Interacting
homeschoolmd
Should *most* of the interactions be child led? For example, if they
say mom do you want to... that is child led. Another example of
child led would be if I ask if they want to do something along the
lines of an interest they already have.
Would *limiting* offering new activities to once a week be about the
right amount to keep from taking charge of their learning? I would
be offering these activities with the idea of exposing them to new
things.
Pat
say mom do you want to... that is child led. Another example of
child led would be if I ask if they want to do something along the
lines of an interest they already have.
Would *limiting* offering new activities to once a week be about the
right amount to keep from taking charge of their learning? I would
be offering these activities with the idea of exposing them to new
things.
Pat
[email protected]
Hi Pat,
I offer stuff all the time. I offer anything I think he'd be interested
in, anytime something comes up. He's free to say no thanks. I offer
stuff I'm interested in. I'm taking a painting class and sometimes he
comes, sometimes not. His dad offers all kinds of things. He may not
have thought of a trip to the hardware store, but it's offered and he
goes and sticks all the plungers to the floor while his dad buys nails or
whatever.
I really don't wait for Dylan to say he has an interest in something. If
I know of the interest, I try to find ways to feed it. If I have things
I want to do I invite him to join me.
This weekend there were snow machine races at a lake about forty miles
away. We don't have machines and Dylan's never been on one. We went,
watched the races, played in the snow, had fun. We drove around the
lake and talked to ice fishermen and Dylan slithered on his belly on the
ice to peer down the fishing holes. He got to see a guy use his power
auger. He pelted me with snowballs.
We stopped and jumped in snow drifts to see how deep they were. (they
were deep) We played with someone's big smelly dog. We stopped in a
new place and warmed up and had dinner. Dylan didn't know there was a
race, he never could have asked to go. He had a great time because we
"offered"
Try not to worry and just have fun.
Hey, put a cd in the microwave! Now that's fun! (but don't leave it too
long, they catch fire ) Buy that popcorn on the cob and microwave it,
totally cool!
Deb L
On Tue, 19 Feb 2002 03:12:44 -0000 "homeschoolmd"
<homeschoolmd@...> writes:
I offer stuff all the time. I offer anything I think he'd be interested
in, anytime something comes up. He's free to say no thanks. I offer
stuff I'm interested in. I'm taking a painting class and sometimes he
comes, sometimes not. His dad offers all kinds of things. He may not
have thought of a trip to the hardware store, but it's offered and he
goes and sticks all the plungers to the floor while his dad buys nails or
whatever.
I really don't wait for Dylan to say he has an interest in something. If
I know of the interest, I try to find ways to feed it. If I have things
I want to do I invite him to join me.
This weekend there were snow machine races at a lake about forty miles
away. We don't have machines and Dylan's never been on one. We went,
watched the races, played in the snow, had fun. We drove around the
lake and talked to ice fishermen and Dylan slithered on his belly on the
ice to peer down the fishing holes. He got to see a guy use his power
auger. He pelted me with snowballs.
We stopped and jumped in snow drifts to see how deep they were. (they
were deep) We played with someone's big smelly dog. We stopped in a
new place and warmed up and had dinner. Dylan didn't know there was a
race, he never could have asked to go. He had a great time because we
"offered"
Try not to worry and just have fun.
Hey, put a cd in the microwave! Now that's fun! (but don't leave it too
long, they catch fire ) Buy that popcorn on the cob and microwave it,
totally cool!
Deb L
On Tue, 19 Feb 2002 03:12:44 -0000 "homeschoolmd"
<homeschoolmd@...> writes:
> Should *most* of the interactions be child led? For example, if they
>
> say mom do you want to... that is child led. Another example of
> child led would be if I ask if they want to do something along the
> lines of an interest they already have.
>
> Would *limiting* offering new activities to once a week be about the
>
> right amount to keep from taking charge of their learning? I would
> be offering these activities with the idea of exposing them to new
> things.
>
> Pat
Sharon Rudd
he
Sharon of the Swamp
__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Yahoo! Sports - Coverage of the 2002 Olympic Games
http://sports.yahoo.com
> goes and sticks all the plungers to the floor whileBuy that popcorn on the
> his dad buys nails or
> whatever.
> cob and microwave it,:) :) :) :) :)
> totally cool!
