In a fog...
Tina
Hey, guys! I have a situation to ponder that I would really
appreciate your input on. I'm sure I raised a similar question last
year as this situation is not new.
A little history...
Pat and I have been together for almost 10 years. We were recently
married, so now I'm officially step-mom to five children in addition
to being mother to two, nana to one...soon to be nana to two more.
Anyway, needless to say ALL of the children have been raised as if
they were my own.
The four oldest went through public school and are young adults
now. Two of them live on their own, and one is preparing to venture
out soon. Plus, we have our oldest back home expecting her first
child and anticipating bed rest in the next month or two. Of the
remaining three children there are two in public school, Pat's two
youngest, and one unschooler, my youngest.
I would love nothing more than to bring the two youngest home. The
biggest issue is with our youngest girl, Amie. She is the reason
for my post. Last year was a tough year for our family. Things
seem to touch her in a different way. She will be 16 in March, is
very sensitive, artistic and a "typical" middle child. Up until
last year she was always a so-called average student in school.
Well, last year brought many failed classes. I did everything I
knew how to encourage "showing up" for her classes. She was there
physically, but didn't do the work. It seemed nothing interested
her, and she just didn't participate in the academics.
Well, here it is a new year, 10th grade for her, and we are
on "instant replay". She is failing most of her classes, and will
likely not graduate with her class. Pat, being school minded, is
worried. Honestly, I am worried as well. Part of me wonders why
she is okay with failing and does nothing to try to succeed.
There are aspects of unschooling that I am still growing into. I
wish I was stronger and more grounded in my beliefs and
understanding of this area of my life. So, in spite of this fact,
I've decided to back off on the education aspect, and Pat is in
agreement with me to this point. Honestly, he doesn't really know
anything much about unschooling. I find it strange that he never
really asks me about Adrians progress and those typical school based
questions we tend to hear. He gives me my space and trusts my
judgement. I'm not sure that he would be the same when it came to
Amie, especially due to her age.
We have discussed home schooling in the past but decided against it
due to the "ex" factor. Especially with us not being married at the
time, we just didn't want to wade into those waters. Plus, I don't
know how easy it would be for me to influence an unschooling
lifestyle on a man that is so school minded.
As an unschooler at heart and a mom trying her best to provide an
unschooling way of life I find this situation confusing. Some of
the points I ponder are as follows:
1. Should she quit school?
2. How do I provide an opportunity for her that her father, and she
for that matter, doesn't understand?
3. How do I create an atmosphere in relation to an unschooling
lifestyle for a child in public school?
4. In what way and what points should I try to expose my husband
and daughter to unschooling?
5. What are the characteristics of a child that would effectively
drop out of public school to pursue their own interests?
6. Could Amie handle this transition?
7. Could we handle this transition?
8. What expecations would we have as parents from a child in such a
situation?
9. How could we effectively discuss this as a family?
10. What alternatives are there in this situation aside from
changing schools and/or coming home?
Don't misunderstand me. These are not point blank questions for
anyone to answer. They are merely a "bird's eye view" of the
confusion going on inside my head. Has anyone here ever been
there/done that? Even if you haven't, what do you think?
Thanks - Tina
appreciate your input on. I'm sure I raised a similar question last
year as this situation is not new.
A little history...
Pat and I have been together for almost 10 years. We were recently
married, so now I'm officially step-mom to five children in addition
to being mother to two, nana to one...soon to be nana to two more.
Anyway, needless to say ALL of the children have been raised as if
they were my own.
The four oldest went through public school and are young adults
now. Two of them live on their own, and one is preparing to venture
out soon. Plus, we have our oldest back home expecting her first
child and anticipating bed rest in the next month or two. Of the
remaining three children there are two in public school, Pat's two
youngest, and one unschooler, my youngest.
I would love nothing more than to bring the two youngest home. The
biggest issue is with our youngest girl, Amie. She is the reason
for my post. Last year was a tough year for our family. Things
seem to touch her in a different way. She will be 16 in March, is
very sensitive, artistic and a "typical" middle child. Up until
last year she was always a so-called average student in school.
