Free Range Learning How Homeschooling Changes Everything

by Laura Grace Weldon

Free Range Learning presents eye-opening data about the meaning and importance of natural learning. This data-from neurologists, child development specialists, anthropologists, educators, historians and business innovators-turns many current assumptions about school-based education upside down.

The books factual approach is balanced by quotes and stories from over 100 homeschoolers from the U.S., Canada, Germany, Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, Mexico, India and Singapore. These parents and kids are the true authorities on alternative learning. Free Range Learning demonstrates:

that children and teens can best be nurtured outside of restrictive educational systems that we can restore what is heart-centered and meaningful back to a central place in education how networking with others enriches the learning experience for our kids how homeschooling has become a force of positive social change-making the community a better place for everyone.

The simple choice to homeschool is much more significant than a homespun method of education. Laura Weldon asks us to consider this choice as participation in a cultural shift toward redefining success and as a form of collective intelligence with major implications for the future of education. Laura Grace Weldon writes for national publications about learning, sustainability and spirituality. She is a long-time columnist with Home Education Magazine, and an award-winning poet. Laura lives on a small farm with her husband and their four homeschooled children. Her background includes teaching conflict resolution and developing community enrichment workshops.

Genres: Education, Nonfiction, Parenting, School, Childrens, Reference, Psychology

304 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

Laura Grace Weldon is the author of the poetry collections Portals (Middle Creek, 2021), Blackbird (Grayson Books, 2019), and Tending (Aldrich Press, 2013), as well as a handbook of alternative education, Free Range Learning (Hohm Press, 2010).

She lives on Bit of Earth Farm where she works as an editor, community educator, and marginally useful farm wench. Her writing appears in mainstream as well as literary publications, and she blogs about learning and mindful living at Relentless Optimism. She's Laura Euphoria on Pinterest. She's EarnestDrollery on Twitter. And she's on Facebook too often.

Reviews

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having recently read nearly thirty-six books on homeschooling in preparation for my first year of schooling my children at home, I found Weldon's book "Free Range Learning" full of insight, intriguing facts, and varied viewpoints. While the organization of this book made it difficult for me to focus (too many blocks of text,) I did enjoy a more realistic view of learning that it elaborated on. It really focused on the natural ability to learn that every child is born with and the parents natural ability to teach. The facts presented to back up home schooling priniciples and theories (or to debunk them)were ones I had not read before in other home school literature. That alone is worth the read. The inserted opinions and advice from home schooled children and their parents came from all over the world and not only discredited the "stereotypical" home schooled child image but also added perspectives outside the box. I loved the "teaching" ideas that Weldon suggested because they are not really "teaching" but more like "interacting" suggestions. And in my book, it is far more important to interact with my children than it is to just "teach" them something.

[Trace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book... so much so, that I'm purchasing it for our own library... probably one of my favorite books on the topic of homeschooling (maybe even next in line behind Educating the Wholehearted Child!)

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could only recommend one book about homeschooling to someone, it would be Laura Grace Weldon's Free Range Learning: How Homeschooling Changes Everything. There is something for everyone in this book, whether a homeschooling veteran or someone who is contemplating whether or not to homeschool their children. While the book is unschooling-lite, families of all styles will find value in the book. Free Range Learning is not merely about homeschooling; it's about the way people learn and interact with others, about what we take from life, and about what we make of life.

Weldon's eloquent writing is backed by numerous studies and research. The book is not a fluff read. Readers will want to take their time, pondering and digesting the information, whether the information presented is new to them or something they have long believed. With numerous personal anecdotes from homeschooling families of all styles and experiences allowing glimpses into the lives of homeschoolers, the bulk of the book relies on sound research. While I would reccomend the book to anyone with even a passing interest in homeschooling, I would not reccomend it to anyone not open to homeschooling unless they are willing to challenge their current assumptions.

Free Range Learning: How Homeschooling Changes Everything promises to be a valuable research for new homeschoolers everywhere for many years to come.

Disclaimer: A copy of the book was provided by the author.

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an incredible book...whether you're home schooling your children or not. I loved the insight it gave me on raising children, and I came away with incredible quotes from the book to remind me of the value of simplicity, slowing down, respecting our children, and allowing them to develop into who they truly are---their authentic selves. With all of the resources and ideas in the second half of the book (divided by subjects and academic areas), this is a book I plan to buy for my home library. I know I will want to refer to it very often!

