied the Bible and the great classics in many fields. Although Coral Ridge Baptist University was not regionally accredited, he was so excited by the quality of his studies that he left a large, well-respected university to focus full time on his classical education. He earned the B.A. in Biblical Studies (May 1992), M.A. in Christian Political Science (December 1992), and Ph.D. in Religious Education (May 1994) at Coral Ridge Baptist University.
He has written and spoken extensively about the traditional education system versus his intense mentored-classical experience with Coral Ridge and his mentor–Dr. W. Cleon Skousen. After his Coral Ridge studies, he returned to Brigham Young University and completed the B.A. in International Relations with a minor in Aerospace Studies, graduating Magna cum Laude (1994). He then devoted his time to refining the educational design and curriculum of the liberal arts school he founded, George Wythe College (now University).
Oliver is a popular author, keynote speaker, and business consultant. Presently, he devotes a majority of his time to writing. He and his wife Rachel are raising their 8 children in southern Utah.
As a university student, Oliver went on a search for a truly great education — experiencing private and public universities, technical and religious schools, corporate and international educational institutions, prestigious colleges and worthless diploma mills; he literally sampled the best and the worst that modern education has to offer, and virtually everything in between.
As a result, he found a small Bible school where he worked closely with mentors and studied the Bible and the great classics in many fields. Although Coral Ridge Baptist University was not regionally accredited, he was so excited by the quality of his studies that he left a large, well-respected university to focus full time on his classical education. He earned the B.A. in Biblical Studies (May 1992), M.A. in Christian Political Science (December 1992), and Ph.D. in Religious Education (May 1994) at Coral Ridge Baptist University.
He has written and spoken extensively about the traditional education system versus his intense mentored-classical experience with Coral Ridge and his mentor–Dr. W. Cleon Skousen. After his Coral Ridge studies, he returned to Brigham Young University and completed the B.A. in International Relations with a minor in Aerospace Studies, graduating Magna cum Laude (1994). He then devoted his time to refining the educational design and curriculum of the liberal arts school he founded, George Wythe College (now University).
Oliver is a popular author, keynote speaker, and business consultant. Presently, he devotes a majority of his time to writing. He and his wife Rachel are raising their 8 children in southern Utah.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
April 14, 2008
I have mixed feelings about this book. It’s great for people who are already advanced in applying the TJEd philosophy. I do not recommend it to people who are new to leadership education. It's too tempting for newbies to use this book in an attempt to create a TJEd conveyor-belt at home.
I love the chapters by Rachel and Oliver DeMille. In fact, the chapter entitled "Steel to Gold: Feminism vs. Stateswomanship" is not to be missed. If this article were not already available on the Internet for free, I would recommend this book to others based on that chapter alone. It's absolutely fantastic.
The chapters by Diann Jeppson are helpful, showing how she applies the principles of leadership education in her home and community. I do have one major concern. Because this book is co-authored by the DeMilles, families new to leadership education may think that Jeppson's style and method are necessary to properly applying the principles.
The way a few chapters are written, the book appears to promote a TJEd conveyor-belt at times (if that were even possible). Having heard Diann Jeppson and the DeMilles speak many times, I am well acquainted with their ideas. Neither Diann nor the DeMilles seek to promote a conveyor-belt application of the principles at all. I think the problem lies in how certain sections were written. If those sections were re-written, I would wholeheartedly recommend this book to everyone.
I love the chapters by Rachel and Oliver DeMille. In fact, the chapter entitled "Steel to Gold: Feminism vs. Stateswomanship" is not to be missed. If this article were not already available on the Internet for free, I would recommend this book to others based on that chapter alone. It's absolutely fantastic.
The chapters by Diann Jeppson are helpful, showing how she applies the principles of leadership education in her home and community. I do have one major concern. Because this book is co-authored by the DeMilles, families new to leadership education may think that Jeppson's style and method are necessary to properly applying the principles.
The way a few chapters are written, the book appears to promote a TJEd conveyor-belt at times (if that were even possible). Having heard Diann Jeppson and the DeMilles speak many times, I am well acquainted with their ideas. Neither Diann nor the DeMilles seek to promote a conveyor-belt application of the principles at all. I think the problem lies in how certain sections were written. If those sections were re-written, I would wholeheartedly recommend this book to everyone.
