questions:)
cartoontv5
I want to thank you all for taking time to answer my questions(which
you have probably heard a hundred times before).I am going to get at
the web sites you all recommended and try to find some of the books
also.
I have read all about unschooling for years(web sites and unschooling
handbook) and can see pros and cons and have read about children who
were unhappy about it and some who love it.
I wonder though what you do when you have to have your children
tested or how you would explain this to others(even other
homeschoolers).Hope to hear from you all again...........
Jeanne
you have probably heard a hundred times before).I am going to get at
the web sites you all recommended and try to find some of the books
also.
I have read all about unschooling for years(web sites and unschooling
handbook) and can see pros and cons and have read about children who
were unhappy about it and some who love it.
I wonder though what you do when you have to have your children
tested or how you would explain this to others(even other
homeschoolers).Hope to hear from you all again...........
Jeanne
Ren Allen
"I wonder though what you do when you have to have your children
tested or how you would explain this to others(even other
homeschoolers)."
Well, to the first part, you live in Florida!! You don't have to
test if you don't want to....and why would an unschooler want to
compare their children to other children on pointless topics if they
don't have to?:)
As to the second question; don't.
Just don't explain anything. A simple "we homeschool" is enough for
most people. If you're around a homeschooler and you need to clarify
a bit more, just explain that you do "interest based" learning,
or "natural" learning. They won't get it, but most don't need to
unless they are truly interested.
I'm glad you found your way here...keep on asking. I hope we can
give you some confidence to trust your children and escape the
school system if it's not working out well for them. You have years
and years to research stuff, but your kids don't have years and
years to wait for you to get it.
Ren
tested or how you would explain this to others(even other
homeschoolers)."
Well, to the first part, you live in Florida!! You don't have to
test if you don't want to....and why would an unschooler want to
compare their children to other children on pointless topics if they
don't have to?:)
As to the second question; don't.
Just don't explain anything. A simple "we homeschool" is enough for
most people. If you're around a homeschooler and you need to clarify
a bit more, just explain that you do "interest based" learning,
or "natural" learning. They won't get it, but most don't need to
unless they are truly interested.
I'm glad you found your way here...keep on asking. I hope we can
give you some confidence to trust your children and escape the
school system if it's not working out well for them. You have years
and years to research stuff, but your kids don't have years and
years to wait for you to get it.
Ren
[email protected]
In a message dated 12/29/2004 9:53:49 P.M. Eastern Standard Time,
LJeanne28@... writes:
I have read all about unschooling for years(web sites and unschooling
handbook) and can see pros and cons and have read about children who
were unhappy about it and some who love it.<<<
Could you point me to the books/articles you've read about children who were
unhappy about it?
I've never seen one.
Can you point out one con?
~Kelly
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
LJeanne28@... writes:
I have read all about unschooling for years(web sites and unschooling
handbook) and can see pros and cons and have read about children who
were unhappy about it and some who love it.<<<
Could you point me to the books/articles you've read about children who were
unhappy about it?
I've never seen one.
Can you point out one con?
~Kelly
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
J. Stauffer
<<<<Can you point out one con?>>>>
The only 2 cons we have come up against were with dealing with outside forces.
One was when the little guys wanted to try public school. Since they had never been in a rigid structure, they had great difficulty with the concept that they didn't have choices, were expected to finish assignments, etc., to the point that within 6 weeks 2 of the three teachers were requesting Special Education. I fought it and within another 6 weeks, those same teachers were describing my kids as "model students" and "really bright kids". So it was just a transitional con but I had to be willing to stand up full force to the school to make sure they were willing to give the kids the "elbow room" they needed to make the adjustment.
(The best part of the above was when the Kindergarten teacher asked me how I taught Danny his numbers so well and I informed her that he taught himself by working the microwave.)
The second con was dealing with friends who follow rigid curriculums and want to quiz the kids about stuff they "should" know. None of my kids learned their multiplication tables so getting caught at the park with questions of "What is 7x6?" followed by lots of laughing wasn't fun for the kids.
The good side of it was that when the kids came to me to learn "schooly" types of stuff for whatever reason, it was fun and easy to teach them.
My oldest is 14 and a traditionalist through and through. She has already scoped out the college she wants to go to and asked for a curriculum to fulfill the requirements (an accredited curriculum is required). She had never had any type of math training since we pulled her out of school in 2nd grade....Within a month, she is doing "A" level work in 9th grade Algebra.
So again, there was the con of dealing with peers but the advantage was that we got to miss 7 years of me MAKING Adriane "do" math. She brings her books to me rather than me fighting her to complete assignments. Huge difference.