Well, last year brought many failed classes. I did everything I
knew how to encourage "showing up" for her classes. She was there
physically, but didn't do the work. It seemed nothing interested
her, and she just didn't participate in the academics.
Well, here it is a new year, 10th grade for her, and we are
on "instant replay". She is failing most of her classes, and will
likely not graduate with her class. Pat, being school minded, is
worried. Honestly, I am worried as well. Part of me wonders why
she is okay with failing and does nothing to try to succeed.
There are aspects of unschooling that I am still growing into. I
wish I was stronger and more grounded in my beliefs and
understanding of this area of my life. So, in spite of this fact,
I've decided to back off on the education aspect, and Pat is in
agreement with me to this point. Honestly, he doesn't really know
anything much about unschooling. I find it strange that he never
really asks me about Adrians progress and those typical school based
questions we tend to hear. He gives me my space and trusts my
judgement. I'm not sure that he would be the same when it came to
Amie, especially due to her age.
We have discussed home schooling in the past but decided against it
due to the "ex" factor. Especially with us not being married at the
time, we just didn't want to wade into those waters. Plus, I don't
know how easy it would be for me to influence an unschooling
lifestyle on a man that is so school minded.
As an unschooler at heart and a mom trying her best to provide an
unschooling way of life I find this situation confusing. Some of
the points I ponder are as follows:
1. Should she quit school?
2. How do I provide an opportunity for her that her father, and she
for that matter, doesn't understand?
3. How do I create an atmosphere in relation to an unschooling
lifestyle for a child in public school?
4. In what way and what points should I try to expose my husband
and daughter to unschooling?
5. What are the characteristics of a child that would effectively
drop out of public school to pursue their own interests?
6. Could Amie handle this transition?
7. Could we handle this transition?
8. What expecations would we have as parents from a child in such a
situation?
9. How could we effectively discuss this as a family?
10. What alternatives are there in this situation aside from
changing schools and/or coming home?
Don't misunderstand me. These are not point blank questions for
anyone to answer. They are merely a "bird's eye view" of the
confusion going on inside my head. Has anyone here ever been
there/done that? Even if you haven't, what do you think?
Thanks - Tina
[email protected]
Tina,
Have you ever read The Teenage Liberation Handbook by Grace Llewelyn? I suggest getting a copy. it will give you, your daughter and your husband a good starting off place for unschooling discussions.
As far as how it will all work and transition, take it one day at a time.
--
~Mary, unschooling mom to Conor (16) and Casey (11)
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CorvallisTLC/
"The miracle is not to walk on water. The miracle is to walk on the
green earth, dwelling deeply in the present moment and feeling truly
alive."
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Have you ever read The Teenage Liberation Handbook by Grace Llewelyn? I suggest getting a copy. it will give you, your daughter and your husband a good starting off place for unschooling discussions.
>>1. Should she quit school?>>I prefer to think of it as starting something rather than quitting something. If she's unhappy at school and uninterested in playing the social or academic game, then I'd encourage her to start looking at what would interest her outside of school. She's obviously not getting much from being in the system. Let her out!
As far as how it will all work and transition, take it one day at a time.
--
~Mary, unschooling mom to Conor (16) and Casey (11)
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CorvallisTLC/
"The miracle is not to walk on water. The miracle is to walk on the
green earth, dwelling deeply in the present moment and feeling truly
alive."
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Tina
>> Have you ever read The Teenage Liberation Handbook by GraceLlewelyn?>>
I did read it in the beginning of my unschooling journey. I was
thinking about it again. I did make it available to our daughter
last year when this came up, but she didn't bite. Even then I
offered to act as her advocate and back her up when she was ready to
make a decision about what she wanted.
How else can I have influence on both her and Pat that would not
involve either of them reading a book? I know they won't...not that
I'm not willing to try again.
