Unschooling Vote
Christy Putnam
----- Original Message -----
From: Catherine Johnson
To: Laura Padberg
Sent: Wednesday, October 11, 2006 8:25 AM
Subject: Look
10.
Fw: [EduTalk] Unschooling Vote
Posted by: "Jill Manty" <mailto:jmanty%40sbcglobal.net>
jmanty@... jmanty
Tue Oct 10, 2006 6:10 pm (PST)
Thought some might be interested in this vote.
Jill
Subject: [EduTalk] Unschooling Vote
Speaking of unschooling....
MSNBC has been running a series of articles on Unschooling along with a
poll. So far people are voting that unschooling is nothing more than
"goofing off".
If you are an unschooler or know unschoolers and agree that it works, please
take a moment and vote:
The poll is located here:
<http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15051645/>
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15051645/
The articles are located here:
<http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15029646/>
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15029646/
<http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15148804/>
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15148804/
Thanks everyone!
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
plaidpanties666
--- In [email protected], "Christy Putnam"
<personal_balance@...> wrote:
in the way its worded:
<<F -- Learning? Sounds more like goofing around to me.>>
How many kids in school would love to trade in "learning"
for "goofing around"? I know my stepson, still stuck in ps would.
In real life where does learning end and goofing around begin? I'm a
craftsperson, and I'm sure I don't know.
Getting over the whole idea that goofing around isn't learning, is
something not only separate from but the opposite of learning, is
one of the hurdles a lot of us struggle with on the way to "getting"
unschooling. Its at the heart of all those endless conflicts over tv
and video games and chores and "discipline" and sometimes food, too.
I'm sure I'm "supposed" to be taking this seriously, so that other
people can "learn" about unschooling, but I'm tempted to just "goof
around", mull over the different ideas that spring into my mind and
ignore the "teachable moment" -oops, I mean the poll- altogether.
Actually, I went to the site on a whim, just goofing around, but I
think maybe I learned something in the process - something about
what I think or believe. I didn't expect that, but its something
that happens to me alot in my workshop.
Multiple choice answers always leave me frutrated, anyway. What I
really want is to combine "b" and "f", as in:
<<This sounds like a pretty good idea, as long as the parents are
committed to goofing around *with* their kids.>>
on a more stressfull day it might be:
<<When will these goofy parents ever learn to commit?>>
Okay, now I'm *really* goofing around.
---Meredith
<personal_balance@...> wrote:
>So far people are voting that unschooling is nothing more than
> "goofing off".This actually grabbed my attention enough to go look. I'm interested
>
in the way its worded:
<<F -- Learning? Sounds more like goofing around to me.>>
How many kids in school would love to trade in "learning"
for "goofing around"? I know my stepson, still stuck in ps would.
In real life where does learning end and goofing around begin? I'm a
craftsperson, and I'm sure I don't know.
Getting over the whole idea that goofing around isn't learning, is
something not only separate from but the opposite of learning, is
one of the hurdles a lot of us struggle with on the way to "getting"
unschooling. Its at the heart of all those endless conflicts over tv
and video games and chores and "discipline" and sometimes food, too.
I'm sure I'm "supposed" to be taking this seriously, so that other
people can "learn" about unschooling, but I'm tempted to just "goof
around", mull over the different ideas that spring into my mind and
ignore the "teachable moment" -oops, I mean the poll- altogether.
Actually, I went to the site on a whim, just goofing around, but I
think maybe I learned something in the process - something about
what I think or believe. I didn't expect that, but its something
that happens to me alot in my workshop.
Multiple choice answers always leave me frutrated, anyway. What I
really want is to combine "b" and "f", as in:
<<This sounds like a pretty good idea, as long as the parents are
committed to goofing around *with* their kids.>>
on a more stressfull day it might be:
<<When will these goofy parents ever learn to commit?>>
Okay, now I'm *really* goofing around.
---Meredith
Sandra Dodd
If Unschooling 'got an A' in some online poll, would that make
unschooling any different?
I think people should leave the poll alone and do something cool with
their kids.