Julie S.
Julie S.
The only 2 cons we have come up against were with dealing with outside forces.
One was when the little guys wanted to try public school. Since they had never been in a rigid structure, they had great difficulty with the concept that they didn't have choices, were expected to finish assignments, etc., to the point that within 6 weeks 2 of the three teachers were requesting Special Education. I fought it and within another 6 weeks, those same teachers were describing my kids as "model students" and "really bright kids". So it was just a transitional con but I had to be willing to stand up full force to the school to make sure they were willing to give the kids the "elbow room" they needed to make the adjustment.
(The best part of the above was when the Kindergarten teacher asked me how I taught Danny his numbers so well and I informed her that he taught himself by working the microwave.)
The second con was dealing with friends who follow rigid curriculums and want to quiz the kids about stuff they "should" know. None of my kids learned their multiplication tables so getting caught at the park with questions of "What is 7x6?" followed by lots of laughing wasn't fun for the kids.
The good side of it was that when the kids came to me to learn "schooly" types of stuff for whatever reason, it was fun and easy to teach them.
My oldest is 14 and a traditionalist through and through. She has already scoped out the college she wants to go to and asked for a curriculum to fulfill the requirements (an accredited curriculum is required). She had never had any type of math training since we pulled her out of school in 2nd grade....Within a month, she is doing "A" level work in 9th grade Algebra.
So again, there was the con of dealing with peers but the advantage was that we got to miss 7 years of me MAKING Adriane "do" math. She brings her books to me rather than me fighting her to complete assignments. Huge difference.
Julie S.
Julie S.
----- Original Message -----
From: kbcdlovejo@...
To: [email protected]
Sent: Thursday, December 30, 2004 6:02 AM
Subject: Re: [unschoolingbasics] questions:)
In a message dated 12/29/2004 9:53:49 P.M. Eastern Standard Time,
LJeanne28@... writes:
I have read all about unschooling for years(web sites and unschooling
handbook) and can see pros and cons and have read about children who
were unhappy about it and some who love it.<<<
Could you point me to the books/articles you've read about children who were
unhappy about it?
I've never seen one.
Can you point out one con?
~Kelly
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Yahoo! Groups Sponsor
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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[email protected]
In a message dated 12/29/2004 9:53:49 P.M. Eastern Standard Time,
LJeanne28@... writes:
I wonder though what you do when you have to have your children
tested<<<<<<<
I don't *have* to have my children tested. Do you? Each state is different.
Know your state laws. Many people here live in testing states and do different
things. Which state are you in?
Interest-based learning? The open classroom of the 70's? We simply don't
*do* school? Learning through living a rich life? Living is learning is
unschooling? Everything is connected: we don't divide life into subjects?
Most people don't *really* want to understand unschooling!
~Kelly
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
LJeanne28@... writes:
I wonder though what you do when you have to have your children
tested<<<<<<<
I don't *have* to have my children tested. Do you? Each state is different.
Know your state laws. Many people here live in testing states and do different
things. Which state are you in?
>>>> or how you would explain this to others(even other homeschoolers).<<<<Welllll....., you don't *have* to explain anything! <bwg>
Interest-based learning? The open classroom of the 70's? We simply don't
*do* school? Learning through living a rich life? Living is learning is
unschooling? Everything is connected: we don't divide life into subjects?
Most people don't *really* want to understand unschooling!
~Kelly
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
cartoontv5
Thank you Ren and Cheryl.I have a daughter who is 12 .If she were in
public school she would probably be in special or "slow" classes.I
have never had her tested .When she was 5 she went to kindergarten
for about 3 weeks.The teacher met with me and told me she would be
held back that year, needless to say I took her out.It was terrible
for her in school-kids were so mean to her.
I know you all dont believe in grade levels but just for an example
she would probably be in a 3rd grade level if at school.How do I
help her?
She has a hard time answering questions anyone asks her or figuring
out things for herself, she is not what you would call an independant
learner-she lets others boss her.She never reads.
Any advice?
Jeanne
public school she would probably be in special or "slow" classes.I
have never had her tested .When she was 5 she went to kindergarten
for about 3 weeks.The teacher met with me and told me she would be
held back that year, needless to say I took her out.It was terrible
for her in school-kids were so mean to her.
I know you all dont believe in grade levels but just for an example
she would probably be in a 3rd grade level if at school.How do I
help her?
She has a hard time answering questions anyone asks her or figuring
out things for herself, she is not what you would call an independant
learner-she lets others boss her.She never reads.
Any advice?
