HELLO...mind if I come in?
[email protected]
Hello
I am in Rhode Island and have 2 terrific daughters (8 and 5) and we
have been officially unschooling since Jan. Because I have some mild
opposition and also some family members that ask "what did you DO in
school today?" and because I haven't been doing this for long...I
suppose I am not as secure as I'd like to be.
My oldest lacks that persistent intrest driven motivation that I keep
hearing about...she is kinda wishy-washy about her likes and has
trouble making up her mind.
I try to guide her now and then with suggestions and support but she
is a tuff one --- We have tried classes that interest her, but she
usually ends up not wanting to go any more.
Sorry so long...anyone out there have a success story to a great kid
like this ? Any suggestions ?
Thanks !
I am in Rhode Island and have 2 terrific daughters (8 and 5) and we
have been officially unschooling since Jan. Because I have some mild
opposition and also some family members that ask "what did you DO in
school today?" and because I haven't been doing this for long...I
suppose I am not as secure as I'd like to be.
My oldest lacks that persistent intrest driven motivation that I keep
hearing about...she is kinda wishy-washy about her likes and has
trouble making up her mind.
I try to guide her now and then with suggestions and support but she
is a tuff one --- We have tried classes that interest her, but she
usually ends up not wanting to go any more.
Sorry so long...anyone out there have a success story to a great kid
like this ? Any suggestions ?
Thanks !
[email protected]
In a message dated 03/20/2001 11:22:35 PM !!!First Boot!!!,
2learning@... writes:
Nope.
Sounds like you're muddling along just like we are. Good for you.
We have a 6 yo girl and a 7 yo boy. Isn't it great to have the luxury of
being soooooo young. Even if you haven't figured a darn thing out, it's OK.
Just a bit ago, my son was moaning something about "You just don't know how
many Pokewhatevers (?) I have to battle to get to blah-blah-blah level."
(Can you tell I have no clue???)
He seemed very relieved when I joked to him: "It's OK. You're still young."
And this morning he wanted to know what the word "obsession" meant. His
little sister explained it to him and used Pokemon as her example. He sure
got it with that explanation!
Well, done rambling. Probably some nice people will come on here and offer
some wonderful book titles and official advice. You really should read them
all too. Or not. Spring is here!
Welcome and have fun!
Nance
2learning@... writes:
Any suggestions ?
Thanks !
Nope.
Sounds like you're muddling along just like we are. Good for you.
We have a 6 yo girl and a 7 yo boy. Isn't it great to have the luxury of
being soooooo young. Even if you haven't figured a darn thing out, it's OK.
Just a bit ago, my son was moaning something about "You just don't know how
many Pokewhatevers (?) I have to battle to get to blah-blah-blah level."
(Can you tell I have no clue???)
He seemed very relieved when I joked to him: "It's OK. You're still young."
And this morning he wanted to know what the word "obsession" meant. His
little sister explained it to him and used Pokemon as her example. He sure
got it with that explanation!
Well, done rambling. Probably some nice people will come on here and offer
some wonderful book titles and official advice. You really should read them
all too. Or not. Spring is here!
Welcome and have fun!
Nance
Tracy Oldfield
Hello
I am in Rhode Island and have 2 terrific daughters (8
and 5) and we
have been officially unschooling since Jan. Because I
have some mild
opposition and also some family members that ask "what
did you DO in
school today?" and because I haven't been doing this
for long...I
suppose I am not as secure as I'd like to be.
My oldest lacks that persistent intrest driven
motivation that I keep
hearing about...she is kinda wishy-washy about her
likes and has
trouble making up her mind.
I try to guide her now and then with suggestions and
support but she
is a tuff one --- We have tried classes that interest
her, but she
usually ends up not wanting to go any more.
Sorry so long...anyone out there have a success story
to a great kid
like this ? Any suggestions ?
Thanks !
Don't know about success stories, (apart from dd1 (5yo)
deciding she wants to learn to read and making a pretty
good job of it, for a first week, anyhow!) but the
first thing I'd say is 'deschool!!!' Everyone needs
time to come to terms with a change in lifestyle, and
the change from institutionalsied schooling to
unschooling (that is, autonomous learning, rather than
'school-at-home' or unit studies, both parent-led forms
of home-ed) is a biggie. Getting rid of the ideas that
one cannot choose what to do and when, that one must
follow the herd or open oneself to ridicule or worse
(does anyone else like the song, 'Teenage Dirtbag' or
is it just me?? LOL Love the video!!) that one must
learn what someone else tells us is valuable and the
things we are interested in are valuable in themselves,
not because some teacher says so... can you see that
this is going to take a lot of adjustment?
