Education

[Patrick]

I have recently read a few of Holt's books. They really ring true to me in my own experience with public school and growing up in the "Schooling" mindset. He is really a breath of fresh air (ironic being that his books are 20+ years old)
I would like to read a good book on the counter argument to Holt, though. I am currently leaning towards home/unschooling my children and would like to explore both sides. Any suggestions out there? Thanks.

[Sally]

Hmm... a "counter argument" to Holt! I don't know if, in the homeshooling community, there are many "counter arguments" to other philosophies! lol It's enough to maintain the liberty to school away from public school, that I sense a rather unspoken mutual support among homeschoolers.

The most direct opposite to the unschooling approach might be curriculum in a box, which (in my opinion) is most often utilized by newbies who have not found their confidence and groove yet. Next might be classical, in conjunction with a rather structured home environment.

I'm of the unschooling philosophy, meaning that I have totally followed my kids' lead for what they were ready for and what they wanted. That means that my 15yo is back in school, totally loving high school. My 12 yo wants to return next year, "for the experience." In between pulling then out of public school 6 years ago and today, we've done lots of hanging out, going to the library, homeschooling activities, and honestly, what looks like "nothing." But my 15yo got straight A's last year.

You might check out these groups:
Home Schoolers and Life Learners
and
TJEd
for more responses.

Good luck!