diamndlady2001

I have concluded that complete unschooling isn't quite working for my
son....he plays rpg games and watches education shows. But it doesnt
cover everything I feel would be beneficial for him if he goes to
college so, I am trying to figure out how to make sure my DS (16) has
a well rounded transcript. Any thoughts on how to cover/encourage
all the subjects would be appreciated. My son doesnt like to use the
tradition books. He watches shows and learns alot by doing so. I am
wondering how I can use these shows to cover the science requirments
he needs. The following shows are what he watches on a regular basis.

Hows it made
Mythbusters
Smash Lab
Deadliest Catch
Naked Earth
Dirty Jobs
Earth the biography
Discovery Project Earth

Also, he is interested in Physics/Quantum physics. I was thinking of
encouraging him to do Biology, physics but is chemistry required or
necessary prior to studing physics? Also, for math I was thinking
something like consumar math, algebra, geometry.


Thanks,
Kim

Pamela Sorooshian

You're coming to the wrong place. We're not going to help you create a
curriculum to impose on your son, we're going to tell you all the
reasons we think that is a bad idea and unnecessary.

But, instead of going there, I'll just ask - You say that you have
concluded all these things...., but what is your son's thinking about
it? Does he have any say in it?


-pam

On Sep 3, 2008, at 4:29 PM, diamndlady2001 wrote:

> I have concluded that complete unschooling isn't quite working for my
> son....he plays rpg games and watches education shows. But it doesnt
> cover everything I feel would be beneficial for him if he goes to
> college so, I am trying to figure out how to make sure my DS (16) has
> a well rounded transcript.

diamndlady2001

I am ok with unschooling as he doesn't really do well with formal
curriculum. I just want to make sure all the bases are covered so he
can pursue whatever he wants when he grows up.

Presently, he wants to be a crab fisherman in alaska...like deadliest
catch...and run for presidant.

so, I want to use what he already does into a more "traditional"
looking transcript/curriculum.

if asked he is interested zero in math....only wants to study physics
and quantum physics and doesn't like to write except iming and emails
has zero interest in history, likes to watch the election things
(primaries, conventions) reads books about dragons, plays a rpg
online and once a month with his peers.



--- In [email protected], Pamela Sorooshian
<pamsoroosh@...> wrote:
>
> You're coming to the wrong place. We're not going to help you
create a
> curriculum to impose on your son, we're going to tell you all the
> reasons we think that is a bad idea and unnecessary.
>
> But, instead of going there, I'll just ask - You say that you have
> concluded all these things...., but what is your son's thinking
about
> it? Does he have any say in it?
>
>
> -pam
>
> On Sep 3, 2008, at 4:29 PM, diamndlady2001 wrote:
>
> > I have concluded that complete unschooling isn't quite working
for my
> > son....he plays rpg games and watches education shows. But it
doesnt
> > cover everything I feel would be beneficial for him if he goes to
> > college so, I am trying to figure out how to make sure my DS (16)
has
> > a well rounded transcript.
>

BRIAN POLIKOWSKY

Kim, I don't know if you are new to this list.
First many of the regular posters are at the Live and Learn Conference in Black Mountain ,NC this week including the
two owners of this list.
How long have you been uschooling your son and how long have you been reading here?
I ask that because I seems like what you understand as unschooling success would be you son picking  up
school and text books and doing schoolish "work". That is far from our goal as unschoolers.
Of course if that was his choice that would be fine and you should support him but you are the wants that wants it.
Have you read  this two sites:
 
http://joyfullyrejoycing.com/
 
and
http://sandradodd.com/
 
lots of great things too read and soak up!
I read what you son likes to watch and do and it sounds great!
Another point I want to make is that unschooling is not letting you child all alone to fend for herself.
You need to support his interests, be involved, provide opportunities ( when welcomed), expose him to the world, new ideas,
model by following your passions and more.
 
Of course all that would not be  uschooling without trusting that your child will learn what he needs to learn, when he needs and is ready to learn.
 

 
Alex Polikowsky
http://polykow.blogspot.com/
 
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/unschoolingmn/
 



----- Original Message ----
From: diamndlady2001 <diamndlady@...>
To: [email protected]
Sent: Wednesday, September 3, 2008 6:29:02 PM
Subject: [unschoolingbasics] High School couse selection/ideas question?? sorry long


I have concluded that complete unschooling isn't quite working for my
son....he plays rpg games and watches education shows. But it doesnt
cover everything I feel would be beneficial for him if he goes to
college so, I am trying to figure out how to make sure my DS (16) has
a well rounded transcript. Any thoughts on how to cover/encourage
all the subjects would be appreciated. My son doesnt like to use the
tradition books. He watches shows and learns alot by doing so. I am
wondering how I can use these shows to cover the science requirments
he needs. The following shows are what he watches on a regular basis.

Hows it made
Mythbusters
Smash Lab
Deadliest Catch
Naked Earth
Dirty Jobs
Earth the biography
Discovery Project Earth

Also, he is interested in Physics/Quantum physics. I was thinking of
encouraging him to do Biology, physics but is chemistry required or
necessary prior to studing physics? Also, for math I was thinking
something like consumar math, algebra, geometry.