Giving your children the time and space to make these
adjustments will be a great gift for them. Be there
with them, support them in what they do and don't want
to do. Oh, and give yourself the time too! Unless you
were unschooled, you were in that system a lot longer
than they have been!
HTH a bit...
Tracy
PS There are loads of books around, but since I
haven't read many, I'll let other folk tell you about
them :-)
I am in Rhode Island and have 2 terrific daughters (8
and 5) and we
have been officially unschooling since Jan. Because I
have some mild
opposition and also some family members that ask "what
did you DO in
school today?" and because I haven't been doing this
for long...I
suppose I am not as secure as I'd like to be.
My oldest lacks that persistent intrest driven
motivation that I keep
hearing about...she is kinda wishy-washy about her
likes and has
trouble making up her mind.
I try to guide her now and then with suggestions and
support but she
is a tuff one --- We have tried classes that interest
her, but she
usually ends up not wanting to go any more.
Sorry so long...anyone out there have a success story
to a great kid
like this ? Any suggestions ?
Thanks !
Don't know about success stories, (apart from dd1 (5yo)
deciding she wants to learn to read and making a pretty
good job of it, for a first week, anyhow!) but the
first thing I'd say is 'deschool!!!' Everyone needs
time to come to terms with a change in lifestyle, and
the change from institutionalsied schooling to
unschooling (that is, autonomous learning, rather than
'school-at-home' or unit studies, both parent-led forms
of home-ed) is a biggie. Getting rid of the ideas that
one cannot choose what to do and when, that one must
follow the herd or open oneself to ridicule or worse
(does anyone else like the song, 'Teenage Dirtbag' or
is it just me?? LOL Love the video!!) that one must
learn what someone else tells us is valuable and the
things we are interested in are valuable in themselves,
not because some teacher says so... can you see that
this is going to take a lot of adjustment?
Giving your children the time and space to make these
adjustments will be a great gift for them. Be there
with them, support them in what they do and don't want
to do. Oh, and give yourself the time too! Unless you
were unschooled, you were in that system a lot longer
than they have been!
HTH a bit...
Tracy
PS There are loads of books around, but since I
haven't read many, I'll let other folk tell you about
them :-)
Valerie Stewart
(does anyone else like the song, 'Teenage Dirtbag' or
is it just me?? LOL Love the video!!)
Tracy
**We love that one, too. Cracks me up every time.
Valerie in Tacoma
is it just me?? LOL Love the video!!)
Tracy
**We love that one, too. Cracks me up every time.
Valerie in Tacoma
Vaughnde Edwards
Best bet...because she was in school so long is to
provide SOME sort of homeschooling like a workbook or a unit study. My daughter
is in 4th, 10 years old and out of ps for 6 weeks. She chose to pick up a 5th
grade math book, a science book and also using lots of books from the library. I
get thematic unit studies each week from www.schoolexpress.com and it is a
blessing. This weeks study is on horses. Last weeks was St. Patricks Day and
they use Acrobat reader for the pdf files that they send to you via email.
Biggest emphasis you can make is lots of reading, lots of outdoor play, plant
some spring plants or herbs now to plant outside later. Do lots of crafts
together.
Jessica
-----Original Message-----Hello
From: 2learning@... <2learning@...>
To: [email protected] <[email protected]>
Date: Tuesday, March 20, 2001 3:20 PM
Subject: [Unschooling-dotcom] HELLO...mind if I come in?
I am in Rhode Island and have 2 terrific daughters (8 and 5) and we
have been officially unschooling since Jan. Because I have some mild
opposition and also some family members that ask "what did you DO in
school today?" and because I haven't been doing this for long...I
suppose I am not as secure as I'd like to be.
My oldest lacks that persistent intrest driven motivation that I keep
hearing about...she is kinda wishy-washy about her likes and has
trouble making up her mind.
I try to guide her now and then with suggestions and support but she
is a tuff one --- We have tried classes that interest her, but she
usually ends up not wanting to go any more.
Sorry so long...anyone out there have a success story to a great kid
like this ? Any suggestions ?
Thanks !
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In a message dated 3/20/01 6:15:50 PM, marbleface@... writes:
<< Just a bit ago, my son was moaning something about "You just don't know
how
many Pokewhatevers (?) I have to battle to get to blah-blah-blah level." >>
It's uplifting when kids get old enough to find out there will ALWAYS be
things that they know and understand that their moms don't, and that they can
learn things from all over the place, not just from their parents. Pokemon
is a pretty great quick step to that. It's a very complex "world" they can
learn from other kids, from websites, and books (there's a $10 Pokemon guide
that's well worth the money even if kids can't read yet).
