| Title | : | A Thomas Jefferson Education Home Companion |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 0967124638 |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9780967124636 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Paperback |
| Number of Pages | : | 241 |
| Publication | : | First published October 1, 2006 |
A Thomas Jefferson Education Home Companion Reviews
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I have mixed feelings about this book. It’s great for people who are already advanced in applying the TJEd philosophy. I do not recommend it to people who are new to leadership education. It's too tempting for newbies to use this book in an attempt to create a TJEd conveyor-belt at home.
I love the chapters by Rachel and Oliver DeMille. In fact, the chapter entitled "Steel to Gold: Feminism vs. Stateswomanship" is not to be missed. If this article were not already available on the Internet for free, I would recommend this book to others based on that chapter alone. It's absolutely fantastic.
The chapters by Diann Jeppson are helpful, showing how she applies the principles of leadership education in her home and community. I do have one major concern. Because this book is co-authored by the DeMilles, families new to leadership education may think that Jeppson's style and method are necessary to properly applying the principles.
The way a few chapters are written, the book appears to promote a TJEd conveyor-belt at times (if that were even possible). Having heard Diann Jeppson and the DeMilles speak many times, I am well acquainted with their ideas. Neither Diann nor the DeMilles seek to promote a conveyor-belt application of the principles at all. I think the problem lies in how certain sections were written. If those sections were re-written, I would wholeheartedly recommend this book to everyone. -
I had the opportunity to attend the seminar which accompanied the release of this new book. I could relay to you all the things I realized, but it would fill a whole notebook. So, I will cheat and use this review that says it better than I could:
“At a time when the American educational system is in crisis and the family is under attack, the tried-and-true principles handed down through the ages—herein called Thomas Jefferson Education—are fostering the revival of a culture of leadership and liberty. As a result, the family is being restored to its rightful place as the basic unit of a prosperous and free society; and the prospects for American education are looking brighter than ever.
Regardless of where your children sit to learn, your home can be transformed into a Leadership Education home, a Thomas Jefferson Model environment. A discussion of the implementation of the principles of Thomas Jefferson Education in the home, particularly a microscopic view of the family culture of leadership and learning, is sorely wanting for a generation of parents and mentors who knew far more of the Conveyer Belt than of Leadership Education.
These incredibly helpful articles read, at times, like a letter from a friend, at times like an entry in a journal of Education or Child Development, and even, at times, like we’re overhearing a conversation—but in every case it is relevant, accessible, and empowering. This volume offers something new, something which we all need, a view of the Thomas Jefferson Education system from many angles and from education of toddlers to advanced adult learning. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, legislator or professor, this book is a must.” Vicki Jo Anderson
This book is a must read, even if you are not a homeschooling parent!
I also highly recommend getting your hands on the other articles published by George Wythe College as aids in implementing Leadership Education in your family.
Thomas Jefferson Education In Our Home
Core and Love of Learning: A Recipe For Success
Transition to Scholar Phase
Scholar Phase -
Do you know that thing where, when you're pondering what direction to take, everything around you seems to be centered around a particular direction or message?
I love when that happens.
We're in the middle of this several-months-long period of job transition and cross-country move that's fixing to shift again as we move into our new home (at long last) next week. My thoughts have been circling for months this idea of what I want to take with me, emotionally and materially, and what I want to leave behind.
This book is full of this idea. In a series of essays, Oliver and Rachel DeMille and Diann Jeppson write about the importance of applying the principles of Leadership Education and practical ways of doing so. At some points, the book is a little slow-going, and some of Diann Jeppson's essays, rather than helping me see TJEd as more doable made me wonder if I was up to the task (Jeppson offered practical advice, but reading it felt overwhelming at times).
The most powerful essays for me were those that dealt with the leaders of the past and what we can learn from them as we try to improve our own education so that we may give our children the opportunity to be leaders. Rachel DeMille's "'Steel to Gold': Motherhood & Feminism" lit a fire under me and helped me see the importance of my role as a parent (when often the gifts I have to offer as a stay-at-home mother are undervalued in our culture). She helped me begin to place myself in history, which helps ease some of that feeling of loneliness as I take less-traveled paths.
And the last five essays were just incredible. They dealt with the fallacies of education, like that education should be fun ("No nation focused on unearned fun will pay the price to fight a revolutionary war for their freedoms, or cross the plains and build a new nation, or sacrifice to free the slaves or rescue Europe from Hitler, or put a man on the moon. We got where we are because we did a lot of things that weren't fun."). They addressed the principles of "liber" and "Public Virtue" and how they were embodied by the Founders. And they pointed out how those we consider great leaders (Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, Churchill, etc) spent years reading and studying and discussing before they acted upon what they'd learned and changed the course of history.
