staciejsean2003

Hey everyone! My name is Stacie from Maine and we are homeschooling
our 8 year old son. We get so stressed out from schooling and I was
looking for a new approach. He has ADD and can be difficult to
teach. Can someone help me? I don't know where to begin. I am not
a very creative person and have lots of questions~
Stacie

Robyn Coburn

<<<<<Hey everyone! My name is Stacie from Maine and we are homeschooling
our 8 year old son. We get so stressed out from schooling and I was
looking for a new approach. He has ADD and can be difficult to
teach. Can someone help me? I don't know where to begin. I am not
a very creative person and have lots of questions~>>>>

How fortunate that you have found your way to Unschooling which renounces
"teaching" in favor of facilitating children in enjoying their lives,
fostering family relationships, and trusting that they will learn all they
need in their own time through real life pursuits.

Step one is to stop thinking and speaking in terms of labels - either your
son OR yourself. In many cases people moving into Unschooling have
discovered that their child's ADD is a condition that was caused by being in
school or having school-at-home lessons imposed on them.

Step two is to do nothing that is remotely schoolish - "lessons",
"subjects", "assignments" of any kind. Purge these terms from your
vocabulary. Pretend that it is summer vacation early and just have fun -
vegetating, preparing for the holidays, watching movies, playing outdoors,
playing computer games. What you will be doing is called "deschooling" or
"decompressing" - healing from the emotional damage that being schooled may
have done, and allowing the authentic selves to return.

Finally please go to www.sandradodd.com/unschooling and
www.danielleconger.com/Homeschool/Welcomehome.html and do a whole lot of
reading there. Also you may find some of your questions answered at
www.unschooling.info/forum the new message boards.

Welcome to the journey.

Robyn L. Coburn

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Angela S

Hi Staci,

First of all, breath deeply and relax. Just try to pretend it is school
vacation (or your last day or week with your son) and your goal is to have
fun and just enjoy each other and really get to know each other. Maybe
think of the ways in which you wish your parents had parented differently
and try to meet those needs in your son that you wish were met for you.
Watch TV with him, play games with him, take him places that you both enjoy,
read to him, and include him in your daily life.



Instead of trying to *teach* your son, try to learn along side him, about
the things that interest him and focus on being joyful. At the same time,
follow your own interests and let him see you learning joyfully.



Ask any questions that you have. This list was made to help people
understand unschooling.



Angela ~ also from Maine

game-enthusiast@...



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

Elizabeth Roberts

Stacie,

Don't teach. Let him learn what he's interested in,
following whatever rabbit holes he discovers. Let him
be WHO HE IS.

I have an 8 year old too, and we've had a stressful
relationship that is finally turning around. My
respecting her as she is has been a big part of that.

I'd go to http://www.unschooling.com and read, and
read http://www.sandradodd.com as well. LOTS of great
advice, and many of your questions will likely have
already been answered there.

First of all though, take a deep breath, smile, and go
hug your son and tell him how wonderful you think he
is. Ask him what he's doing, and listen to what he
says.

Elizabeth

--- staciejsean2003 <staciej26@...> wrote:

>
>
> Hey everyone! My name is Stacie from Maine and we
> are homeschooling
> our 8 year old son. We get so stressed out from
> schooling and I was
> looking for a new approach. He has ADD and can be
> difficult to
> teach. Can someone help me? I don't know where to
> begin. I am not
> a very creative person and have lots of questions~
> Stacie
>
>
>
>
>
>
>


=====
Elizabeth
Http://rainbowacademy.blogspot.com



__________________________________
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Stacie Johnston

Hi Angela,
where in Maine are you from? I live about an hour north of Bangor.
Stacie
----- Original Message -----
From: Angela S
To: [email protected]
Sent: Sunday, November 28, 2004 11:02 AM
Subject: RE: [unschoolingbasics] new to group


Hi Staci,

First of all, breath deeply and relax. Just try to pretend it is school
vacation (or your last day or week with your son) and your goal is to have
fun and just enjoy each other and really get to know each other. Maybe
think of the ways in which you wish your parents had parented differently
and try to meet those needs in your son that you wish were met for you.
Watch TV with him, play games with him, take him places that you both enjoy,
read to him, and include him in your daily life.



