The Well-Trained Mind: A Guide to Classical Education at Home, Revised and Updated Edition by Susan Wise Bauer, Jessie Wise Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of The Well-Trained Mind: A Guide to Classical Education at Home, Revised and Updated Edition
Book Review: Preliminary Review- A Great Resource
Summary: 4 Stars
This is my preliminary review. I'm a mother of one infant and have started to prepare for homeschooling or supplementing a public-school education, and chose this book because I beleive that a classical education could work for our child. We'll see!
I will be editing this review, I'm sure, in five, ten, and 15 years from now, as I learn more about homeschooling and my own child.
Before I begin what I liked and disliked, I should say that a classical education may not be for everyone, but then, people who do not want to give their children a classical education should not buy this book. I would strongly suggest that if you don't know what a capital-letters "Classical Education" is, that you seriously look into it before you buy the book.
What I liked about this book:
1. Its exhaustive lists of resources, some familiar (I loved Saxon math as a child, and we also read Homer in high school) and some unfamiliar (the grammar resources were great).
2. Its step-by-step approach, explaining how-to for every step of the way, with examples and a few anecdotes. Anyone who has had a classical education him or herself will know that these are merely suggestions, not orders, but they are a fantastic starting point and raise important questions.
3. The frank and appropriate discussion of religion. The authors are unashamed of their own religion (Christian), but they are clear-thinking enough to be able to give general recommendations for people of any faith.
What I didn't like about this book:
1. Despite its non-sectarian text, some of the resources listed are Christian, though the authors always give alternatives. I feel that a truly non-sectarian text would put the secular alternatives first, with a note that the Christian alternatives have particular advantages. Our family is inter-faith and this has been a source of worry for my spouse.
2. The authors repeat themselves a lot. This could be an advantage if one is following the book through over a period of 15 years. However, a list of disclaimers at the beginning of each section would be more effective and less tedious.
3. Although the authors do make some efforts to include non-Western civilizations in their bibliographies, resources, and recommendations, in my opinion, they do not go far enough. The previous centuries' limitations to the world west of the Volga and north of the Nile was due to lack of access, not superiority, and while it is clear that the authors know this, I believe they have not done enough to help our children overcome these limitations from the past.
I always wished I'd had access to a classical education myself. I am thrilled that I found this book so that I can give my daughter the opportunities I didn't have. Even if I don't use any of the resources listed in the book (though I almost certainly will use some of them), I have a good idea of how to begin drawing up a curriculum that can be developed and changed as we learn together.
Thanks to the authors for this wonderful resource.
Book Review: Explains exactly how to homeschool
Summary: 4 Stars
This book is my favorite homeschooling resource book. It explained to me why my kids would benefit from a classical education and how to do it step by step and year by year. We are following the athors' plans for history and science. I refer back to this book regularly and highly recommend it, especially for those lost in a sea of "where do I begin?" and curriculum questions. Book Review: A Good Starting Point
Summary: 4 Stars
Next year I will start homeschooling my four year old daughter. While doing some research I came across the Classical Method and loved it. It seems challenging yet fun. It's a different method than by what I was taught so I am sure that I will be learning along with her. While doing some more research I found this book that really spelled things out for me. I don't agree with all her ideas, her choices for curriculum, etc. However, I found this book to give me a starting point in choosing my own material. This book is not exactly Christian though she does recommend many Christian books. She is not specific on giving advice about how to teach your child Bible. That is wisely left up to the individual family. If you want to learn what the classical method is and how it can be taught I would highly recommend this book, though not all of her specific curriculum choices.Book Review: Very persuasive book
Summary: 5 Stars
This is a fantastic "how-to" and "why-to" book on classical homeschooling. This book is very well-written and specific in its instructions and recommendations. The authors have "been there/done that" and share not only experience but expertise! One simple warning: if you read this book you will come away thinking not only SHOULD you homeschool your kids, but that you CAN homeschool your kids and that you should do it THEIR way! :) :) It persuaded me to homeschool and I have 4 kids ranging from 10 to 2 years old! Enjoy!Book Review: I had to have my own copy
Summary: 5 Stars
This is a valuable resource for homeschoolers. When I first decided to homeschool, a friend let me read her copy. I knew that it was one of the few books that I wanted for my own! It is a book that I will refer to often in the future. If you are even considering homeschooling this is one of the books you should read.