microscope/unschooling
[email protected]
In a message dated 4/19/02 6:24:39 PM Central Daylight Time,
[email protected] writes:
<<
These are such small parts of our day. Maybe this is all I should be
expecting???? >>
Here's my advice Pat. Quit expecting.
This comes from someone that has had/is still having some of the same
struggles you are. I am learning slowly that the "not expecting" takes a lot
of pressure off of any particular situation. Because I am more open to
whatever comes out of it instead of attaching my preconceived notions.
If you're open to the natural flow, it can lead to great things.
If your kids feel prodded and poked, or like you think their activities are
unworthy, or that you'll possibly end an activity...they aren't going to have
that nice bubbly flow in which great things can happen.
Learning doesn't always happen in big, magic swathes.
Sometimes it's just a little moment, spent in the garden with Mom. And it
gets connected to some other piece of information at a future date and slowly
becomes something more and more meaningful to the child.
Expectations are colored.
And not the best way to get a joyful unschooling feeling going.
Ren
[email protected] writes:
<<
These are such small parts of our day. Maybe this is all I should be
expecting???? >>
Here's my advice Pat. Quit expecting.
This comes from someone that has had/is still having some of the same
struggles you are. I am learning slowly that the "not expecting" takes a lot
of pressure off of any particular situation. Because I am more open to
whatever comes out of it instead of attaching my preconceived notions.
If you're open to the natural flow, it can lead to great things.
If your kids feel prodded and poked, or like you think their activities are
unworthy, or that you'll possibly end an activity...they aren't going to have
that nice bubbly flow in which great things can happen.
Learning doesn't always happen in big, magic swathes.
Sometimes it's just a little moment, spent in the garden with Mom. And it
gets connected to some other piece of information at a future date and slowly
becomes something more and more meaningful to the child.
Expectations are colored.
And not the best way to get a joyful unschooling feeling going.
Ren
[email protected]
In a message dated 4/20/02 4:53:56 PM Central Daylight Time,
[email protected] writes:
<< That brings up a good point. I guess I am thinking of the deadline
of college or a vocation or what ever the child chooses. Does it
matter if they are ready for this at 18 or 20, no. Does it matter if
it is 25, yes. How do you feel about this? >>
Deadlines in terms of age are false. Very school mentality in my mind.
If my child finds work he/she enjoys at age 14, 17, 25 whenever, I would be
supportive. I don't think a child free to follow their interests and use
their natural ability to learn is going to have a problem finding work they
enjoy.
Do we have to know what single vocation we want to do by a particular age?
What about people that have several vocations in a lifetime.
I've had jobs in several different fields and I plan to go to Massage Therapy
school next year. Should I have figured this out a long time ago? At age 18
when I was going to the Int'l. Air Academy?
Why?
All of the work experience I've had up till today has been valuable..just as
the time I've spent not working, running my own business or taking classes.
Why does life have to be looked at in such a small box? Graduate at 18, go to
college, get a job....BLAH!!
There are no rules.
A person should follow their heart, follow their interests and let that lead
them to work they will love. Without age restraints or the idea that we must
choose a single vocation or career.
Be free!! Think free and you will see that those ideas are limiting.
Ren
[email protected] writes:
<< That brings up a good point. I guess I am thinking of the deadline
of college or a vocation or what ever the child chooses. Does it
matter if they are ready for this at 18 or 20, no. Does it matter if
it is 25, yes. How do you feel about this? >>
Deadlines in terms of age are false. Very school mentality in my mind.
If my child finds work he/she enjoys at age 14, 17, 25 whenever, I would be
supportive. I don't think a child free to follow their interests and use
their natural ability to learn is going to have a problem finding work they
enjoy.
Do we have to know what single vocation we want to do by a particular age?
What about people that have several vocations in a lifetime.
I've had jobs in several different fields and I plan to go to Massage Therapy
school next year. Should I have figured this out a long time ago? At age 18
when I was going to the Int'l. Air Academy?
Why?
All of the work experience I've had up till today has been valuable..just as
the time I've spent not working, running my own business or taking classes.
Why does life have to be looked at in such a small box? Graduate at 18, go to
college, get a job....BLAH!!
There are no rules.
A person should follow their heart, follow their interests and let that lead
them to work they will love. Without age restraints or the idea that we must
choose a single vocation or career.
Be free!! Think free and you will see that those ideas are limiting.
Ren