Worrying about getting an F from clueless people is pretty schoolish.
http://sandradodd.com/deschooling
Sandra
unschooling any different?
I think people should leave the poll alone and do something cool with
their kids.
Worrying about getting an F from clueless people is pretty schoolish.
http://sandradodd.com/deschooling
Sandra
Vickisue Gray
<applaud> <applaud> <grins> to Sandra
----- Original Message ----
From: Sandra Dodd <Sandra@...>
To: [email protected]
Sent: Friday, October 13, 2006 6:54:58 PM
Subject: Re: [AlwaysLearning] goofing around
If Unschooling 'got an A' in some online poll, would that make
unschooling any different?
I think people should leave the poll alone and do something cool with
their kids.
Worrying about getting an F from clueless people is pretty schoolish.
http://sandradodd. com/deschooling
Sandra
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
----- Original Message ----
From: Sandra Dodd <Sandra@...>
To: [email protected]
Sent: Friday, October 13, 2006 6:54:58 PM
Subject: Re: [AlwaysLearning] goofing around
If Unschooling 'got an A' in some online poll, would that make
unschooling any different?
I think people should leave the poll alone and do something cool with
their kids.
Worrying about getting an F from clueless people is pretty schoolish.
http://sandradodd. com/deschooling
Sandra
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[email protected]
You know, my son (15) comes up with the best ideas while "goofing around."
Come to think of it, so do I. I wish more people would allow themselves to
see the value in just "being," just "living." Doing something you enjoy
(which is what I guess goofing off is suppose to mean) seems to be thought of as
such a negative thing. Hmm. Why is that?
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Come to think of it, so do I. I wish more people would allow themselves to
see the value in just "being," just "living." Doing something you enjoy
(which is what I guess goofing off is suppose to mean) seems to be thought of as
such a negative thing. Hmm. Why is that?
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Sandra Dodd
-=-Doing something you enjoy
(which is what I guess goofing off is suppose to mean) seems to be
thought of as
such a negative thing. Hmm. Why is that? -=-
Medieval belief in virtues and deadly sins.
One of the seven deadly sins was sloth.
Sandra
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
(which is what I guess goofing off is suppose to mean) seems to be
thought of as
such a negative thing. Hmm. Why is that? -=-
Medieval belief in virtues and deadly sins.
One of the seven deadly sins was sloth.
Sandra
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Vickisue Gray
My husband bought 20 acres just so he could "goof off" whenever he chose to. Tomorrow we will have approximately 40-50 skydivers "goofing off" as they parachete in to our place for a barbeque, live band, and 15' bonfire (before lit). In two weeks we will be hosting another "goofing off" of homeschoolers celebrating the season, two weeks after that, we will have dirt track racing....So what will my children learn...hummm...lots I'd say. The biggest thing I learned from my spouse is to stop when the wind blows and grab the kite and send it aloft.
----- Original Message ----
From: Sandra Dodd <Sandra@...>
To: [email protected]
Sent: Friday, October 13, 2006 9:46:39 PM
Subject: Re: [AlwaysLearning] goofing around
-=-Doing something you enjoy
(which is what I guess goofing off is suppose to mean) seems to be
thought of as
such a negative thing. Hmm. Why is that? -=-
Medieval belief in virtues and deadly sins.
One of the seven deadly sins was sloth.
Sandra
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
----- Original Message ----
From: Sandra Dodd <Sandra@...>
To: [email protected]
Sent: Friday, October 13, 2006 9:46:39 PM
Subject: Re: [AlwaysLearning] goofing around
-=-Doing something you enjoy
(which is what I guess goofing off is suppose to mean) seems to be
thought of as
such a negative thing. Hmm. Why is that? -=-
Medieval belief in virtues and deadly sins.
One of the seven deadly sins was sloth.
Sandra
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Joanne O'Neill
Hi group!
I have been watching this discussion ping pong back
and forth and I just want to say that both points are
valid.
On the one hand, surveys are crap. What do I care
about other people's misconceptions and so called
expert opinions?
On the other hand, publicity and politics are
important matters; much of the homeschooling movement
has indeed been a political struggle.
