suggestions needed re: our unschooling group
Kim H
Hi there,
Just wondering if you could offer any thoughts/ideas/experiences about a situation we have in our homeschooling (hate that term!) group.
We have a natural learning based type discussion group that meets once per month to discuss things about natural learning/unschooling etc. Not everyone is at the same level with it but we do have some good discussions most times. The problem I have (and a couple of others in the group have) with the set up of the group, is that we (the adults) sit in the lounge room and discuss stuff while the kids go off and play. The kids may be inside, they may be out. Mostly we can't see them (unless they are directly out the front window). I have issues with this as, although, it mostly 'appears' to be working well, there have been (obviously) little incidences arise where the children need help in coping etc. I've always been such a hands on parent and have found myself just going along with the group set up as is for the sake of the others in the group. We have now raised the issue and others in the group don't see it as a problem and believe that the kids will come in and tell their parents if there's a problem. This simply isn't the case though (the parents are just not aware of it). The children involved are usually: a 6 yr old boy, 7 yr old girl, 2, 4 yr old girls and a 12 yr old girl. Sometimes more than this comes and the dynamics are usually more heightened, naturally.
I guess what I would love you guys to help me with is - 1) am I being over the top with my protectiveness etc (my heart says no I'm not) and 2) we are thinking of starting up another similar group for people who can't travel the distance to the present group, so I'd really love some ideas as to how we could still have abit of a discussion group while the chilren are being better helped/supervised. Normally, discussion type groups I go to are at night when my husband is home with Lewi, but there's no option for this at the moment due to distances at night that would have to be travelled by many members of the group.
Thanks so much
Kim
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Just wondering if you could offer any thoughts/ideas/experiences about a situation we have in our homeschooling (hate that term!) group.
We have a natural learning based type discussion group that meets once per month to discuss things about natural learning/unschooling etc. Not everyone is at the same level with it but we do have some good discussions most times. The problem I have (and a couple of others in the group have) with the set up of the group, is that we (the adults) sit in the lounge room and discuss stuff while the kids go off and play. The kids may be inside, they may be out. Mostly we can't see them (unless they are directly out the front window). I have issues with this as, although, it mostly 'appears' to be working well, there have been (obviously) little incidences arise where the children need help in coping etc. I've always been such a hands on parent and have found myself just going along with the group set up as is for the sake of the others in the group. We have now raised the issue and others in the group don't see it as a problem and believe that the kids will come in and tell their parents if there's a problem. This simply isn't the case though (the parents are just not aware of it). The children involved are usually: a 6 yr old boy, 7 yr old girl, 2, 4 yr old girls and a 12 yr old girl. Sometimes more than this comes and the dynamics are usually more heightened, naturally.
I guess what I would love you guys to help me with is - 1) am I being over the top with my protectiveness etc (my heart says no I'm not) and 2) we are thinking of starting up another similar group for people who can't travel the distance to the present group, so I'd really love some ideas as to how we could still have abit of a discussion group while the chilren are being better helped/supervised. Normally, discussion type groups I go to are at night when my husband is home with Lewi, but there's no option for this at the moment due to distances at night that would have to be travelled by many members of the group.
Thanks so much
Kim
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Sandra Dodd
On Apr 28, 2006, at 3:38 PM, Kim H wrote:
saw your .au e-mail address.
Large public places get too loud.
Parks work well, though, where the moms can see the kids, but you're
having winter soon.
Sandra
> I guess what I would love you guys to help me with is - 1) am IYou're in Australia, huh? I was going to say "move outside," but I
> being over the top with my protectiveness etc (my heart says no I'm
> not) and 2) we are thinking of starting up another similar group
> for people who can't travel the distance to the present group, so
> I'd really love some ideas as to how we could still have abit of a
> discussion group while the chilren are being better helped/supervised.
saw your .au e-mail address.
Large public places get too loud.
Parks work well, though, where the moms can see the kids, but you're
having winter soon.
Sandra
Pamela Sorooshian
On Apr 28, 2006, at 2:38 PM, Kim H wrote:
not just have a playtime at a park and stand or sit, together, on or
right next to the playground and talk to each other. That's more
"natural" and all the parents are right there with their kids, that way.
-pam
Unschooling shirts, cups, bumper stickers, bags...
Live Love Learn
UNSCHOOL!
