Fear of unschooling
Dorinda Oakes
I at first told relatives that we were looking into a form of education called Constructivism ( go
to www.free-ed.com colledge of early childhood education and look up methods of learning but
basically it means to build on what you already know!) I carefully explained it to them and
incorporated the portfolio review system as our assessment and I can share the portfolio with them
if they would like to see it. (none have been that interested so far in sitting down to review the
portfolio) I have kept a portfolio anyway each year since there birth even when they were in PS.
When questioned further I have offered them books about Piagets Developmental Theory (which
basically say's that when they are developmentally ready to do something they will)and evidence of
my chilrens progress. (I use Childrens skills Test from virtual knowledge as well as the
portfolio)
Another unschooling theory is Brain Based Learning You can take a course on that at
www.free-ed.com also. So many educational Theories lend themselve more to unschooling more than
traditional schooling that it is no wonder learning slows as children progress in PS. But it is
mopre important to prove it to yourself by finding many sources of evidence then you can defend it
to others.
My mother is self taught She has a 8th grade education but runs her own business.
My father in law Graduated highschool only with no further education he wrote the .08 alcohol law
that Maine has. He is first to admit that his hischool diploma had nothing to do with his success.
I got MY First classical Music interest from Bugs Bunny and Road runner.
I learned about Language arts Multiplication and US History from School House Rock not from the
public school system where I was teased for being different and not complying with the so called
social system rules. (I loved to read and draw and cared about others feelings) I learned at home
but my drunk parents used the PS for cheap daycare.
Dorinda
__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Yahoo! Photos - Share your holiday photos online!
http://photos.yahoo.com/
to www.free-ed.com colledge of early childhood education and look up methods of learning but
basically it means to build on what you already know!) I carefully explained it to them and
incorporated the portfolio review system as our assessment and I can share the portfolio with them
if they would like to see it. (none have been that interested so far in sitting down to review the
portfolio) I have kept a portfolio anyway each year since there birth even when they were in PS.
When questioned further I have offered them books about Piagets Developmental Theory (which
basically say's that when they are developmentally ready to do something they will)and evidence of
my chilrens progress. (I use Childrens skills Test from virtual knowledge as well as the
portfolio)
Another unschooling theory is Brain Based Learning You can take a course on that at
www.free-ed.com also. So many educational Theories lend themselve more to unschooling more than
traditional schooling that it is no wonder learning slows as children progress in PS. But it is
mopre important to prove it to yourself by finding many sources of evidence then you can defend it
to others.
My mother is self taught She has a 8th grade education but runs her own business.
My father in law Graduated highschool only with no further education he wrote the .08 alcohol law
that Maine has. He is first to admit that his hischool diploma had nothing to do with his success.
I got MY First classical Music interest from Bugs Bunny and Road runner.
I learned about Language arts Multiplication and US History from School House Rock not from the
public school system where I was teased for being different and not complying with the so called
social system rules. (I loved to read and draw and cared about others feelings) I learned at home
but my drunk parents used the PS for cheap daycare.
Dorinda
__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Yahoo! Photos - Share your holiday photos online!
http://photos.yahoo.com/
[email protected]
Hi,
My name is Dawn and I just subscribed to this loop today. I have many
questions about unschooling. I just began to homeschool my ds who is 8 on
November 1st. He has Add and is highly gifted (IQ165) and school was
horrific. He was bored and basically tortured and teased daily by kids and
the so-called "adults" who didnt understand him or care to try.
I am very interested in unschooling but I am not sure how to implement it
correctly.
Let me give you a quik rundown of what we do now:
I went to Barnes & Noble & bought a bunch of workbooks (with his help) and we
pretty much use them intermittently as a gauge of where he is. He uses many
computer programs, (Carmen Sandiego Usa & World, Jupstart, Math Blaster) and
other learning devices such as Turbo Twist math. We also use lots of books,
some we already had, some given as gifts and library books. I have let him
choose the direction with those materials. However, if I dont direct him in
some way with guidelines, he would spend the day playing nintendo and game
boy with pokemon games. For example, today he told me he was going to read
(yeah!) but he chose reading the Pokemon Silver handbook. I gently told him
I would like to see him read a real book - he resisted - but then went and
got a book on ships.
I guess I am just looking for some feedback from other moms in the same boat,
clarification of the day to day of unschooling, and any other advice and web
sites you think could help me and my son!
Thank you - Dawn
My name is Dawn and I just subscribed to this loop today. I have many
questions about unschooling. I just began to homeschool my ds who is 8 on
November 1st. He has Add and is highly gifted (IQ165) and school was
horrific. He was bored and basically tortured and teased daily by kids and
the so-called "adults" who didnt understand him or care to try.
I am very interested in unschooling but I am not sure how to implement it
correctly.
Let me give you a quik rundown of what we do now:
I went to Barnes & Noble & bought a bunch of workbooks (with his help) and we
pretty much use them intermittently as a gauge of where he is. He uses many
computer programs, (Carmen Sandiego Usa & World, Jupstart, Math Blaster) and
other learning devices such as Turbo Twist math. We also use lots of books,
some we already had, some given as gifts and library books. I have let him
choose the direction with those materials. However, if I dont direct him in
some way with guidelines, he would spend the day playing nintendo and game
boy with pokemon games. For example, today he told me he was going to read
(yeah!) but he chose reading the Pokemon Silver handbook. I gently told him
I would like to see him read a real book - he resisted - but then went and
got a book on ships.
