Homeschooling with Gentleness: A Catholic Discovers Unschooling

by Suzie Andres

 Suzie Andres explores the basic premise of the household as the primary place of education and the role of parents as primary educators. "Suzie Andres' wise and witty little book is, as billed, a gentle approach to home schooling. Any reader who comes to this subject with fears will have them quickly allayed by the bright and positive discussion."— Ralph McInerny , noted Thomistic philosopher and public speaker The book will be engaging and helpful regardless of the method of education selected by parents—homeschooling, unschooling, or public and private schooling.

Genres: Education, Parenting, Catholic

132 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2004

Reviews

[Darlene Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely book! Suzie writes from a place that I could really relate to. It is not a "how to" boook, and for that, some might find it unnerving, but unschooling in itself has no set rules any "how-to" book would be lacking. This book relates Suzie's own journey to unschooling, and it closely mirrored my own. Love how she touches on learning from nature, trusting in God, and seeing books as friends. Children are unique individuals with their own talents and struggles. Unschooling supports them where they are while encouraging the natural growth and curiousity that they are born with. Lovely, fabulous book!

[TheRose · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was hard to rate this one. It was a good book, but not quite as informative as I'd hoped. The author was very sweet, but the book is aimed at someone who is totally unfamiliar with (and possibly unitnerested in) educational theory. Her main point is that unschooling is a valid form of education (well, of course it is!). For me, this book was not helpful at all, but for someone who is wondering if unschooling can work or is nervous about whether Catholics are "allowed" to unschool, this book is perfect for that person.

[Meredith Henning · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first book by Suzie Andres. Excellent and very enjoyable reading. Having read this several years ago, it was nice to re-read it after having just read her spectacular "Little Way of Homeschooling". I highly recommend them both!

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great book. I thought unschooling meant completely child-led learning with no structure or rules until a friend let me know that it doesn't have to be that way. She explained Catholic unschooling to me and my son and I liked the idea, but had a lot of fears about "not doing it right." It took me a while to get around to reading this book and I'm so sorry I waited. Suzie Andres explains what unschooling is and how it can work for some families. She tells how to get over the fear of not teaching children what they "need to know" and explains how students can unschool and still be prepared for college and adult life.

[rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked this book. It was my introduction to unschooling. It helped me have more confidence as a homesschooling parent. I am not sure I would go to the extreme that the author does, but it had some great insights.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm still not sure what I think of "unschooling." The author makes some good arguments though.

[Sarah Behan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful

I put off buying this book for a long time, I don't know why. But, this week I did, and I can see so clearly that the Lord wanted me to read this at this certain mountain my journey toward unschooling. Suzie is gentle, encouraging, authentic - she is what I needed to read to finally feel confident to follow the Lord in this area.

[Maxwell Ladhoff · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short introductory work, this book does an excellent job helping those curious about homeschooling see that, far from being an abuse to their child, homeschooling is in fact both natural and effective (after all, don’t we all know that children are endlessly curious until we make them sit through hours of lessons and wring that curiosity out of them?).

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Convincing

Well thought out with excellent references from popes, saints and educators. I feel much more confident in wanting to follow the unschooling path.

[Hannah Carlson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very helpful book for someone considering unschooling and is a Christian. I am almost convinced to try it...

[Mariana FF · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simples, bem fundamentado e directo ao ponto. Prevejo que as listas de livros do final serão muito úteis.

[Hope · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a very gentle introduction to unschooling. The author does a great job with this little book. It left me feeling inspired and empowered with my own homeschooling and mothering choices. I love how it was rooted in the Catholic faith, looking at both academic as well as moral education from the viewpoint of the Church.

[Kristen Eggert Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick and practical read about Catholic "Unschooling." This is a delightful book that will encourage homeschoolers everywhere.