I plan to request both that book and the other book, "Real Lives",
that was recommended. Our library Mile program is down right now,
and that is how I would have to request both books as they are not
available through our county co-op. I may try going in to see the
librarian or finding them to buy, though. Any suggestions as where
to purchase them Online?
Thanks - Tina
PS - How do you all handle life when it seems each and every child,
we have SEVEN, has a pressing need at the same time. I feel SO
exhausted! On top of that I struggle with pangs of guilt for not
being able to dedicate the amount of time required to make progress
with pressing situations, as they seem to be arising daily around
here. How do you resolve pressing issues when they are coming at
you like rain drops? Anyone have a formula for cloning one's
self? :-)
[email protected]
-----Original Message-----
From: Tina <zoocrew@...>
I did read it in the beginning of my unschooling journey. I was
thinking about it again. I did make it available to our daughter
last year when this came up, but she didn't bite. Even then I
offered to act as her advocate and back her up when she was ready to
make a decision about what she wanted.
How else can I have influence on both her and Pat that would not
involve either of them reading a book? I know they won't...not that
I'm not willing to try again.
-=-=-=-
Read it TO them. I read TLH to Cameron when we were vacationing in the mountains one week. He had
lots of questions---esp since he was still just starting out.
Finding other unschoolers would be a BIG help.
-=-=-=-
I plan to request both that book and the other book, "Real Lives",
that was recommended. Our library Mile program is down right now,
and that is how I would have to request both books as they are not
available through our county co-op. I may try going in to see the
librarian or finding them to buy, though. Any suggestions as where
to purchase them Online?
-=-=-=-
Amazon and half.com, but if you have the $$ and can support the author, you can get it directly from her. If
you call, you'll probably talk with Maia, who is happy to take your order. But you can order online too.
-=-=-=-=-
PS - How do you all handle life when it seems each and every child,
we have SEVEN, has a pressing need at the same time. I feel SO
exhausted! On top of that I struggle with pangs of guilt for not
being able to dedicate the amount of time required to make progress
with pressing situations, as they seem to be arising daily around
here. How do you resolve pressing issues when they are coming at
you like rain drops? Anyone have a formula for cloning one's
self? :-)
-=-=-=-=-
Sorry. I have two that are eight years apart. I can divide myself between them pretty well.
But I DO have a zillion other things that take my time. I tend to get up a little earlier. I can
sometimes grab a nap in the afternoons if I need it. But I can put aside the pesky *extras* I take on---
not my kids. Ren?
~KellyKelly LovejoyConference CoordinatorLive and Learn Unschooling Conferencehttp://liveandlearnconference.org
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
From: Tina <zoocrew@...>
>> Have you ever read The Teenage Liberation Handbook by GraceLlewelyn?>>
I did read it in the beginning of my unschooling journey. I was
thinking about it again. I did make it available to our daughter
last year when this came up, but she didn't bite. Even then I
offered to act as her advocate and back her up when she was ready to
make a decision about what she wanted.
How else can I have influence on both her and Pat that would not
involve either of them reading a book? I know they won't...not that
I'm not willing to try again.
-=-=-=-
Read it TO them. I read TLH to Cameron when we were vacationing in the mountains one week. He had
lots of questions---esp since he was still just starting out.
Finding other unschoolers would be a BIG help.
-=-=-=-
I plan to request both that book and the other book, "Real Lives",
that was recommended. Our library Mile program is down right now,
and that is how I would have to request both books as they are not
available through our county co-op. I may try going in to see the
librarian or finding them to buy, though. Any suggestions as where
to purchase them Online?
-=-=-=-
Amazon and half.com, but if you have the $$ and can support the author, you can get it directly from her. If
you call, you'll probably talk with Maia, who is happy to take your order. But you can order online too.
