Ren Allen

Maybe those that wish could do a brief introduction...for the benefit
of those that aren't familiar with everyone here. We're a small list
right now, so it should be easy enough. Introductions won't be a big
deal if the list gets bigger, we'll get to know people through
regular postings.

So for those that don't know me, I'm Ren, a regular rabble rouser at
unschooling.com and a couple email lists. I've been homeschooling
(relaxed/eclectic earlier on) since 1996 and unschooling since 2000,
radically since 2001. :)
I have four amazing children ages 14, 10, 7 and 3, that have taught
me more about this unschooling thing than anyone else. But I have to
give credit to many of the long-time posters at unschooling.com,
including Kelly, Sandra, Anne, Joyce, Rue and many others for helping
me trust and learn how to let GO.

Christy (who just signed in) used to live near me, and then they up
and moved to Turkey goshdarnit! And Rue is my twin (well, not really,
I only wish), but I'm the evil one.

I think I'm gonna like it here.....

Ren

[email protected]

In a message dated 5/28/2004 5:23:39 PM Eastern Daylight Time, starsuncloud@... writes:
Maybe those that wish could do a brief introduction...for the benefit
of those that aren't familiar with everyone here. We're a small list
right now, so it should be easy enough. Introductions won't be a big
deal if the list gets bigger, we'll get to know people through
regular postings.<<<<<<
 
A SMALL list? Have you seen how many people have already logged on?
WOW!
 
I'm Kelly and as radical as Ren. I watched, chuckling, as Ren got this unschooling "thang" a few years ago. Her "reckoning" is all recorded at unschooling.com----well, if it's been saved. They're cleaning up a bit over there.
 
I have two boys, Cameron (16) and Duncan (8). Cameron was in private school until after sixth grade. We've been unschooling ever since. His deschooling story has been told several times at the different lists and unschooling.com. But he's SHINING now!
 
Duncan's never been to school and is a happy sort----learning without the pangs of school-history.
 
My husband, Ben, is a Citadel graduate (think Pat Conroy's _Lords of Discipline_!) and a full-believer in unschooling----as well as a speaker at all unschooling conferences.
 
I started the Live and Learn Unschooling Conference two years ago in Columbia, SC. It's been a big success, and Kathryn's taking over for me this year in Peabody, MA. I hope ALL of you will attend.
 
There's nothing more "convincing" than seeing actual unschoolers in action! Moms, dads, kids----and a couple of grandparents!
 
People joke that I am the "Billy Graham of Unschooling." I want everyone to know it exists----and when you decide that this is what you want to pursue, I want you to "get it" as soon as possible! I kind of wear unschooling on my sleeve----well, at least on the back of my car, which is home to a dozen unschooling bumper stickers! <G>
 
>>>Christy (who just signed in) used to live near me, and then they up
and moved to Turkey goshdarnit! And Rue is my twin (well, not really,
I only wish), but I'm the evil one.<<<
 
Cool to be in Turkey, Christy! Want to tell us a bit about it?
 
Yes, Rue is the sweet one! <g>
 
>>>>I think I'm gonna like it here.....<<<<<
 
Me too. Thanks for doing all the work, Ren!

~Kelly

[email protected]

I'm Rebecca, married to Jason and proud mama to Jaiden(almost 6) and Avery(almost 3)-both boys. We have a little one due sometime the end of Sept. We moved to Michigan from San Diego in Dec. so that Jason could go to school. I'm working for the first time in about 8 years.

We made the decision to homeschool when Jaiden was 2, I thought Waldorf was the way to go, until I found unschooling, and there was NO turning back.

My first experience with unschoolers was on U-D, when it was dot-com, and a huge debate about Eminem was going on. (some may remember that) I have kept pretty quiet on most of the lists I'm on, until this week anyways. But it has been the words of Kelly, Sandra, Joyce, Rue and Ren (the twins) and many others that have kept me moving towards the ideal that I strive for every day.

I'm glad they are here when I falter with words of encouragment and the strength to share their mishaps and learning moments with me and everyone with the courage to look for a better way.

