paceofnature Posted November 16, 2011 Share Posted November 16, 2011 Own it, read it and have sticky notes all through it :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SweetMissMagnolia Posted November 16, 2011 Share Posted November 16, 2011 YES!!! love it---always keep it close by so I can go back and read over certain points if I have questions or need a pep talk--have lots of little page markers too! :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MissKNG Posted November 16, 2011 Share Posted November 16, 2011 Nope!;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stellalarella Posted November 16, 2011 Share Posted November 16, 2011 I just had it out again this morning, double checking info for my logic stage kids. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sue in WI Posted November 16, 2011 Share Posted November 16, 2011 Yes. I own the last 2 editions. I read the entire book when my oldest was 3. Now that he is now in the logic stage, I have re-read that part. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redsquirrel Posted November 16, 2011 Share Posted November 16, 2011 I bought the first edition when DS was born in 2000. I borrowed the second ed. from a friend and spent weeks annotating my first edition page by page. I did it while the toddler napped. When a 3rd edition came out I figured I should buy it because my 1st edition was all scribbled on and there wasn't any point to making the changes all over again. My 3rd edition is covered in highlighter and post-its. If there is a 4th ed in a couple years I will prob buy it if there is any major revision to the rhetoric section. That is where I figure she is going next. In the 3rd ed much of the revision was to the logic stage. Given the ages of her children I am thinking that was where she had gained the most experience and insight. Now, I am guessing SWB is deep in the rhetoric stage, having sent one to college and her other kids growing up. So, that is where I would be looking for revisions. Not that I have any special insight to anyone's life or anything. :lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MyLittleBears Posted November 16, 2011 Share Posted November 16, 2011 I read it, even though I mostly skimmed the high school part. I've read the grammar and logic stage parts a lot. :iagree: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kalphs Posted November 16, 2011 Share Posted November 16, 2011 I am curious to find out how many people actually have read the book The Well Trained Mind on this forum. In another thread I was told a lot of forum members have not read the book. My interest was perked. I read the first edition back in 1999, then ten years later with the 2009 edition. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Socalimom Posted November 16, 2011 Share Posted November 16, 2011 I have read the first edition. Read and bought the second edition. However, I've only read parts that pertain to our current homeschooling journey which is the grammar stage and the philosophy of classical education. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted November 16, 2011 Share Posted November 16, 2011 I read it several years ago. I have been meaning to get it back out and read it again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MyFourSons Posted November 16, 2011 Share Posted November 16, 2011 I read the first edition when I started homeschooling several years ago, and then lent it to my sister never to get it back. I should really buy the latest edition and read it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EmilyinND Posted November 16, 2011 Share Posted November 16, 2011 I said I read it, even though I mostly skimmed the high school part. I've read the grammar and logic stage parts a lot. This is me too! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hedgehog Posted November 17, 2011 Share Posted November 17, 2011 Yes, yes, yes.. that's all three editions, several times over. And there are still bits I miss! :001_huh: But then it just gives me another reason to read it again :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moniksca Posted November 17, 2011 Share Posted November 17, 2011 I've read the grammar/logic sections thoroughly, several times. I always miss/forget something. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smilesonly Posted November 17, 2011 Share Posted November 17, 2011 yes-w/i the 1st yr it came out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KrissiK Posted November 17, 2011 Share Posted November 17, 2011 I first read it years ago before we got the boys. I had an epiphany and knew I was going to homeschool and do it classically. Love the book. I read it at least once a year. Not from cover-to-cover, but in bits and pieces according to what I'm troubled about, or thinking about. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
prairiegirl Posted November 17, 2011 Share Posted November 17, 2011 I have read all 3 editions but own the 1st and 3rd edition. I have read the logic stage countless times trying to get everything figured out in my brain. I like the 3rd edition the best. :001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