Just google the history of that homeschool legal
defense organization....
It is important to remember that the choices we make
in carving alternative educational niches for our
children is a political act and we are, whether we
like it or not, part of a movement that IS political
in nature.
I homeschool in protest of mainstream cultural values
that are amplified and exacerbated in a school
setting. I don't know that the call to homeschool
would be so strong if schools, in their current
incarnation, weren't so opposite of my philosophy,
including my political philosophy.
If public schools functioned as they ought to in a
true democracy-which is to ensure a well-educated
public that is capable and empowered enough to shape
government in the ways most beneficial to the greatest
number of people-then maybe we wouldn't be a nation
plagued as we are with rampant corruption and
corporate influenceon public policy. The fact that
schools produce more "schooled" people than "educated"
ones is a threat to the health of our country.
I homeschool to provide my daughter with an education
that I don't believe she would receive in a
traditional setting-that I could afford, anyway. For
me, homeschooling is a patriotic act.
It is worth considering the fact that what we do
safegaurds an important right-one to educate as one
sees fit-and to live by example for the sake of not
only our families, but other families as well. Many
people do not have this option on their radar-they
accept the inevitablity that school is the only choice
for their children whether or not the local public
school is good and whether or not they have the cash
to shell out to a more benign institution.
Many more might feel empowered enough to follow our
example if they knew more about what homeschooling is
all about. One sided perspectives in the media don't
help this situation.
I think, therefore, that public opinion is important,
even in the sensationalist guise of a silly on-line
survey and that perhaps our voice is one that should
be heard in the context of a vigorous national debate
on education and educational reform.
Jennifer Irizarry
Former public school teacher &
Unschooling mom
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
I have been watching this discussion ping pong back
and forth and I just want to say that both points are
valid.
On the one hand, surveys are crap. What do I care
about other people's misconceptions and so called
expert opinions?
On the other hand, publicity and politics are
important matters; much of the homeschooling movement
has indeed been a political struggle.
Just google the history of that homeschool legal
defense organization....
It is important to remember that the choices we make
in carving alternative educational niches for our
children is a political act and we are, whether we
like it or not, part of a movement that IS political
in nature.
I homeschool in protest of mainstream cultural values
that are amplified and exacerbated in a school
setting. I don't know that the call to homeschool
would be so strong if schools, in their current
incarnation, weren't so opposite of my philosophy,
including my political philosophy.
If public schools functioned as they ought to in a
true democracy-which is to ensure a well-educated
public that is capable and empowered enough to shape
government in the ways most beneficial to the greatest
number of people-then maybe we wouldn't be a nation
plagued as we are with rampant corruption and
corporate influenceon public policy. The fact that
schools produce more "schooled" people than "educated"
ones is a threat to the health of our country.
I homeschool to provide my daughter with an education
that I don't believe she would receive in a
traditional setting-that I could afford, anyway. For
me, homeschooling is a patriotic act.
It is worth considering the fact that what we do
safegaurds an important right-one to educate as one
sees fit-and to live by example for the sake of not
only our families, but other families as well. Many
people do not have this option on their radar-they
accept the inevitablity that school is the only choice
for their children whether or not the local public
school is good and whether or not they have the cash
to shell out to a more benign institution.
Many more might feel empowered enough to follow our
example if they knew more about what homeschooling is
all about. One sided perspectives in the media don't
help this situation.
I think, therefore, that public opinion is important,
even in the sensationalist guise of a silly on-line
survey and that perhaps our voice is one that should
be heard in the context of a vigorous national debate
on education and educational reform.
Jennifer Irizarry
Former public school teacher &
Unschooling mom
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Sandra Dodd
-=-On the other hand, publicity and politics are
important matters; much of the homeschooling movement
has indeed been a political struggle.-=-
More unschoolers are looking at that article than anyone else, I'm
sure. It's old. The water has run under the bridge.
-=-Just google the history of that homeschool legal
defense organization....-=-
No, don't.
Unschool with confidence without thinking that other people's
politics and online articles will make or break your freedom.