-=-=-=-=-
PS - How do you all handle life when it seems each and every child,
we have SEVEN, has a pressing need at the same time. I feel SO
exhausted! On top of that I struggle with pangs of guilt for not
being able to dedicate the amount of time required to make progress
with pressing situations, as they seem to be arising daily around
here. How do you resolve pressing issues when they are coming at
you like rain drops? Anyone have a formula for cloning one's
self? :-)
-=-=-=-=-
Sorry. I have two that are eight years apart. I can divide myself between them pretty well.
But I DO have a zillion other things that take my time. I tend to get up a little earlier. I can
sometimes grab a nap in the afternoons if I need it. But I can put aside the pesky *extras* I take on---
not my kids. Ren?
~KellyKelly LovejoyConference CoordinatorLive and Learn Unschooling Conferencehttp://liveandlearnconference.org
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Tina
Well, I began to take the advice given on the topic of pulling my
step-daughter out of public school, 10th grade. Today Pat was home,
totally out of the ordinary, so we picked Amie up together. We had
a few minutes in the car. I took advantage of the time and brought
up my ideas in regard to reading the Teenage Liberation Handbook
together. I explained a few of my concerns and how I thought Amie
would benefit from being home. He bit!
We discussed our thoughts with Amie on the way home and decided that
we would research together, me and her, since we would be the ones
most involved. We also discussed including "Dad" in the loop and
educating ourselves, all of us, together. We shared our concerns
and ideas, and...she bit!
So, we'll see what happens from here...
My question is this:
What advice can/will anyone give in relation to the subject of
bringing an almost 16-year-old girl home from public school for the
first time? I'm open and ready to hear your advice, wisdom and
experiences. PLEASE SHARE...
Thanks - Tina
step-daughter out of public school, 10th grade. Today Pat was home,
totally out of the ordinary, so we picked Amie up together. We had
a few minutes in the car. I took advantage of the time and brought
up my ideas in regard to reading the Teenage Liberation Handbook
together. I explained a few of my concerns and how I thought Amie
would benefit from being home. He bit!
We discussed our thoughts with Amie on the way home and decided that
we would research together, me and her, since we would be the ones
most involved. We also discussed including "Dad" in the loop and
educating ourselves, all of us, together. We shared our concerns
and ideas, and...she bit!
So, we'll see what happens from here...
My question is this:
What advice can/will anyone give in relation to the subject of
bringing an almost 16-year-old girl home from public school for the
first time? I'm open and ready to hear your advice, wisdom and
experiences. PLEASE SHARE...
Thanks - Tina
[email protected]
<<bringing an almost 16yo girl home>>
Be prepared for her to want to sleep....alot. What does she want to do? Is she interested in anything in particular? Getting a job? Doing an apprenticeship? Being in community theatre? Taking classes at the community college?
I would invite her along to movies, concerts, herb talks, hikes, etc.. Think of it as life long summer vacation and her interests will come to the surface.
Just remember to take things slow. There is no rush. She doesn't have to have her "education" crammed in before she turns 18.
Julie S.
Be prepared for her to want to sleep....alot. What does she want to do? Is she interested in anything in particular? Getting a job? Doing an apprenticeship? Being in community theatre? Taking classes at the community college?
I would invite her along to movies, concerts, herb talks, hikes, etc.. Think of it as life long summer vacation and her interests will come to the surface.
Just remember to take things slow. There is no rush. She doesn't have to have her "education" crammed in before she turns 18.
Julie S.
----- Original Message -----
From: Tina <zoocrew@...>
Date: Wednesday, November 16, 2005 3:54 pm
Subject: [unschoolingbasics] In a fog/Update & Question
> Well, I began to take the advice given on the topic of pulling my
> step-daughter out of public school, 10th grade. Today Pat was
> home,
> totally out of the ordinary, so we picked Amie up together. We
> had
> a few minutes in the car. I took advantage of the time and
> brought
> up my ideas in regard to reading the Teenage Liberation Handbook
> together. I explained a few of my concerns and how I thought Amie
> would benefit from being home. He bit!