I'm glad to be on this group, and looking forward to continuing the journey and staying on the path with everyone here.

~Rebecca

--
You know, Hobbes, some days even my lucky rocketship underpants don't help."
-Calvin

C CURTS

hi all. i'm collette and i live in michigan with dh and three sons.  mason is 6, hunter is 4, logan is 2. right now i guess we are more eclectic hsers than anythings else. i stopped "doing school" with mason around christmas when he announced "i want to take a break from school." i was more than happy to oblige. in these past few months i have seen his reading, writing, math abilities sky-rocket. he gets his reading practice everywhere around him - signs, games (board and video), movies. he learns math by playing with numbers in his head - money, games. he writes little notes to his best friend next door and to his father and myself. 
as much as i love unschooling though, dh isn't quite ready for me to let go completely. he will ask me once in a while what we are up to regarding school. i am not sure how long i will be able to hold off "doing school" again with mason. honestly though, mason asked me to start doing school again just a few days ago....... go figure.
looking forward to learning a lot from this group,
collette

Ren Allen <starsuncloud@...> wrote:
Maybe those that wish could do a brief introduction...for the benefit
of those that aren't familiar with everyone here. We're a small list
right now, so it should be easy enough. Introductions won't be a big
deal if the list gets bigger, we'll get to know people through
regular postings.

So for those that don't know me, I'm Ren, a regular rabble rouser at
unschooling.com and a couple email lists. I've been homeschooling
(relaxed/eclectic earlier on) since 1996 and unschooling since 2000,
radically since 2001. :)
I have four amazing children ages 14, 10, 7 and 3, that have taught
me more about this unschooling thing than anyone else. But I have to
give credit to many of the long-time posters at unschooling.com,
including Kelly, Sandra, Anne, Joyce, Rue and many others for helping
me trust and learn how to let GO.

Christy (who just signed in) used to live near me, and then they up
and moved to Turkey goshdarnit! And Rue is my twin (well, not really,
I only wish), but I'm the evil one.

I think I'm gonna like it here.....

Ren




Do you Yahoo!?
Friends. Fun. Try the all-new Yahoo! Messenger

Jon and Rue Kream

>>Yes, Rue is the sweet one!
<g> 
 
**I don't know where you get that idea :0).  ~Rue

[email protected]

In a message dated 5/28/2004 5:51:12 PM Eastern Daylight Time, letty312003@... writes:
as much as i love unschooling though, dh isn't quite ready for me to let go completely. he will ask me once in a while what we are up to regarding school. i am not sure how long i will be able to hold off "doing school" again with mason.<<<
 
 
Hi, Collette, and welcome!

I'd start writing down what "school" he IS doing on a daily basis. Do this for several months, like the whole summer. Then when your husband asks, during the summer, say that you're taking a break. In September when he feels that you should be "hitting the books" again, I'd show him your daily log. He can't help but be impressed!

I'd also try, try, try to get to the conference! Your husband too. It'll change your lives!

~Kelly

C CURTS

where is the conference?
collette

kbcdlovejo@... wrote:
In a message dated 5/28/2004 5:51:12 PM Eastern Daylight Time, letty312003@... writes:
as much as i love unschooling though, dh isn't quite ready for me to let go completely. he will ask me once in a while what we are up to regarding school. i am not sure how long i will be able to hold off "doing school" again with mason.<<<
 
 
Hi, Collette, and welcome!

I'd start writing down what "school" he IS doing on a daily basis. Do this for several months, like the whole summer. Then when your husband asks, during the summer, say that you're taking a break. In September when he feels that you should be "hitting the books" again, I'd show him your daily log. He can't help but be impressed!

I'd also try, try, try to get to the conference! Your husband too. It'll change your lives!

~Kelly

Do you Yahoo!?
Friends. Fun. Try the all-new Yahoo! Messenger

[email protected]

In a message dated 5/28/2004 6:10:05 PM Eastern Daylight Time, skreams@... writes:
>>Yes, Rue is the sweet one! <g> 
 
**I don't know where you get that idea :0).  ~Rue<<<
 
Because Ren's the evil twin?