Thanks,
Kim



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Melissa Gray

If he decides he wants to go to college, why can't he learn it then?
That's what many public schooled kids do anyway, get to college, take
remedial courses, and then move on. Colleges are more and more
looking at nontraditional students...adults who went straight into
the workforce after school, military, and homeschoolers.

I feel like if kids WANT something, they will do it in their time. If
he wants college, he can do the SAT prep and go. If he wants to be a
crab fisherman, awesome. Why fill his life with things that have no
meaning for fear of the future? Can you imagine a transcript that
says he learned quantum physics off the coast of the Aleutian
Islands? He'll know more about history, government, math, logic than
most of incoming freshmen. The election is modern history...have you
brought up how this election is similar to previous ones because of
a, b or c? The historical significance of having a black man run for
president when just a few years ago there was a string of hangings
and killings...how to rectify the civil rights movement ....is he
interested in THAT part of the elections?

Eh, I'm on bedrest and not doing good so I might be running on and
on. It makes sense to me but my reality is blurring. I hope it makes
sense to you, it sounds to me like he's doing so MUCH. He wants so
MUCH. How about a trip to Alaska with the fam to see what crab
fishing really looks like outside of editing?
Melissa
Mom to Joshua, Breanna, Emily, Rachel, Samuel, Daniel and Avari
Wife to Zane

blog me at
http://startlinglives.blogspot.com/
http://startlinglives365.blogspot.com



On Sep 3, 2008, at 8:48 PM, diamndlady2001 wrote:

> I am ok with unschooling as he doesn't really do well with formal
> curriculum. I just want to make sure all the bases are covered so he
> can pursue whatever he wants when he grows up.
>
> Presently, he wants to be a crab fisherman in alaska...like deadliest
> catch...and run for presidant.
>
> so, I want to use what he already does into a more "traditional"
> looking transcript/curriculum.
>
> if asked he is interested zero in math....only wants to study physics
> and quantum physics and doesn't like to write except iming and emails
> has zero interest in history, likes to watch the election things
> (primaries, conventions) reads books about dragons, plays a rpg
> online and once a month with his peers.
>
> Messages | Files | Photos | Polls | Members
>
> Change settings via the Web (Yahoo! ID required)
> Change settings via email: Switch delivery to Daily Digest | Switch
> format to Traditional
> Visit Your Group | Yahoo! Groups Terms of Use | Unsubscribe
> RECENT ACTIVITY
> 17
> New Members
> Visit Your Group
> Sell Online
> Start selling with
> our award-winning
> e-commerce tools.
> Real Food Group
> Share recipes,
> restaurant ratings
> and favorite meals.
> Yahoo! Groups
> Stay healthy
> and discover other
> people who can help.
> .
>
>



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

lyeping2008

"if asked he is interested zero in math....only wants to study
physics
> and quantum physics and doesn't like to write except iming and
emails
> has zero interest in history, likes to watch the election things
> (primaries, conventions) reads books about dragons, plays a rpg
> online and once a month with his peers."

---------------------------------------------------------------------
--

This sounds like a bright child to me LOL!! He knows what he wants!

If one wants to study physics and quantum pyhsics badly, he will get
into all those Maths that he needs.

Iming and emailing? Is it handwriting, or is it putting thoughts
onto paper? In my other list, someone wrote "just because someone
writes well does not mean that they can express themselves, and just
because someone cannot write don't means that they cannot
communicate or express themselves". Our kids will probably be typing
and voice recognition in the future. I believe int he future,
handwriting will be a form of artistry. Looking back, to have
perfect handwriting was necessary because not everyone have a some
sort of typing/ printing machine. Hence handwriting will be the most
common form of communication. We don't even write cheques now,
surely this is telling us that neatly sized handwriting is no longer
a pre-requisite, unless you're a student in a classroom. Even in
today's classroom, we're using an electronic white board, with
lessons keyed into the teachers laptop. Even the teacher type in her
work.

Election? As in politics? I do wonder what is he learning?

This really does sound like "a kid with a strategy in mind" to me.

Big Smiles and Best Wishes,
SharonBugs.

diamndlady2001

I love the idea of going to Alaska so he can see first hand what goes
on...I hadn't thought of that.

I do encourage him to do what he likes and not just go to college for
the sake of going. I just worry sometimes that it will hurt him in
the future for not having done something in his High School years.

I also know that he gets a lot of knowledge from watching the
different shows thats why I would like to put them together into
a "class" for his transcript. We discuss a lot of stuff, however, my
history knowledge is pretty thin. I always had trouble in school
with it and never had an interest. Can Current Events be a class????
He is actually very passionate about the election this year, I am
wanting to have him volunteer so he can at least do something since
he can't vote. We do discuss the issues as well and I explain why
this is an important year.