-=-It is important to remember that the choices we make
in carving alternative educational niches for our
children is a political act and we are, whether we
like it or not, part of a movement that IS political
in nature.-=-
But this list is NOT political in nature.
-=-I homeschool in protest of mainstream cultural values
that are amplified and exacerbated in a school
setting. I don't know that the call to homeschool
would be so strong if schools, in their current
incarnation, weren't so opposite of my philosophy,
including my political philosophy.-=-
If your reason to unschool is not about how learning works, maybe
this list isn't a good fit for you. If you can't keep politics on
political lists and natural learning on this list, you're welcome to
stay here if you try a little harder to follow the stated purpose of
the list.
-=-think, therefore, that public opinion is important,
even in the sensationalist guise of a silly on-line
survey and that perhaps our voice is one that should
be heard in the context of a vigorous national debate
on education and educational reform.-=-
It's really easy to start a yahoo or google group. You can advertise
it on this one if you want to break off and make a list about how
important a political stance is when unschooling.
Sandra
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
important matters; much of the homeschooling movement
has indeed been a political struggle.-=-
More unschoolers are looking at that article than anyone else, I'm
sure. It's old. The water has run under the bridge.
-=-Just google the history of that homeschool legal
defense organization....-=-
No, don't.
Unschool with confidence without thinking that other people's
politics and online articles will make or break your freedom.
-=-It is important to remember that the choices we make
in carving alternative educational niches for our
children is a political act and we are, whether we
like it or not, part of a movement that IS political
in nature.-=-
But this list is NOT political in nature.
-=-I homeschool in protest of mainstream cultural values
that are amplified and exacerbated in a school
setting. I don't know that the call to homeschool
would be so strong if schools, in their current
incarnation, weren't so opposite of my philosophy,
including my political philosophy.-=-
If your reason to unschool is not about how learning works, maybe
this list isn't a good fit for you. If you can't keep politics on
political lists and natural learning on this list, you're welcome to
stay here if you try a little harder to follow the stated purpose of
the list.
-=-think, therefore, that public opinion is important,
even in the sensationalist guise of a silly on-line
survey and that perhaps our voice is one that should
be heard in the context of a vigorous national debate
on education and educational reform.-=-
It's really easy to start a yahoo or google group. You can advertise
it on this one if you want to break off and make a list about how
important a political stance is when unschooling.
Sandra
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
lynne4t
When I read this post to my DH he said. Where is it?
We want to come goof off with you! :)
Lynne
--- In [email protected], Vickisue Gray
<vickisue_gray@...> wrote:
"goofing off" as they parachete in to our place for a barbeque, live
band, and 15' bonfire (before lit). In two weeks we will be hosting
another "goofing off" of homeschoolers celebrating the season, two
weeks after that, we will have dirt track racing....So what will my
children learn...hummm...lots I'd say. The biggest thing I learned
from my spouse is to stop when the wind blows and grab the kite and
send it aloft.
We want to come goof off with you! :)
Lynne
--- In [email protected], Vickisue Gray
<vickisue_gray@...> wrote:
>chose to. Tomorrow we will have approximately 40-50 skydivers
> My husband bought 20 acres just so he could "goof off" whenever he
"goofing off" as they parachete in to our place for a barbeque, live
band, and 15' bonfire (before lit). In two weeks we will be hosting
another "goofing off" of homeschoolers celebrating the season, two
weeks after that, we will have dirt track racing....So what will my
children learn...hummm...lots I'd say. The biggest thing I learned
from my spouse is to stop when the wind blows and grab the kite and
send it aloft.
>
Vickisue Gray
Deland, Florida! And welcome! The party was a great hit. The bands begged to come back and they will play for free again!
It turned out we had people from all over the world, The Danish Skydive Team, Germany, Austraila to name the ones I remember.
My favorite person of the night was an unschooling 12yo boy. I told him he looked like a surfer, all he needed was the board. He smiled and said."I got one!" He played the theme song from Charlie Brown on our piano and told me he is going snowboarding in Germany this year. So I asked him where he surfs. He said Costa Rica. Wow.