January 8, 2008
I had the opportunity to attend the seminar which accompanied the release of this new book. I could relay to you all the things I realized, but it would fill a whole notebook. So, I will cheat and use this review that says it better than I could:
“At a time when the American educational system is in crisis and the family is under attack, the tried-and-true principles handed down through the ages—herein called Thomas Jefferson Education—are fostering the revival of a culture of leadership and liberty. As a result, the family is being restored to its rightful place as the basic unit of a prosperous and free society; and the prospects for American education are looking brighter than ever.
Regardless of where your children sit to learn, your home can be transformed into a Leadership Education home, a Thomas Jefferson Model environment. A discussion of the implementation of the principles of Thomas Jefferson Education in the home, particularly a microscopic view of the family culture of leadership and learning, is sorely wanting for a generation of parents and mentors who knew far more of the Conveyer Belt than of Leadership Education.
These incredibly helpful articles read, at times, like a letter from a friend, at times like an entry in a journal of Education or Child Development, and even, at times, like we’re overhearing a conversation—but in every case it is relevant, accessible, and empowering. This volume offers something new, something which we all need, a view of the Thomas Jefferson Education system from many angles and from education of toddlers to advanced adult learning. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, legislator or professor, this book is a must.” Vicki Jo Anderson
This book is a must read, even if you are not a homeschooling parent!
I also highly recommend getting your hands on the other articles published by George Wythe College as aids in implementing Leadership Education in your family.
Thomas Jefferson Education In Our Home
Core and Love of Learning: A Recipe For Success
Transition to Scholar Phase
Scholar Phase
“At a time when the American educational system is in crisis and the family is under attack, the tried-and-true principles handed down through the ages—herein called Thomas Jefferson Education—are fostering the revival of a culture of leadership and liberty. As a result, the family is being restored to its rightful place as the basic unit of a prosperous and free society; and the prospects for American education are looking brighter than ever.
Regardless of where your children sit to learn, your home can be transformed into a Leadership Education home, a Thomas Jefferson Model environment. A discussion of the implementation of the principles of Thomas Jefferson Education in the home, particularly a microscopic view of the family culture of leadership and learning, is sorely wanting for a generation of parents and mentors who knew far more of the Conveyer Belt than of Leadership Education.
These incredibly helpful articles read, at times, like a letter from a friend, at times like an entry in a journal of Education or Child Development, and even, at times, like we’re overhearing a conversation—but in every case it is relevant, accessible, and empowering. This volume offers something new, something which we all need, a view of the Thomas Jefferson Education system from many angles and from education of toddlers to advanced adult learning. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, legislator or professor, this book is a must.” Vicki Jo Anderson
This book is a must read, even if you are not a homeschooling parent!
I also highly recommend getting your hands on the other articles published by George Wythe College as aids in implementing Leadership Education in your family.
Thomas Jefferson Education In Our Home
Core and Love of Learning: A Recipe For Success
Transition to Scholar Phase
Scholar Phase
December 24, 2007
Do you know that thing where, when you're pondering what direction to take, everything around you seems to be centered around a particular direction or message?
I love when that happens.
We're in the middle of this several-months-long period of job transition and cross-country move that's fixing to shift again as we move into our new home (at long last) next week. My thoughts have been circling for months this idea of what I want to take with me, emotionally and materially, and what I want to leave behind.
This book is full of this idea. In a series of essays, Oliver and Rachel DeMille and Diann Jeppson write about the importance of applying the principles of Leadership Education and practical ways of doing so. At some points, the book is a little slow-going, and some of Diann Jeppson's essays, rather than helping me see TJEd as more doable made me wonder if I was up to the task (Jeppson offered practical advice, but reading it felt overwhelming at times).
The most powerful essays for me were those that dealt with the leaders of the past and what we can learn from them as we try to improve our own education so that we may give our children the opportunity to be leaders. Rachel DeMille's "'Steel to Gold': Motherhood & Feminism" lit a fire under me and helped me see the importance of my role as a parent (when often the gifts I have to offer as a stay-at-home mother are undervalued in our culture). She helped me begin to place myself in history, which helps ease some of that feeling of loneliness as I take less-traveled paths.
And the last five essays were just incredible. They dealt with the fallacies of education, like that education should be fun ("No nation focused on unearned fun will pay the price to fight a revolutionary war for their freedoms, or cross the plains and build a new nation, or sacrifice to free the slaves or rescue Europe from Hitler, or put a man on the moon. We got where we are because we did a lot of things that weren't fun."). They addressed the principles of "liber" and "Public Virtue" and how they were embodied by the Founders. And they pointed out how those we consider great leaders (Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, Churchill, etc) spent years reading and studying and discussing before they acted upon what they'd learned and changed the course of history.