enviromommy Posted November 17, 2011 Share Posted November 17, 2011 Multiple editions, multiple times a year, multiple years.Even though I deviate from some of the concept, I can't imagine hsing without it. And this is my 5th year. Me too. Except it is only my second year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jjins Posted November 17, 2011 Share Posted November 17, 2011 Originally borrowed it from the library, but when I found myself writing 5 to 6 pages of notes just for one year for one child... I decided to buy a copy. This has been highlighted and written all over! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bluegoat Posted November 17, 2011 Share Posted November 17, 2011 I've read the 1st edition pretty thoroughly, the library copy. I enjoyed it, and I'm very attached to the classical model, but less attached to the WTM model. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ElizabethB Posted November 17, 2011 Share Posted November 17, 2011 I read it about every 2 or 3 years, I have read at least 2 different editions. I planned to homeschool for a while (before having children, actually, thanks to my phonics tutoring), so I have probably read it 3 or 4 times. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ValRN Posted November 17, 2011 Share Posted November 17, 2011 A fellow home-educating mom "hipped" me to TWTM about 6 years ago. I fell in love with the methodology immediately. Although I cannot say that I am a diehard TWTMer, I do refer to my books (I have 2 editions) very often and choose some the curricula that is recommended in the book. TWTM is my go to resource whenever I need advice in matters of teaching my dc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jentancalann Posted November 17, 2011 Share Posted November 17, 2011 I've read and owned two editions, and each year I swear I'm going to follow it. Doesn't quite happen, though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mama2em29 Posted November 17, 2011 Share Posted November 17, 2011 Yup. And The Lost Tools of Learning. Wondering what I should read next. Any recommendations? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coffeemama Posted November 17, 2011 Share Posted November 17, 2011 Yes, and I re-read sections every few months...whenever I feel like I may be faltering...I think I will be taking it off the shelf again tomorrow.:tongue_smilie: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happycc Posted November 17, 2011 Author Share Posted November 17, 2011 that was the first edition.....i read it a million times and gave it to someone to borrow and never got it back...i bought another one....read it a million times.....then bought the second edition even though I wasn;t homeschooling anymore....read it a million times.....let someone borrow it...didn't get it back for awhile so then got the third edition and then the 2nd edition showed back up again ...have never lent my 3rd edition out.....because now I am homeschooling again I do however get all confused by the 3 different editions...I think it is in the 3rd edition and then check and find out it is not in it and think I was nuts because I thought it was in it then realized it must have been in the other editions..... would be cool to make a little table comparing the three. cause I swear this book I have was in the one of the editions - i think it was the first... my books have been underlined, dogeared, highlighted, well worn.......well loved... MY BIBLE to homeschooling.....I have turned so many people on to The Well Trained Mind. I think I found the book in Borders one day and started reading it and was HOOKED. I had read a ton of homeschooling book but this one is the only I keep and keep buying the new editions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlsdMama Posted November 17, 2011 Share Posted November 17, 2011 (edited) Clear through and we started following the first edition Ana was six! I've owned all three editions as well. Edited November 17, 2011 by BlsdMama Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
serendipitous journey Posted November 17, 2011 Share Posted November 17, 2011 ... there's probably a sampling bias: I imagine folks are more likely to respond if they have than if they haven't ... :) I don't know if I'd have polled if I hadn't read it; on the other hand, I wouldn't have found this forum either ... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
raceNzanesmom Posted November 17, 2011 Share Posted November 17, 2011 I've skimmed it several times, but not read it cover-cover. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WIS0320 Posted November 17, 2011 Share Posted November 17, 2011 Yes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AimeeM Posted November 17, 2011 Share Posted November 17, 2011 Not even once. I'll be honest - it seems a bit silly of me to encourage the emphasis (in study) of subjects that I would STRONGLY discourage my children from further studying in college. Don't hate me :001_huh: We're more science and math focused. Please keep in mind that I do not find it silly for others to emphasize the scope and sequence emphasized in TWTM, it simply isn't what we want for our children. I should read the book instead of listening to my classical lit and history pushing homeschooling friends (who have read it religiously) though... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mommy22alyns Posted November 18, 2011 Share Posted November 18, 2011 It's the whole reason I homeschool. Seriously, without WTM (the book) I would have never felt like I could do it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HappyCamper Posted November 18, 2011 Share Posted November 18, 2011 I've read it a few times, I notice additional info depending on where we are at. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jenL Posted November 18, 2011 Share Posted November 18, 2011 I read the 2nd edition 3x and then I purchased the 3rd edition. I read that once, and I've been contemplating picking it up again to reassure myself of a few things. I gave my sister my 2nd edition when she mentioned she wanted to homeschool. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lang Syne Boardie Posted November 18, 2011 Share Posted November 18, 2011 Not even once. I'll be honest - it seems a bit silly of me to encourage the emphasis (in study) of subjects that I would STRONGLY discourage my children from further studying in college. Don't hate me :001_huh: We're more science and math focused. Please keep in mind that I do not find it silly for others to emphasize the scope and sequence emphasized in TWTM, it simply isn't what we want for our children. I should read the book instead of listening to my classical lit and history pushing homeschooling friends (who have read it religiously) though... I sure don't hate you, but I have to admit I don't understand you, either. My sons are boning up on the humanities because they won't be going to college for those subjects. We are encouraging them to seek STEM careers or apprenticeships instead of liberal arts degrees, so their homeschool experience may be the only training in the humanities they ever receive. Therefore, I'm making the most of this time with WTM, TOG, Latin, Greek, Logic, etc. In my experience with my own children, homeschooling allows time for a WTM-style education and globally competitive math and science. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AimeeM Posted November 18, 2011 Share Posted November 18, 2011 I don't understand me sometimes :glare: Truthfully, with a dyslexic daughter and a medically fragile son; some things are sacrificed. Since she hates history, hates reading (although she can do so well), is a horrible speller and writer; we tend to work on these things, but prefer to really focus on her gifts and preferences - science and math. And honestly, in my experience, I have no desire to cultivate too much of a love for the humanities. All of my favorite Starbucks baristas had a humanities focused private school education in their early years, went to college to obtain advanced degrees in these same fields - and now work for barely more than min wage at a coffeehouse. I think it's really just a family focused preference too though. My husband is a scientist with a good career; whereas everyone I know who fell in love with literature/history and obtained degrees in those fields are struggling and feel that they wasted 6+ years of their life. I think that our personal relationships have impacted our decision on where to focus our children's education. I understand that "communication skills are everything" to those who believe in a heavy grammar/lit focus during early school years; but it doesn't sit high on our priority list when we are more concerned with our children being able to attend college and support themselves after. Part of pushing for a certain type of college education is cultivating a love for that in the early years. I tried to focus on grammar, lit, and history in the beginning but frankly, science and math were nonexistent because I was too exhausted to attempt experiments and drawn out discussions in those subjects. Of course, part of it is my personality. Homeschooling is a necessity for us due to Autumn's academic struggles. It isn't something I feel strongly about and it isn't a hill I'll die on. I also know that Autumn may be going back to a certain Catholic school next year. I focus on what I know they will be focusing on. They have a strong math and science program. I do, however, understand your pov. It seems perfectly understandable and logical to focus on something you are afraid in later years there will be less time/exposure for. I sure don't hate you, but I have to admit I don't understand you, either. My sons are boning up on the humanities because they won't be going to college for those subjects. We are encouraging them to seek STEM careers or apprenticeships instead of liberal arts degrees, so their homeschool experience may be the only training in the humanities they ever receive. Therefore, I'm making the most of this time with WTM, TOG, Latin, Greek, Logic, etc. In my experience with my own children, homeschooling allows time for a WTM-style education and globally competitive math and science. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