<http://www.cafepress.com/livelovelearn>
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> so I'd really love some ideas as to how we could still have abitI just don't think it is a great idea. The kids are too young. Why
> of a discussion group while the chilren are being better helped/
> supervised.
not just have a playtime at a park and stand or sit, together, on or
right next to the playground and talk to each other. That's more
"natural" and all the parents are right there with their kids, that way.
-pam
Unschooling shirts, cups, bumper stickers, bags...
Live Love Learn
UNSCHOOL!
<http://www.cafepress.com/livelovelearn>
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Pamela Sorooshian
On Apr 28, 2006, at 3:40 PM, Pamela Sorooshian wrote:
possible, because of weather, we've done well with fast food play
places as an alternative. Sometimes malls have little kid play areas
and parents can sit or stand nearby.
-pam
Unschooling shirts, cups, bumper stickers, bags...
Live Love Learn
UNSCHOOL!
<http://www.cafepress.com/livelovelearn>
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> I just don't think it is a great idea. The kids are too young. WhyLOL - my Southern California bias was showing, sorry. If parks aren't
> not just have a playtime at a park and stand or sit, together, on or
> right next to the playground and talk to each other. That's more
> "natural" and all the parents are right there with their kids, that
> way.
possible, because of weather, we've done well with fast food play
places as an alternative. Sometimes malls have little kid play areas
and parents can sit or stand nearby.
-pam
Unschooling shirts, cups, bumper stickers, bags...
Live Love Learn
UNSCHOOL!
<http://www.cafepress.com/livelovelearn>
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Julia Swancy
On Apr 28, 2006, at 2:38 PM, Kim H wrote:
my experience with this is that trying to meet both
these needs at one meeting doesn't work. if it's a
playdate, it's a playdate. if it's a discussion group,
the kids can't be there or have to be attended by moms
not participating in the discussion. other moms might
not mind letting the kids fend for themselves, or
their kids might have the personalities that work well
that way, but in my specific situation, ds has not yet
wanted to go off without me for more than a few
minutes, and still wants my help in negotiating most
things, so I would always be left out of all the
discussing! it took me a while (and some panic
attacks) to acknowledge that I needed some adult
socialization where I could participate in discussions
and to figure out ideas for meeting that need. I still
haven't gotten to any but now I know that I need to go
without ds at least once in a while so that I can talk
too!
Julia
> so I'd really love some ideas as to how we couldstill have abit
> of a discussion group while the chilren are beingbetter helped/supervised.
my experience with this is that trying to meet both
these needs at one meeting doesn't work. if it's a
playdate, it's a playdate. if it's a discussion group,
the kids can't be there or have to be attended by moms
not participating in the discussion. other moms might
not mind letting the kids fend for themselves, or
their kids might have the personalities that work well
that way, but in my specific situation, ds has not yet
wanted to go off without me for more than a few
minutes, and still wants my help in negotiating most
things, so I would always be left out of all the
discussing! it took me a while (and some panic
attacks) to acknowledge that I needed some adult
socialization where I could participate in discussions
and to figure out ideas for meeting that need. I still
haven't gotten to any but now I know that I need to go
without ds at least once in a while so that I can talk
too!
Julia
Sandra Dodd
On Apr 28, 2006, at 6:03 PM, Julia Swancy wrote:
some of the teen unschoolers (if there are any) to play games with
the kids? Just easy chase and tag and lava-monster stuff would
probably work.
Sandra
> On Apr 28, 2006, at 2:38 PM, Kim H wrote:I agree, but as I was reading that I thought... What about hiring
> > so I'd really love some ideas as to how we could
> still have abit
> > of a discussion group while the chilren are being
> better helped/supervised.
>
> my experience with this is that trying to meet both
> these needs at one meeting doesn't work. if it's a
> playdate, it's a playdate. if it's a discussion group,
> the kids can't be there or have to be attended by moms
> not participating in the discussion.
some of the teen unschoolers (if there are any) to play games with
the kids? Just easy chase and tag and lava-monster stuff would
probably work.
Sandra
[email protected]
In a message dated 4/28/2006 8:04:19 PM Eastern Standard Time,
bleureves@... writes:
playdate, it's a playdate. if it's a discussion group,
the kids can't be there or have to be attended by moms
not participating in the discussion.<<
At one of our homeschool groups in the past, this was the situation, where
we were in a building at the park, with just a door open, and we couldn't
really see all that was going on with the kids. What ended up happening which was
really unfair to the older kids, is the supervision of their younger
brothers and sisters fell on their shoulders. Sometimes the older kids need that
interaction more than the younger, and I always felt so bad for the kids forced
to watch their siblings.