Then there's the Epilogue, which most directly relates to the quest I've been on these past months. A mother struggling to apply the principles of Leadership Education while raising six children (with a seventh on the way) uses the metaphor of the handcart, used by many Mormon pioneers as they crossed the plains to Utah, to illustrate the idea that those who follow this path are educational pioneers (debates about mismanagement of the handcart parties aside). She talks about the difficult choice of what to put in your metaphorical handcart and what to leave behind, knowing that everything you carry with you, you'll be pushing with your own power for thousands of miles, and everything you leave behind might be something you needed to take along to ease your journey, or even to make it to your destination.
This is the choice I'm trying to make as we settle into this new phase of our life. What's important to me? What will I need for this journey? What things no longer serve me that I'd like to leave behind?
This book not only helped me to see more clearly the path I'd like to take my children's education (and my own). It helped me see that the path I choose for our family's education is the path I choose for our development as human beings and as citizens of the world.
I love when that happens.
We're in the middle of this several-months-long period of job transition and cross-country move that's fixing to shift again as we move into our new home (at long last) next week. My thoughts have been circling for months this idea of what I want to take with me, emotionally and materially, and what I want to leave behind.
This book is full of this idea. In a series of essays, Oliver and Rachel DeMille and Diann Jeppson write about the importance of applying the principles of Leadership Education and practical ways of doing so. At some points, the book is a little slow-going, and some of Diann Jeppson's essays, rather than helping me see TJEd as more doable made me wonder if I was up to the task (Jeppson offered practical advice, but reading it felt overwhelming at times).
The most powerful essays for me were those that dealt with the leaders of the past and what we can learn from them as we try to improve our own education so that we may give our children the opportunity to be leaders. Rachel DeMille's "'Steel to Gold': Motherhood & Feminism" lit a fire under me and helped me see the importance of my role as a parent (when often the gifts I have to offer as a stay-at-home mother are undervalued in our culture). She helped me begin to place myself in history, which helps ease some of that feeling of loneliness as I take less-traveled paths.
And the last five essays were just incredible. They dealt with the fallacies of education, like that education should be fun ("No nation focused on unearned fun will pay the price to fight a revolutionary war for their freedoms, or cross the plains and build a new nation, or sacrifice to free the slaves or rescue Europe from Hitler, or put a man on the moon. We got where we are because we did a lot of things that weren't fun."). They addressed the principles of "liber" and "Public Virtue" and how they were embodied by the Founders. And they pointed out how those we consider great leaders (Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, Churchill, etc) spent years reading and studying and discussing before they acted upon what they'd learned and changed the course of history.
Then there's the Epilogue, which most directly relates to the quest I've been on these past months. A mother struggling to apply the principles of Leadership Education while raising six children (with a seventh on the way) uses the metaphor of the handcart, used by many Mormon pioneers as they crossed the plains to Utah, to illustrate the idea that those who follow this path are educational pioneers (debates about mismanagement of the handcart parties aside). She talks about the difficult choice of what to put in your metaphorical handcart and what to leave behind, knowing that everything you carry with you, you'll be pushing with your own power for thousands of miles, and everything you leave behind might be something you needed to take along to ease your journey, or even to make it to your destination.
This is the choice I'm trying to make as we settle into this new phase of our life. What's important to me? What will I need for this journey? What things no longer serve me that I'd like to leave behind?
This book not only helped me to see more clearly the path I'd like to take my children's education (and my own). It helped me see that the path I choose for our family's education is the path I choose for our development as human beings and as citizens of the world.
May 17, 2008
After reading the awe inspiring first book "A Thomas Jefferson Education" I wanted to get started but felt a little overwhelmed and not sure where or how to get started. This book is written by several authors and gives ideas, inspiration (including how to run the home while homeschooling), and more insight into homeschooling future leaders of the 21st Century.
February 3, 2008
July 2011
February 23, 2008
I loved the mix of philosophy and practical application in this book. I came away with a refined vision of the purpose and end goal of education and how to work towards that purpose in my home.