Instead of trying to *teach* your son, try to learn along side him, about
the things that interest him and focus on being joyful. At the same time,
follow your own interests and let him see you learning joyfully.



Ask any questions that you have. This list was made to help people
understand unschooling.



Angela ~ also from Maine

game-enthusiast@...



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


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mommajj02

hi everyone. I am a mother of a 2 year old girl. We started looking
into homeschooling about a month or so ago and have decided to do so
in a unschooling fashion. If anyone is from massachusetts in the
worcester area and knows of any support groups could you let me know
please. If anyone could suggest any good books to. Thanks so much.

Jessica

Angel Rozema

Hello I just joined this group. I have 4 children ages----9boy, 5girl, 4girl, and 3 month old girl.

I have been toying with the idea of unschooling for a few years now. I just keep getting worried that they won't learn what they need to. So I have been using a little of this and a little of that for them. I don't like doing school at home and I detest workbooks and textbooks unless they are to show something to the children not use on a daily basis.

I had my oldest tested when he was in the first grade and found him to have a very high IQ. I also noticed how bored he was when I tried to get him to do anything he didn't show an interest in.

My 5 year old is a very smart and self motivated learner. She loves the workbooks and the more the better. I will probably continue using school items with her because that is what she is responding to, even if I don't like them. I love Math U See and we do that daily. I have my son reading daily to me and I read a lot to them. We go to the library a lot also.

My 4 year old just turned 4 last week and she is teaching herself to read as did her older sister. Sometimes its hard to keep up with them.

If my son had his way he would play video games all day long. However he does come to me with these unique questions that are hard to answer sometimes. So he is learning or at least thinking.

I am excited to be a part of this group so I can have help from others when I feel the need to buy curriculum. I am part of a homeschooling group but find it difficult to discuss my style of teaching with anyone. They think I'm nuts for not having stuff scheduled.

Thanks again for allowing me to join.

Angel


---------------------------------
Yahoo! Mail
Use Photomail to share photos without annoying attachments.

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

courtlew3000

Hello all. We have just started unschooling/deschooling. I have really
enjoyed reading the posts so far. I find it kind of hard to read them
sometimes being on the computer screen. So I was wondering what are
some good must read books/other resources. The only book I have read
was The Unprocessed Child (I think :). That is how the concept found my
mind or my mind found the concept I suppose.
Also I am a single mother with an only child, John 7. I have tried to
reach out to the homeschooling families in my area with little
response. I know my son would like to have other kids to play with and
I am coming up short on how to go about this. I am not a very social
person myself so that seems to make it even more difficult. Any
suggestions would be greatly appreciated :)
Thanks,
Courtney

[email protected]

In a message dated 10/6/2007 1:22:57 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time,
courtlew3000@... writes:

I have tried to
reach out to the homeschooling families in my area with little
response. I know my son would like to have other kids to play with and
I am coming up short on how to go about this. I am not a very social
person myself so that seems to make it even more difficult. Any
suggestions would be greatly appreciated :)
Thanks,
Courtney


__________________________

Hi, Courtney! Where do you live? Maybe we are close by? I live in Southern
CA, in Claremont.

Karen PS



************************************** See what's new at http://www.aol.com


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

courtlew3000

We are in Wilmington, NC, probably as far away as possible :) I would
like to met up those in the area (southeastern nc) but also be in
contact with others in similar boats, even if they are floating in
other oceans :) Maybe even a penpal for my son would be neat.
Thanks,
Courtney


--- In [email protected], Kidgie@... wrote:
>
>
> In a message dated 10/6/2007 1:22:57 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time,
> courtlew3000@... writes:
>
> I have tried to
> reach out to the homeschooling families in my area with little
> response. I know my son would like to have other kids to play with
and
> I am coming up short on how to go about this. I am not a very
social
> person myself so that seems to make it even more difficult. Any
> suggestions would be greatly appreciated :)
> Thanks,
> Courtney
>
>
> __________________________
>
> Hi, Courtney! Where do you live? Maybe we are close by? I live in
Southern
> CA, in Claremont.
>
> Karen PS
>
>
>
> ************************************** See what's new at
http://www.aol.com
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

courtlew3000

We are in Wilmington, NC, probably as far away as possible :) I would
like to met up those in the area (southeastern nc) but also be in
contact with others in similar boats, even if they are floating in
other oceans :) Maybe even a penpal for my son would be neat.
Thanks,
Courtney