>
> We discussed our thoughts with Amie on the way home and decided
> that
> we would research together, me and her, since we would be the ones
> most involved. We also discussed including "Dad" in the loop and
> educating ourselves, all of us, together. We shared our concerns
> and ideas, and...she bit!
>
> So, we'll see what happens from here...
>
> My question is this:
>
> What advice can/will anyone give in relation to the subject of
> bringing an almost 16-year-old girl home from public school for
> the
> first time? I'm open and ready to hear your advice, wisdom and
> experiences. PLEASE SHARE...
>
> Thanks - Tina
>
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------
> ~-->
> Give at-risk students the materials they need to succeed at
> DonorsChoose.org!http://us.click.yahoo.com/iEagnA/LpQLAA/HwKMAA/0xXolB/TM
> -------------------------------------------------------------------
> -~->
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
[email protected]
-----Original Message-----
From: Tina zoocrew@...
My question is this:
What advice can/will anyone give in relation to the subject of
bringing an almost 16-year-old girl home from public school for the
first time? I'm open and ready to hear your advice, wisdom and
experiences. PLEASE SHARE...
-=-=-=-=-
Take it slowly. Pretend it's summer vacation. Around here, we say, "Every day is Saturday, and every month is July."
Rent movies (Ferris Bueller's Day Off, for starters! <G>). Do movie verticals---like all the Johnny Depp movies in order. All the Susan Sarandon movies. Or all Hitchcock. Or all movies with horses in them---just pick and actor/director/time period/subject and just watch---in your PJs, with pizza delivered and plenty of popcorn. Maybe for days on end.
Pack up and GOOOO. Spend a week at Williamsburg or Gettysburg or the Grand Canyon. Get a cheap hotel at the beach or in the mountains. Visit sweet, non-judgmental grandparents or cousins or godmothers for a few days. Or hell, get in touch with some of us unschoolers and roadtrip a few states away! <G> We ALWAYS love to meet/host travelling unschoolers!
Pick up a new hobby: beekeeping, puppy-raising a guide dog puppy, butterfly gardening, learning magic, playing an instrument, cycling (road &/or mountain), Japanese cooking, making ATCs, playing duplicate bridge. Be interested! Be interesting! (All those have been things picked up by someone in our family in the last few years.)
One of the big problems we had was the schooled friends. They'd tell Cameron he was going to be stupid, never get a job, etc. But Cam was 12. By 16, most of her friends already know how lame high school IS, so they probably won't bother her as much.
Attend a conference---either the Live and Learn Unschooling Conference (2006 in Albuquerque, NM) or a local/regional conference that's nearby. These are GREAT for you, your husband, and your daughter! Life-changing!
Not Back to School Camp---two on the west coast (OR) and one on the east (VT). Going to NBTSC would put her in touch with unschoolers from around the country. They are invaluable for the contacts and for knowing she's not alone---that *many* people live this lifestyle and are incredibly unique and exciting and full of life. The friends Cameron made there this year are priceless! He went to the east coast camp, but wants to go to all THREE next year! <g>
Mostly, just realizing that such a life is POSSIBLE can be eye-opening!
~Kelly
Kelly Lovejoy
Conference Coordinator
Live and Learn Unschooling Conference
http://liveandlearnconference.org
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
From: Tina zoocrew@...
My question is this:
What advice can/will anyone give in relation to the subject of
bringing an almost 16-year-old girl home from public school for the
first time? I'm open and ready to hear your advice, wisdom and
experiences. PLEASE SHARE...
-=-=-=-=-
Take it slowly. Pretend it's summer vacation. Around here, we say, "Every day is Saturday, and every month is July."
Rent movies (Ferris Bueller's Day Off, for starters! <G>). Do movie verticals---like all the Johnny Depp movies in order. All the Susan Sarandon movies. Or all Hitchcock. Or all movies with horses in them---just pick and actor/director/time period/subject and just watch---in your PJs, with pizza delivered and plenty of popcorn. Maybe for days on end.
