My Top Book Recommendations for Homeschoolers Part 2

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Jan 31, 2025

Dive into a treasure trove of book recommendations for homeschooling! Explore Ivan Illich's critique of traditional education in 'Deschooling Society' and John Holt's insights on how children learn. Delve into the debate on literacy with Rudolf Flesch's critiques, as well as cultural challenges highlighted in 'The Coddling of the American Mind.' Discover the importance of self-directed learning and curiosity in nurturing kids, alongside poignant reflections on education's role in tragedy from a mother's perspective. Perfect for parents seeking educational reform!

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INSIGHT

Structural Harms of Schooling

Schools teach negative lessons through their structure, not just curriculum.
These lessons include passivity, seeking authority approval, and basing self-worth on rank.

INSIGHT

Child-Centric Learning

Children learn best through free exploration, play, and following interests.
Adults should facilitate curiosity and real-world experiences, not impose classroom learning.

INSIGHT

Unschooling Philosophy

Unschooling is a learner-driven education model.
The child's curiosity guides learning, not a standardized curriculum.

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De-schooling Society

Ivan Illich

The Self-Driven Child

The Science and Sense of Giving Your Kids More Control Over Their Lives

Ned Johnson

William Stixrud

This book combines insights from clinical practice, educational coaching, and cutting-edge brain science to address the chronic stress and lack of motivation many children face. Stixrud and Johnson argue that giving children more control over their lives is crucial for their development, as it enhances their motivation, resilience, and overall well-being. The authors provide practical advice on how parents can act as consultants rather than controllers, helping children develop inner drive and intrinsic motivation through autonomy, competence, and relatedness. The book also discusses the negative effects of excessive parental control and external motivators, and offers actionable steps for parents to implement in their daily lives[2][3][5].

Changing Our Minds

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David Gushee

David Gushee's "Changing Our Minds" chronicles his journey from a traditional evangelical perspective on homosexuality to a position of full affirmation. The book details his intellectual and emotional process, engaging with scripture, theology, and personal experiences. Gushee's work is significant for its honest and thoughtful exploration of the complexities of the issue, demonstrating a willingness to reconsider deeply held beliefs in light of new evidence and perspectives. The book is a valuable resource for those grappling with similar questions and offers a compelling case for LGBTQ+ inclusion within Christianity. It is a powerful example of intellectual humility and the importance of engaging with difficult topics with empathy and open-mindedness.

The Coddling of the American Mind

Jonathan Haidt

Greg Lukianoff

The book explores how the ideas 'what doesn’t kill you makes you weaker,' 'always trust your feelings,' and 'life is a battle between good people and evil people' have become embedded in American culture. These 'Great Untruths' contradict basic psychological principles and ancient wisdom, leading to a culture of safetyism that interferes with young people’s social, emotional, and intellectual development. The authors investigate various social trends, including fearful parenting, the decline of unsupervised play, and the impact of social media, as well as changes on college campuses and the broader context of political polarization in America.

How The Other Half Learns

Robert Pondiscio

The Last Safe Investment

Michael Ellsberg

Unschooled

Lesa Lockford

Kerry McDonald

Peter Grey

The discovery of the child

Maria Montessori

A Mother's Reckoning

Living in the Aftermath of Tragedy

Sue Klebold

In this powerful and haunting book, Sue Klebold chronicles her journey as a mother grappling with the incomprehensible actions of her son, Dylan Klebold, one of the perpetrators of the Columbine High School shooting. The book delves into her personal struggle with grief, shame, and the quest for understanding the mental health issues that led to the tragedy. Drawing from her personal journals, Dylan's writings, and interviews with mental health experts, Klebold aims to help other families recognize signs of distress in their children. All author profits from the book are donated to research and charitable organizations focusing on mental health issues.

Why Johnny can't read and what you can do about it

Rudolph Flesch

Published in 1955, this book is a critical examination of the American reading education system, particularly the 'look-say' method which relies on memorization of whole words. Flesch argues that this method is ineffective and instead advocates for the teaching of phonics, where students learn to sound out words using the alphabetic code. The book was an immediate bestseller and became a significant influence in the debate over reading education methods[2][4][5].

How Children Learn

John Caldwell Holt

In 'How Children Learn,' John Holt argues that children learn most effectively when they are motivated by their own interests and allowed to learn on their own terms. The book, first published in 1967 and revised in 1983, is divided into sections such as 'Games and Experiments,' 'Talk,' 'Reading,' 'Sports,' and 'Art, Maths and Other Things.' Holt observes children in various learning environments, highlighting the importance of meaningful and self-directed learning. He advocates for patience, loving guidance, and the avoidance of coercive teaching methods, emphasizing that children will learn naturally if given the opportunity and resources without fear or pressure[1][3][5].