"The Call of the Wild and Free" by Ainsley Arment is an inspiring and thought-provoking book about homeschooling and alternative approaches to education. The author shares her personal journey into homeschooling and presents a philosophy called "Wild + Free" that emphasizes nature, storytelling, play, curiosity, and wonder as key elements of a child's education and development.
Arment challenges conventional notions about schooling and makes a compelling case for why many families are choosing to educate their children at home. She argues that the traditional school system often stifles children's natural love of learning and fails to nurture their individual gifts and interests. Through homeschooling, parents can create a more personalized, engaging, and holistic educational experience for their children.
This book is not just for current or prospective homeschoolers, however. Many of the ideas and principles Arment discusses can be valuable for any parent looking to enrich their child's learning and development, whether in a traditional school setting or at home. At its core, this is a book about reconnecting with the joy of childhood and creating an environment where children can truly thrive.
The Author's Journey into Homeschooling
Arment's path to homeschooling began with a deeply emotional experience on her son Wyatt's first day of school. As she watched him board the school bus, she was overcome with a sense of loss, feeling that his childhood was slipping away too quickly. This moment sparked a realization that would ultimately lead her to make a radical change in her family's approach to education.
Initially, Arment accepted traditional schooling as the norm, believing it was simply what everyone did. However, she began to notice concerning changes in Wyatt. He seemed to be losing his natural curiosity and zest for life. The light in his eyes was dimming, and he was becoming more concerned with fitting in with his peers than exploring his own interests.
It was a conversation with a homeschooling friend that opened Arment's eyes to alternative possibilities. She learned about different homeschooling methods and philosophies, such as the Charlotte Mason approach, Montessori, and Reggio Emilia. This introduction to the world of homeschooling was a revelation, challenging her assumptions about what education could and should be.
After careful consideration, Arment made the bold decision to pull Wyatt out of first grade and begin homeschooling. Her primary motivation was to give her son his childhood back – to create an educational environment that nurtured his natural curiosity and allowed him to learn and grow at his own pace.
This personal anecdote serves as a powerful introduction to the book's themes, illustrating how many parents come to question the traditional education system and consider alternatives like homeschooling. It also highlights the emotional aspect of this decision, showing that for many families, homeschooling is about more than just academics – it's about preserving childhood and strengthening family bonds.
The Rise of Homeschooling
Contrary to popular stereotypes, homeschooling is no longer a fringe movement associated only with religious conservatives or countercultural communes. Arment points out that modern homeschooling families come from all walks of life and have diverse motivations for choosing this educational path.
The author presents some striking statistics to illustrate the growing popularity of homeschooling:
- As of 2016, there were 1.69 million homeschooled students in the United States, representing 3.3% of all school-age children.
- In the United Kingdom, there has been a 40% increase in homeschooling over just three years.
These numbers suggest that more and more parents are questioning whether traditional schooling is the best option for their children. Homeschooling is increasingly being seen as a viable alternative rather than an unusual or radical choice.
Arment uses the analogy of the Christmas ham to explain why many people don't question traditional schooling. Just as a child might observe their mother cutting off the end of the ham because that's how it's always been done in their family (without knowing the original reason), many parents send their children to school simply because that's what they experienced and what society expects, without critically examining whether it's the best option.
This section of the book encourages readers to think more deeply about why we educate children the way we do and to be open to alternative approaches that might better serve individual children and families.
Critiques of Traditional Education
Arment presents several compelling critiques of the traditional school system, arguing that it often fails to meet children's developmental needs and can even be detrimental to their well-being and love of learning. Some key points she makes include:
Unnatural Environment: Schools often require children to sit still for long periods, suppressing their natural inclination to move and explore. This sedentary approach seems designed more to prepare children for office life than to support their natural development.
Stress and Pressure: The author cites research showing that children report higher levels of stress during the school year than adults do. This stress can interfere with learning and negatively impact children's mental health.
Overemphasis on Testing: The focus on standardized testing and grades has led to a narrow definition of intelligence and success. This approach often prioritizes memorization and test-taking skills over genuine understanding and creativity.
One-Size-Fits-All Approach: Traditional schools typically use a standardized curriculum and expect all children to progress at roughly the same rate. This fails to account for individual differences in learning styles, interests, and developmental rates.
Neglect of Non-Academic Skills: The emphasis on academic subjects often comes at the expense of other important areas of development, such as emotional intelligence, creativity, and practical life skills.