Thanks,
Kim
--- In [email protected], Melissa Gray
<autismhelp@...> wrote:
>
> If he decides he wants to go to college, why can't he learn it
then?
> That's what many public schooled kids do anyway, get to college,
take
> remedial courses, and then move on. Colleges are more and more
> looking at nontraditional students...adults who went straight into
> the workforce after school, military, and homeschoolers.
>
> I feel like if kids WANT something, they will do it in their time.
If
> he wants college, he can do the SAT prep and go. If he wants to be
a
> crab fisherman, awesome. Why fill his life with things that have
no
> meaning for fear of the future? Can you imagine a transcript that
> says he learned quantum physics off the coast of the Aleutian
> Islands? He'll know more about history, government, math, logic
than
> most of incoming freshmen. The election is modern history...have
you
> brought up how this election is similar to previous ones because
of
> a, b or c? The historical significance of having a black man run
for
> president when just a few years ago there was a string of hangings
> and killings...how to rectify the civil rights movement ....is he
> interested in THAT part of the elections?
>
> Eh, I'm on bedrest and not doing good so I might be running on and
> on. It makes sense to me but my reality is blurring. I hope it
makes
> sense to you, it sounds to me like he's doing so MUCH. He wants so
> MUCH. How about a trip to Alaska with the fam to see what crab
> fishing really looks like outside of editing?
> Melissa
> Mom to Joshua, Breanna, Emily, Rachel, Samuel, Daniel and Avari
> Wife to Zane
>
> blog me at
> http://startlinglives.blogspot.com/
> http://startlinglives365.blogspot.com
>
>
>
> On Sep 3, 2008, at 8:48 PM, diamndlady2001 wrote:
>
> > I am ok with unschooling as he doesn't really do well with formal
> > curriculum. I just want to make sure all the bases are covered so
he
> > can pursue whatever he wants when he grows up.
> >
> > Presently, he wants to be a crab fisherman in alaska...like
deadliest
> > catch...and run for presidant.
> >
> > so, I want to use what he already does into a more "traditional"
> > looking transcript/curriculum.
> >
> > if asked he is interested zero in math....only wants to study
physics
> > and quantum physics and doesn't like to write except iming and
emails
> > has zero interest in history, likes to watch the election things
> > (primaries, conventions) reads books about dragons, plays a rpg
> > online and once a month with his peers.
> >
> > Messages | Files | Photos | Polls | Members
> >
> > Change settings via the Web (Yahoo! ID required)
> > Change settings via email: Switch delivery to Daily Digest |
Switch
> > format to Traditional
> > Visit Your Group | Yahoo! Groups Terms of Use | Unsubscribe
> > RECENT ACTIVITY
> > 17
> > New Members
> > Visit Your Group
> > Sell Online
> > Start selling with
> > our award-winning
> > e-commerce tools.
> > Real Food Group
> > Share recipes,
> > restaurant ratings
> > and favorite meals.
> > Yahoo! Groups
> > Stay healthy
> > and discover other
> > people who can help.
> > .
> >
> >
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

k

>
> How about a trip to Alaska with the fam to see what crab
> fishing really looks like outside of editing?
>

Or just go to any of the coastal areas where crab fishing is good if you
haven't already. Nag's Head off the coast of Virginia or NC (don't remember
which) was good crab fishing a couple of decades ago. I don't know what
it's like now. I'd find out before I went in case the ocean life is
different now if crab fishing were my goal. If you're on the West Coast, I
have no idea where to start but you could ask around.

~Katherine


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Deb

--- In [email protected], "diamndlady2001"
<diamndlady@...> wrote:
>
> I have concluded ....
> I feel would be beneficial
>I am trying to figure out
>I was thinking
>I am wondering
Sounds like it's working fine for him...but not for you.


>how I can use these shows to cover the science >requirments
> he needs.

If when he needs 'science requirements' he can get them in many ways,
whether it's volunteering somewhere, taking community-based courses,
online courses, using a standardized test (CLEP tests cover all the
basic subject areas and can get you credits toward college degrees),
working at an entry level job in a related field (one that doesn't
require an advanced degree...after all, even physicists have someone
who cleans up their offices...that would provide access to seeing
what is involved and a potential network of mentors)

> Also, he is interested in Physics/Quantum physics. I was thinking
>of
> encouraging him to do Biology
Why biology if he is interested in physics?

>physics but is chemistry required or necessary prior to studing
>physics?
Why would the study of chemical interactions be necessary prior to
studying about the movements of bodies and energy? As soon as a wee
tot drops peas off their high chair tray, they are learning about
physics... I took biology, "earth science" (weather, minerals, etc),
and two years of high school chemistry, never took physics. I know
other folks who took two years of biology prior to physics and never
took chemistry.


> something like consumar math, algebra, geometry.
Why in that order? That's a 'typical' school order to things but why
that order? For that matter, I know of places where geometry goes
before algebra and some places that split algebra into two sections
with geometry in between.

