Re: new to list teenager
Jeff & Diane Gwirtz
Brian wrote:
up and read them also.
manage to unschool in every state and work it into their
regulations. I think the key in your paragraph above is - with his
input - what does he want to learn? When he's learned as much as he
wants to on that subject, will he be free to move on to another?
Also, one topic you'll come across is deschooling. Kids who have
been in ps or homeschooled in a very traditional manner often need
some deschooling time in the switch to unschooling. It might take
quite awhile with a child that's been in school as long as your son.
This is unstructured time intended to reawaken his own curiousity and
desire to learn. Some kids watch lots of tv and play lots of video
games. Others stare into space or sleep. Most of them worry their parents
(who also have to deschool) who think that they'll never do anything
constructive again. Then, one day, they ask to go to the library or the
bookstore, or they get on the internet and while you stand there
with your mouth hanging open, they amaze you with their new desire
to learn. They might even amaze you with what information they
processed while it appeared they were doing nothing. It's a time
that requires lots of patience, but it comes with a big pay-off.
It's so wonderful to witness that joy of learning return.
My kids were so schooled that I had to continually reassure them and
myself that this would work. Now, my 13 year old wouldn't have it
any other way.
Remember that everything is educational. My son still watches tv.
We have no time restrictions on tv or video games. What I have seen
change is what he chooses to watch and play. He doesn't need
"escape " time so much anymore, so he's just as likely to pick an
"educational" show as he is a sitcom, or to play an "educational"
game on the computer. We don't make these "educational"
distinctions at our house anymore. Everything is input, and with
that freedom, my son has become much choosier.
I"ve rambled long enough - hope this helps.
Diane from KS
jagwirtz@...
> Thanks for the book titles. I just ordered them from my local independentGood - hope you enjoy them. With any luck, your son will pick them
> bookstore.
up and read them also.
> Our biggest concern is how develop a lesson plan that is challenging,Somebody from NY can help you with those specific regs, but people
> interesting and well rounded for our 14 year old, (with his input), while
> fitting into NY State's rules and regulations. He is planning on taking an
> Internet math course in September even if he continues in public school.
>
manage to unschool in every state and work it into their
regulations. I think the key in your paragraph above is - with his
input - what does he want to learn? When he's learned as much as he
wants to on that subject, will he be free to move on to another?
Also, one topic you'll come across is deschooling. Kids who have
been in ps or homeschooled in a very traditional manner often need
some deschooling time in the switch to unschooling. It might take
quite awhile with a child that's been in school as long as your son.
This is unstructured time intended to reawaken his own curiousity and
desire to learn. Some kids watch lots of tv and play lots of video
games. Others stare into space or sleep. Most of them worry their parents
(who also have to deschool) who think that they'll never do anything
constructive again. Then, one day, they ask to go to the library or the
bookstore, or they get on the internet and while you stand there
with your mouth hanging open, they amaze you with their new desire
to learn. They might even amaze you with what information they
processed while it appeared they were doing nothing. It's a time
that requires lots of patience, but it comes with a big pay-off.
It's so wonderful to witness that joy of learning return.
My kids were so schooled that I had to continually reassure them and
myself that this would work. Now, my 13 year old wouldn't have it
any other way.
Remember that everything is educational. My son still watches tv.
We have no time restrictions on tv or video games. What I have seen
change is what he chooses to watch and play. He doesn't need
"escape " time so much anymore, so he's just as likely to pick an
"educational" show as he is a sitcom, or to play an "educational"
game on the computer. We don't make these "educational"
distinctions at our house anymore. Everything is input, and with
that freedom, my son has become much choosier.
I"ve rambled long enough - hope this helps.
Diane from KS
jagwirtz@...
Brian Loucks
Susan & Diane,
Thanks for the book titles. I just ordered them from my local independent
bookstore.
Our biggest concern is how develop a lesson plan that is challenging,
interesting and well rounded for our 14 year old, (with his input), while
fitting into NY State's rules and regulations. He is planning on taking an
Internet math course in September even if he continues in public school.
Brian
pbcal@...
teenage unschoolers spend their days. I took my daughter out of
school at 15 and have never regretted it. She's 19 now and in
college and I have a 13 year old son unschooling. What would you
like to know?
Diane from KS
jagwirtz@...
Thanks for the book titles. I just ordered them from my local independent
bookstore.
Our biggest concern is how develop a lesson plan that is challenging,
interesting and well rounded for our 14 year old, (with his input), while
fitting into NY State's rules and regulations. He is planning on taking an
Internet math course in September even if he continues in public school.
Brian
pbcal@...
> Well, Brian, everyone here seems to agree that Grace Llewelen's (sp?)I like her book _Real Lives_ also. It's personal accounts of how
> Teenage Liberation Handbook is top notch.
>
teenage unschoolers spend their days. I took my daughter out of
school at 15 and have never regretted it. She's 19 now and in
college and I have a 13 year old son unschooling. What would you
like to know?
Diane from KS
jagwirtz@...