Nancy B.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
bleureves@... writes:
>>my experience with this is that trying to meet boththese needs at one meeting doesn't work. if it's a
playdate, it's a playdate. if it's a discussion group,
the kids can't be there or have to be attended by moms
not participating in the discussion.<<
At one of our homeschool groups in the past, this was the situation, where
we were in a building at the park, with just a door open, and we couldn't
really see all that was going on with the kids. What ended up happening which was
really unfair to the older kids, is the supervision of their younger
brothers and sisters fell on their shoulders. Sometimes the older kids need that
interaction more than the younger, and I always felt so bad for the kids forced
to watch their siblings.
Nancy B.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
queenjane555
Our homeschool group meets in a library basement during the colder
months. The room is small enough that the moms can sit at a table
talking but still hear and see the kids play. Of course, being inside
and in a library, there were some restrictions as to what the kids
could play (therefore if there were more than about six kids there it
got stressful, because the noise level really increased)...mostly we
encouraged card playing (like pokemon), board games,
blocks/lego/lincoln logs etc....I havent found it difficult
to "discuss" with the other moms in this atmosphere. I think the key
is that the room is small enough that you don't have to keep getting
up and following your child around (like in a park)...is there any
kind of community center or library around that might lend you a room
for a couple of hours a week?
Katherine
months. The room is small enough that the moms can sit at a table
talking but still hear and see the kids play. Of course, being inside
and in a library, there were some restrictions as to what the kids
could play (therefore if there were more than about six kids there it
got stressful, because the noise level really increased)...mostly we
encouraged card playing (like pokemon), board games,
blocks/lego/lincoln logs etc....I havent found it difficult
to "discuss" with the other moms in this atmosphere. I think the key
is that the room is small enough that you don't have to keep getting
up and following your child around (like in a park)...is there any
kind of community center or library around that might lend you a room
for a couple of hours a week?
Katherine
Sandra Dodd
On Apr 28, 2006, at 6:36 PM, CelticFrau@... wrote:
Sandra
> What ended up happening which wasForced stinks, but voluntary and cash might smell better.
> really unfair to the older kids, is the supervision of their younger
> brothers and sisters fell on their shoulders. Sometimes the older
> kids need that
> interaction more than the younger, and I always felt so bad for the
> kids forced
> to watch their siblings.
Sandra
Kim H
<I agree, but as I was reading that I thought... What about hiring
some of the teen unschoolers (if there are any) to play games with
the kids? Just easy chase and tag and lava-monster stuff would
probably work>
That's a really great idea! In the future that may be a great solution.
Thanks lots
Kim
some of the teen unschoolers (if there are any) to play games with
the kids? Just easy chase and tag and lava-monster stuff would
probably work>
That's a really great idea! In the future that may be a great solution.
Thanks lots
Kim
----- Original Message -----
From: Sandra Dodd
To: [email protected]
Sent: Saturday, April 29, 2006 10:34 AM
Subject: Re: [AlwaysLearning] Re: suggestions needed re: our unschooling group
On Apr 28, 2006, at 6:03 PM, Julia Swancy wrote:
> On Apr 28, 2006, at 2:38 PM, Kim H wrote:
> > so I'd really love some ideas as to how we could
> still have abit
> > of a discussion group while the chilren are being
> better helped/supervised.
>
> my experience with this is that trying to meet both
> these needs at one meeting doesn't work. if it's a
> playdate, it's a playdate. if it's a discussion group,
> the kids can't be there or have to be attended by moms
> not participating in the discussion.
I agree, but as I was reading that I thought... What about hiring
some of the teen unschoolers (if there are any) to play games with
the kids? Just easy chase and tag and lava-monster stuff would
probably work.
Sandra
SPONSORED LINKS Unschooling Attachment parenting John holt
Parenting magazine Single parenting
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Kim H
<What ended up happening which was
really unfair to the older kids, is the supervision of their younger
brothers and sisters fell on their shoulders.>
Yes, that's what's been happening a little bit, I think, for the 12 yr old girl- perhaps being unconsciously used as a supervisor. In my opinion, that's not on and has been an issue. Unless, like Sandra suggested, it was an arranged thing - that would be great.
Kim
From: CelticFrau@...