Then there's the Epilogue, which most directly relates to the quest I've been on these past months. A mother struggling to apply the principles of Leadership Education while raising six children (with a seventh on the way) uses the metaphor of the handcart, used by many Mormon pioneers as they crossed the plains to Utah, to illustrate the idea that those who follow this path are educational pioneers (debates about mismanagement of the handcart parties aside). She talks about the difficult choice of what to put in your metaphorical handcart and what to leave behind, knowing that everything you carry with you, you'll be pushing with your own power for thousands of miles, and everything you leave behind might be something you needed to take along to ease your journey, or even to make it to your destination.
This is the choice I'm trying to make as we settle into this new phase of our life. What's important to me? What will I need for this journey? What things no longer serve me that I'd like to leave behind?
This book not only helped me to see more clearly the path I'd like to take my children's education (and my own). It helped me see that the path I choose for our family's education is the path I choose for our development as human beings and as citizens of the world. -
After reading the awe inspiring first book "
A Thomas Jefferson Education" I wanted to get started but felt a little overwhelmed and not sure where or how to get started. This book is written by several authors and gives ideas, inspiration (including how to run the home while homeschooling), and more insight into homeschooling future leaders of the 21st Century. -
July 2011
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This book was inspiring and motivational. I appreciated the examples within it, but I wished for more examples of how families "do it." (educate at home) I felt like there was a lot of the "why," and DeMille's philosophies, but I wanted more examples of clubs, "a day in the life"s, etc... to ponder on.
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The two chapters that I took the most from are "Seeing the Whole Picture" and "The Jeppson Plan." I've made my master plan and refer to those two chapters often as I am in the middle of planning my daughter's 1st grade year as a homeschooler.
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When I first decided to home school my children, years ago, I took the time to ponder what I really wanted for their education. Because my oldest was only three when I made my decision, I had time to research, read, and think about this. Ultimately, I decided that my biggest priority was that they develop a love of learning, a desire to embrace knowledge. From there, I had to figure out the best way to instill that desire in them. Four years after I began this journey, I borrowed a copy of “A Thomas Jefferson Education” and realized that its methods embodied virtually everything I wanted for our home school plan. And while that book was more concept-oriented, “A Thomas Jefferson Education Home Companion” gives you the nuts-and-bolts application of the teaching.
I really enjoyed the essays within this book. The three authors split them up amongst themselves, and I quickly got a feel for the different voices. For me, the best way to study the TJEd methods was to see how other families applied them, and what that meant for daily life, and this book is chock full of those applications.
Of course, examples are not the only things in the book. Oliver Van DeMille especially penned a number of concept-based essays. The one that stuck out the most to me was the one that pointed out the shrinking attention span in our nation.
Another essay I enjoyed was about feminism and statesmanship. So many stay-at-home-moms – myself included – tend to look inward once they become mothers, and tune out the outside world. This article really inspired me to continue to nurture and lead, and to not shelter myself completely from the things going on around us. I also really appreciated the points made about self-fulfillment, and how so many women think that this is an either/or scenario. I think Jeppson provides ample proof that it need not be, and again, this was something I needed to hear.
One thing I noted in other reviews of this book: other reviewers think that it may be difficult for a new TJer to NOT conveyor-belt their kids after reading this book. I agree that many of the concepts and applications are suggestions and examples, not must-dos. I was fortunate enough to have worked out most of my plans and desires for home schooling beforehand - and having them closely align with a TJEd - so this was less a problem for me. I’ve studied enough to know that I cannot implement every good idea, because they won’t necessarily work with my family. But someone new to home schooling or a Thomas Jefferson Education may need that reminder – so consider yourself reminded! You can’t do it all, but you can find what works for you and tweak it to your family.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I read it, pen and notebook in hand, and took copious notes. It was kind of nice to “study” it after reading “
A Thomas Jefferson Education” because I was geared up to take notes and ponder what I was writing down. Again, as long as the reader remembers that a TJEd is *not* a conveyor-belt education, and we should *NOT* seek to duplicate everything we read, they should be able to get a lot out of this book. (Oh, yes, and also remember that a new Hser is NOT going to duplicate the patterns that a ten+ year veteran has perfected.) -
I read this book over a year ago and then again last week in an attempt to better understand the Thomas Jefferson Education method. The second time through was better I think. I did understand things that had confused me before.
I think there are some interesting ideas here, but again, I felt like I still didn't know HOW to implement it.
The first time through I thought this sounded very much like unschooling which I can't handle. (More power to you if you can; it's just not me.) The second reading helped me see that they do in fact teach phonics and math and other subjects. I STILL can't figure out how they work that out if we're supposed to "inspire not require". How then to you teach reading? They totally gloss over this important step and tell you how wonderful it will be once your child ages 8-12 really start to learn on their own and WANT to read and study. But my question is, WHERE DID THEY LEARN TO READ? Because it seems like you're not supposed to have 'formal' lessons in the Core Phase (under 8 yrs old). But then one lady talks about how she has a list of books and subjects and she sits down and reads through them and checks off each subject studied. Is that not a formal lesson? And why would she recommend Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons if you're not supposed to require lessons. These people are so confusing sometimes!!!!