Jeanne
[email protected]
Hi Jeanne
I would read to her, a lot, and get her into things that she is interested
in (for instance, if she likes small animals, then get her a hamster, you will
find that she will want to learn everything she can about it). Kids learn
best if it is interest-led. Have her tell you her interests and write them
down together, then write down the steps it takes to do it and encourage her on
her interests.
Good Luck
Cheryl
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
I would read to her, a lot, and get her into things that she is interested
in (for instance, if she likes small animals, then get her a hamster, you will
find that she will want to learn everything she can about it). Kids learn
best if it is interest-led. Have her tell you her interests and write them
down together, then write down the steps it takes to do it and encourage her on
her interests.
Good Luck
Cheryl
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Ren Allen
"How do I
help her?
She has a hard time answering questions anyone asks her or figuring
out things for herself, she is not what you would call an independant
learner-she lets others boss her.She never reads.
Any advice?"
Why do you feel she needs help? In answering questions? She's
awfully young to have to fend against prying questions...you need to
be her barrier.
I speak for my children when they don't want to speak. You need to
be her buffer against the world until she feels ready to deal with
it.
"She never reads".
Instead of focusing on what she doesn't do, focus on what she LOVES.
Does this child connect with nature? Or certain tv shows, or foods
or colors or toys? What makes her happy (or as Anne would say "what
makes her SHINE?)
See her as the perfect, whole, wonderful being she IS.
If you see her through eyes of lack, she will sense this, and see
herself as lacking somehow.
She is lacking nothing by not reading yet. See her for the unique
wonder each human being is. Help her shine by focusing on everything
she loves. Dive into her passions, get excited about the things she
loves, see the world through HER eyes, not the very sad eyes of
schoolthink.
Your child needs you to honor her for exactly where she is today,
not where you think she should be.
Tell me more about the things she's good at. Tell me what makes her
laugh or feel happy and serene!! Tell me more about this child that
is NOT slow (you got her away from the school, now we need to get
the school away from your mind!!) but BRIGHT.
If you tell us more about her passions and interests, I bet we could
all come up with some great ways to honor that interest. She isn't
lacking a thing..please believe that.
Reading comes when it comes, in the mean time, she doesn't need to
feel "less than" because she isn't doing something on somebody elses
time schedule.
Ren
help her?
She has a hard time answering questions anyone asks her or figuring
out things for herself, she is not what you would call an independant
learner-she lets others boss her.She never reads.
Any advice?"
Why do you feel she needs help? In answering questions? She's
awfully young to have to fend against prying questions...you need to
be her barrier.
I speak for my children when they don't want to speak. You need to
be her buffer against the world until she feels ready to deal with
it.
"She never reads".
Instead of focusing on what she doesn't do, focus on what she LOVES.
Does this child connect with nature? Or certain tv shows, or foods
or colors or toys? What makes her happy (or as Anne would say "what
makes her SHINE?)
See her as the perfect, whole, wonderful being she IS.
If you see her through eyes of lack, she will sense this, and see
herself as lacking somehow.
She is lacking nothing by not reading yet. See her for the unique
wonder each human being is. Help her shine by focusing on everything
she loves. Dive into her passions, get excited about the things she
loves, see the world through HER eyes, not the very sad eyes of
schoolthink.
Your child needs you to honor her for exactly where she is today,
not where you think she should be.
Tell me more about the things she's good at. Tell me what makes her
laugh or feel happy and serene!! Tell me more about this child that
is NOT slow (you got her away from the school, now we need to get
the school away from your mind!!) but BRIGHT.
If you tell us more about her passions and interests, I bet we could
all come up with some great ways to honor that interest. She isn't
lacking a thing..please believe that.
Reading comes when it comes, in the mean time, she doesn't need to
feel "less than" because she isn't doing something on somebody elses
time schedule.
Ren
Ren Allen
" Have her tell you her interests and write them
down together, then write down the steps it takes to do it and
encourage her on her interests."
A word of caution here.
Some kids love lists. For some, this is not a good idea.
I especially don't think a mother, trying to grasp unschooling,
should make lists of a child's interests, except for themselves.
Your child might feel that you will turn the things she tells you
into some kind of lesson, and not be as open as she could be
otherwise.
You KNOW your child's interests....look at them playing, listen to
them talk, hear them when they get excited.
Keep notes for yourself, to remind you to pick up certain videos or
games or whatever. But try to not turn her interests into some list
unless she likes the idea.
Ren
down together, then write down the steps it takes to do it and
encourage her on her interests."
A word of caution here.
