The Call of the Wild and Free
A persuasive case for natural, play-based, child-led education.
Summary of 7 Key Points
Key Points
- Reclaiming the wonder in learning
- The case for natural education
- Unschooling and self-directed learning
- The role of play in education
- Designing an environment for freedom
- Balancing structure and flexibility
- Real-life stories of wild and free learning
key point 1 of 7
Reclaiming the wonder in learning
The wonder in learning is depicted as a liberating and empowering perspective that champions curiosity, freedom, and exploration over rigid and traditional educational models. It’s this inherent interest and fascination that drives a learner, pushing beyond boundaries and allowing the individual to genuinely enjoy the learning process. By freeing the learner from standardized measures of success, the narrative fosters a culture of self-driven education where knowledge is pursued for its intrinsic value. ..Read&Listen More
key point 2 of 7
The case for natural education
Natural education, as proposed in the subject matter, is an approach that emphasizes the significance of letting learning flow from the child’s curiosity and the environment around them. This approach to education veers from traditional schooling methods which often involve structured curriculums and standardized tests. Natural education argues for an embracing of the individuality, interests and pace of each child…Read&Listen More
key point 3 of 7
Unschooling and self-directed learning
Unschooling and self-directed learning, as conceptualized in the book, is a pedagogical approach that emphasizes learners’ intrinsic motivation and curiosity. It is a revolutionary form of education that defies traditional paradigms, focusing not on structured curricula but rather on fostering a love for learning in children. The method encourages children to take charge of their own learning, exploring their interests, and following their passions…Read&Listen More
key point 4 of 7
The role of play in education
The role of play in education is a fundamental element in the nurturing of a child’s creative and intellectual growth. It is not merely a leisure activity but an integral part of a well-rounded learning experience, providing a practical platform for exploring ideas, testing theories, and developing problem-solving skills. Play creates an environment where children can learn at their own pace and apply their knowledge in a context that is enjoyable and non-threatening. ..Read&Listen More
key point 5 of 7
Designing an environment for freedom
To design an environment that encourages freedom, you should foster an atmosphere of curiosity, exploration, and creativity. This involves providing resources and opportunities for the child to pursue their interests and encouraging them to take the initiative in their own learning. The space should be comfortable and welcoming, with plenty of room for movement and a variety of materials and tools available for the child to use in their projects and investigations…Read&Listen More
key point 6 of 7
Balancing structure and flexibility
In ‘The Call of the Wild and Free’, a delicate balance between structure and flexibility is highlighted as an important aspect of homeschooling. The author posits that while a certain level of structure is essential for maintaining discipline and ensuring that learning objectives are met, flexibility is equally important to adapt to the individual learning styles and needs of children. It is argued that too much structure can stifle a child’s creativity and natural curiosity to learn, while too much flexibility can lead to chaos and lack of direction…Read&Listen More
key point 7 of 7
Real-life stories of wild and free learning
The perspective of real-life stories of wild and free learning is deeply explored and celebrated. These stories present real-world examples of children who learn by following their passions and interests, unhindered by traditional classroom structures. The children’s learning journey is portrayed as an adventure of exploration and discovery, where their innate curiosity and imagination are their primary tools and guides. They are allowed to learn at their own pace, and are given the freedom to ask questions, make mistakes, and pursue their own unique paths of inquiry…Read&Listen More