swankyandsweet

Hi everyone,
I don't believe I have posted here before however, I am a great lurker
and love reading what others write about unschooling.
I wanted to let those of you who like comic books ( a recent thread)
know about some books I found which combine comic book format with
history. "The Cartoon History Book of the United States". We bought it
off eBay. The author is Larry Gonick and he also writes a number of
others including a history of the universe.

I also wanted to respond to the woman who says she isn't comfortable
with unschooling yet because of her fear of her families reaction. I
can totally relate. However, our "schooling" process has led us to
unschooling mostly and the family is freaked out! I can tell you from
what I am going though now, the schooling issues have brought up a
whole lot of family and past issues which have needed to come to the
surface for a loooong time. In the end the issue doesn't seem to be
about schooling at all. It has wound up being about how my parents
still see me as a child, treat me as such(even at 36) and will not
respect or trust our decision. I just sent off a letter to my dad
today responding to his accusations that we are ruining our childrens'
lives. Boygolly isn't this fun.

However, when I put that aside and keep what is important in front of
me (our children and their well being) the decision we made was worth
every consequence (consequence being the flack from my family and the
past wounds being revisited). Our children are exceptional people (as
I am sure every one of your children are) and we learn more from them
than I think they from us. What do I learn from our children? I am
learning to trust the universe again. To see things with simple eyes.
To watch the magic that occurs in a single dandilion and then multiply
that by everything. You all know what I am talking about. They
mysteries od life that most often only children notice because adults
are so closed down and afraid. Since my children I have made friends
with the snails again who crawl on our front porch late at night. I am
the snail police, making sure each of them reach their destination
without getting crunched. This is a lovely responsibility. And only
one example of some of my own awakenings. How can I not trust that my
children, who are wiser in most respects can't lead themselves (and
me) to learn what they need. It is inate within them. They cannot help
but explore and learn. I am sorry if I am rambling, but I am so very
passionate about all of this that given the opportunity I will share
share share. I fell it s simply my responsibilty to put in front of
them as many resources as possible. That is my job, oh yes, and to get
out of the way. I wish my own parents could do the same.

I loved what someone else wrote about how the only people we have to
answer to about our children's education is our children. (applause!)
I will keep this in mind and use it as my latest mantra!

Also, the video of the jcb kid who's dad is "Bruce Lee' was incredible
and I most certainly cried the second time we watched it for the
declaration of how happy he is not to be in schoool was so very
touching! Thank you so much! Finally, does anyone know anything about
animation for our kids want to create an animated little movie. Can we
get direction to some sites or books on the subject that yo umight
know about? Thanks everyone!

All the very best to all of you and thank you for the opportunity to
share!!!