| Rating: | ★★★ |
| Category: | Books |
| Genre: | Parenting & Families |
| Author: | Oliver Van DeMille |
I find the Thomas Jefferson Model very similar to unschooling. DeMille even recommends reading John Holt. Personally this book just reaffirmed my choices in how we educate our children.
I can see how this book would help those who can't accept the nomenclature- "UNschooling." Many times, when you meet fellow homeschoolers, they will ask what curriculum you use, or what style of homeschooling you use. Unschooling is often misunderstood as anti-education. I could see someone thinking "Thomas Jefferson Education" sounds more valid than "unschooling." Not to say Thomas Jefferson was unschooled, but much of his upbringing fostered a natural love of learning.
Demille has studied how the founding fathers were educated and really believes in the idea of mentors not professors. What I really liked about the model is how furthering your own education inspires your children to do the same. As an unschooler, I know this works. What I needed to learn from the book is that its ok to do this. I need not feel guilty for pursuing my interests.
I probably would have given this book a higher rating but a part of me is still questioning the author's motives in writing the book. He has founded a college and they offer expensive seminars for those interested in learning more about how to apply the Thomas Jefferson Model of education. Personally, after Unschooling for over 9 years and reading this book, I can't see how a $500 seminar would help me apply the model any better. I paid $15 for the book. I think any parent could take it further on their own.
11 comments:
I think if we learn different styles of homeschooling and we are exposed to others who homeschool, we'll learn alot and be more understanding. I had never 'met' anyone who unschooled before I met you, Dawn. I was like many and didn't understand the concept/style. Many may see the image of children in front of the tv all day and playing video games instead of learning anything of substance when they hear the term 'unschooling'. I think it's neat how you have been doing this and if I had to guess there are more parents than we think using some of the same methods of unschooling that you are. They probably haven't linked the term to their action. Since meeting you, I have seen where I incorporate some of the same unschooling technique( for lack of a better word) into our daily routine. I have mentioned before while we do use a curriculum for some subjects, we jet off on our own for others. :) Learning is learning and you're doing a GREAT job, Dawn!
P.S. I'm glad we met!
Thanks for the review. I've had this book in my Amazon basket for months, I can't even remember how I heard of it or who / where recommended it. But it actually sounds really interesting. I suppose I am not philosophically an unschooler by choice, but have become rather 'unschooly' as I have reacted to (learnt) how my children learn. I think anything which gives confidence to be able to 'teach' this way is positive. I might invest in the book after all. Thanks.
Debbi- We do have days where we do nothing but play video games and watch TV! LOL! You just have to question what is "substance."
For example, my boys learned how to read because they had the desire to. They needed to be able to read those game guides!
Playing video games requires much more than hand-eye coordination. There is problem solving going on, believe me!
TV has inspired us and added to our knowledge base as well. DS9 just learned bulls don't become angry when they see the color red. He saw a bull fight on TV and was inspired to ask why are the bulls behaving that way. Chances are, we'll never go see a bull fight in person, but watching one on TV made him ask why and want to find out more.
I believe learning happens constantly, no matter what we're being exposed to. There are days where my boys are plugged in, but there are also days where they choose to unplug. For example, yesterday DS9 spent a good chunk of video time trying to beat "Sammer Guys" in Paper Mario. Today he hasn't touched it. He's been playing Legos, making ATCs, shooting hoops, and reading his Paper Mario Cheat book.
It may seen hard to believe but my kids do move on and forward without my prodding. They may spend an entire day working through a video game level, but I believe they are practicing self discipline to see things through to a completion. They seem to know when they need to take breaks and when its time to move on to something new.
Perhaps this is because when they were smaller, I would watch out for their safety. When they were too little to recognize they were growing tired or hungry, I was there to ask them. When they grew frustrated, I was there to calm and comfort them. Now that they are 12 & 9, they are able to be responsible for their behavior.
I hardly ever hear, "Mom, I'm bored." They are always following their interests. We haven't experienced rebellion really either. I think this is because we allow them so much freedom and respect. If I need help, I ask for it and they are there, no complaints.
Actually this isn't entirely true! I still have to nag them and watch eyes roll, about taking showers everyday! LOL! I told DH I think this will change when they discover girls!
Yes, they'll change their hygiene habits when girls come into play! lol
It's great they do take the lead and show interest in so many things. As homeschooling families, we take any and all opportunities to learn. :)
And about the issue of rebellion: it's fantastic you haven't had problems :)
I am listening to the John Adams biography on CD right now and the mentions of Thomas Jefferson definitely show a man dedicated to learning about the world around him and studying everything about it. The JA bio talks about how Jefferson recorded temperatures several times a day and other things like that. Unschooling, real world application and study, whatever you want to call it...I think anything that creates a natural hunger for more knowledge is a great thing.
When I get asked I always say we use "child led learning" instead of unschooling.
mm interesting
I am in unschooling mode.. myself the last couple of weeks..
I kinda of go back and forth lol a bit of structure then days of nothing... J is such a self learner he can do this with no problem.
today they played golf.. - golf gear "donated" by another church member I thought that was so sweet I didn't even ask..
I think most kids will take the natural lead in learning. It's amazing what their little brains think about
Still haven't read this book yet but you got me interested. I know exactly what you mean, when you say you are an unschooler people give you the strangest looks but use a word like eclectic and think think it just fine. People just don't understand how our kids are learning without strict schedules and curriculum and don't understand most kids don't need this type of learning.
Post a Comment