I guess I am just looking for some feedback from other moms in the same boat,
clarification of the day to day of unschooling, and any other advice and web
sites you think could help me and my son!
Thank you - Dawn
Susan (mother to 5 in Fla)
Dawn,
I'm still in the process of getting my
daughter into the swing of unschooling. Her idea of how to spend the day
is watching the tv. (At the moment I'm very sick so that's where she &
her brothers are, the youngest fell asleep.) What I've tried is she has to
do something I direct her toward in order to do what she wants. Her other
big thing is playing the computer. I've only allowed "educational games"
to be purchased so she's doing math, geography, science, etc. It's funny
she doesn't even see it as "learning" but having fun. You just sneak it in
on them.
[email protected]
In a message dated 1/8/01 11:27:20 AM Pacific Standard Time,
Zahmiller@... writes:
<< I am very interested in unschooling but I am not sure how to implement it
correctly. >>
Hi Dawn,
I am sure some people on this list would say that in order to unschool you
would have to allow him to play Nintendo all day if he chose to. And even I
see nothing wrong with an 8yo reading the Pokemon Silver Handbook. I'm
guessing it's not easy reading, although I would want there to be variety in
what my child read. Everyone has their own definition of unschooling
What have you read about unschooling? I can recommend the Unschooling
Handbook and books by John Holt, as well as And the Skylark Sings with Me.
The last one isn't complete unschooling but applies. I'm sure other people
here can recommend lots of others. My main advice is not to worry. Your son
is still interested in learning and you guys will find your way to the
process that works best for you. Continue to bring interesting books and
supplies into the house and to take him out into the community to see what
interests him. If he enjoys the workbooks, they are fine, too.
Good luck and enjoy!
candice
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hold fast to dreams
For if dreams die
Life is a broken-winged bird
That cannot fly.
-Langston Hughes
Zahmiller@... writes:
<< I am very interested in unschooling but I am not sure how to implement it
correctly. >>
Hi Dawn,
I am sure some people on this list would say that in order to unschool you
would have to allow him to play Nintendo all day if he chose to. And even I
see nothing wrong with an 8yo reading the Pokemon Silver Handbook. I'm
guessing it's not easy reading, although I would want there to be variety in
what my child read. Everyone has their own definition of unschooling
What have you read about unschooling? I can recommend the Unschooling
Handbook and books by John Holt, as well as And the Skylark Sings with Me.
The last one isn't complete unschooling but applies. I'm sure other people
here can recommend lots of others. My main advice is not to worry. Your son
is still interested in learning and you guys will find your way to the
process that works best for you. Continue to bring interesting books and
supplies into the house and to take him out into the community to see what
interests him. If he enjoys the workbooks, they are fine, too.
Good luck and enjoy!
candice
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hold fast to dreams
For if dreams die
Life is a broken-winged bird
That cannot fly.
-Langston Hughes
Kerry Kibort
"he chose reading the Pokemon Silver handbook"
Whatever you do, don't discourage a child from
reading, whatever the book is (in reason, of course).
Would you read something that didn't interest you? Not
me, atleast not more than a page or 2 and I wouldn't
retain any of it. While in PS, my son was told to
"choose other topics to read, besides sports" Well, he
has never read as much as he used to. They stomped on
his ambition. Let him read Pokemon, he'll move onto
other things, and Pokemon isnt exactly "see Jane run".
There are some really tough words in those books. I'm
not trying to chew you out or anything, I just know
what ps did to my sons reading for pleasure habit.
Destroyed it, and it's still not the way it used to
be.
:)Kerry
Whatever you do, don't discourage a child from
reading, whatever the book is (in reason, of course).
Would you read something that didn't interest you? Not
me, atleast not more than a page or 2 and I wouldn't
retain any of it. While in PS, my son was told to
"choose other topics to read, besides sports" Well, he
has never read as much as he used to. They stomped on
his ambition. Let him read Pokemon, he'll move onto
other things, and Pokemon isnt exactly "see Jane run".
There are some really tough words in those books. I'm
not trying to chew you out or anything, I just know
what ps did to my sons reading for pleasure habit.
Destroyed it, and it's still not the way it used to
be.
:)Kerry
[email protected]
In a message dated 01/08/2001 7:27:21 PM !!!First Boot!!!, Zahmiller@...
writes:
From reading the rest of your note, it sounds like you're doing fine to me.
You know your child best and know what works (or will figure it out, I'm
sure). Pokemon or not -- reading is great. We are use a wide variety of
more or less unschool-y things as we decide we need them.
Example -- my son woke up one day at age 4 1/2 and knew how to read. At
least that's the way it seems.
