Hi Jane. You can read that here: https://tjed.org/product/leadership-education-manifesto/

And yes, we have it framed in our dining room, where we homeschool!

I love everything you wrote in this article! Would you mind updating the link to the manifesto? It took me to an error page. Also, do you frame and put it in your homeschool room?

You are doing just fine. I read all the books by these people and attended workshops too. Not impressed. I decide when things happen and that happens when I see readiness skills in them for the next level. I use standard curriculums as a guide. One kid maybe “behind” in math but “on grade level” in reading. It is a beautiful thing to watch a kid progress at their own pace.

I know what you mean. I have read some of the Thomas Jefferson Home Companion and it is useful for involving the community and mentoring the classics, now I am reading The Thomas Jefferson Education main book which is about philosophy. The Leadership Education for The phases of Learning is more about what to stock in your house and walks you through the core needs..

For those with teens who have developed a “teenager” attitude – give them a copy of Thomas Jefferson Education for Teens (and read it yourself too!). The book is full of inspiration for teens (and adults), calling them to find their mission and what they have to offer the world, and how to get themselves a fantastic education so they are best equipped to fulfill their missions.

Thank you so, so much, Laura. Appreciate the encouragement!

Candace, I was struggling with the same thing as my girls entered the teen years. All the approaches that worked for us went out the window as first the older and then the next developed a slouchy, grumpy, don’t-care-anymore attitude. They didn’t want to go back to school necessarily, although they were open to it, they just didn’t want my control over what they were learning. For awhile, that made me even more controlling. I don’t recommend that unless slammed doors and tearful outbursts are your thing.

Then I dug into material about how teens learn and what inspires them. Here are my recommendations:

Free to Learn by Peter Gray, his premise applies to every age including parents.

The Teenage Liberation Handbook by Grace Llewellyn, really inspiring. Get your kids to read this one!

Free Range Learning by Laura Weldon, the second half of the book is the real goldmine with lots of open-ended ways to learn joyously. Also, check out this article by the same author about successfully homeschooling teens: http://lauragraceweldon.com/2012/05/24/successful-teen-homeschooling-two-vital-factors/