Free Range Learning

This book 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 book's factual approach is balanced by quotes and stories from over 100 home-schoolers from the U.S., Canada, Germany, Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, Mexico, India and Singapore. These parents and children are the true authorities on alternative learning. Written for interested parents and educators, this book will also encourage and excite those who want their children to have the benefits, but who are timid to approach home-schooling. This is the only book anyone needs to make the choice and start the process of home-schooling children, and is applicable for young people from pre-school through high school. Studies indicate that adults who were home-schooled are: More likely to vote, volunteer and be involved in their communities than graduates of conventional schools; Read more books than average; More likely to have taken college level courses than the population as a whole; Tend to be independent and self-reliant. The book presents the simple choice to home-school as something much more significant than a homespun method of education. 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. Children are naturally "free range" learners, she says. They build knowledge and skills naturally, within the full spectrum of their daily lives, while observing, exploring and pursuing their interests. This book guides any parent or educator in assisting that process. The book demonstrates: That children and teens can best be nurtured outside of restrictive educational systems; That we can restore what is heart-centred and meaningful back to a central place in education; How networking with others enriches the learning experience for our children; How home-schooling has become a force of positive social change-making the community a better place for everyone.

With more kids at home now . . . here is a book for parents, family members and friends who want to maximize this time for a deeper learning experience for their children and themselves. Free Range Learning will encourage and excite those who want their children to reap important benefits from this period of “sheltering in place,” learning at home. This is a book for anyone simply wanting some fresh ideas at this time, or those who wonder if a commitment to ongoing homeschooling might actually result in longer term benefits! The material in this book is backed by scientific and educational studies, along with the testimonies of scores of parents and kids from around the world. The work here is applicable for young people from pre-school through high school. Studies indicate that adults who were homeschooled are: * More likely to vote, volunteer and be involved in their communities than graduates of conventional schools. * Read more books than average. * More likely to have taken college level courses than the population as a whole. * Tend to be independent and self-reliant. Children are naturally “free range” learners. They build knowledge and skills naturally, within the full spectrum of their daily lives, while observing, exploring and pursuing their interests. This book guides any parent or educator in assisting that process.

"Educator advises those who want to improve career possibilities because they do not have college degrees or feel trapped in a job or situation beneath their capabilities. He presents ways to take advantage of new opportunities available outside traditional university settings that value the "hidden credentials" of people's knowledge and skills learned from personal and work-related experiences"--

This is an essential handbook for families considering or just beginning home schooling. Free Range Education is full of family stories, burning questions, humor, tips, practical steps, practical advice, and resources (mostly UK). You are already your child's main educator, and in this invaluable guidebook other home educators show how it can work for you as well. They provide: -Answer questions concerning how home-schooled children can socialize; money issues; exams; and time off for parents themselves -Inspiring accounts and stories from graduates of home-schooling - their jobs, training, and lives -Resources, contacts, networks, and websites -A friendly overview of the legalities involved in home education (though it deals mostly with UK laws, it will also prove useful to parents in North America and elsewhere).

Learn to raise independent, can-do kids with a new edition of the book that started a movement In the newly revised and expanded Second Edition of Free-Range Kids, New York columnist-turned-movement leader Lenore Skenazy delivers a compelling and entertaining look at how we got so worried about everything our kids do, see, eat, read, wear, watch and lick -- and how to bid a whole lot of that anxiety goodbye. With real-world examples, advice, and a gimlet-eyed look at the way our culture forces fear down our throats, Skenazy describes how parents and educators can step back so kids step up. Positive change is faster, easier and a lot more fun than you’d believe. This is the book that has helped millions of American parents feel brave and optimistic again – and the same goes for their kids. Using research, humor, and feisty common sense, the book shows: How parents can reject the media message, “Your child is in horrible danger!” How schools can give students more independence -- and what happens when they do. (Hint: Teachers love it.) How everyone can relax and successfully navigate a judge-y world filled with way too many warnings, scolds and brand new fears Perfect for parents and guardians of children of all ages, Free-Range Kids will also earn a place in the libraries of K-12 educators who want their students to blossom with newfound confidence and cheer.

Teacher turned home-educator Anna Dusseau explores the purpose of education, how children learn and the benefits of home education. She addresses key questions and suggests activities and ways to start homeschooling.

Although it seems long ago, there was a time when children were allowed to leave their front yard and wander down the street alone. To walk in the woods with a friend or sibling and enjoy nature at its finest.This book regales stories from the past when kids were allowed and expected to go outside and play! Parents would often say, "Go out and get some fresh air!" There were no organized sports or uniforms; we went door to door to find enough kids to play pick-up baseball. Bobcats, bears, snapping turtles, fish, monkeys and more - all have a stories in this book.Originally intended for young readers, I found that adults enjoyed this book equally as much since it brought them back to their own childhoods."I LOVE these stories! You have to publish them and I want a copy of the book when you do." - 5th grade student"These stories took me right back to my own childhood. I had a hard time putting it down.""I loved the boat story.""I laughed out loud at the monkey story!"As a substitute teacher I often filled gaps in assignments with stories from my past and found that the students loved hearing them. I became the "story-telling teacher."Students ran up to me at the beginning of the day and ask excitedly, "Are you our sub today?" They're always disappointed if I had to tell them that I'm there for another teacher.The students sat mesmerized as I regaled them with stories of my childhood.They all agreed, "You've gotta' write these stories down and we want a copy of the book when you're done! Can you tell us the treehouse story again?"This book was originally intended for young students, but I have found that the adults probably love them even more because they lived in the same era. I've received comments such as; "I laughed out loud at ______________ (they all loved a different story). "This took me right back to my childhood."I hope you enjoy these stories no matter what your age. I had fun sharing them with you.

The author of Yarn Harlot returns with more hilarious personal stories about all the ups and downs of being a knitter. Stephanie Pearl-McPhee (a.k.a. the Yarn Harlot) returns to pen another hilarious, insightful, and poignant collection of essays surrounding her favorite topics: knitting, knitters, and what happens when you get those two things anywhere near ordinary people. Free-Range Knitters shares stories of knitting horrors and triumphs and knitting successes and defeats, but, mostly, it shares stories about the human condition that ring true for everyone—especially if you have to have a rather large amount of yarn in your house. Praise for Yarn Harlot “Stephanie Pearl-McPhee turns both typical and unique knitting experiences into very funny and articulate prose.” —Meg Swansen, Schoolhouse Press “I laughed until my stitches fell helplessly from my needles!” —Lucy Neatby, author of Cool Socks Warm Feet “A sort of David Sedaris-like take on knitting—laugh-out-loud funny most of the time and poignantly reflective when it’s not cracking you up.” —Library Journal