How Children Learn

I’d been meaning to read this book for a long time, and I realize that it’s considered a “classic”, so I was surprised and disappointed when I finally got around to reading it. Basically, Holt describes various situations where children are playing and learning. If I hadn’t already observed the same kinds of things with my own children, maybe this would have been enlightening. If you’re someone who’s spent time with young children, I don’t think you’d get much out of this book. Perhaps if you haven’t, then it might be interesting.
Rating: 2 / 5

I think this is a must read for every adult. It taught me a whole lot of new things which has made me and my wife look at parenting in a whole new way. Highly recommended!

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Rating: 5 / 5

I had a hard time with this one… I think its description needs to be more straight forward: reads like a scientific journal/notes of observations. I was bored a lot, but determined to complete the book.

I was glad I did. The last chapter and follow up were the best parts of the book! I loved the last chapter that summed up all of his thoughts and observations into an idea. Very thought provoking.

Now someone just starting out on the parenting track might enjoy his notes and observations better than someone who has already been through it like me.
Rating: 3 / 5

The most pleasant outlook toward children I have ever encountered. Having read this book, I look at children with an entirely different perspective and a lot more love and respect!

I would also add that school, at times, frustrated me beyond words. John Holt provides those words for me.

To give one of many examples:

“Now and then a bold teacher will start what they call a “discussion.” What happens then is usually what Bill Hull calls “answer pulling.” The teacher asks a series of pointed questions aimed at getting students to give an answer that he has decided beforehand is right. Teachers’ manuals are full of this technique-”Have a discussion, in which you draw out the following points….” This kind of fake, directed conversation is worse than none at all. Small wonder that children soon get bored and disgusted with it.”

Humility is when you consider that a child is not inferior after all, she is precious and her ideas and approaches to learning deserve careful consideration. Adults are generally not willing to accept this, and teachers are no exception.
Rating: 5 / 5

It blows me away that this book isn’t more widely read. This book forces us to question every choice we, as a society, make regarding education. Instead of standardized tests and extensive teacher training, Holt emphasizes good old common sense and the willingness to let children tell us what they need.

As someone who spent over 5 years teaching in the classroom, I wish I had gotten my hands on this book years ago.

I can’t recommend this book enough. Every parent and teacher should have to read this book.
Rating: 5 / 5