Learning in the Absence of Education

Essays on Homeschooling

© Beverley Paine

The Value of Play - Lego

Play has long been recognised as enhancing learning, but sometimes when our kids play all day it is hard to believe they are learning anything at all. I often used to ask myself just what was it the children were learning from playing Lego all day long, and whether they were wasting precious 'learning moments' when we could have been doing something more educational! I once took the time to observe their play, occasionally joining in and having some fun too. I brought to the front of my mind all I knew about learning, and asked myself what was going on as we played. Here are some of the things I discovered were happening:

W e were also, without knowing it, fully engaged in experiments in physics and mathematics, in the areas of space, measurement, motion, energy, speed, efficiency, safety, strength. And when we used the Technic bricks we were becoming competent with using technology such as gears, pulleys, levers, chains, etc. All this in 'just playing'!

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More than 60 essays covering a wide range of home schooling concerns and issues, such as late readers, value of play, socialisation, learning maths, part time school, and thoughts on testing. Learning in the Absence of Education is an intimate and honest look at day-to-day homeschooling life spanning several years. Includes articles on learning maths, reading and writing, spelling, socialisation, part time schooling, fathers and homeschooling, value of play, grading and testing, coping with stress and illness, and much more.

"These essays are the real life experiences of a long term home educator and activist and make inspiring reading... a valuable resource for all those interested in home education.... What I particularly appreciate are the personal day-to-day stories that are so specific in the incident or outcome These are essays written over time that reflect natural learning (read life) as it really happens.

I really enjoy Beverley's writing style in this book. It is very direct, sometimes even challenging the reader. She tries to be scrupulously honest always so we read of advantages and disadvantages of whatever topic she is discussing. She will also point out the ideal situation and how she thinks she falls short. Sometimes she is self-deprecating; sometimes she glows with enthusiasm for their successful lifestyle. There are touches of humour and sometimes wry cynicism.

Hopefully this book will answer many people's questions and fears about natural learning. It is all in here: how right it feels when natural learning is working well, what happens when we have insecurities ourselves, and the results so far. By presenting the natural learning case in this essay style, Beverley has been able to reflect the different moods, the ups and downs, that make the book a valuable resource for all those interested in home education, whatever their current style."
Janine Banks, home educator, Qld

ISBN 1876651016, 128 pages... $22.95

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Homeschool Australia SA HE Network Unschool~Kidz! About Beverley Paine

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