Description:
Editorial Reviews
Review
"Ainsley Arment has emerged as one of the most prominent voices in a grass-roots community that, long before social distancing, decided to reject mainstream schooling and rather educate within the family…. The Call of the Wild and Free, part memoir and part manifesto, encourages mothers who are considering home-schooling and those who are ready to give up… suggesting that parents are the most intuitive educators of their kids." — The New York Times
"If you’re curious about homeschooling or wondering if it’s something you might be able to do, this is a low-pressure, easy read that’s also super inspiring." — Book Riot
About the Author
Ainsley Arment is the founder and leader of Wild + Free, cohost of the weekly Wild + Free podcast, and author of The Call of the Wild + Free. As she leads this movement of raising kids and homeschooling in a new way, she thinks deeply about making the most of life and ensuring that her children have a fertile seedbed for their own uniqueness and creativity. She and her husband, Ben, are raising their five kids, Wyatt, Dylan, Cody, Annie, and Millie, in Virginia Beach.
Reviews:
5.0 out of 5 stars Officially one of my top home education books!
(function() { P.when('cr-A', 'ready').execute(function(A) { if(typeof A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel === 'function') { A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel('review_text_read_more', 'Read more of this review', 'Read less of this review'); } }); })(); .review-text-read-more-expander:focus-visible { outline: 2px solid #2162a1; outline-offset: 2px; border-radius: 5px; } I appreciated so much about this book, but I’m going to try and include 3 things about what makes this book a unique read in this genre.Firstly, I enjoyed how encouraging and clear it was, without being divisive. Most books on general homeschooling pedagogy rely on demonizing other modes of schooling to champion the merits of home education. This book does not. The Call of the Wild and Free shares the beauty and benefit of schooling at home but doesn’t puff up the reader by relying on the mindset that she is choosing the “right” way.In the western world we are afforded the privilege to make choices that are not available in all demographics, so I deeply appreciate the intentionality with sharing the merits of home-based education without slandering or belittling families that choose another educational route. It’s refreshing.Secondly, I appreciate how she is inclusive of other women’s voices-not just other authors, but real life mothers who are in the thick of homeschool life, and have a variety of hats they wear (business owners, higher ed students, working out of the home, etc). She manages to do this without making those roles seem lesser to express the value of homeschool. I resonate with the diversity of profession and schooling because it is consistent with the landscape of mothers and fathers I see schooling their children in the home.Thirdly, the pictures of actual children & families is a rare inclusion and also highlighted some racial diversity, which I don’t see much in the homeschool conversation. I’d love to see more unity and inclusion around that, but that’s a lot longer conversation for another day, and this book is such a delightful step in a good direction.
5.0 out of 5 stars I have already recommended this book to several friends!
I love this book! I love the way it feels in my hands. Thick pages, smooth textured finish on the cover, gorgeous photography throughout and at times, the message moved me to tears. As a newer homeschooler, it really inspired me and gave me a sense of relief and confidence. It makes me want to be the best version of myself as a mother and it shifted my narrow perspective of what homeschool should look like in order to be “successful “.Update- I’d like to mention with regard to the negative reviews- most were longtime homeschool veterans and some so mean, full of disrespectful judgment and negative energy that they lost the platform to have their opinions valued. I am not a friend of the author and I have nothing to gain from my review. I am not a veteran homeschooler but if you find applicable tools in a book, that’s fantastic! The entire book does not need to match how you operate in life to make it helpful. Another review said it was only a 70 page book. That’s not true either. It’s the whole book and it gave me inspiration to weave more creativity into my days and the confidence in my children’s ability to learn something that isn’t part of a box curriculum. Over all, it made me feel more calm in my ability read cues from my overwhelmed kids to take days to just read, explore and create as opposed to marching through a schedule. It helped me remember magic in my own childhood and the importance of giving that gift to my kid’s in a digital age. I have a 8 & 10 year old. I’ve raised a 22 and 25 year old as well. I found gems in this book and what didn’t apply, I moved past without feeling the need to go strait to reviews to bash and belittle the author.