Pack up and GOOOO. Spend a week at Williamsburg or Gettysburg or the Grand Canyon. Get a cheap hotel at the beach or in the mountains. Visit sweet, non-judgmental grandparents or cousins or godmothers for a few days. Or hell, get in touch with some of us unschoolers and roadtrip a few states away! <G> We ALWAYS love to meet/host travelling unschoolers!
Pick up a new hobby: beekeeping, puppy-raising a guide dog puppy, butterfly gardening, learning magic, playing an instrument, cycling (road &/or mountain), Japanese cooking, making ATCs, playing duplicate bridge. Be interested! Be interesting! (All those have been things picked up by someone in our family in the last few years.)
One of the big problems we had was the schooled friends. They'd tell Cameron he was going to be stupid, never get a job, etc. But Cam was 12. By 16, most of her friends already know how lame high school IS, so they probably won't bother her as much.
Attend a conference---either the Live and Learn Unschooling Conference (2006 in Albuquerque, NM) or a local/regional conference that's nearby. These are GREAT for you, your husband, and your daughter! Life-changing!
Not Back to School Camp---two on the west coast (OR) and one on the east (VT). Going to NBTSC would put her in touch with unschoolers from around the country. They are invaluable for the contacts and for knowing she's not alone---that *many* people live this lifestyle and are incredibly unique and exciting and full of life. The friends Cameron made there this year are priceless! He went to the east coast camp, but wants to go to all THREE next year! <g>
Mostly, just realizing that such a life is POSSIBLE can be eye-opening!
~Kelly
Kelly Lovejoy
Conference Coordinator
Live and Learn Unschooling Conference
http://liveandlearnconference.org
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
nrskay
--- In [email protected], kbcdlovejo@a... wrote:
great book. You may want to consider reading together, also I
suggest looking in the files section of this site and check out
other books and take to heart the wisdom on this site.
Kay
>the
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Tina zoocrew@w...
>
> My question is this:
> What advice can/will anyone give in relation to the subject of
> bringing an almost 16-year-old girl home from public school for
> first time? I'm open and ready to hear your advice, wisdom andthe book "The Teenage Liberation Handbook" by Grace Llewellyn a
> experiences. PLEASE SHARE...
> -=-=-=-=-
>
>My dd was a bit younger when we started unschooling, but I found
great book. You may want to consider reading together, also I
suggest looking in the files section of this site and check out
other books and take to heart the wisdom on this site.
Kay
chixathome
--- In [email protected], kbcdlovejo@a... wrote:
around the country. They are invaluable for the contacts and for
knowing she's not alone---that *many* people live this lifestyle and
are incredibly unique and exciting and full of life. The friends
Cameron made there this year are priceless! He went to the east coast
camp, but wants to go to all THREE next year! <g>
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Kelly, LOVED your whole post...such good info and support from all of
you on this list.
Excuse the intrusion, as I don't think I've even done an intro here
yet, but I just wanted to ask if the NBTSC has moved to Vermont? I
thought the one on the east coast was in West Virginia, and my eldest
daughter (FINALLY old enough!) would love to go this year. That would
be tough for us, though, if it's moved to VT.
So, here goes my super-quick intro: I'm Jenn Parr, from Virginia, mom
to four girls. We have wholeheartedly embraced our unschooling lives
just over the past 9-10 months (before that we unschooled "in the
closet" and had a few workbooks "in progress", just in case anyone
asked, you know!). We're (all of us) into music BIG time, Shelby (12)
is learning guitar, Tori (7) and Ashlyn (6) are learning piano.
Outside of playing instruments, there is always music of some sort
coming from one of our rooms. We listen to all kinds: opera, Broadway
musicals, Phish, Rufus Wainwright, classical (Ashlyn's fave, usually),
punk, bluegrass, world music, classic rock, even country!! (though not
MY personal choice, Shelby and Tori like it)! ;-) Other current
interests (and these can/will change at the drop of a hat) include:
writing stories, reading the HP series, the Narnia series, cooking,
soccer, Bratz dolls, board games as well as PS2 (We Love Katamari!),
GameCube (Harvest Moon, Animal Crossing, etc.), and GameBoy games,
Sculpey art, watercolors, raking leaves, playing with little sis (Lolo)
and our kitten, learning chess, cooking veggie recipes, watching
Arrested Development and Family Guy, reading from "A Cartoon History of
the World", drawing Manga, playing Neopets and Runescape online, etc.,
etc., etc.
