Homeschooling With Gentleness - Reviews

Comments:

I came to "Homeschooling with Gentleness" after reading Andres' more recent book, "The Little Way of Homeschooling" which tells the stories of many Catholic unschooling families. "Homeschooling with Gentleness" is Andres' own story. Subtitled "A Catholic Discovers Unschooling" it describes her journey to unschooling as well as offering philosophical arguments about why unschooling works and whether Catholics can morally unschool. In case there was any doubt given the title of this book, yes, they can. Andres does not put forth unschooling as the only way to homeschool - far from it. The introduction states, "I am not writing to recommend this approach to all Catholic homeschooling families. Rather, I am writing about what works for us, and what I suspect will work for some others. . . Please understand that I am proposing and defending as Catholic one particular way among many." In the pages that follow, she tackles defining unschooling (not an easy task!) and shows what it looks like in her home. She explores the difference between being a Catholic unschooler rather than a secular one, and encourages readers to learn to trust - both God and nature. Her last chapter is devoted to having books as friends. This is followed by a booklist of some of her and her family's favorite books. Andres writes in a very accessible manner. Reading this book is much like sitting down to have a conversation about homeschooling, and unschooling in particular, with a dear friend. She shares her struggles and triumphs, her doubts and her joys. I greatly enjoyed reading this book, found much wisdom in its pages, and would recommend both "Homeschooling with Gentleness" and "The Little Way of Homeschooling" to anyone considering homeschooling.

Comments:

Suzie Andres is a delightful author, as gentle as the title of her book "Homeschooling with Gentleness". I love how Suzie is a mother, homeschooling just like me. She is not an expert who knows the theory but has never put it into practice. She has experienced unschooling. She has seen the benefits. But Suzie, like all of us, needs reassurance that what she is doing is right. Sometimes doubts can creep in. What I really love is Suzie's honesty. So Suzie sets out on a quest for answers. And we are able to follow along: What exactly is unschooling? What does it look like in action? Can a Catholic unschool? How does the Faith fit into unschooling? And can I trust my child to learn if we unschool? Is unschooling the best method of education for my child and my family? Suzie is not heavy handed; she does not force her ideas on the reader. But after reading the book, I wanted to say, "Yes! I have found a kindred spirit. Unschooling, or homeschooling the gentle way, is the right way for our family too." This book is a treasure for anyone feeling burdened by their homeschooling, anyone who is looking for a more gentle approach. Suzie has done all the groundwork. She has asked all the questions. She has provided lots for the reader to think about. Perhaps the reader will end up saying, "Yes! Unschooling might just work for us too!"

Comments:

I ordered Homeschooling with Gentleness, after hearing author Suzie Andres' name on more than one occasion, and was so excited to receive it in the mail. It was like anticipating a bite of birthday cake or an ice cream sundae. When it arrived, I dove into it with gusto. The book is organized into three parts. As I read Part One entitled "Unschooling", I was disappointed. Instead of being inspiring or encouraging, Ms. Andres came across just as insecure and unsure of herself as I often felt, at certain parts, maybe even more so. She referred so often to a Mr. John Holt and his writings, quoting him at length over and over again, I wondered if I should put her book down and read one of his instead. She reminded the reader, often, that she was writing as much to reassure herself as to inform and inspire others. Her need for reassurance showed. Part Two addressed the Catholic outlook on home schooling in general, and then, more specifically, an unschooling approach. Her writing style still did not particularly appeal to me because she continued to write about what she was writing about, explaining herself over and over. However, her research seemed solid and her arguments appropriate. Her confidence seemed a bit stronger as she shared her own family's experiences. Though Part Two is heralded as the "heart of the book" it was not until I reached Part Three that I felt I finally got a little of what I was hoping for. It was as she wrote of "trusting in nature" and "trusting in God" that Ms. Andres' passion finally shone through. It was in Part Three that I began underlining line after line and feeling more excited to face my own home school again. In the end, I found more of a kindred spirit than a mentor or expert in the pages of Homeschooling with Gentleness. Overall the book was a letdown, yet I saw enough enthusiasm and zeal in its last few pages to whet my appetite for more. Strange as it may sound considering my disappointment, I am curious to check out Ms.…