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Free Range Learning: How Home-Schooling Changes Everything (2010)

by Laura Grace Weldon(Favorite Author)

3.86 of 5 Votes: 3

ISBN

0615420001 (ISBN13: 9780615420004)

languge

English

genre

Nonfiction

publisher

Independent

review 1: I picked this up because the author is somewhat local and she sent an invitation to look at her work and consider her for possible programming. The book's strongest point is the included testimonials from different types of homeschooling parents from various locations (a few even out of the US). I also like that there are different types of homeschooling represented, from religion-based to exploratory, to those parents who homeschool because their children have special needs. There is even travel homeschooling in there, which I wish she had covered more in depth! Also included was some much-needed sympathizing with the difficulties encountered by homeschoolers for many different reasons. There is a lot of good information here, but it does start to get repetitive. I t... morehink several of the chapters could have been condensed except for the author's desire to include more testimonials on different topics.Another issue I have with most homeschooling books is that they tend to have an "us against them" mentality. By this, I mean that many of the testimonials (though not much of the author's text thankfully) take the stance that kids in a normal school system can't think creatively or have exploratory experiences. Good and creative teaching is not unique to homeschooling, and I wish more parents wouldn't snipe at traditional schools in order to justify their choice.Overall, I think this is an excellent book for parents considering homeschooling or those who are new to the practice and are trying to find their way. I will most likely end up having the author out for a program as I think our patrons will benefit from her shared experiences.
review 2: The most important, focused, well-written book on homeschooling I've read to date. Bursting with ideas, common sense, wisdom, and advice for everyone from beginners to seasoned homeschoolers to those still in the process of deciding. It gave me new points of view to consider, challenged me to think for myself, and helped reinforce my belief in the rightness of homeschooling for our family. While the overall idea is geared toward unschooling, you do NOT need to have a firm belief in that method to get something positive from this book. More, the book's main point is in using the world as a classroom - something even those of us who use some formal curriculum can benefit from. less

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