History Corner: Road Road School: Learning Through Exploration and Experiencel by Sue Cowley

Disclosure / Disclaimer: I received these books, free of charge,from Crown House Publishing, for review purposes on this blog. No other compensation, monetary or in kind, has been received or implied for this post. Nor was I told how to post about it,  all opinions are my own.

And now for a book aimed at homeschoolers, but a funny read for anyone with kids!

Synopsis:

Frustrated by a regime of statutory testing, and keen for a mid-life adventure, Sue Cowley and her partner took their children out of school to educate them on the road. 'Road School' is the story of their family's adventures around Europe and across China. On their journey they experienced awesome historical sites, diverse cuisines and fantastic geographical phenomena. They also experienced whining kids, satnav disasters, and dodgy accommodation. Part comedy travelogue, part parenting guide, part educational philosophy, 'Road School' asks you to consider what an education really means. In a world where schooling is increasingly being standardised, and where government testing puts ever more pressure on our youngest learners, 'Road School' is the story of how one family stepped out of the system, and set off on the educational adventure of a lifetime.

Review:

If you homeschool, and ever wondered if you could homeschool while traveling, this is the book that answers that question- YES YOU CAN! Sue has such an easy way of writing, that I actually finished the entire book while Miss Grace was having a procedure done at the hospital! It was such a quick and easy read! I have to admit I miht have snorted out loud a few times too! Especially when she talked about having to undo the carefully packaged trunk, in order for hubby to try to fic the cd changer! I have BEEN there! 

While Sue's travels take place in Europe (lucky dog), that is because she is home based in England. While the logistics and rules are a bit different, the concepts of traveling with kids and schooling are universal. For us in the US or Canada,  we might have more requirements we have to address, but traveling across the country offers an amazing amount of access to history that you can feel and touch. Which, is youve read this blog for awhile, you know I am a HUGE proponent of! We always try to add some history in, whenever we go on vacation or a dance competition trip! Sue offers some really great pointers to think about, if you are considering doing the same, 

Even if you aren't considering 'Road School', this is a fun book to read to gain some insight on teaching curricula together as sets, and how to make history and art come alive for kids!

About the Author:

Sue Cowley is an experienced teacher and subject co-ordinator, whose specialisms are in English and Drama. After qualifying as a primary school teacher, she taught in a number of different secondary schools in London and Bristol. She has also worked overseas at an international school in Portugal.

Sue is the best selling author of eighteen teaching and parenting books, including "Getting the Buggers to Behave", which has sold over 120,000 copies and has been translated around the world. Sue has written articles and columns for a number of teaching publications, including the TES, Child Education, Junior Education and Teacher Magazine.

Sue’s primary aim through her work is to give practical, realistic and honest advice. Her books offer a combination of tips, ideas and strategies, written in an easily accessible and amusing way. Through the training courses that she runs, Sue puts across her ideas about teaching in a fun and engaging format. She still works with school children on a voluntary basis, so that she can keep up to date with ‘life at the chalk face’. She is also Chair of the Committee at her local voluntary run preschool. Check out her website, for more info!