Diann Jepson's tender stories of inspiring her children motivated me to examine how I inspire my children. I especially liked the stories of how she exposed her children to music and ice skating. I learned a great deal about how to inspire, rather than require or even motivate my children to learn. I so appreciated the "peek" into the Jeppson home life and home school. It's wonderful to get to see how other familes apply Thomas Jefferson Education in their homes.
My favorite chapter was "Steel to Gold: Motherhood and Feminism," which completely changed my perspective on my role as a woman. The thought that I am raising "the twelve most influential people on the life of [my] yet unborn great-grandchild," broadened my sense of my responsiblity to my family and literally gave me permission to be more whole-heartedly involved in my community. I think every woman should read this chapter!
The chapter on mentoring enlightened me on the differences between a tutor and a mentor. My interpretation of this chapter is that a tutor loves a subject, but may or may not love the student while a mentor always loves the student, whether they love the subject the student is interested in or not. The key difference is where the love is placed--on the subject or on the student.
Finally, the last chapter brought the huge task of educating my children into clear reality. I understood completely how I must approach my own education while at the same time helping my children to get theirs. The spirit of balance that Oliver DeMille refers to is going to be essential in my educational journey. This book is a road map that I'll take on that journey.
Diann Jepson's tender stories of inspiring her children motivated me to examine how I inspire my children. I especially liked the stories of how she exposed her children to music and ice skating. I learned a great deal about how to inspire, rather than require or even motivate my children to learn. I so appreciated the "peek" into the Jeppson home life and home school. It's wonderful to get to see how other familes apply Thomas Jefferson Education in their homes.
My favorite chapter was "Steel to Gold: Motherhood and Feminism," which completely changed my perspective on my role as a woman. The thought that I am raising "the twelve most influential people on the life of [my] yet unborn great-grandchild," broadened my sense of my responsiblity to my family and literally gave me permission to be more whole-heartedly involved in my community. I think every woman should read this chapter!
The chapter on mentoring enlightened me on the differences between a tutor and a mentor. My interpretation of this chapter is that a tutor loves a subject, but may or may not love the student while a mentor always loves the student, whether they love the subject the student is interested in or not. The key difference is where the love is placed--on the subject or on the student.
Finally, the last chapter brought the huge task of educating my children into clear reality. I understood completely how I must approach my own education while at the same time helping my children to get theirs. The spirit of balance that Oliver DeMille refers to is going to be essential in my educational journey. This book is a road map that I'll take on that journey.
November 17, 2012
THe DeMilles are inspiring on every level. Dian Jeppson is overwhelming. I'm disappointed that I misunderstood the purpose of this book. I have read the Thomas Jefferson Education, and thought this was the next step in understanding how to make it happen in my own life. If that is where you are at DON'T READ IT! It will disappoint and overwhelm you. I came to discover by the reading of this book that the next book I really needed was "Phases of Learning." That is my next read :0). They reference the phases of learning a lot in this book, and I don't have a good handle on what they are or how they are accomplished. I hope to find those details in the Phases of Learning book.
Again, I was so inspired by the articles (chapters) written by the DeMilles! They help to put life in perspective and give purpose to what we are trying to accomplish with our children. I LOVED Rachel DeMille's chapter on feminism. I think it should be required reading for every woman. And I recommended Oliver's chapter on attention span to my two oldest children immediately! I knew they would understand what he was trying to say, and be inspired by it as well. (hopefully they will take the time to read it!!)
Again, I was so inspired by the articles (chapters) written by the DeMilles! They help to put life in perspective and give purpose to what we are trying to accomplish with our children. I LOVED Rachel DeMille's chapter on feminism. I think it should be required reading for every woman. And I recommended Oliver's chapter on attention span to my two oldest children immediately! I knew they would understand what he was trying to say, and be inspired by it as well. (hopefully they will take the time to read it!!)
June 26, 2012
This is a terrific supplement to A Thomas Jefferson Education. My three star rating is due to this note: I caution readers to avoid trying to copy/apply everything in the book. The "Companion" is a snapshot of what others are applying in their homes and is NOT a guideline for every TJED home. Keep this in mind, or you may get discouraged when something doesn't work with your family culture. Use this book as a "menu" of ideas. Choose a few items to try and build from there.
September 22, 2012
This book was inspiring and motivational. I appreciated the examples within it, but I wished for more examples of how families "do it." (educate at home) I felt like there was a lot of the "why," and DeMille's philosophies, but I wanted more examples of clubs, "a day in the life"s, etc... to ponder on.