5.0 out of 5 stars every family needs this book
I received this book in the mail yesterday and just finished devouring it. (Yes, I put aside our lessons and declared today a reading day, because I can.) :) This book resonated deeply with me as I strive to home educate my three girls well--and I'm so glad I preordered it and will have it on my bookshelf for reference and encouragement whenever I need. I said a lot of "Yes! Yes! Yes!" in my mind as I read through topic after topic, as everything the author says lines up with my goals and dreams for my children and the type of childhood I want them to have.The book is split into four main sections titled: The Mission, The Myths, The Manner, and The Method. It addresses why we homeschool, misconceptions from others and ourselves, how children develop and what they need at each stage, how to create a family rhythm and family culture, discovering your style, the importance of free play and nature in giving our children back their childhoods. I appreciated the information about various forms of home education such as classical, Montessori, Charlotte Mason, Waldorf, Reggio Emilia, and unschooling. We personally do a mix of classical and Charlotte Mason, with an emphasis on finding the right approach to math or english for each child depending on their brain wiring.In addition to the theories and beliefs that govern how we teach our children at home, so much of the book is practical advice that we can readily implement in our homes, which I very much appreciate. I have been reminded to get out in nature more, to not give in to pressures of doing more, to continue reading aloud even to my 13-year-old, to make a notebooking journal with fun prompts to get my creative writer writing, to stop doubting myself.I started homeschooling to become a bigger voice in my children's lives than public school would allow, to be able to know them intimately, to be able to witness their blossoming, to give them exactly what they need when they need it (as only someone who knows them well can), and to redeem what I lost in my own childhood. I grew up internalizing a lot of stress and anxiety, and didn't feel I had anyone to voice it to. I felt unheard and misunderstood and I tried to stay out of people’s way as much as possible instead of asserting myself. I grew up and became overwhelmed with life as an adult, letting stress eat away at me, developing many health problems as a result. My coming back to myself and taking control of my life has coincided with taking control of my children's lives and educations as well. I am in my fifth year homeschooling, but I am still working things out and constantly learning, changing, growing. Homeschooling is definitely a journey, not a destination, which is why books like this are essential to us moms in the trenches. I think this book is as relevant to the seasoned home educator as to the mom who is looking to start.Much of the book talks about keeping our children’s sense of wonder alive by creating an environment in which they actually enjoy learning (not dread it or simply get through it). It encourages us to let them play as much as possible, because play is how little ones learn, "Children invite us into their world in small, delicate ways each day. They stand before us, board game in hand, looking up into our eyes as if maybe this time might be different. Children are resilient. They ask, get rejected, and then ask again. Imagine being surrounded by giants all day, looking up at the underside of their chins, and then experiencing the sheer delight when one of them crouches down to join our activity. Childhood is so fleeting. Before we know it, they will indeed stand as tall as us and perhaps see things the way we do. But by then, it will be too late. Their childhood will be gone. May we learn to enter their world before they stop inviting us.”Ainsley Arment's thorough knowledge of every aspect of home education is evident throughout the book, and I never felt like it was being redundant or irrelevant. Her position as the founder of Wild + Free podcasts, conferences, magazine, and Instagram account place her in the perfect authority position to write this type of book. Her quotations from various authoritative figures and authors were spot-on, and exactly what I would have used if this was my book. I also thoroughly enjoyed the beautiful photography throughout, and let’s not forget to mention the thick pages that flip so easily as I read. This book will be a treasured resource for many, I am sure.
5.0 out of 5 stars Will read again!
Such an easy read and kept going back to it.I was homeschooled and hopes of doing so for my kids but things have changed and times have changed so this was a very encouraging and helpful book!
5.0 out of 5 stars Love it!
Love this book! Definitely a good read for people deciding to homeschool!
4.0 out of 5 stars Refreshing read
Overall this is a great read. Parts of it went slower then I expected but the themes of allowing kids to be kids, letting creativity and curiosity drive their learning and keeping wonder alive were overarching and clear. I found it to be a refreshing book and encouraging book.
Must read for home educators
(function() { P.when('cr-A', 'ready').execute(function(A) { if(typeof A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel === 'function') { A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel('review_text_read_more', 'Read more of this review', 'Read less of this review'); } }); })(); .review-text-read-more-expander:focus-visible { outline: 2px solid #2162a1; outline-offset: 2px; border-radius: 5px; } Fantastic book, essential for anyone considering home education or a different way of life for their family. I found the writing compelling, engaging and humble. It gives a great overview of different styles of home education as well as describing and advocating for the Wild + Free way.
Great intro book for new homeschoolers
Great overview and introduction to homeschooling for parents that are interested in exploring it for their children.