The reality is that algebra and geometry and "consumer math" (ack,
hate that term) are all inter-related...everything is connected to
everything else. They aren't walled off into separate "subjects". For
instance, if you want to build a simple wooden box you need geometry
to figure out the area of each side so you can get the proper amount
of wood. You need "consumer math" to calculate price per sq foot and
check for discounts (5% discount if you buy x amount of sq ft). And
you need algebra to calculate misc bits and pieces of the
project...algebra is finding an unknown based on known information.
You need 4 nails per side on the 4 inch sq sides and 3 per side on
the 3 inch sq sides. You've got 3 sides and the bottom that are 4
inches and one side that is 3 inches and no top so how many nails do
you need? That's algebra. Then you need MORE "consumer math" to
figure out the cost of the nails. It's all bundled together...and
interwoven into it are things like art, design, "shop" skills like
hammering a nail and using a saw, and how to choose the wood for the
project, plus whatever the project is 'for' - is it a gift for a
family traditional holiday or event? that'd be culture and possibly
history and such. is it an animal shelter of some sort? what animal?
is it the right sort of shelter? Now you're getting into animal
husbandry, anatomy, biology. Is it to store snacks? what kind of
snacks? does it actually need a hinged top to keep out small
creatures? more animal issues, possibly more calculations, as well as
nutrition concepts with the snacks.

You might do well to just discuss with your son what HIS goals are
and how you can assist him in reaching those goals (he may request
access to formal situations, he may not...he might just want you to
check on how he can get to visit a local university's physics
department to talk with someone or possibly a membership to a serious
level science museum or maybe just take him someplace he can throw
stuff around and see what happens without denting the living room).

BTW most newer RPGs have built in seriously intensive physics
processing algorithms so that when you throw something or hit
something, it reacts "naturally" as if you actually threw or hit the
object in real life. So, his RPG playing is actually feeding his
interest in physics more safely than throwing things around the
house :-)

--Deb

paigekitten86

> if asked he is interested zero in math....only wants to study physics
> and quantum physics

I am pretty new too, but I just wanted to point out that there is TONS
of math in physics, and it is math that actually has a point unlike so
much of the stuff in the textbooks.

diamndlady2001

I kinda felt that way to. I took biology and anatomy in High school.
but I want him to study what he is interested in. I gave him a
credit for astronomy for freshman year because that was most of what
he studied. via cosmos and universe series. though he told me the
cosmos show is more on theory than actual facts but it is still
interesting.

I dont care what order math follows....just going to put it in the
transcript in an order. but I have difficulty in seeing math in
simple daily activities. Thanks for the ideas though.

I did research the alaska idea and there is a tour you can go on for
3 hours so that would be fun to plan.

We live in Indiana by the way so any crab fishing is going to involve
a fam trip.

he is currently playing conquer online and dungeon and dragons. he
ims with the other players as well. but he spends a lot of time on
the games.....should i try to encourage him to do other things to or
is that pushing my ideas on him???

I was thinking of looking at the textbooks so I have an idea of what
is covered so I can apply it to non textbook life

thanks

kim

Karen Swanay

It would be called Civics I believe.
Karen

On Thu, Sep 4, 2008 at 1:29 PM, diamndlady2001 <diamndlady@...> wrote:

>
> I also know that he gets a lot of knowledge from watching the
> different shows thats why I would like to put them together into
> a "class" for his transcript. We discuss a lot of stuff, however, my
> history knowledge is pretty thin. I always had trouble in school
> with it and never had an interest. Can Current Events be a class????
> He is actually very passionate about the election this year, I am
> wanting to have him volunteer so he can at least do something since
> he can't vote. We do discuss the issues as well and I explain why
> this is an important year.
>
> Thanks,
> Kim

Melissa Gray

Current events is definitely a class!!! Many high schools have that.
EVERYthing can be a class....even colleges have some interesting
classes. I took a semester on American presidents, just AFTER the
civil war, and dh's fav class in college was graphic novels. He loved
that class, esp as an engineer.

Find some volunteer activities in his area, that align with his
ideals and present them. Being prepared to accept a no thanks, but it
would be nice to find those for him if he was interested.

Melissa
Mom to Joshua, Breanna, Emily, Rachel, Samuel, Daniel and Avari
Wife to Zane

blog me at
http://startlinglives.blogspot.com/
http://startlinglives365.blogspot.com



On Sep 4, 2008, at 1:29 PM, diamndlady2001 wrote:

