Learn as naturally as breathing

Author: Holt
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-05-01
Features: This book introduces readers to how children naturally learn to read, write, and do math in their daily household life, and how adults can respect and encourage this process. In his own words, this book is "proving that children do not need to be forced or commanded, do not need to be placed in special environments, and do not need materials to be pre-arranged—they can and must acquire basic knowledge from the world around them." Learning is not the result of education but a "natural process as common as breathing" that is continuous and universal to human beings. The book is filled with vivid stories and touching observations. The author's wisdom, his profound thoughts on early education, and his infectious love for young children will move parents and teachers who read this book. Especially the book's perspective on school education will greatly inspire Chinese parents. John Holt believed that children are naturally inclined to learn—they start collecting information and understanding the world from the moment they are born. He pointed out that learning is not the result of education but a "natural process as common as breathing" that is continuous and universal to human beings. The book reveals how children naturally learn to read, write, and do arithmetic in their daily lives, and guides parents on how to respect and encourage their children in this process. There are many vivid stories in the book that detail the author's careful observations of children's behavior and analyses, which can inspire teachers and parents who love children, helping them understand their children's nature and find the right way to help them grow in knowledge and cognition of the world.