Re: new to unschooling
[email protected]
In a message dated 10/20/00 9:56:06 AM Pacific Daylight Time,
diamondair@... writes:
<< > I am new to unschooling and am still having some trouble with it. My
learning, with the child making the choices and the parent seeing his/herself
as a facilitator rather than as a teacher. For each child this will look
different. For one it may look nothing like "school" while another may be
really into academic pursuits. The key is that the child is being supported
in making choices that work for him/her rather than being imposed on by the
adult's picture of things. Also academic pursuits are generally suited to
the older child's brain (depending on the individual development). All of my
kids learned to read in a mostly organic way; the oldest one at 4 and the
other two at around 8 or 9 years old.
We have always been unschoolers partly based on the interests and
learning style of our oldest, Jenny,who is now 19. Also philosophically I
believe in unschooling. Over time however the younger two kids, Ariana and
Michael. now aged 11 & 15 started wanting more of an academic focus for a
variety of reasons. We are now living in California and they are enrolled in
a distance learning charter school. This provides some structure without
feeling oppressive and a share of public school tax money to order the
materials of our choice.
This would never have worked for Jenny, who is artistically and
dramatically motivated. She would have found the academic categories
(English, Science, etc.) restrictive and unworkable. To me unschooling is not
a set path but a journey of exploration that is unique to each child and each
family. We still consider ourselves to be unschoolers since being in the
charter school is their choice. In fact the way I found it was by exploring
public school independent study programs at my son's request. I feel that
each of us in our family is successfully in progress with becoming who we are
meant to be. Good luck with finding your way. -Amalia Darling-
diamondair@... writes:
<< > I am new to unschooling and am still having some trouble with it. My
> children have never been in school but we homeschooled in a fairlycould
> traditional way. Can anyone offer me some of their success stories? I
> really use some encouragement. >>To me the true definition of unschooling is child/student directed
learning, with the child making the choices and the parent seeing his/herself
as a facilitator rather than as a teacher. For each child this will look
different. For one it may look nothing like "school" while another may be
really into academic pursuits. The key is that the child is being supported
in making choices that work for him/her rather than being imposed on by the
adult's picture of things. Also academic pursuits are generally suited to
the older child's brain (depending on the individual development). All of my
kids learned to read in a mostly organic way; the oldest one at 4 and the
other two at around 8 or 9 years old.
We have always been unschoolers partly based on the interests and
learning style of our oldest, Jenny,who is now 19. Also philosophically I
believe in unschooling. Over time however the younger two kids, Ariana and
Michael. now aged 11 & 15 started wanting more of an academic focus for a
variety of reasons. We are now living in California and they are enrolled in
a distance learning charter school. This provides some structure without
feeling oppressive and a share of public school tax money to order the
materials of our choice.
This would never have worked for Jenny, who is artistically and
dramatically motivated. She would have found the academic categories
(English, Science, etc.) restrictive and unworkable. To me unschooling is not
a set path but a journey of exploration that is unique to each child and each
family. We still consider ourselves to be unschoolers since being in the
charter school is their choice. In fact the way I found it was by exploring
public school independent study programs at my son's request. I feel that
each of us in our family is successfully in progress with becoming who we are
meant to be. Good luck with finding your way. -Amalia Darling-
John O. Andersen
Amalia,
week, is only just starting to read.
John Andersen
Unconventional Ideas at http://unconventional.go.to
> All of myThanks. I need to hear this right now because our son who will be 8 this
> kids learned to read in a mostly organic way; the oldest one at 4 and the
> other two at around 8 or 9 years old.
week, is only just starting to read.
John Andersen
Unconventional Ideas at http://unconventional.go.to
A. Yates
Me too. My 7 yr old, 8 in Feb. is not reading. Can sound out a few 3 letter
words, but that's it. While all the other kids his age in our group are
reading chapter books. Ugh! I'm just trying to be quite, and not think about
it if he is fine with it.
Ann
"John O. Andersen" wrote:
words, but that's it. While all the other kids his age in our group are
reading chapter books. Ugh! I'm just trying to be quite, and not think about
it if he is fine with it.
Ann
"John O. Andersen" wrote:
> Amalia,
>
> > All of my
> > kids learned to read in a mostly organic way; the oldest one at 4 and the
> > other two at around 8 or 9 years old.
>
> Thanks. I need to hear this right now because our son who will be 8 this
> week, is only just starting to read.
>
> John Andersen
> Unconventional Ideas at http://unconventional.go.to
>
>
> Message boards, timely articles, a free newsletter and more!
> Check it all out at: http://www.unschooling.com
>
> Addresses:
> Post message: [email protected]
> Unsubscribe: [email protected]
> List owner: [email protected]
> List settings page: http://www.egroups.com/group/Unschooling-dotcom
Valerie
Amalia,
week, is only just starting to read.
John Andersen
Unconventional Ideas at http://unconventional.go.to
John, your son sounds perfectly normal to me. Isn't 8-12 the average for
boys to start reading if left to do it naturally?
My 2nd daughter is 8-1/2 and is reading only haltingly. She is absolutely
determined to read Harry Potter (which we already read aloud...we are really
behind the times...we're only on the 2nd book now). She sits there every day
and slowly but surely reads that book. She's so proud when she finishes a
chapter. Must be a pain to be the younger sister of a book devourer. But I
know she's going at her natural pace so I try to tell her not to worry about
it that she isn't as fast as others her age. At least she won't develop a
fear or hatred of reading.
