Nelson and Kelly

I had something happen today at Sunday School that at one time may not have
bothered me, but after researching the lifestyle of unschooling it really
bothered me.



I volunteered in the 4 year olds class-very scheduled, structured, at one
point we all went outside to let the kids play and one of the children did
not want to go outside to play-I knew once she went outside she would enjoy
the fresh air and freedom to move around, I asked the child if she wanted to
stay inside and play, the teacher looked at me and said she has NO CHOICE-so
we went outside and she did have fun.

Then when we came inside they were given a choice of pictures to color, as
they were coloring they were told, no you need to color it more, no do not
tap your crayons to make circles, no you can't have the cut out pumpkins
because you will color on the table, no that is NOT the color to color
with-pumpkins are orange!,

I NEVER realized how much we as adults micromanage children's lives,
decisions, how we make them feel inferior in their choices, because we are
the adults and they do not know better.

Just being in this class, okay sit in a circle, listen, pick up your toys
right as you are getting into pretend play, color this way, go outside, come
inside now, made me realize how much I dislike over structured "learning"
environments. I have NEVER had an aha moment like the one I had today!

Thank you all for the information and encouragement you provide to us
newbies who are learning how to adjust to the unschooling LIFESTYLE!



God bless,

Kelly in FL



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