~Kelly
 

April M

Hi,
I'm April from Michigan. We've homeschooled forever and evolved into unschooling a few years back. I'm still learning my way through it and learning to trust the kids...my poor dh is along for the ride....he loves the idea in theory, but every once in a while his upbringing comes back to haunt him and he questions things. We just "graduated" our oldest (she wanted the fun parts of a senior year....pictures, an open house...so we are obliging). My youngest has never had "school at home", the others have had varying degrees.  I run an inclusive homeschool group in our area and I see it as my personal mission that new homeschool families know and understand the option of unschooling as they investigate homeschooling. I often feel like I'm just muddling along so I'm sure I'll have questions soon.
 

~April
Mom to Kate-17, Lisa-15, Karl-13, & Ben-8.
*Facilitator to REACH Homeschool Group, an inclusive group meeting throughout Oakland County.. http://www.homeschoolingonashoestring.com/REACH_home.html
*Member of Michigan Youth Theater...Acting On Our Dreams...  <http://www.michiganyouththeater.org/>
"Even the smallest person can change the course of the future,"   Galadrial

-----Original Message-----
From: Ren Allen [mailto:starsuncloud@...]
Sent: Friday, May 28, 2004 5:21 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: [unschoolingbasics] introductions

Maybe those that wish could do a brief introduction...for the benefit
of those that aren't familiar with everyone here. We're a small list
right now, so it should be easy enough. Introductions won't be a big
deal if the list gets bigger, we'll get to know people through
regular postings.

So for those that don't know me, I'm Ren, a regular rabble rouser at
unschooling.com and a couple email lists. I've been homeschooling
(relaxed/eclectic earlier on) since 1996 and unschooling since 2000,
radically since 2001. :)
I have four amazing children ages 14, 10, 7 and 3, that have taught
me more about this unschooling thing than anyone else. But I have to
give credit to many of the long-time posters at unschooling.com,
including Kelly, Sandra, Anne, Joyce, Rue and many others for helping
me trust and learn how to let GO.

Christy (who just signed in) used to live near me, and then they up
and moved to Turkey goshdarnit! And Rue is my twin (well, not really,
I only wish), but I'm the evil one.

I think I'm gonna like it here.....

Ren




justlikemama

Hi!
This is Syndi from the other group. Mom to Kaleb and Isaiah, 10 and
6 ! This was our 1st official "year" to unschool, and it was SO
cool. I'm looking forward to getting to know you all and learning
more.
I'm so glad I wasn't the only one who woke up today tired of what
was going on at 101!
I think i'll like it here too!
syndi and sons

macschmerm

Hi, I am Tamara. My husband, James, have 1 daughter (almost 9).
I've been following her lead all along, she wanted to try school so
we found small homeschooling supportive public school. Attendance is
flexible. Due to reasons I won't go into right now, she chose to come
home this year. She was home for kindergarten, school 3 - 4 days a
week for grade 1 and 2. She was in grade 3 this year. We are still
involved at the school, she is in the play, I have several volunteer
positions there, we go on field trips and there is a big camping trip
next month. But no class time, WOO HOO!!!!!
e are having a great time!

Tamara

I'll write more another time, I'm a bit distracted with getting a
dinner schedule set for a friend who was in a car accident. She's
home now, and our school community is being really great, I have
people bringing her food for the next week and I haven't even heard
from everyone yet! People can be so great in times of need.

T

Karen Kahn

Hello everyone.

I love how the Universe works. I've been lurking for awhile on the
Unschooling website and this group caught my eye today, just when I
needed it!

I have 2 sons, David (12) and Ethan (8). David was in ps thru 2nd
grade, then I started getting my feet wet in "homeschooling" thru
the ISP in the school district. Then moved to two different
charter "homeschool" programs, which are merely public schools with
flexible schedules. Have finally made the leap into full
unschooling, but am still detoxing. I find myself laying math books
out on the table, hoping someone will want to work in one... I know,
I still have a fever.