> I love the idea of going to Alaska so he can see first hand what goes
> on...I hadn't thought of that.
>
> I do encourage him to do what he likes and not just go to college for
> the sake of going. I just worry sometimes that it will hurt him in
> the future for not having done something in his High School years.
>
> I also know that he gets a lot of knowledge from watching the
> different shows thats why I would like to put them together into
> a "class" for his transcript. We discuss a lot of stuff, however, my
> history knowledge is pretty thin. I always had trouble in school
> with it and never had an interest. Can Current Events be a class????
> He is actually very passionate about the election this year, I am
> wanting to have him volunteer so he can at least do something since
> he can't vote. We do discuss the issues as well and I explain why
> this is an important year.
>
> Thanks,
> Kim
> --- In [email protected], Melissa Gray
> <autismhelp@...> wrote:
> >
> > If he decides he wants to go to college, why can't he learn it
> then?
> > That's what many public schooled kids do anyway, get to college,
> take
> > remedial courses, and then move on. Colleges are more and more
> > looking at nontraditional students...adults who went straight into
> > the workforce after school, military, and homeschoolers.
> >
> > I feel like if kids WANT something, they will do it in their time.
> If
> > he wants college, he can do the SAT prep and go. If he wants to be
> a
> > crab fisherman, awesome. Why fill his life with things that have
> no
> > meaning for fear of the future? Can you imagine a transcript that
> > says he learned quantum physics off the coast of the Aleutian
> > Islands? He'll know more about history, government, math, logic
> than
> > most of incoming freshmen. The election is modern history...have
> you
> > brought up how this election is similar to previous ones because
> of
> > a, b or c? The historical significance of having a black man run
> for
> > president when just a few years ago there was a string of hangings
> > and killings...how to rectify the civil rights movement ....is he
> > interested in THAT part of the elections?
> >
> > Eh, I'm on bedrest and not doing good so I might be running on and
> > on. It makes sense to me but my reality is blurring. I hope it
> makes
> > sense to you, it sounds to me like he's doing so MUCH. He wants so
> > MUCH. How about a trip to Alaska with the fam to see what crab
> > fishing really looks like outside of editing?
> > Melissa
> > Mom to Joshua, Breanna, Emily, Rachel, Samuel, Daniel and Avari
> > Wife to Zane
> >
> > blog me at
> > http://startlinglives.blogspot.com/
> > http://startlinglives365.blogspot.com
> >
> >
> >
> > On Sep 3, 2008, at 8:48 PM, diamndlady2001 wrote:
> >
> > > I am ok with unschooling as he doesn't really do well with formal
> > > curriculum. I just want to make sure all the bases are covered so
> he
> > > can pursue whatever he wants when he grows up.
> > >
> > > Presently, he wants to be a crab fisherman in alaska...like
> deadliest
> > > catch...and run for presidant.
> > >
> > > so, I want to use what he already does into a more "traditional"
> > > looking transcript/curriculum.
> > >
> > > if asked he is interested zero in math....only wants to study
> physics
> > > and quantum physics and doesn't like to write except iming and
> emails
> > > has zero interest in history, likes to watch the election things
> > > (primaries, conventions) reads books about dragons, plays a rpg
> > > online and once a month with his peers.
> > >
> > > Messages | Files | Photos | Polls | Members
> > >
> > > Change settings via the Web (Yahoo! ID required)
> > > Change settings via email: Switch delivery to Daily Digest |
> Switch
> > > format to Traditional
> > > Visit Your Group | Yahoo! Groups Terms of Use | Unsubscribe
> > > RECENT ACTIVITY
> > > 17
> > > New Members
> > > Visit Your Group
> > > Sell Online
> > > Start selling with
> > > our award-winning
> > > e-commerce tools.
> > > Real Food Group
> > > Share recipes,
> > > restaurant ratings
> > > and favorite meals.
> > > Yahoo! Groups
> > > Stay healthy
> > > and discover other
> > > people who can help.
> > > .
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
> >
> > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> >
>
>
>



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

k

>
> Can Current Events be a class????
>

With unschooling.... why call anything a class? Current events is a subset
of a lot of things. If you think about it, it's a career for all those
reporters out there. Whether or not something is a class is moot point.
Isn't it? Or am I misunderstanding your purpose?

He is actually very passionate about the election this year, I am
> wanting to have him volunteer so he can at least do something since
> he can't vote. We do discuss the issues as well and I explain why
> this is an important year.
>

He sounds like he has his own interests and you have little to worry over.
Read the archives on lots of new unschoolers with kids just out of school.
Usually they need time away from other's influence in order to figure out
what they're interested in because after being told for so long, they have
no idea what they want.

*You* want your child to volunteer. Is he interested? Discussion of the
issues can be very interesting and enlightening... are you learning anything
new yourself? It seems like the focus is not just sharing information with
each other but it's more like a spotlight trained onto your child while you
explain why something is important. Does it seem to you like that's what's
going on? Or am I overstating something?

~Katherine


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

k

I don't like doing calculations for the sake of doing them, but I love
utility. Physics has appealed to me for a long time. I didn't think I
would like statistics but I thought it was good info, so the math was worth
it to me. I'm your typical art major type... not a long history of liking
numbers and such, although I love the typography of numbers and different
font faces.

So it's possible to come to appreciate calculations when you find good uses
for them that interest you.

~Katherine




On 9/4/08, paigekitten86 <paigekitten86@...> wrote:
>
> > if asked he is interested zero in math....only wants to study physics
> > and quantum physics
>
> I am pretty new too, but I just wanted to point out that there is TONS
> of math in physics, and it is math that actually has a point unlike so
> much of the stuff in the textbooks.
>
>
>


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

bkind28

Hi! I'm Beth and my DS (12) is actually in school because it's what he
is used to and wanted to continue but the more I read the more I see
the "unschooly" things we've always done.

Now on the whole current events subject, he actually has assignments in
it regularly. With the election your DS is actually getting history
too. The Dem Convention mentioned lots of things like Obama's
acceptance speech being on the 45th anniversary of MLK's "I Have a
Dream" speech. It can all start conversations and is great. My DS has
learned more saying "Mommy what kind of tree/ bug/ car is that?" than I
ever realized. Thank God for the Internet because I don't usually
know! And he loves some of the shows you watch too.

k

>
> should i try to encourage him to do other things to or
> is that pushing my ideas on him???
>

I wouldn't hesitate a second to find things you think he might be interested
in and put those ideas where he can peruse them at his convenience.