July 27, 2010
The two chapters that I took the most from are "Seeing the Whole Picture" and "The Jeppson Plan." I've made my master plan and refer to those two chapters often as I am in the middle of planning my daughter's 1st grade year as a homeschooler.
July 10, 2017
This is a re-read. While I am aware of some controversy surrounding this method - like anything else I read I extract what serves me and leave the rest. The fundamental idea of teaching through mentoring methods is useful.
September 12, 2019
I like many of the main ideas and principles in this book. I plan on trying to implement them going forward. Our location, family and life circumstances make many of the suggestions and recommendations irrelevant and impractical.
November 15, 2008
When I first decided to home school my children, years ago, I took the time to ponder what I really wanted for their education. Because my oldest was only three when I made my decision, I had time to research, read, and think about this. Ultimately, I decided that my biggest priority was that they develop a love of learning, a desire to embrace knowledge. From there, I had to figure out the best way to instill that desire in them. Four years after I began this journey, I borrowed a copy of “A Thomas Jefferson Education” and realized that its methods embodied virtually everything I wanted for our home school plan. And while that book was more concept-oriented, “A Thomas Jefferson Education Home Companion” gives you the nuts-and-bolts application of the teaching.
I really enjoyed the essays within this book. The three authors split them up amongst themselves, and I quickly got a feel for the different voices. For me, the best way to study the TJEd methods was to see how other families applied them, and what that meant for daily life, and this book is chock full of those applications.
Of course, examples are not the only things in the book. Oliver Van DeMille especially penned a number of concept-based essays. The one that stuck out the most to me was the one that pointed out the shrinking attention span in our nation.
Another essay I enjoyed was about feminism and statesmanship. So many stay-at-home-moms – myself included – tend to look inward once they become mothers, and tune out the outside world. This article really inspired me to continue to nurture and lead, and to not shelter myself completely from the things going on around us. I also really appreciated the points made about self-fulfillment, and how so many women think that this is an either/or scenario. I think Jeppson provides ample proof that it need not be, and again, this was something I needed to hear.
One thing I noted in other reviews of this book: other reviewers think that it may be difficult for a new TJer to NOT conveyor-belt their kids after reading this book. I agree that many of the concepts and applications are suggestions and examples, not must-dos. I was fortunate enough to have worked out most of my plans and desires for home schooling beforehand - and having them closely align with a TJEd - so this was less a problem for me. I’ve studied enough to know that I cannot implement every good idea, because they won’t necessarily work with my family. But someone new to home schooling or a Thomas Jefferson Education may need that reminder – so consider yourself reminded! You can’t do it all, but you can find what works for you and tweak it to your family.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I read it, pen and notebook in hand, and took copious notes. It was kind of nice to “study” it after reading “A Thomas Jefferson Education” because I was geared up to take notes and ponder what I was writing down. Again, as long as the reader remembers that a TJEd is *not* a conveyor-belt education, and we should *NOT* seek to duplicate everything we read, they should be able to get a lot out of this book. (Oh, yes, and also remember that a new Hser is NOT going to duplicate the patterns that a ten+ year veteran has perfected.)
I really enjoyed the essays within this book. The three authors split them up amongst themselves, and I quickly got a feel for the different voices. For me, the best way to study the TJEd methods was to see how other families applied them, and what that meant for daily life, and this book is chock full of those applications.
Of course, examples are not the only things in the book. Oliver Van DeMille especially penned a number of concept-based essays. The one that stuck out the most to me was the one that pointed out the shrinking attention span in our nation.
Another essay I enjoyed was about feminism and statesmanship. So many stay-at-home-moms – myself included – tend to look inward once they become mothers, and tune out the outside world. This article really inspired me to continue to nurture and lead, and to not shelter myself completely from the things going on around us. I also really appreciated the points made about self-fulfillment, and how so many women think that this is an either/or scenario. I think Jeppson provides ample proof that it need not be, and again, this was something I needed to hear.
