During the beginning of the homeschool movement in the 1970s, educator John Holt popularized the term “Unschooling.” Unschooling at that time simply meant withdrawing one’s children from the traditional public school system. Since then, unschooling has evolved into a specific style of homeschooling that Holt advocated. It is based on a “child-centered” or a “child-driven” learning style with little parental intervention.

The Unschooling Handbook seeks to clarify the mystery surrounding unschooling and provide concrete examples, suggestions, and resources for those who are interested in pursuing this learning lifestyle. From definition, to actual testimonies, and day logs of families using the unschooling method, to evaluation techniques and specific recommendations in various subject areas, The Unschooling Handbook is a user friendly guidebook.

Unschooling techniques are as diverse as the many families who homeschool, but The Unschooling Handbook gives a strong overview of the possibilities. Even if you don’t use unschooling as your primary method of teaching, you will be inspired to think in a new way about educating your children. You may even find that those days when you feel as if nothing worthwhile was accomplished, much more than you could imagine was being “caught and taught.” After all, what is learning if it cannot be applied to real life?!



-- Product Review by: Teri Lucas, The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine