New to Unschooling - Help!
dmarkley4
Hello everyone! Forgive me for not introducing myself sooner...
My name is Deborah and I live in Daytona Beach. I have 2 boys, ages
8 and 11. Although I have been homeschooling them from the
beginning, they just aren't very cooperative - don't like
the "school" atmosphere. So, to try something new, we devoted this
year to unschooling - boy - what a difference in attitudes! Now,
they actually want to pick up a book or play with their "dreaded"
LeapPad books, etc. I find them watching Animal Planet quite a bit
nowdays, which is quite amusing, as it was one of the "schooly"
channels before! LOL
Now for my problem...at the end of this month, their evaluation is
scheduled. There is a local group in town who does the evaluations
for all the homeschoolers. (Volusia County requires all
homeschooled children to be evaluated by certified teachers and that
evaluation be sent to the school board). Anyway, this being my
first unschooling year, I have nothing prepared. We are supposed to
bring a folder with "sample" work performed by each child. The
teacher/evaluator then goes through the notebook/file and makes sure
that all is OK. We are then given a certificate to copy and mail to
the school board. I'm not sure exactly what to bring. I'm pretty
nervous about the reaction, as I don't believe any of these moms are
doing the unschooling thing. I am not sure what the reaction will
be. I have heard about Alternative Institute, Inc. and that by
signing up with them, you can bypass the "requirements" of the
school board, which would be really nice. But, I don't know enough
about it. If anyone could steer me in the right direction, I would
greatly appreciate it! Also, if someone could give me some idea of
what I can take in to show as "schoolwork" for this year, that would
also be wonderful!
Thanks so much! Am hoping to learn a lot here!
:D
Deb
My name is Deborah and I live in Daytona Beach. I have 2 boys, ages
8 and 11. Although I have been homeschooling them from the
beginning, they just aren't very cooperative - don't like
the "school" atmosphere. So, to try something new, we devoted this
year to unschooling - boy - what a difference in attitudes! Now,
they actually want to pick up a book or play with their "dreaded"
LeapPad books, etc. I find them watching Animal Planet quite a bit
nowdays, which is quite amusing, as it was one of the "schooly"
channels before! LOL
Now for my problem...at the end of this month, their evaluation is
scheduled. There is a local group in town who does the evaluations
for all the homeschoolers. (Volusia County requires all
homeschooled children to be evaluated by certified teachers and that
evaluation be sent to the school board). Anyway, this being my
first unschooling year, I have nothing prepared. We are supposed to
bring a folder with "sample" work performed by each child. The
teacher/evaluator then goes through the notebook/file and makes sure
that all is OK. We are then given a certificate to copy and mail to
the school board. I'm not sure exactly what to bring. I'm pretty
nervous about the reaction, as I don't believe any of these moms are
doing the unschooling thing. I am not sure what the reaction will
be. I have heard about Alternative Institute, Inc. and that by
signing up with them, you can bypass the "requirements" of the
school board, which would be really nice. But, I don't know enough
about it. If anyone could steer me in the right direction, I would
greatly appreciate it! Also, if someone could give me some idea of
what I can take in to show as "schoolwork" for this year, that would
also be wonderful!
Thanks so much! Am hoping to learn a lot here!
:D
Deb
Elisa Allender
I signed up with Florida Unschoolers so I didn't have to go through the evaluation process. But I also keep a scrapbook of everything we do (everyday life, whatever we take pictures of.) Do you have photos of anything you've done this year, have they written or drawn anything? Type up a book list of things they have read throughout the year.
Elisa
Elisa
----- Original Message -----
From: dmarkley4
To: [email protected]
Sent: Tuesday, May 03, 2005 2:49 AM
Subject: [unschoolingbasics] New to Unschooling - Help!
Hello everyone! Forgive me for not introducing myself sooner...
