Teach Your Own: The John Holt Book of Homeschooling,   ISBN:9780738206943

Customer Rating: 

This is an totally new version of a classic book. Instead of the classic work of Holt, much of it is a 'commentary' by the new author.

I didn't like the 'new' version. I bought this to learn from Holt, not read someone's 'commentary." I grew frustrated that instead of letting me read what Holt wrote, there was a ton of the new author stating "Holt said in Teach your own...."

Also, I didn't like that Farenga cut out big chunks of the book. ie he decided that we didn't 'need' to know about the histories of court rulings, and in one instance took the parent testimonials that Holt had used in one section the original book and added 'more modern
testimonials."

I got so frustrated that I bought a used copy of the original from Amazon. I got it yesterday and have read almost all of it. The original is really great.

The 'new' version reads as if was written by someone who really doesn't like unschooling.

I would recomend the 'classic' version!

Customer Rating: 

As a teacher at a private school and a homeschooling mom, this book gave me a refreshing perspective on education and learning - both at a structured school and at home. The philosophy of John Holt was what I have read about from "unschoolers". I think it is important to consider whether we are motivating our children to learn or teaching them to spit back what we think is important. This book gave me much food for thought in that area.

Customer Rating: 

I love this book. I found it very inspiring and empowering. Eases the burden of homeschooling and gives tools to a better education for your child. I highly recommend this book.

Customer Rating: 

This single book completely transformed our family's plan for educating our child. After 3 years of perfectly normal, traditional (private and public) schooling, the light bulb went off and we are now embarking on the incredible journey of homeschooling. John Holt speaks such truth, and reminds us that all human beings are born naturally curious, wanting and able to learn. Imagine the potential of our world if each child spent 11,000 hours out in the real world, hungrily soaking up all that life has to offer, instead of sitting all day, being fed information to regurgitate with no apparent and immediate relation to their needs, their interests or their lives. Holt reminds us that "school" is a relatively new invention, and that earlier generations who could not only write exquisitely, invent, create, build and lead, were all schooled at home. Holt also helps every parent who has ever said "I could never homeschool my children" rethink the entire idea of being "the teacher". Rather, every parent can assume the role of "facilitator"... simply providing access, resources and examples... and watching the miracle of natural human development take off on its own. Take the journey. You will never look back.

Customer Rating: 

How can I review this book if it's been over a month and I haven't even received it yet?!!!