college, and rich environments
Julia Berkley
From: juliaberkley@...
Subject: Re: [unschoolingbasics] Digest Number 329
Date: January 30, 2005 7:38:12 PM EST
To: [email protected]
I sympathize with Debbie and appreciate all the great advice people
gave her! I'm trying to let go of college worries and worries about the
new asst. superintendent's expectations in order to do what we really
want. My 14-yr-old daughter believes she wants to be a children's
librarian, which requires college and an MA in library science. She's
addicted to books and organizing book shelves, etc...it's lovely to
see. She also hasn't imagined herself doing anything else for a long
time. I'd like to make sure this will be possible for her, but I'd also
like not to have to answer to anyone else's requirements. If I can get
past my town's issues (which are somewhat unknown because he's new and
I'm loosening up simultaneously), the community college path sounds
like a natural for her eventually.
There's a different question I want to raise... Several times I've seen
people talking about if you supply a rich environment, your kids will
naturally learn all sorts of stuff from what you're doing, etc. I found
that true when our kids were younger -- rich was easy, because
everything was new to them.
But, what if your environment is rich, say, in people analysis and
literature, but you're basically a stay-at-home, bookish, craftish kind
of family? What if you're not always out going to this and that museum,
cultural events, exploring all over the place? We did more of that when
the kids were younger, but my personal interests have gotten more
aesthetic and my husband's have only gotten more literary, and the kids
aren't interested in sharing in what we're involved with that much.
They have their own stuff going -- reading, Model United Nations,
library volunteer work for the eldest; writing, SIMS, fashion design
for the youngest.
These are great interests and they do pursue them. But I still feel
kind of deficient on the "rich environment" part of things... we're
just not very broad-based, nor do we go that deep into anything either!
At the same time I worry about it, this is still very much our family
culture.
I'm very interested in others' perspectives on this and will try not to
be oversensitive!
Julia
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Subject: Re: [unschoolingbasics] Digest Number 329
Date: January 30, 2005 7:38:12 PM EST
To: [email protected]
I sympathize with Debbie and appreciate all the great advice people
gave her! I'm trying to let go of college worries and worries about the
new asst. superintendent's expectations in order to do what we really
want. My 14-yr-old daughter believes she wants to be a children's
librarian, which requires college and an MA in library science. She's
addicted to books and organizing book shelves, etc...it's lovely to
see. She also hasn't imagined herself doing anything else for a long
time. I'd like to make sure this will be possible for her, but I'd also
like not to have to answer to anyone else's requirements. If I can get
past my town's issues (which are somewhat unknown because he's new and
I'm loosening up simultaneously), the community college path sounds
like a natural for her eventually.
There's a different question I want to raise... Several times I've seen
people talking about if you supply a rich environment, your kids will
naturally learn all sorts of stuff from what you're doing, etc. I found
that true when our kids were younger -- rich was easy, because
everything was new to them.
But, what if your environment is rich, say, in people analysis and
literature, but you're basically a stay-at-home, bookish, craftish kind
of family? What if you're not always out going to this and that museum,
cultural events, exploring all over the place? We did more of that when
the kids were younger, but my personal interests have gotten more
aesthetic and my husband's have only gotten more literary, and the kids
aren't interested in sharing in what we're involved with that much.
They have their own stuff going -- reading, Model United Nations,
library volunteer work for the eldest; writing, SIMS, fashion design
for the youngest.
These are great interests and they do pursue them. But I still feel
kind of deficient on the "rich environment" part of things... we're
just not very broad-based, nor do we go that deep into anything either!
At the same time I worry about it, this is still very much our family
culture.
I'm very interested in others' perspectives on this and will try not to
be oversensitive!
Julia
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[email protected]
In a message dated 1/31/2005 1:34:27 PM Eastern Standard Time,
juliaberkley@... writes:
Can you tell me more about this? Maybe a website or how you got involved in
it.
Jill
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
juliaberkley@... writes:
> Model United Nations,Julia,
>
Can you tell me more about this? Maybe a website or how you got involved in
it.
Jill
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
dinalauzon
--- In [email protected], Julia Berkley
<juliaberkley@c...> wrote:
I wonder this too. I get too stressed out when I try to take all of
the kids somewhere too often because of their young ages. (six kids
ages 11 on down to 20 months) but we do what we can. So often I
wonder if our environment is "rich" enough also.
dina
<juliaberkley@c...> wrote:
> There's a different question I want to raise... Several times I'veseen
> people talking about if you supply a rich environment, your kidswill
> naturally learn all sorts of stuff from what you're doing, etc. Ifound
> that true when our kids were younger -- rich was easy, becausekind
> everything was new to them.
