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Education Uncensored
By Laurie Block Spigel
 
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Front Cover -click to enlarge
Education Uncensored
by Laurie Block Spigel
A Guide for the Aspiring, the Foolhardy, and the Disillusioned
$12.95 plus shipping & handling
(click covers to enlarge)
Back Cover -click to enlarge


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What people are saying about this book Updated

new Laurie, it's as if you are speaking my thoughts. I recommend this book for everyone who is sincerely interested in whole-hearted parenting and education. This book is a MAGNIFICENT one. An eye-opening, inspiring, fantastic piece of work. Extraordinary words put on paper regarding home education. Real life is what it's all about & everyone should know it. This should be read by all, home educating or not. Our children deserve SO MUCH MORE than society claims. I wish I had millions of copies to give to everyone & anyone I meet. Thank you for putting it on paper. "
– Tara (proud homeschool mama)
"[If you] haven't yet read Education Uncensored, Please Do! I finished reading it a few weeks ago but haven't been able to put it away in my library, nor have I been willing to lend it out. For those of you haven't read it yet, it is part memoir, part education book, part homeschooling primer, all wonderful."
– Mary O'Riordan, Ed.D (homeschooling parent)
"I am almost through it for a first read, and planning to go through again taking notes. Looking forward to some board games, interviews. . . . wow. Homeschooling is really a gift, and all your ideas, experiences and advice are so exciting and practically useful to me!"
– C. M., homeschooling parent
"I just wanted to tell you how much I appreciated meeting you and reading your book. It is terrific, and for me, the best part was its New York perspective. I know no other book available to homeschoolers that so overtly references an urban perspective."
– David Albert, author of And the Skylark Sings with Me and other books
"Your book is fabulous – I've been recommending it to homeschoolers and school-schoolers."
– Anne Troy, parent
"Your book is terrific. It is filled with wonderful ideas and your enthusiasm is palpable. What are your plans for a sequel?"
– Susan Kramer, Middle School English Teacher
"I loved your book, especially the parts about how children are motivated to learn and how children learn in different ways. Your book helped me understand what went on with my kids when they were in school. I think every parent who is interested in his/her child's education would benefit from reading your book before they make a decision on a school, or non-schooling."
– Diane, mother of two
"It was my pleasure to relax over the holidays and read through your book almost cover-to-cover in one sitting. You expressed and described so many feelings that come with homeschooling extremely well. I especially enjoyed your writings about the processes of creativity and thinking in unique, problem-solving ways."
– Clare Larson, homeschooling parent of two boys in NYC
"You made me laugh, you made me cry, and you inspired me. I can literally hear your voice, and love your storytelling and your wisdom and just the whole package. I'm stimulated and filled with ideas for my own teaching."
– Bonnie Shulman, Professor of Mathematics, Bates College
"Even a seasoned homeschooling parent will find new ideas and resources in Education Uncensored, the inspiring story of a New York City family's educational journey."
– Heather Henderson, homeschooling parent and co-editor of Longman Anthology of British Literature
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"A profoundly creative and down-to-earth account of dreams fulfilled – dreams and implementation about what educators can do to enhance the often-stifled potential of children, blending home and school education."
– Paul Jaquith, Educator and Minister
"Laurie Block Spigel’s EDUCATION UNCENSORED: A Guide for the Aspiring, The Foolhardy and the Disillusioned presents a fresh, accessible and wise approach to twenty-first century education. Building upon the successes of progressive education and Ms. Spigel’s own experience, it offers insights and/or useful techniques on every page. It’s a must read for teachers and parents alike."
– Daniel Judah Sklar, author of Playmaking: Children Writing and Performing Their Own Plays
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"Laurie Spigel is a gifted teacher and an inspiring writer. Her new book, Education Uncensored, is a joyful celebration of what truly creative teaching and learning can be like, for both student and teacher." Read more ...
– Jennifer Dees, Parent and Home Educator
"Laurie's book wonderfully weaves her personal story with her extensive knowledge about education. Everyone, from parents to professional educators, will learn and benefit from reading this book."
– Kaye McFarland, Parent and Home Educator
"Laurie's evolution as a teacher and life-long involvement in the world of education has given her a profound understanding of the problems that plague today's schools. This book offers an insightful look at how an increasingly standardized system is robbing our children of their individuality and passion for learning. Additionally, it provides innovative how-to curriculums for anyone involved or interested in educating children."
– Ellen Labiner, Homeschooling Parent and Special Educator
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"A very valuable book, not only for the homeschooling community, but for all of us who care about our kids' education. Should be required reading for all teachers! It's a clarion call for improvement, and an affirmation as well as a guide for all teachers and parents who are trying to get it right."
– Heather Wood, author of 101 Marvelous Money-Making Ideas for Kids

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Table of Contents

Introduction: A Syllabus for Syllabi

Part One: I Become an Educator

The Professor's Daughter
Project Muse
My First Child
School and Humiliation
Volunteering in First Grade
Private Schooling
We Homeschool
The S Word
How to Learn Anything
I Find Myself

Part Two: Uncensoring Education

The Uncensored Classroom
Democracy or Dictatorship
The Intimate Classroom
Age and Grade Level
A Test-Driven System
Child-Inspired Learning and The Three I's
The Four Levels of Teaching
The Creative Classroom
Beyond Your Four Walls

Part Three: Teaching the Subjects

A Balancing Act of Feeding the Brain
Math
   The Polygon Alphabet Code
Science
   Make Your Own Invention
Social Studies
   The Timeline
   Primary Sources
   The Interview
   Creating Historical Fiction
   Making Classifications
   Living History Theater
Language Arts
   Reading
   Grammar
   Spelling
   Spelling Concentration
   Handwriting
   Writing
Assessments
   Setting Attainable Goals
Great Curriculum Ideas
   The Take-Out Curriculum
   Restaurant Curriculum
   Zoo Curriculum
   The Herbal Curriculum
   Fairytale Literature
Make Your Own Board Game
Respecting Our Future

Appendix: Suggested Reading On Education

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Buy the Book

$12.95 plus shipping & handling

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