How Children Learn (50th anniversary edition) (A Merloyd Lawrence Book) Paperback – August 1, 2017

I've read and reread Holt's works over the years and I believe it's important for educators at any level to read his books and think hard about what they can do to make children less afraid to take risks in learning. This book made me consider how I answer student's questions and what the words I use convey to those asking questions. This book led me to all his other books and to "Growing Without Schooling" and while I don't agree with all his educational proposals he's an author I'm very grateful to have engaged with, agreed with and argued with over many years. He changed the way I think about education for the better.

This book was purchased in a particularly tumultuous time in my professional life, in which I struggled as a school system employee (occupational therapist) with whether or not I should homeschool my own 3 children. This carefully worded and insightful volume served to verify what I see on a daily basis in the public school system, and assured me, despite what influences may intend to dissuade me, that unschooling is inarguably the right path for the education of my family. We live in a time when Mr. Holt's worst fears have been realized; schools more closely resemble prisons each day. We choose to ignore best practices in education, and serve only the agenda of achieving higher scores in standardized testing. It is a sad, bleak future for children who are growing up thinking they require assistance to learn anything new. I am excited and empowered to start on the unschooling journey with my own developing learners after reading this book and sharing it with friends and family.

Very insightful. Enjoyed the story format (made it easier to read in segments). Brilliant discernment and perspective of children. It has greatly increased my understanding and enjoyment as I observe my own children and I feel I am better equipped to support their natural affinity for learning. I think you could greatly benefit from this book especially as a new parent or even if you have no children but work with them.I rarely add books to my permanent library but this is a keeper! Except I already lent it out. It's that good :)

The book accounts for the author's personal direct observations and research on the subject of childhood development, and how parents need to establish a positive connection with their children, and to ensure the proper resources are availed to the children. The book accounts for how learning skills are properly developed to the children's abilities and aptitudes, and why parents should understand a likelihood, the common "one size fits all" mode of schooling may be more harmful than beneficial. The book has its proper place in my library, along with a few other books on the K-12 education, as it adds a dimension on how a child may achieve a quality education without necessarily going to a large corporate building called a "school".

The wisdom in this book is as pertinent in today's world as it was back when it was first written, and needed more now than ever.

It will open your eyes to what school should be, and highlights the many small and large ways the education system inhibits learning.

Such a great book that had given me pause with my young kids and even when working with others.

The expanded version of his perceptive analysis of how children actually do learn in this world, and how you can facilitate that process.