Great book for homeschooling parents
I love this book!!! Its beautifully designed, hard back and beautiful layout inside. Very pleasing to the eye. Also, the content. A really gem for those who are looking to homeschool, I couldn't recommend this book enough. Its a real gem!
HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!
I just finished reading “The Call of the Wild + Free”. I don’t remember the last time I was so deeply impacted by a book. It was like my parched, weary soul was lapping up the fresh, pure water of the words on every page. The book was so inspiring, life giving and motivating that I have experienced personal change and growth which has empowered me to take small steps in changing our family life and culture. For example, starting to develop rhythms, aiming to get outside every single day, and incorporating even more daily reading. This book not only inspired me to continue pursuing life goals that will enhance a home school way of living, but it also challenged me to learn and grow as an individual, to demonstrate and exemplify for my children.The very best part is that I get to learn and discover right along with my kids and in doing so, come alive!!!!I’ve also started listening to the Wild + Free podcasts which have been equally inspiring and valuable. 😄
Valuable book for homeschool
Fantastic book. A must read for all looking to homeschool
Visit the Ainsley Arment (Author) Store
The Call of the Wild and Free: Reclaiming the Wonder in Your Child's Education, A New Way to Homeschool
AED12214
Quantity:
Order today to get by 7-14 business days
Delivery fee of AED 20. Free for orders above AED 200.
Imported From: United States
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Visit the Ainsley Arment (Author) Store
The Call of the Wild and Free: Reclaiming the Wonder in Your Child's Education, A New Way to Homeschool
AED12214
Quantity:
Order today to get by 7-14 business days
Delivery fee of AED 20. Free for orders above AED 200.
Imported From: United States
At BOLO, we work hard to ensure the products you receive are new, genuine, and sourced from reputable suppliers.
BOLO is not an authorized or official retailer for most brands, nor are we affiliated with manufacturers unless specifically stated on a product page. Instead, we source verified sellers, authorized distributors or directly from the manufacturer.
Each product undergoes thorough inspection and verification at our consolidation and fulfilment centers to ensure it meets our strict authenticity and quality standards before being shipped and delivered to you.
If you ever have concerns regarding the authenticity of a product purchased from us, please contact Bolo Support. We will review your inquiry promptly and, if necessary, provide documentation verifying authenticity or offer a suitable resolution.
Your trust is our top priority, and we are committed to maintaining transparency and integrity in every transaction.
All product information, images, descriptions, and reviews originate from the manufacturer or from trusted sellers overseas. BOLO is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or an authorized retailer for most brands listed on our website unless stated otherwise.
While we strive to display accurate information, variations in packaging, labeling, instructions, or formulation may occasionally occur due to regional differences or supplier updates. For detailed or manufacturer-specific information, please contact the brand directly or reach out to BOLO Support for assistance.
Unless otherwise stated, all prices displayed on the product page include applicable taxes and import duties.
BOLO operates in accordance with the laws and regulations of United Arab Emirates. Any items found to be restricted or prohibited for sale within the UAE will be cancelled prior to shipment. We take proactive measures to ensure that only products permitted for sale in United Arab Emirates are listed on our website.
All items are shipped by air, and any products classified as “Dangerous Goods (DG)” under IATA regulations will be removed from the order and cancelled.
All orders are processed manually, and we make every effort to process them promptly once confirmed. Products cancelled due to the above reasons will be permanently removed from listings across the website.
Description:
Editorial Reviews
Review
"Ainsley Arment has emerged as one of the most prominent voices in a grass-roots community that, long before social distancing, decided to reject mainstream schooling and rather educate within the family…. The Call of the Wild and Free, part memoir and part manifesto, encourages mothers who are considering home-schooling and those who are ready to give up… suggesting that parents are the most intuitive educators of their kids." — The New York Times
"If you’re curious about homeschooling or wondering if it’s something you might be able to do, this is a low-pressure, easy read that’s also super inspiring." — Book Riot
About the Author
Ainsley Arment is the founder and leader of Wild + Free, cohost of the weekly Wild + Free podcast, and author of The Call of the Wild + Free. As she leads this movement of raising kids and homeschooling in a new way, she thinks deeply about making the most of life and ensuring that her children have a fertile seedbed for their own uniqueness and creativity. She and her husband, Ben, are raising their five kids, Wyatt, Dylan, Cody, Annie, and Millie, in Virginia Beach.
Reviews:
5.0 out of 5 stars Officially one of my top home education books!