To: [email protected]
Sent: Saturday, April 29, 2006 10:36 AM
Subject: Re: [AlwaysLearning] Re: suggestions needed re: our unschooling group
In a message dated 4/28/2006 8:04:19 PM Eastern Standard Time,
bleureves@... writes:
playdate, it's a playdate. if it's a discussion group,
the kids can't be there or have to be attended by moms
not participating in the discussion.<<
At one of our homeschool groups in the past, this was the situation, where
we were in a building at the park, with just a door open, and we couldn't
really see all that was going on with the kids. What ended up happening which was
really unfair to the older kids, is the supervision of their younger
brothers and sisters fell on their shoulders. Sometimes the older kids need that
interaction more than the younger, and I always felt so bad for the kids forced
to watch their siblings.
Nancy B.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
SPONSORED LINKS Unschooling Attachment parenting John holt
Parenting magazine Single parenting
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
YAHOO! GROUPS LINKS
a.. Visit your group "AlwaysLearning" on the web.
b.. To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
[email protected]
c.. Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.
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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
really unfair to the older kids, is the supervision of their younger
brothers and sisters fell on their shoulders.>
Yes, that's what's been happening a little bit, I think, for the 12 yr old girl- perhaps being unconsciously used as a supervisor. In my opinion, that's not on and has been an issue. Unless, like Sandra suggested, it was an arranged thing - that would be great.
Kim
From: CelticFrau@...
To: [email protected]
Sent: Saturday, April 29, 2006 10:36 AM
Subject: Re: [AlwaysLearning] Re: suggestions needed re: our unschooling group
In a message dated 4/28/2006 8:04:19 PM Eastern Standard Time,
bleureves@... writes:
>>my experience with this is that trying to meet boththese needs at one meeting doesn't work. if it's a
playdate, it's a playdate. if it's a discussion group,
the kids can't be there or have to be attended by moms
not participating in the discussion.<<
At one of our homeschool groups in the past, this was the situation, where
we were in a building at the park, with just a door open, and we couldn't
really see all that was going on with the kids. What ended up happening which was
really unfair to the older kids, is the supervision of their younger
brothers and sisters fell on their shoulders. Sometimes the older kids need that
interaction more than the younger, and I always felt so bad for the kids forced
to watch their siblings.
Nancy B.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
SPONSORED LINKS Unschooling Attachment parenting John holt
Parenting magazine Single parenting
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
YAHOO! GROUPS LINKS
a.. Visit your group "AlwaysLearning" on the web.
b.. To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
[email protected]
c.. Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.
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Kim H
<Parks work well, though, where the moms can see the kids, but you're
having winter soon.>
Yes, we've been thinking of that as the get together times we have (outside the discussion group) work well. Over here the winter's pretty lovely during the day time so mostly outdoors could still be a possibility.
Thanks
Kim
having winter soon.>
Yes, we've been thinking of that as the get together times we have (outside the discussion group) work well. Over here the winter's pretty lovely during the day time so mostly outdoors could still be a possibility.
Thanks
Kim
----- Original Message -----
From: Sandra Dodd
To: [email protected]
Sent: Saturday, April 29, 2006 7:50 AM
Subject: Re: [AlwaysLearning] suggestions needed re: our unschooling group
On Apr 28, 2006, at 3:38 PM, Kim H wrote:
> I guess what I would love you guys to help me with is - 1) am I
> being over the top with my protectiveness etc (my heart says no I'm
> not) and 2) we are thinking of starting up another similar group
> for people who can't travel the distance to the present group, so
> I'd really love some ideas as to how we could still have abit of a
> discussion group while the chilren are being better helped/supervised.
You're in Australia, huh? I was going to say "move outside," but I
saw your .au e-mail address.
Large public places get too loud.
Parks work well, though, where the moms can see the kids, but you're
having winter soon.
Sandra
SPONSORED LINKS Unschooling Attachment parenting John holt
Parenting magazine Single parenting
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Kim H
<I just don't think it is a great idea. The kids are too young. Why
not just have a playtime at a park and stand or sit, together, on or
right next to the playground and talk to each other. That's more
"natural" and all the parents are right there with their kids, that way.>
Yes, thanks Pam. We do get together at the park, beach etc and it works so well. Not as big on the discussion but the kids much more focussed on (which is what it is all about!). I totally agree too that it's much more 'natural' to be looking out for the kids attentively.
It's been so great airing this stuff here as I knew in my heart (as did another member of the group) that the group situation wasn't right but I get confused etc when others disagree - I often think something must be wrong with me when parents think so differently. Am getting much stronger though.
Thanks so much to you all I so appreciate your voices.
