The Quest for More Knowledge

I haven’t been able to put this book down since I received it. Not only does it share Charlotte Mason’s educational philosophy and how to structure the homeschool environment in relation to her philosophy, but also those same principles could easily be applied to raising children as “image bearers of God” even if one chooses not to homeschool. Additionally, I believe many of the the priniciples in this book regarding relating to children can be applied to any homeschool environment whether or not you choose to teach according to CM recommendations of living books, nature study etc. I believe the book has “take home points” for just about anyone that wants to read it. Great buy…you won’t be disappointed.
Rating: 5 / 5

This is the most useful book relating to either teaching or parenting that I’ve read thus far in my life (well, other than scriptures). Maybe it would help to qualify this statement to say that I’m a licensed clinical (mental health) therapist and have studied about every developmental and parenting theory out there.

The proper word for this book would be inspiring. The philosophy, based very specifically on a recognition of a child as a PERSON, and a child of God; very directly corelates teaching in any form with a way of being, with an active recognition of the innate value of each person. It is also a very applicable philosophy, for which this book in particular, is a tremendous aid. I’ve been intrigued with Charlotte Mason since I began researching methods for homeschooling…and at first loved the idea, but had a terrible time understanding exactly how to use it. This book cleared that all up for me and gave me a solid, working knowledge of how to teach using Charlotte Mason’s philosophy, as well as a foundation of exactly WHY she used each method of teaching. I highly recommend this book to anyone who has any interaction with children. I’ve found myself wanting to recommend it to all of the mothers I know who have children of school age…not to encourage homeschooling, but to help them judge the quality of education their children receive, and help them make better decisions regarding it. So many parents seem ignorant of what their children are actually learning, not to mention how and why.

After reading this book, I feel that I would be unable to allow any less for my own children than what is described in its pages…which for me means an overhaul of my own interactions with them. The explanations within this book also have helped me more clearly see the basis for other theories and methods I have read about, and allowed me to more easily sort through what is worthwhile, and what is fundamentally flawed.

This book is well written, very well thought out, and the authors are clearly well versed in thier subject. The book is mostly concise, and organized in a way that ideas can be easily devoured in tidbits without worry about losing place or flow in reading. Good stuff.
Rating: 5 / 5

This book is so practical. Throw all your worksheets out and enjoy this book and its ideas. I loved it!
Rating: 5 / 5