My daughter, otoh, is 6 yo and frustrated that she can't read yet. "Everyone
but me knows how to read Mom and I can't play this game because I can't read
the questions!" So, we talked about it a little, and I suggested the 100
Easy Lessons book would be something we could try but we would have to
actually sit down and do it together on a regular basis, etc. She thinks
that is great!! (So far anyway.)
So, we do what works or what is needed.
And it sounds like you have rescued your son from a bad situation at school
and will do fine on figuring out where to go from here.
Have fun!!
Nance (off to Tae Kwon Do)
writes:
I am very interested in unschooling but I am not sure how to implement it
correctly.
From reading the rest of your note, it sounds like you're doing fine to me.
You know your child best and know what works (or will figure it out, I'm
sure). Pokemon or not -- reading is great. We are use a wide variety of
more or less unschool-y things as we decide we need them.
Example -- my son woke up one day at age 4 1/2 and knew how to read. At
least that's the way it seems.
My daughter, otoh, is 6 yo and frustrated that she can't read yet. "Everyone
but me knows how to read Mom and I can't play this game because I can't read
the questions!" So, we talked about it a little, and I suggested the 100
Easy Lessons book would be something we could try but we would have to
actually sit down and do it together on a regular basis, etc. She thinks
that is great!! (So far anyway.)
So, we do what works or what is needed.
And it sounds like you have rescued your son from a bad situation at school
and will do fine on figuring out where to go from here.
Have fun!!
Nance (off to Tae Kwon Do)
[email protected]
Thank you for the advice... The Pokemon silver handbook isnt actually a book
though - just the little pamphlet that comes inside the game boy game! To me
that didnt qualify as a "book". I do not want to squash his desire to read (
i dont think I could, he does love it so much) so I did let him read that
Pokemon pamphlet in the car when we went do errands. The 1/2 hour seemed to
satisfy!
Thank you for the book reccomendations. I have read The Homeschooling Book
of Answers and Homeschooling for Excellence, the latter by the Colfaxs'. I
am definitely going to read John Holt this month. (New Years Resolution -
one book a month for me!)
Thank you again and keep the advice coming!!! Dawn
though - just the little pamphlet that comes inside the game boy game! To me
that didnt qualify as a "book". I do not want to squash his desire to read (
i dont think I could, he does love it so much) so I did let him read that
Pokemon pamphlet in the car when we went do errands. The 1/2 hour seemed to
satisfy!
Thank you for the book reccomendations. I have read The Homeschooling Book
of Answers and Homeschooling for Excellence, the latter by the Colfaxs'. I
am definitely going to read John Holt this month. (New Years Resolution -
one book a month for me!)
Thank you again and keep the advice coming!!! Dawn
[email protected]
In a message dated 1/8/01 12:33:06 PM Pacific Standard Time,
kkibort@... writes:
<< While in PS, my son was told to
"choose other topics to read, besides sports" Well, he
has never read as much as he used to. >>
I see the same thing happening to my 9yo cousin. His 6yo brother is an
advanced reader reads a variety of materials. Chris, the 9yo, really prefers
nonfiction. He usually chooses books about reptiles, amphibians, sharks, etc.
He finds fiction reading to be a chore. This has been seen as a problem. I
know a great many people, mostly men, who read non-fiction exclusively, but I
don't see why that would be considered to be a negative trait. Think of all
the information available, even if he never reads Shakespeare.
candice
kkibort@... writes:
<< While in PS, my son was told to
"choose other topics to read, besides sports" Well, he
has never read as much as he used to. >>
I see the same thing happening to my 9yo cousin. His 6yo brother is an
advanced reader reads a variety of materials. Chris, the 9yo, really prefers
nonfiction. He usually chooses books about reptiles, amphibians, sharks, etc.
He finds fiction reading to be a chore. This has been seen as a problem. I
know a great many people, mostly men, who read non-fiction exclusively, but I
don't see why that would be considered to be a negative trait. Think of all
the information available, even if he never reads Shakespeare.
candice
Carol Gilliam
Off topic kind of- I believe there is a more detaild Pokemon handbook. It
is at Walmart and is about 8:00. Perhaps with more detailed instructions
there would be more of a reading challenge. Carol
----------
is at Walmart and is about 8:00. Perhaps with more detailed instructions
there would be more of a reading challenge. Carol
----------
>From: czuniga145@...
>To: [email protected]
>Subject: Re: [Unschooling-dotcom] Fear of unschooling
>Date: Mon, Jan 8, 2001, 2:53 PM
>
>In a message dated 1/8/01 11:27:20 AM Pacific Standard Time,
>Zahmiller@... writes:
>
><< I am very interested in unschooling but I am not sure how to implement it
> correctly. >>
>
>Hi Dawn,
>
>I am sure some people on this list would say that in order to unschool you
>would have to allow him to play Nintendo all day if he chose to. And even I
>see nothing wrong with an 8yo reading the Pokemon Silver Handbook. I'm
>guessing it's not easy reading, although I would want there to be variety in
>what my child read. Everyone has their own definition of unschooling
>
>What have you read about unschooling? I can recommend the Unschooling
>Handbook and books by John Holt, as well as And the Skylark Sings with Me.