We let go of TV restrictions, and Ethan is "testing" me by watching
cartoons all day long. Boy, do I need to meditate about walking my
talk.

I know what I need is faith in myself and them, and a good dose of
support from the likes of ya'll.

One note inspired by one of your posts: Ethan was digging in the
garden with me the other day and picked up some pillbugs. Being the
recovering "teacher," I ran and got a book on pillbugs. What he did
(instead of listen to the facts I was reading) was to observe the
birth process in his hand and tons of little white babies spilled
out of the mother. Now THAT's learning first hand (pardon the pun).

Thanks for being here. I look forward to the commraderie.
Karen

[email protected]

In a message dated 5/28/2004 9:28:25 PM Eastern Daylight Time, Onesnotenough@... writes:
I'm so glad I wasn't the only one who woke up today tired of what
was going on at 101!
  I think i'll like it here too!<<<
 
<g> Glad you're here, Syndi. I couldn't handle another minute!

~Kelly

Jon and Rue Kream

>>I'm glad to be on this group
 
**Hi Rebecca - I'm glad you came too.  I like it when you don't keep quiet :0). ~Rue

Crystal

Hello. I'm Crystal. I'm on a couple of lists (unschooling
discussion, always learning and unschooling.com, "hello everybody")
but I don't get to post as much as I'd like because I work so by the
time I read a thread, usually everyone has already answered. Plus,
I hate to post an answer and not be able to get back for a couple of
days, you know? Anyway, I'll try.

About me: I've been unschooling with my two youngest, Sean-15 and
Erica-14 next month, since Oct of 2001. Erica finished 5th grade in
school and Sean finished 6th. Erica and I took to unschooling
immediately. She and I had no problem deschooling, but Sean just
deschooled within the last few months (is that a deschooling
record?)! Up until then he believed he had to get a high school
diploma and then go to college to be sucessful. Recently, though,
he found a love for cooking and he's finally seeing that there is
more than one path to success. He even told me he wouldn't be
cooking if he was in school. Unfortunately he's still doing the
teenage rebel thing that schooled kids do, though less often.
Without unschooling I'm sure I'd have lost him by now, either to the
streets or to the courts.

Erica left school one month into 6th grade and unable to read. Of
course we didn't know that was her "problem" because the school had
her labled as ADHD and just an all around difficult child. I put
problem in quotations because it wouldn't have been a problem had
she never gone to school. I also don't believe she ever had ADHD.
She just couldn't conform and I don't think she ever will. Right
now she draws, and writes poetry and stories. (She's reading over
my shoulder right now and says she mostly draws and reads and role
plays which is a form of story writing with other people online.
She also says she's learning new words.) She's funny. She keeps
telling me what to tell you guys--lol. She has her whole life
planned out already. She says it's actually a 15-year plan, but it
will set up the rest of her life.

I have no family support in this so I'm trying to make my own
support through community. They blame all Sean's problems on the
fact that he isn't in school and that I spoil him. Anyway, that's
enough about me. I'll be checking back here soon.

Crystal

G&M Contracting Inc., Kenneth Gillilan

Hello everyone!  My name is AnnMarie and I live in Vermont with the loves of my life.  My daughter (11) goes to public school, but is slowly having a change of heart.  Her dad (my ex) doesn't like the idea of Unschooling so he is not a willing participant in any discussion of it.  We'll wear him down however...  My son's Keegan(5), Kayden(3.5) and Kaleb (1.5)  only know being free otherwise known as Unschooling.  I'm not perfect, still occasionally need de-schooling so I'm here to learn.  My husband Thinks that this is the best thing we could ever give our children, and I agree.  
    Inspired by the other post:  For the past 2 months we have been babysitting tadpoles.  We captured them as eggs and they have finally reached their final stage as a Forglet where we will return them to their home.  We haven't made a big deal about having them here, just observing them, (finding items that float for the arrival of legs and the disappearance of gills, eating patterns, size differences, color variations).  We had to add some clean water to the tank because we could barely see them and when we did about ten died.  We thought we did everything right, but the frogs being the environmental barometer they are must have picked up something funky in our well water.  We are letting them go to be adult frogs tomorrow and we are all sad, but also excited to see them go.  We've had a great time and it never got bookish just off the cuff observation.  AAHHH it's good to be Unschooling!
 