>
> But, what if your environment is rich, say, in people analysis and
> literature, but you're basically a stay-at-home, bookish, craftish
> of family? What if you're not always out going to this and thatmuseum, > cultural events, exploring all over the place?
I wonder this too. I get too stressed out when I try to take all of
the kids somewhere too often because of their young ages. (six kids
ages 11 on down to 20 months) but we do what we can. So often I
wonder if our environment is "rich" enough also.
dina
Robyn Coburn
<<<<<But, what if your environment is rich, say, in people analysis and
literature, but you're basically a stay-at-home, bookish, craftish kind
of family? What if you're not always out going to this and that museum,
cultural events, exploring all over the place? We did more of that when
the kids were younger, but my personal interests have gotten more
aesthetic and my husband's have only gotten more literary, and the kids
aren't interested in sharing in what we're involved with that much.
They have their own stuff going -- reading, Model United Nations,
library volunteer work for the eldest; writing, SIMS, fashion design
for the youngest.
These are great interests and they do pursue them. But I still feel
kind of deficient on the "rich environment" part of things... we're
just not very broad-based, nor do we go that deep into anything either!
At the same time I worry about it, this is still very much our family
culture.>>>>>
I was reading this post waiting for the problem to be revealed.(g)
I guess the problem is that you are worrying. I'm interpreting the "we" in
"nor do we go that deep" as meaning your dh and yourself at home. Are you
happy and contented in your interests?
It sounds like your kids are pursuing a range of cool interests, some of
which take them out of the house (or maybe online). They must remember that
these other places of cultural enrichment exist because you used to go to
them. If their interests are the library and fashion design, respectively,
they are ideally placed to hear about current events that they may wish to
attend. I'm finding it hard to visualize them as problematically isolated.
Would they be likely to say to you, "Gee I wish we still went to ... more
often", or would they respond to you sometimes saying, "Do you want to go to
that museum we used to like any time?" Of course a traveling exhibition of
clothing history or library architecture/history might have them champing at
the bit to go. I would think that talking to them about their stuff would be
the best way to discover the next connection.
One of the great things about Unschooling is that the results look different
in every family. It allows different family cultures (nice phrase), as long
as they are meeting the needs of the members, to flourish, rather than be
undermined by the "shoulds" of school or mainstream culture. However that
very family uniqueness sometimes means parents worry that something might be
inadequate or underrepresented. I would suggest looking closely at your
kids. Are they happy and contented and engaged and curious?
I know in our family dh and I have a tendency towards being sedentary, and I
have to push myself to be more social. We were talking it over and realized
that the physical activity area is one that our modeling is lacking for Jayn
- at least in the winter; in summer we swim in the pool every day. I
realized that Jayn finds all sorts of ways to be very physically active
every day, indoors and out, including suddenly saying "Let's do some yoga".
She is modeling healthy activities for us instead!
Today Jayn asked that Daddy be the one to take her to her regular dance
class and park event afterwards. I am using the time to do some emailing and
other stuff, but it sure is odd to be suddenly "free" for what will be
several hours, rather than just one or two.
Robyn L. Coburn
---
Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.
Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
Version: 6.0.852 / Virus Database: 580 - Release Date: 1/31/2005
literature, but you're basically a stay-at-home, bookish, craftish kind
of family? What if you're not always out going to this and that museum,
cultural events, exploring all over the place? We did more of that when
the kids were younger, but my personal interests have gotten more
aesthetic and my husband's have only gotten more literary, and the kids
aren't interested in sharing in what we're involved with that much.
They have their own stuff going -- reading, Model United Nations,
library volunteer work for the eldest; writing, SIMS, fashion design
for the youngest.
These are great interests and they do pursue them. But I still feel
kind of deficient on the "rich environment" part of things... we're
just not very broad-based, nor do we go that deep into anything either!
At the same time I worry about it, this is still very much our family
culture.>>>>>
I was reading this post waiting for the problem to be revealed.(g)
I guess the problem is that you are worrying. I'm interpreting the "we" in
"nor do we go that deep" as meaning your dh and yourself at home. Are you
happy and contented in your interests?
It sounds like your kids are pursuing a range of cool interests, some of
which take them out of the house (or maybe online). They must remember that
these other places of cultural enrichment exist because you used to go to
them. If their interests are the library and fashion design, respectively,
they are ideally placed to hear about current events that they may wish to
attend. I'm finding it hard to visualize them as problematically isolated.
