As someone who used the TJED method for 4 years (and continues using ideas from this book) I feel that others ought to know the pros and cons I have encountered in following this homeschooling method. I had to rate it 4 stars because I like it and feel that there is a lot of valuable information here which can be implimented with any homeschool method, however, I wouldn't recommend using TJED as a method on it's own or following every idea to a "T".
The main ideas of the method are: "Inspire, Not Require" which means that we inspire our children to learn, instead of forcing them. "Read, Write, Discuss" which means that you will be active in their education, reading to them, reading the same books they read, using writing and discussion as the true test of whether they understand the material (no tests). "Lead by Example" which means that you ought to put forth an example of continually learning, yourself, whether that means reading enriching material, taking a class, or pursuing a degree. "The Child is the Text Book", which means that the child should be given choice in what they will learn and be able to pursue their interests. "Read the Classics", which means to use wonderful, appealing books in any given subject or topic, instead of text books.
The method is divided into 4 phases of learning, all of which are self-driven: "Core Phase" (ages 0 - 8), in which children's education is focused on family life, morals, creating and discovering. "Love of Learning Phase" (ages 9 - 12), in which children learn skills simply by pursuing their own interests (it is said that most children want to learn to read and start some math during this stage). "Scholar phase" (ages 12 - 16), in which children take more interest in wide ranges of subjects and choose topics of study to read and discuss with you, the parent. "Depth Phase" (ages 16 - 22), in which teens have discovered their life's work and pursue this with a mentor, either in college or elsewhere.
I used this as my only method during the Core Phase years and found that I kept wrestling with the feeling that my children weren't getting enough in their education and that I felt concerned and embarassed when my children didn't know the things other chidren knew. I think the Unschooling ideas can be used effectively at certain times in a child's life, for self-motivated children, or in younger years, but in general I think children need some structure and someone to guide them because they don't realize all the things they're going to need to know in life and there is so much to learn and so many things to experience. Since the author recommends not using check-lists or schedules I felt really unsure of where we were headed and how to help them learn something in a step-by-step manner. It became very stressful for me at times.
I have since changed methods, but still use ideas from this book. I believe all of the ideas have some relevancy, but according to your best judgment and the individual needs of the child at the time. I feel that my children and I benefited from this method in that they are truly interested in learning and discovering. They love science, history, geography, art, and music, and they are fairly motivated to get their school work done each day. We have an enjoyable time learning these subjects together, instead of having a great division between teacher and student. We have discussions about the things we learn, instead of doing tests, and that has made our schooling more fun. I have gathered a library of wonderful, appealing books for my children and find that they will read educational books in their spare time.
I recommend reading this book and using the ideas that you find helpful and inspiring, and leaving it at that.
