A Classical Education

A Thomas Jefferson Education (see link below) was the first book I read after becoming a mother that got me thinking about the possibilities that only are available through educating my children personally.  It was a turning point for me. 

The book gives an overview of the history of education specifically in the United States.  Our founding fathers were all home schooled.  Only the poorest families would send their children to public schools because it simply wasn't as good.

The argument of the book is that our current educational system doesn't produce leaders.  To meet the challenges of our time we need leaders who are thinkers and public schools don't provide any leadership training.  This book talks about how to incorporate that training.

The book also uses the theory that the best education can be attained by going right to the source by teaching directly from the best books and mentors.  Educate your children with the classics that were created by the masters of the genre.  
"Find a great leader in history, and you will nearly always find two central elements of their education - classics and mentors. From Lincoln, Jefferson and Washington to Ghandi, Newton and John Locke, to Abigail Adams, Mother Theresa and Joan of Arc - great men and women of history studied other great men and women." p. 37

One of the most refreshing ideas to me in this book is the idea of mentors.  I don't have to be an expert on EVERYTHING.  I can find opportunities and people who can also inspire and mentor along with me.

You can read more about the book, as well as other people's thoughts on it on Amazon-just click the link below.