Some kids love lists. For some, this is not a good idea.
I especially don't think a mother, trying to grasp unschooling,
should make lists of a child's interests, except for themselves.
Your child might feel that you will turn the things she tells you
into some kind of lesson, and not be as open as she could be
otherwise.
You KNOW your child's interests....look at them playing, listen to
them talk, hear them when they get excited.
Keep notes for yourself, to remind you to pick up certain videos or
games or whatever. But try to not turn her interests into some list
unless she likes the idea.
Ren
[email protected]
In a message dated 1/5/2005 5:40:31 P.M. Central Standard Time,
LJeanne28@... writes:
She never reads.
Jeanne ~ Just curious...are you sure she never reads? Or do you mean, she
never picks up a novel and reads it? When I took my daughter out of public
school, she would practically freak if I said the word, "read." She would
balk at anything I suggested she (or we) read. She said she hated reading...but
what she really meant was that she hated school. Then, she would always be
"looking" at books with pictures....and words. I had to deschool her and
myself (still working on that - I was in much longer than she)...and it took
about two years before she realized that it was schooling she hated - not
reading. Her impetus was books like "Everything About Cats." She loved the
pictures, but really wanted to know about the cats, so she would read every detail,
and tell me about every detail. Then she went on to "Guinness World Book of
Records," which she would carry with her everywhere we went in the car, and
quiz me. It's an annual celebration at our house when the next year's copy
comes out. Then, of course, we had to get every other trivia or record book -
like "Lists of Historical Records," in which she quizzed me on such things as
which countries had the most casualties in WWII (see...traditional
"subjects" CAN be learned without textbooks). Then, it was a progression of books
until she read her first Harry Potter book...and then said, "I never realized
this, but I love reading!"
They also read when they play computer games (don't get me started on
vocabulary, spelling, economics, history, life skills, etc., etc., etc. they learn
from some of those...while they think they're just playing), video games,
look for goodies in the grocery store. Reading is just everywhere in the
world...so if they follow their loves, I really believe they will eventually end up
reading (and enjoying it) to find out more about what THEY want to know. It
just has to be on their terms and timetable. I agree w/what's been said so
far: find her loves...and support her in that...and everything else will
fall into place.
Keep the faith!
Peace & love ~
Leslie
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
LJeanne28@... writes:
She never reads.
Jeanne ~ Just curious...are you sure she never reads? Or do you mean, she
never picks up a novel and reads it? When I took my daughter out of public
school, she would practically freak if I said the word, "read." She would
balk at anything I suggested she (or we) read. She said she hated reading...but
what she really meant was that she hated school. Then, she would always be
"looking" at books with pictures....and words. I had to deschool her and
myself (still working on that - I was in much longer than she)...and it took
about two years before she realized that it was schooling she hated - not
reading. Her impetus was books like "Everything About Cats." She loved the
pictures, but really wanted to know about the cats, so she would read every detail,
and tell me about every detail. Then she went on to "Guinness World Book of
Records," which she would carry with her everywhere we went in the car, and
quiz me. It's an annual celebration at our house when the next year's copy
comes out. Then, of course, we had to get every other trivia or record book -
like "Lists of Historical Records," in which she quizzed me on such things as
which countries had the most casualties in WWII (see...traditional
"subjects" CAN be learned without textbooks). Then, it was a progression of books
until she read her first Harry Potter book...and then said, "I never realized
this, but I love reading!"
They also read when they play computer games (don't get me started on
vocabulary, spelling, economics, history, life skills, etc., etc., etc. they learn
from some of those...while they think they're just playing), video games,
look for goodies in the grocery store. Reading is just everywhere in the
world...so if they follow their loves, I really believe they will eventually end up
reading (and enjoying it) to find out more about what THEY want to know. It
just has to be on their terms and timetable. I agree w/what's been said so
far: find her loves...and support her in that...and everything else will
fall into place.
Keep the faith!
Peace & love ~
Leslie
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
J. Stauffer
<<<<she is not what you would call an independant
learner-she lets others boss her.She never reads.
Any advice?>>>>>
I would suggest doing projects that she enjoys with you working right along beside her. Perhaps a garden, weaving baskets (a lot of math skills there and if you make a mistake you simply back up and fix it), cooking, sewing, reading to her.
A wonderful resource that we use is 4-H. We have found most of the kids and parents to be extremely friendly and tolerant of differences. My 11yo who did a "crash and burn" when in Kindergarten for three months found his niche shooting skeet through 4-H. We also raise rabbits, goats, train dogs, sew, bake, hold offices in the club, etc..
