New
Harmony
Hi,
I am Harmony, homeschooling mom of 4 children ages 1,3,6, and
7. I have found myself feeling a little like an outsider in our
homeschool circles lately and thought I might find like minded folks
here. Blessings,
Harmony
I am Harmony, homeschooling mom of 4 children ages 1,3,6, and
7. I have found myself feeling a little like an outsider in our
homeschool circles lately and thought I might find like minded folks
here. Blessings,
Harmony
[email protected]
Welcome Harmony,
I'm Jessica and I have a 2 year old daughter. Welcome!
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
I'm Jessica and I have a 2 year old daughter. Welcome!
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[email protected]
Hello, I am new to the list. I started homeschooling our dd of 9 years old about a month ago. First we did curriculum for 4 weeks 6 subjects a day it soon became a horrible experience for us.
So I researched other ways of homeschooling and came accross unschooling. My husband isnt to fond of it and suggests we do at least 1 subject a day besides bible reading and have thurs and fridays free besides bible reading.
However, I find that she plays toontown online ALL DAY from 9am to 9pm with only bathroom breaks, eating breaks, and to do her one chore. I am feeling this is just as unhealthy for her to sit in one spot and stare at a screen as it was to do 6 subjects a day.
I am feeling really torn. but she is the type of personality that will sit and play online games even into her adulthood and not know how to go to a job and work because she just doesnt want to.
Any help pls.
Thanks
Deana
So I researched other ways of homeschooling and came accross unschooling. My husband isnt to fond of it and suggests we do at least 1 subject a day besides bible reading and have thurs and fridays free besides bible reading.
However, I find that she plays toontown online ALL DAY from 9am to 9pm with only bathroom breaks, eating breaks, and to do her one chore. I am feeling this is just as unhealthy for her to sit in one spot and stare at a screen as it was to do 6 subjects a day.
I am feeling really torn. but she is the type of personality that will sit and play online games even into her adulthood and not know how to go to a job and work because she just doesnt want to.
Any help pls.
Thanks
Deana
home_maker97
Hi! I am Jacquie- happily married to Jeff 12 years and we have homeschooled our son since birth. We are trying to do as much unschooling/child led learning as possible. We live in the state of Indiana now. We have a Basset hound named Flas, a Pug named Sadie and two cats named Tia and Ashley and a Guiena pig named Oreo. I hope to learn more ways to unschool from all of you!
Thanks!
Jacquie
Thanks!
Jacquie
Debra Rossing
Hi Kelley! I have an always unschooled 12 yr old son so I don't have a lot of specifics for your daughter. Just wanted to say Hi - DS was born at Mercy Hospital up on the northwest corner of OKC (we lived on the OKC/Edmond border at the time).
But, what I would suggest, in general, is to take some time off - act like it's a vacation. Go explore those places that she/you never got to do when school was in session (like the science center or the zoo - way less crowded at 10 am on a Tuesday during the school year). Take time to just Be. Then, see what stuff bubbles up "Gee, I'd like to..." whether it's learning to knit or bake soufflés or properly taxidermy animals. It's going to take some time to just start breathing again. Continue to remind yourself (and her too as needed) that there's no deadline - you don't have to "be done" at 18. We were in OKC for 4 ½ years while DH was getting his bachelor's degree - he started when he was 27, having burned out on school and just barely getting his high school diploma. After several years of working at various jobs (started with a mailroom job, ended up doing phone support, software testing and website development for a software company), he found something he was passionate about and college/university had all the resources in one tidy bundle. After a frustrating and lackluster high school experience, he excelled in college (3.9 GPA) because he was interested in what he was doing, he was doing it because HE chose to, not because it was expected.
Deb R
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But, what I would suggest, in general, is to take some time off - act like it's a vacation. Go explore those places that she/you never got to do when school was in session (like the science center or the zoo - way less crowded at 10 am on a Tuesday during the school year). Take time to just Be. Then, see what stuff bubbles up "Gee, I'd like to..." whether it's learning to knit or bake soufflés or properly taxidermy animals. It's going to take some time to just start breathing again. Continue to remind yourself (and her too as needed) that there's no deadline - you don't have to "be done" at 18. We were in OKC for 4 ½ years while DH was getting his bachelor's degree - he started when he was 27, having burned out on school and just barely getting his high school diploma. After several years of working at various jobs (started with a mailroom job, ended up doing phone support, software testing and website development for a software company), he found something he was passionate about and college/university had all the resources in one tidy bundle. After a frustrating and lackluster high school experience, he excelled in college (3.9 GPA) because he was interested in what he was doing, he was doing it because HE chose to, not because it was expected.