----- Original Message ----
From: lynne4t <lmforti@...>
To: [email protected]
Sent: Saturday, October 14, 2006 1:27:33 PM
Subject: [AlwaysLearning] Re: goofing around
When I read this post to my DH he said. Where is it?
We want to come goof off with you! :)
Lynne
--- In AlwaysLearning@ yahoogroups. com, Vickisue Gray
<vickisue_gray@ ...> wrote:
"goofing off" as they parachete in to our place for a barbeque, live
band, and 15' bonfire (before lit). In two weeks we will be hosting
another "goofing off" of homeschoolers celebrating the season, two
weeks after that, we will have dirt track racing....So what will my
children learn...hummm. ..lots I'd say. The biggest thing I learned
from my spouse is to stop when the wind blows and grab the kite and
send it aloft.
It turned out we had people from all over the world, The Danish Skydive Team, Germany, Austraila to name the ones I remember.
My favorite person of the night was an unschooling 12yo boy. I told him he looked like a surfer, all he needed was the board. He smiled and said."I got one!" He played the theme song from Charlie Brown on our piano and told me he is going snowboarding in Germany this year. So I asked him where he surfs. He said Costa Rica. Wow.
----- Original Message ----
From: lynne4t <lmforti@...>
To: [email protected]
Sent: Saturday, October 14, 2006 1:27:33 PM
Subject: [AlwaysLearning] Re: goofing around
When I read this post to my DH he said. Where is it?
We want to come goof off with you! :)
Lynne
--- In AlwaysLearning@ yahoogroups. com, Vickisue Gray
<vickisue_gray@ ...> wrote:
>chose to. Tomorrow we will have approximately 40-50 skydivers
> My husband bought 20 acres just so he could "goof off" whenever he
"goofing off" as they parachete in to our place for a barbeque, live
band, and 15' bonfire (before lit). In two weeks we will be hosting
another "goofing off" of homeschoolers celebrating the season, two
weeks after that, we will have dirt track racing....So what will my
children learn...hummm. ..lots I'd say. The biggest thing I learned
from my spouse is to stop when the wind blows and grab the kite and
send it aloft.
>[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Joanne
--- In [email protected], Vickisue Gray
<vickisue_gray@...> wrote:
~ Joanne ~
Mom to Jacqueline (8), Shawna (11) & Cimion (13)
Adopted into our hearts October 2003
************************************
Unschooling Voices ~ Add Your Voice
www.foreverparents.com/UnschoolingVoices.html
<vickisue_gray@...> wrote:
>>>>Deland, Florida! >>>>We're in Ocala. :-)
~ Joanne ~
Mom to Jacqueline (8), Shawna (11) & Cimion (13)
Adopted into our hearts October 2003
************************************
Unschooling Voices ~ Add Your Voice
www.foreverparents.com/UnschoolingVoices.html
Vickisue Gray
Hi neighbor!
Vicki
----- Original Message ----
From: Joanne <billyandjoanne@...>
To: [email protected]
Sent: Sunday, October 15, 2006 1:25:09 PM
Subject: [AlwaysLearning] Re: goofing around in Florida
--- In AlwaysLearning@ yahoogroups. com, Vickisue Gray
<vickisue_gray@ ...> wrote:
~ Joanne ~
Mom to Jacqueline (8), Shawna (11) & Cimion (13)
Adopted into our hearts October 2003
************ ********* ********* ******
Unschooling Voices ~ Add Your Voice
www.foreverparents. com/UnschoolingV oices.html
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Vicki
----- Original Message ----
From: Joanne <billyandjoanne@...>
To: [email protected]
Sent: Sunday, October 15, 2006 1:25:09 PM
Subject: [AlwaysLearning] Re: goofing around in Florida
--- In AlwaysLearning@ yahoogroups. com, Vickisue Gray
<vickisue_gray@ ...> wrote:
>>>>Deland, Florida! >>>>We're in Ocala. :-)
~ Joanne ~
Mom to Jacqueline (8), Shawna (11) & Cimion (13)
Adopted into our hearts October 2003
************ ********* ********* ******
Unschooling Voices ~ Add Your Voice
www.foreverparents. com/UnschoolingV oices.html
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]