Teach the Children: An Agency Approach to Education

by Neil Flinders

"The alarm has sounded, the clock is ticking, but most of us are asleep," warns a national TV documentary of American education. False educational ideas are rampant and the unfortunate victims are often young children. What should be done about it? This book is a wake-up call. It contains a bedrock solution for today's educational dilemmas. Its message is based on eternal principles and God-given free agency - solid hope for parents, teachers, and leaders. Our youth can transcend the turmoil of a society that is rapidly rejecting its most basic values. The family's spiritual fiber can be renewed.

Genres: Education, Parenting, Nonfiction, Family, Religion

442 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 1990

Reviews

[Susan Talbot · Rating 5 out of 5]

I so wish I had had this book when I was making all the decisions about educating my children. Flinders explanation of how our world view determines how we educate is invaluable. Also, his discussion of why we must start with our self, the teacher first, and why moral and spiritual education comes before the regular school "subjects" is the best I've read.

[Cindy Clarke · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a "scholary" look at education from the Hebrew Model. It is an educational model based on revealed principles of truth. A lot of good insights, but it's one you have to have a quiet focused time to read.

[Marcie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every time I pick up this book I feel re-grounded in solid principles and recommit myself to applying them in my teaching both at home and at church.. It's not "light reading" but full of light for a parent or educator who is hungry for insights and direction.

[Teri · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best books on education I've ever read-- I wish I'd had this from the very beginning of our homeschool experience! Written from an LDS perspective. This is not a light read, but well worth the time. Highly recommended (it may be out of print, but it's worth tracking down).

[Shiloah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a powerful tome with an emphasis on teaching and an undercurrent on parenting. There was much to digest in this work, thus the reason it took almost a year for me to read. I have so much to say about this book, but I think it will be best written in an article.

[Jill · Rating 3 out of 5]

The scope of this book is huge, but it's all important. It's always so hard for me to teach with the child's agency in mind, after all, as a product of the public school system, we didn't have much agency. I've noticed as I implement the principles taught here that my children are happier and more willing to work for their own education. It's stopped being me against them for their sake and has turned into me helping alongside them but ultimately allowing them to make their decisions, fully aware of the consequences of both good and mediocre choices on their part.

Written with the LDS lens, it really helps the reader understand where we are in life and to refocus on what's right and what's important.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good reminders every parent should consider. Good quotes and scriptural backing on how and why it is so important to teach our children how to recognize the promptings of the Holy Ghost, how to include God in our secular education, and why spiritual knowledge and learning is so important. More applicable today than when it was written as we get so caught up in secular learning and sometimes forget to make spiritual learning just as big, if not a bigger part of our childrens' educations.

[Marilyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so eye-opening. It's going to take me a while to digest it. Great read about the underlying philosophies of education, the practices that come out of them and then best practices based on the Hebraic tradition (a philosophy that takes teh spiritual nature of man and agency among other things as fundamental to our experiences). Huge wow.

[Brooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slow read, like a textbook. Some superfluous info. But full of good info on education in general - why, how, who, what. And how a religious- or agency- education is the highest goal. I definitely think it's an inspired book and I received my own inspiration on things to change and do while reading it. Would recommend to anyone considering teaching.

[Sacha Head · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would have given this book more stars if it had been easier to read! The content was awesome, but redundant. I bet it could be half as long. The author definitely did his research, though, and I love the fact that he applies the Gospel to teaching: two of my favorite things!

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had to read this book for a class, but it has been a great way to learn info and think about how I teach my kids principles that are important in life.

[Jo Bailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I need to revisit this book. I'm sure I'll have a different perspective now.

[Mitzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Education via the scriptures. Agency is paramount!

[Shauna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loving this so far . . . (Sept 16, 2011)

[Tawnya]

I am loving the perspective on "education" -- and all sorts of insights to agency. It's a great book (and a gift from my sister).

[Malea · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the concepts, but it was very long winded and technical.

[Nickie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm working through this informative treasure. It will be worth the time I feel. At lest the things the author says he is going to cover are ideas I want to learn more about.

[Jersc · Rating 3 out of 5]

My second attempt at trying to get through it and I finally succeeded. Has some good gems, but is very scholarly and hard to follow and times. I'm still kinda scratching my head, trying to figure out what exactly he meant and how to apply it.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Insightful. One of my favorites in education.