Would they be likely to say to you, "Gee I wish we still went to ... more
often", or would they respond to you sometimes saying, "Do you want to go to
that museum we used to like any time?" Of course a traveling exhibition of
clothing history or library architecture/history might have them champing at
the bit to go. I would think that talking to them about their stuff would be
the best way to discover the next connection.
One of the great things about Unschooling is that the results look different
in every family. It allows different family cultures (nice phrase), as long
as they are meeting the needs of the members, to flourish, rather than be
undermined by the "shoulds" of school or mainstream culture. However that
very family uniqueness sometimes means parents worry that something might be
inadequate or underrepresented. I would suggest looking closely at your
kids. Are they happy and contented and engaged and curious?
I know in our family dh and I have a tendency towards being sedentary, and I
have to push myself to be more social. We were talking it over and realized
that the physical activity area is one that our modeling is lacking for Jayn
- at least in the winter; in summer we swim in the pool every day. I
realized that Jayn finds all sorts of ways to be very physically active
every day, indoors and out, including suddenly saying "Let's do some yoga".
She is modeling healthy activities for us instead!
Today Jayn asked that Daddy be the one to take her to her regular dance
class and park event afterwards. I am using the time to do some emailing and
other stuff, but it sure is odd to be suddenly "free" for what will be
several hours, rather than just one or two.
Robyn L. Coburn
---
Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.
Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
Version: 6.0.852 / Virus Database: 580 - Release Date: 1/31/2005
Dana Matt
Julia, I wanted to mention before when I read about
your daughter, but I didn't get around to it. I have
worked for 4 different library systems as reference
librarian, children's librarian, and other library
work...and I don't have a MLS. I do have a bachelors
in English, but I know that in small libraries no
degree is necessary. My SIL was head librarian for a
small rural library as well, and she had only a high
school diploma.....
Dana
--- Julia Berkley <juliaberkley@...> wrote:
Guadalupe's Coffee Roaster
100% Organic Fair Trade Coffee
Roasted to Perfection Daily
Free Home Delivery in Whatcom County
(360) 715-1900
__________________________________
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your daughter, but I didn't get around to it. I have
worked for 4 different library systems as reference
librarian, children's librarian, and other library
work...and I don't have a MLS. I do have a bachelors
in English, but I know that in small libraries no
degree is necessary. My SIL was head librarian for a
small rural library as well, and she had only a high
school diploma.....
Dana
--- Julia Berkley <juliaberkley@...> wrote:
>http://us.click.yahoo.com/LZzaMD/_WnJAA/HwKMAA/0xXolB/TM
>
> From: juliaberkley@...
> Subject: Re: [unschoolingbasics] Digest Number 329
> Date: January 30, 2005 7:38:12 PM EST
> To: [email protected]
>
> I sympathize with Debbie and appreciate all the
> great advice people
> gave her! I'm trying to let go of college worries
> and worries about the
> new asst. superintendent's expectations in order to
> do what we really
> want. My 14-yr-old daughter believes she wants to be
> a children's
> librarian, which requires college and an MA in
> library science. She's
> addicted to books and organizing book shelves,
> etc...it's lovely to
> see. She also hasn't imagined herself doing anything
> else for a long
> time. I'd like to make sure this will be possible
> for her, but I'd also
> like not to have to answer to anyone else's
> requirements. If I can get
> past my town's issues (which are somewhat unknown
> because he's new and
> I'm loosening up simultaneously), the community
> college path sounds
> like a natural for her eventually.
>
> There's a different question I want to raise...
> Several times I've seen
> people talking about if you supply a rich
> environment, your kids will
> naturally learn all sorts of stuff from what you're
> doing, etc. I found
> that true when our kids were younger -- rich was
> easy, because
> everything was new to them.
>
> But, what if your environment is rich, say, in
> people analysis and
> literature, but you're basically a stay-at-home,
> bookish, craftish kind
> of family? What if you're not always out going to
> this and that museum,
> cultural events, exploring all over the place? We
> did more of that when
> the kids were younger, but my personal interests
> have gotten more
> aesthetic and my husband's have only gotten more
> literary, and the kids
> aren't interested in sharing in what we're involved
> with that much.
> They have their own stuff going -- reading, Model
> United Nations,
> library volunteer work for the eldest; writing,
> SIMS, fashion design
> for the youngest.