Kim
not just have a playtime at a park and stand or sit, together, on or
right next to the playground and talk to each other. That's more
"natural" and all the parents are right there with their kids, that way.>
Yes, thanks Pam. We do get together at the park, beach etc and it works so well. Not as big on the discussion but the kids much more focussed on (which is what it is all about!). I totally agree too that it's much more 'natural' to be looking out for the kids attentively.
It's been so great airing this stuff here as I knew in my heart (as did another member of the group) that the group situation wasn't right but I get confused etc when others disagree - I often think something must be wrong with me when parents think so differently. Am getting much stronger though.
Thanks so much to you all I so appreciate your voices.
Kim
----- Original Message -----
From: Pamela Sorooshian
To: [email protected]
Sent: Saturday, April 29, 2006 8:40 AM
Subject: Re: [AlwaysLearning] suggestions needed re: our unschooling group
On Apr 28, 2006, at 2:38 PM, Kim H wrote:
> so I'd really love some ideas as to how we could still have abit
> of a discussion group while the chilren are being better helped/
> supervised.
I just don't think it is a great idea. The kids are too young. Why
not just have a playtime at a park and stand or sit, together, on or
right next to the playground and talk to each other. That's more
"natural" and all the parents are right there with their kids, that way.
-pam
Unschooling shirts, cups, bumper stickers, bags...
Live Love Learn
UNSCHOOL!
<http://www.cafepress.com/livelovelearn>
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
SPONSORED LINKS Unschooling Attachment parenting John holt
Parenting magazine Single parenting
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
YAHOO! GROUPS LINKS
a.. Visit your group "AlwaysLearning" on the web.
b.. To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
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c.. Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.
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Kim H
<think the key
is that the room is small enough that you don't have to keep getting
up and following your child around (like in a park)...is there any
kind of community center or library around that might lend you a room
for a couple of hours a week?>
Thanks, Katherine. Great idea.
Kim
is that the room is small enough that you don't have to keep getting
up and following your child around (like in a park)...is there any
kind of community center or library around that might lend you a room
for a couple of hours a week?>
Thanks, Katherine. Great idea.
Kim
----- Original Message -----
From: queenjane555
To: [email protected]
Sent: Saturday, April 29, 2006 10:55 AM
Subject: [AlwaysLearning] Re: suggestions needed re: our unschooling group
Our homeschool group meets in a library basement during the colder
months. The room is small enough that the moms can sit at a table
talking but still hear and see the kids play. Of course, being inside
and in a library, there were some restrictions as to what the kids
could play (therefore if there were more than about six kids there it
got stressful, because the noise level really increased)...mostly we
encouraged card playing (like pokemon), board games,
blocks/lego/lincoln logs etc....I havent found it difficult
to "discuss" with the other moms in this atmosphere. I think the key
is that the room is small enough that you don't have to keep getting
up and following your child around (like in a park)...is there any
kind of community center or library around that might lend you a room
for a couple of hours a week?
Katherine
SPONSORED LINKS Unschooling Attachment parenting John holt
Parenting magazine Single parenting
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
YAHOO! GROUPS LINKS
a.. Visit your group "AlwaysLearning" on the web.
b.. To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
[email protected]
c.. Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.
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Checked by AVG Free Edition.
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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Lil Lawrence
Kim, the solution that worked for me was a good set of walkie-talkies. My dd
was velcro-girl til about 4ish and still has those tendencies AND I am
labeled as an 'over-protective' mother. We rarely use the walkie-talkies
thse days, but we used them heavily for a while and I try to have them
charged and available always.
In once situation, where the kids were on the property we weekly gathered
at, 'they' were too close to the road, playing with the dog and I used the
walkie-talkie to speak to Emma and another parent used it to speak to his
child that we could see was close enough to mine to hear (we had a visual on
the kids, but the property is 5 acres).
Using the walkie-talkie was the condition for being with the others -
otherwise I always have something for dd to focus on while being with me
while I'm in a meeting.
hugs,
Lil
"You must be the change you want to see in the world." -Gandhi
unschooling is the way to world peace - me
children are born with the ability to learn whatever they need to know and
will do so, as long as they are not hindered by well-meaning people trying
to teach them - John Holt
It takes a village to (support the parents that) raise a child... - (old
African proverb modified by me)
----Original Message Follows----
From: "Kim H" <kimlewismark@...>
Reply-To: [email protected]
To: <[email protected]>
Subject: [AlwaysLearning] suggestions needed re: our unschooling group
Date: Sat, 29 Apr 2006 07:38:54 +1000
Hi there,
Just wondering if you could offer any thoughts/ideas/experiences about a
situation we have in our homeschooling (hate that term!) group.