--- In [email protected], Kidgie@... wrote:
>
>
> In a message dated 10/6/2007 1:22:57 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time,
> courtlew3000@... writes:
>
> I have tried to
> reach out to the homeschooling families in my area with little
> response. I know my son would like to have other kids to play with
and
> I am coming up short on how to go about this. I am not a very
social
> person myself so that seems to make it even more difficult. Any
> suggestions would be greatly appreciated :)
> Thanks,
> Courtney
>
>
> __________________________
>
> Hi, Courtney! Where do you live? Maybe we are close by? I live in
Southern
> CA, in Claremont.
>
> Karen PS
>
>
>
> ************************************** See what's new at
http://www.aol.com
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

carenkh

Do you know about NCUnschoolers? A very active state-wide group.
*Most* of the activities do take place in the center part of the
state, but anyone can host an activity at any time. I know there are
some families out your way.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NCUnschoolers/

And NC FLT hosts a couple of gatherings a year - the one in Spring
will be on the coast! You do have to be a member of FLT to attend a
gathering.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NCFLT/


Caren
Charlotte, NC


--- In [email protected], "courtlew3000"
<courtlew3000@...> wrote:
>
> We are in Wilmington, NC, probably as far away as possible :) I would
> like to met up those in the area (southeastern nc)

[email protected]

In a message dated 10/6/2007 2:58:43 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time,
courtlew3000@... writes:

We are in Wilmington, NC, probably as far away as possible :) I would
like to met up those in the area (southeastern nc) but also be in
contact with others in similar boats, even if they are floating in
other oceans :) Maybe even a penpal for my son would be neat.
Thanks,
Courtney


_____________

Oh, too bad! I love the east coast, btw.

Take cre. You'll find the right people, in time, I'm sure of it!

Karen PS



************************************** See what's new at http://www.aol.com


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

Mara

Hello and welcome!
Where are you located? there are people from all over
the globe here and someone might have some good
suggestions. It might also work well to start your own
group, this way you can specify more of what you are
looking for exactly. Good luck!
Mara

--- courtlew3000 <courtlew3000@...> wrote:

> Hello all. We have just started
> unschooling/deschooling. I have really
> enjoyed reading the posts so far. I find it kind of
> hard to read them
> sometimes being on the computer screen. So I was
> wondering what are
> some good must read books/other resources. The only
> book I have read
> was The Unprocessed Child (I think :). That is how
> the concept found my
> mind or my mind found the concept I suppose.
> Also I am a single mother with an only child, John
> 7. I have tried to
> reach out to the homeschooling families in my area
> with little
> response. I know my son would like to have other
> kids to play with and
> I am coming up short on how to go about this. I am
> not a very social
> person myself so that seems to make it even more
> difficult. Any
> suggestions would be greatly appreciated :)
> Thanks,
> Courtney
>
>




____________________________________________________________________________________
Boardwalk for $500? In 2007? Ha! Play Monopoly Here and Now (it's updated for today's economy) at Yahoo! Games.
http://get.games.yahoo.com/proddesc?gamekey=monopolyherenow

jmarkoski

Hi Courtney,
I am in Raleigh. There's a NC unschoolers board on yahoo:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NCUnschoolers/
It seems that most of the unschooling "action" is further west and
focused on Asheville and Charlotte areas, but I am sure you'll find
someone in Wilmington!
Julie M
James 9.9.5
Tyler 6.8.7

--- In [email protected], "courtlew3000"
<courtlew3000@...> wrote:
>
> We are in Wilmington, NC, probably as far away as possible :) I
would
> like to met up those in the area (southeastern nc) but also be in
> contact with others in similar boats, even if they are floating in
> other oceans :) Maybe even a penpal for my son would be neat.
> Thanks,
> Courtney
>
>
> --- In [email protected], Kidgie@ wrote:
> >
> >
> > In a message dated 10/6/2007 1:22:57 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time,
> > courtlew3000@ writes:
> >
> > I have tried to
> > reach out to the homeschooling families in my area with little
> > response. I know my son would like to have other kids to play
with
> and
> > I am coming up short on how to go about this. I am not a very
> social
> > person myself so that seems to make it even more difficult. Any
> > suggestions would be greatly appreciated :)
> > Thanks,
> > Courtney
> >
> >
> > __________________________
> >
> > Hi, Courtney! Where do you live? Maybe we are close by? I live in
> Southern
> > CA, in Claremont.
> >
> > Karen PS
> >
> >
> >
> > ************************************** See what's new at
> http://www.aol.com
> >
> >
> > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> >
>