Deb R
**********************************************************************
This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential and
intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they
are addressed. If you have received this email in error please notify
the system manager.
This footnote also confirms that this email message has been swept by
MIMEsweeper for the presence of computer viruses.
www.mastercam.com
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Kelley C Smith
Thanks for he words of encouragement! My husband also completed college
after we married. Took 7 years, but he also found something he loves.
I have many acquaintances that act like we've done something incredibly
and irreversibly stupid, so it's good to hear a thumbs up!
And I was thinking -- so what if it takes an extra semester or even an
extra year?
K
after we married. Took 7 years, but he also found something he loves.
I have many acquaintances that act like we've done something incredibly
and irreversibly stupid, so it's good to hear a thumbs up!
And I was thinking -- so what if it takes an extra semester or even an
extra year?
K
plaidpanties666
Kelley C Smith <smithkc@...> wrote:
---Meredith
>> And I was thinking -- so what if it takes an extra semester or even anEspecially since more and more college students take six years to get a degree. Colleges have started to expect incoming students to change majors at least once and spend some time exploring, trying to figure out what they want.
> extra year?
---Meredith
KRYSTAL
Hello,
My name is Krystal and we have been homeschooling for 2yrs but I am about to go back to school and am looking at unschooling as a way to keep my children home. My husband has suffered seizures and is now being placed on disability so it's time for me to step up and take care of the family. I am looking on any information or help on unschooling. I worry about things like reading, writing, and math. How to you ensure they develop in these subjects? I know many things for my children are learned naturally such as cooking but reading I am not sure about. Of course we all want what's best for our children and since I had never heard of Unschooling until a friend suggested it, I am not sure where to start or what to do..Thanks for any help or advice!
My name is Krystal and we have been homeschooling for 2yrs but I am about to go back to school and am looking at unschooling as a way to keep my children home. My husband has suffered seizures and is now being placed on disability so it's time for me to step up and take care of the family. I am looking on any information or help on unschooling. I worry about things like reading, writing, and math. How to you ensure they develop in these subjects? I know many things for my children are learned naturally such as cooking but reading I am not sure about. Of course we all want what's best for our children and since I had never heard of Unschooling until a friend suggested it, I am not sure where to start or what to do..Thanks for any help or advice!
plaidpanties666
It doesn't sound to me like unschooling is necessarily a "good fit" for your situation. It actually takes quite a bit More engagement on the part of parents to unschool successfully, rather than less.
That being said, if you can shift your thinking away from "subjects" and see all life as learning, then its possible you and the kids could arrange schedules so that they mostly sleep while you're working and you can spend some quality time together while you're home. One of the odd things about unschooling is that most of the "work" for parents is on the communication and relationship end. You make yourself into the best possible friend and resource.
Here's a basic beginning page for unschooling:
http://sandradodd.com/help
---Meredith
That being said, if you can shift your thinking away from "subjects" and see all life as learning, then its possible you and the kids could arrange schedules so that they mostly sleep while you're working and you can spend some quality time together while you're home. One of the odd things about unschooling is that most of the "work" for parents is on the communication and relationship end. You make yourself into the best possible friend and resource.
Here's a basic beginning page for unschooling:
http://sandradodd.com/help
---Meredith
plaidpanties666
Oh! here's a good quick reference unschooling faq from the blog of a longtime unschooler:
http://zombieprincess.blogspot.com/2008/05/thursday-13_15.html
http://zombieprincess.blogspot.com/2008/05/thursday-13_15.html
Scott & Marygrace Sorensen
I'm pretty new to this myself and am really still in the deschooling process
(approximately 1 month for every year of school), but repeatedly folks have
recommended checking out http://www.sandradodd.com/unschooling On the
left-hand side are all links to all the different areas with articles,
suggestions and ideas. I've learned so much from this site it's incredible.