--Valerie
> All of myThanks. I need to hear this right now because our son who will be 8 this
> kids learned to read in a mostly organic way; the oldest one at 4 and the
> other two at around 8 or 9 years old.
week, is only just starting to read.
John Andersen
Unconventional Ideas at http://unconventional.go.to
John, your son sounds perfectly normal to me. Isn't 8-12 the average for
boys to start reading if left to do it naturally?
My 2nd daughter is 8-1/2 and is reading only haltingly. She is absolutely
determined to read Harry Potter (which we already read aloud...we are really
behind the times...we're only on the 2nd book now). She sits there every day
and slowly but surely reads that book. She's so proud when she finishes a
chapter. Must be a pain to be the younger sister of a book devourer. But I
know she's going at her natural pace so I try to tell her not to worry about
it that she isn't as fast as others her age. At least she won't develop a
fear or hatred of reading.
--Valerie
[email protected]
Do any of you find it difficult to "justify" to the non believers that your
children read at a later age than ps kids do. I know one of the things a
friend of mine talks about is how well her son reads and how early he started
reading. My son was 5 in February and I keep hoping that if he learns to
read by next year then no one can question my choice to keep him out of ps.
He is showing some interest, but we only go at his pace and only work on the
things that he chooses. When we read at night he follows along and
sometimes will try to sound out words. Maybe because unschooling is new to
me, I still feel a little insecure about mainstream reaction (which is most
of my family and friends). So, I was wondering how you may deal with it.
Sandy
children read at a later age than ps kids do. I know one of the things a
friend of mine talks about is how well her son reads and how early he started
reading. My son was 5 in February and I keep hoping that if he learns to
read by next year then no one can question my choice to keep him out of ps.
He is showing some interest, but we only go at his pace and only work on the
things that he chooses. When we read at night he follows along and
sometimes will try to sound out words. Maybe because unschooling is new to
me, I still feel a little insecure about mainstream reaction (which is most
of my family and friends). So, I was wondering how you may deal with it.
Sandy
[email protected]
In a message dated 10/23/2000 1:46:22 AM !!!First Boot!!!, Broadcolea@...
writes:
<< Do any of you find it difficult to "justify" to the non believers that
your
children read at a later age than ps kids do. I know one of the things a
friend of mine talks about is how well her son reads and how early he
started
reading. My son was 5 in February and I keep hoping that if he learns to
read by next year then no one can question my choice to keep him out of ps.
around here and they are still learning their sounds and are beginning
readers.
And each kid is different. That's what I explain to my daughter anyway. My
son read at 4 1/2 yo but my daughter is already the ripe old age of almost-6
and is a beginning reader. She actually reads better than she will admit but
that's another story.
Anyway, the whole idea that all 6 year-olds will be reading at the same time
is just silly so maybe a smile for the rude stranger and a hug for your
daughter would be the best answer to anyone needing one.
And I think a large part of why your friend talks about reading is that that
is all they teach in the lower grades. That's the major emphasis. Now, if
your child likes math or science or art beyond coloring, there aren't that
many opportunities to shine. But if you can read, but not to too well
because then you are ahead of the pack, then you are doing just what the
teacher wants you to do.
Let me just say that my K daughter (pre-reader/beginning reader) would be
just as bored with coloring a latter a week as my son was at that age (when
he was a full-fledged reader). (Yes, he went to K -- for 7 months.)
Good luck.
Nance
writes:
<< Do any of you find it difficult to "justify" to the non believers that
your
children read at a later age than ps kids do. I know one of the things a
friend of mine talks about is how well her son reads and how early he
started
reading. My son was 5 in February and I keep hoping that if he learns to
read by next year then no one can question my choice to keep him out of ps.
>>Well, not all ps kids are reading by 6, for one thing. That's 1st grade
around here and they are still learning their sounds and are beginning
readers.
And each kid is different. That's what I explain to my daughter anyway. My
son read at 4 1/2 yo but my daughter is already the ripe old age of almost-6
and is a beginning reader. She actually reads better than she will admit but
that's another story.
Anyway, the whole idea that all 6 year-olds will be reading at the same time
is just silly so maybe a smile for the rude stranger and a hug for your
daughter would be the best answer to anyone needing one.
And I think a large part of why your friend talks about reading is that that
is all they teach in the lower grades. That's the major emphasis. Now, if
your child likes math or science or art beyond coloring, there aren't that
many opportunities to shine. But if you can read, but not to too well
because then you are ahead of the pack, then you are doing just what the
teacher wants you to do.
Let me just say that my K daughter (pre-reader/beginning reader) would be
just as bored with coloring a latter a week as my son was at that age (when
he was a full-fledged reader). (Yes, he went to K -- for 7 months.)
Good luck.
Nance
Kathy Sullivan
--- "John O. Andersen" <andersen@...> wrote:
I am new to this list and had to jump in here. I am
SO glad to know that I am not the only one with a late
reader. My middle son will be 8 in Dec. and is still
struggling to read. He can read the first couple Bob
books and that is about it.
Today he knows his alphabet and sounds, tomorrow he
doesn't. It is so fustrating because he is so advanced
in just about everything he does except reading.
=====
Kathy Sullivan
"Some people think we put our lives on hold to raise a child, but we know that to hold a child IS life"
http://pages.ivillage.com/pp/clzaze/schlathome.html
__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Yahoo! Messenger - Talk while you surf! It's FREE.
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> Amalia,Hi,
>
> > All of my
> > kids learned to read in a mostly organic way; the
> oldest one at 4 and the
> > other two at around 8 or 9 years old.
>
> Thanks. I need to hear this right now because our
> son who will be 8 this
> week, is only just starting to read.
>
> John Andersen
> Unconventional Ideas at http://unconventional.go.to
I am new to this list and had to jump in here. I am
SO glad to know that I am not the only one with a late
reader. My middle son will be 8 in Dec. and is still
struggling to read. He can read the first couple Bob
books and that is about it.
Today he knows his alphabet and sounds, tomorrow he
doesn't. It is so fustrating because he is so advanced
in just about everything he does except reading.
=====
Kathy Sullivan
"Some people think we put our lives on hold to raise a child, but we know that to hold a child IS life"
http://pages.ivillage.com/pp/clzaze/schlathome.html
__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Yahoo! Messenger - Talk while you surf! It's FREE.
http://im.yahoo.com/
A. Yates
Well, sometimes I feel funny about this, but then my brain (and my non-comparing
mom) kicks in and I realize that it makes no difference. I don't have to justify
anything to anyone. My children especially my 7 yr old non reader are
exceptional human beings, and that is my whole point is sharing all this time
with them anyway.
Ann
Broadcolea@... wrote:
mom) kicks in and I realize that it makes no difference. I don't have to justify
anything to anyone. My children especially my 7 yr old non reader are
exceptional human beings, and that is my whole point is sharing all this time
with them anyway.
Ann
Broadcolea@... wrote:
> Do any of you find it difficult to "justify" to the non believers that your
> children read at a later age than ps kids do. I know one of the things a
> friend of mine talks about is how well her son reads and how early he started
> reading. My son was 5 in February and I keep hoping that if he learns to
> read by next year then no one can question my choice to keep him out of ps.
> He is showing some interest, but we only go at his pace and only work on the
> things that he chooses. When we read at night he follows along and
> sometimes will try to sound out words. Maybe because unschooling is new to
> me, I still feel a little insecure about mainstream reaction (which is most
> of my family and friends). So, I was wondering how you may deal with it.
>
> Sandy
>
>
> Message boards, timely articles, a free newsletter and more!
> Check it all out at: http://www.unschooling.com
>
> Addresses:
> Post message: [email protected]
> Unsubscribe: [email protected]
> List owner: [email protected]
> List settings page: http://www.egroups.com/group/Unschooling-dotcom
Nanci and Thomas Kuykendall
>Isn't 8-12 the average for boys to start reading if left to do it >naturally?My brother started reading after nine, and he was in public school and was harassed, hounded and tortured by teachers and parents alike to learn to read for two or more years. He struggled and cried many a night trying to get the reading down. He learned over the summer when he was ready, without even really trying. It just came to him. The book he learned to read on was James Fennimore (sp?) Cooper's Last of the Mohicans. He is now a voracious and insatiable reader, with lightning speed and impressive comprehension. Some of the things he reads are too heady for me, and I was reading at 4, self taught, and I am a very language oriented person.
>--Valerie
Nanci K.
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meirons
Hello,
I am very new to the idea to unschooling and would love to
understand more about it. I have been homeschooling our two youngest
children since kindergarten, they are now it 3rd and 5th. I also
home schooled our older girls for about 4 years so there is such a
ingrained feeling that I need to continue although I feel that my
children do much better when I let them pick the subject areas that
interest them and delve abit more into it than what the text books
offer. So............. where do I start.
I live in Arkansas and they have mandatory testing in the 5th, 7th
and 10th grades. So I have that that I will have to somehow have to
deal with.
I also would like to know how do you all really teach the kids. I
know that I have desided this year to try to get as much as I can
off of the internet. I would guess the biggest subject area that I
really finding difficult to find is math that is taught as a fun
game that will slowly build up on its self teaching as they have
fun. I would appriciate any help anyone could offer.
Thanks!
I am very new to the idea to unschooling and would love to
understand more about it. I have been homeschooling our two youngest
children since kindergarten, they are now it 3rd and 5th. I also
home schooled our older girls for about 4 years so there is such a
ingrained feeling that I need to continue although I feel that my
children do much better when I let them pick the subject areas that
interest them and delve abit more into it than what the text books
offer. So............. where do I start.
I live in Arkansas and they have mandatory testing in the 5th, 7th
and 10th grades. So I have that that I will have to somehow have to
deal with.
I also would like to know how do you all really teach the kids. I
know that I have desided this year to try to get as much as I can
off of the internet. I would guess the biggest subject area that I
really finding difficult to find is math that is taught as a fun
game that will slowly build up on its self teaching as they have
fun. I would appriciate any help anyone could offer.
Thanks!
Alan & Brenda Leonard
> gotta tell you though,Yeah, but it's sure fun!! And once you get used to it, it's a tough habit
> it somehow feels naughty. Like playing hooky.
to break. Especially when you see how much your children are learning!
I have fun every day. My only complaint about unschooling these days, is
that it's sort of ruined vacation for me. Vacation from what? Having fun?
We can travel, play, relax, etc. any day. I don't know how to vacation
anymore. (Maybe I should go to school for 2 weeks every year. It would be
different at least. Hmmm....nah!)
brenda
Fetteroll
on 8/15/02 12:05 AM, meirons at meirons@... wrote:
textbook picking.
Even better is letting them live life and learn from living. :-) Don't you
learn a lot faster, better and more enjoyably when you're learning something
you want to -- like knitting, cooking, gardening, whatever you've learned in
the past out of interest -- than when you're learning something you see no
point in learning that someone is insisting is important and won't give you
the choice about learning or not?
