God Schooling: How God Intended Children to Learn (Book Review)

Today, I'm sharing my review of the book God Schooling:  How God Intended Children to Learn by author Julie Polanco.  The book consists of 9 chapters, followed by study questions that you can use either as an independent study, or with a group.

Chapter titles include:
Biblical Support of Natural Learning
Motivation & Excellence
Thoughts on Teaching Children Under Age Eight
Thoughts on Teaching Children Aged Eight to Twelve
Giving Teens the Wings to Fly
Spreading the Banquet
Getting Started
Some Q&A
Record Keeping and Structure

The book, in short, expounds on the world of unschooling in all it's glory, while slapping God's name on it for a self imposed seal of approval.   I have nothing against unschooling, and see where it has it's own merits.  I love to see kids follow their interests and find their passion.  However, in my personal opinion, the author comes across as saying this is the only God approved way of homeschooling, and I can't agree with that.   It may very well be how He led her to teach (or not teach) her children, but that doesn't mean it's THE WAY for everyone.

Likewise, some of the opinions that the author shares in this  book really just rub me the wrong way.   Here are a few direct quotes that particularly annoy me, both of these are from the section on teaching small children (under age 8).

"I have learned while teaching at co-op that children under eight years really are not capable of much formal learning."  (page 63)

"Trying to teach anything to children this age and expecting them to retain it is a waste of time." (page 64).  

Throughout the book, the author uses scripture to try and back up her point of view.   Ironically, in support of the above referenced chapter/quotes she uses I Corinthians 3:18-19 "If any one of you thinks he is wise by the standards of this age, he should become a fool so that he may become wise.  For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God's sight."  (page 68)  Yet the back of the book brags of quotes from 25 experts in child development, psychology, neuroscience, and education.   That's a pretty big contradiction no matter how you look at it.

Moving on to children ages 8-12 the author goes on to say "Just as walking and talking are skills that we did not teach, reading, writing, and calculating are skills that we would do well not to teach, at least not until the child shows readiness by asking for it, vehemently."(page 78)  I don't even have words for how out of touch this sentence is to me.

As you can see, I'm not a fan of this book.   I wish I could give a more positive review, but that's just not going to happen here.  I will say, the author has a good, easy to read writing style and is passionate about her topic.    If you'd like a copy, the author is having an e-book half price sale going on until August 22.

To read other reviews of this book, click here.