This enduring classic of educational thought offers teachers and parents deep, original insight into the nature of early learning. John Holt was the first to make clear that, for small children, "learning is as natural as breathing." In this delightful yet profound book, he looks at how we learn to talk, to read, to count, and to reason, and how we can nurture and encourage these natural abilities in our children.

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Listening Length	9 hours and 25 minutes
Author	John Holt
Narrator	Matthew Kugler
Whispersync for Voice	Ready
Audible.com Release Date	August 08, 2017
Publisher	Hachette Audio
Program Type	Audiobook
Version	Unabridged
Language	English
ASIN	B074MGJ457
Best Sellers Rank	#19,998 in Audible Books & Originals (See Top 100 in Audible Books & Originals) #89 in Developmental Psychology (Audible Books & Originals) #93 in Educational Psychology (Books) #124 in Parenting & Family Reference

Customer reviews

5 star		85%
4 star		11%
3 star		2%
2 star		1%
1 star		2%

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Top reviews from the United States

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Xpblcta

Must-read for every parent and educator

Reviewed in the United States on October 22, 2018

Verified Purchase

This book was purchased in a particularly tumultuous time in my professional life, in which I struggled as a school system employee (occupational therapist) with whether or not I should homeschool my own 3 children. This carefully worded and insightful volume served to verify what I see on a daily basis in the public school system, and assured me, despite what influences may intend to dissuade me, that unschooling is inarguably the right path for the education of my family. We live in a time when Mr. Holt's worst fears have been realized; schools more closely resemble prisons each day. We choose to ignore best practices in education, and serve only the agenda of achieving higher scores in standardized testing. It is a sad, bleak future for children who are growing up thinking they require assistance to learn anything new. I am excited and empowered to start on the unschooling journey with my own developing learners after reading this book and sharing it with friends and family.

64 people found this helpful

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Donald

A broad perspective on childhood development

Reviewed in the United States on December 18, 2017

Verified Purchase

The book accounts for the author's personal direct observations and research on the subject of childhood development, and how parents need to establish a positive connection with their children, and to ensure the proper resources are availed to the children. The book accounts for how learning skills are properly developed to the children's abilities and aptitudes, and why parents should understand a likelihood, the common "one size fits all" mode of schooling may be more harmful than beneficial. The book has its proper place in my library, along with a few other books on the K-12 education, as it adds a dimension on how a child may achieve a quality education without necessarily going to a large corporate building called a "school".

20 people found this helpful

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Raven Dana

Good guide

Reviewed in the United States on March 16, 2018

Verified Purchase

Useful and informative, provides a good understanding that will help parents, especially new parents, make common mistakes. What we think compared to what is really happening in the minds of children often differ in a way that leaves children at a disadvantage. This book helps.

7 people found this helpful

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nicole

I wish I had this on my radar earlier!

Reviewed in the United States on January 22, 2020

Verified Purchase

An obvious classic for anyone interested in children and and education. This should be on the recommended book lists for expecting parents everywhere.

7 people found this helpful

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Mum

Wise insight of young minds

Reviewed in the United States on June 20, 2018

Verified Purchase

Very insightful. Enjoyed the story format (made it easier to read in segments). Brilliant discernment and perspective of children. It has greatly increased my understanding and enjoyment as I observe my own children and I feel I am better equipped to support their natural affinity for learning. I think you could greatly benefit from this book especially as a new parent or even if you have no children but work with them.

I rarely add books to my permanent library but this is a keeper! Except I already lent it out. It's that good :)

5 people found this helpful

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Kindle Customer

Control it is all about control

Reviewed in the United States on November 25, 2018

Verified Purchase

Such a great book that had given me pause with my young kids and even when working with others.

3 people found this helpful

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Amazon Customer

Help your children to learn as they will anyway

Reviewed in the United States on February 17, 2018

Verified Purchase

The expanded version of his perceptive analysis of how children actually do learn in this world, and how you can facilitate that process.

One person found this helpful

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Poseidon

Good for teachers and parents alike.

Reviewed in the United States on October 22, 2020

Verified Purchase

It will open your eyes to what school should be, and highlights the many small and large ways the education system inhibits learning.

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Top reviews from other countries

Charles VB

A very enjoyable and enlightening read

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 29, 2019

Verified Purchase

I bought this book because I was curious about the 'unschooling' movement that is gaining traction in the UK. I was skeptical at best before reading this, but I was both impressed and amazed at John Holt's ability to have such insight into the learning of young children. His writing is easy to read and never comes across as 'preachy'. The book really was a game changer for me in terms of how I view both the current learning and the future schooling of my own children. I would thoroughly recommend this book to anyone interested in child education.

3 people found this helpful

Amazon Customer

Excellent book

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 2, 2019

Verified Purchase

Informative, easy to read, helpful for any parent or carer of children, pertinent topics for child rearing these days.

sam

Couldn’t get into it

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 20, 2020

Verified Purchase

Unfortunately I couldn’t get into this book. Which is a shame as I’m sure it has valuable lessons. I did not enjoy it

Tanya

Disappointed

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 26, 2019

Verified Purchase

Didn't find it as good as I thought, seems to repeat itself a lot.

Jordan Clark

Great for any trainee or qualified teachers!

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 28, 2020

Verified Purchase

Great for any trainee or qualified teachers!

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How Children Learn, 50th Anniversary Edition Audible Audiobook – Unabridged

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