The Call of the Wild and Free Book Summary - The Call of the Wild and Free Book explained in key points
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The Call of the Wild and Free summary

Ainsley Arment

Reclaiming Wonder in Your Child's Education

4.6 (50 ratings)
29 mins

Brief summary

The Call of the Wild and Free by Ainsley Arment is an insightful guide on how to reconnect with nature and encourage kids to explore the outdoors, fostering their development and sense of wonder.

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    The Call of the Wild and Free
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    The author decided on homeschooling to give her son his childhood back.

    On his first day of school, the author packed her son Wyatt onto the school bus and watched as it wound its way down the street. Then, she did what any mother would do – she jumped in her car and followed it.

    She followed it all the way to school, keeping an eye on Wyatt’s bobbing head through the glass. She watched as her boy walked into the building and out of sight. And then, sitting alone in the car, she began to weep for the conclusion of her son’s swift childhood.

    At this point, in the author's mind, school was certainly not a matter to be questioned. Children have to go to school. It’s part and parcel of growing up. Everybody does it. And so the author put up with it. She put up with the distance that was, slowly but surely, burgeoning between them.

    She would put up with anything if it was for the good of her son. But, her son was changing. He started to care about what his peers thought about him. He was losing his childish curiosity and playing less. The author would say that it was as if the light in his eyes had been snuffed out.

    And she missed her friend.

    It was another homeschooling mother who first put the idea onto the author’s radar. Never before had she taken the concept seriously. 

    After all, she didn’t want her child to grow up weird. She didn’t want to scuttle his future.

    But, faced with the prospect of losing the boy she knew and cherished, the idea of homeschooling hit her like a gust of hope.

    So it came to pass that, one afternoon, they sat down together over coffee and her friend ran her through the basics. It turns out that there are many schools of homeschooling –  the Charlotte Mason and Montessori methods are popular ones, and the Regio Emilia approach is also catching on. She was introduced to a lot of names and so many theories about what education should be that she was truly awoken from a stupor of presumption.

    Only weeks later, she settled on a home curriculum that she liked and, with great trepidation, pulled her son out of the first grade.

    Ultimately, her decision to homeschool Wyatt was born from the responsibility she felt to give her son his childhood back.

    Together, they took a plunge that would change their lives, for the better, forever.

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    What is The Call of the Wild and Free about?

    The Call of the Wild and Free (2019) is a practical guide for homeschooling children, brimming with advice and inspiration for parents thinking about an alternative education for their children. In the process, it dispels a few old stereotypes about homeschooling and makes a case for its legitimacy as a model of education today. Frequently going beyond homeschooling to reflect upon the concept of education generally, the author presents both a powerful critique of the school system and a call to arms to educate our children differently.

    The Call of the Wild and Free Review

    The Call of the Wild and Free (2020) by Ainsley Arment is a captivating book that explores the benefits of homeschooling and nature-based education. Here's why this book is worth reading:

    • Offers a refreshing perspective on alternative education, highlighting the importance of nature and hands-on learning in a child's development.
    • Provides practical tips and advice for parents who want to incorporate nature and outdoor experiences into their child's education.
    • Engages readers with compelling stories and thought-provoking insights that challenge conventional approaches to education, making it an inspiring read.

    Best quote from The Call of the Wild and Free

    A magical childhood is about freedom. Freedom to explore, discover and play.

    —Ainsley Arment
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    Who should read The Call of the Wild and Free?

    • Parents thinking about an alternative education for their children
    • Educators looking for ideas to complement a traditional education
    • Anyone who wants to rekindle their own childhood curiosity and adventurousness

    About the Author

    Ainsley Arment is a homeschool mother, founder of the online homeschooling community Wild + Free, and a leader in the burgeoning homeschool movement. She has nine years of experience homeschooling her five children.

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    The Call of the Wild and Free FAQs 

    What is the main message of The Call of the Wild and Free?

    The main message of The Call of the Wild and Free is about reconnecting with nature and embracing the freedom of a more unstructured childhood.

    How long does it take to read The Call of the Wild and Free?

    The reading time for The Call of the Wild and Free varies depending on the reader, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.

    Is The Call of the Wild and Free a good book? Is it worth reading?

    The Call of the Wild and Free is a worth reading as it inspires a deeper connection with nature, fostering a sense of adventure and self-discovery in both children and adults alike.

    Who is the author of The Call of the Wild and Free?

    The author of The Call of the Wild and Free is Ainsley Arment.

    What to read after The Call of the Wild and Free?

    If you're wondering what to read next after The Call of the Wild and Free, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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