Kelly Weyd

Do you have any local yahoo homeschooling groups in your area?
Kelly

courtlew3000 <courtlew3000@...> wrote:
Hello all. We have just started unschooling/deschooling. I have really
enjoyed reading the posts so far. I find it kind of hard to read them
sometimes being on the computer screen. So I was wondering what are
some good must read books/other resources. The only book I have read
was The Unprocessed Child (I think :). That is how the concept found my
mind or my mind found the concept I suppose.
Also I am a single mother with an only child, John 7. I have tried to
reach out to the homeschooling families in my area with little
response. I know my son would like to have other kids to play with and
I am coming up short on how to go about this. I am not a very social
person myself so that seems to make it even more difficult. Any
suggestions would be greatly appreciated :)
Thanks,
Courtney






---------------------------------
Moody friends. Drama queens. Your life? Nope! - their life, your story.
Play Sims Stories at Yahoo! Games.

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

carenkh

-=-So I was wondering what are some good must read books/other
resources.-=-

Raising a Free Child by Rue Kream is available here:

www.freechild.info

Really wonderful book.

peace,
Caren

Sylvia Toyama

One book I really enjoyed --and learned a lot from, too -- is The Book of Learning and Forgeetting, by Frank Smith. He's an education professor and actually wrote the book for an audience of teachers, in defense of them, to expose the flaws in the system of schooling. He writes about how people learn and why we learn what we do. The research he shared on learning and *forgetting* curves was especially interesting.

Sylvia


---------------------------------
Fussy? Opinionated? Impossible to please? Perfect. Join Yahoo!'s user panel and lay it on us.

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

courtlew3000

Greetings. I did sign up with the ncunschooling yahoo group after the
suggestion. I have also joined two local homeshooling yahoo groups.
They both seem pretty inactive besides local event info, which is
helpful but not exactly what I had hoped for. It will work itself out
I am sure.
Thanks for the feedback. I will check out the books suggested.
Courtney

--- In [email protected], "courtlew3000"
<courtlew3000@...> wrote:
>
> Hello all. We have just started unschooling/deschooling. I have
really
> enjoyed reading the posts so far. I find it kind of hard to read
them
> sometimes being on the computer screen. So I was wondering what are
> some good must read books/other resources. The only book I have
read
> was The Unprocessed Child (I think :). That is how the concept
found my
> mind or my mind found the concept I suppose.
> Also I am a single mother with an only child, John 7. I have tried
to
> reach out to the homeschooling families in my area with little
> response. I know my son would like to have other kids to play with
and
> I am coming up short on how to go about this. I am not a very
social
> person myself so that seems to make it even more difficult. Any
> suggestions would be greatly appreciated :)
> Thanks,
> Courtney
>

Jen

Hello!!! I'm new to this group and to uschooling. I was wondering if
anyone might direct me to the best postings in this group to read to
get me started in the basics?

I homeschool 3 beautiful children that truly love learning (not from
a textbook). We have tried various methods of homeschooling (charter
school, ISP through a private school, and now we are our own private
school and follow our own rules!!)

I have fears that I'm not teaching them what they really need to
learn as far as math and grammar, etc. goes by giving up a textbook
and worksheets. How do I learn to let go of those fears. How can I
unschool math or prepare my highschooler for college? My 8 year old
groans (loudly) if I ask him to pick up a book and read it to me.
Yet, he will read words on his video game, computer, tv, billboards,
etc. Is that enough? I really need some quick advice on just what
unschooling is and how to get going at it so we all can be calm and
enjoy life.

Thanks to anyone who responds!!!