Julie S.
learner-she lets others boss her.She never reads.
Any advice?>>>>>
I would suggest doing projects that she enjoys with you working right along beside her. Perhaps a garden, weaving baskets (a lot of math skills there and if you make a mistake you simply back up and fix it), cooking, sewing, reading to her.
A wonderful resource that we use is 4-H. We have found most of the kids and parents to be extremely friendly and tolerant of differences. My 11yo who did a "crash and burn" when in Kindergarten for three months found his niche shooting skeet through 4-H. We also raise rabbits, goats, train dogs, sew, bake, hold offices in the club, etc..
Julie S.
----- Original Message -----
From: cartoontv5
To: [email protected]
Sent: Wednesday, January 05, 2005 5:33 PM
Subject: [unschoolingbasics] questions:)
Thank you Ren and Cheryl.I have a daughter who is 12 .If she were in
public school she would probably be in special or "slow" classes.I
have never had her tested .When she was 5 she went to kindergarten
for about 3 weeks.The teacher met with me and told me she would be
held back that year, needless to say I took her out.It was terrible
for her in school-kids were so mean to her.
I know you all dont believe in grade levels but just for an example
she would probably be in a 3rd grade level if at school.How do I
help her?
She has a hard time answering questions anyone asks her or figuring
out things for herself, she is not what you would call an independant
learner-she lets others boss her.She never reads.
Any advice?
Jeanne
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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a.. To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/unschoolingbasics/
b.. To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
[email protected]
c.. Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Heidi Here
WOW, when I read this I thought I wrote it! My dd is 12 also and came to me last night crying and telling me she wanted me to "catch" her up so she could go to school for a week or so! She said she felt like she wasn't learning anything at home and that she was dumb! Now she has her period( just got it for the first time) and is very low/high right now, even though she most times is low/high and always has been.
We had a long long talk and it comes down to that she cant spell so she feels dumb. I told her (like many times before) that she could learn about ANYTHING in the whole world that she wanted to , she just always really never wanted to learn about anything. I tried to work on her spelling through the years , she is the type of learner that wants to do it by herself and if she needs help and I step in she gets very defensive and then rolls her eyes and then gives up. So how do I help her with spelling without being the "teacher" and having her again "give up"?
I myself am not a great speller (hate the English language! phone should be fon, darn it! lol !
We talked for awhile about just what "school " is and that's not what she wants, she wants friends...
I asked her what she might want to learn about and she said she didn't know so she was dumb, break my heart to here her say that ( that's how I felt). Her older brother is VERY smart and always reading or researching what he is "into" and I know that must make her feel less then him, I am forever telling her how talented she is with her art work and decorating but she sees that as "fun" not being "smart" so we talked all about different jobs she could do with her interests and today she wants to go to the library to get some books on architecture, I told her that's what she has been doing all along with all the maps she draws of rooms. So I am so pleased with the way last night ended , no more tears and a light at the end of the tunnel which is really something for her, to sit and her me talk to her instead of her closing me out and rolling her eyes thinking she has it all figured out on her own ( again something her brother does easily.
So if anyone know of a way I could help her (and myself) with the spelling and maybe if anyone knows of any software programs about architecture please let me know ASAP.
thanks for reading this long letter.
have a great day all,
Heidi
We had a long long talk and it comes down to that she cant spell so she feels dumb. I told her (like many times before) that she could learn about ANYTHING in the whole world that she wanted to , she just always really never wanted to learn about anything. I tried to work on her spelling through the years , she is the type of learner that wants to do it by herself and if she needs help and I step in she gets very defensive and then rolls her eyes and then gives up. So how do I help her with spelling without being the "teacher" and having her again "give up"?
I myself am not a great speller (hate the English language! phone should be fon, darn it! lol !
We talked for awhile about just what "school " is and that's not what she wants, she wants friends...
I asked her what she might want to learn about and she said she didn't know so she was dumb, break my heart to here her say that ( that's how I felt). Her older brother is VERY smart and always reading or researching what he is "into" and I know that must make her feel less then him, I am forever telling her how talented she is with her art work and decorating but she sees that as "fun" not being "smart" so we talked all about different jobs she could do with her interests and today she wants to go to the library to get some books on architecture, I told her that's what she has been doing all along with all the maps she draws of rooms. So I am so pleased with the way last night ended , no more tears and a light at the end of the tunnel which is really something for her, to sit and her me talk to her instead of her closing me out and rolling her eyes thinking she has it all figured out on her own ( again something her brother does easily.
