The Call to Brilliance

[webjefita]

I looked for threads on this book, but only found an old, closed one.

I'm reading this and really enjoying it. Would love to know if anyone else has read, is reading, or would like to read it.

The author argues that all children are born with an innate brilliance, that needs to be nurtured and allowed to shine through. She chronicles her experiences both in school herself and those of her children. She ended up "homeschooling" (a very fascinating school that she details in the book). So, the book is half philosophy (lots and lots of quotes from other writers, which I love!) and half memoir. It's fascinating.

It has me thinking a lot about my children's possible gifts, how I want to nurture them, and what course their education will take.

As of now we're part time homeschooling, and I'm making a big decision next year which will be oldest DS' first grade year.

The Call to Brilliance

Amazon link

[lauriem33]

This looks very good, I've reserved it from the library. Thanks!

[haleyelianasmom]

Sounds interesting!

[webjefita]

I'm really enjoying her story. First, I respect her immensely for her approach to her children and their education. In places she calls it "holistic education," and she talks a lot about the whole of the child --especially the spirit. Something that has slowly become very clear to me. One place I have connected with this idea is at the Daily Groove, for example, this one.

I love reading about their family's early struggles, and how they eventually found their way.

In particular, tonight, I'm struck by this passage, which comes at the end of a chapter describing her son Stephen's journey into the working world at Warner Brothers studios at the age of 14 (following his passion).

When we look at our children, we must look past the outward trappings. We must look past the personalities, the self-concepts, the experience we have created for them that tells them who they are and who they are not. We must look past all these storylines and past the damage we have done to them through limiting, testing and judging them, through not trusting or even listening to their internal sense of direction. We must look past it all and help them uncover their true radiance. Then we must give them the opportunity to shine.

The Call to Brilliance, p 234

This really spoke to me. Anyone else want to comment on what has spoken to you from the book?