Both of my younger daughters (Ashlyn, 6 and Lolo, 3) have been
diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders. It was probably Ashlyn's
diagnosis that made me start reading more, questioning more about how
we "teach" our "special needs" children. I couldn't imagine "training"
her to be "normal"...in my mommy eyes, she was already perfect, but all
the "experts" saw a child who needed to be fixed. To be more normal.
Yuck...what's so great about NORMAL, anyway? ;-) So, as her Mom,
I "un-diagnosed" her, so that she was just Ash, an amazingly bright,
with-it, funny, compassionate child who could do anything she set out
to do, but didn't HAVE to do anything she didn't want to do. Our "un-
diagnosis" gradually led me to UNschooling (for the whole family), and
here we are today.
I've already learned so much reading here, and I hope to learn and grow
even more. I recommend this list (plus a few others) to EVERYONE I
know who is embarking on this wondrous journey, and I look forward to
sharing more of our lives and our joys with you all.
Thanks for having me,
Jenn in Virginia
>say, "Every day is Saturday, and every month is July."
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Tina zoocrew@w...
> Take it slowly. Pretend it's summer vacation. Around here, we
>east (VT). Going to NBTSC would put her in touch with unschoolers from
> Not Back to School Camp---two on the west coast (OR) and one on the
around the country. They are invaluable for the contacts and for
knowing she's not alone---that *many* people live this lifestyle and
are incredibly unique and exciting and full of life. The friends
Cameron made there this year are priceless! He went to the east coast
camp, but wants to go to all THREE next year! <g>
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Kelly, LOVED your whole post...such good info and support from all of
you on this list.
Excuse the intrusion, as I don't think I've even done an intro here
yet, but I just wanted to ask if the NBTSC has moved to Vermont? I
thought the one on the east coast was in West Virginia, and my eldest
daughter (FINALLY old enough!) would love to go this year. That would
be tough for us, though, if it's moved to VT.
So, here goes my super-quick intro: I'm Jenn Parr, from Virginia, mom
to four girls. We have wholeheartedly embraced our unschooling lives
just over the past 9-10 months (before that we unschooled "in the
closet" and had a few workbooks "in progress", just in case anyone
asked, you know!). We're (all of us) into music BIG time, Shelby (12)
is learning guitar, Tori (7) and Ashlyn (6) are learning piano.
Outside of playing instruments, there is always music of some sort
coming from one of our rooms. We listen to all kinds: opera, Broadway
musicals, Phish, Rufus Wainwright, classical (Ashlyn's fave, usually),
punk, bluegrass, world music, classic rock, even country!! (though not
MY personal choice, Shelby and Tori like it)! ;-) Other current
interests (and these can/will change at the drop of a hat) include:
writing stories, reading the HP series, the Narnia series, cooking,
soccer, Bratz dolls, board games as well as PS2 (We Love Katamari!),
GameCube (Harvest Moon, Animal Crossing, etc.), and GameBoy games,
Sculpey art, watercolors, raking leaves, playing with little sis (Lolo)
and our kitten, learning chess, cooking veggie recipes, watching
Arrested Development and Family Guy, reading from "A Cartoon History of
the World", drawing Manga, playing Neopets and Runescape online, etc.,
etc., etc.
Both of my younger daughters (Ashlyn, 6 and Lolo, 3) have been
diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders. It was probably Ashlyn's
diagnosis that made me start reading more, questioning more about how
we "teach" our "special needs" children. I couldn't imagine "training"
her to be "normal"...in my mommy eyes, she was already perfect, but all
the "experts" saw a child who needed to be fixed. To be more normal.