>
> Deb L
Sharon of the Swamp
__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Yahoo! Sports - Coverage of the 2002 Olympic Games
http://sports.yahoo.com
[email protected]
snip>>>Buy that popcorn on the cob and microwave it, totally cool!>>>
I have one of those in my cupboard. Any tips on how to do it, or not do
it?
Mary Ellen
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
I have one of those in my cupboard. Any tips on how to do it, or not do
it?
Mary Ellen
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[email protected]
On Tue, 19 Feb 2002 07:10:19 -0800 megates@... writes:
Deb L
> I have one of those in my cupboard. Any tips on how to do it, orStart with a clean microwave! <g>
> not to do
> it?
Deb L
[email protected]
In a message dated 2/18/02 8:19:15 PM, homeschoolmd@... writes:
<< Should *most* of the interactions be child led? For example, if they
say mom do you want to... that is child led. Another example of
child led would be if I ask if they want to do something along the
lines of an interest they already have.
think it's too one-sided. The questions above are too technical, too
"measured," too clinical. Maybe you have to start that way to get the feel
of it, but ANY counting is ultimately wrong. Once you've played with the
kids and interacted with them and get in the habit of doing that, you will as
a group move from one thing to another more naturally.
If you want to suggest going somewhere, don't worry if you've done it every
day all week, or not for the past month. It should be the going and doing
which are the focus, rather than the calendar and the initiator.
If there's a game or activity at home you're interested in doing, get the
stuff out. See if a kid asks. Or ask if they want to play a game after
lunch. Don't just listen to the words, look at their eyes and faces and body
language and tone of voice. If they're grudging, start playing but be
willing to quit after a game or two. If they're enthusiastic, consider
playing longer, or learning another version of the same game. But be aware
as things unfold whether it's still fun for everyone involved.
-=-Would *limiting* offering new activities to once a week be about the
right amount to keep from taking charge of their learning? I would
be offering these activities with the idea of exposing them to new
things. -=-
"Would be" is so hypothetical. Instead of planning for the future, offer
something today and see what their reactions are. Refine your unschooling
as you go. You can't plan today what you're going to do next Thursday
(unless it's a play or concert or people are coming over or something, that's
not what I mean). You don't know this week what their interests will be in
July.
There needs to be an immersion and a natural progression, not a scheduling
and outlining in advance.
Sandra
<< Should *most* of the interactions be child led? For example, if they
say mom do you want to... that is child led. Another example of
child led would be if I ask if they want to do something along the
lines of an interest they already have.
>>"Child led" isn't one of my criteria. Lots of people like to say that, but I
think it's too one-sided. The questions above are too technical, too
"measured," too clinical. Maybe you have to start that way to get the feel
of it, but ANY counting is ultimately wrong. Once you've played with the
kids and interacted with them and get in the habit of doing that, you will as
a group move from one thing to another more naturally.
If you want to suggest going somewhere, don't worry if you've done it every
day all week, or not for the past month. It should be the going and doing
which are the focus, rather than the calendar and the initiator.
If there's a game or activity at home you're interested in doing, get the
stuff out. See if a kid asks. Or ask if they want to play a game after
lunch. Don't just listen to the words, look at their eyes and faces and body
language and tone of voice. If they're grudging, start playing but be
willing to quit after a game or two. If they're enthusiastic, consider
playing longer, or learning another version of the same game. But be aware
as things unfold whether it's still fun for everyone involved.
-=-Would *limiting* offering new activities to once a week be about the
right amount to keep from taking charge of their learning? I would
be offering these activities with the idea of exposing them to new
things. -=-
"Would be" is so hypothetical. Instead of planning for the future, offer
something today and see what their reactions are. Refine your unschooling
as you go. You can't plan today what you're going to do next Thursday
(unless it's a play or concert or people are coming over or something, that's
not what I mean). You don't know this week what their interests will be in
July.
There needs to be an immersion and a natural progression, not a scheduling
and outlining in advance.
Sandra
Tia Leschke
>Personally, one of my regrets is *not* offering enough things often
>
>Would *limiting* offering new activities to once a week be about the
>right amount to keep from taking charge of their learning? I would
>be offering these activities with the idea of exposing them to new
>things.
enough. I let my low self-esteem and fear of rejection keep me from
offering, after a number of rejections. I'm happy now with the way things
are turning out, but I often wonder how things would have turned out if I
had kept offering things all along.
