There is no graduation from education." ~Greg Denning
Our family is passionate about education. It's one of our highest priorities.
We're constantly reading, and until we got our Kindles, we carted hundreds of books around the world with us on our travels.
Reading has literally changed our lives. We wouldn't be where we are, living the life we are living if it wasn't for the books we've read.
That's why I'm starting this new 'series' - to share the books that are family is reading, and to encourage you to read them for yourselves, (as well as those on our Must Read List)
It's been said that the average person doesn't read a book after their last graduation, and those who do, usually read entertaining fiction.
Excellence requires excellent reading. That's why we choose to read from the best books.
Our approach to education follows the methods of A Thomas Jefferson Education, and so includes a lot of reading, especially of the classics. Besides reading from scripture, we read one or more of these books everyday.
We'd love for you to share your thoughts, feelings, and ideas in the comment section below. Have you read these books? What did you like about them? What didn't you like?
If you haven't read them, please do, and share what you think.
Stop Stealing Dreams
Not an actual print book, Stop Stealing Dreams is a manifesto written by Seth Godin (author of Linchpin, a must read), about the broken school system, and the need for reformation.
If you care at all about your child's education, then I highly recommend that you read his manifesto. It's absolutely free, and available in a variety of digital formats.
The current [school system], which seeks uniformity and minimum standards, is killing our economy, our culture, and us." Seth Godin
Charlotte Mason's Original Homeschooling
Charlotte Mason is the 'mother' of home-schooling, and wrote and lectured about it in the 1800's.
Her emphasize is on lots of nature time; relevant, hands-on learning; and development of proper habits as the basis of education for children.
While a bit dated and old-fashioned, much of her philosophies are great, and still relevant for our kids today.
The Power of Intention
A 'new-age' type book written by Wayne Dyer, it addresses connecting to 'Intention' or the Universal Field - the Power and Source of the universe, which created all and is the source of all.
He explains that if we want to manifest the things we want into our lives, then we need to connect to this Power by living, feeling and being like it is - Love, Kindness, Beauty, Truth, etc.
When we are not these things, then we are disconnected from our Source, and cannot create our world to be the way we want it to be.
Leadership Education: The Phases of Learning
Greg is currently reading this one, and I keep hearing exclamations of "Oh wow!" or "That's good!"
It's my turn to read it next. It's a companion volume to A Thomas Jefferson Education, and expands upon the different stages of learning: Core, Love of Learning and Scholar.
Highly recommended!
Tanglewood Tales
A great little collection of stories written by Nathaniel Hawthorne, they seem to be his own interpretation of stories from the Illiad and the Odyssey, written for children.
This is a book that Greg is reading aloud to the kids, and they're all thoroughly enjoying it.
Like most classics, it's a great book for teaching principles, such as 'You are what you do," and be careful of the company you keep.
The Water Babies
Another classic, written by Charles Kingley, this is the book that I'm reading aloud to the kids, usually during the day.
It's a far out little fairy tale about a chimney sweep named Tom who is turned into a water-baby, and has to proceed through a series of lessons to develop his character before he can be transformed back into an adult who gets to live with the girl of his dreams.
It includes a lot of descriptions of nature, and teaches great principles such as kindness, respect, love, truthfulness, and many more.
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Thanks for the suggestions. They all look great. I heard about Charlotte Mason a few years ago and I’ve been meaning to read her book. We’ll have to add the Tanglewood Tales to our list of books to read to the kids. Sounds like a good one.
I’m enjoying Charlotte Mason, although it is a little ‘long-winded’. And the kids are loving Tanglewood Tales.
just finished reading your latest update. I’m hoping yall made it up the hill and arrived home safely 🙂
Yep, we’re home safe. (Oh no, did I spoil it?) 😉
Andy & I are trying to win (earn) iPads. You know me & Apple products. I love them but dont love to pay for them. To keep us motivated we were looking at them online last night. One of the most exciting is the books! So many at our finger tips! I’ll keep you posted. Then we can get all these books!
Sweet! Yes, it’s so nice to have books at your fingertips (although we just do it on a Kindle…)
Great list!! For homeschooling with toddlers definitely take a look into The Gentle Revolution Press and the name Doman, for anyone who knows parents with babies. There’s so much we can expect from little kids, i.e. learning to swimm early or instant math – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UXgzFWvBWrE (There’s a book by one of the Domans with the title of this video.) Blessings!
I read the Doman series years ago and loved it.