[Melissa Espenschied · Rating 3 out of 5]

So this book doesn’t directly tell you how to homeschool, but it is a great starting place. Full of testimonies from both parents who homeschool and children who have been homeschooled it gives readers real life examples of the trials and triumphs of homeschooling. It also offers many ideas on how to meet specific subject needs in everyday ways. Finally there are plenty of other resources mentioned that can be looked up as needed, and everything is backed up by studies and scientific articles.

[Erica · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm NOT a huge fan of NOT formally educating children. Of course, the greatest learning they will do is just living, but to cut it at that lobs off a necessary formal component. This book advocates unschooling, at least partially. And while I love the notion of teaching by living, doing, etc.. and especially by field tripping a child needs to learn how to handle a task that is not so catered to how they want to learn. They need to learn to sit and pull through stuff they hate. My favorite ( in terms of jaw-dropping) example in this book was of a public? school where the kids got to choose everything they did. For years they did no math! Then they choose to do math and according to the teacher learned years worth in weeks because they wanted to. My brows furrow in disbelief. Really? Not sure I buy it, beyond just the stupidity of teaching kids to learn only when they want. "Sorry boss, not in the mood to do that report-- wait a few years till the mood hits." Catering too much to a child's education like that only can lead to self-centered brats, I might think. However, like all things-moderation is key, and learning free range is great to some extent.

The book itself is more a compilation of people's experiences who wrote to the author. There is a letter of experience followed by a few paragraphs by authors, all the way through the book. Fine for browsing, fine for some good points... But as a follow it whole-heartedly, to the death curriculum...lacking hugely!

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this through Goodreads First Reads. As a homeschooler myself, I was very much looking forward to reading this, and I have to admit I was not disappointed. What an excellent reference for anyone who is homeschooling or considering homeschooling. There are tons of ideas and resources included in this book.

I would also recommend this book to all traditional school teachers, and parents of traditional schooled children. There are ideas in here that can benefit those of all learning styles, not just homeschoolers.

This book has earned a permanent place on my bookshelf, next to the books I own by John Holt, and I'm sure I will be consulting it regularly. This book has reminded me why we homeschool.

Thank you Laura Grace Weldon!

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best homeschool books I have ever read (and I read a lot of homeschool books). I thought it was going to be very unschool,but she really focuses more on all the benefits of homeschooling rather than methodology. She talks about the many areas of life that homeschooling influences, not just "school learning" but things like creativity and physical well being. She also has great lists of resources and ideas. I highly recommend this to anyone who's interested in homeschooling.

[Lori Tummonds · Rating 5 out of 5]

You CAN Homeschool your Child(ren)

I found this book very inspirational. I'd already made the decision to homeschool prior to reading this book. After reading, I no longer feel that I need an 'All-In-One' curriculum. I am confident that I can provide a stellar education for my daughter at home and help her develop a love for learning that she doesn't have currently.
Plenty of ideas/resources given in the book. The book gets a little "woo woo" in a few places, but I liked it.

[Karyn Tripp · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! I have been homeschooling for several years and gained some great tips from it. I think this is a good one for new homeschoolers or veterans. I love the concept of "free range learning" but struggle with letting to of my structure, so this was a nice reminder for me to relax a bit in our homeschool.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book about the many ways we all learn and how to teach kids on a daily basis. It's mostly directed to those homeschooling, but also a great resource for those looking for additional enrichment ideas for their kids. Great lists in each section for additional resources on the web, clubs, and books. This book excites me about the possibility of alternative education.

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

In my 8th year as a homeschooler, my style has become more relaxed as the years go by and I realize how well homeschooling really does WORK. Greatly enjoyed the ideas and encouragement in this helpful book.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book I've read while trying to figure out what home school/unschool means to us and how we should proceed. Thank god.

Always reading, re-reading, and just looking back again for inspiration and stimulation.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots great ideas, plans and advice for homeschooling and/or unschooling. Though you don't have to be either to appreciate and put into practice many of the activities and projects suggested. I believe many parents and teachers could benefit from the plentiful ideas in this book.

[Andrea Balfour · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not only a great description of unschooling but practical methods and resources plus how to engage yourself and your children. This is my favorite on the topic, so far.

[Just Me · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the best books about homeschooling that I've read.