This group on the other hand has allayed my fears, just "listening" to all
the chatter.
Read, read, read and then when you have some more specific questions, ask
again and I'm sure someone will be sure to help. Sit back, relax and let
your husband read as well.
Good luck,
Marygrace
From: [email protected]
[mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of KRYSTAL
Sent: Monday, January 03, 2011 1:33 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: [unschoolingbasics] New
Hello,
My name is Krystal and we have been homeschooling for 2yrs but I am about to
go back to school and am looking at unschooling as a way to keep my children
home. My husband has suffered seizures and is now being placed on disability
so it's time for me to step up and take care of the family. I am looking on
any information or help on unschooling. I worry about things like reading,
writing, and math. How to you ensure they develop in these subjects? I know
many things for my children are learned naturally such as cooking but
reading I am not sure about. Of course we all want what's best for our
children and since I had never heard of Unschooling until a friend suggested
it, I am not sure where to start or what to do..Thanks for any help or
advice!
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
(approximately 1 month for every year of school), but repeatedly folks have
recommended checking out http://www.sandradodd.com/unschooling On the
left-hand side are all links to all the different areas with articles,
suggestions and ideas. I've learned so much from this site it's incredible.
This group on the other hand has allayed my fears, just "listening" to all
the chatter.
Read, read, read and then when you have some more specific questions, ask
again and I'm sure someone will be sure to help. Sit back, relax and let
your husband read as well.
Good luck,
Marygrace
From: [email protected]
[mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of KRYSTAL
Sent: Monday, January 03, 2011 1:33 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: [unschoolingbasics] New
Hello,
My name is Krystal and we have been homeschooling for 2yrs but I am about to
go back to school and am looking at unschooling as a way to keep my children
home. My husband has suffered seizures and is now being placed on disability
so it's time for me to step up and take care of the family. I am looking on
any information or help on unschooling. I worry about things like reading,
writing, and math. How to you ensure they develop in these subjects? I know
many things for my children are learned naturally such as cooking but
reading I am not sure about. Of course we all want what's best for our
children and since I had never heard of Unschooling until a friend suggested
it, I am not sure where to start or what to do..Thanks for any help or
advice!
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Scott & Marygrace Sorensen
This is good if you are still having doubts.
Mg
From: [email protected]
[mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of plaidpanties666
Sent: Monday, January 03, 2011 2:20 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: [unschoolingbasics] Re: New
Oh! here's a good quick reference unschooling faq from the blog of a
longtime unschooler:
http://zombieprincess.blogspot.com/2008/05/thursday-13_15.html
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Mg
From: [email protected]
[mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of plaidpanties666
Sent: Monday, January 03, 2011 2:20 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: [unschoolingbasics] Re: New
Oh! here's a good quick reference unschooling faq from the blog of a
longtime unschooler:
http://zombieprincess.blogspot.com/2008/05/thursday-13_15.html
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Lesley Cross
I'm curious about what unschooling means to you as far as it being "a way to
keep my children home". How are you looking at unschooling as different
than what you do now?
I think knowing this might help us better understand what kind of
information you need so we can help. But in a nutshell, unschooling is
life. Generally unschooling means breaking down the ideas that learning is
separate from living, that a child needs to be taught in order to learn, and
that anyone outside of a child's own self can determine what he or she needs
to know. This takes as much parental involvement as schooling- it's just
involvement of a different sort- its connection and relationship instead of
lessons and tests.
Lesley
immerse. emerge. thrive
http://www.lesleyreidcross.wordpress.com
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
keep my children home". How are you looking at unschooling as different
than what you do now?
I think knowing this might help us better understand what kind of
information you need so we can help. But in a nutshell, unschooling is
life. Generally unschooling means breaking down the ideas that learning is
separate from living, that a child needs to be taught in order to learn, and
that anyone outside of a child's own self can determine what he or she needs
to know. This takes as much parental involvement as schooling- it's just
involvement of a different sort- its connection and relationship instead of
lessons and tests.