By the way, I do a lot of my thinking and reflecting while I'm online or
sitting at the computer, and I think about quite a bit more than what is
right in front of me. Don't assume a person is only into what's before
their eyes. There's a brain behind those eyes, whirling away ... close to
the speed of light, I'd wager.

~Katherine


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Pamela Sorooshian

On Sep 4, 2008, at 11:29 AM, diamndlady2001 wrote:

> I just worry sometimes that it will hurt him in
> the future for not having done something in his High School years.

Not having done something?

Is he in a coma? <g>

I hear a lot of confusion in your posts. Maybe take the next month or
two and spend the time reading more about unschooling during the teen
years. Put your worries about what he's doing or not doing on hold
while you deepen your understanding of unschooling.

-pam

Pamela Sorooshian

On Sep 4, 2008, at 3:46 PM, diamndlady2001 wrote:

> We live in Indiana by the way so any crab fishing is going to involve
> a fam trip.


Indiana law requires homeschoolers to provide 180 days of instruction
and keep attendance records, though there is no special form for these
records, which are, as the code states, "kept solely to verify the
enrollment and attendance of any particular child upon request of the
state superintendent of public instruction." Homeschools must provide
instruction equivalent to that given in the public schools, but, as
stated on the DOE website, "state law does not define equivalency of
instruction." Further, "state law exempts home schools from the
curriculum and program requirements which public schools must follow."

You don't need to be doing anything in particular to satisfy your
state law. You don't need to be creating transcripts or keeping records.

If you're doing it for the possibility of college in the future, you
need to know more about colleges and entrance requirements.

We're in California - my kids did NOTHING that remotely resembled high
school, we kept NO records or portfolio and created no transcripts or
grade reports of any kind.

One has graduated from college, one is going full time to college, the
third has been taking a college course here and there.

They used the community college route - there are no entrance
requirements so they go to the cc for a while and then transfer to the
4-year college or university, using the community college transcript
and with no need for any high school transcript at all.

Looks like Indiana has a system of community colleges with open
admissions, as well - "Ivy Tech."


-pam

Deb Lewis

First you wrote:

***I have concluded that complete unschooling isn't quite working for my
son....***

And then you wrote:

***I am ok with unschooling as he doesn't really do well with formal
curriculum.***


And they don't mean the same things.<g>

You can't really have concluded unschooling isn't working if you haven't been unschooling. There are a lot of clues in your posts that suggest you don't really understand unschooling. If you don't understand it, you can't really have experience with "complete unschooling." So, you've come to a conclusion based on limited experience and some vague fears that you can't quite articulate. Relax. Read more about unschooling.


***...so, I want to use what he already does into a more "traditional"
looking transcript/curriculum.***


This is contributing to the confusion. There is a difference between a transcript and a curriculum.


***I am trying to figure out how to make sure my DS (16) has
a well rounded transcript.***


A transcript is a record of what a person has studied. Your son will probably not need a transcript. If he does you can write one. The transcript you write will be a record of what he took an interest in, not what he "studied". Since he will probably not need a transcript you can relax and put it out of your mind.


***Any thoughts on how to cover/encourage
all the subjects would be appreciated.***


First, what are all the subjects? All the subjects in the world? List those for us, would you? <g> All the subjects in your head? All the subjects in school? No one ever covers all the subjects. I don't think we'll live long enough to cover all the subjects.<g> Schools pick a few subjects and do a bad job of delivering information about them. And they do a lot of harm.

If a person wakes up in the morning and gets out of bed there's a pretty good chance that during the course of the day that person will encounter all the things schools are calling "subjects."

If a person wakes up and gets out of bed three hundred sixty five days a year they're ahead of the school which requires a kid look in several books a few hours a day for a hundred eighty days.

Think about that. The official learning of a kid in school would look like a few pages from five or six (poorly written) books each day and some yackity yack from a teacher who'd probably rather be home working in his garage. Kids who have the opportunity and who have the attention of their parents will naturally and easily find more interesting and worthwhile things to do with their time.

There's nothing magic in those books. Nothing that will make your kid smarter or better prepared or more interesting to college admissions people.


***Presently, he wants to be a crab fisherman in alaska...like deadliest
catch.***


Maybe you could send away to Alaska for brochures and info, you know, the stuff they send to tourists and he could browse that. There are some websites for Alaska fishing jobs, if he hasn't looked at those he might like them. Lot's of photos there.

Deb Lewis



















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stephaniebonck

My hubby is a boat captain offshore in the Gulf of Mexico. He can give
him alot of information on companies that are hiring now. He could
start working on boats offshore before taking a trip to Alaska to see
if that is what he wants to do. The seas get rough! IF you are
interested you can email me.

Stephanie in East Texas

[email protected]

-----Original Message-----
From: diamndlady2001 <diamndlady@...>


I am ok with unschooling as he doesn't really do well with formal
curriculum. I just want to make sure all the bases are covered so he
can pursue whatever he wants when he grows up.