>The last one isn't complete unschooling but applies. I'm sure other people
>here can recommend lots of others. My main advice is not to worry. Your son
>is still interested in learning and you guys will find your way to the
>process that works best for you. Continue to bring interesting books and
>supplies into the house and to take him out into the community to see what
>interests him. If he enjoys the workbooks, they are fine, too.
>
>Good luck and enjoy!
>
>
>
>candice
>~~~~~~~~~~~~~
>Hold fast to dreams
>For if dreams die
>Life is a broken-winged bird
>That cannot fly.
>-Langston Hughes
>
>
>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
>
>
Tracy Oldfield
Hi Dawn. Other people will tell you this. They probably already
have. But I think it's worth telling again. When people leave the
system of institutional school, either ps, or private or even school-
at-home, most of them need to deschool. Some of them do this
gradually, letting go of a little structure here and there until they
simply don't use it anymore. Others, especially those more
damaged by a system which they just don't fit, need to deschool
'cold turkey.' (appropriate, for the time of year, huh? *grin*) And
I'm talking about parents, too, sometimes (I know in my case)
much more than the children.
Basically, this means that a fallow period is necessary, with no
expectations on anyone's side, some people suggest 6 months,
som a year, like a 'trial period' when anything goes. Some children
will refuse to do anything which even whiffs of school, your son is
reading, at least! And there are plenty of Pokemon fans out there
(adult ones, I mean) who can tell you the value of reading a
Pokemon book, in fact, one of the tenets of unschooling, I think, is
that there's no such thing as an 'unreal' book (ie one which is not
'real')
OK, I'm sorry if I'm sounding preachy, but you both sound normal!
He needs to do what ne needs to do, and only he knows that. You
are used to perceiving value in only certain kinds of learning,
knowledge, which comes from schooling. So take the time out,
both of you, and deschool.
HTH
Tracy
have. But I think it's worth telling again. When people leave the
system of institutional school, either ps, or private or even school-
at-home, most of them need to deschool. Some of them do this
gradually, letting go of a little structure here and there until they
simply don't use it anymore. Others, especially those more
damaged by a system which they just don't fit, need to deschool
'cold turkey.' (appropriate, for the time of year, huh? *grin*) And
I'm talking about parents, too, sometimes (I know in my case)
much more than the children.
Basically, this means that a fallow period is necessary, with no
expectations on anyone's side, some people suggest 6 months,
som a year, like a 'trial period' when anything goes. Some children
will refuse to do anything which even whiffs of school, your son is
reading, at least! And there are plenty of Pokemon fans out there
(adult ones, I mean) who can tell you the value of reading a
Pokemon book, in fact, one of the tenets of unschooling, I think, is
that there's no such thing as an 'unreal' book (ie one which is not
'real')
OK, I'm sorry if I'm sounding preachy, but you both sound normal!
He needs to do what ne needs to do, and only he knows that. You
are used to perceiving value in only certain kinds of learning,
knowledge, which comes from schooling. So take the time out,
both of you, and deschool.
HTH
Tracy
> Hi,
>
> My name is Dawn and I just subscribed to this loop today. I have many
> questions about unschooling. I just began to homeschool my ds who is
> 8 on November 1st. He has Add and is highly gifted (IQ165) and school
> was horrific. He was bored and basically tortured and teased daily by
> kids and the so-called "adults" who didnt understand him or care to
> try.
>
> I am very interested in unschooling but I am not sure how to implement
> it correctly.
>
> Let me give you a quik rundown of what we do now:
>
> I went to Barnes & Noble & bought a bunch of workbooks (with his help)
> and we pretty much use them intermittently as a gauge of where he is.
> He uses many computer programs, (Carmen Sandiego Usa & World,
> Jupstart, Math Blaster) and other learning devices such as Turbo Twist
> math. We also use lots of books, some we already had, some given as
> gifts and library books. I have let him choose the direction with
> those materials. However, if I dont direct him in some way with
> guidelines, he would spend the day playing nintendo and game boy with
> pokemon games. For example, today he told me he was going to read
> (yeah!) but he chose reading the Pokemon Silver handbook. I gently
> told him I would like to see him read a real book - he resisted - but
> then went and got a book on ships.
>
> I guess I am just looking for some feedback from other moms in the
> same boat, clarification of the day to day of unschooling, and any
> other advice and web sites you think could help me and my son!
>
> Thank you - Dawn
>
>
>
[email protected]
Welcome Dawn,
For me, that your son wants to read anything at all is brilliant child-led
learning. As adults we decide what and when we want to read and often this
very rarely includes real books. I am assuming here you define real as
something that is not rather than something that is; ie not a comic, not a
pamphlet, not a Gameboy instruction book, not the instructions to the new
vcr. Can you see where I'm going with this? It is very easy to feel one is
failing one's children by not including directions and guidelines in their
learning, but pleased be reassured, children will learn whatever!
I could go on at great length about the pluses of trusting your son to decide
his own interests and thus education, but there are better writers than I who
have already done this! Just keep calm and know that by providing your son
the means to learn (resources he needs, trips to the library, field trips
etc.) he will. Also remember, he will not learn those things he feels he does
not need. I for one have never felt compelled to ubderstand the workings of
my washing machine, but I do know how to look in the telephone directory,
find an engineer and make a call.
