The Unschooler's Educational Dictionary - by Jonas Koblin (Paperback)

About the Book

Book Synopsis

An exploration of the intricate world of formal education that will forever change how you think about your child's school. From Jonas Koblin, creator of the popular educational YouTube channel Sprouts.

"A fantastic guide for one of the most important decisions we can make: choosing the right school for a child." --Barbara Oakley, PhD, author of A Mind for Numbers

The Unschooler's Educational Dictionary is an unconventional guide that challenges traditional schooling norms, offering fresh insights grounded in learning science and child development theory--delivered with a delightful dose of wit, sarcasm, and captivating illustrations by Pascal Gaggelli.

Part One: Drawing from his own experiences as a truant turned serial entrepreneur, Koblin dissects all major learning theories and uncovers the unintended consequences of outdated educational methods. With thought-provoking and often humorous definitions like:

"Homework, n. A regular exercise that pushes privileged kids ahead of those from broken homes."

He invites readers to question why we teach children the way we do. This section is not just informative but also highly engaging, making you think, laugh, and reflect on the current state of education.

Part Two: Transitioning from critique to solution, the book provides a comprehensive guide to emerging education models. Explore a variety of innovative approaches such as Montessori, Waldorf, Reggio Emilia, Microschools, International Baccalaureate programs, and Unschooling. Each model is presented clearly, offering valuable insights for parents deciding on the best educational path for their child.

The book concludes with a practical checklist of essential questions to ask when choosing a school, empowering you to make informed decisions that align with your child's needs and your educational values.

Why Readers Love This Book:

• Engages: Hooks you from the very beginning.


• Illustrates: Features captivating artwork by Pascal Gaggelli.


• Challenges: Encourages critical thinking about traditional education systems.


• Educates: Serves as a comprehensive resource for new parents to understand the main concepts in child development, learning science, psychology, and various emerging education models.


• Inspires: Reflects the author's deep passion for children's development throughout every page.

Whether you're a parent, educator, or simply curious about modern educational practices, The Unschooler's Educational Dictionary offers a refreshing perspective that is both enlightening and enjoyable.

If you enjoyed Learning How to Learn, Cribsheet, and Raising Good Humans, you'll love The Unschooler's Educational Dictionary. Join the conversation and discover new possibilities for fostering a love of learning in every child.

Review Quotes

"Children are unique individuals, and schools vary from wonderful to disaster-zone. So while schooling can foster a child's development--it can also destroy a child's potential. Jonas Koblin's lively resource helps us think through the complex of schooling/unschooling factors that every caring parent and educator must consider."

--Professor Stephen R.C. Hicks, philosophy, Rockford University

"If you are looking for guidance in the welter of alternative approaches to education, this is THE book! A fantastic guide for one of the most important decisions we can make: The right school for a child."

--Barbara Oakley, PhD, author of A Mind for Numbers and co-instructor of Learning How to Learn