Jen

carenkh

> I have fears that I'm not teaching them what they really need to
> learn as far as math and grammar, etc. goes by giving up a textbook
> and worksheets. How do I learn to let go of those fears.


I learned by reading a LOT on unschooling lists, listening to folks
who'd come before, and trusting. Ultimately, I learned to let go by
letting go. In other words, even before I *completely, totally*
trusted that they'd get what they needed, I stopped requiring anything
of them. Ned Vare says, "Unschooling is living your life as if there
were no such thing as school." I hung on to that quote for a long time
- it meant so much! No grade levels, no needing to learn anything by a
specific time. I've expanded that to "no need to learn anything".
Period. But, dang if learning isn't happening ALL THE TIME despite that!


> How can I unschool math or prepare my highschooler for college?


I have a 15-year old, we've been unschooling for 8 years now. I'm
going to worry about him preparing for college when he shows an
interest in getting into college, not before. And I've found, for me,
that unschooling is more than just a different way to get information
into your child. Actually, it's not that at all! But some folks see it
that way - how can I get this information (math) into my child in a
respectful way? So, they say, we'll use workbooks, but only ones the
child picks out. Or whatever. I've learned you can't unschool certain
subjects - you either trust they're getting what they need, or you
don't. For us, it's a whole life thing.


> My 8 year old
> groans (loudly) if I ask him to pick up a book and read it to me.
> Yet, he will read words on his video game, computer, tv, billboards,
> etc. Is that enough?


YES! He's reading, right? And, actually, at 8, even if he weren't
reading, he'd be fine. Or at 10. Or 11. I don't do stuff that makes my
kids groan any more. Except sing. That makes them groan. I do it anyway.


> I really need some quick advice on just what
> unschooling is and how to get going at it so we all can be calm and
> enjoy life.


For now, drop needing to know what unschooling is. Just be calm and
enjoy life. It IS enough. For now, pretend that you're on summer
vacation. Be calm. Enjoy life. That's how you do it. Or - be excited
and enjoy life!

peace to you,
Caren

Ren Allen

~~ Ned Vare says, "Unschooling is living your life as if there
> were no such thing as school." I hung on to that quote for a long
time- it meant so much! No grade levels, no needing to learn anything
by a specific time. ~~

It's a great quote. Once you really trust that learning happens BETTER
in the absence of school, there is no need to hang onto subjects or
grade levels or any semblance of that bizarre institution.

THAT is the essence of true freedom to me.


~~How can I unschool math or prepare my highschooler for college?~~

What is the reason a person needs to prepare for college? They prepare
for college if they're college bound. It can be done in just a few
months time if necessary.

At the NE Unschooling conference I'll be hosting a teen talk with
three of my favorite teens.:) My oldest son Trevor, his gf Moira and
my 14y.o. son Jared. Moira is in college and doing very well after
being unschooled for most of her life and having no formal lessons. It
was her goal, for her reasons and she is utilizing it as ONE tool in a
very rich and iteresting life.

College is not money well-spent for most people. Humans should prepare
for that things that they have personal reasons to prepare for. An
unschooling parent is better to spend time and energy nourishing what
is right in front of them today and let the future unfold when it
unfolds.

There is no reason to spend time today preparing for a future that is
unknown. If your child has a reason to prepare for college, help them
prepare at that time. Otherwise, you may be putting a lot of energy
into something that never happens.


~~I don't do stuff that makes my kids groan any more. Except sing.
That makes them groan. I do it anyway.~~


I had to laugh at this!
I sang all of my children to sleep when they were younger, until Jalen
came along. From the time he was a wee babsy, he absolutely hated my
singing. Still does. I still sing, but not to him!

Sierra and I were singing the "do-re-mi" song last night and he walked
into the room saying "stop that right now, that is annoying!"
sigh. We kept singing, figuring he had the whole house to escape into
and we were only taking up a small portion.;)

~~For now, drop needing to know what unschooling is. Just be calm and
> enjoy life. It IS enough. For now, pretend that you're on summer
> vacation. Be calm. Enjoy life. That's how you do it. Or - be excited
> and enjoy life!~~

I agree with Caren!
If YOU are pursuing that which you love, the things that you're
passionate about, it's easier to quit hyperfocusing on whether your
children are learning.

