Title: And The Children Played
Author: Patricia Loudry
Overall Rating (1-10): 10
Value (1-10): 10
Flexibility (1-10): NA
Ages/Grades: all
Schooling Method: Unschooling
Kid Value: NA
Review: This book was purchased, upon recommendation from a friend. I wasn't sure what to expect since I'm not a big fan of autobiographical books. Joudry writes in a fashion that will keep you chuckling through the book but will also touch your heart and lift your soul.
Patricia Joudry tells her first hand account of the lessons she learned about the educational needs of children. Patricia, a Canadian playwright, bought a house in the middle of nowhere in England with sprawling land and old-fashioned charm. She managed to do this, despite having any appreciable income, through good luck almost exclusively!
Without a decent school in sight, she opted to let her children learn at home. Because the family's livelihood depended on her writing, she spends her days in her office while the children played. Over time she watched as they learned entirely through their play. Their games took up days and weeks and months. Their projects captivated them. And still, without any formal lessons, they learned.
She carries you with her through her struggles with the law who oppose her home education efforts. And her seemingly never-ending good fortune as she finds a certified teacher who wishes to pacify the local authorities by acting the 'teacher' for no pay at all. And then an inspired unschooling schoolhouse is formed to keep those authorities at bay. Through it all, the children played. And learned through their play.
The parents live at a crisis level, with no income opportunities in sight, although in various states of denial, throughout much of the book. It is both humorous and shocking that they persevere through it all. But inspirational.
Bottom Line: This book is a light, enjoyable read that will leave you with the gift of inspiration. If you, at all, lean away from formal educational theories, this book is a must read! Patricia Joudry shares her discovery, seemingly decades before it's time, that sometimes the best education is found in play.
Buy Now: And The Children Played
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