>
> These are great interests and they do pursue them.
> But I still feel
> kind of deficient on the "rich environment" part of
> things... we're
> just not very broad-based, nor do we go that deep
> into anything either!
> At the same time I worry about it, this is still
> very much our family
> culture.
>
> I'm very interested in others' perspectives on this
> and will try not to
> be oversensitive!
>
> Julia
>
>
>
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been
> removed]
>
>
>
>
>
>
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> [email protected]
>
>
>
>
>
>
Guadalupe's Coffee Roaster
100% Organic Fair Trade Coffee
Roasted to Perfection Daily
Free Home Delivery in Whatcom County
(360) 715-1900
__________________________________
Do you Yahoo!?
Take Yahoo! Mail with you! Get it on your mobile phone.
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Joanne Watson
For what it's worth, I think your family life sounds perfectly lovely,
Julia.
Of course you're getting this perspective from a person who
considers herself to be "bookish" as well, so let me be upfront about
that!
There are many good science presentations and documentaries on dvd and
video.
Maybe this could add part of that dimension that you sometimes worry is
missing.
Also, games. We like the art games, but there are lots to choose
from. Why force
yourself to go out and about? It's cold out there!
Joanne
Julia.
Of course you're getting this perspective from a person who
considers herself to be "bookish" as well, so let me be upfront about
that!
There are many good science presentations and documentaries on dvd and
video.
Maybe this could add part of that dimension that you sometimes worry is
missing.
Also, games. We like the art games, but there are lots to choose
from. Why force
yourself to go out and about? It's cold out there!
Joanne
On Monday, January 31, 2005, at 11:41 AM, Julia Berkley wrote:
>
>
> From: juliaberkley@...
> Subject: Re: [unschoolingbasics] Digest Number 329
> Date: January 30, 2005 7:38:12 PM EST
> To: [email protected]
>
> I sympathize with Debbie and appreciate all the great advice people
> gave her! I'm trying to let go of college worries and worries about the
> new asst. superintendent's expectations in order to do what we really
> want. My 14-yr-old daughter believes she wants to be a children's
> librarian, which requires college and an MA in library science. She's
> addicted to books and organizing book shelves, etc...it's lovely to
> see. She also hasn't imagined herself doing anything else for a long
> time. I'd like to make sure this will be possible for her, but I'd also
> like not to have to answer to anyone else's requirements. If I can get
> past my town's issues (which are somewhat unknown because he's new and
> I'm loosening up simultaneously), the community college path sounds
> like a natural for her eventually.
>
> There's a different question I want to raise... Several times I've seen
> people talking about if you supply a rich environment, your kids will
> naturally learn all sorts of stuff from what you're doing, etc. I found
> that true when our kids were younger -- rich was easy, because
> everything was new to them.
>
> But, what if your environment is rich, say, in people analysis and
> literature, but you're basically a stay-at-home, bookish, craftish kind
> of family? What if you're not always out going to this and that museum,
> cultural events, exploring all over the place? We did more of that when
> the kids were younger, but my personal interests have gotten more
> aesthetic and my husband's have only gotten more literary, and the kids
> aren't interested in sharing in what we're involved with that much.
> They have their own stuff going -- reading, Model United Nations,
> library volunteer work for the eldest; writing, SIMS, fashion design
> for the youngest.
>
> These are great interests and they do pursue them. But I still feel
> kind of deficient on the "rich environment" part of things... we're
> just not very broad-based, nor do we go that deep into anything either!
> At the same time I worry about it, this is still very much our family
> culture.
>
> I'm very interested in others' perspectives on this and will try not to
> be oversensitive!
>
> Julia
>
>
>
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
Deb Lewis
***My 14-yr-old daughter believes she wants to be a children's librarian,
which requires college and an MA in
library science.***
Maybe she can volunteer at your library. If she loves it now there's no
reason for her to wait. Go talk to your librarian and see if they can
use some help. Find out if your library has a "Friends of the Library"
group. If the library doesn't need a volunteer she could join the
friends and help decide about community programs and such. If your
library doesn't have a "Friends" group your daughter could start one.
Deb
which requires college and an MA in
library science.***
Maybe she can volunteer at your library. If she loves it now there's no
reason for her to wait. Go talk to your librarian and see if they can
use some help. Find out if your library has a "Friends of the Library"
group. If the library doesn't need a volunteer she could join the
friends and help decide about community programs and such. If your
library doesn't have a "Friends" group your daughter could start one.
Deb