One thing I noted in other reviews of this book: other reviewers think that it may be difficult for a new TJer to NOT conveyor-belt their kids after reading this book. I agree that many of the concepts and applications are suggestions and examples, not must-dos. I was fortunate enough to have worked out most of my plans and desires for home schooling beforehand - and having them closely align with a TJEd - so this was less a problem for me. I’ve studied enough to know that I cannot implement every good idea, because they won’t necessarily work with my family. But someone new to home schooling or a Thomas Jefferson Education may need that reminder – so consider yourself reminded! You can’t do it all, but you can find what works for you and tweak it to your family.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I read it, pen and notebook in hand, and took copious notes. It was kind of nice to “study” it after reading “A Thomas Jefferson Education” because I was geared up to take notes and ponder what I was writing down. Again, as long as the reader remembers that a TJEd is *not* a conveyor-belt education, and we should *NOT* seek to duplicate everything we read, they should be able to get a lot out of this book. (Oh, yes, and also remember that a new Hser is NOT going to duplicate the patterns that a ten+ year veteran has perfected.)
January 16, 2009
This book was excellent...thanks to the chapters written by Oliver and Rachel DeMille. The chapters written by Diann Jepson, while helpful; I believe unintentionally took on a sort of holier than thou tone. Jepson is essentially too good to be true. She embodies the homeschool mom I would love to be, but practically speaking an attempt to emmulate her style will likely leave me with tremendous feelings of guilt and despair and my children feeling inadequate and frustrated.
The first few chapters were noteworthy in so far as they continued where "A Thomas Jeffereson Education" left off with further reasons why an education in the classics is of fundamental importance and although a daunting task, it is a challenge that ought to be taken to heart. Towards the middle of the book I had hoped for a well laid out recipe for introducing a TJed into my homeschool complete with practical application steps that I could immediately sieze and work with. Unfortunately I was left wanting. I did gather some important take aways and an inspiration to work toward establishing our own local "Mom School," ala Diann Jepson. Reading these chapters, I began to languish, and nearly tabled the book altogether. Happily today when I picked it up again, I had arrived at the final three chapters, which I found thoroughly fulfilling. I closed the book glad to have read it, and I will use it as a resource for designing my own, as well as my children's Thomas Jefferson Education.
____________________
Page 169 outlines how the schools of ancient Greece and Rome maintained their business edge in times of moral decay and rampant materialism [sadly, products of public school education, like myself, will see more than a few familiar traits:]:
1. "Free the student from the necessity of any prolonged or strenuous mental effort.
2. Give him a reasonable assurance that the shool is helping him toward a career.
3. Confine moral discipline to the amnities, paying special attention to dress and grooming. The student will have his own sex life anyway.
4. Keep him busy with fun and games--extracurricular activity is the thing.
5. Allay any subconscious felings of guilt due to idleness and underachievement by emphasis on the greatness of the institution, which should be frequently dramatized by assemblies and ceremonies: an atmosphere of high purpose and exalted dedication is the best insurnce against moments of honest misgivings.
"Here, then, was the secret of order and stability in the ancient schools."
The first few chapters were noteworthy in so far as they continued where "A Thomas Jeffereson Education" left off with further reasons why an education in the classics is of fundamental importance and although a daunting task, it is a challenge that ought to be taken to heart. Towards the middle of the book I had hoped for a well laid out recipe for introducing a TJed into my homeschool complete with practical application steps that I could immediately sieze and work with. Unfortunately I was left wanting. I did gather some important take aways and an inspiration to work toward establishing our own local "Mom School," ala Diann Jepson. Reading these chapters, I began to languish, and nearly tabled the book altogether. Happily today when I picked it up again, I had arrived at the final three chapters, which I found thoroughly fulfilling. I closed the book glad to have read it, and I will use it as a resource for designing my own, as well as my children's Thomas Jefferson Education.
____________________
Page 169 outlines how the schools of ancient Greece and Rome maintained their business edge in times of moral decay and rampant materialism [sadly, products of public school education, like myself, will see more than a few familiar traits:]:
1. "Free the student from the necessity of any prolonged or strenuous mental effort.
2. Give him a reasonable assurance that the shool is helping him toward a career.
3. Confine moral discipline to the amnities, paying special attention to dress and grooming. The student will have his own sex life anyway.
4. Keep him busy with fun and games--extracurricular activity is the thing.
5. Allay any subconscious felings of guilt due to idleness and underachievement by emphasis on the greatness of the institution, which should be frequently dramatized by assemblies and ceremonies: an atmosphere of high purpose and exalted dedication is the best insurnce against moments of honest misgivings.
"Here, then, was the secret of order and stability in the ancient schools."
December 1, 2008
I read this book over a year ago and then again last week in an attempt to better understand the Thomas Jefferson Education method. The second time through was better I think. I did understand things that had confused me before.
I think there are some interesting ideas here, but again, I felt like I still didn't know HOW to implement it.