My name is Deborah and I live in Daytona Beach. I have 2 boys, ages
8 and 11. Although I have been homeschooling them from the
beginning, they just aren't very cooperative - don't like
the "school" atmosphere. So, to try something new, we devoted this
year to unschooling - boy - what a difference in attitudes! Now,
they actually want to pick up a book or play with their "dreaded"
LeapPad books, etc. I find them watching Animal Planet quite a bit
nowdays, which is quite amusing, as it was one of the "schooly"
channels before! LOL
Now for my problem...at the end of this month, their evaluation is
scheduled. There is a local group in town who does the evaluations
for all the homeschoolers. (Volusia County requires all
homeschooled children to be evaluated by certified teachers and that
evaluation be sent to the school board). Anyway, this being my
first unschooling year, I have nothing prepared. We are supposed to
bring a folder with "sample" work performed by each child. The
teacher/evaluator then goes through the notebook/file and makes sure
that all is OK. We are then given a certificate to copy and mail to
the school board. I'm not sure exactly what to bring. I'm pretty
nervous about the reaction, as I don't believe any of these moms are
doing the unschooling thing. I am not sure what the reaction will
be. I have heard about Alternative Institute, Inc. and that by
signing up with them, you can bypass the "requirements" of the
school board, which would be really nice. But, I don't know enough
about it. If anyone could steer me in the right direction, I would
greatly appreciate it! Also, if someone could give me some idea of
what I can take in to show as "schoolwork" for this year, that would
also be wonderful!
Thanks so much! Am hoping to learn a lot here!
:D
Deb
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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Rod Thomas
Ok Ive got one for you. After lots of reading and floundering, I tend
towards unschooling. But I have always believed in going slowly. When
they seem discouraged (math) I back off for a while. So, of course we
are behind in Math. Well, some kids laughed at my son because he was
"just learning fractions", and he was embarrassed. So, he comes to me
and tells me that it is all my fault because I didn't teach him in step
with what the other ps kids know.
This is the kid who fights me constantly on learning math, nearly
refuses to do it daily, and then complains its my fault he doesn't know
it.
What to do?
Kathy
towards unschooling. But I have always believed in going slowly. When
they seem discouraged (math) I back off for a while. So, of course we
are behind in Math. Well, some kids laughed at my son because he was
"just learning fractions", and he was embarrassed. So, he comes to me
and tells me that it is all my fault because I didn't teach him in step
with what the other ps kids know.
This is the kid who fights me constantly on learning math, nearly
refuses to do it daily, and then complains its my fault he doesn't know
it.
What to do?
Kathy
Pam Sorooshian
The problem is he hasn't got a sense of ownership of his own learning
BECAUSE you forced it and fought with him over it.
So - you might explain that to him....that you made a mistake and acted
liked you were or should be in control of HIS learning. But that that
was NEVER true - that what he learns was, is, and always will be his
own choice.
And - tell him that if there are things he wants to learn, that you'll
help him find resources and help him do it, but that you'll never
struggle with him over it again, and that you will forevermore be his
supporter and encourager and not a taskmaster.
-pam
BECAUSE you forced it and fought with him over it.
So - you might explain that to him....that you made a mistake and acted
liked you were or should be in control of HIS learning. But that that
was NEVER true - that what he learns was, is, and always will be his
own choice.
And - tell him that if there are things he wants to learn, that you'll
help him find resources and help him do it, but that you'll never
struggle with him over it again, and that you will forevermore be his
supporter and encourager and not a taskmaster.
-pam
On May 3, 2005, at 8:26 PM, Rod Thomas wrote:
> This is the kid who fights me constantly on learning math, nearly
> refuses to do it daily, and then complains its my fault he doesn't know
> it.
>
> What to do?
> Kathy
J. Stauffer
<<<<o, he comes to me
and tells me that it is all my fault because I didn't teach him in step
with what the other ps kids know.>>>>>
We had this issue at our house too. First, I explained to my daughter that even the kids in ps don't learn all the same things at the same time. Each state, each district, each school, even each teacher is different.