-=-=-=-=-

How can you know what he'll need in the future?

-=-=-=-=-

so, I want to use what he already does into a more "traditional"
looking transcript/curriculum.

-=-=-=-=-

I'm not really sure what you're asking for.

-=-=-=-=-

if asked he is interested zero in math....only wants to study physics
and quantum physics

-=-=-=-=-

Please don't divide his world into "subjects." Everything is connected.
Physics IS math.

-=-=-=-=-

and doesn't like to write except iming and emails

-=-=-=-=-

That IS writing.

Seeing everything he does *as* educational will help your journey.



~Kelly

Kelly Lovejoy
Conference Coordinator
Live and Learn Unschooling Conference
http://www.LiveandLearnConference.org

[email protected]

-----Original Message-----
From: diamndlady2001 <diamndlady@...>


I do encourage him to do what he likes and not just go to college for
the sake of going. I just worry sometimes that it will hurt him in
the future for not having done something in his High School years.

-=-=--=

He's done NOTHING? Really?

REALLY???

-=-=-=-=-=-

I also know that he gets a lot of knowledge from watching the
different shows thats why I would like to put them together into
a "class" for his transcript. We discuss a lot of stuff, however, my
history knowledge is pretty thin. I always had trouble in school
with it and never had an interest.

-=-=-=-=-=-

Fascinating. Someone will NO interest in what has happened in all the
world---EVER?

History does NOT have to look like school's version of history. History
of fashion. History of the horse. History of cooking in different
lands. Just having an awesome time line is cool.

-=-=-=-=-=-

Can Current Events be a class????

-=-=-=-=-

Dump the idea of "class."

Today's "current" is tomorrow's "history." You're looking at life
through school-colored glasses. Take off the glasses.

-=-=-=-=-=-

He is actually very passionate about the election this year, I am
wanting to have him volunteer so he can at least do something since
he can't vote.

-=-=-=-=-

Does HE want to volunteer?

-==-=-=-=-

We do discuss the issues as well and I explain why
this is an important year.

-=-=-=-=-

What makes *this* year more important than any other year?



~Kelly

Kelly Lovejoy
Conference Coordinator
Live and Learn Unschooling Conference
http://www.LiveandLearnConference.org

[email protected]

-----Original Message-----
From: diamndlady2001 <diamndlady@...>

I have concluded that complete unschooling isn't quite working for my
son

-=-=-=-

Then stop unschooling and go ask a homeschool list what to do.

This is not a list for those interested in school-at-home. Seriously.

-=-=-=-=-=-

....he plays rpg games and watches education shows. But it doesnt
cover everything I feel would be beneficial for him if he goes to
college so, I am trying to figure out how to make sure my DS (16) has
a well rounded transcript.

-=-=-=-

Bob Jones has a curriculum. The Well-Trained Mind appeals to some. Find
one you like and make him do them. Please don't waste this list's time.

-=-=-=-=-

Any thoughts on how to cover/encourage
all the subjects would be appreciated. My son doesnt like to use the
tradition books. He watches shows and learns alot by doing so. I am
wondering how I can use these shows to cover the science requirments
he needs. The following shows are what he watches on a regular basis.

Hows it made
Mythbusters
Smash Lab
Deadliest Catch
Naked Earth
Dirty Jobs
Earth the biography
Discovery Project Earth

Also, he is interested in Physics/Quantum physics. I was thinking of
encouraging him to do Biology, physics but is chemistry required or
necessary prior to studing physics? Also, for math I was thinking
something like consumar math, algebra, geometry.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Buy a curriculum. Join a homeschooling list.



~Kelly

Kelly Lovejoy
Conference Coordinator
Live and Learn Unschooling Conference
http://www.LiveandLearnConference.org

lyeping2008

Hi Kim,

I don't mean to sound harsh, but I agree with Kelly and Pam. This is
the wrong place to ask for help with directions, subjects or lessons
plan or college advice.

But I don't want you to completely give up yet. I'm thinking on the
basis that there must have been something about unschooling that
drawn you to it in the first place. What was it? What makes you
think unschooling will be good for you and your kid? Pam is right,
you need to read more becuase your understanding of the basis of
unschooling is not there.

To unschool will means no expectation of college, no transcript, no
biology or any other "expected" academic criteria, unless it is
something the child wants.

To unschool your child would mean no forcing, no co-ercion and no
expectation. And yes, your writings is coming across to me as co-
ercion and in-directly "imposing your beliefs" onto your son. I know
you're only thinking of the best for him. You do know what is his
interest. You know what he wants to do and you're willing to
faciliate it, which is good. If you want to unschool him, then you
have to let him get on with his interest. Playing RPG games might
just play a big part of his future.

In unschooling, the child live his/ her life the way they feel is
best. And we unschooling parents respect that, and support that. We
facilitate and nurture that child's interest for however long it
goes. Sometimes it leads to something great but there are times the
child has put in so much effort and time into such interest, only to
dump it because it's not what he wants now. I accept this, for my
child will know what he's doing.