It makes new unschooling parents very nervous! :-) Unschooling doesn't look
at all like school. It looks like summer vacation but with parents who are
more "with" their kids, more attuned to the kids' needs (as opposed to what
the experts tell us the kids need): letting the kids hang as much as they
need, providing *opportunities* for them to do things, taking them places,
connecting our lives together -- without attaching them to us ;-)
what percentile?
Here's the law summary and link to more information from National Home
Educators Network: http://www.nhen.org/LegInfo/detail.asp?StateCode=Arkansas
It looks like you can delay the test by just telling the state they're in
grades that are 2 lower (depending on their ages) than what they would
normally be in. ("... student must not be more than two years beyond the
normal age for the appropriate grade")
It says at the link "The law used to say that children who didn't perform
well on the standardized test could be forced into government school. That
provision is GONE!!!!"
It says on another page:
http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Garden/4555/ahrd99/testing.html
Q: Do homeschooled students have to be tested by the state or attain a
minimum test score to be able to continue home schooling?
A: Homeschooled students do not have to attain any minimum score in order to
continue home schooling. They must take the same norm-referenced test at the
same grade levels as public school students. Currently, public school
students are tested in grades 5, 7 and 10 using the SAT9.
(But please do read the websites yourself. One of our best allies is being
informed :-)
I agree with Tia. It isn't fair to the kids or our ability to help them
learn naturally to assume that natural learning will keep them on the same
track as public school. It won't. Their track will be as unique as our
children are. :-)
Especially math. Not because math is hard but because of the way math is
taught. Learning math naturally means slowly building up a picture of how
numbers work by using them. It's the same way they've learned English.
(Which has worked splendidly hasn't it? :-) It's like the jigsaw puzzle Pam
mentioned before. Learning naturally means building tiny sections over the
whole thing, putting in bits and pieces and making connections here and
there. In school they don't get to look at the picture on the box and they
start in the top corner and work painstakingly across. If kids see some
connection somewhere else the teachers tell them to set it aside and they'll
get to that later.
So when they're tested, the kids *aren't* tested on what they know. They're
*only* tested on what they know of the stuff across the top of the puzzle.
If the schools had decided to test your kids on how well they were acquiring
language and they had little interest in standard kid stuff but could
expound about dinosaurs, they might test "behind" but would that really mean
they were behind? Or would it really mean they knew *different* stuff?
environment -- well, just by living life actually! -- that made those things
useful and enjoyable.
kids can make kids avoid games. It's like deciding kids need to learn to
hammer so finding a lot of projects for them to do that you think they'd
find fun. What if they don't? What if they'd rather do something else? If we
assume that the projects are necessary to learn hammering, we'll get
nervous. But if we realize that tool use is leared as a *side effect* of
doing what interests you, then it can help ease our worries and see learning
in a whole new way.
Math is a tool. It helps us understand the world better. It helps us compare
things and make connections. But unless the kids are curious about the world
and wanting to make the connetions then math is pointless. (And they *will*
be curious unless we get in their way!)
So play games for fun. :-) Play board games. Software. Dice games. Yes, even
video games! The user's guides are full of charts and maps and statistics
that schools spend tedious hours trying to get into kids. But kids will
study the guids *for fun*! Because the point of the game is figuring out the
puzzle, not doing the math. The math is just a tool for figuring out the
game :-)
Joyce
> I feel that myYes, letting them pick the subjects will work better than you or the
> children do much better when I let them pick the subject areas that
> interest them and delve abit more into it than what the text books
> offer. So............. where do I start.
textbook picking.
Even better is letting them live life and learn from living. :-) Don't you
learn a lot faster, better and more enjoyably when you're learning something
you want to -- like knitting, cooking, gardening, whatever you've learned in
the past out of interest -- than when you're learning something you see no
point in learning that someone is insisting is important and won't give you
the choice about learning or not?
It makes new unschooling parents very nervous! :-) Unschooling doesn't look
at all like school. It looks like summer vacation but with parents who are
more "with" their kids, more attuned to the kids' needs (as opposed to what
the experts tell us the kids need): letting the kids hang as much as they
need, providing *opportunities* for them to do things, taking them places,
connecting our lives together -- without attaching them to us ;-)
> I live in Arkansas and they have mandatory testing in the 5th, 7thWhat are the consequences? Does the state take some action? What action? At
> and 10th grades. So I have that that I will have to somehow have to
> deal with.
what percentile?
Here's the law summary and link to more information from National Home
Educators Network: http://www.nhen.org/LegInfo/detail.asp?StateCode=Arkansas
It looks like you can delay the test by just telling the state they're in
grades that are 2 lower (depending on their ages) than what they would
normally be in. ("... student must not be more than two years beyond the
normal age for the appropriate grade")
It says at the link "The law used to say that children who didn't perform
well on the standardized test could be forced into government school. That
provision is GONE!!!!"
It says on another page:
http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Garden/4555/ahrd99/testing.html
Q: Do homeschooled students have to be tested by the state or attain a
minimum test score to be able to continue home schooling?
A: Homeschooled students do not have to attain any minimum score in order to
continue home schooling. They must take the same norm-referenced test at the
same grade levels as public school students. Currently, public school
students are tested in grades 5, 7 and 10 using the SAT9.
