How Children Learn (50th anniversary edition)

By: John Holt

Narrated by: Matt Kugler

This enduring classic of educational thought offers teachers and parents deep, original insight into the nature of early learning. John Holt was the first to make clear that, for small children, "learning is as natural as breathing." In this delightful yet profound book, he looks at how we learn to talk, to read, to count, and to reason, and how we can nurture and encourage these natural abilities in our children.

Critic reviews

"Holt is a class with Piaget."
—New York Review of Books

"By his vision of what can be done in education, he makes us think in new ways about what is being done."
—The Wall Street Journal

"One of the most profoundly moving books I've ever read, the truest account of how I remember my best learning experiences as a child and an adult."
—Cory Doctorow, author of Walkaway and Little Brother

"The gentle voice of reason."
—Life magazine

must read

if you have children, or are often in the proximity of children, read this and be inspired, humbled, and delighted. this is a book i will come back to over and over as the years go by.

Must Read

This book is a stepping stone towards a better way to live, for individuals, for parents, for educators.

Definitely a great listen

This book provides great information on the way children think/learn. It really makes you think about the idea of learning and has made me watch my children more thoughtfully. I'm glad I gave it a listen!

Deep insight into human learning

Loved this! it's a classic for a reason. Holt deeply cares for and respects children.

A must read for everyone with young children

I’ll be listening to this at least once a year as a homeschooling parent. So many important reframes and reminders.