Then I pointed out some things they know that ps kids probably didn't know, such as how to make cheese, the types of dairy goats, etc.. Then I suggested that when someone quizzes her about stuff she doesn't know, she quiz them back.
Then I pointed out that she can learn anything she wants, whenever she wants and I will gladly help her but that learning things is her responsibility, not mine.
Julie S.
and tells me that it is all my fault because I didn't teach him in step
with what the other ps kids know.>>>>>
We had this issue at our house too. First, I explained to my daughter that even the kids in ps don't learn all the same things at the same time. Each state, each district, each school, even each teacher is different.
Then I pointed out some things they know that ps kids probably didn't know, such as how to make cheese, the types of dairy goats, etc.. Then I suggested that when someone quizzes her about stuff she doesn't know, she quiz them back.
Then I pointed out that she can learn anything she wants, whenever she wants and I will gladly help her but that learning things is her responsibility, not mine.
Julie S.
----- Original Message -----
From: Rod Thomas
To: [email protected]
Sent: Tuesday, May 03, 2005 10:26 PM
Subject: [unschoolingbasics] behind ps kids
Ok Ive got one for you. After lots of reading and floundering, I tend
towards unschooling. But I have always believed in going slowly. When
they seem discouraged (math) I back off for a while. So, of course we
are behind in Math. Well, some kids laughed at my son because he was
"just learning fractions", and he was embarrassed. So, he comes to me
and tells me that it is all my fault because I didn't teach him in step
with what the other ps kids know.
This is the kid who fights me constantly on learning math, nearly
refuses to do it daily, and then complains its my fault he doesn't know
it.
What to do?
Kathy
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yahoo! Groups Links
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]
Rod Thomas
This answer seems right on. It makes perfect sense. Thanks, we had
the talk. Now I just have to restrain myself from the habit of taking
charge.
Kathy
-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected]
[mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Pam Sorooshian
Sent: Wednesday, May 04, 2005 9:20 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [unschoolingbasics] behind ps kids
The problem is he hasn't got a sense of ownership of his own learning
BECAUSE you forced it and fought with him over it.
So - you might explain that to him....that you made a mistake and acted
liked you were or should be in control of HIS learning. But that that
was NEVER true - that what he learns was, is, and always will be his
own choice.
And - tell him that if there are things he wants to learn, that you'll
help him find resources and help him do it, but that you'll never
struggle with him over it again, and that you will forevermore be his
supporter and encourager and not a taskmaster.
-pam
the talk. Now I just have to restrain myself from the habit of taking
charge.
Kathy
-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected]
[mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Pam Sorooshian
Sent: Wednesday, May 04, 2005 9:20 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [unschoolingbasics] behind ps kids
The problem is he hasn't got a sense of ownership of his own learning
BECAUSE you forced it and fought with him over it.
So - you might explain that to him....that you made a mistake and acted
liked you were or should be in control of HIS learning. But that that
was NEVER true - that what he learns was, is, and always will be his
own choice.
And - tell him that if there are things he wants to learn, that you'll
help him find resources and help him do it, but that you'll never
struggle with him over it again, and that you will forevermore be his
supporter and encourager and not a taskmaster.
-pam
On May 3, 2005, at 8:26 PM, Rod Thomas wrote:
> This is the kid who fights me constantly on learning math, nearly
> refuses to do it daily, and then complains its my fault he doesn't
know
> it.
>
> What to do?
> Kathy
Yahoo! Groups Links
Rod Thomas
<<<Then I pointed out that she can learn anything she wants, whenever
she wants and I will gladly help her but that learning things is her
responsibility, not mine.>>>
Thanks, this was what I needed to hear.
she wants and I will gladly help her but that learning things is her
responsibility, not mine.>>>
Thanks, this was what I needed to hear.