Once they get that they can learn about Pokemon, other things will seem (and
likely BE) less daunting and complex.
Sandra
http://expage.com/radicalunschooling
<< Just a bit ago, my son was moaning something about "You just don't know
how
many Pokewhatevers (?) I have to battle to get to blah-blah-blah level." >>
It's uplifting when kids get old enough to find out there will ALWAYS be
things that they know and understand that their moms don't, and that they can
learn things from all over the place, not just from their parents. Pokemon
is a pretty great quick step to that. It's a very complex "world" they can
learn from other kids, from websites, and books (there's a $10 Pokemon guide
that's well worth the money even if kids can't read yet).
Once they get that they can learn about Pokemon, other things will seem (and
likely BE) less daunting and complex.
Sandra
http://expage.com/radicalunschooling
[email protected]
In a message dated 3/20/01 6:32:50 PM, tracy.oldfield@... writes:
<< Because I have some mild opposition and also some family members that ask
"what did you DO in school today?" >>
I say "They don't _go_ to school."
My husband's older brother likes me a lot, but he doesn't really get
unschooling. He used to say to the kids "Do you like your teacher?" and they
would look at him, waiting for an explanation, and say "We don't HAVE a
teacher."
"Sure you do!"
Stuff like that. Just trying to make conversation, but it was awkward, and
irritating for the kids. If I was there I would (again) say "It's not like
that, it's like a string of good Saturdays. It's not like teaching."
I think their uncle's finally getting there, and Kirby's 14. <g> But he has
boys about that age, two of them, and they're BIG into competitive,
homework-laden school in South Carolina, so this living in the dirt in
Albuquerque and NOT having homework seems (probably) like so much sloth and
sin to him, at the core.
But because he likes me he tries to understand.
Sandra
http://expage.com/radicalunschooling
<< Because I have some mild opposition and also some family members that ask
"what did you DO in school today?" >>
I say "They don't _go_ to school."
My husband's older brother likes me a lot, but he doesn't really get
unschooling. He used to say to the kids "Do you like your teacher?" and they
would look at him, waiting for an explanation, and say "We don't HAVE a
teacher."
"Sure you do!"
Stuff like that. Just trying to make conversation, but it was awkward, and
irritating for the kids. If I was there I would (again) say "It's not like
that, it's like a string of good Saturdays. It's not like teaching."
I think their uncle's finally getting there, and Kirby's 14. <g> But he has
boys about that age, two of them, and they're BIG into competitive,
homework-laden school in South Carolina, so this living in the dirt in
Albuquerque and NOT having homework seems (probably) like so much sloth and
sin to him, at the core.
But because he likes me he tries to understand.
Sandra
http://expage.com/radicalunschooling
[email protected]
In a message dated 03/21/2001 2:46:09 PM !!!First Boot!!!, SandraDodd@...
writes:
It is neat when the kids teach me things -- something they notice and point
out. And around here the Pokemon guide is "reading" -- at least that's what
it says in my log book. :)
Nance
writes:
It's a very complex "world" they can
learn from other kids, from websites, and books (there's a $10 Pokemon
guide
that's well worth the money even if kids can't read yet).
It is neat when the kids teach me things -- something they notice and point
out. And around here the Pokemon guide is "reading" -- at least that's what
it says in my log book. :)
Nance
Elizabeth Hill
> I think my kids are really neat littleDitto, what she said. I think unschooling (and possibly relaxed
>people. They are interesting, very social and get along with everyone.
>Adults like them, kids like them, we like them.
homeschooling) is a good method for raising really nice children. I just
spent a sunny afternoon at the park with our homeschooling group, and I'm
really feeling happy and confident about how fabulous the kids are. (Yes,
sometimes there is minor squabbling, but I'm not looking for perfection.)
I was even looking at these kids and thinking that these open-ended days at
the park are so satisfying that some of the kids will grow up and be noted
humanitarians. My logic seems to be that they are getting really filled up
with satisfying experiences and some day this will overflow onto others
around them.
Flip side -- I don't think being sent to a (hypothetical) school that has a
lot of playground bullying is any kind of way to get kids to love their
fellow man.
Betsy, who sat in the sun long enough to be a little dizzy
[email protected]
In a message dated 03/21/2001 3:29:09 PM !!!First Boot!!!, SandraDodd@...
writes:
One does get that feeling from some people.