Keep with it, you have already done the hard bit!
Caroline
For me, that your son wants to read anything at all is brilliant child-led
learning. As adults we decide what and when we want to read and often this
very rarely includes real books. I am assuming here you define real as
something that is not rather than something that is; ie not a comic, not a
pamphlet, not a Gameboy instruction book, not the instructions to the new
vcr. Can you see where I'm going with this? It is very easy to feel one is
failing one's children by not including directions and guidelines in their
learning, but pleased be reassured, children will learn whatever!
I could go on at great length about the pluses of trusting your son to decide
his own interests and thus education, but there are better writers than I who
have already done this! Just keep calm and know that by providing your son
the means to learn (resources he needs, trips to the library, field trips
etc.) he will. Also remember, he will not learn those things he feels he does
not need. I for one have never felt compelled to ubderstand the workings of
my washing machine, but I do know how to look in the telephone directory,
find an engineer and make a call.
Keep with it, you have already done the hard bit!
Caroline
Julie
Hello Dawn
reread this post of yours. Then ask yourself,
why do you get to read what you want to read and he doesn't?
Peace
Julie
Not trying to be mean, just trying to help you look
at things from a differnt perspective.
----- Original Message -----From: Zahmiller@...Sent: Monday, January 08, 2001 8:56 PMSubject: Re: [Unschooling-dotcom] Fear of unschoolingThank you for the advice... The Pokemon silver handbook isnt actually a book
though - just the little pamphlet that comes inside the game boy game! To me
that didnt qualify as a "book". I do not want to squash his desire to read (
i dont think I could, he does love it so much) so I did let him read that
Pokemon pamphlet in the car when we went do errands. The 1/2 hour seemed to
satisfy!
Thank you for the book reccomendations. I have read The Homeschooling Book
of Answers and Homeschooling for Excellence, the latter by the Colfaxs'. I
am definitely going to read John Holt this month. (New Years Resolution -
one book a month for me!)
Thank you again and keep the advice coming!!! Dawn
Message boards, timely articles, a free newsletter and more!
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Bobbie
Ok, well, my son is only 5 but "old for his age", I'm
told, -relating to adults more than he does to other
five year olds(I think he thinks he is one,
actually)and VERY much "ADD" ish.(I say "ish, cuz he
hasn't been officially "diagnosed", though, cuz I
prefer to expose him to the medical community as very
very little as possible, but his dad has, and it runs
in his family, plus it's obvious to me, as his mom.).
So even to alot of homeschoolers, the way we do things
around here, (and plan on continuing to do things,
too, btw), is not very easily swallowed. He
concentrates better when there is at least two or more
things going on usually. For example, he does any
writing in his "schoolwork books"(his own name for his
little coloring/workbooks)much better and actually
gets it faster when I have PBS going in the background
(we love wishbone, zaboomafoo,between the lions,
reading rainbow, but sadly the kids aren't very into
sesame street), or am reading out loud or something,
so there is never a quiet sitting down learning moment
here, except at bedtimes, when we read. BUT the only
thing he just sits completely still for and gets
engrossed in is the computer, and nintendo. (and the
occasional really interesting show)I take advantage of
this
and have provided him with lots of games to choose
from, we visit Nickjr.com alot and they have alot of
cool games there to learn from, too. There are alot of
sites with educational "games" and activities on them
for older kids, (I think mamamedia.com is one, and
pbs.org has lots of things that he will surely find
interesting -like ZOOM) that he wants to do, but just
isn't ready for yet. If your son is into video games
what I would do is try to use that as a learning tool.
Get into it with him and try to find some video games
that involve something other than attacking another
player or something like that. (Tough to do, but still
possible) Then, play it WITH him. and while your
playing, try to find things in the game to talk to him
about. Ex: My son is currently obsessed with
SuperMarioWorld on his Super Nintendo, and would be
perfectly content playing it by himself allllllll day,
-of course I don't let him<g>- but he has soooo much
more fun if I go play it with him and he is very into
math right now and so while I'm playing a level or
walking in between "worlds" to go get more "free men"
or something, I'll start quizzing him with things like
"if we had 15 men, but then we died 4 times, how many
men would we have left, then?" then "how many more
coins do we need until we have 100?" he will get it
right away, but if I were to do the same problem with
blocks or on paper, he would be distracted and not be
able to sit still long enough to figure it out. Plus,
-and alot of people may not agree with me here- but I
think that him playing the video game is actually GOOD
for him, provided he isn't playing something I feel
would be destructive for him --he isn't allowed to
play violent games of any sort, or shooting games,
which only leaves ones that require him to use his
problem solving skills, logic, CONCENTRATION, and
persistance if he wants to play at all. And the
computer too, helps so much in the hand-eye
coordination department, and following instructions,
cuz unlike adults and the instructions we give, the
games on the computer really will not work at all
unless you pay attention to the directions and follow
them exactly.Hope that long winded (ala bobbie) reply
is somewhat helpful.