Yuck...what's so great about NORMAL, anyway? ;-) So, as her Mom,
I "un-diagnosed" her, so that she was just Ash, an amazingly bright,
with-it, funny, compassionate child who could do anything she set out
to do, but didn't HAVE to do anything she didn't want to do. Our "un-
diagnosis" gradually led me to UNschooling (for the whole family), and
here we are today.
I've already learned so much reading here, and I hope to learn and grow
even more. I recommend this list (plus a few others) to EVERYONE I
know who is embarking on this wondrous journey, and I look forward to
sharing more of our lives and our joys with you all.
Thanks for having me,
Jenn in Virginia
Brandie
Welcome Jenn!
I just love how you said you "un-diagnosed" Ash....so very refreshing!
Oh, and Arrested Development...hubby just told me it was cancelled! It's such a great show!
I live in Tennesee on the Virginia border (Bristol) -- whereabouts are you? There are many of us here who don't live too far from you.
Brandie
http://tableforfive.blogspot.com
http://homemadeliving.blogspot.com
---------------------------------
Yahoo! Music Unlimited - Access over 1 million songs. Try it free.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
I just love how you said you "un-diagnosed" Ash....so very refreshing!
Oh, and Arrested Development...hubby just told me it was cancelled! It's such a great show!
I live in Tennesee on the Virginia border (Bristol) -- whereabouts are you? There are many of us here who don't live too far from you.
Brandie
http://tableforfive.blogspot.com
http://homemadeliving.blogspot.com
---------------------------------
Yahoo! Music Unlimited - Access over 1 million songs. Try it free.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[email protected]
-----Original Message-----
From: chixathome chixathome@...
Kelly, LOVED your whole post...such good info and support from all of
you on this list.
-=-=-
Good! <g> Glad it helped!
-=-=-=-=-
Excuse the intrusion, as I don't think I've even done an intro here
yet, but I just wanted to ask if the NBTSC has moved to Vermont? I
thought the one on the east coast was in West Virginia, and my eldest
daughter (FINALLY old enough!) would love to go this year. That would
be tough for us, though, if it's moved to VT.
-=-=-=-=-
The West Virginia camp has been sold, plus they're looking for a "greener" camp---which they found in Vermont.
If it's a transportation problem, that can be worked out. The kids are always willing to pick up campers along the way!
-=-=-=-
I've already learned so much reading here, and I hope to learn and grow
even more. I recommend this list (plus a few others) to EVERYONE I
know who is embarking on this wondrous journey, and I look forward to
sharing more of our lives and our joys with you all.
-=-=-=-=-
Cool---thanks!
And welcome, Jen!
~Kelly
Kelly Lovejoy
Conference Coordinator
Live and Learn Unschooling Conference
http://liveandlearnconference.org
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
From: chixathome chixathome@...
Kelly, LOVED your whole post...such good info and support from all of
you on this list.
-=-=-
Good! <g> Glad it helped!
-=-=-=-=-
Excuse the intrusion, as I don't think I've even done an intro here
yet, but I just wanted to ask if the NBTSC has moved to Vermont? I
thought the one on the east coast was in West Virginia, and my eldest
daughter (FINALLY old enough!) would love to go this year. That would
be tough for us, though, if it's moved to VT.
-=-=-=-=-
The West Virginia camp has been sold, plus they're looking for a "greener" camp---which they found in Vermont.
If it's a transportation problem, that can be worked out. The kids are always willing to pick up campers along the way!
-=-=-=-
I've already learned so much reading here, and I hope to learn and grow
even more. I recommend this list (plus a few others) to EVERYONE I
know who is embarking on this wondrous journey, and I look forward to
sharing more of our lives and our joys with you all.
-=-=-=-=-
Cool---thanks!
And welcome, Jen!
~Kelly
Kelly Lovejoy
Conference Coordinator
Live and Learn Unschooling Conference
http://liveandlearnconference.org
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]