(But please do read the websites yourself. One of our best allies is being
informed :-)
I agree with Tia. It isn't fair to the kids or our ability to help them
learn naturally to assume that natural learning will keep them on the same
track as public school. It won't. Their track will be as unique as our
children are. :-)
Especially math. Not because math is hard but because of the way math is
taught. Learning math naturally means slowly building up a picture of how
numbers work by using them. It's the same way they've learned English.
(Which has worked splendidly hasn't it? :-) It's like the jigsaw puzzle Pam
mentioned before. Learning naturally means building tiny sections over the
whole thing, putting in bits and pieces and making connections here and
there. In school they don't get to look at the picture on the box and they
start in the top corner and work painstakingly across. If kids see some
connection somewhere else the teachers tell them to set it aside and they'll
get to that later.
So when they're tested, the kids *aren't* tested on what they know. They're
*only* tested on what they know of the stuff across the top of the puzzle.
If the schools had decided to test your kids on how well they were acquiring
language and they had little interest in standard kid stuff but could
expound about dinosaurs, they might test "behind" but would that really mean
they were behind? Or would it really mean they knew *different* stuff?
> I also would like to know how do you all really teach the kids.The same way I "taught" her to walk and speak and read. I created an
environment -- well, just by living life actually! -- that made those things
useful and enjoyable.
> ILearning math from games is great. Using games as a way to get math into
> know that I have desided this year to try to get as much as I can
> off of the internet. I would guess the biggest subject area that I
> really finding difficult to find is math that is taught as a fun
> game that will slowly build up on its self teaching as they have
> fun. I would appriciate any help anyone could offer.
kids can make kids avoid games. It's like deciding kids need to learn to
hammer so finding a lot of projects for them to do that you think they'd
find fun. What if they don't? What if they'd rather do something else? If we
assume that the projects are necessary to learn hammering, we'll get
nervous. But if we realize that tool use is leared as a *side effect* of
doing what interests you, then it can help ease our worries and see learning
in a whole new way.
Math is a tool. It helps us understand the world better. It helps us compare
things and make connections. But unless the kids are curious about the world
and wanting to make the connetions then math is pointless. (And they *will*
be curious unless we get in their way!)
So play games for fun. :-) Play board games. Software. Dice games. Yes, even
video games! The user's guides are full of charts and maps and statistics
that schools spend tedious hours trying to get into kids. But kids will
study the guids *for fun*! Because the point of the game is figuring out the
puzzle, not doing the math. The math is just a tool for figuring out the
game :-)
Joyce
KT
>Oh hey! I missed this....who is it???
>
>I live in Arkansas and they have mandatory testing in the 5th, 7th
>> and 10th grades. So I have that that I will have to somehow have to
>> deal with.
>
Joyce was doing a very good job at describing the testing, etc. The
test is NOT AN ISSUE. Local homeschoolers in Arkansas (the Christian
fundy kind for sure) will give you a hard time about your cavalier
attitude. Most everyone there is still hung up on if the tests are
showing homeschoolers are good enough. I say, :PPPPPP to that. lol.
Definitely, DEFINITELY register your child 2 years behind (how old are
they?). The schools get to decide what grade they put someone in. So
do you! Some homeschoolers are so smart they skip 5th, 7th and 10th
grades altogether!
I don't live in Arkansas anymore. What part do you live in? I can get
you in touch with some unschooly folks in the Little Rock area, if you like.
Tuck
Kimber
<<Definitely, DEFINITELY register your child 2 years behind (how old are
they?). The schools get to decide what grade they put someone in. So
do you! Some homeschoolers are so smart they skip 5th, 7th and 10th
grades altogether! >>>
I am in Arkansas also and I hadn't even thought about skipping a grade like that! My son is 4th grade (by their standards) and we don't have to worry about testing until next year but I am already a little worried for him. He is very shy and he get so nervous in new situations. He tends to vomit from the anxiety. :( I don't think he would have any problem with the materials on the test, it's just the actual taking of the test that would freak him out. Could you actually skip 3 grades and not have anyone from the state knocking on your door asking why you have never tested your child?? I am not very good at intentionally 'breaking the rules' so I guess this is why I would be hesitant to do it.
Kimber
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
they?). The schools get to decide what grade they put someone in. So
do you! Some homeschoolers are so smart they skip 5th, 7th and 10th
grades altogether! >>>
I am in Arkansas also and I hadn't even thought about skipping a grade like that! My son is 4th grade (by their standards) and we don't have to worry about testing until next year but I am already a little worried for him. He is very shy and he get so nervous in new situations. He tends to vomit from the anxiety. :( I don't think he would have any problem with the materials on the test, it's just the actual taking of the test that would freak him out. Could you actually skip 3 grades and not have anyone from the state knocking on your door asking why you have never tested your child?? I am not very good at intentionally 'breaking the rules' so I guess this is why I would be hesitant to do it.
Kimber
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
KT
>You know your school district better than anyone. You've been doing it
>
>Could you actually skip 3 grades and not have anyone from the state knocking on your door asking why you have never tested your child?? I am not very good at intentionally 'breaking the rules' so I guess this is why I would be hesitant to do it.
>
more than a year, so you can just mail your intent form in....just keep
him back in 4th another year, and then next year he's in 6th grade.
It has been my experience that no one compares the records from last
year, but there are some superintendents (like the one in Riverview) who
seem to be "out to get" homeschoolers. The thing is, it is NOT illegal
to do this.
