A disturbing yet so forcefully clarifying read. The book describes in a well-documented way the aftermath of the Sexual Revolution, offers very compelA disturbing yet so forcefully clarifying read. The book describes in a well-documented way the aftermath of the Sexual Revolution, offers very compelling arguments against the hook-up culture and its anti-woman multifaceted effects, brings remarkable critique to liberal and radical feminism. It speaks in favor of marriage as the best ground for sex and raising children… All from a secular perspective. There are here many things we dare not not teach our daughters....more
I had no idea Economics could be SO absorbing and entertaining! I have learnt a lot! Easy to understand even for those, like me, with very little knowI had no idea Economics could be SO absorbing and entertaining! I have learnt a lot! Easy to understand even for those, like me, with very little knowledge on the subject (it is actually intended for young readers - i find admiring the ability to explain abstract and complex concepts in ways even children can understand. It is all done thorough lots of connected stories, illustrations, comparisons and often-times a humorous tone. Really enjoyable!...more
I do have a soft spot for books about great books. This one really is a golden resource! True to its subtitle, it has provided a very educative experiI do have a soft spot for books about great books. This one really is a golden resource! True to its subtitle, it has provided a very educative experience. * it teaches techniques (summarizing, creating outline, questioning, journaling for thoughts and reactions, discussing with a reading partner) for better understanding, analysing and evaluating what you are reading (general principles and also particular guidance for different kinds of literature, especially what questions to ask each kind of book - great thought-provoking questions!) * it helped me form an overall picture of the history of literature, (finally it’s development, influences and philosophies arranged into a comprehensible timeline in my head!) and where each great work fits * amazing annotated lists of what to read on each genre: the author covers novels, autobiography, history (& politics), drama and poetry (and science, for the latest updated edition!) with great descriptions for each recommended book (that make it easier to choose and start, though the author recommends an extensive chronological genre reading, as the works influence / build on one another and for a better grapple of the transformation of a genre and the shifts in world view as time progresses).
It has been a delight! I am amazed and grateful for this monumental work and have an increasing respect for the woman who managed to write with so much discernment, thoroughness, with great use of humor and irony. All this while also raising a family and educating her children at home (I have previously read "The well-trained mind", a exquisite, mammoth work on the classical home-education of children. And I plan to read more of her works).
I am excited to "jump into the great conversation"!...more
I am very much impressed by this monumental work, so comprehensive, brimming with excellent ideas and great resources (my book lists have swelled unprI am very much impressed by this monumental work, so comprehensive, brimming with excellent ideas and great resources (my book lists have swelled unprecedentedly). The education described here really sounds like the golden standard I would have dreamt for myself, and I would dream to give to my children. Thorough, extremely well-organised, logical, beautiful, empowering, wholesome, appetising (for me! By the way, I have found out Susan also has a book "The Well-Educated Mind" for adults who wish to bridge some gaps or simply expand in their education - definitely on my list!). The book is useful for all parents, whether homeschooling or wanting to supplement the public education of their children (but the curricula is very demanding, so there is really a limit to how much can be done of it if the child also attends a regular school)....more
I have been captivated by Gombrich’s narration: the flow, the links, the intrigues, the style - i have listen with the pleasure and eagerness with whiI have been captivated by Gombrich’s narration: the flow, the links, the intrigues, the style - i have listen with the pleasure and eagerness with which i listen to a great tale (adult as I am). I loved the big picture perspective it gives over the world’s history: I finally have a clearer, more conntected timeline in my head. And also, I appreciated the consideration, care and respect with which he relates the deeds and worldviews of old. Any fault i’d find with the book kind of pales in the light of what it achieves, considering its purpuse (world history made comprehensible for children). I am glad I can offer this book to my children - were I to have read it when i was a child, I would have fallen in love with history sooner, would have realized early on its tremendous worth and significance (history classes - the ones I had in school - have lamentably failed to sparkle this fascination for history)....more
Good reminder of the truth that what is required of me is faithfulness, not success, that relationships are more precious than accomplishments, that mGood reminder of the truth that what is required of me is faithfulness, not success, that relationships are more precious than accomplishments, that multitasking is really being scattered and lacking focus, that rest is not absence of work but of anxiety and frenzy, that less with the ability of being present and nurturing is more than efficiency woth worry, charging through checklists in angst, pacing fast while sacrificing inner peace&growth and the child’s love of learning, that teaching means inviting the other to imitate you (thus the importance of investing in personal growth, nuriahing your own soul and mind).
I loved these ideas:
Education: the cultivation of wisdom and virtue by nourishing the soul on truth, goodness and beauty. True aim of education: order the child’s affections: to teach him to love what he ought and hate what he ought, to put living ideas in front of your children like a feast, to cultivate the souls of our children, to nourish them in truth, goodness and beauty, to raise them up in wisdom and elequance. All these done with a purpouseful restful spirit.
“When we put children in direct contact with great ideas and get out of the way, "Teachers shall teach less and scholars shall learn more." Any homeschooling parent who has observed her own children for any length of time will know this to be true. Real learning happens when our children wrestle directly with great ideas- not as a result of our repackaging those great ideas, but when they interact with the ideas themselves.””...more
Such a worthwhile read, offering a beautiful and wise foundation and vision on children’s education. It is grounded, wise, rightly focused and very veSuch a worthwhile read, offering a beautiful and wise foundation and vision on children’s education. It is grounded, wise, rightly focused and very very inspiring…
I loved the principles, recommendations, tools, there are plenty of ideas to implement and resources to explore, especially in the area of books (loved her approach! something I have felt to be right for a while but I lacked some of the articulation and grounding of).
It is written by the daughter of Francis Schaeffer and condenses excellently the Charlotte Mason’s method of teaching (what a visionary teacher she was!). If I ever end up homeschooling, this book would be a pillar and guide I’d follow and turn to again and again. There’s a lot to implement anyway, whether homeschooling or not.
I especially liked her examples on how to teach children *to distinguish between “I want” and “I will” and to turn their thoughts from that which they desire but do not will *to teach them habits of attention and concentration, truthfulness, self-control and other. And also her resources about worthwhile books and activities that encourage thinking, ideas about incorporating music, art, and other aspects of wholesome education within family and community life. ...more
Nature, story, play, curiosity and wonder: 5 forces that help children learn. I was inspired by this perspective on education. This book has increased Nature, story, play, curiosity and wonder: 5 forces that help children learn. I was inspired by this perspective on education. This book has increased my teaching enthusiasm, my interest in becoming more intentional, creative, resourceful in nurturing my children’s love of learning. The book has enriched many of my educational lists and notes: methods of teaching, educators to study, values to focus on, great books/crafts/activities for children, organisational tips, etc. Worthwhile!...more
Such a GREAT valuable guide for boy moms! Full of wisdom, practical, inspiring, I have enjoyed this parenting book like no other! Really puts things inSuch a GREAT valuable guide for boy moms! Full of wisdom, practical, inspiring, I have enjoyed this parenting book like no other! Really puts things into perspective, touches soo many topics, it is a portal to so many great resources. Love it and will recommand it everytime I have the chance!...more
Loading...