I don't know -- I guess having the tent up in the living room today isn't all
that ambitious looking but . . .
who cares! :)
Nance
writes:
so much sloth and
sin to him, at the core.
One does get that feeling from some people.
I don't know -- I guess having the tent up in the living room today isn't all
that ambitious looking but . . .
who cares! :)
Nance
[email protected]
In a message dated 3/21/01 7:28:54 AM Pacific Standard Time,
SandraDodd@... writes:
<< If I was there I would (again) say "It's not like
that, it's like a string of good Saturdays. >>
I think of it as summer vacation, permanently : ) But I don't usually voice
that thought only because well gosh we can't be on vacation all our lives
can we??!!!
Kathy
SandraDodd@... writes:
<< If I was there I would (again) say "It's not like
that, it's like a string of good Saturdays. >>
I think of it as summer vacation, permanently : ) But I don't usually voice
that thought only because well gosh we can't be on vacation all our lives
can we??!!!
Kathy
[email protected]
In a message dated 3/21/01 9:16:09 AM Pacific Standard Time,
marbleface@... writes:
<<
I don't know -- I guess having the tent up in the living room today isn't
all
that ambitious looking but . . .
"campsite". My dd just came to me and said yesterday when she was
with her dad they were at our neighbors house who had a friend visiting.
He asked Jessie what grade she was in and she replied we don't go to
school. He said oh you homeschool? She replied yes we "un-homeschool"-
we learn from the world around us! Much better answer than the last time
where she told someone we don't go to school, we don't homeschool, we
don't do ANYTHING LOL. I had to inform her that we were called
homeschoolers even though I don't "make them do anything" <g>
Kathy ps. she is 7
marbleface@... writes:
<<
I don't know -- I guess having the tent up in the living room today isn't
all
that ambitious looking but . . .
>>the kids homemade one (using metal "horses") is outside, along with their
"campsite". My dd just came to me and said yesterday when she was
with her dad they were at our neighbors house who had a friend visiting.
He asked Jessie what grade she was in and she replied we don't go to
school. He said oh you homeschool? She replied yes we "un-homeschool"-
we learn from the world around us! Much better answer than the last time
where she told someone we don't go to school, we don't homeschool, we
don't do ANYTHING LOL. I had to inform her that we were called
homeschoolers even though I don't "make them do anything" <g>
Kathy ps. she is 7
Vaughnde Edwards
tent? LOL...the kids would enjoy it if nothing else.
My daughter has a habit of making her own in the livingroom with blankets so she
can pretend she is in her own little world or treehouse. I remember doing the
same thing when I was a kid. We also got large refridgerator cardboard boxes and
made that into a playhouse when I was a kid. Naomi wants to do that...but we
might have to wait until we know for sure where we move to.
Jessica
-----Original Message-----In a message dated 03/21/2001 3:29:09 PM !!!First Boot!!!, SandraDodd@...
From: marbleface@... <marbleface@...>
To: [email protected] <[email protected]>
Date: Wednesday, March 21, 2001 9:14 AM
Subject: Re: [Unschooling-dotcom] HELLO...mind if I come in?
writes:
so much sloth and
sin to him, at the core.
One does get that feeling from some people.
I don't know -- I guess having the tent up in the living room today isn't all
that ambitious looking but . . .
who cares! :)
Nance
Message boards, timely articles, a free newsletter and more!
Check it all out at: http://www.unschooling.com
Addresses:
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Unsubscribe: [email protected]
List owner: [email protected]
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Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.
[email protected]
In a message dated 3/20/01 3:22:39 PM Pacific Standard Time,
2learning@... writes:
<< My oldest lacks that persistent intrest driven motivation that I keep
hearing about...she is kinda wishy-washy about her likes and has
trouble making up her mind.
I try to guide her now and then with suggestions and support but she
is a tuff one --- We have tried classes that interest her, but she
usually ends up not wanting to go any more.
Sorry so long...anyone out there have a success story to a great kid
like this ? Any suggestions ? >>
My dd enjoys going to classes and when she gets what she wants out of
it she then quits. I am the same way. I think this is a great time to try
out things, go different places, take a class here or there if they are
interested. I wouldn't enroll my kids in anything to expensive that I felt
I had to get my money out of. In fact my dd joined a hs show choir
which costs a bit up front for shirt and first month class. After the first
month I askedher if she still enjoyed it that if she didn't I woulnd't pay for
next month (or buy the cool jazz shoes and pants). She said she
still wanted to continue, so we are. I value free play time and encourage
it much in my kids. Yesterday they didn't want to go to park day but
stay home and play in their tent. I think my kids are really neat little
people. They are interesting, very social and get along with everyone.
