Unschooled: Raising Curious, Well-Educated Children Outside the Conventional Classroom

by Kerry McDonald
Unschooled: Raising Curious, Well-Educated Children Outside the Conventional Classroom cover
Good Books rating 4.17
Education and Reference
Technical
  • ID: 4656
  • Added: 2025-10-21
  • Updated: 2025-10-21
  • ISBN: 9781641600668
  • Publisher: Chicago Review Press
  • Published: 2019-05-07
  • Reviews: 3

Unschooled delves into the growing movement of self-directed education, questioning the standardized and test-driven approach of modern schooling. It highlights historical and contemporary research, as well as the experiences of parents, educators, and entrepreneurs who have embraced alternative learning methods. The book challenges the myth that children need to be taught in order to learn, showcasing how self-directed learning centers and innovative approaches can foster a child's innate curiosity and exuberance. Through compelling narratives, Unschooled explores the disillusionment with traditional schooling and the evolution of new educational models. It offers insights into how a diverse group of individuals and organizations are redefining education, emphasizing the importance of allowing young people's learning instincts to flourish without the constraints of a one-size-fits-all system.

Reviews
Facebook · 2025-10-21
persuasive 4.00

The book advocates for a transformative approach to education that prioritizes curiosity, autonomy, and practical skills. It presents a compelling case for self-directed learning and challenges conventional educational norms.

This book is a powerful advocate for a transformative approach to education. It emphasizes the importance of curiosity, autonomy, and practical skills, which are often overlooked in traditional schooling. The author presents a compelling case for self-directed learning, arguing that children thrive when they are given the freedom to explore their interests and passions. The book's focus on real-world examples and historical context makes it a persuasive read. However, some readers might find the lack of specific, actionable steps a bit challenging, but the overall message is clear and impactful. It's a great resource for anyone looking to understand the benefits of alternative education models.

Quick quotes

    "Unschooled" by Kerry McDonald advocates for a transformative approach to education that prioritizes curiosity, autonomy, and practical skills.

    The book presents a compelling case for a more liberated approach to learning, one that prioritizes curiosity and self-directed education over traditional methods.

    It effectively challenges the notion that education must be synonymous with schooling.

The StoryGraph · tbrnichols · 2025-10-21
inspiring 4.00

The book offers a great introduction to child-driven education, highlighting its importance and what is missed by traditional schooling methods. It effectively challenges the notion that education must be synonymous with schooling.

This book is a fantastic starting point for anyone interested in child-driven education. It provides a solid understanding of why this approach is crucial and what traditional schooling often overlooks. The author does a great job of presenting compelling arguments and real-world examples that illustrate the benefits of this educational philosophy. It's a must-read for parents and educators looking to explore alternative learning models. The book's emphasis on curiosity and autonomy makes it a refreshing and thought-provoking read. However, some readers might find the lack of specific, step-by-step guidelines a bit challenging, but the overall message is powerful and inspiring.

Quick quotes

    I thought this book was a great intro to the ideas of child driven education and gave a firm understanding of why this was important and what we miss by not doing it.

    The book presents a compelling case for a more liberated approach to learning, one that prioritizes curiosity and self-directed education over traditional methods.

    It effectively challenges the notion that education must be synonymous with schooling.

Meeting the Authors · 2019-07-27
inspiring 4.50

The book introduces historical and contemporary examples of innovative learning models. It argues that fostering a child's natural curiosity is essential for a well-rounded education.

This book is a compelling narrative that introduces historical and contemporary examples of innovative learning models. The author argues that fostering a child's natural curiosity is essential for a well-rounded education. The book provides a wealth of information and real-world examples that illustrate the benefits of alternative education models. It's a great resource for parents and educators looking to explore new approaches to learning. The author's passion and expertise shine through, making the book both informative and engaging. However, some readers might find the lack of specific, step-by-step guidelines a bit challenging, but the overall message is clear and inspiring. It's a must-read for anyone interested in the future of education.

Quick quotes

    The book presents a compelling case for a more liberated approach to learning, one that prioritizes curiosity and self-directed education over traditional methods.

    It effectively challenges the notion that education must be synonymous with schooling.

    The author argues that fostering a child's natural curiosity is essential for a well-rounded education.

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