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“The book spells out the different steps in implementing student-directed projects, and every chapter has an inspiring list of specific ideas/formats. My only complaint is I want more — I can’t wait to read what Pickert publishes next.”
“[A] must read for all parents and educators who are interested in raising/encouraging children to take charge of their education and make learning a lifestyle and not just a chore. This book is filled with practical advice…”
“There is so much practical, useful information in this book. … Pickert gives us the tools to be great mentors to our kids.”
“PBH actually assisted me in focusing on my own unique style and listening more closely to my own creative voice (as well as that of my children, and being less seduced by everything new and shiny when things lagged in our learning), not just as a parent, but as an individual. The positive impact that this focus has had in my personal and family life is profound.”
“I’ve noticed big changes in my child’s play since I began doing the things suggested, and I am utilizing it for my own projects!”
“In addition to teaching how to do project-based homeschooling it’s like a manual on how to live.”
“Do yourself a favor and read this book with a highlighter and pencil in hand.”
“PBH is hands down my favorite book on homeschooling.”
“Although the title says ‘Project-Based Homeschooling,’ it is really something that any parent could incorporate into their lives, homeschooling or regular schooling.”
“Brilliantly written book, easy to read, easy to follow, well organised, stuffed full of easy to follow and idea-provoking tips for enjoying learning and supporting children of all ages. ... As a librarian and advocate of life long learning, I can’t tell you what a joy this book is to read — affirming, inspiring and practical.”
“Her writing style is really accessible, witty and flows beautifully; she paints a picture of a world you can’t help but want to be a part of. This isn’t a vague philosophy, this is a how-to book that empowers parents to empower their children.”
“For those new to homeschooling and even those such as myself, who have been homeschooling for years, this book will be the one you have on hand at all times. Easy to read, intelligent, heartfelt, inspiring and honest!”
“Wonderful resource! This will help every parent to keep their children’s love of learning alive. Project Based Homeschooling will be a favourite for years to come in our home.”
“It has been an inspiration to our homeschool and to our daily life.”
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“I can't recommend it highly enough.”
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“[H]er new book … synthesizes so much wisdom about homeschooling from a project-based perspective.”
“[O]verflowing with ideas for any parent who’d like to encourage more self-directed learning in their kids.”
“Do yourself a favor and read this book with a highlighter and pencil in hand.”
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“Anyone who considers themselves the ultimate guardian of their children’s education … will find ideas to think about and act upon.”
“[A] rare book that both inspired me to make changes in the way I homeschool and gave me the practical means to make them.”
“[T]his isn't just a homeschooling book. It is a guide to parenting.”
“What Pickert has done with her book is explain in an easy-to-read and practical manner what parents can do at home to ensure that children will take charge of their own education and gain essential skills. If that sounds far-fetched, I suggest you read the book.”
“There are only a handful of books that I can honestly say have changed my life. This … is one of those books.”
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8 comments
This is perhaps the biggest goal of mine yet: instilling a good work ethic and a value on hard work. This is the single most important trait a person can have, next to kindness. Its the blueprint for community, when paired with a passion for solving problems.
nicely said, steph. my certainty is that in order to teach children to value hard work, we have to value what they want to work hard *on*. they can then absorb all the authentic lessons about hard work --
-- that it can be enjoyable
-- that it can be very difficult
-- that it can be immensely rewarding
-- that sometimes it requires you to ask for help
and etc. and etc.
then they can really take those lessons forward as they grow into adults, and apply them.
:^) Reading this made me feel good.
totally.
but how do I learn to value the fact that Ford wants to work hard on evolving his creatures in the video game "Spore?" Or how hard he wants to work on earning an Xbox 360? ;)
I'm having a hard, hard time letting go of my own assumptions. This is a huge tide to fight.
How are you dealing with it?
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thank you, teri ;^)
steph, i think you DO have to learn to value ford’s work on spore and his wanting to earn an xbox! this is going to sound incredibly corny, but try writing down your feelings about those things (e.g., “video games are a waste of time”) and then purposefully try to list the positives (e.g., “ford is being very persistent .. he is working really hard .. he has mastered a very complex game .. he takes time to explain what he’s doing to others” .. etc.).
i try to own up to my own prejudices (reading is better than video games) and then chill and play devil’s advocate .. because a lot of my work is urging parents and teachers to rethink their assumptions, i walk through it myself. “i would rather he read a challenging book than play a computer game” .. but the game is very complex and challenging, and includes a lot of reading. and he does read a lot anyway. “i think he is spending way too much time playing that game” .. but he is really intensely interested right now and he hardly played at all last week, so really, averaged out, he’s not spending too much time on it, plus he is really proud of having made it to this challenging level and it is really engaging him intellectually. and etc.
if you think of that work ethic you want to instill, you can’t overlook the fact that with video or computer games, often a child will spend hours slogging through boring tasks to build up to a level s/he wants to achieve .. some strategy games really reinforce the idea that you have to do a lot of work in order to achieve something you want.
what are you struggling with the most?
This is great stuff. I can already see the changes in my children since I started incorporating less instructing and more guidance into their life.
sally, that’s wonderful -- i’m so glad! :^)
Lori, sorry, my mail won't send so here's my late response to your question:
What Is struggle with the most is my inner comparisons: Ford's brother-in-law is an avid gamer who lives with us as pretty much a consumer, unless we ask for babysitting. He's 19 and either plays games or sleeps. I'm afraid this kind of role model, though witty and charming, is kindling my dismissive response to video games. Already I come from a sheltered home where we had no real tv, much less video game exposure till we were 10 to 12 (I can't remember), so all the early exposure Ford and Chas has leaves me struggling for true north; I just don't know what kind of ramifications this will have. But seeing them watch their uncle play constantly--that's becoming a part of their home landscape. If their uncle had a regular job or took out the trash, yadayada, my opinion might balance! :)
I also struggle with the desire to have Ford outside more, playing eithr independently or with other children, in real life. I know this is better for his eyes, his health, his nurturing spirit. He just has to recenter and rediscover this and, when involved outside, he indeed finds it. But right now, our home environment is skewed by the tractor pull of the internet and game monitor between me, my BIL and Damon. I want the kids to spend at least their youngest years out of doors; this time is formative and when they grow older, I'd like daydreams to consist of falling leaves and hours building outdoor forts. I want the outdoors to be home base, center. I want that very badly.
I'm totally projecting on them. I can't help it!
However--Did you see his last blog post on Ford.sicore.com? You can't kill a good Spore obsession!
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