Tuck
[email protected]
In a message dated 8/17/02 6:55:25 AM, snibbor@... writes:
<< My son is 4th grade (by their standards) and we don't have to worry about
testing until next year but I am already a little worried for him. He is
very shy and he get so nervous in new situations. He tends to vomit from the
anxiety. >>
I would keep him in 4th grade another year for that immaturity.
But I would be assured that he would do SO well in 4th grade, that the year
afterward he would advance to 6th grade!!!
Lots of kids did that when New Mexico had testing requirements. <g> I never
once heard of the state calling anyone on it.
Sandra
<< My son is 4th grade (by their standards) and we don't have to worry about
testing until next year but I am already a little worried for him. He is
very shy and he get so nervous in new situations. He tends to vomit from the
anxiety. >>
I would keep him in 4th grade another year for that immaturity.
But I would be assured that he would do SO well in 4th grade, that the year
afterward he would advance to 6th grade!!!
Lots of kids did that when New Mexico had testing requirements. <g> I never
once heard of the state calling anyone on it.
Sandra
mommies3angels1974 <[email protected]
I have a 7 year old daughter with ADHD and after alot of thought and
research on the subject I have decided to take my daughter out of
the public school system. She has had alot of problems with school
staff and other children treating her badly and she has begun to
dislike going to school, where she once couldn't wait to go and even
hated missing a school day due to illness. During my search on
homeschooling is when I first heard of unschooling. I really love
the idea of my daughter learning from everyday living and her
interests, and not from a school system telling her what and how to
learn. I would really love to hear other people's views on un
schooling I have read a bunch of articles on christian unschooling,
some of which the authors are basically saying that christians can't
be un schoolers that it goes against God's word. I would like to
hear other views on this and how other families are benefiting from
unschooling. Thank you in advance for any help you can give me on
the subject.
Rachel
research on the subject I have decided to take my daughter out of
the public school system. She has had alot of problems with school
staff and other children treating her badly and she has begun to
dislike going to school, where she once couldn't wait to go and even
hated missing a school day due to illness. During my search on
homeschooling is when I first heard of unschooling. I really love
the idea of my daughter learning from everyday living and her
interests, and not from a school system telling her what and how to
learn. I would really love to hear other people's views on un
schooling I have read a bunch of articles on christian unschooling,
some of which the authors are basically saying that christians can't
be un schoolers that it goes against God's word. I would like to
hear other views on this and how other families are benefiting from
unschooling. Thank you in advance for any help you can give me on
the subject.
Rachel
Suzanne Ackerson
Rachel,
As for unschooling "going against God's word", NO WAY. I'm a Catholic Christian, go to our Catholic Bible study weekly, belong to a Catholic Homeschool group and list and never, never have found or heard of anything in the Bible that should make one think unschooling is against God. The Catholic Christians that I know are very child centered. Some unschool, some eclectically homeschool, and some do use curriculums, but most, I think, not in an authoritarian style. My youngest child, dd8, is currently unschooling, while my middle child, ds10, is an eclectic. (Even these lables bother me some).
Basically, you may see quite a different attitude in homeschooling practices between Protestant Christians and Catholic Christians. But then, this generalization too, may not be fair to those that are very tuned in to their childrens needs and many, many are. There is a Catholic Christian parenting author/child psychologist/ homeschooling dad that has written a book advocating breastfeeding, extended nursing, attachment parenting, and homeschooling. His name is Greg Popcak and can be found on the web.
Please be assured that I am not trying to convert you or anyone else on this list to Catholocism, just answering your concern from my experience. I just hate to see religion divide people when we have so much in common and just want to love our children the best that we are able.
Peace,
Suzanne
As for unschooling "going against God's word", NO WAY. I'm a Catholic Christian, go to our Catholic Bible study weekly, belong to a Catholic Homeschool group and list and never, never have found or heard of anything in the Bible that should make one think unschooling is against God. The Catholic Christians that I know are very child centered. Some unschool, some eclectically homeschool, and some do use curriculums, but most, I think, not in an authoritarian style. My youngest child, dd8, is currently unschooling, while my middle child, ds10, is an eclectic. (Even these lables bother me some).
Basically, you may see quite a different attitude in homeschooling practices between Protestant Christians and Catholic Christians. But then, this generalization too, may not be fair to those that are very tuned in to their childrens needs and many, many are. There is a Catholic Christian parenting author/child psychologist/ homeschooling dad that has written a book advocating breastfeeding, extended nursing, attachment parenting, and homeschooling. His name is Greg Popcak and can be found on the web.
Please be assured that I am not trying to convert you or anyone else on this list to Catholocism, just answering your concern from my experience. I just hate to see religion divide people when we have so much in common and just want to love our children the best that we are able.
Peace,
Suzanne
----- Original Message -----
From: mommies3angels1974 <mommies3angels@...>
To: [email protected]
Sent: Tuesday, January 14, 2003 7:29 PM
Subject: [Unschooling-dotcom] new to unschooling
I have a 7 year old daughter with ADHD and after alot of thought and
research on the subject I have decided to take my daughter out of
the public school system. She has had alot of problems with school
staff and other children treating her badly and she has begun to
dislike going to school, where she once couldn't wait to go and even
hated missing a school day due to illness. During my search on
homeschooling is when I first heard of unschooling. I really love
the idea of my daughter learning from everyday living and her
interests, and not from a school system telling her what and how to
learn. I would really love to hear other people's views on un
schooling I have read a bunch of articles on christian unschooling,
some of which the authors are basically saying that christians can't
be un schoolers that it goes against God's word. I would like to
hear other views on this and how other families are benefiting from
unschooling. Thank you in advance for any help you can give me on
the subject.