The true success of unschooling (to me) will be when we parents is
able to live with this child-led environment confidently with no
pain or worries or hang-ups.

Trust is a big thing. In unschooling, I learn to trust my son's
interest and instinct will lead him to a happy life, WITH OR WITHOUT
college or uni.

It is hard, learning to unschool for we have to un-learn alot of our
conventional thinking. Some of us had it easy, some of us had it
hard but with determination and understanding, and an open mind, we
have all managed to unschooled somehow. This is how I see it, plain
and simple.

If you're uncomfortable with unschooling, then don't force yourself.
The Classical Education (Well Trained Mind) is worth checking out.

But if you're willing to give unschooling a go, then continue
reading, join a few more list. I've been unschooling for 20 months
and it's been lots of reading of blogs, Sandra Dodd's webpage, 4
unschooling list and books.

We cannot help you identify which show will cover which subject,
simply because that's not how it works in unschooling. We do not see
things in separate individual compartment. Everytime we watch a show
or do a science experiment, it's intention is not to learn some
maths or english or science. It's intention was to satisfy our
curiosity of the why's and the how's. Any knowledge of maths or
geography or science that's attained, is in-evitable a by -product
of such explorations. Hence, the child's knowledge can never be in
the orderly sequence as per the school curriculum.

The above is solely my opinion and I hope it'll help you make your
decision better. All the best.

Best Wishes,
SharonBugs.




--- In [email protected], kbcdlovejo@... wrote:
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: diamndlady2001 <diamndlady@...>
>
> I have concluded that complete unschooling isn't quite working for
my
> son
>
> -=-=-=-
>
> Then stop unschooling and go ask a homeschool list what to do.
>
> This is not a list for those interested in school-at-home.
Seriously.
>
> -=-=-=-=-=-
>
> ....he plays rpg games and watches education shows. But it doesnt
> cover everything I feel would be beneficial for him if he goes to
> college so, I am trying to figure out how to make sure my DS (16)
has
> a well rounded transcript.
>
> -=-=-=-
>
> Bob Jones has a curriculum. The Well-Trained Mind appeals to some.
Find
> one you like and make him do them. Please don't waste this list's
time.
>
> -=-=-=-=-
>
> Any thoughts on how to cover/encourage
> all the subjects would be appreciated. My son doesnt like to use
the
> tradition books. He watches shows and learns alot by doing so. I
am
> wondering how I can use these shows to cover the science
requirments
> he needs. The following shows are what he watches on a regular
basis.
>
> Hows it made
> Mythbusters
> Smash Lab
> Deadliest Catch
> Naked Earth
> Dirty Jobs
> Earth the biography
> Discovery Project Earth
>
> Also, he is interested in Physics/Quantum physics. I was thinking
of
> encouraging him to do Biology, physics but is chemistry required or
> necessary prior to studing physics? Also, for math I was thinking
> something like consumar math, algebra, geometry.
>
> -=-=-=-=-=-=-
>
> Buy a curriculum. Join a homeschooling list.
>
>
>
> ~Kelly
>
> Kelly Lovejoy
> Conference Coordinator
> Live and Learn Unschooling Conference
> http://www.LiveandLearnConference.org
>

trektheory

You might consider that you can bring resources to a child without
them being curriculum -- and that curriculum, if the child is
interested in learning the material, may be appropriate. I emailed
her off list to suggest some great physics stuff, a cool NOVA special
from years ago now, etc. Things we used, not as formal curricular
material, but just because it was cool stuff.

Linda

--- In [email protected], Pamela Sorooshian
<pamsoroosh@...> wrote:
>
> You're coming to the wrong place. We're not going to help you create a
> curriculum to impose on your son, we're going to tell you all the
> reasons we think that is a bad idea and unnecessary.
>
> But, instead of going there, I'll just ask - You say that you have
> concluded all these things...., but what is your son's thinking about
> it? Does he have any say in it?
>
>
> -pam
>
> On Sep 3, 2008, at 4:29 PM, diamndlady2001 wrote:
>
> > I have concluded that complete unschooling isn't quite working for my
> > son....he plays rpg games and watches education shows. But it doesnt
> > cover everything I feel would be beneficial for him if he goes to
> > college so, I am trying to figure out how to make sure my DS (16) has
> > a well rounded transcript.
>

diamndlady2001

wow, i didn't mean to start such a controversial question.

thank you to all of you who gave me positive support and ideas i will
try to use all of your advise.

as far as those who were a bit negative...well i asked this group
instead of a traditional group because I have tried to go the
traditional route when I first started and that isn't the way my son
learns so I feel unschooling is a better fit as he has slowly been
going more to that over the years.

I am in the process of making a transcript for my insurance company
so i is making me think to the future for him.

I support him in whatever he wants to do. I also don't mean to come
across like I push my wants on him cause he pretty much does what he
wants any way....I just try to find out if there is anything I can
offer him. as far as the question about him wanting to volunteer for
the campaign, I would never make him go so if he wants to than I will
take him with me, if not than he doesn't have to go. I try to ask
and make suggestions.

any way, thanks again for your help

kim