I think the key is *offer*, with refusal being a clear choice. I don't
think you can really schedule such things, though I understand your desire
for order. <g> I think the more choices they have, the more comfortable
they're going to be with picking and choosing. If you only offer something
once a week, it's going to seem like a *big deal* to all of you. If you
offer things as you notice them, maybe a bit of information or an activity
you've read about, books and materials lying around, museum memberships
they know they can use when they want to. . . all the time letting them
know that it's *their* education, and you're only there to help.
Tia
No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.
Eleanor Roosevelt
*********************************************
Tia Leschke
leschke@...
On Vancouver Island
Marietta Shirk
Pat, how about just flooding your house with interesting stuff? Kids don't
know it's out there unless they are exposed to it. Go places to pique their
interests. Don't worry so much! :) If you want to plan one day a week for
outings go for it.
Marietta
Matthew 4 1/2
Alexander 1
know it's out there unless they are exposed to it. Go places to pique their
interests. Don't worry so much! :) If you want to plan one day a week for
outings go for it.
Marietta
Matthew 4 1/2
Alexander 1
> Should *most* of the interactions be child led? For example, if they
> say mom do you want to... that is child led. Another example of
> child led would be if I ask if they want to do something along the
> lines of an interest they already have.
>
> Would *limiting* offering new activities to once a week be about the
> right amount to keep from taking charge of their learning? I would
> be offering these activities with the idea of exposing them to new
> things.
>
> Pat
homeschoolmd
--- In AlwaysLearning@y..., SandraDodd@a... wrote:
And yes I see that my questions are too technical but it is just for
my mind to use as a reference point. I'm sure things will flow more
freely once a rhythm has started.
Pat
>This works for me!
> "Child led" isn't one of my criteria.>>
And yes I see that my questions are too technical but it is just for
my mind to use as a reference point. I'm sure things will flow more
freely once a rhythm has started.
Pat
[email protected]
In a message dated 2/19/02 9:10:18 PM, homeschoolmd@... writes:
<< And yes I see that my questions are too technical but it is just for
my mind to use as a reference point. I'm sure things will flow more
freely once a rhythm has started.
And trying to tell why "how" doesn't work the way "why" does.
If you try the little "why" exercises and examples you'll develop your own
how.
Make your decisions based on your child and your interests, not on the
calendar, or a curriculum. Make little decisions, minute decisions, in light
of what will spark more thought and interest and curiosity and sharing and
wonder.
At each intersection at which you have the opportunity to turn away from or
toward unschooling, choose toward.
Little things lead toward bigger things, and big things are made of little
things. The little things that unschooling is made of are moments shared,
pictures, ideas, questions, words; things touched that were wet, cold, fuzzy,
sticky; shadows on mountains (there was a beautiful one today--everyone went
outside and looked), rainbows, future memories of all kinds for all senses.
You can't schedule those things. You have to turn toward them when they're
there, and not try to haul them into the house to keep forever--see them
where they are, when the moment is ripe, and let the physical moment go. The
experience and the memory will stay.
Sandra
Sandra
<< And yes I see that my questions are too technical but it is just for
my mind to use as a reference point. I'm sure things will flow more
freely once a rhythm has started.
>>You want "how" and we're trying to tell you "why."
And trying to tell why "how" doesn't work the way "why" does.
If you try the little "why" exercises and examples you'll develop your own
how.
Make your decisions based on your child and your interests, not on the
calendar, or a curriculum. Make little decisions, minute decisions, in light
of what will spark more thought and interest and curiosity and sharing and
wonder.
At each intersection at which you have the opportunity to turn away from or
toward unschooling, choose toward.
Little things lead toward bigger things, and big things are made of little
things. The little things that unschooling is made of are moments shared,
pictures, ideas, questions, words; things touched that were wet, cold, fuzzy,
sticky; shadows on mountains (there was a beautiful one today--everyone went
outside and looked), rainbows, future memories of all kinds for all senses.
You can't schedule those things. You have to turn toward them when they're
there, and not try to haul them into the house to keep forever--see them
where they are, when the moment is ripe, and let the physical moment go. The
experience and the memory will stay.