Rachel
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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Heidi <[email protected]>
Hi Rachel
I'm not really an unschooler, just researching options at this point,
but your question had me thinking. The only concern I would have,
would be that children, being humans, and the human heart
being "deceptive" as the Bible says, would more readily choose to do
wrong or foolish things, than good things, if allowed to choose
without any guidance. But! If you as a parent model wise or good
choices, your kids will follow your example.
As for educating by this style...well, the Bible says "tell these
words to your children when you rise, and when you walk along the
way, and when you lie down to sleep." I would say that unschooling is
closer to that description, than buying curriculum, sitting them down
and making them do school for a set number of hours, and then letting
them go back to life. That life is loaded with learning, is a very
Biblical concept. separating their learning from their lives doesn't
ring true to me.
peace, Heidi
--- In [email protected], "mommies3angels1974
<mommies3angels@m...>" <mommies3angels@m...> wrote:
I have read a bunch of articles on christian unschooling,
I'm not really an unschooler, just researching options at this point,
but your question had me thinking. The only concern I would have,
would be that children, being humans, and the human heart
being "deceptive" as the Bible says, would more readily choose to do
wrong or foolish things, than good things, if allowed to choose
without any guidance. But! If you as a parent model wise or good
choices, your kids will follow your example.
As for educating by this style...well, the Bible says "tell these
words to your children when you rise, and when you walk along the
way, and when you lie down to sleep." I would say that unschooling is
closer to that description, than buying curriculum, sitting them down
and making them do school for a set number of hours, and then letting
them go back to life. That life is loaded with learning, is a very
Biblical concept. separating their learning from their lives doesn't
ring true to me.
peace, Heidi
--- In [email protected], "mommies3angels1974
<mommies3angels@m...>" <mommies3angels@m...> wrote:
I have read a bunch of articles on christian unschooling,
> some of which the authors are basically saying that christianscan't
> be un schoolers that it goes against God's word. I would like to
> hear other views on this and how other families are benefiting from
> unschooling. Thank you in advance for any help you can give me on
> the subject.
> Rachel
Jim Selvage
I also have to say that I do not believe unschooling is any way unchristian
either - coming from a Protestant point of view. If you really take the
time to look at the ideas behind the unschooling model - what we are doing
is teaching our children to be kind, considerate, loving and giving
individuals, and this is definitely an accepted Christian ideal. The way we
go about it may be different than many, but I don't think the bible gives us
a specific way to do this. "Train up a child in the way he should go, and
when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6" Seems like
unschooling is doing a much better job of doing that than the "traditional"
authoritarian style of parenting!
Homeschool group and list and never, never have found or heard of anything
in the Bible that should make one think unschooling is against God. The
Catholic Christians that I know are very child centered. Some unschool,
some eclectically homeschool, and some do use curriculums, but most, I
think, not in an authoritarian style. My youngest child, dd8, is currently
unschooling, while my middle child, ds10, is an eclectic. (Even these
lables bother me some).
this generalization too, may not be fair to those that are very tuned in to
their childrens needs and many, many are. There is a Catholic Christian
parenting author/child psychologist/ homeschooling dad that has written a
book advocating breastfeeding, extended nursing, attachment parenting, and
homeschooling. His name is Greg Popcak and can be found on the web.
just hate to see religion divide people when we have so much in common and
just want to love our children the best that we are able.
either - coming from a Protestant point of view. If you really take the
time to look at the ideas behind the unschooling model - what we are doing
is teaching our children to be kind, considerate, loving and giving
individuals, and this is definitely an accepted Christian ideal. The way we
go about it may be different than many, but I don't think the bible gives us
a specific way to do this. "Train up a child in the way he should go, and
when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6" Seems like
unschooling is doing a much better job of doing that than the "traditional"
authoritarian style of parenting!
> As for unschooling "going against God's word", NO WAY. I'm a CatholicChristian, go to our Catholic Bible study weekly, belong to a Catholic
Homeschool group and list and never, never have found or heard of anything
in the Bible that should make one think unschooling is against God. The
Catholic Christians that I know are very child centered. Some unschool,
some eclectically homeschool, and some do use curriculums, but most, I
think, not in an authoritarian style. My youngest child, dd8, is currently
unschooling, while my middle child, ds10, is an eclectic. (Even these
lables bother me some).
>practices between Protestant Christians and Catholic Christians. But then,
> Basically, you may see quite a different attitude in homeschooling
this generalization too, may not be fair to those that are very tuned in to
their childrens needs and many, many are. There is a Catholic Christian
parenting author/child psychologist/ homeschooling dad that has written a
book advocating breastfeeding, extended nursing, attachment parenting, and
homeschooling. His name is Greg Popcak and can be found on the web.
>this list to Catholocism, just answering your concern from my experience. I
> Please be assured that I am not trying to convert you or anyone else on
just hate to see religion divide people when we have so much in common and
just want to love our children the best that we are able.
>
> Peace,
> Suzanne
>
Suzanne Ackerson
Erin,
When speaking about the idea Rachel had mentioned she heard of unschooling being against the Bible, I unfairly categorized Protestant and Catholic Christians. I made an unfair generalization and I extend my apology to you and others. I did exactly what I dislike others doing. So sorry.
Warmly,
Suzanne
P.S. I very much appreciate the offer you made several days ago about contacting your friend that has a school in Japan. I'll let my son know and he can take it from there. Thanks, again.