boscopup Posted November 18, 2011 Share Posted November 18, 2011 My sons are boning up on the humanities because they won't be going to college for those subjects. We are encouraging them to seek STEM careers or apprenticeships instead of liberal arts degrees, so their homeschool experience may be the only training in the humanities they ever receive. Therefore, I'm making the most of this time with WTM, TOG, Latin, Greek, Logic, etc. In my experience with my own children, homeschooling allows time for a WTM-style education and globally competitive math and science. :iagree: Another math/science household that is following WTM. History isn't really our focus, even though it may seem like it when talking about WTM. History is a fun part of our day, 3 days a week, but we spend waaaaaay more time on math. And if you count the "why" questions from my 5 year old, we spend more time on science too. :lol: As an engineer, I see the benefit in WTM-style studies. The plan teaches children to think, to research, to use logic. Then there's rhetoric... very useful in the engineering world! I have an engineer friend who took a 6 week intensive rhetoric course at Harvard last year. His company sent him up there to do that, because he has to talk people into hiring his company to do work, he has to talk people into more funding for projects, etc. I think a student with a WTM-style education will be more than ready for a STEM career. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sewingmama Posted November 18, 2011 Share Posted November 18, 2011 Nope I've never read it -people post so much about it on this board that I feel I've read it by osmosis :lol: I'm eclectic so I'm taking from classical what fits and not bothering to stick to it religiously. I prefer more project based learning style -so I read books closer to that style. I have a limited buget and can't get it from the library so reading TWTM is one of those things I'll get round to one day:001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
warneral Posted November 18, 2011 Share Posted November 18, 2011 What I love about the approach is that it applies to all areas of interest/expertise. If you are a good writer and a good thinker, it will help you when you do any other subject. Say your child wanted to get a doctorate in a Science field - learning how to write and defend her position will be a must! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
warneral Posted November 18, 2011 Share Posted November 18, 2011 :iagree: Another math/science household that is following WTM. History isn't really our focus, even though it may seem like it when talking about WTM. History is a fun part of our day, 3 days a week, but we spend waaaaaay more time on math. And if you count the "why" questions from my 5 year old, we spend more time on science too. :lol: As an engineer, I see the benefit in WTM-style studies. The plan teaches children to think, to research, to use logic. Then there's rhetoric... very useful in the engineering world! I have an engineer friend who took a 6 week intensive rhetoric course at Harvard last year. His company sent him up there to do that, because he has to talk people into hiring his company to do work, he has to talk people into more funding for projects, etc. I think a student with a WTM-style education will be more than ready for a STEM career. LOL I always feel like I can relate to your posts. Maybe I know why now! Another Engineer here (who wishes she had a Classical education) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AimeeM Posted November 18, 2011 Share Posted November 18, 2011 I haven't read the book; but those who have read it (that I have talked to thus far) seem to feel that it is very science/math lite and very, very writing skills/lit/history heavy. Perhaps that is where my assumption is coming from - and I should bite the bullet, read the book. Lol. What I love about the approach is that it applies to all areas of interest/expertise. If you are a good writer and a good thinker, it will help you when you do any other subject. Say your child wanted to get a doctorate in a Science field - learning how to write and defend her position will be a must! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freeindeed Posted November 18, 2011 Share Posted November 18, 2011 The Well Trained Mind is the first homeschooling book I read.:) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bluegoat Posted November 18, 2011 Share Posted November 18, 2011 I haven't read the book; but those who have read it (that I have talked to thus far) seem to feel that it is very science/math lite and very, very writing skills/lit/history heavy. Perhaps that is where my assumption is coming from - and I should bite the bullet, read the book. Lol. I think there is some truth to that, but there is some justification for it. It used to be assumed that by the time people got to university, they would already have a basic liberal arts background and be able to write well, read intelligently and critically, consider an argument, and know some substantial history. In most cases they would also have a solid background in math and also natural history particularly by actually going outside and experiencing things. Then they would be able to go on and specialize in various technical fields with the ability to persue them in a thoughtful way. The goal being not just to produce a technician who can "do" science in a lab, but a real scientist who really understands what science is and how it works from an epistomological perspective; who can take inspiration from and see connections between different types of knowledge; and who can think about the implications of the work he is doing in the human and moral sphere. Somehow this idea has got lost in how we educate ourselves in recent decades though. My husband who was a chemistry major really shocked me when he told me that they had never studied the theory of the scientific method or what the foundations of scientific thinking were in university. They relied entirely on what they had been taught in grade eight in public school. That has been reinforced by other scientists I have talked to, and I think it is a bit disturbing myself. That's why I think it is important to spend time on these things no matter what kids plan to do in the future. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FO4UR Posted November 18, 2011 Share Posted November 18, 2011 I've read it multiple times. I own the old version, marked up and well-worn. Not even once. I'll be honest - it seems a bit silly of me to encourage the emphasis (in study) of subjects that I would STRONGLY discourage my children from further studying in college. Don't hate me :001_huh: We're more science and math focused. Please keep in mind that I do not find it silly for others to emphasize the scope and sequence emphasized in TWTM, it simply isn't what we want for our children. I should read the book instead of listening to my classical lit and history pushing homeschooling friends (who have read it religiously) though... I haven't read the book; but those who have read it (that I have talked to thus far) seem to feel that it is very science/math lite and very, very writing skills/lit/history heavy. Perhaps that is where my assumption is coming from - and I should bite the bullet, read the book. Lol. Yes, you should read the book. It does lean towards writing/history/literature, but that is NOT the end of it's usefulness. Even if you don't follow SWB's every recommendation (I don't. I've got a "quirky" learner too.;)), it's a goldmine. I truly love SWB's writing advice/materials. It's focused on building skills. Whatever your dc do when they grow up, they will benefit from such focused and thorough writing instruction. (...and, yeah, I had to break it to my ds8 that archaeologists have to write :tongue_smilie:...) Honestly, I think it's important to offer a well-rounded early education. If your dc want to go into politics for example, you will be doing your entire country a disservice by shortchanging history...I'll refrain from giving samples from real life.:001_huh: How do you know that one of your dc won't grow up to be President?:lol: (I'm playing with you...but it could happen.) Besides, the exact areas where we push, the child will avoid...and the exact areas we forbid, the child will rush towards will all the enthusiasm of youth. You are dooming yourself to humanity majors living in your basement if you don't let them get it out now.:auto: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirch Posted November 18, 2011 Share Posted November 18, 2011 Yes, I've read it. And we follow it pretty closely. I need a refresher at the moment, I think! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
awisha. Posted November 18, 2011 Share Posted November 18, 2011 I haven't read the 'bible of HS' yet but I fully intend too. I wish it was avaiable in a PDF download, instead I need to save some $$ to have it shipped over here. I am hoping after the new year :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ABQmom Posted November 18, 2011 Share Posted November 18, 2011 I read it at least once a year and have since 1999. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kubiac Posted November 18, 2011 Share Posted November 18, 2011 WTM is the only homeschooling book I've ever read that wasn't a homeschooling memoir (the Colfaxes) or something by the Duggars, LOL. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nov05mama Posted November 18, 2011 Share Posted November 18, 2011 I've skimmed it several times, but not read it cover-cover. Ditto. Planning to do so again soon :) I have been meaning to read it straight through, but up until now, I've mostly just read certain sections, not cover to cover. I ended up voting "no" since I haven't "read it" read it, but I suppose it would be a yes in this instance, so the poll is off by one ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
serendipitous journey Posted November 18, 2011 Share Posted November 18, 2011 Not even once. I'll be honest - it seems a bit silly of me to encourage the emphasis (in study) of subjects that I would STRONGLY discourage my children from further studying in college. Don't hate me :001_huh: We're more science and math focused. We're math and science focused here, too; one thing you'll like if you do read it is that it is well-organized :). I do think she misses the point of science entirely and math, too; everybody thinks they hate math 'cause they hate arithmetic, but my mathematician and physicist friends take no joy in cranking out numerical answers to equations. At any rate, check it out from your library (maybe?) and see if it seems useful. Either you'll like it (me!) or not (scientist DH would never, never use it -- but he'd never stay home and school the children, either!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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