Loss of Curiosity: Arment argues that the rigid structure and curriculum of traditional schools can dampen children's natural curiosity and love of learning, turning education into a chore rather than an exciting journey of discovery.
Preparation for Outdated Work Models: The author suggests that the traditional school model was designed to prepare children for industrial-era jobs, with its emphasis on compliance, standardization, and working to a schedule. This may not be the best preparation for the more flexible, creative, and technology-driven jobs of the future.
By highlighting these issues, Arment makes a case for why many parents are seeking alternatives to traditional schooling. She argues that these systemic problems are not easily solved within the existing framework, which is why some families turn to homeschooling as a way to create a more child-centered, flexible, and holistic approach to education.
The Homeschool Advantage
Arment presents homeschooling as a solution to many of the problems she identifies in traditional education. She outlines several key advantages of the homeschooling approach:
Personalized Education: Homeschooling allows parents to tailor the educational experience to each child's unique interests, learning style, and pace of development. This individualized approach can help children thrive in ways that might not be possible in a standardized classroom setting.
Flexibility: Homeschooling families have the freedom to structure their days and curriculum in ways that work best for them. This can include spending more time on subjects that interest the child, taking field trips, or adjusting the schedule to accommodate the family's needs.
Nurturing Passions: When children show a particular interest or talent, homeschooling parents can dedicate more time and resources to developing these areas. This could mean spending extra time on music, art, science experiments, or whatever captures the child's imagination.
Fostering a Love of Learning: By allowing children to pursue their interests and learn at their own pace, homeschooling can help maintain and nurture a child's natural curiosity and enthusiasm for learning.
Close Family Relationships: Homeschooling often allows for more quality time between parents and children, strengthening family bonds and allowing parents to be more involved in their children's education and development.
Real-World Learning: Homeschooling can more easily incorporate practical, hands-on learning experiences that connect to the real world, rather than relying solely on textbooks and worksheets.
Reduced Stress: Without the pressures of constant testing and peer comparison found in traditional schools, homeschooled children may experience less stress and anxiety related to their education.
Character Development: Homeschooling allows more time and opportunity for parents to focus on character development, instilling values, and teaching life skills alongside academic subjects.
Arment emphasizes that the goal of homeschooling isn't to replicate a classroom at home, but to create a rich, engaging learning environment that extends beyond traditional academic subjects. She encourages parents to see themselves not just as teachers, but as facilitators of their children's learning journey.
The author also addresses common concerns about homeschooling, such as socialization and academic preparation. She argues that homeschooled children often have ample opportunities for social interaction through community activities, sports, and homeschool groups. As for academics, she points out that many homeschooled students perform well on standardized tests and gain admission to top universities.
The Wild + Free Philosophy
At the heart of Arment's approach to homeschooling is the "Wild + Free" philosophy. This methodology emphasizes five core principles designed to create a rich and engaging learning environment:
The School of Nature: This principle emphasizes the importance of connecting children with the natural world. Arment argues that spending time in nature is crucial for children's physical, emotional, and cognitive development. She encourages families to spend ample time outdoors, exploring, observing, and learning from the natural environment.
The Power of Story: Storytelling is seen as a powerful educational tool in the Wild + Free approach. Arment advocates for using literature, myths, and personal narratives to teach not just language arts, but also history, science, and even math concepts. She emphasizes the use of "living books" – high-quality literature that brings subjects to life – rather than dry textbooks.
The Pedagogy of Play: Play is recognized as a crucial component of learning in this philosophy. Arment argues that children learn best when they're having fun and that play can teach important skills like problem-solving, creativity, and social interaction. She encourages parents to incorporate playful elements into all aspects of learning.
The Curriculum of Curiosity: This principle is about fostering and following children's natural curiosity. Instead of adhering strictly to a pre-set curriculum, the Wild + Free approach encourages parents to be flexible and allow children's interests and questions to guide their learning journey.
The Magic of Wonder: The final principle emphasizes the importance of maintaining a sense of wonder and awe in education. Arment believes that cultivating wonder not only makes learning more enjoyable but also leads to deeper understanding and retention of knowledge.
These principles are designed to work together to create a holistic, child-centered approach to education that nurtures not just academic knowledge, but also creativity, emotional intelligence, and a lifelong love of learning.
Reconnecting with Nature
Arment dedicates significant attention to the importance of nature in children's education and development. She argues that modern society has become increasingly disconnected from the natural world, and this disconnection is having negative effects on our children.