So if anyone know of a way I could help her (and myself) with the spelling and maybe if anyone knows of any software programs about architecture please let me know ASAP.
thanks for reading this long letter.
have a great day all,
Heidi
----- Original Message -----
From: J. Stauffer
To: [email protected]
Sent: Thursday, January 06, 2005 8:21 AM
Subject: Re: [unschoolingbasics] questions:)
<<<<she is not what you would call an independant
learner-she lets others boss her.She never reads.
Any advice?>>>>>
I would suggest doing projects that she enjoys with you working right along beside her. Perhaps a garden, weaving baskets (a lot of math skills there and if you make a mistake you simply back up and fix it), cooking, sewing, reading to her.
A wonderful resource that we use is 4-H. We have found most of the kids and parents to be extremely friendly and tolerant of differences. My 11yo who did a "crash and burn" when in Kindergarten for three months found his niche shooting skeet through 4-H. We also raise rabbits, goats, train dogs, sew, bake, hold offices in the club, etc..
Julie S.
----- Original Message -----
From: cartoontv5
To: [email protected]
Sent: Wednesday, January 05, 2005 5:33 PM
Subject: [unschoolingbasics] questions:)
Thank you Ren and Cheryl.I have a daughter who is 12 .If she were in
public school she would probably be in special or "slow" classes.I
have never had her tested .When she was 5 she went to kindergarten
for about 3 weeks.The teacher met with me and told me she would be
held back that year, needless to say I took her out.It was terrible
for her in school-kids were so mean to her.
I know you all dont believe in grade levels but just for an example
she would probably be in a 3rd grade level if at school.How do I
help her?
She has a hard time answering questions anyone asks her or figuring
out things for herself, she is not what you would call an independant
learner-she lets others boss her.She never reads.
Any advice?
Jeanne
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yahoo! Groups Links
a.. To visit your group on the web, go to:
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Cheyenne Cain
Hi Jeanne.
I remember your post about the kids in the hot tub....
Well, your not the only one who worries. I do too. My dd, Justice is 10 years old. She spends most of her days playing around outside, making up dances and loves sports. Hardly "schoolish" to say the least.
However, I thought I'd give you a brief example of something I've discovered about her lately.
She doesn't like books, infact one day a few monthes ago she informed me she was going to be just like other people we knew (adult and children) who didn't like books. And she really couldn't read much more then a hop on pop book. That really scared me. I tried to manipulate by bringing her to the library hoping something would catch her eye....she hated it. She has told me repeatedly she abhors the library. Finally I dropped it.
Then I began to notice little things...like she can search the internet by herself to find her favorite music artist. Not bad for not being able to "read."
We have what people refer to as the family bed. Nighttime is the time we use to really talk or not, sometimes I'll read and she watches tv until we fall asleep. Sometimes though, she wants me to read to her.The last book she wanted me to read was The Client by John Girshman. We only made it half way then decided to rent the movie. Then last night I picked up another book Winn-Dixie which will be released here soon as a movie. Well my dd takes the book from me and starts reading it. She read amazingly well. Ok, so maybe she only read two pages and missed a few words what I want to know is how she learned to read?? She got words like employee and manager. How?? And without phonics :) To say the least she was quite proud of herself. And so was I.
Math I've found to be the same way. Everynow and then she'll pull a math workbook from the shelf and work the problems. Yesterday she brought the book for me to grade...she had mastered "carrying" (when you add).....I don't remember ever "teaching" her how to do that. Maybe she saw me carrying while adding up the bills or tallying score for a game. Yes, "school wise" she is behind.....but because she is doing it when she is ready it just clicks in minutes. It's amazing. I can't explain it.....
My lesson learned is this......when she is ready she'll learn it. If it's important to her she'll learn it. If she's curious about it she'll learn it. And I'll be there waiting to help her......
Cheyenne
---------------------------------
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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
I remember your post about the kids in the hot tub....
Well, your not the only one who worries. I do too. My dd, Justice is 10 years old. She spends most of her days playing around outside, making up dances and loves sports. Hardly "schoolish" to say the least.
However, I thought I'd give you a brief example of something I've discovered about her lately.
She doesn't like books, infact one day a few monthes ago she informed me she was going to be just like other people we knew (adult and children) who didn't like books. And she really couldn't read much more then a hop on pop book. That really scared me. I tried to manipulate by bringing her to the library hoping something would catch her eye....she hated it. She has told me repeatedly she abhors the library. Finally I dropped it.
Then I began to notice little things...like she can search the internet by herself to find her favorite music artist. Not bad for not being able to "read."