Lesley
immerse. emerge. thrive
http://www.lesleyreidcross.wordpress.com
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Joyce Fetteroll
On Jan 3, 2011, at 2:32 PM, KRYSTAL wrote:
work as a curriculum, you need to let go of that idea! ;-)
Unschooling is about being responsive to a child's needs. So sometimes
it's backing off and letting them explore freely. Sometimes it's
strewing their lives with new opportunities that they can pick up and
explore, or pick up and drop or ignore. Sometimes it's being right
with them, being involved in what they're doing as much as they need.
It doesn't need to be done during school hours. It can be done
whenever a parent is available. "It" will look different depending on
what the children's needs are in the moment. Sometimes it will mean
reading while they play. Sometimes it will mean being the main "maker
of things happening". Sometimes it will be watching cartoons or video
games when you'd rather be taking care of the laundry.
living lives where those are a natural part. But it doesn't "just
happen". It happens because parents are there to answer questions,
occasionally point out cool things, offer cool opportunities (that the
kids can turn down if they aren't appealing), are willing to see the
learning that happens in playing, especially video games.
Here's several good pages. Each has links to other pages. The answers
can't be found on one page because unschooling is really about turning
your thoughts completely upside down on how kids learn.
http://sandradodd.com/reading
http://sandradodd.com/math
http://sandradodd.com/writing
And if you go here:
http://joyfullyrejoycing.com/
Down the left hand side are several pages on each of those topics.
Joyce
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> I am about to go back to school and am looking at unschooling as aIf you're picturing unschooling as something that doesn't need as much
> way to keep my children home
work as a curriculum, you need to let go of that idea! ;-)
Unschooling is about being responsive to a child's needs. So sometimes
it's backing off and letting them explore freely. Sometimes it's
strewing their lives with new opportunities that they can pick up and
explore, or pick up and drop or ignore. Sometimes it's being right
with them, being involved in what they're doing as much as they need.
It doesn't need to be done during school hours. It can be done
whenever a parent is available. "It" will look different depending on
what the children's needs are in the moment. Sometimes it will mean
reading while they play. Sometimes it will mean being the main "maker
of things happening". Sometimes it will be watching cartoons or video
games when you'd rather be taking care of the laundry.
> I worry about things like reading, writing, and math.It's pretty normal to worry about those things. Kids do learn them by
living lives where those are a natural part. But it doesn't "just
happen". It happens because parents are there to answer questions,
occasionally point out cool things, offer cool opportunities (that the
kids can turn down if they aren't appealing), are willing to see the
learning that happens in playing, especially video games.
Here's several good pages. Each has links to other pages. The answers
can't be found on one page because unschooling is really about turning
your thoughts completely upside down on how kids learn.
http://sandradodd.com/reading
http://sandradodd.com/math
http://sandradodd.com/writing
And if you go here:
http://joyfullyrejoycing.com/
Down the left hand side are several pages on each of those topics.
Joyce
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
KRYSTAL RAMIREZ
Up til now I have been creating lesson plans and grading work like a regular
school. Someone mentioned unschooling to me and that is why I have joined to
learn more about it :)
--
Krystal
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
school. Someone mentioned unschooling to me and that is why I have joined to
learn more about it :)
--
Krystal
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Kelly Lovejoy
It will probably seem weird and "out there" to you then.
Scour these two sites for answers to a lot of you questions. We're here to help you make your way.
www.SandraDodd.com/unschooling
www.joyfullyrejoycing.com
~Kelly
Kelly Lovejoy
"There is no single effort more radical in its potential for saving the world than a transformation of the way we raise our children." Marianne Williamson
-----Original Message-----
From: KRYSTAL RAMIREZ <krystalramirez4@...>
Subject: RE: [unschoolingbasics] New
Up til now I have been creating lesson plans and grading work like a regular
school. Someone mentioned unschooling to me and that is why I have joined to
learn more about it :)
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Scour these two sites for answers to a lot of you questions. We're here to help you make your way.
www.SandraDodd.com/unschooling
www.joyfullyrejoycing.com
~Kelly
Kelly Lovejoy
"There is no single effort more radical in its potential for saving the world than a transformation of the way we raise our children." Marianne Williamson
-----Original Message-----
From: KRYSTAL RAMIREZ <krystalramirez4@...>
Subject: RE: [unschoolingbasics] New
Up til now I have been creating lesson plans and grading work like a regular
school. Someone mentioned unschooling to me and that is why I have joined to
learn more about it :)
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]