When speaking about the idea Rachel had mentioned she heard of unschooling being against the Bible, I unfairly categorized Protestant and Catholic Christians. I made an unfair generalization and I extend my apology to you and others. I did exactly what I dislike others doing. So sorry.
Warmly,
Suzanne
P.S. I very much appreciate the offer you made several days ago about contacting your friend that has a school in Japan. I'll let my son know and he can take it from there. Thanks, again.
----- Original Message -----
From: Jim Selvage
To: [email protected]
Sent: Wednesday, January 15, 2003 11:07 AM
Subject: Re: [Unschooling-dotcom] new to unschooling
I also have to say that I do not believe unschooling is any way unchristian
either - coming from a Protestant point of view. If you really take the
time to look at the ideas behind the unschooling model - what we are doing
is teaching our children to be kind, considerate, loving and giving
individuals, and this is definitely an accepted Christian ideal. The way we
go about it may be different than many, but I don't think the bible gives us
a specific way to do this. "Train up a child in the way he should go, and
when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6" Seems like
unschooling is doing a much better job of doing that than the "traditional"
authoritarian style of parenting!
> As for unschooling "going against God's word", NO WAY. I'm a Catholic
Christian, go to our Catholic Bible study weekly, belong to a Catholic
Homeschool group and list and never, never have found or heard of anything
in the Bible that should make one think unschooling is against God. The
Catholic Christians that I know are very child centered. Some unschool,
some eclectically homeschool, and some do use curriculums, but most, I
think, not in an authoritarian style. My youngest child, dd8, is currently
unschooling, while my middle child, ds10, is an eclectic. (Even these
lables bother me some).
>
> Basically, you may see quite a different attitude in homeschooling
practices between Protestant Christians and Catholic Christians. But then,
this generalization too, may not be fair to those that are very tuned in to
their childrens needs and many, many are. There is a Catholic Christian
parenting author/child psychologist/ homeschooling dad that has written a
book advocating breastfeeding, extended nursing, attachment parenting, and
homeschooling. His name is Greg Popcak and can be found on the web.
>
> Please be assured that I am not trying to convert you or anyone else on
this list to Catholocism, just answering your concern from my experience. I
just hate to see religion divide people when we have so much in common and
just want to love our children the best that we are able.
>
> Peace,
> Suzanne
>
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~~~~ Don't forget! If you change topics, change the subject line! ~~~~
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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Jim Selvage
Suzanne,
No problem, I just wanted people to know that there are Protestant
Christians who unschool!
Let me know if your son is interested and I will forward an address or
something.
blessings,
erin
No problem, I just wanted people to know that there are Protestant
Christians who unschool!
Let me know if your son is interested and I will forward an address or
something.
blessings,
erin
----- Original Message -----
From: "Suzanne Ackerson" <sylvanv@...>
To: <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, January 15, 2003 12:47 PM
Subject: Re: [Unschooling-dotcom] new to unschooling
> Erin,
>
> When speaking about the idea Rachel had mentioned she heard of unschooling
being against the Bible, I unfairly categorized Protestant and Catholic
Christians. I made an unfair generalization and I extend my apology to you
and others. I did exactly what I dislike others doing. So sorry.
>
> Warmly,
> Suzanne
>
> P.S. I very much appreciate the offer you made several days ago about
contacting your friend that has a school in Japan. I'll let my son know and
he can take it from there. Thanks, again.
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Jim Selvage
> To: [email protected]
> Sent: Wednesday, January 15, 2003 11:07 AM
> Subject: Re: [Unschooling-dotcom] new to unschooling
>
>
> I also have to say that I do not believe unschooling is any way
unchristian
> either - coming from a Protestant point of view. If you really take the
> time to look at the ideas behind the unschooling model - what we are
doing
> is teaching our children to be kind, considerate, loving and giving
> individuals, and this is definitely an accepted Christian ideal. The
way we
> go about it may be different than many, but I don't think the bible
gives us
> a specific way to do this. "Train up a child in the way he should go,
and
> when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6" Seems like
> unschooling is doing a much better job of doing that than the
"traditional"
> authoritarian style of parenting!
>
>
> > As for unschooling "going against God's word", NO WAY. I'm a Catholic
> Christian, go to our Catholic Bible study weekly, belong to a Catholic
> Homeschool group and list and never, never have found or heard of
anything
> in the Bible that should make one think unschooling is against God. The
> Catholic Christians that I know are very child centered. Some unschool,
> some eclectically homeschool, and some do use curriculums, but most, I
> think, not in an authoritarian style. My youngest child, dd8, is
currently
> unschooling, while my middle child, ds10, is an eclectic. (Even these
> lables bother me some).
> >
> > Basically, you may see quite a different attitude in homeschooling
> practices between Protestant Christians and Catholic Christians. But
then,
> this generalization too, may not be fair to those that are very tuned in
to
> their childrens needs and many, many are. There is a Catholic Christian
> parenting author/child psychologist/ homeschooling dad that has written
a
> book advocating breastfeeding, extended nursing, attachment parenting,
and
> homeschooling. His name is Greg Popcak and can be found on the web.
> >
> > Please be assured that I am not trying to convert you or anyone else
on
> this list to Catholocism, just answering your concern from my
experience. I
> just hate to see religion divide people when we have so much in common
and
> just want to love our children the best that we are able.
> >
> > Peace,
> > Suzanne
> >
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Sponsor
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>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
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>