Adults like them, kids like them, we like them. Kick back, relax, and
when you get paranoid go on a field trip (and read essays and message
boards at unschooling.com!!!!)
Kathy
2learning@... writes:
<< My oldest lacks that persistent intrest driven motivation that I keep
hearing about...she is kinda wishy-washy about her likes and has
trouble making up her mind.
I try to guide her now and then with suggestions and support but she
is a tuff one --- We have tried classes that interest her, but she
usually ends up not wanting to go any more.
Sorry so long...anyone out there have a success story to a great kid
like this ? Any suggestions ? >>
My dd enjoys going to classes and when she gets what she wants out of
it she then quits. I am the same way. I think this is a great time to try
out things, go different places, take a class here or there if they are
interested. I wouldn't enroll my kids in anything to expensive that I felt
I had to get my money out of. In fact my dd joined a hs show choir
which costs a bit up front for shirt and first month class. After the first
month I askedher if she still enjoyed it that if she didn't I woulnd't pay for
next month (or buy the cool jazz shoes and pants). She said she
still wanted to continue, so we are. I value free play time and encourage
it much in my kids. Yesterday they didn't want to go to park day but
stay home and play in their tent. I think my kids are really neat little
people. They are interesting, very social and get along with everyone.
Adults like them, kids like them, we like them. Kick back, relax, and
when you get paranoid go on a field trip (and read essays and message
boards at unschooling.com!!!!)
Kathy
A. Yates
Yep! That's the joy of it!! Life is one big summer vacation!! YEAH!!!
A
A
A. Yates
Hee... Hee...
We get these questions everytime we are anywhere. My 8 yr old usually takes
care of all the answers. Interestingly, he gets a much more positive reaction
than I ever did. :)
I like that. My 6 yr old is now taking up some of the answering as well.
Ann
We get these questions everytime we are anywhere. My 8 yr old usually takes
care of all the answers. Interestingly, he gets a much more positive reaction
than I ever did. :)
I like that. My 6 yr old is now taking up some of the answering as well.
Ann
[email protected]
In a message dated 03/21/2001 6:01:48 PM !!!First Boot!!!, Natrlmama@...
writes:
This part of the conversation seemed cool to me too.
So many people around here are actually not at all shocked when we tell them
we are hsers.
And I thought we would be soooooo unusual. Not! :)
Nance
writes:
He asked Jessie what grade she was in and she replied we don't go to
school. He said oh you homeschool?
This part of the conversation seemed cool to me too.
So many people around here are actually not at all shocked when we tell them
we are hsers.
And I thought we would be soooooo unusual. Not! :)
Nance
Nancy from MI
Most of the time, when we're out, we get a positive response. With all
the school shootings lately and all the arrests of kids who have been
caught planning them, most people no longer think that you are crazy
to take your kids out of school. We get a lot of approving smiles. Of
course, we still get that dead stare when people don't quite know WHAT
to say --- this always makes me laugh inside.
~Nancy
the school shootings lately and all the arrests of kids who have been
caught planning them, most people no longer think that you are crazy
to take your kids out of school. We get a lot of approving smiles. Of
course, we still get that dead stare when people don't quite know WHAT
to say --- this always makes me laugh inside.
~Nancy
--- In Unschooling-dotcom@y..., marbleface@a... wrote:
> In a message dated 03/21/2001 6:01:48 PM !!!First Boot!!!,
Natrlmama@a...
> writes:
>
>
> > He asked Jessie what grade she was in and she replied we don't go
to
> > school. He said oh you homeschool?
>
>
> This part of the conversation seemed cool to me too.
>
> So many people around here are actually not at all shocked when we
tell them
> we are hsers.
>
> And I thought we would be soooooo unusual. Not! :)
>
> Nance
[email protected]
In a message dated 3/21/01 11:28:25 AM US Mountain Standard Time,
Natrlmama@... writes:
persistent motivation every day, or even every month! Interests, energy
levels and motivation come and go for everyone. We're just not used to
respecting that.
:-) Diane
Natrlmama@... writes:
> My oldest lacks that persistent intrest driven motivation that I keepRemember, too, that the kids you read or hear about don't have that
> hearing about...she is kinda wishy-washy about her likes and has
> trouble making up her mind.
persistent motivation every day, or even every month! Interests, energy
levels and motivation come and go for everyone. We're just not used to
respecting that.