Lisa H
Rod,
one thing that happens here is talking about our unschooling and life learning 'educational' philosophy so that my kids recognize that it is not necessary to know what everyone else knows at the same time. They are well armed when outsiders attempt to compare and contrast. It doesn't mean they don't notice what other schooled kids their own age are learning. But a. they do recognize that even schooled kids don't always 'know' what is being taught and b. each persons unique brilliance is reinforced so that they are aware not only of their own special gifts but that each person has unique gifts and specialties of interest and thus unique set of knowledge.
As for teasing by others, well that in itself is a great opportunity for discussion.
If it happened here where my dd was embarrassed by not knowing something I might ask my dd if she is interested in learning the subject? Is it important for her to "keep up with" kids in school? How important is it to her to learn it now? Does she want to learn they way kids her age are taught in school? Or how would she like to go about learning what kids in school are taught? We've had similar discussions about some subjects and the result was her dedication to learning a tool now or not.
The other thing that might be pointed out is that your son may already know fractions but not in terms of the way it looks in school. It may not be about comparing apples and oranges, but fuji vs granny smith vs pink ladies. They are all apples.
Lisa
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
one thing that happens here is talking about our unschooling and life learning 'educational' philosophy so that my kids recognize that it is not necessary to know what everyone else knows at the same time. They are well armed when outsiders attempt to compare and contrast. It doesn't mean they don't notice what other schooled kids their own age are learning. But a. they do recognize that even schooled kids don't always 'know' what is being taught and b. each persons unique brilliance is reinforced so that they are aware not only of their own special gifts but that each person has unique gifts and specialties of interest and thus unique set of knowledge.
As for teasing by others, well that in itself is a great opportunity for discussion.
If it happened here where my dd was embarrassed by not knowing something I might ask my dd if she is interested in learning the subject? Is it important for her to "keep up with" kids in school? How important is it to her to learn it now? Does she want to learn they way kids her age are taught in school? Or how would she like to go about learning what kids in school are taught? We've had similar discussions about some subjects and the result was her dedication to learning a tool now or not.
The other thing that might be pointed out is that your son may already know fractions but not in terms of the way it looks in school. It may not be about comparing apples and oranges, but fuji vs granny smith vs pink ladies. They are all apples.
Lisa
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[email protected]
My kids found out a curious thing when other kids were quizzing them (usually
in the 8 to 12 age range this has been a problem). Often the kids doing the
quizzing don't know the answer either.
My son didn't get the point of the quizzing - when someone would ask him
something he didn't know, he'd say "No, I don't. What *IS* 1/4 of 20?" or whatever
the question had been. Quite often the other kid would sputter something
about just wanting to know if they could figure it out. Or Patrick would start
talking to himself trying to figure the problem out, which usually baffled the
school kid - we've noticed lots of kids think of math as something you know or
don't know, not as ideas to think about or problems to be solved, which is how
Patrick thinks.
Sometimes the questions were along the lines of "Have you learned fractions
yet?" and Pat would answer yes or no and then ask something about what the
other kid knew about fractions, what was interesting about them, etc. He wanted to
know if it was something worth learning or not.
They were interesting interactions to watch, because the two kids really
weren't having the same conversation. It was almost as if they were speaking
different languages.
Deborah in IL
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
in the 8 to 12 age range this has been a problem). Often the kids doing the
quizzing don't know the answer either.
My son didn't get the point of the quizzing - when someone would ask him
something he didn't know, he'd say "No, I don't. What *IS* 1/4 of 20?" or whatever
the question had been. Quite often the other kid would sputter something
about just wanting to know if they could figure it out. Or Patrick would start
talking to himself trying to figure the problem out, which usually baffled the
school kid - we've noticed lots of kids think of math as something you know or
don't know, not as ideas to think about or problems to be solved, which is how
Patrick thinks.
Sometimes the questions were along the lines of "Have you learned fractions
yet?" and Pat would answer yes or no and then ask something about what the
other kid knew about fractions, what was interesting about them, etc. He wanted to
know if it was something worth learning or not.
They were interesting interactions to watch, because the two kids really
weren't having the same conversation. It was almost as if they were speaking
different languages.
Deborah in IL
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]