Bobbie
Oh yeah, and as for reading, my son as of late has
been very into the whole superhero scene, and has
always loved knights and swords and archery, etc. So
the last two books I bought him (goodwill) were a
Spiderman story book, with lots of full page bright
pictures and an X-men story/comic book, that at the
beginning and end has a picture of each hero and their
name under it, which he, on his own, has taken to
sounding out and trying to read. Maybe find a book, or
help him find one, at the library that is an actual
"real book" (maybe start with a fictional-yet
educational- illustrated chapter book of some sort),
but has some of the same appeal that pokemon has to
him. If he thinks real books are just as exciting as
his pokemon handbook, then he may take to it more
easily. Just a thought.
-Bobbie
--- Zahmiller@... wrote:
However,
Do You Yahoo!?
Yahoo! Auctions - Buy the things you want at great prices.
http://auctions.yahoo.com/
told, -relating to adults more than he does to other
five year olds(I think he thinks he is one,
actually)and VERY much "ADD" ish.(I say "ish, cuz he
hasn't been officially "diagnosed", though, cuz I
prefer to expose him to the medical community as very
very little as possible, but his dad has, and it runs
in his family, plus it's obvious to me, as his mom.).
So even to alot of homeschoolers, the way we do things
around here, (and plan on continuing to do things,
too, btw), is not very easily swallowed. He
concentrates better when there is at least two or more
things going on usually. For example, he does any
writing in his "schoolwork books"(his own name for his
little coloring/workbooks)much better and actually
gets it faster when I have PBS going in the background
(we love wishbone, zaboomafoo,between the lions,
reading rainbow, but sadly the kids aren't very into
sesame street), or am reading out loud or something,
so there is never a quiet sitting down learning moment
here, except at bedtimes, when we read. BUT the only
thing he just sits completely still for and gets
engrossed in is the computer, and nintendo. (and the
occasional really interesting show)I take advantage of
this
and have provided him with lots of games to choose
from, we visit Nickjr.com alot and they have alot of
cool games there to learn from, too. There are alot of
sites with educational "games" and activities on them
for older kids, (I think mamamedia.com is one, and
pbs.org has lots of things that he will surely find
interesting -like ZOOM) that he wants to do, but just
isn't ready for yet. If your son is into video games
what I would do is try to use that as a learning tool.
Get into it with him and try to find some video games
that involve something other than attacking another
player or something like that. (Tough to do, but still
possible) Then, play it WITH him. and while your
playing, try to find things in the game to talk to him
about. Ex: My son is currently obsessed with
SuperMarioWorld on his Super Nintendo, and would be
perfectly content playing it by himself allllllll day,
-of course I don't let him<g>- but he has soooo much
more fun if I go play it with him and he is very into
math right now and so while I'm playing a level or
walking in between "worlds" to go get more "free men"
or something, I'll start quizzing him with things like
"if we had 15 men, but then we died 4 times, how many
men would we have left, then?" then "how many more
coins do we need until we have 100?" he will get it
right away, but if I were to do the same problem with
blocks or on paper, he would be distracted and not be
able to sit still long enough to figure it out. Plus,
-and alot of people may not agree with me here- but I
think that him playing the video game is actually GOOD
for him, provided he isn't playing something I feel
would be destructive for him --he isn't allowed to
play violent games of any sort, or shooting games,
which only leaves ones that require him to use his
problem solving skills, logic, CONCENTRATION, and
persistance if he wants to play at all. And the
computer too, helps so much in the hand-eye
coordination department, and following instructions,
cuz unlike adults and the instructions we give, the
games on the computer really will not work at all
unless you pay attention to the directions and follow
them exactly.Hope that long winded (ala bobbie) reply
is somewhat helpful.
Bobbie
Oh yeah, and as for reading, my son as of late has
been very into the whole superhero scene, and has
always loved knights and swords and archery, etc. So
the last two books I bought him (goodwill) were a
Spiderman story book, with lots of full page bright
pictures and an X-men story/comic book, that at the
beginning and end has a picture of each hero and their
name under it, which he, on his own, has taken to
sounding out and trying to read. Maybe find a book, or
help him find one, at the library that is an actual
"real book" (maybe start with a fictional-yet
educational- illustrated chapter book of some sort),
but has some of the same appeal that pokemon has to
him. If he thinks real books are just as exciting as
his pokemon handbook, then he may take to it more
easily. Just a thought.
-Bobbie
--- Zahmiller@... wrote:
However,
> if I dont direct him in__________________________________________________
> some way with guidelines, he would spend the day
> playing nintendo and game
> boy with pokemon games. For example, today he told
> me he was going to read
> (yeah!) but he chose reading the Pokemon Silver
> handbook. I gently told him
> I would like to see him read a real book - he
> resisted - but then went and
> got a book on ships.
>
> I guess I am just looking for some feedback from
> other moms in the same boat,
> clarification of the day to day of unschooling, and
> any other advice and web
> sites you think could help me and my son!
>
> Thank you - Dawn
>
>
>
Do You Yahoo!?
