TJed

So I've met THREE ladies so far that are thinking about or wanting to homeschool. All three have looked at TJed (and I think ONLY TJed) and really like it; they all know families that do TJed really well.

I've read about it on the internet, but have never actually read the book because I haven't been impressed with what I've read thus far. I borrowed the book from one lady and finally read it. Still not impressed. His main idea: to read the classics and teach our children from the classics, is a great idea. The Well-Trained Mind also does this. Charlotte Mason also does this. The difference between the three, from what I can tell, is that the latter two are realistic on how to get there (both in their own ways), whereas TJed is completely unrealistic. He provides no clear path to obtaining that goal.

My second gripe about TJed is the "inspire, not require." I get it. BUT I think a better, more realistic approach would be "inspire as you require," or... "inspire, and if that doesn't work, require."

You've got to learn the math facts (and actually TJed briefly mentions this..) and if I can't INSPIRE you to learn them, you will be required to learn them. Sure, I can't make a kid learn something, but we will drill it daily until they learn them involuntarily and are dreaming in math facts, because they're that important.

I want to be able to focus on literary discussions on the classics when they are in middle/high school age, and not be remediating with math facts or reading ability during that time. The foundation HAS to be solid so that we can do the more important things when they're older. I focus on the 3 R's in grammar, inspired or not, we will do them every day. I'm working TOWARDS the goal of learning from the classics.

So anyway, it just doesn't make a lick of sense to me, and I don't know why so many LDS women are attracted to TJed. I cannot even pick up a classic book and read it easily because of my measly education. I have a long way to go. Why would I expect my children to do so with a similar flimsy foundation?

Here's a great blog that argues the specific points of TJed and why it's bogus: http://whyidontdotjed.blogspot.com/

I think you can glean some good things from the TJed books, but... I'm encouraging these women to look at other options as well. I don't agree with everything from TWTM or CM either, but both provide a clear and reasonable path to the ultimate goal of reading and learning from the classics.