:-) Diane
[email protected]
In a message dated 3/21/2001 12:01:57 PM Central Standard Time,
Natrlmama@... writes:
<< I don't know -- I guess having the tent up in the living room today isn't
all
that ambitious looking but . >>
I love this. Two years ago my youngest then 8 decided to make a room of his
own downstairs in a large corner by the woodburner. ( he shares a room
upstairs normally)
He put up blankets to section it off from the rest of the room and then
hauled his mattress downstairs. He hung his favorite drawings on his walls
and brought in a little shelf for his favorite things. And for a winter this
was his "room". He often played it snf always slept in it and sometimes a
sibling would sleep with him! It probably made my house look messy to company
but we do not get many visitors because we are so far from town and I am not
very picky anyway. After that winter Coyote was back upstairs and the tent
was gone. I had kind of forgotten about his tent room till this post was on
the list. Life really is a lot of fun isn't it!
Candy
Natrlmama@... writes:
<< I don't know -- I guess having the tent up in the living room today isn't
all
that ambitious looking but . >>
I love this. Two years ago my youngest then 8 decided to make a room of his
own downstairs in a large corner by the woodburner. ( he shares a room
upstairs normally)
He put up blankets to section it off from the rest of the room and then
hauled his mattress downstairs. He hung his favorite drawings on his walls
and brought in a little shelf for his favorite things. And for a winter this
was his "room". He often played it snf always slept in it and sometimes a
sibling would sleep with him! It probably made my house look messy to company
but we do not get many visitors because we are so far from town and I am not
very picky anyway. After that winter Coyote was back upstairs and the tent
was gone. I had kind of forgotten about his tent room till this post was on
the list. Life really is a lot of fun isn't it!
Candy
Johanna
I agree on the bullying issue. The child of mine
that does the bullying is the only one in public school. (his choice, not mine)
It definitely affects his attitude and communication skills. Might is not
necessarily right.
Johanna
----- Original Message -----From: Elizabeth HillSent: Wednesday, March 21, 2001 7:06 PMSubject: Re: [Unschooling-dotcom] HELLO...mind if I come in?> I think my kids are really neat little
>people. They are interesting, very social and get along with everyone.
>Adults like them, kids like them, we like them.
Ditto, what she said. I think unschooling (and possibly relaxed
homeschooling) is a good method for raising really nice children. I just
spent a sunny afternoon at the park with our homeschooling group, and I'm
really feeling happy and confident about how fabulous the kids are. (Yes,
sometimes there is minor squabbling, but I'm not looking for perfection.)
I was even looking at these kids and thinking that these open-ended days at
the park are so satisfying that some of the kids will grow up and be noted
humanitarians. My logic seems to be that they are getting really filled up
with satisfying experiences and some day this will overflow onto others
around them.
Flip side -- I don't think being sent to a (hypothetical) school that has a
lot of playground bullying is any kind of way to get kids to love their
fellow man.
Betsy, who sat in the sun long enough to be a little dizzy
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Elizabeth Hill
> I would get fired up about somethingHi!
>but it would be shortlived, and I would be interested
>in something else before I was done with the first
>interest. (Some might think it's due to being
>Gemini.)
Classes make me nauseous, too. They're just not my style.
I'm not a Gemini, but I am flighty. I found a book at the library about
this "style" called "The Edison Trait". The book is about people who are
"divergent thinkers", who spark and branch out from one idea to the next
w/o keeping "on track".
Betsy
Lynda
We have only once gotten a negative. Over
half the folks that respond are cheerleader types <g> It amazes me
that in this area more folks aren't homeschooling because so many are disgusted
with ps.
Lynda
----- Original Message -----From: marbleface@...Sent: Wednesday, March 21, 2001 10:48 AMSubject: Re: [Unschooling-dotcom] HELLO...mind if I come in?In a message dated 03/21/2001 6:01:48 PM !!!First Boot!!!, Natrlmama@...
writes:
He asked Jessie what grade she was in and she replied we don't go to
school. He said oh you homeschool?
This part of the conversation seemed cool to me too.
So many people around here are actually not at all shocked when we tell them
we are hsers.
And I thought we would be soooooo unusual. Not! :)
Nance
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Bobbie
Hey hey hello! Nice to meet you and all that jazz. :)
I understand the mild opposition thing, cuz even my
family that is all for "homeschooling" has a hard time
with this whole unschooling thing, even though I was
unschooled for most of my life, just not officially or
knowingly. They want to see the kids DOING something
for "schoolwork" or soemthing. I'd like to think of
myself as a fairly intelligent/successful person and I
left ps in the middle of 3rd grade and went to a very
small private school (where my mom was my teacher for
5th grade) until the end of 5th. from then we bought a
curiculum (which wasn't used...except the cool paper
they sent. and the pencils.<g>)and another one for
high school (which wasn't used. I'm just not that kind
of gal. I guess I never was.) While I can't say that I
am what SOME people would consider a "success story" I
would like to share that I was alot like you say your
daughter is and I would get fired up about something
but it would be shortlived, and I would be interested
in something else before I was done with the first
interest. (Some might think it's due to being
Gemini.)Dolphins I was always interested in. Never
failed, but rarely finished a project related to them.