[Carrie Dalby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great overview of how people successfully "homeschool" in a natural, non-stressful way. This book encompasses the closest examples I've found to my family's education style.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my all-time favorite homeschooling resources. The author expounds the philosophy of homeschooling so beautifully.

[Kathleen Garber · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this up at the library and it’s pretty good but is outdated. If it wasn’t outdated it would for sure be a 4 star book. This is the layout of a textbook so it a little awkward for reading. It contains ideas for homeschooling but also LOTS of quotes from actual homeschooling parents and kids on the topic being talked about.

A lot of the talk is what would be called unschoolers now but it’s not only that. It offers a wide variety of ideas and quotes from families around the world.

The topics include: natural learning, nurturing the learner, work/play/other essentials, connecting with others, collaborating, homeschooling changes everything, adventure homeschooling, field tripping, full spectrum learning, science and nature, math/business/critical thinking, physical education/health, arts, language arts/foreign language, history/current events and volunteerism/ethics/spirituality.

The book is full of (unfortunately outdated) websites and organizations. This would have been great in 2010. I’d love to see an updated version of this book.

[Michelle Barker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book a couple of years before making the decision to homeschool. In a society where public school is so ingrained into our psyche that even our homeschool tends to mimic public schooling, its reassuring to hear that there is another way. Not only is there another way, but it really works. I respect that not all children learn the same way, but if you've noticed that school is a struggle, that your child isnt retaining book work or worksheets unschooling might be a better option. You learn in this book that there are learning opportunities every where and that your child is very capable of directing their own learning...with the parent as the facilitator providing the opportunities. My only complaint is the book seems repetitive. After a few chapters it's like "okay I get it", but it might be a good book to go back and reread sometimes if you're homeschooling just as a reminder that your homeschool doesnt have to look a certain way.

[Aaron · Rating 4 out of 5]

Should not be read in one sitting, but rather used like a reference book- turning to the relevant section at that time. This is my personal opinion.

[Kisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

There were a lot of practical ideas for ways to expand learning. The first half was sort of slow going, though.

[Lady Brainsample · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overwhelming and wordy in places. Best approach is to think of this book as a reference/brainstorming guide. Lots of great links I'm sure I'll return to later.

[Mandel Brot · Rating 1 out of 5]

Low IQ political ideology dressed up as education.

This is why academics make fun of homeschooling.

[Suebee · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a public school teacher turned homeschooler, I appreciate it this wealth of information supporting homeschooling. However, the format of the book needs revision if it is ever re-published. I would appreciate it in a chapter book size/format, not the size of a workbook. Also, the testimonies of homeschooling moms were great, but I wish they had been saved to the end of each chapter so as not to interfere fear with the flow of the text.

[NoBeatenPath · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a homeschooling book that sits towards the 'unscholling' end of the spectrum. It is a bit of a mix between a 'how-to' and a 'why-to' book, with a mix of discussing the advantages of home educating and things you can do. Studded throughout the book are short interviews with home educating parents and students.
The first part of the book discusses ideas such as learning happening everywhere, following children's interests, how children will learn best when they are ready and interested rather than trying to stick to a proscribed timeline, and the effect of homeschooling on the whole family and the wider community. There is a lot of good information and inspiration in this section, but it is also rife with statements put out there as truths without any backing. There is also a lot of feel-good padding: perhaps helpful if you are still trying to decide if you want to make the change to home educating, but rather waffly otherwise.

The second part of the book is a bit more of a 'how-to', though here again this is no real strict program of how to do things. Rather, it is a collection of different topics of subjects or ideas to cover in your education and resources for going about it. As well as 'traditional' topics like language arts, maths and science there are also sections on volunteerism, ethics and spirituality, field trips and 'adventure homeschooling' which is about learning while travelling. Each chapter has an introductory section about each 'learning area' followed by detailed dot points of suggested activities then detailed lists of resources, both online and books. The book is obviously aimed at a North American audience, so many of the recommended resources may not be relevant to readers in other countries.

This book is an inspiring mix of philosophy/theory and practical ideas. It covers a broad range of topics that would be relevant to home educating families with children aged six up to grown-up. However there are a few things that let it down. Firstly, the kindle edition is NOT well formatted, to the point the some sections are unreadable. Secondly, there is a lot of 'padding' (at least it seems so to this reader), including the fact every section has to begin with a quote, which starts to feel like the author has discovered a good quote search website.

