Free Range Learning 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 homeschoolers from the U.S., Canada, Germany, Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, Mexico, India and Singapore. These parents and kids are the true authorities on alternative learning. Written for interested parents and educators, Free Range Learning will also encourage and excite those who want their children to have the benefits, but who are timid to approach homeschooling. This is the only book anyone needs to make the choice and start the process of homeschooling children, and 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. Free Range Learning presents the simple choice to homeschool 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. Free Range Learning demonstrates: * that children and teens can best be nurtured outside of restrictive educational systems * that we can restore what is heart-centered and meaningful back to a central place in education * how networking with others enriches the learning experience for our kids * how homeschooling has become a force of positive social change-making the community a better place for everyone.
Laura Grace Weldon's happy childhood was marred by the presence of alligators under her bed. No one ever proved they weren't real.
She found peace in a small forest behind her home, where she hoped small woodland creatures might grow to trust her and eat the offerings of food she brought each day. They didn't.
She also sought refuge in books, happily bringing home dozens each week from that heavenly realm called The Library. When told, "get your nose out of that book and go outside" she rode her trusty pink bike for hours. Quite regularly she discovered the thrill of getting lost. Back then small girls found their own way home from construction sites, major highways and Lake Erie. The only consequence? A sense of adventure.
The continuing adventure has led Laura to write a book of poetry with nursing home residents, run support groups for abused children, teach nonviolence workshops, develop community enrichment programs and make messy art.
Laura lives on Bit of Earth Farm (BitofEarthFarm.com) with her family. Although she's not a particularly useful farm wench she takes part in raising cows, chickens, produce, honeybees, and the occasional ruckus. In her idle hours she writes essays and articles, edits other people's books, spends time on the blog she said she'd never start, writes poetry, and is slow at work on her next book: Subversive Cooking (subversivecooking.com).
By the way, she's learned that the alligators haunting us are exactly where any of us put them.
