Education has become synonymous with schooling, but it doesn't have to be. As schooling becomes increasingly standardized and test driven, occupying more of childhood than ever before, parents and educators are questioning the role of schooling in society. Many are now exploring and creating alternatives. In a compelling narrative that introduces historical and contemporary research on self-directed education, Unschooled also spotlights how a diverse group of individuals and organizations are evolving an old schooling model of education. These innovators challenge the myth that children need to be taught in order to learn. They are parents who saw firsthand how schooling can dull children's natural curiosity and exuberance and others who decided early on to enable their children to learn without school. Educators who left public school classrooms discuss launching self-directed learning centers to allow young people's innate learning instincts to flourish, and entrepreneurs explore their disillusionment with the teach-and-test approach of traditional schooling.

A guide for parents to help children of all ages process the onslaught of unfiltered information in the digital age. Education is not solely about acquiring information and skills across subject areas, but also about understanding how and why we believe what we do. At a time when online media has created a virtual firehose of information and opinions, parents and teachers worry how students will interpret what they read and see. Amid the noise, it has become increasingly important to examine different perspectives with both curiosity and discernment. But how do parents teach these skills to their children? Drawing on more than twenty years’ experience homeschooling and developing curricula, Julie Bogart offers practical tools to help children at every stage of development to grow in their ability to explore the world around them, examine how their loyalties and biases affect their beliefs, and generate fresh insight rather than simply recycling what they’ve been taught. Full of accessible stories and activities for children of all ages, Raising Critical Thinkers helps parents to nurture passionate learners with thoughtful minds and empathetic hearts.

To Unschoolers, Learning Is As Natural As Breathing Did you know that a growing percentage of home schoolers are becoming unschoolers? The unschooling movement is founded on the principle that children learn best when they pursue their own natural curiosities and interests. Without bells, schedules, and rules about what to do and when, the knowledge they gain through mindful living and exploration is absorbed more easily and enthusiastically. Learning is a natural, inborn impulse, and the world is rich with lessons to be learned and puzzles to be solved. Successful unschooling parents know how to stimulate and direct their children's learning impulse. Once you read this book, so will you!

Your personality is a gift, not a liability. This book helps you uncover and embrace the hope, laughter, and joy of using your unique gifts to parent your children. Life as a mom is LOUD, but you long for quiet. When the volume of family life clashes with your personality, frustration, guilt, and overwhelm naturally result. In Introverted Mom, author Jamie C. Martin lifts these burdens from your shoulders, reminding you that your steady strength is exactly what your family needs in this chaotic world. Jamie shares vulnerable stories from her own life as well as thoughts from other introverted mothers, letting you know you're not alone. Her practical suggestions and creative inspiration are enhanced with quotes and insights from four beloved writers--Louisa May Alcott, Jane Austen, L. M. Montgomery, and Laura Ingalls Wilder. Together, Jamie and this band of fellow introverts share their wisdom on . . . Believing that you're enough Self-acceptance that leads to freedom Navigating heartache and disappointment Stretching out of your comfort zone Connecting with God as an introvert Cultivating calm wherever you are Defining for yourself what really matters Whether you've just realized you're an introvert, or if you've known it all along, this book is for you. It's time to honor who you are and savor life as an introverted mom. *Note: Written from a Christian perspective

Project-based homeschooling combines children's interests with long-term, deep, complex learning.This is an essential experience for children: to spend time working on something that matters to them, with the support of a dedicated mentor. This book is an introduction and guide to creating the circumstances under which children can teach themselves.The author gives parents concrete tips for helping children do challenging, meaningful, self-chosen work. From setting up a workspace that encourages independence to building a family culture that supports self-directed learning to concrete suggestions for a step-by-step approach to inquiry-based investigation, Project-Based Homeschooling shares techniques for mentoring independent, confident thinkers and learners.

Jamie Johnson is a seven-year-old girl with an annoying older sister, a short attention span, and a hobby of collecting paint sample cards. Laren Lark is an almost thirteen-year-old girl with a love of books, a talent for poetry, and a past full of roadschool adventures. This is a whimsical story about what happened to them one fateful summer.

Do you want to thrive as a homeschool mama? In this book Teresa Wiedrick gets to the heart of the issues surrounding your less-than-thriving experience with homeschooling and offers helpful tips and strategies that will take you beyond mere survival. While it contains tips for nurturing the nurturer, it is much more than just another thing for your to-do list. You will feel validated and understood, and enjoy some humor as well. Just starting out? Teresa has wisdom for you as an experienced Mama.

"Are you panicking about homeschooling your teen?" "Do you fear they'll miss the various activities associated with adolescence?" "Maybe you're afraid you'll close doors for them or they won't be well-prepared for adulthood?" "Are you afraid you're going to mess things up or "make them weird?"" Breathe These 75 young people are going to show you exactly what their lives looked like as homeschooled teenagers. And you'll be surprised at how they made friends, got along with family, and explored unique learning environments. They're eager to share the benefits and advantages they experienced through homeschooling. Their lives were (and are ) full, rich, and happy. Bring your doubts-reassurance is on its way "There is finally a big enough generation of grown-up homeschooled kids that it is possible to see patterns and grasp the diversity in their experiences. And who better to tell us about all that than the kids themselves You'll find these young voices are fascinating and absorbing as they open a window for you to get a look into their unconventional lives. A great read. You'll find it hard to put down." Pam Sorooshian, Economics Professor, Homeschooling advocate "Awell-organized compilation of answers to questions about homeschooled teens' ways of learning, social lives, family relationships, hobbies, college experiences, careers, and more. I recommend it highly to anyone who is homeschooling, considering homeschooling, or curious about it." Peter Gray, ResearchProfessor of Psychology at Boston College and author of"Free to Learn" "This thoughtful book, full of their opinions, experiences, and honest comments about home-based learning, is proof. You will be reassured, then inspired. And they will provide you with some really great advice... so pay attention " Wendy Presnietz, Editor of"Life Learning Magazine," author of "School Free" and "Challenging Assumptions in Education." "Apriceless collection of observations and insights A wide range of experiences, interests, and goals...a fascinating look at homeschooling during the teen years." Pam Laricchia, author of the book, "Free to Learn, Free to Live, and Life through the Lens of Unschooling" "A vivid and honest survey about the joys, opportunities, and challenges of homeschooling teenagers. Read this book to learn how you can customize homeschooling to any teenager's advantage." Patrick Farenga, co-authorof"Teach Your Own: The John Holt Book of Homeschooling" "A reassuring, helpful, and fantastic resource for anyone involved in homeschooling or interested in this way of educating children. An extraordinary resource " Marty Layne, Homeschooling advocate in Canada and the U.S. and author of "Learning At Home: A Mother's Guide to Homeschooling" and "Can I Do This: Teach My Children at Home?" This book is a gem-superb in many ways.The author's extensiveexperience, careful observations, and wise perspective provide a frameworkfor the poignant and perceptive comments of these 75 young people.No better book exists providing a convincing case thathomeschoolers engage indeep, meaningful learning and go on to live productive andfulfilling adult lives. Wes Beach, speaker, consultant, and author of "Forging Paths: Beyond Traditional Schooling" and "Self-Directed Learning: Documentation and Life Stories." "Like reading the sequel I never wrote to my own books Anyone who wants to know whether homeschooling-especially unschooling-works should look at the kids, but Sue's approach is even better: she asks the kids. And as we homeschooling parents know well, our kids have plenty to tell us. Mary Griffith, author of"The Homeschooling Handbook"and"The Unschooling Handbook