They'll learn. You'll learn. It's all good.


Ren
learninginfreedom.com

Meredith

--- In [email protected], "Jen"
<cookiesforthree@...> wrote:
>My 8 year old
> groans (loudly) if I ask him to pick up a book and read it to me.
> Yet, he will read words on his video game, computer, tv,
billboards,
> etc. Is that enough?

Its certainly enough for him right now. And in the future - who
knows? My science education didn't teach me to read car repair
manuals, or the technical manuals I'm reading now for my job - even
though the content is pretty scientific its "science for factory
workers", so the style and language is totally different. Actually,
my education has very little to do with my real life in general.

My 14yo didn't read anything but emails and the stuff you mentioned
until pretty recently. Well, he's still not *reading* other
material, but he's writing up a storm. Seven chapters and we haven't
even gotten to the dragon's lair, yet! George and I are kind of
stunned bc, like your son, he *hated* anything to do with books or
reading. After more than a year of not being "asked" to read
anything at all, his attitude has changed completely.

My 6yo has been unschooled from the start and has no qualms about
reading whatever interests her. What interests *her* tends to be
instructions. How do I make that? If she wants a story... turn on
the tv, put in a movie. Will she ever read books for fun? <shrug>
Who knows? Lately she's been asking how to make computer games -
anyone got a good resource for that??????? Something simple enough
for a parent to use!

>How do I learn to let go of those fears.

It might help to think about what Learning is, as opposed to
Education. How does this miraculous thing we call Learning happen?
It happens by making connections, big and small, lots and lots of
connections. The connections that are made are going to be different
for every person. I'm not just talking about a difference in
learning styles, here. This is even more fundamental. Since no two
people ever have exactly the same experiences, no two people will
make connections in exactly the same way. That's not something that
can be controlled for.

Some of the connections people make are emotional. Right now your
kids have some specific emotional connections with "reading"
and "math". My 14yo used to have some similar connections
reading=ugh, for example ;) Now reading and writing are about self-
expression and communication and sharing. He's made some new
connections and those have changed his experience.

That's how unschooling works. We (parents) strive to make living as
joy-filled as possible so that learning is more about positive
connections. I don't mean "joy filled" so much in terms of having a
daily carnival in the living room (although *my* living room
certainly looks that way!), but generally enjoying life. What does
that look like? You might want to check out some unschoolers blogs
to get some ideas... here's a link that has a bunch of unschoolers'
blogs (scroll down):

http://organiclearning.org/resources.html

I really need some quick advice on just what
> unschooling is and how to get going at it

In general, you can start making a more joyful life by thinking
about the ways you prevent the spread of joy in your family and
finding ways to foster joy instead. I say "you" not to be
accusatory, but because you can only change yourself ;)

A common place to start is by working on saying Yes more. Every time
you want to say "no" to something, stop and think "why not? is there
a way to make that possible?" Saying "no" is such a default response
to kids that we're rarely aware of how often we say it. We even say
things like: "not right now" instead of: "yes, I'd love to do that,
just let me finish what I'm doing". Think about the change of
attitude you can create just by doing that - its significant!

Another good place to start is by practicing more kindness toward
your kids. Again, I'm not trying to make some sort of accusation!
But culturally, there's a norm of being less kind to our own
children than we are to adult friends, aquaintances, even complete
strangers. Think of kind things you can do for your kids. Do them
favors "just because" with no thought of reciprocation. Say nice
things to them because it feels good to them, not with ideas
of "positive reinforcement". Give free hugs. Hang out with them when
they are doing something they enjoy even if its something you're not
thrilled about (watching tv, playing a video game). Smile at them
often.

Okay that's enough for now! Give yourself plenty of time to learn
some new skills and habits - there *is* time. Memories of a loving,
kind mom will last longer than the quadratic equation.

---Meredith (Mo 6, Ray 14)

Michelle Thedaker

Meredith,



Actually I know an answer for this question! There is a free (for the basic
version) program called "Game Maker" that you can download here:
http://www.yoyogames.com/make We also have a companion book for that
software, called "The Game Maker's Apprentice", which we got from Amazon.com
here:
http://www.amazon.com/Game-Makers-Apprentice-Development-Technology/dp/15905
96153



It's been fun so far, although my game-enthused son is more into Roller
Coaster Tycoon 3 than anything else, so we haven't gone too far (although
did make a little game!). Enjoy!