Nice to meet you all
AnnMarie 
-----Original Message-----
From: Ren Allen [mailto:starsuncloud@...]
Sent: Friday, May 28, 2004 5:21 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: [unschoolingbasics] introductions

Maybe those that wish could do a brief introduction...for the benefit
of those that aren't familiar with everyone here. We're a small list
right now, so it should be easy enough. Introductions won't be a big
deal if the list gets bigger, we'll get to know people through
regular postings.

So for those that don't know me, I'm Ren, a regular rabble rouser at
unschooling.com and a couple email lists. I've been homeschooling
(relaxed/eclectic earlier on) since 1996 and unschooling since 2000,
radically since 2001. :)
I have four amazing children ages 14, 10, 7 and 3, that have taught
me more about this unschooling thing than anyone else. But I have to
give credit to many of the long-time posters at unschooling.com,
including Kelly, Sandra, Anne, Joyce, Rue and many others for helping
me trust and learn how to let GO.

Christy (who just signed in) used to live near me, and then they up
and moved to Turkey goshdarnit! And Rue is my twin (well, not really,
I only wish), but I'm the evil one.

I think I'm gonna like it here.....

Ren




puppyrat4750

>>>>> One note inspired by one of your posts: Ethan was digging in
the garden with me the other day and picked up some pillbugs. Being
the recovering "teacher," I ran and got a book on pillbugs. What he
did (instead of listen to the facts I was reading) was to observe the
birth process in his hand and tons of little white babies spilled
out of the mother. Now THAT's learning first hand (pardon the
pun).>>>>>

Hi Karen,
I've been lurking on many groups, not currently homeschooling or
unschooling but we hope to next year. My daughter is 11 and wants to
try 6th grade and middle school next year (a story for another
time). I wanted to comment on your pillbugs (we call them
rolypolys!) and my daughter, too, has observed them give birth.
I'll always remember her discovery and the excitement of sharing it
with me.
Jann

Ren

"My husband and I cannot find enough hours in the day to do all the
projects and pursue all of our interests. We are always reading,
playing, singing....learning. I feel that school robbed me of the
ability to know what I want and I am just now reclaiming that
ability. I'm 34. I will not send my children to an institution that
does not seem to have the best interests of children at heart. The
best place they can be is here in the real world, with mom and dad. "

I can totally relate.
I'm 35, and it seems my passions and interests just come pouring out constantly. I have a new obsession almost monthly (sometimes weekly), life is SO interesting.
I've really thought a LOT about the fact that my children will just never even relate to the way a schooled mind operates. This unschooling life is so empowering and rich....I love seeing the way they think, sharing their dreams and interests with them, and seeing how totally different they are from the average child because of the freedom they have. They take for granted so many things that schooled kids would just die for! And that's a good thing.

Ren


"There is no way to
peace. Peace is the way."
~Quaker saying

Mike Borts

Hi all, I'm Mike from Michigan ,we've just completed our 1st year of homeschooling our daughter, Actually my wife has been the teacher most of the time and I usually help with special projects. Next year our son will be homeschooled  full time, he just finished his last year in Montessori . We have been moving in the direction of unschooling  and I thought this would be a good group to find out more about it. I look forward to learning.
                           
                                  Mike
Dad to Kayleann 7 & Quentin 4

                                

At 06:17 PM 5/28/04, you wrote:

Hi,
I'm April from Michigan. We've homeschooled forever and evolved into unschooling a few years back. I'm still learning my way through it and learning to trust the kids...my poor dh is along for the ride....he loves the idea in theory, but every once in a while his upbringing comes back to haunt him and he questions things. We just "graduated" our oldest (she wanted the fun parts of a senior year....pictures, an open house...so we are obliging). My youngest has never had "school at home", the others have had varying degrees.  I run an inclusive homeschool group in our area and I see it as my personal mission that new homeschool families know and understand the option of unschooling as they investigate homeschooling. I often feel like I'm just muddling along so I'm sure I'll have questions soon.
 

