Book Review: Recovering the Lost Tools of Learning

 Recovering the Lost Tools of Learning: An Approach to Distinctively Christian Education by Douglas Wilson

This is not a book about homeschooling. In fact, Mr. Wilson would likely tell you,  if given the choice between a strong, classical Christian school and homeschooling, to choose the school. Instead, this book is about education. Every parent desires that his children receive an excellent education. Based on this criteria, a majority of public schools fail. Chapter 1 of the book provides facts to back up that assertion.

Instead of teaching children subjects, schools should seek to teach children how to learn says Mr. Wilson. The title of the book, Rediscovering the Lost Tools of Learning, hearkens to an original essay by Dorothy Sayers titled, The Lost Tools of Learning [added as an appendix in the book]. The concept of the Trivium is at the heart of the discussion here. The Trivium consists of 3 stages of learning: grammar, dialectic and rhetoric, and is commonly referred to as classical eduction. The Trivium, in each of these stages, does not simply teach subjects. Instead, this method of teaching shows the student how to learn; and provides him a love for it. Additionally, the Trivium leans on theology to unite all subjects to their great end: the glory of God.

Mr. Wilson is a very good, succinct writer. If you are dissatisfied with the product being produced by public education, read this book. It will help you in your reconsideration of what the education of children is all about.