The first time through I thought this sounded very much like unschooling which I can't handle. (More power to you if you can; it's just not me.) The second reading helped me see that they do in fact teach phonics and math and other subjects. I STILL can't figure out how they work that out if we're supposed to "inspire not require". How then to you teach reading? They totally gloss over this important step and tell you how wonderful it will be once your child ages 8-12 really start to learn on their own and WANT to read and study. But my question is, WHERE DID THEY LEARN TO READ? Because it seems like you're not supposed to have 'formal' lessons in the Core Phase (under 8 yrs old). But then one lady talks about how she has a list of books and subjects and she sits down and reads through them and checks off each subject studied. Is that not a formal lesson? And why would she recommend Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons if you're not supposed to require lessons. These people are so confusing sometimes!!!!
Taking a deep breath now....the second time through, like I said, I found that they do appear to have some sort of structure and lessons. It really does sound Charlotte Mason-y to me. It's pretty much what I've been doing for the last few years.
Anyways, I came away with some good ideas I want to incorporate, but overall found the book frustrating and confusing. But less so than the first one.
I think there are some interesting ideas here, but again, I felt like I still didn't know HOW to implement it.
The first time through I thought this sounded very much like unschooling which I can't handle. (More power to you if you can; it's just not me.) The second reading helped me see that they do in fact teach phonics and math and other subjects. I STILL can't figure out how they work that out if we're supposed to "inspire not require". How then to you teach reading? They totally gloss over this important step and tell you how wonderful it will be once your child ages 8-12 really start to learn on their own and WANT to read and study. But my question is, WHERE DID THEY LEARN TO READ? Because it seems like you're not supposed to have 'formal' lessons in the Core Phase (under 8 yrs old). But then one lady talks about how she has a list of books and subjects and she sits down and reads through them and checks off each subject studied. Is that not a formal lesson? And why would she recommend Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons if you're not supposed to require lessons. These people are so confusing sometimes!!!!
Taking a deep breath now....the second time through, like I said, I found that they do appear to have some sort of structure and lessons. It really does sound Charlotte Mason-y to me. It's pretty much what I've been doing for the last few years.
Anyways, I came away with some good ideas I want to incorporate, but overall found the book frustrating and confusing. But less so than the first one.
August 19, 2011
Our family home schools and after reading the first book on Thomas Jefferson Education, I was hooked! The amazing principles that TJEd is based on continue to amaze me! This Home Companion is perfect because it offers a lot of practical solutions and ideas for ME as a mother to use in MY homeschooling! "INSPIRE, Not Require" is our family home schooling motto. TJEd is based on using leadership, mentoring, principles and values to teach our family! "The core unit of society is FAMILY, and it is in our homes that principles must take root and flourish."
This book resonated clear with me that "there is nothing more powerful in history than being a great mother or father; and...the most important thing we can do in the 21st Century is the hard work necessary to truly succeed in the home."
I want to FOCUS on the most important mission of my life: MY FAMILY!! There is a TIME for EVERYTHING and I am constantly wanting to make good use of my time! During the CORE PHASE of Learning, which is what my children are in, they should gain knowledge of right and wrong, good and bad, true and false. This knowledge must truly become part of the child! This Home Companion gave me many ideas how to start in the "Core Phase" of Learning and continue into the "LOVE OF LEARNING" and "SCHOLAR" Phases!
This book resonated clear with me that "there is nothing more powerful in history than being a great mother or father; and...the most important thing we can do in the 21st Century is the hard work necessary to truly succeed in the home."
I want to FOCUS on the most important mission of my life: MY FAMILY!! There is a TIME for EVERYTHING and I am constantly wanting to make good use of my time! During the CORE PHASE of Learning, which is what my children are in, they should gain knowledge of right and wrong, good and bad, true and false. This knowledge must truly become part of the child! This Home Companion gave me many ideas how to start in the "Core Phase" of Learning and continue into the "LOVE OF LEARNING" and "SCHOLAR" Phases!
April 3, 2010
This is a must own book... it is one of those that you will go back to again and again... for inspiration.. and for reminders....I would highly recommend it to anyone just starting out with TJED. It is easy to read everything and fall in love with the idea and principles... it is a totally different thing to apply it and do so knowing your applying it correctly... This book together with the phases book and the TJED book... helped put the picture together for me.... so that I could then apply to my family in a way that worked for our family.
It is for sure an invaluable reference I will go back to again and again.