Yahoo! Auctions - Buy the things you want at great prices.
http://auctions.yahoo.com/
Bobbie
Ok, well, my son is only 5 but "old for his age", I'm
told, -relating to adults more than he does to other
five year olds(I think he thinks he is one,
actually)and VERY much "ADD" ish.(I say "ish, cuz he
hasn't been officially "diagnosed", though, cuz I
prefer to expose him to the medical community as very
very little as possible, but his dad has, and it runs
in his family, plus it's obvious to me, as his mom.).
So even to alot of homeschoolers, the way we do things
around here, (and plan on continuing to do things,
too, btw), is not very easily swallowed. He
concentrates better when there is at least two or more
things going on usually. For example, he does any
writing in his "schoolwork books"(his own name for his
little coloring/workbooks)much better and actually
gets it faster when I have PBS going in the background
(we love wishbone, zaboomafoo,between the lions,
reading rainbow, but sadly the kids aren't very into
sesame street), or am reading out loud or something,
so there is never a quiet sitting down learning moment
here, except at bedtimes, when we read. BUT the only
thing he just sits completely still for and gets
engrossed in is the computer, and nintendo. (and the
occasional really interesting show)I take advantage of
this
and have provided him with lots of games to choose
from, we visit Nickjr.com alot and they have alot of
cool games there to learn from, too. There are alot of
sites with educational "games" and activities on them
for older kids, (I think mamamedia.com is one, and
pbs.org has lots of things that he will surely find
interesting -like ZOOM) that he wants to do, but just
isn't ready for yet. If your son is into video games
what I would do is try to use that as a learning tool.
Get into it with him and try to find some video games
that involve something other than attacking another
player or something like that. (Tough to do, but still
possible) Then, play it WITH him. and while your
playing, try to find things in the game to talk to him
about. Ex: My son is currently obsessed with
SuperMarioWorld on his Super Nintendo, and would be
perfectly content playing it by himself allllllll day,
-of course I don't let him<g>- but he has soooo much
more fun if I go play it with him and he is very into
math right now and so while I'm playing a level or
walking in between "worlds" to go get more "free men"
or something, I'll start quizzing him with things like
"if we had 15 men, but then we died 4 times, how many
men would we have left, then?" then "how many more
coins do we need until we have 100?" he will get it
right away, but if I were to do the same problem with
blocks or on paper, he would be distracted and not be
able to sit still long enough to figure it out. Plus,
-and alot of people may not agree with me here- but I
think that him playing the video game is actually GOOD
for him, provided he isn't playing something I feel
would be destructive for him --he isn't allowed to
play violent games of any sort, or shooting games,
which only leaves ones that require him to use his
problem solving skills, logic, CONCENTRATION, and
persistance if he wants to play at all. And the
computer too, helps so much in the hand-eye
coordination department, and following instructions,
cuz unlike adults and the instructions we give, the
games on the computer really will not work at all
unless you pay attention to the directions and follow
them exactly.Hope that long winded (ala bobbie) reply
is somewhat helpful.
Bobbie
Oh yeah, and as for reading, my son as of late has
been very into the whole superhero scene, and has
always loved knights and swords and archery, etc. So
the last two books I bought him (goodwill) were a
Spiderman story book, with lots of full page bright
pictures and an X-men story/comic book, that at the
beginning and end has a picture of each hero and their
name under it, which he, on his own, has taken to
sounding out and trying to read. Maybe find a book, or
help him find one, at the library that is an actual
"real book" (maybe start with a fictional-yet
educational- illustrated chapter book of some sort),
but has some of the same appeal that pokemon has to
him. If he thinks real books are just as exciting as
his pokemon handbook, then he may take to it more
easily. Just a thought.
-Bobbie
--- Zahmiller@... wrote:
However,
Do You Yahoo!?
Yahoo! Auctions - Buy the things you want at great prices.
http://auctions.yahoo.com/
told, -relating to adults more than he does to other
five year olds(I think he thinks he is one,
actually)and VERY much "ADD" ish.(I say "ish, cuz he
hasn't been officially "diagnosed", though, cuz I
prefer to expose him to the medical community as very
very little as possible, but his dad has, and it runs
in his family, plus it's obvious to me, as his mom.).
So even to alot of homeschoolers, the way we do things
around here, (and plan on continuing to do things,
too, btw), is not very easily swallowed. He
concentrates better when there is at least two or more
things going on usually. For example, he does any
writing in his "schoolwork books"(his own name for his
little coloring/workbooks)much better and actually
gets it faster when I have PBS going in the background
(we love wishbone, zaboomafoo,between the lions,
reading rainbow, but sadly the kids aren't very into
sesame street), or am reading out loud or something,
so there is never a quiet sitting down learning moment
here, except at bedtimes, when we read. BUT the only
thing he just sits completely still for and gets
engrossed in is the computer, and nintendo. (and the
occasional really interesting show)I take advantage of
this
and have provided him with lots of games to choose
from, we visit Nickjr.com alot and they have alot of
cool games there to learn from, too. There are alot of
sites with educational "games" and activities on them
for older kids, (I think mamamedia.com is one, and
pbs.org has lots of things that he will surely find
interesting -like ZOOM) that he wants to do, but just
isn't ready for yet. If your son is into video games
what I would do is try to use that as a learning tool.
