“You either learn your way towards your own script in life, or you unwittingly become an actor in someone else’s script.”
JOhn Taylor Gatto
- How true is this quote! How many homeschoolers do you know are trying to break free from “someone else’s script?”
- And what does “someone else’s script” look like?
- What future do we want for our children?
- Because of our experience in school, what ways is it hard for us to move towards true freedom in our own homeschool?
These questions, and more will come up in our biweekly book club discussion.
We’ll read Dumbing Us Down: The Hidden Curriculum of Compulsory Schooling, written by John Taylor Gatto. Gatto was New York City Teacher of the Year in 1989-1991, and New York State Teacher of the Year in 1991. He is not only a great teacher, but good at putting into words many of the challenges he sees in compulsory education. Many of these same things he describes — you no doubt have felt. We’ll take a chapter every 2 weeks. For practical reflection we’ll use The Deschooling Journal by Marie Goodwin.
This group will be a way to come together to reflect and breathe life (and freedom) into your own ideas about education, ultimately flowing down to your own kids.
Why are you beginning this book club?
Often times in our normal course of homeschooling, it’s easy to feel like you’re on your own. Perhaps you have a sense of other things that you’d like to try…but it can be hard to feel like there is space to discuss fears, difficulties, and hopes — especially hopes. This group will be a way to have a consistent group for support and relief as we consider what is possible. The practical reflection resource Deschooling Journal will be very helpful — so often it’s just plain hard to think while you are in the thick of it!
Why these books? I am not an unschooler or a deschooler!
I am going to be brutally honest; I am not either! Personally, I consider myself more of a “middle of the road” homeschooler. However, I know that many who have questioned the underpinnings of our modern educational system bring up many useful questions that can help even folks who might identify with being in the middle. Those of us that perhaps are not as radical, but aspire or inspire to be more free — will be helped by these resources and our group discussions.
How long will the outside reading take?
My best estimate would be 60 minutes to 75 minutes, every 2 weeks.
I am interested, but cannot make this date and time.
If you are interested, but cannot make the advertised time, please reach out. With a group of 4-5, we should have some flexibility in finding an alternate time.
What’s the cancellation policy?
The appropriate policy can be found on this page!