~April
Mom to Kate-17, Lisa-15, Karl-13, & Ben-8.
*Facilitator to REACH Homeschool Group, an inclusive group meeting throughout Oakland County.. http://www.homeschoolingonashoestring.com/REACH_home.html
*Member of Michigan Youth Theater...Acting On Our Dreams... <http://www.michiganyouththeater.org/>
"Even the smallest person can change the course of the future,"   Galadrial

-----Original Message-----
From: Ren Allen [mailto:starsuncloud@...]
Sent: Friday, May 28, 2004 5:21 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: [unschoolingbasics] introductions

Maybe those that wish could do a brief introduction...for the benefit
of those that aren't familiar with everyone here. We're a small list
right now, so it should be easy enough. Introductions won't be a big
deal if the list gets bigger, we'll get to know people through
regular postings.

So for those that don't know me, I'm Ren, a regular rabble rouser at
unschooling.com and a couple email lists. I've been homeschooling
(relaxed/eclectic earlier on) since 1996 and unschooling since 2000,
radically since 2001. :)
I have four amazing children ages 14, 10, 7 and 3, that have taught
me more about this unschooling thing than anyone else. But I have to
give credit to many of the long-time posters at unschooling.com,
including Kelly, Sandra, Anne, Joyce, Rue and many others for helping
me trust and learn how to let GO.

Christy (who just signed in) used to live near me, and then they up
and moved to Turkey goshdarnit! And Rue is my twin (well, not really,
I only wish), but I'm the evil one.

I think I'm gonna like it here.....

Ren





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Ren Allen

" Actually my wife has been the teacher most of the time and I
usually help with special projects."

It's really great to hear about involved Dads...welcome.
The great thing about unschooling, is you won't have to
play "teacher" anymore. It's a journey in which you are all the
learners, working together as a family to do the things you love!
You and your wife have permission to play as much as the kids...it's
very empowering.:)
Unschooling is freedom for all of you, to do the things that are
meaningful for your own life. It's about trusting that your children
will learn better without lesssons, or teachers, but from LIVING a
joyful life.
Stick around, we'll give ya an earful.

Ren

[email protected]

HI Mike and Family!
 
We worry about what a child will be tomorrow, yet we forget that he
is someone today.
Stacia Tauscher

Debbie

Erica left school one month into 6th grade and unable to read. Of
> course we didn't know that was her "problem" because the school
had
> her labled as ADHD and just an all around difficult child. I put
> problem in quotations because it wouldn't have been a problem had
> she never gone to school. I also don't believe she ever had
ADHD.
> She just couldn't conform and I don't think she ever will.

Hi Crystal,
I can relate here. We pulled Chuck our 14 year old out of public
school in the same grade as Erica. He was labled ADHD in 4th grade
and with all the testing (You had to score a 19 to be labled ADHD
and he score a 19 or 20) Just prior to pulling him out of school I
happened upon a article on the web about Vision Therapy and the
article was talking about Chuck (at least I swear it could have been
written about him) We had him tested and found out that he needed
glasses and had some vision problems due to muscles not forming
properly. I knew that when he tested so low for adhd that maybe he
was not that but after two years of being on ritalin and fighting
with the teachers, having the major "meltdowns" when coming off the
ritalin in the evenings and still not being able to focus on his
work etc we find out that his problem was his vision. How can a
child possibly sit still all day and read when he could not do it
(he needed glasses to read and had passed every since vision test
that was given by the school district, so they never found this
problem in 7 years of schooling.)
So as will Erica I felt the same way about Chuck that he just did
not fit in with conventional school not just because of the vision
stuff but with other things that was all probably brought on by his
vision problem.
Ok enough from me lol
Debbie