It is for sure an invaluable reference I will go back to again and again.
February 19, 2008
This book is a series of essays by different mothers who are applying Thomas Jefferson Education in their own homes. It gives a peek into the lives of others who are successfully living by leadership values. Some of this book, however, I found to be not applicable to me or helpful in any way; reading it just made me feel overwhelmed. I feel that "The Phases of Learning" TJed book is a much more effective resource tool than this one. But it is still valuable, and I'm sure I'll get more out of it as my children grow and I will read it again every once in a while.
September 21, 2008
Diann Jeppson has some good thoughts about how to inspire your children to learn. However, she seems to be one of those women who can do a lot of amazing things at once, which I cannot pretend to be :) Some of the things she suggests seem overboard. The DeMilles have some more rather grandiose things to say about education - but one thing did strike me (in a good way): if I am to help my children get a great education, it will be hard and I will need to sacrifice. I need to spend time education myself - setting the example, so to speak. But it will most likely be worth it.
October 4, 2013
There is much detail here on how you go about helping young people, and yourself, in gaining a truly excellent education. Not all of it is from books; several chapters deal with helping children and youth learn skills about the day-to-day activities of life. Still, underneath it all remains the point that we are all responsible for our own education; gaining a first-class education is hard, but it is also fun. With education comes responsibility; this book can help you recognize some of those responsibilities. This is an excellent companion to A Thomas Jefferson Education.
December 30, 2007
Life changing . . . along with the A Thomas Jefferson Education by Oliver DeMille and a couple of live seminars on the Leadership Education movement or Thomas Jefferson Education. I keep refering back to it, loaning it out, needing it again and buying another.
June 30, 2008
After reading TJEd, I found this book very practical. I enjoyed reading it more than the original book. I don't think that we can/will implement all of their ideas in our home, but I think there is a lot worth taking from this book. I love the culture of learning and thinking that this method tries to create. I would recommend this book to all parents, even if you have no intention of ever homeschooling your children.
September 30, 2008
Ideas that are practical and idealistic for homeschoolers and parents of homeschoolers to use in applying the theory presented in the book A Thomas Jefferson Education. Indispensable if you are serious about a TJE Education.
January 19, 2009
This is the companion guide to a Thomas Jefferson Education. It makes TJEd seem doable instead of unattainable. I loved reading this and want to go out and buy it so I can read it again whenever I feel like homeschooling is hard.
February 4, 2009
This is not a page turner, at least in my opinion. But I can see how it would helpful as a guideline for a home/leadership community. My favorite chapters were definitely 12-15 where Oliver and Rachel DeMille write about the sacrifices needed for Public Virtue and also how to become men and women of Liber. Chapter 15 discusses how to mentor genius, and I found myself relating to this chapter quite a bit.
August 3, 2009
With the number of distractions growing daily in my life, it is nice to have a book that helps to put life into perspective and help guide me to what I really want out of my educational experiences and for those of my children. We are in need of people who will lead and have the education to be effective leaders. The Home Companion helps to not only inspire but give direction to those who seem to be overwhelmed with learning how to teach a generation of leaders.
March 13, 2008
Definately a book I will read over and over and refer to often. Many classics are listed in here, so my list of books I want to read just grew. It gives you some nuts and bolts as a springboard for your own family and also inspiration and the desire to help your children become the leaders this country need (and not just in the political world)
August 15, 2008
This is giving me concrete ideas to use as I implement leadership education in my home.
I think this is a must read for anyone wanting to follow Thomas Jefferson Education idea. I would also suggest reading the first book on Thomas Jefferson Eductaion. Together they are great. But I think you really need to read both.
I think this is a must read for anyone wanting to follow Thomas Jefferson Education idea. I would also suggest reading the first book on Thomas Jefferson Eductaion. Together they are great. But I think you really need to read both.
May 10, 2009
I cannot wait to set up a "Mom School!" I appreciated all the great tips from Diann and the DeMilles. Can't wait to begin implementing them in my homeschool. I agree with Oliver DeMille that "solutions to our problems today will not be addressed by a quick fix. Kids in our homes TODAY need an excellent education in order to be leaders and change our future."
January 10, 2011
As compared to the first two TJEd books I read, this is more of a collection of essays written by a handful of authors - some instructional, some encouraging, some informational. I found parts of it to be a little heavy-handed for what is (currently) working in our house, but I also came away with some ideas to try.
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