Customer Reviews

Homeschooling with Gentleness: A Catholic Discovers Unschooling

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I was very disappointed with this book. The main reason is that I really didn't find anything new in it. The author seemed to quote John Holt so much that it really seemed to me that it would be better just to read his books, which I have. Most of the books that the author used, in fact, are common ones that most homeschooling parents have probably already read. She just quoted other authors throughout this book. I would describe the author's method of homeschooling more in line with very relaxed homeschooling than what I have seen with other unschoolers.

As for Catholicism, her approach to that seems to be using the normal texts that other Catholic homeschoolers use such as Faith and Life, Seton, and the Baltimore Catechism.

The author has a 13 year-old son and now a toddler. Most of the book dealt with homeschooling the older boy. She has been homeschooling for 6 years, which is about the length of time I have been doing it. It would have been nice if she were a little more experienced. We don't, for example, know how everything turned out for her son. Using this method of education was he then able to proceed into college/vocation of his choice?

The other really big issue I had with the book is the lack of advice for large Catholic families. Most Catholic homeschooling families, which I am familiar with, are rather large. Unschooling is a method of using child-led education. What might work well and easily with her 1 child, might be far more difficult with 7 children. I just don't see how this book is particularly relevant for most Catholic families looking into homeschooling.

Instead of this book, I would recommend that people purchase John Holt's book, and then if they follow the author's advice, just use what other Catholic homeschoolers use to teach religion. I would think, however, that there would be more opportunities to incorporate the Faith throughout all that is done during the day.

I am just finishing this book, and it has been very helpful! We have used private and public schools, have homeschooled with various curricula, both secular and Catholic, but this book has given me the freedom to do what works for us. I am not going to worry any more about when and how the children are learning -- because they ARE learning! It is such a relief to know that we can do this with a Catholic mindset.

Whether you are a homeschooling parent or simply a parent concerned with the quality of your children's faith formation and education, you owe it to yourself and your family to learn a bit about the concept of "unschooling". In her new book Homeschooling with Gentleness: A Catholic Discovers Unschooling (Christendom Press, October 1004, paperback, 132 pages) takes a look at this "gentle" variation to the traditional homeschooling path. As a mother of two Catholic school students, I must admit that I initially approached Andres' book from a perspective of suspicion. My reading of this book, however, produced much fruit in the form of an enhanced appreciation for my own role, and especially that of my children themselves, in their own educations. In his comments on the book, noted author and professor Ralph McInerny reminds us that "The Church has always insisted that the parents are the primary educators of their children." Far from being critical of formal education, Andres book is a positive and uplifting commentary on the concept of "unschooling" and shares ideas and suggestions that will be of value to any family, regardless of your educational preferences.

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!"

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.

How wonderful to finally read a book on Catholic unschooling, and from someone who has done it herself. I found this to be positive and reaffirming; however, I would have liked to have "seen" more of her own unschooling days and how she worked their Catholic faith into their lives.