Shell & Da Boys

Drew, 8.5 and Josh, 4.5

www.thedaker.blogspot.com

"If you are lucky enough to find a way of life you
love, you have to find the courage to live it." John Irving

_____

From: [email protected]
[mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Meredith
Sent: Sunday, April 27, 2008 2:18 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: [unschoolingbasics] Re: new to group



<<<Lately she's been asking how to make computer games -
anyone got a good resource for that??????? Something simple enough
for a parent to use!>>>



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

BRIAN POLIKOWSKY

Meredith <meredith@...> wrote:

Lately she's been asking how to make computer games -
anyone got a good resource for that??????? Something simple enough
for a parent to use!

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


Roblox.com

she can build her own game for free and there re instructions on how to Script
My ds's characters are

mario555555
TYLERMCBROAD
FLAMERIDER64II

we play there a lot

also this free dowloadable software created by Randy Pausch and cia:

http://www.alice.org/






Alex Polikowsky

www.polykow.blogspot.com


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

Jolene

You sound so excited! That's wonderful and puts a smile on my face.

I'm also laughing because the answer you're looking for is actually
at the end of your mail: "be calm and enjoy life." I think that's
the first thing you and your family should do.

Next, you can keep checking out unschooling resources like
http://sandradodd.com/ or http://joyfullyrejoycing.com/ You will find
ideas on how to "unschool math" there. And yes, I do think that
reading happens in many ways and not just by reading a book. Maybe
your son would enjoy more books with subjects that are interesting to
him: on video games, etc....

And whenever you have a specific problem, come to this group or one
of the others online for insights on how you can handle the situation.

It seems to be a journey for everyone and you will grow and grow
everyday, learning along with your kids! I hope you enjoy it!

Love,
Jolene =)



--- In [email protected], "Jen" <cookiesforthree@...>
wrote:
>
> Hello!!! I'm new to this group and to uschooling. I was wondering
if
> anyone might direct me to the best postings in this group to read
to
> get me started in the basics?
>
> I homeschool 3 beautiful children that truly love learning (not
from
> a textbook). We have tried various methods of homeschooling
(charter
> school, ISP through a private school, and now we are our own
private
> school and follow our own rules!!)
>
> I have fears that I'm not teaching them what they really need to
> learn as far as math and grammar, etc. goes by giving up a textbook
> and worksheets. How do I learn to let go of those fears. How can
I
> unschool math or prepare my highschooler for college? My 8 year
old
> groans (loudly) if I ask him to pick up a book and read it to me.
> Yet, he will read words on his video game, computer, tv,
billboards,
> etc. Is that enough? I really need some quick advice on just what
> unschooling is and how to get going at it so we all can be calm and
> enjoy life.
>
> Thanks to anyone who responds!!!
>
> Jen
>

Meredith

--- In [email protected], "Michelle Thedaker"
<pamperedthed@...> wrote:>
> Actually I know an answer for this question! There is a free (for
the basic
> version) program....

Ahhhhhh, This is why I love unschooling boards! Thank you and everyone
else who has sent me links and suggestions.

---Meredith (Mo 6, Ray 14)

[email protected]

-----Original Message-----
From: Jen <cookiesforthree@...>

I have fears that I'm not teaching them what they really need to
learn as far as math and grammar, etc. goes by giving up a textbook
and worksheets. How do I learn to let go of those fears.

-=-=-=-=-

Think of all the things you know and do and how much of it you actually
learned in school---or could have learned/did learn outside school had
you not been stuck there for 12-18 years.

Ren has an interesting test (ironic, huh? <g>) to show you how little
school did for you. Most folks don't use their degrees to do there
life's work---and even if they do, chances are good that they would
have learned that outside of school anyways.

Ren?

-=-=-=-=-=-

How can I
unschool math or prepare my highschooler for college?

-=-=-=-=-=-

Math happens naturally. We exposed to it and use it every day. How can
you avoid it?

Your highschooler? You mean your teenager, right? <g>

It's seriously not your job to prepare him for college. The important
thing to do is to allow him to experience as many things as possible
and to feed a love of learning. THAT's what colleges want.