If you are considering home education, or are currently home educating and thinking of moving to a more unschooling/unstructured approach, this book is definitely worth a read.

[Amelia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has a lot of great ideas in it, and really helped me see why I'm so interested in homeschooling, even though my 3-year-old goes to preschool and we plan to send the kids to our local public school. Some of the book's main themes are the importance of unstructured, self-directed time, fallow periods, learning through active engagement with the world, learning when ready/interested in a particular subject, and keeping children in a multi-age, multi-generational context, rather than isolating them in a same-age peer group. Most schools work against a lot of those principles, and can potentially stunt kids' development as lifelong learners.

As someone who intends to use the local public schools, this book highlighted for me the importance of keeping summer vacation open and unstructured. Those long, lazy days are vitally important. If, when the kids are in school (the younger one is still a baby) I feel that they're not learning optimally, getting too stressed out, or some other problem, I'll be better able to see alternatives, and I'll be more ready to switch to homeschooling if that seems like a good idea. As it is, though, my kids (the older one, anyway) really love that time with their peers, and I don't think we can do enough of that homeschooling in a small community. Also, our public schools are quite good, with small classes and, I think, some flexibility.

I didn't give this book a higher rating because I think it could have been about 1/3 its current length. It got awfully repetitive and I found myself skimming quite a bit. The resource lists in the subject area sections were good, but I find anything like that tends to get dated quickly, which limits this book's shelf life. I would have preferred to read a long magazine article by the author. That said, many of the quotes from homeschoolers and their parents were really good at illuminating the potential of unschooling.

[Elaine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this up because the author is somewhat local and she sent an invitation to look at her work and consider her for possible programming. The book's strongest point is the included testimonials from different types of homeschooling parents from various locations (a few even out of the US). I also like that there are different types of homeschooling represented, from religion-based to exploratory, to those parents who homeschool because their children have special needs. There is even travel homeschooling in there, which I wish she had covered more in depth! Also included was some much-needed sympathizing with the difficulties encountered by homeschoolers for many different reasons.

There is a lot of good information here, but it does start to get repetitive. I think several of the chapters could have been condensed except for the author's desire to include more testimonials on different topics.

Another issue I have with most homeschooling books is that they tend to have an "us against them" mentality. By this, I mean that many of the testimonials (though not much of the author's text thankfully) take the stance that kids in a normal school system can't think creatively or have exploratory experiences. Good and creative teaching is not unique to homeschooling, and I wish more parents wouldn't snipe at traditional schools in order to justify their choice.

Overall, I think this is an excellent book for parents considering homeschooling or those who are new to the practice and are trying to find their way. I will most likely end up having the author out for a program as I think our patrons will benefit from her shared experiences.

[Andrea Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Contains everything from data and statistics, to advice on parenting. Home education is a huge subject to tackle. This is a good book for parents in general, it discusses internal vs external rewards, what ages kids should be able to do what household chores, how the brain has mirror neurons that do learn as they watch, how play is learning, and education doesn't necessarily mean a boring book. Topics include self-directed learning, pressure with testing and grades, formal education accounts for only 5% of what we learn(Mendizza and Pearce). Each section has stories, quotes and experiences from parents around the world.
This book is motivating and lovely, it will inspire you and if you're struggling with relaxing and enjoying the process of educating your children it will show you what this looks like and how to attain a healthy heart-felt atmosphere where they thrive. Wise advice such as "Be comfortable with what is unmeasurable" and "Parents demonstrate by example that learning is a lifelong pleasure" are sprinkled throughout the book. There's also many good books and articles suggested in the text so we are pointed to furthering our understanding and researching ourselves.
Wonderful book!!

[Melanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read that makes any sense of "unschooling." It actually sounds a lot like toddler-educating. I'm not actually seeing how kids will learn things like reading/writing/arithmetic without a bit more structure though. For everything else it makes at least some sense.

I was pleased to see a sidebar in this book comparing public education to factory farming. It wasn't an image I'd considered before, but I can see how it fits.

The book itself is kind of annoying to read, since it's just acres of text on huge white pages, and is a bunch of articles and anecdotes strung together instead of one cohesive work. Also, there are mountains of typos, and many of the resources listed are either no longer valid, incorrectly identified, or not useful. The main gist is to get to know people around you and use them to help you learn. There are some good ideas in here but the idea that a kid can learn everything they want to learn naturally and without curriculum is a bit hard to swallow.