It was the projects, though, not the subject, that I
lost interest in. But as an adult, I feel am a
"success", in that I am totally free to be myself, to
learn what I want..( I think I'm still unschooling
myself, actually)..when I want (provided the kids are
compliant)...and my older sister who GRADUATED from ps
asks me when she can't figure out something that they
average observer would think "oh, she didn't go to
school, she won't know that." I was bored off and on
alot...but my mom was super creative and would just
tell us (me and 2yrs younger sis) things to PLAY, and
I think we learned alot in that proccess. Also my
parents tried to do the classes thing for me
too...well, I wanted it too, sometimes, and I would
go...I can't even tell you how many "introductory
classes" I went to and decided never to go back. They
were nice enough people, but the whole idea of it
being a "class" I think just made me almost nausious
from anxiety. My sis on the other hand took the same
gymnastics thing I did and stuck with it and did
recitals at the mall, etc. While I was free to sit and
observe. I think that part about it being ok for me to
not be interested in those things was truly good for
me. My mom was always concerned (cuz she a mom and
that's what moms do)but she also knew she couldn't
MAKE me do anything I didn't want to with a clean
conscience. My point about it being good for me is
that now and thru my teen years, from all that sitting
and observing other people mostly,with the occasional
participation on my part, was actually TEACHING me. I
was very interested in psychology when I was 15 and
since I had the tremendous love of reading (the MOST
important thing to teach a child, IMO, cuz with that
they can learn anything) I studied and read alot on
the subject. It enabled me to see into other people
better and empathetically feel what they might be
feeling. As a result of that I am a pretty good
listener, and more to the "success" point - writer. My
friends and family have been trying to get me to
finish a novel since I was 16, and to tell the truth,
I've read some of the stuff people BUY out there and I
probably could do really well, if I wanted to pursue
it. I think the things about me that I count as a
success are things that directly resulted from me
being a wishy washy many interests frequently bored
sort of kid who was "taught" at home and allowed
freedom to do what I felt, even if other people looked
down upon that. A feeling of loving protection flowing
from my parents was what I felt when I knew or heard
them getting a hard time about me and defending me and
their parenting. le sigh. Your dd will be
fine...probably better than fine, even....who knows
what kind of a HUGE success she'll be when she's older
and say "Thanks mom, for having faith in me."
MAYBE her success will be that she will unschool her
own kids and know what they're going through and be
able to defend them and her mothering/teaching skills
well, having seen you do it yourself in her younger
years.
-Bobbie
--- 2learning@... wrote:
Do You Yahoo!?
Get email at your own domain with Yahoo! Mail.
http://personal.mail.yahoo.com/
I understand the mild opposition thing, cuz even my
family that is all for "homeschooling" has a hard time
with this whole unschooling thing, even though I was
unschooled for most of my life, just not officially or
knowingly. They want to see the kids DOING something
for "schoolwork" or soemthing. I'd like to think of
myself as a fairly intelligent/successful person and I
left ps in the middle of 3rd grade and went to a very
small private school (where my mom was my teacher for
5th grade) until the end of 5th. from then we bought a
curiculum (which wasn't used...except the cool paper
they sent. and the pencils.<g>)and another one for
high school (which wasn't used. I'm just not that kind
of gal. I guess I never was.) While I can't say that I
am what SOME people would consider a "success story" I
would like to share that I was alot like you say your
daughter is and I would get fired up about something
but it would be shortlived, and I would be interested
in something else before I was done with the first
interest. (Some might think it's due to being
Gemini.)Dolphins I was always interested in. Never
failed, but rarely finished a project related to them.
