Have Fun. Learn Stuff. Grow.: Homeschooling and the Curriculum of Love

by David H. Albert

Education is not so complicated! Gently and passionately, homeschooling advocate and author David H. Albert insists that the curriculum of love is not about externals. It is about what is essential in each individual human being and in every child. Its code words are communication, inquisitiveness, acceptance, joy, honesty, courage, and, curiously, perhaps above all, intimacy. It demands that we assist our children in seeking to embrace a world that is their own. Internationally renowned homeschooling speaker, magazine columnist, author, and father of two, David H. Albert carries forward the ideas of John Holt and John Taylor Gatto and empowers parents in the process. He lives in Olympia, Washington.

Genres: Education, Parenting

200 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2005

Reviews

[Raven · Rating 2 out of 5]

For me, this was just okay. I enjoyed his writing style (very conversational and some funny bits), but the essays lacked cohesiveness. It was as if he said, "I have this deadline looming for this homeschooling book I'm supposed to write. What should I do? i know! I'll use these little stories and notes I've written about anything remotely related to homeschooling and put them together and call them a book." I enjoyed it, but I didn't find it particularly helpful or useful. Inspiring and encouraging, yes. But I was hoping for more.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

So every time I read something from this author, his chirpiness sort of annoys me, but the message of his essays still comes across well. These are essentially unschooling anecdotes about his children and his own learning experiences. Some of them seem really scattered, but the basic gist is, as with most unschooling first-person books, that the children (and really anyone) will learn what they want to learn when they want to learn it. This will be in spite of what you do, and often better than you could have taught them. It offers plenty of reassurance when I have my "unschooler's panic", but I seriously doubt my kids will ever be as unbelievably amazing as he portrays his children to be. I'm confident, however, that J and sibling will do what they need, and learn what they love, and this book supports that assumption.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

The antithesis of the "Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother." A line from the back cover says it best "love and freedom are the cornerstones of any education worthy of the name." The book is also a call to become involved in the community. I enjoyed reading about all the inspiring projects the author and his family have been involved in.

[David Espinoza · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked it. David is good writer. Sometimes I felt he was putting too much effort into being witty or funny, it's not funny. It's not so much about "how to", it's just a collection of his essays, and a lot of writing about how awesome his daughters are. But there are some good bits in there.

[Marissa Morrison · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author is a homeschooling advocate and a Quaker. His focus is on letting kids explore and learning with and from them. There's a wonderfully illustrative true story here about a little boy who learns to tie his shoes and can't wait to show his teacher. But when his teacher sees him bending under his desk to tie and untie his shoes all day, she punishes him by wrapping his shoes with duct tape.

Most essays in the book are short, random writings about the author and his kids. It's the kind of stuff you might expect to find on a parent's private blog, writing that is very meaningful for the author but a bit tedious for a reader who doesn't know the subjects.

[AnandaTashie]

"The point is not whether they remember the information or are able to regurgitate it on demand, but that they are afforded the opportunity to develop an expanded sense of themselves, and an attitude toward the knowledge quest through which they are truly to be made whole."

I only read the first 36 pages, then just glanced through the rest. I like the message of love, freedom, support, etc, for growth and learning. I didn't much enjoy reading his hyper-rambling writing style though. :o :)

[Sherri · Rating 1 out of 5]

I give up on trying to find a book, or any resources for that matter, about homeschooling that's actually useful. What did I get out of this one? Home school = good, traditional school = bad. That's it. If you're already homeschooling and want to give yourself a pat on the back, this is your book. If you're looking at all your options and wanting to understand more about how home schooling works and how to go about it, then either keep looking or give up like I'm about to.

[Jessie · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book made me laugh! and be glad that we're unschooling lillie - life is full of adventure!

[Cyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was pretty good, demonstrating yet another example of homeschooling success.

[Dalton Lynne · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was pretty good, demonstrating yet another example of homeschooling success.

[Karen (Living Unabridged) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yet another unschooling apologist.