The author points out several concerning trends:
- The replacement of natural environments with artificial ones (e.g., artificial turf instead of grass, theme parks instead of nature parks)
- The shift from outdoor play to indoor, often screen-based activities
- The removal of nature-related words from children's dictionaries in favor of technology-related terms
Arment argues that this disconnection from nature is depriving children of vital experiences that are crucial for their development. She outlines several benefits of spending time in nature:
Emotional and Moral Development: Encountering other living beings and witnessing the impacts of human activity on the environment can help children develop empathy and a sense of responsibility.
Mental and Physical Well-being: Time in nature has been shown to have positive effects on children's mental health, potentially improving symptoms of depression, autism, and ADHD. It can also provide opportunities for physical activity and improve overall health.
Stress Reduction: Natural environments have a calming effect, helping to reduce stress and improve focus.
Sensory Experiences: Nature provides rich, multi-sensory experiences that are crucial for children's cognitive development.
Scientific Observation: The natural world offers endless opportunities for children to observe, question, and learn about scientific concepts in a hands-on way.
To help children reconnect with nature, Arment suggests several strategies:
Regular Outdoor Time: Make spending time outdoors a daily priority, whether it's in a backyard, local park, or wilderness area.
Nature Journaling: Encourage children to keep a journal where they can document their observations, draw pictures, and even include items they find in nature.
Nature-Based Learning: Incorporate nature into various subjects, such as using natural objects for math manipulatives or studying local ecosystems for science.
Gardening: Growing plants, whether in a small pot or a larger garden, can teach children about life cycles, responsibility, and where food comes from.
Animal Interactions: Caring for pets or observing wild animals can help children develop empathy and learn about different species.
Outdoor Skills: Teaching children skills like identifying plants, tracking animals, or basic survival skills can increase their confidence and connection to nature.
By prioritizing time in nature, Arment believes we can provide children with rich, formative experiences that will benefit them throughout their lives.
The Power of Storytelling
Arment places great emphasis on the role of storytelling in education. She argues that narrative is a powerful vehicle for learning across all subjects, not just language arts. Here are some key points she makes about the importance of storytelling:
Information Retention: Research shows that children are more likely to remember information when it's presented in a story format. Stories provide context and meaning that help make information stick.
Emotional Engagement: Stories can engage children on an emotional level, making them more invested in the subject matter. This emotional connection can lead to deeper understanding and a greater desire to learn more.
Introducing Complex Concepts: Abstract or difficult concepts can often be more easily understood when presented through a narrative. For example, mathematical concepts can be introduced through stories about characters solving problems.
Cultural Understanding: Stories, particularly folktales and myths from different cultures, can help children develop a broader understanding of the world and different perspectives.
Moral and Ethical Development: Stories often present moral dilemmas or ethical situations, providing opportunities for children to think critically about right and wrong.
Language Development: Exposure to rich, varied language through stories helps children develop their vocabulary and understanding of language structures.
Arment advocates for the use of "living books" in education. These are high-quality works of literature that bring subjects to life, as opposed to dry textbooks. She argues that living books can make any subject more engaging and memorable.
Some strategies Arment suggests for incorporating storytelling into education include:
Read-Alouds: Reading aloud to children, even older ones, can be a powerful way to introduce new ideas and spark discussions.
Audiobooks: For children who struggle with reading or for families on the go, audiobooks can be a great way to incorporate more stories into daily life.
Storytelling Games: Encouraging children to create their own stories can develop creativity and reinforce narrative structures.
Cross-Curricular Connections: Using stories to teach subjects like history, science, or even math can make these subjects more engaging and memorable.
Book-Related Field Trips: Visiting locations related to favorite books can bring stories to life and deepen understanding.
Author Studies: Focusing on particular authors can help children understand different writing styles and the craft of storytelling.
By prioritizing storytelling in education, Arment believes we can create more engaged, imaginative, and well-rounded learners.
The Importance of Play
In the Wild + Free philosophy, play is not seen as separate from learning, but as an integral part of it. Arment challenges the common notion that education must be difficult, boring, or painful to be effective. Instead, she argues that play is a powerful motivator for learning and skill development.
Key points about the importance of play include:
Natural Learning: Play is how young children naturally learn about the world around them. It's an instinctive way for them to explore, experiment, and understand their environment.
Skill Development: Through play, children develop a wide range of skills, including problem-solving, creativity, social skills, language skills, and physical coordination.
Motivation: When learning is playful and fun, children are more motivated to engage and persist in challenging tasks.