(function() { P.when('cr-A', 'ready').execute(function(A) { if(typeof A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel === 'function') { A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel('review_text_read_more', 'Read more of this review', 'Read less of this review'); } }); })(); .review-text-read-more-expander:focus-visible { outline: 2px solid #2162a1; outline-offset: 2px; border-radius: 5px; } I appreciated so much about this book, but I’m going to try and include 3 things about what makes this book a unique read in this genre.Firstly, I enjoyed how encouraging and clear it was, without being divisive. Most books on general homeschooling pedagogy rely on demonizing other modes of schooling to champion the merits of home education. This book does not. The Call of the Wild and Free shares the beauty and benefit of schooling at home but doesn’t puff up the reader by relying on the mindset that she is choosing the “right” way.In the western world we are afforded the privilege to make choices that are not available in all demographics, so I deeply appreciate the intentionality with sharing the merits of home-based education without slandering or belittling families that choose another educational route. It’s refreshing.Secondly, I appreciate how she is inclusive of other women’s voices-not just other authors, but real life mothers who are in the thick of homeschool life, and have a variety of hats they wear (business owners, higher ed students, working out of the home, etc). She manages to do this without making those roles seem lesser to express the value of homeschool. I resonate with the diversity of profession and schooling because it is consistent with the landscape of mothers and fathers I see schooling their children in the home.Thirdly, the pictures of actual children & families is a rare inclusion and also highlighted some racial diversity, which I don’t see much in the homeschool conversation. I’d love to see more unity and inclusion around that, but that’s a lot longer conversation for another day, and this book is such a delightful step in a good direction.
5.0 out of 5 stars I have already recommended this book to several friends!
I love this book! I love the way it feels in my hands. Thick pages, smooth textured finish on the cover, gorgeous photography throughout and at times, the message moved me to tears. As a newer homeschooler, it really inspired me and gave me a sense of relief and confidence. It makes me want to be the best version of myself as a mother and it shifted my narrow perspective of what homeschool should look like in order to be “successful “.Update- I’d like to mention with regard to the negative reviews- most were longtime homeschool veterans and some so mean, full of disrespectful judgment and negative energy that they lost the platform to have their opinions valued. I am not a friend of the author and I have nothing to gain from my review. I am not a veteran homeschooler but if you find applicable tools in a book, that’s fantastic! The entire book does not need to match how you operate in life to make it helpful. Another review said it was only a 70 page book. That’s not true either. It’s the whole book and it gave me inspiration to weave more creativity into my days and the confidence in my children’s ability to learn something that isn’t part of a box curriculum. Over all, it made me feel more calm in my ability read cues from my overwhelmed kids to take days to just read, explore and create as opposed to marching through a schedule. It helped me remember magic in my own childhood and the importance of giving that gift to my kid’s in a digital age. I have a 8 & 10 year old. I’ve raised a 22 and 25 year old as well. I found gems in this book and what didn’t apply, I moved past without feeling the need to go strait to reviews to bash and belittle the author.
5.0 out of 5 stars every family needs this book
I received this book in the mail yesterday and just finished devouring it. (Yes, I put aside our lessons and declared today a reading day, because I can.) :) This book resonated deeply with me as I strive to home educate my three girls well--and I'm so glad I preordered it and will have it on my bookshelf for reference and encouragement whenever I need. I said a lot of "Yes! Yes! Yes!" in my mind as I read through topic after topic, as everything the author says lines up with my goals and dreams for my children and the type of childhood I want them to have.The book is split into four main sections titled: The Mission, The Myths, The Manner, and The Method. It addresses why we homeschool, misconceptions from others and ourselves, how children develop and what they need at each stage, how to create a family rhythm and family culture, discovering your style, the importance of free play and nature in giving our children back their childhoods. I appreciated the information about various forms of home education such as classical, Montessori, Charlotte Mason, Waldorf, Reggio Emilia, and unschooling. We personally do a mix of classical and Charlotte Mason, with an emphasis on finding the right approach to math or english for each child depending on their brain wiring.In addition to the theories and beliefs that govern how we teach our children at home, so much of the book is practical advice that we can readily implement in our homes, which I very much appreciate. I have been reminded to get out in nature more, to not give in to pressures of doing more, to continue reading aloud even to my 13-year-old, to make a notebooking journal with fun prompts to get my creative writer writing, to stop doubting myself.I started homeschooling to become a bigger voice