Taking a deep breath now....the second time through, like I said, I found that they do appear to have some sort of structure and lessons. It really does sound Charlotte Mason-y to me. It's pretty much what I've been doing for the last few years.
Anyways, I came away with some good ideas I want to incorporate, but overall found the book frustrating and confusing. But less so than the first one. -
This is a must own book... it is one of those that you will go back to again and again... for inspiration.. and for reminders....I would highly recommend it to anyone just starting out with TJED. It is easy to read everything and fall in love with the idea and principles... it is a totally different thing to apply it and do so knowing your applying it correctly... This book together with the phases book and the TJED book... helped put the picture together for me.... so that I could then apply to my family in a way that worked for our family.
It is for sure an invaluable reference I will go back to again and again. -
This book is a series of essays by different mothers who are applying Thomas Jefferson Education in their own homes. It gives a peek into the lives of others who are successfully living by leadership values. Some of this book, however, I found to be not applicable to me or helpful in any way; reading it just made me feel overwhelmed. I feel that "The Phases of Learning" TJed book is a much more effective resource tool than this one. But it is still valuable, and I'm sure I'll get more out of it as my children grow and I will read it again every once in a while.
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Diann Jeppson has some good thoughts about how to inspire your children to learn. However, she seems to be one of those women who can do a lot of amazing things at once, which I cannot pretend to be :) Some of the things she suggests seem overboard. The DeMilles have some more rather grandiose things to say about education - but one thing did strike me (in a good way): if I am to help my children get a great education, it will be hard and I will need to sacrifice. I need to spend time education myself - setting the example, so to speak. But it will most likely be worth it.
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There is much detail here on how you go about helping young people, and yourself, in gaining a truly excellent education. Not all of it is from books; several chapters deal with helping children and youth learn skills about the day-to-day activities of life. Still, underneath it all remains the point that we are all responsible for our own education; gaining a first-class education is hard, but it is also fun. With education comes responsibility; this book can help you recognize some of those responsibilities. This is an excellent companion to A Thomas Jefferson Education.
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Life changing . . . along with the
A Thomas Jefferson Education by Oliver DeMille and a couple of live seminars on the Leadership Education movement or Thomas Jefferson Education. I keep refering back to it, loaning it out, needing it again and buying another. -
After reading TJEd, I found this book very practical. I enjoyed reading it more than the original book. I don't think that we can/will implement all of their ideas in our home, but I think there is a lot worth taking from this book. I love the culture of learning and thinking that this method tries to create. I would recommend this book to all parents, even if you have no intention of ever homeschooling your children.
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Ideas that are practical and idealistic for homeschoolers and parents of homeschoolers to use in applying the theory presented in the book
A Thomas Jefferson Education. Indispensable if you are serious about a TJE Education. -
This is the companion guide to
a Thomas Jefferson Education. It makes TJEd seem doable instead of unattainable. I loved reading this and want to go out and buy it so I can read it again whenever I feel like homeschooling is hard. -
This is not a page turner, at least in my opinion. But I can see how it would helpful as a guideline for a home/leadership community. My favorite chapters were definitely 12-15 where Oliver and Rachel DeMille write about the sacrifices needed for Public Virtue and also how to become men and women of Liber. Chapter 15 discusses how to mentor genius, and I found myself relating to this chapter quite a bit.
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With the number of distractions growing daily in my life, it is nice to have a book that helps to put life into perspective and help guide me to what I really want out of my educational experiences and for those of my children. We are in need of people who will lead and have the education to be effective leaders. The Home Companion helps to not only inspire but give direction to those who seem to be overwhelmed with learning how to teach a generation of leaders.
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Definately a book I will read over and over and refer to often. Many classics are listed in here, so my list of books I want to read just grew. It gives you some nuts and bolts as a springboard for your own family and also inspiration and the desire to help your children become the leaders this country need (and not just in the political world)
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I cannot wait to set up a "Mom School!" I appreciated all the great tips from Diann and the DeMilles. Can't wait to begin implementing them in my homeschool. I agree with Oliver DeMille that "solutions to our problems today will not be addressed by a quick fix. Kids in our homes TODAY need an excellent education in order to be leaders and change our future."
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As compared to the first two TJEd books I read, this is more of a collection of essays written by a handful of authors - some instructional, some encouraging, some informational. I found parts of it to be a little heavy-handed for what is (currently) working in our house, but I also came away with some ideas to try.