Get into it with him and try to find some video games
that involve something other than attacking another
player or something like that. (Tough to do, but still
possible) Then, play it WITH him. and while your
playing, try to find things in the game to talk to him
about. Ex: My son is currently obsessed with
SuperMarioWorld on his Super Nintendo, and would be
perfectly content playing it by himself allllllll day,
-of course I don't let him<g>- but he has soooo much
more fun if I go play it with him and he is very into
math right now and so while I'm playing a level or
walking in between "worlds" to go get more "free men"
or something, I'll start quizzing him with things like
"if we had 15 men, but then we died 4 times, how many
men would we have left, then?" then "how many more
coins do we need until we have 100?" he will get it
right away, but if I were to do the same problem with
blocks or on paper, he would be distracted and not be
able to sit still long enough to figure it out. Plus,
-and alot of people may not agree with me here- but I
think that him playing the video game is actually GOOD
for him, provided he isn't playing something I feel
would be destructive for him --he isn't allowed to
play violent games of any sort, or shooting games,
which only leaves ones that require him to use his
problem solving skills, logic, CONCENTRATION, and
persistance if he wants to play at all. And the
computer too, helps so much in the hand-eye
coordination department, and following instructions,
cuz unlike adults and the instructions we give, the
games on the computer really will not work at all
unless you pay attention to the directions and follow
them exactly.Hope that long winded (ala bobbie) reply
is somewhat helpful.
Bobbie
Oh yeah, and as for reading, my son as of late has
been very into the whole superhero scene, and has
always loved knights and swords and archery, etc. So
the last two books I bought him (goodwill) were a
Spiderman story book, with lots of full page bright
pictures and an X-men story/comic book, that at the
beginning and end has a picture of each hero and their
name under it, which he, on his own, has taken to
sounding out and trying to read. Maybe find a book, or
help him find one, at the library that is an actual
"real book" (maybe start with a fictional-yet
educational- illustrated chapter book of some sort),
but has some of the same appeal that pokemon has to
him. If he thinks real books are just as exciting as
his pokemon handbook, then he may take to it more
easily. Just a thought.
-Bobbie
--- Zahmiller@... wrote:
However,
> if I dont direct him in__________________________________________________
> some way with guidelines, he would spend the day
> playing nintendo and game
> boy with pokemon games. For example, today he told
> me he was going to read
> (yeah!) but he chose reading the Pokemon Silver
> handbook. I gently told him
> I would like to see him read a real book - he
> resisted - but then went and
> got a book on ships.
>
> I guess I am just looking for some feedback from
> other moms in the same boat,
> clarification of the day to day of unschooling, and
> any other advice and web
> sites you think could help me and my son!
>
> Thank you - Dawn
>
>
>
Do You Yahoo!?
Yahoo! Auctions - Buy the things you want at great prices.
http://auctions.yahoo.com/
[email protected]
I guess i am not getting all the posts because this seems like an answer to
one I didnt get! I have only just begun to hs (since nov) and unschool
since jan! After my 8 yo son eats breakfast he goes to pick out what he
wants to do (he would play nintendo/game boy all day also but that has always
been limited in our house so...) He will either watch national geographic
channel (pbs bores him now), read a book, lots of encyclopedia types or
classical fiction, or whatever else, sometimes he will choose to do
workbooks, crossword puzzles, Turbo Twist Math, and we always work our way
over to the computer. There he will do any number of things, from Math
Blaster, Carmen Sandiego USA and World, Oregon Trail, Stratego, ClueFinders
or JumpStart.
We have posters around our dining room of the Periodic table and the human
skeleton and facts about the solar system which somehow he learning everthing
about even though I never see him doing it. By late afternoon he will watch
a few of what I call strictly entertainment type cartoons etc and then we
kind of switch into more leisure type activities. ie game boy, nintendo,
yahtzee etc. Or more computer games - after dinner - the same.
This has been working well for us. He is learning an amazing amount of
material in huge gulps that he never would be doing at public school.
I hope this helps, whomever was asking -
Dawn
one I didnt get! I have only just begun to hs (since nov) and unschool
since jan! After my 8 yo son eats breakfast he goes to pick out what he
wants to do (he would play nintendo/game boy all day also but that has always
been limited in our house so...) He will either watch national geographic
channel (pbs bores him now), read a book, lots of encyclopedia types or
classical fiction, or whatever else, sometimes he will choose to do
workbooks, crossword puzzles, Turbo Twist Math, and we always work our way
over to the computer. There he will do any number of things, from Math
Blaster, Carmen Sandiego USA and World, Oregon Trail, Stratego, ClueFinders
or JumpStart.
We have posters around our dining room of the Periodic table and the human
skeleton and facts about the solar system which somehow he learning everthing
about even though I never see him doing it. By late afternoon he will watch
a few of what I call strictly entertainment type cartoons etc and then we
kind of switch into more leisure type activities. ie game boy, nintendo,
yahtzee etc. Or more computer games - after dinner - the same.
This has been working well for us. He is learning an amazing amount of
material in huge gulps that he never would be doing at public school.
I hope this helps, whomever was asking -
Dawn