We have what people refer to as the family bed. Nighttime is the time we use to really talk or not, sometimes I'll read and she watches tv until we fall asleep. Sometimes though, she wants me to read to her.The last book she wanted me to read was The Client by John Girshman. We only made it half way then decided to rent the movie. Then last night I picked up another book Winn-Dixie which will be released here soon as a movie. Well my dd takes the book from me and starts reading it. She read amazingly well. Ok, so maybe she only read two pages and missed a few words what I want to know is how she learned to read?? She got words like employee and manager. How?? And without phonics :) To say the least she was quite proud of herself. And so was I.
Math I've found to be the same way. Everynow and then she'll pull a math workbook from the shelf and work the problems. Yesterday she brought the book for me to grade...she had mastered "carrying" (when you add).....I don't remember ever "teaching" her how to do that. Maybe she saw me carrying while adding up the bills or tallying score for a game. Yes, "school wise" she is behind.....but because she is doing it when she is ready it just clicks in minutes. It's amazing. I can't explain it.....
My lesson learned is this......when she is ready she'll learn it. If it's important to her she'll learn it. If she's curious about it she'll learn it. And I'll be there waiting to help her......
Cheyenne
---------------------------------
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Yahoo! Mail - Find what you need with new enhanced search. Learn more.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[email protected]
In a message dated 1/6/2005 10:58:47 A.M. Central Standard Time,
kleincrew@... writes:
So if anyone know of a way I could help her (and myself) with the spelling
and maybe if anyone knows of any software programs about architecture please
let me know ASAP.
thanks for reading this long letter.
have a great day all,
Heidi
Heidi ~
My dd is 14 now, and has been through ALL that. I have never given her one
spelling test or done any "spelling classes" at all. Last night, she came
downstairs, all excited about "writing," and wanted to show me what she'd
written. I went up to look, and she'd written the most wonderful paragraph about
why she wanted to write (become a writer). When I got over the thrill & joy
of reading it (it was really insightful), I noticed that there was not one
spelling error!!!!!! She just spells well because she sees words all the
time! She is, like your daughter, very independent, and if I tried to "teach"
her spelling, she would probably spell things wrong on purpose just to make me
stop pushing things at her.
But, if I observe her and note her interests...and make resources available
to her along those lines (without pushing anything on her), she will usually
embrace them.
Your daughter said she didn't know what she wanted to learn about, but
you've seen her love to make art...so there's your lead!
So, here's my recommendation for programs. They're not called "Architecture
101," but my daughter made a 3-D design for a log cabin dh & I want to
build, using this first one: The Sims. Just buy it or borrow it - or, if you
already have it, leave it lying around where she might find it...and don't
mention "learning," 'cause sometimes they (my dd was in public school for a few
years) equate that with "schooling." My daughter LOVES it. You design the
people, their personalities, their jobs, their families, and their homes. The
3-D architecture might be better in the later versions (Sims II?), but
they're all good. The other ones she likes are the ones where you design
civilizations - like Age of Mythology, Age of Empires, etc. With these, they design &
build villages, and they have to control their economies, deal with weather
disasters & wars, strategy for survival, etc. These are great for learning
about history, references to literature, economics, strategy, vocabulary,
reading, and, yes....SPELLING! Plus, I think they're really good for developing
higher-level thinking skills.
My dd is diagnosed with ADD (so am I), which I think is just p.s./society's
way of labeling creative people. So we can't focus on boring, repetitive
stuff? What's wrong with that? We get bored and our minds wander and imagine
and create, let's see...art, architecture, songs, plays, scientific
discoveries, engineering marvels....what's wrong with that? My daughter can hyperfocus
for hours on these games, because they are so fun and interesting.
The Sims would be my best bet for your daughter to start off with. You can
design the floorplans, then choose from different kinds of walls, windows,
appliances, furniture, accessories, colors, landscaping...and then you get to
put the people into the environments and create lives for them. They have
families and jobs, get fired or promoted, and your kid has to figure out how
they'll deal with all that.
I'll ask my daughter if she has anymore recommendations. See if your
daughter likes these, and, if so, feel free to email me off-list & maybe we can
hook them up on the computer to discuss their Sims creations...thereby, having
to READ eachother's emails.