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

My 8 year old groans (loudly) if I ask him to pick up a book and read
it to me.

-=-=-=-=-

Then, by all means, QUIT DOING THAT!

-=-=-=-=-

Yet, he will read words on his video game, computer, tv, billboards,
etc. Is that enough?

-=-=-=-=-

Yep. As he's respected in this way, he will start reading more and more
because it's a convenient way to get information. Trust him. Trust the
process.

-=-=-=-=-=-

I really need some quick advice on just what
unschooling is and how to get going at it so we all can be calm and
enjoy life.

-=-=-=-=-

Read the archives here until your eyes fall out of your head.

Go to www.sandradodd.com/unschooling and www.joyfullyrejoycing.com

Get Rue Kream's book, Parenting a Free Child, An Unschooled Life at
www.freechild.info




~Kelly

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

Rue Kream

>>Ren has an interesting test (ironic, huh? <g>) to show you how little
school did for you.

**Here it is:


1) List all the ways you've earned an income in your life (include side
jobs and career paths):

2) List some hobbies you pursue in your leisure time:

3) What are driving passions and interests that make life meaningful and
fulfilling for you?

4) List ALL the interests you would like to pursue or learn about before
you die:

5) What would you be doing right now if there were NO obstacles in your
path? (Dream big.)



After the participants fill this out, I have them tally up all the
items listed. THEN, have them go back through the list and tally up how
many of those items they got proficient at by attending school, or COULD
have gotten proficient at by attending school (through 12th grade, not
counting college or any post high-school since that isn't compulsory).

You'll get a variety of answers, but it does get people thinking about
how meaningful the learning is that happens outside of school.

Some other questions I added, but only did verbally:

How many of you have one or more degrees?

Of the people who have degrees, how many of you are actually using that
degree in your work today?

If you are using your degree today, do you really LOVE your work? Are
you passionate about what you do?

This might be a good "quiz" for those reluctant partners. If they're
willing to play around with it, it could get them thinking about the
ways that humans really learn in a meaningful way.



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

Melissa Gray

I love that quiz.

I can honestly say that most of school was a joke. It wasn't until I
attended a charter school my last two year, and college, that I
absolutely loved it. Because at that point, I could choose all the
classes I wanted, no matter how crazy. And I do use it every day,
because I LOVE science, and the kids ask me questions all the time
that I actually have answers to. But the number one thing I learned
at those two places that I use every day now? How to research, look
things up, know that no one knows everything, and google is my friend!

And I joke with my husband that I earn my money by sending him to
work. lol I've never once used my education to work (because I had
kids in college)

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

blog me at
http://startlinglives.blogspot.com/
Find out what's going on by me at MYZIP.COM
http://www.73071.net



On Apr 29, 2008, at 5:48 PM, Rue Kream wrote:

> >>Ren has an interesting test (ironic, huh? <g>) to show you how
> little
> school did for you.
>
> **Here it is:
>
>
> 1) List all the ways you've earned an income in your life (include
> side
> jobs and career paths):
>
> 2) List some hobbies you pursue in your leisure time:
>
> 3) What are driving passions and interests that make life
> meaningful and
> fulfilling for you?
>
> 4) List ALL the interests you would like to pursue or learn about
> before
> you die:
>
> 5) What would you be doing right now if there were NO obstacles in
> your
> path? (Dream big.)
>
> After the participants fill this out, I have them tally up all the
> items listed. THEN, have them go back through the list and tally up
> how
> many of those items they got proficient at by attending school, or
> COULD
> have gotten proficient at by attending school (through 12th grade, not
> counting college or any post high-school since that isn't compulsory).
>
> You'll get a variety of answers, but it does get people thinking about
> how meaningful the learning is that happens outside of school.
>
> Some other questions I added, but only did verbally:
>
> How many of you have one or more degrees?
>
> Of the people who have degrees, how many of you are actually using
> that
> degree in your work today?
>
> If you are using your degree today, do you really LOVE your work? Are
> you passionate about what you do?
>
> This might be a good "quiz" for those reluctant partners. If they're
> willing to play around with it, it could get them thinking about the
> ways that humans really learn in a meaningful way.
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>



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