Sandra
Sandra
homeschoolmd
Your description of an unschooling life is really beautiful. It is
so different than the impression I've gotten from talking to people
on other lists. Maybe it is only because now I have gotten past the
simple control issues. Things have really settled down around here
as far as control issue fallout. There is so much peace.
My new phase is to get used to being in such demand and also helping
dh think about spending more time doing things with the girls.
Last night I came home from swimming at 10:00 p.m. Everyone was
watching the olympics so I thought that is what they wanted to do. I
sat and watched for a while but then got bored and went to do
something else. That was all it took for Allison and Virginia to
come looking to do something with me. By then it was 11:00 p.m. and
I was fading. Allison wanted me to read to her and Virginia wanted
me to do sign language flash cards. When I said I was tired, Allison
settled for me coming in her room and talking to her for a while and
Virginia was happy with the fact that we would do sign language first
thing in the morning.
My kids are such happy people.
will take some effort.
Pat
so different than the impression I've gotten from talking to people
on other lists. Maybe it is only because now I have gotten past the
simple control issues. Things have really settled down around here
as far as control issue fallout. There is so much peace.
My new phase is to get used to being in such demand and also helping
dh think about spending more time doing things with the girls.
Last night I came home from swimming at 10:00 p.m. Everyone was
watching the olympics so I thought that is what they wanted to do. I
sat and watched for a while but then got bored and went to do
something else. That was all it took for Allison and Virginia to
come looking to do something with me. By then it was 11:00 p.m. and
I was fading. Allison wanted me to read to her and Virginia wanted
me to do sign language flash cards. When I said I was tired, Allison
settled for me coming in her room and talking to her for a while and
Virginia was happy with the fact that we would do sign language first
thing in the morning.
My kids are such happy people.
> The little things that unschooling is made of are moments shared,I have to learn to stop and sense these things around me first. It
> pictures, ideas, questions, words; things touched that were wet,
>cold, fuzzy,
> sticky; shadows on mountains (there was a beautiful one today--
>everyone went
> outside and looked), rainbows, future memories of all kinds for all
>senses.
will take some effort.
Pat
Joylyn
I have a ctts, about saying no. we have a 3
year old that says no a lot, but then that's
pretty normal. The other day she was trying
to say no, emphatically. Janene said "N S,
uh (thinking hard), uh, N O, NO!!!!!"
Both Mark and I just about rolled on the
floor we were laughing so hard.
The nextg day I asked her how she spelled NO,
and she said "it's not N S mommy, it's N O!"
Joylyn
Elizabeth Hill wrote:
Joylyn
Mom to Lexie (6) and Janene (3)
For great nursing clothes and slings, go to
www.4mommyandme.com
"Wasn't it Mark Twain who said it takes a
very dull person to spell a word only one
way?"
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
year old that says no a lot, but then that's
pretty normal. The other day she was trying
to say no, emphatically. Janene said "N S,
uh (thinking hard), uh, N O, NO!!!!!"
Both Mark and I just about rolled on the
floor we were laughing so hard.
The nextg day I asked her how she spelled NO,
and she said "it's not N S mommy, it's N O!"
Joylyn
Elizabeth Hill wrote:
>ADVERTISEMENT
>
> Tia Leschke wrote:
>
> >
> > >
> > >
> > >Would *limiting* offering new activities
> to once a week be about the
> > >right amount to keep from taking charge
> of their learning? I would
> > >be offering these activities with the
> idea of exposing them to new
> > >things.
> >
> > Personally, one of my regrets is *not*
> offering enough things often
> > enough. I let my low self-esteem and
> fear of rejection keep me from
> > offering, after a number of rejections.
> I'm happy now with the way
> > things are turning out, but I often
> wonder how things would have
> > turned out if I had kept offering things
> all along.
>
> Hi, Tia --
>
> I am in this boat, too, with a kid who says
> "No" a lot.
>
> Betsy
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have
> been removed]
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Sponsor
>--
> To unsubscribe from this group, send an
> email to:
> [email protected]
>
>
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the
> Yahoo! Terms of Service.
Joylyn
Mom to Lexie (6) and Janene (3)
For great nursing clothes and slings, go to
www.4mommyandme.com
"Wasn't it Mark Twain who said it takes a
very dull person to spell a word only one
way?"
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Elizabeth Hill
Tia Leschke wrote:
I am in this boat, too, with a kid who says "No" a lot.