Stress Reduction: Play can help reduce stress and anxiety, creating a more positive association with learning.
Creativity and Innovation: Free play allows children to think outside the box, experiment with new ideas, and develop innovative solutions.
Social and Emotional Learning: Through play, especially with others, children learn important social and emotional skills like cooperation, empathy, and conflict resolution.
Arment cites research comparing play-based preschools with more academically-focused ones, showing that children from play-based programs often perform better academically and are better adjusted socially and emotionally.
To incorporate more play into learning, Arment suggests:
Gamification: Turn learning activities into games to make them more engaging.
Open-Ended Materials: Provide materials that can be used in multiple ways to encourage creativity and problem-solving.
Role-Playing: Use dramatic play to explore historical events, scientific concepts, or literary characters.
Physical Movement: Incorporate movement and physical activity into lessons to make them more engaging and help with information retention.
Outdoor Play: Utilize outdoor spaces for both free play and structured learning activities.
Following the Child's Lead: Allow children's interests and play choices to guide learning opportunities.
Limiting Structured Activities: Ensure there's plenty of time for free, unstructured play alongside more formal learning activities.
Arment emphasizes that by allowing children more time for play, we're not detracting from their education, but enhancing it. She encourages parents and educators to trust in the power of play and to resist the urge to over-structure children's time.
Fostering Curiosity and Wonder
The final two principles of the Wild + Free philosophy focus on cultivating curiosity and wonder in children's education. Arment argues that these qualities are the foundation of all creativity and learning, and that our role as parents and educators should be to create an environment that nurtures these innate traits.
Key points about curiosity and wonder include:
Natural Scientists: Children are naturally curious and prone to questioning, examining, and experimenting. Arment suggests that in many ways, children are more diligent scientists than adults.
Intrinsic Motivation: Curiosity provides intrinsic motivation for learning. When children are genuinely interested in a topic, they're more likely to engage deeply and remember what they learn.
Lifelong Learning: By fostering curiosity and wonder, we can help children develop a lifelong love of learning that extends far beyond their formal education.
Creativity and Innovation: Curiosity and wonder are at the heart of creativity and innovation. By nurturing these qualities, we're preparing children for a future where these skills will be increasingly valuable.
Joy in Learning: When learning is driven by curiosity and wonder, it becomes a joyful experience rather than a chore.
To foster curiosity and wonder, Arment suggests several strategies:
The Theory of Loose Parts: This involves creating an environment rich in diverse, open-ended materials that children can explore and manipulate. These "loose parts" could include natural objects, craft supplies, old electronics, musical instruments, and more.
Asking Questions: Encourage children to ask questions and model curiosity yourself. When children ask questions you can't answer, use it as an opportunity to research together.
Hands-On Experiences: Provide plenty of opportunities for hands-on learning and experimentation. This could involve science experiments, art projects, building challenges, or nature exploration.
Following Interests: Allow children's interests to guide their learning. If a child becomes fascinated by a particular topic, provide resources and opportunities to explore it deeply.
Wonder Walks: Take regular walks with the specific intention of noticing and wondering about the world around you.
Limiting Answers: Instead of always providing answers, encourage children to hypothesize and find answers themselves.
Embracing Mistakes: Create an environment where mistakes are seen as learning opportunities rather than failures.
Diverse Experiences: Expose children to a wide range of experiences, ideas, and perspectives to spark new interests and questions.
Arment emphasizes that curiosity and wonder can't be taught directly, but they can be nurtured by creating the right environment and modeling these qualities ourselves. By prioritizing curiosity and wonder, we can help children maintain their natural love of learning and develop the skills they need to be lifelong learners and innovators.
The Role of Parents in Homeschooling
Arment dedicates significant attention to discussing the role of parents in homeschooling. She challenges the notion that parents need to be expert teachers in all subjects to successfully homeschool their children. Instead, she presents a different vision of the parent's role:
Learning Alongside Children: Parents don't need to know everything. In fact, learning alongside children can be a powerful experience that models lifelong learning.
Facilitators of Learning: Rather than lecturers, parents should see themselves as guides who help children discover and pursue their interests.
Creating Rich Environments: A key role for parents is to create environments that are conducive to learning, filled with books, materials for exploration, and opportunities for diverse experiences.
Emotional Support: Parents provide the emotional security and encouragement that allows children to take risks in their learning.
Individualized Attention: Unlike in a traditional classroom, homeschooling parents can provide one-on-one attention and tailor the learning experience to each child's needs.
