You Are Invited!
Whether you’re navigating the complexities of education or seeking inspiration for your child’s learning journey, we invite you to join with us for six months as we read a variety of thought-provoking books that challenge conventional education and explore alternative paths for nurturing creativity, independence, and curiosity in children.
Coming up, we are featuring influential works that discuss critical perspectives on education, the importance of creativity, and the value of nature-based and passion-driven learning.
Book Club FAQs
We meet virtually on Zoom and discuss the book of the month for one hour. It’s about exploring alternative education, and it’s also about the other parents who share this space! As we explore the book of the month, we share our thoughts, questions, learnings, and make new discoveries together.
It’s $10 per month to access the community discussions on zoom calls. You source the book or audiobook on your own. You can read the e-book, listen to the audiobook, or access the books via Amazon or at your local library or bookstore.
Book Clubs are facilitated by Janelle Schroy, who is a book lover, author, world traveler, family travel expert, educator and advocate for alternative learning. Janelle and her husband have been worldschooling their four children for the past six years while exploring 47 countries together.
They are parents from around the world who love their kids and are wanting to offer them the best education opportunity they can. The book club is about exploring the options through exceptional books written by thought leaders in this space.
What We’re Reading
October 2024
Big Idea in Focus: Critical Perspectives on Education
Book: Dumbing Us Down: The Hidden Curriculum of Compulsory Schooling
Author: John Taylor Gatto
Book Description:
In Dumbing Us Down, John Taylor Gatto critiques the American education system, arguing that compulsory schooling stifles creativity and individuality. He reveals the “hidden curriculum” that promotes conformity and challenges educators and parents to rethink education’s true purpose.
Find it Here: Amazon
JOIN NOW
November 2024
Big Idea in Focus: Creativity in Education
Book: Out of Our Minds: Learning to Be Creative
Author: Sir Ken Robinson
Book Description:
In Out of Our Minds, Sir Ken Robinson argues that traditional schooling stifles creativity. He advocates for an educational framework that fosters innovation and critical thinking, urging parents to seek alternative paths for their children.
Find it Here: Amazon
JOIN NOW
December 2024
Big Idea in Focus: Brain Development and Learning
Book: The Whole-Brain Child
Authors: Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson
Book Description:
The Whole-Brain Child provides strategies to nurture a child’s developing brain, emphasizing the integration of logical and emotional thinking. This book offers practical tools to foster resilience and healthy relationships in children.
Find it Here: Amazon
JOIN NOW
January 2025
Big Idea in Focus: Nature-Based, Child-Led Learning
Book: The Call of the Wild and Free
Author: Ainsley Arment
Book Description:
In The Call of the Wild and Free, Ainsley Arment encourages families to embrace nature-based, child-led learning. The book shares practical tips for fostering independence and curiosity through outdoor exploration.
Find it Here: Amazon
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February 2025
Big Idea in Focus: Passion-Led Learning
Book: Unschooled
Author: Kerry McDonald
Book Description:
In Unschooled, Kerry McDonald advocates for a learner-centered approach to education, emphasizing the benefits of unschooling, where children follow their interests and passions to direct their learning.
Find it Here: Amazon
JOIN NOW