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The Call of the Wild and Free: Reclaiming Wonder in Your Child's Education by Ainsley Arment
jordyreading's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
3.75
I am doing research about homeschooling and seek information on a variety of methods and how they're applied. An overview of many popular methods was provided along with a seemingly honest explanation of the author's experience and adaptations she has made of several methods to to fit her own family. What results is the 'eclectic' method which she employs.
I understand that the author is religious, but it was quite refreshing to read a homeschooling book that was not centered around religion or religious teaching. However, I didn't love all of the cheesier moments of writing such as the bits where she goes on an on that this is 'for the dreamers, the lovers, the child rearers, the read-alouders, the fighters, the fire breathers' as it just felt like I was at a cheesy inspirational talk. However, she shared excellent bits of practical advice and encouragement outside of this that did indeed shed a light on what it might be like to homeschool.
While she seemed to be open to challenging the paradigm of women/mothers being the only folks raising children or homeschooling them, I felt like the book was heavily focused on "mothers, moms, mamas" which can make you wince if you're not one of those, but doing the same work described in the book.
Ultimately, I found this to be a helpful book in aiding to understand the general landscape of homeschooling and encouraging open-mindedness in how to approach homeschooling and embracing childrens' differences. The author did an excellent job of sharing evidence whenever sharing what was important to her (while it was only evidence that supported her ideas, I am not bothered by this as this was not intended to be a thought-challenging read).
I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking at homeschooling unsure of where (or if) they should begin.
I understand that the author is religious, but it was quite refreshing to read a homeschooling book that was not centered around religion or religious teaching. However, I didn't love all of the cheesier moments of writing such as the bits where she goes on an on that this is 'for the dreamers, the lovers, the child rearers, the read-alouders, the fighters, the fire breathers' as it just felt like I was at a cheesy inspirational talk. However, she shared excellent bits of practical advice and encouragement outside of this that did indeed shed a light on what it might be like to homeschool.
While she seemed to be open to challenging the paradigm of women/mothers being the only folks raising children or homeschooling them, I felt like the book was heavily focused on "mothers, moms, mamas" which can make you wince if you're not one of those, but doing the same work described in the book.
Ultimately, I found this to be a helpful book in aiding to understand the general landscape of homeschooling and encouraging open-mindedness in how to approach homeschooling and embracing childrens' differences. The author did an excellent job of sharing evidence whenever sharing what was important to her (while it was only evidence that supported her ideas, I am not bothered by this as this was not intended to be a thought-challenging read).
I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking at homeschooling unsure of where (or if) they should begin.
rcrikkit's review against another edition
3.0
So, the second half was far more interesting than the first half. Many other reviewers have touched on the "IG filter" for homeschooling, especially during the first half of this book. But the second half had a lot of suggestions, things I hadn't thought of before, and quotes that I really liked. Is it perfect? Far from it, but I did enjoy parts and I'll take what works for me.
lanavonhaussen's review against another edition
challenging
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.25
bekahau's review against another edition
5.0
Such an encouraging book! I loved it and will definitely read again!
ahc001's review against another edition
This book is far more about “encouragement” and “inspiration” and a memoir about the author’s own experiences rather than practical advice for home educators. I found the narrative voice to be annoying and frankly, grating. The premise talks about reclaiming wonder but the book is more memoir than science-based. There wasn’t a single citation until multiple chapters in.
If you want a book that gives practical evidence-based advice for homeschooling families, I would look into Modern Miss Mason by Leah Boden. I read it before attempting this one and it did a far better job of walking through Charlotte Mason’s timeless home education concepts and translating them for a modern audience.
Ironically, the foreword to that book is written by the author of this one.
I would consider myself pretty “crunchy,” but I don’t think the public school system is enemy #1. I think the system has failed teachers and children, but it didn’t start with public schools. It starts with the government and the media trying to control the narrative, and who it ultimately impacts are teachers and children. It often felt like the book was shifting the blame to teachers and families who can’t homeschool rather than giving me practical advice on how to raise my kid to be “wild and free,” which is what the premise is marketed as.
If you want a book that gives practical evidence-based advice for homeschooling families, I would look into Modern Miss Mason by Leah Boden. I read it before attempting this one and it did a far better job of walking through Charlotte Mason’s timeless home education concepts and translating them for a modern audience.
Ironically, the foreword to that book is written by the author of this one.
I would consider myself pretty “crunchy,” but I don’t think the public school system is enemy #1. I think the system has failed teachers and children, but it didn’t start with public schools. It starts with the government and the media trying to control the narrative, and who it ultimately impacts are teachers and children. It often felt like the book was shifting the blame to teachers and families who can’t homeschool rather than giving me practical advice on how to raise my kid to be “wild and free,” which is what the premise is marketed as.
josie_adair's review against another edition
3.0
I was hoping for more information on the types of homeschooling and other resources available. There is an overview of what I was looking for, however, it’s more for someone new/curious about homeschooling. Some of the chapters came off as a bit pretentious but I think she was trying to inspire.
freckleduck's review against another edition
3.0
I enjoyed this book. I am not sure how much knowledge it actually gave me but it is an ode to homeschooling.
sarahelem's review against another edition
I'm 1/3 of the way through and the entirety of the content is praising Crunchy Mamas and homeschooling. I was hoping it would be more science-based. There's also a lot of motivational poster jargon which cheapens the content.