We have a natural learning based type discussion group that meets once per
month to discuss things about natural learning/unschooling etc. Not everyone
is at the same level with it but we do have some good discussions most
times. The problem I have (and a couple of others in the group have) with
the set up of the group, is that we (the adults) sit in the lounge room and
discuss stuff while the kids go off and play. The kids may be inside, they
may be out. Mostly we can't see them (unless they are directly out the front
window). I have issues with this as, although, it mostly 'appears' to be
working well, there have been (obviously) little incidences arise where the
children need help in coping etc. I've always been such a hands on parent
and have found myself just going along with the group set up as is for the
sake of the others in the group. We have now raised the issue and others in
the group don't see it as a problem and believe that the kids will come in
and tell their parents if there's a problem. This simply isn't the case
though (the parents are just not aware of it). The children involved are
usually: a 6 yr old boy, 7 yr old girl, 2, 4 yr old girls and a 12 yr old
girl. Sometimes more than this comes and the dynamics are usually more
heightened, naturally.
I guess what I would love you guys to help me with is - 1) am I being over
the top with my protectiveness etc (my heart says no I'm not) and 2) we are
thinking of starting up another similar group for people who can't travel
the distance to the present group, so I'd really love some ideas as to how
we could still have abit of a discussion group while the chilren are being
better helped/supervised. Normally, discussion type groups I go to are at
night when my husband is home with Lewi, but there's no option for this at
the moment due to distances at night that would have to be travelled by many
members of the group.
Thanks so much
Kim
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
was velcro-girl til about 4ish and still has those tendencies AND I am
labeled as an 'over-protective' mother. We rarely use the walkie-talkies
thse days, but we used them heavily for a while and I try to have them
charged and available always.
In once situation, where the kids were on the property we weekly gathered
at, 'they' were too close to the road, playing with the dog and I used the
walkie-talkie to speak to Emma and another parent used it to speak to his
child that we could see was close enough to mine to hear (we had a visual on
the kids, but the property is 5 acres).
Using the walkie-talkie was the condition for being with the others -
otherwise I always have something for dd to focus on while being with me
while I'm in a meeting.
hugs,
Lil
"You must be the change you want to see in the world." -Gandhi
unschooling is the way to world peace - me
children are born with the ability to learn whatever they need to know and
will do so, as long as they are not hindered by well-meaning people trying
to teach them - John Holt
It takes a village to (support the parents that) raise a child... - (old
African proverb modified by me)
----Original Message Follows----
From: "Kim H" <kimlewismark@...>
Reply-To: [email protected]
To: <[email protected]>
Subject: [AlwaysLearning] suggestions needed re: our unschooling group
Date: Sat, 29 Apr 2006 07:38:54 +1000
Hi there,
Just wondering if you could offer any thoughts/ideas/experiences about a
situation we have in our homeschooling (hate that term!) group.
We have a natural learning based type discussion group that meets once per
month to discuss things about natural learning/unschooling etc. Not everyone
is at the same level with it but we do have some good discussions most
times. The problem I have (and a couple of others in the group have) with
the set up of the group, is that we (the adults) sit in the lounge room and
discuss stuff while the kids go off and play. The kids may be inside, they
may be out. Mostly we can't see them (unless they are directly out the front
window). I have issues with this as, although, it mostly 'appears' to be
working well, there have been (obviously) little incidences arise where the
children need help in coping etc. I've always been such a hands on parent
and have found myself just going along with the group set up as is for the
sake of the others in the group. We have now raised the issue and others in
the group don't see it as a problem and believe that the kids will come in
and tell their parents if there's a problem. This simply isn't the case
though (the parents are just not aware of it). The children involved are
usually: a 6 yr old boy, 7 yr old girl, 2, 4 yr old girls and a 12 yr old
girl. Sometimes more than this comes and the dynamics are usually more
heightened, naturally.
I guess what I would love you guys to help me with is - 1) am I being over
the top with my protectiveness etc (my heart says no I'm not) and 2) we are
thinking of starting up another similar group for people who can't travel
the distance to the present group, so I'd really love some ideas as to how
we could still have abit of a discussion group while the chilren are being
better helped/supervised. Normally, discussion type groups I go to are at
night when my husband is home with Lewi, but there's no option for this at
the moment due to distances at night that would have to be travelled by many
members of the group.
Thanks so much
Kim
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]