Role Models: Parents model curiosity, perseverance, and a love of learning through their own actions and interests.
Arment also addresses some common concerns and misconceptions about homeschooling:
Time Management: While homeschooling does require time and dedication, Arment argues that it doesn't have to be all-consuming. She encourages parents to see time spent with children as valuable for both parties.
Socialization: Contrary to popular belief, homeschooled children often have many opportunities for socialization through community activities, sports, homeschool groups, and more.
Academic Preparation: Arment provides evidence that many homeschooled students perform well academically and gain admission to top universities.
Balancing Roles: She acknowledges the challenge of balancing the roles of parent and teacher, but suggests that integrating education into daily life can make this easier.
Self-Care: Arment emphasizes the importance of self-care for homeschooling parents, encouraging them to pursue their own interests and take time for themselves.
Throughout the book, Arment presents homeschooling not just as an educational choice, but as a lifestyle that can strengthen family bonds and allow both children and parents to grow together. She encourages parents to trust their instincts, be flexible, and remember that there's no one "right" way to homeschool.
Practical Tips for Implementing Wild + Free Homeschooling
While much of the book focuses on the philosophy behind the Wild + Free approach, Arment also provides practical advice for families interested in implementing these ideas. Here are some key suggestions:
Create a Rich Home Environment: Fill your home with books, art supplies, musical instruments, and other materials that encourage exploration and creativity.
Establish Rhythms, Not Rigid Schedules: Instead of strict timetables, create flexible routines that allow for both structured learning time and free exploration.
Incorporate Nature: Make time for regular outdoor experiences, whether it's daily nature walks, gardening, or longer wilderness excursions.
Use Real-World Learning Opportunities: Look for ways to incorporate learning into everyday activities, like using cooking to teach math and science, or grocery shopping to practice budgeting.
Follow Your Child's Interests: Be ready to dive deep into topics that capture your child's imagination, even if they're not part of a traditional curriculum.
Prioritize Reading Aloud: Make time for daily read-alouds, even with older children, to foster a love of literature and introduce new ideas.
Embrace Project-Based Learning: Encourage children to undertake long-term projects that integrate multiple subject areas and skills.
Limit Screen Time: While technology can be a useful tool, Arment encourages families to be mindful of screen time and prioritize hands-on, real-world experiences.
Join a Community: Connect with other homeschooling families for support, socialization, and shared learning opportunities.
Document the Journey: Keep records of your children's learning through portfolios, journals, or blogs. This can be valuable for tracking progress and creating keepsakes.
Stay Flexible: Be willing to adjust your approach based on what works best for your family and each individual child.
Prioritize Character Development: Alongside academic learning, focus on developing qualities like kindness, perseverance, and integrity.
Arment emphasizes that implementing these ideas doesn't have to be all-or-nothing. Families can incorporate elements of the Wild + Free approach even if they're not homeschooling full-time.
Conclusion
"The Call of the Wild and Free" presents a compelling vision for education that prioritizes children's natural curiosity, connection with nature, and love of learning. Ainsley Arment challenges readers to rethink conventional notions of schooling and consider how we can create educational experiences that truly nurture the whole child.
While the book is framed around homeschooling, many of its ideas can be valuable for any parent or educator looking to enrich children's learning experiences. The core principles of the Wild + Free philosophy – emphasizing nature, storytelling, play, curiosity, and wonder – can be applied in various educational settings.
Arment's approach is not about achieving perfect test scores or meeting standardized benchmarks. Instead, it's about fostering a lifelong love of learning, helping children develop their unique gifts and interests, and preserving the magic of childhood. She encourages parents to trust their instincts, be present with their children, and create an environment where learning is joyful and meaningful.
The book serves as both an inspiration and a practical guide for those considering homeschooling or looking to incorporate more holistic learning experiences into their children's lives. It's a call to reconnect with the natural world, to slow down and savor the wonder of childhood, and to prioritize the things that truly matter in education and in life.
Ultimately, "The Call of the Wild and Free" is about more than just education – it's about reimagining childhood and family life in a way that's more connected, more intentional, and more aligned with children's natural development. It's an invitation to parents to embark on a learning journey alongside their children, creating memories and fostering growth together.
Whether readers choose to fully embrace homeschooling or simply incorporate some of these ideas into their family's life, Arment's message is clear: by nurturing our children's innate love of learning and connection with the world around them, we can help them grow into curious, creative, and compassionate individuals ready to face the challenges of the future.