It was the projects, though, not the subject, that I
lost interest in. But as an adult, I feel am a
"success", in that I am totally free to be myself, to
learn what I want..( I think I'm still unschooling
myself, actually)..when I want (provided the kids are
compliant)...and my older sister who GRADUATED from ps
asks me when she can't figure out something that they
average observer would think "oh, she didn't go to
school, she won't know that." I was bored off and on
alot...but my mom was super creative and would just
tell us (me and 2yrs younger sis) things to PLAY, and
I think we learned alot in that proccess. Also my
parents tried to do the classes thing for me
too...well, I wanted it too, sometimes, and I would
go...I can't even tell you how many "introductory
classes" I went to and decided never to go back. They
were nice enough people, but the whole idea of it
being a "class" I think just made me almost nausious
from anxiety. My sis on the other hand took the same
gymnastics thing I did and stuck with it and did
recitals at the mall, etc. While I was free to sit and
observe. I think that part about it being ok for me to
not be interested in those things was truly good for
me. My mom was always concerned (cuz she a mom and
that's what moms do)but she also knew she couldn't
MAKE me do anything I didn't want to with a clean
conscience. My point about it being good for me is
that now and thru my teen years, from all that sitting
and observing other people mostly,with the occasional
participation on my part, was actually TEACHING me. I
was very interested in psychology when I was 15 and
since I had the tremendous love of reading (the MOST
important thing to teach a child, IMO, cuz with that
they can learn anything) I studied and read alot on
the subject. It enabled me to see into other people
better and empathetically feel what they might be
feeling. As a result of that I am a pretty good
listener, and more to the "success" point - writer. My
friends and family have been trying to get me to
finish a novel since I was 16, and to tell the truth,
I've read some of the stuff people BUY out there and I
probably could do really well, if I wanted to pursue
it. I think the things about me that I count as a
success are things that directly resulted from me
being a wishy washy many interests frequently bored
sort of kid who was "taught" at home and allowed
freedom to do what I felt, even if other people looked
down upon that. A feeling of loving protection flowing
from my parents was what I felt when I knew or heard
them getting a hard time about me and defending me and
their parenting. le sigh. Your dd will be
fine...probably better than fine, even....who knows
what kind of a HUGE success she'll be when she's older
and say "Thanks mom, for having faith in me."
MAYBE her success will be that she will unschool her
own kids and know what they're going through and be
able to defend them and her mothering/teaching skills
well, having seen you do it yourself in her younger
years.
-Bobbie
--- 2learning@... wrote:
> Hello__________________________________________________
> I am in Rhode Island and have 2 terrific daughters
> (8 and 5) and we
> have been officially unschooling since Jan. Because
> I have some mild
> opposition and also some family members that ask
> "what did you DO in
> school today?" and because I haven't been doing
> this for long...I
> suppose I am not as secure as I'd like to be.
> My oldest lacks that persistent intrest driven
> motivation that I keep
> hearing about...she is kinda wishy-washy about her
> likes and has
> trouble making up her mind.
> I try to guide her now and then with suggestions and
> support but she
> is a tuff one --- We have tried classes that
> interest her, but she
> usually ends up not wanting to go any more.
> Sorry so long...anyone out there have a success
> story to a great kid
> like this ? Any suggestions ?
> Thanks !
>
>
Do You Yahoo!?
Get email at your own domain with Yahoo! Mail.
http://personal.mail.yahoo.com/
Carol Gilliam
Carol in NC
----------
From: "Elizabeth Hill" <ecsamhill@...>
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Unschooling-dotcom] HELLO...mind if I come in?
Date: Fri, May 10, 1940, 12:20 PM
> I would get fired up about something
>but it would be shortlived, and I would be interested
>in something else before I was done with the first
>interest. (Some might think it's due to being
>Gemini.)
Hi!
Classes make me nauseous, too. They're just not my style.
I'm not a Gemini, but I am flighty. I found a book at the library about
this "style" called "The Edison Trait". The book is about people who are
"divergent thinkers", who spark and branch out from one idea to the next
w/o keeping "on track".
Betsy
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Elizabeth Hill
**Elizabeth, This does not make any difference I guess, but the date I get
on your emails is 1940. Therefore your posts go to the bottom of my list.
Some people might miss what you have to say unless it is the fault of my
own computer. Just thought you might like to check it out.
Carol in NC**
Thanks, Carol! I'm using a really obscure mail program (Cyberdog) and this
is it's Y2K bug. (For real!) I promised I would switch to a better
program once I got my house on the market, and I'm still procrastinating.
Better do it this weekend.
Betsy
on your emails is 1940. Therefore your posts go to the bottom of my list.
Some people might miss what you have to say unless it is the fault of my
own computer. Just thought you might like to check it out.
Carol in NC**
Thanks, Carol! I'm using a really obscure mail program (Cyberdog) and this
is it's Y2K bug. (For real!) I promised I would switch to a better
program once I got my house on the market, and I'm still procrastinating.
Better do it this weekend.
Betsy