Peace & love ~
Leslie
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
kleincrew@... writes:
So if anyone know of a way I could help her (and myself) with the spelling
and maybe if anyone knows of any software programs about architecture please
let me know ASAP.
thanks for reading this long letter.
have a great day all,
Heidi
Heidi ~
My dd is 14 now, and has been through ALL that. I have never given her one
spelling test or done any "spelling classes" at all. Last night, she came
downstairs, all excited about "writing," and wanted to show me what she'd
written. I went up to look, and she'd written the most wonderful paragraph about
why she wanted to write (become a writer). When I got over the thrill & joy
of reading it (it was really insightful), I noticed that there was not one
spelling error!!!!!! She just spells well because she sees words all the
time! She is, like your daughter, very independent, and if I tried to "teach"
her spelling, she would probably spell things wrong on purpose just to make me
stop pushing things at her.
But, if I observe her and note her interests...and make resources available
to her along those lines (without pushing anything on her), she will usually
embrace them.
Your daughter said she didn't know what she wanted to learn about, but
you've seen her love to make art...so there's your lead!
So, here's my recommendation for programs. They're not called "Architecture
101," but my daughter made a 3-D design for a log cabin dh & I want to
build, using this first one: The Sims. Just buy it or borrow it - or, if you
already have it, leave it lying around where she might find it...and don't
mention "learning," 'cause sometimes they (my dd was in public school for a few
years) equate that with "schooling." My daughter LOVES it. You design the
people, their personalities, their jobs, their families, and their homes. The
3-D architecture might be better in the later versions (Sims II?), but
they're all good. The other ones she likes are the ones where you design
civilizations - like Age of Mythology, Age of Empires, etc. With these, they design &
build villages, and they have to control their economies, deal with weather
disasters & wars, strategy for survival, etc. These are great for learning
about history, references to literature, economics, strategy, vocabulary,
reading, and, yes....SPELLING! Plus, I think they're really good for developing
higher-level thinking skills.
My dd is diagnosed with ADD (so am I), which I think is just p.s./society's
way of labeling creative people. So we can't focus on boring, repetitive
stuff? What's wrong with that? We get bored and our minds wander and imagine
and create, let's see...art, architecture, songs, plays, scientific
discoveries, engineering marvels....what's wrong with that? My daughter can hyperfocus
for hours on these games, because they are so fun and interesting.
The Sims would be my best bet for your daughter to start off with. You can
design the floorplans, then choose from different kinds of walls, windows,
appliances, furniture, accessories, colors, landscaping...and then you get to
put the people into the environments and create lives for them. They have
families and jobs, get fired or promoted, and your kid has to figure out how
they'll deal with all that.
I'll ask my daughter if she has anymore recommendations. See if your
daughter likes these, and, if so, feel free to email me off-list & maybe we can
hook them up on the computer to discuss their Sims creations...thereby, having
to READ eachother's emails.
Peace & love ~
Leslie
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[email protected]
In a message dated 1/6/2005 11:56:09 AM Eastern Standard Time,
kleincrew@... writes:
better they get at spelling, but it comes at a much slower pace. It takes more
years to grasp the spelling than to read the words.
Also, is she able to use a spell checker on the computer? That helps if they
are using the computer.
Jill in sc
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
kleincrew@... writes:
> So if anyone know of a way I could help her (and myself) with the spellingDoes she read a lot? My experience has been that the more they read, the
better they get at spelling, but it comes at a much slower pace. It takes more
years to grasp the spelling than to read the words.
Also, is she able to use a spell checker on the computer? That helps if they
are using the computer.
Jill in sc
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[email protected]
In a message dated 1/7/2005 10:25:57 AM Eastern Standard Time,
[email protected] writes:
So if anyone know of a way I could help her (and myself) with the spelling
and maybe if anyone knows of any software programs about architecture
please
let me know ASAP.
The Sims would be my best bet for your daughter to start off with. You can
design the floorplans, then choose from different kinds of walls, windows,
appliances, furniture, accessories, colors, landscaping...and then you get
to
put the people into the environments and create lives for them. They have
families and jobs, get fired or promoted, and your kid has to figure out
how
they'll deal with all that.
************************************
Oh, get The Sims 2!!! Not that the Sims isn't wonderful, but the
architectural design stuff in Sims 2 is even better!
Kathryn, an Addict
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[email protected] writes:
So if anyone know of a way I could help her (and myself) with the spelling
and maybe if anyone knows of any software programs about architecture
please
let me know ASAP.
The Sims would be my best bet for your daughter to start off with. You can
design the floorplans, then choose from different kinds of walls, windows,
appliances, furniture, accessories, colors, landscaping...and then you get
to
put the people into the environments and create lives for them. They have
families and jobs, get fired or promoted, and your kid has to figure out
how
they'll deal with all that.
************************************
Oh, get The Sims 2!!! Not that the Sims isn't wonderful, but the
architectural design stuff in Sims 2 is even better!
Kathryn, an Addict
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]