Andrea

Welcome to the list Robin, I think you will find a lot of good reading here!
I have learned a ton, but more than that I don't feel so alone in my
journey. When I do, I just plug into this group and I always feel very
supported in my decision to get the "school" out of learning!

Robin wrote:
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<I do have a question. Currently, Markus is reading Thomas
More's
Utopia. (His pick.) I started talking to him about literary
techniques More used - he wasn't uninterested, but not really
enthralled. We've talked a lot about Thomas More's life and he watch
A Man for All Seasons today, which he found very interesting with
regards to history and social stds. My 1st inclination is to give
him some ideas to write about himself (he likes to write short
stories) - i.e. what would his own Utopia look like or how does
More's Utopia/England compare to modern America, etc. As an
UNSCHOOLER, do you let them think of these things themselves or do
you offer the list and then let it be?>>>>>>>>>>>>

It is nice to be offered information. If the goal is to lay off the demands
and free up his life so that he can see for himself what he is interested
in, then making a suggestion is fine as long as you don't expect anything.
If you can't get to what you're interested in until all the demands are met,
there may be no joy or energy left...which is why (I think) you probably
took him out of school. Unschooling doesn't mean he only finds things on
his own, you can inspire, and plant seeds by leaving things strewn about,
going to interesting places, and having experiences but then if he doesn't
seem interested, don't worry, and don't demand him to do anything with
it...I always ask myself when I'm eager to chime in...am I thinking of
pushing my own agenda, or supporting his?

Warmly,
Andrea Bond, mom to Tobin (5 1/2)

rshoulla

Thanks Andrea! I'm very glad to have found this site. Wherever we
discover we belong on the ladder, I've always found it best to expose
myself to new perspectives. I've already read some things I find
rather surprising, but then after I let them settle with me, maybe
less so surprising. :)

Yes, yes - one reason we pulled Markus out is because he comes up with
all these fascinating ideas and interests (less so the longer he was
in school!), but then doesn't seem to care to take them anywhere. He
was SO stressed with all the petty demands the school put on him, I
believe he'll be more inclined to explore those interests once he's
had the chance to take a breath.

Thanks,
Robin