in my children's lives than public school would allow, to be able to know them intimately, to be able to witness their blossoming, to give them exactly what they need when they need it (as only someone who knows them well can), and to redeem what I lost in my own childhood. I grew up internalizing a lot of stress and anxiety, and didn't feel I had anyone to voice it to. I felt unheard and misunderstood and I tried to stay out of people’s way as much as possible instead of asserting myself. I grew up and became overwhelmed with life as an adult, letting stress eat away at me, developing many health problems as a result. My coming back to myself and taking control of my life has coincided with taking control of my children's lives and educations as well. I am in my fifth year homeschooling, but I am still working things out and constantly learning, changing, growing. Homeschooling is definitely a journey, not a destination, which is why books like this are essential to us moms in the trenches. I think this book is as relevant to the seasoned home educator as to the mom who is looking to start.Much of the book talks about keeping our children’s sense of wonder alive by creating an environment in which they actually enjoy learning (not dread it or simply get through it). It encourages us to let them play as much as possible, because play is how little ones learn, "Children invite us into their world in small, delicate ways each day. They stand before us, board game in hand, looking up into our eyes as if maybe this time might be different. Children are resilient. They ask, get rejected, and then ask again. Imagine being surrounded by giants all day, looking up at the underside of their chins, and then experiencing the sheer delight when one of them crouches down to join our activity. Childhood is so fleeting. Before we know it, they will indeed stand as tall as us and perhaps see things the way we do. But by then, it will be too late. Their childhood will be gone. May we learn to enter their world before they stop inviting us.”Ainsley Arment's thorough knowledge of every aspect of home education is evident throughout the book, and I never felt like it was being redundant or irrelevant. Her position as the founder of Wild + Free podcasts, conferences, magazine, and Instagram account place her in the perfect authority position to write this type of book. Her quotations from various authoritative figures and authors were spot-on, and exactly what I would have used if this was my book. I also thoroughly enjoyed the beautiful photography throughout, and let’s not forget to mention the thick pages that flip so easily as I read. This book will be a treasured resource for many, I am sure.
5.0 out of 5 stars Will read again!
Such an easy read and kept going back to it.I was homeschooled and hopes of doing so for my kids but things have changed and times have changed so this was a very encouraging and helpful book!
5.0 out of 5 stars Love it!
Love this book! Definitely a good read for people deciding to homeschool!
4.0 out of 5 stars Refreshing read
Overall this is a great read. Parts of it went slower then I expected but the themes of allowing kids to be kids, letting creativity and curiosity drive their learning and keeping wonder alive were overarching and clear. I found it to be a refreshing book and encouraging book.
Must read for home educators
(function() { P.when('cr-A', 'ready').execute(function(A) { if(typeof A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel === 'function') { A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel('review_text_read_more', 'Read more of this review', 'Read less of this review'); } }); })(); .review-text-read-more-expander:focus-visible { outline: 2px solid #2162a1; outline-offset: 2px; border-radius: 5px; } Fantastic book, essential for anyone considering home education or a different way of life for their family. I found the writing compelling, engaging and humble. It gives a great overview of different styles of home education as well as describing and advocating for the Wild + Free way.
Great intro book for new homeschoolers
Great overview and introduction to homeschooling for parents that are interested in exploring it for their children.
Great book for homeschooling parents
I love this book!!! Its beautifully designed, hard back and beautiful layout inside. Very pleasing to the eye. Also, the content. A really gem for those who are looking to homeschool, I couldn't recommend this book enough. Its a real gem!
HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!
I just finished reading “The Call of the Wild + Free”. I don’t remember the last time I was so deeply impacted by a book. It was like my parched, weary soul was lapping up the fresh, pure water of the words on every page. The book was so inspiring, life giving and motivating that I have experienced personal change and growth which has empowered me to take small steps in changing our family life and culture. For example, starting to develop rhythms, aiming to get outside every single day, and incorporating even more daily reading. This book not only inspired me to continue pursuing life goals that will enhance a home school way of living, but it also challenged me to learn and grow as an individual, to demonstrate and exemplify for my children.The very best part is that I get to learn and discover right along with my kids and in doing so, come alive!!!!I’ve also started listening to the Wild + Free podcasts which have been equally inspiring and valuable. 😄
Valuable book for homeschool
Fantastic book. A must read for all looking to homeschool
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