Betsy
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>Hi, Tia --
> >
> >
> >Would *limiting* offering new activities to once a week be about the
> >right amount to keep from taking charge of their learning? I would
> >be offering these activities with the idea of exposing them to new
> >things.
>
> Personally, one of my regrets is *not* offering enough things often
> enough. I let my low self-esteem and fear of rejection keep me from
> offering, after a number of rejections. I'm happy now with the way
> things are turning out, but I often wonder how things would have
> turned out if I had kept offering things all along.
I am in this boat, too, with a kid who says "No" a lot.
Betsy
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Tia Leschke
>It's hard to keep on offering, isn't it? I'm trying to do it more with my
>I am in this boat, too, with a kid who says "No" a lot.
7 yo hs granddaughter when she comes over. Right now we've been building a
fairy house in the woods out back. She's right into that.
Tia
No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.
Eleanor Roosevelt
*********************************************
Tia Leschke
leschke@...
On Vancouver Island
[email protected]
How do others handle conflicting opinions when it comes to deciding what
to do? My kids are too young to stay home alone. Lately, there seems to
be a lot of one kid wanting to go do something and the other doesn't.
Any ideas?
Mary Ellen
to do? My kids are too young to stay home alone. Lately, there seems to
be a lot of one kid wanting to go do something and the other doesn't.
Any ideas?
Mary Ellen
[email protected]
On Wed, 20 Feb 2002 13:03:20 -0800 Tia Leschke <leschke@...>
writes:
activity that you're already doing, they feel sort of put on the spot if
you ask them straight out. My kid isn't like this, but I know with some
other kids, if I start making cookies or magazine beads or whatever,
they'll come over and join in, but asking usually elicits a "no".
It could also be that seeing the activity in progress makes it easier for
them to decide if they want to do it or not.
Cacie would love a fairy house There's a house we walk past on the way to
the post office that she says looks like a perfect place for nymphs to
live...
Dar
________________________________________________________________
GET INTERNET ACCESS FROM JUNO!
Juno offers FREE or PREMIUM Internet access for less!
Join Juno today! For your FREE software, visit:
http://dl.www.juno.com/get/web/.
writes:
>my
> >
> >I am in this boat, too, with a kid who says "No" a lot.
>
> It's hard to keep on offering, isn't it? I'm trying to do it more with
> 7 yo hs granddaughter when she comes over. Right now we've beenbuilding a
> fairy house in the woods out back. She's right into that.I've noticed that some kids seem to find it easier to join in to an
activity that you're already doing, they feel sort of put on the spot if
you ask them straight out. My kid isn't like this, but I know with some
other kids, if I start making cookies or magazine beads or whatever,
they'll come over and join in, but asking usually elicits a "no".
It could also be that seeing the activity in progress makes it easier for
them to decide if they want to do it or not.
Cacie would love a fairy house There's a house we walk past on the way to
the post office that she says looks like a perfect place for nymphs to
live...
Dar
________________________________________________________________
GET INTERNET ACCESS FROM JUNO!
Juno offers FREE or PREMIUM Internet access for less!
Join Juno today! For your FREE software, visit:
http://dl.www.juno.com/get/web/.
Elizabeth Hill
>My son was like this when he was 3 and 4, about eating! He would
>
> I've noticed that some kids seem to find it easier to join in to an
> activity that you're already doing, they feel sort of put on the spot
> if
> you ask them straight out. My kid isn't like this, but I know with
> some
> other kids, if I start making cookies or magazine beads or whatever,
> they'll come over and join in, but asking usually elicits a "no".
decline food, when offered, but the same food, put on a plate near where
he was spending his time, would be noshed on.
Betsy
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Tia Leschke
>Have a look at
>Cacie would love a fairy house There's a house we walk past on the way to
>the post office that she says looks like a perfect place for nymphs to
>live...
http://www.svn.net/growpepl/newsletters.htm#Fairies%20in%20the%20Garden
We also watched a video from the library. I don't remember the name,
though it *could* have been something like building fairy houses. It was
about a girl who went to an island off the coast of Maine with her aunt for
a week. Maybe a librarian could help you find it. That's what sparked
Skye's interest.
Tia
No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.
Eleanor Roosevelt
*********************************************
Tia Leschke
leschke@...
On Vancouver Island