Jeff & Diane Gwirtz

> one hour bands, plus practice everyday. I know that they are learning, and I
> know that this is my perception problem, but I am just in brain freeze here
> to know what is actually happening, I need a private tutor of my own!! LOL
>
It occurred to me that maybe your boys are in a processing mode.
Sometimes, when it seems that nothing much is happening, what is
going on, is internal processing of information already taken in.
When this period passes, it can seem like they've made a giant leap
ahead. Just something to consider.......

Also, do you ever journal their activities? Sometimes this helps me
to see how much is actually going on. I don't enjoy it and neither
does my son, but we're trying to get better at it as we're faced
with the high school years and need to log in some way or another.

The Dragon Ball Z phase passed here and I don't know if much was
learned from it. I do know that he normally hates to write anything,
but he did a lot of writing for the role-playing game so I guess I
won't complain about that. I wonder if the difference is that you
have two boys who enjoy playing with each other whereas with my
daughter in college, it's only my son and I unschooling. He doesn't
have anyone to play games like that with during the day, so he does
other things. I've always thought that homeschooling more than one
at a time had lots of advantages, and I still think it does. But
maybe this is one of the advantages of homeschooling one.
How wonderful though, that your boys have each other, and that
because of homeschooling, they're more apt to remain close.

Diane from KS
jagwirtz@...

[email protected]

In a message dated 9/4/99 12:45:45 PM EST, jagwirtz@... writes:

<< ragon Ball Z - Ds was really into that for awhile. He and his
friends wrote all kinds of role-playing scenarios around it.
>>
Diane,
Thanks for your response. The boys have always been homeschooled, at first
school at home, then, after 6 years, we have progressed to eclectic. The
thing is, what they do, ie, DBZ doesn't' progress a lot, what it did progress
to, is long ago, and we are not moving on that I can see. They both play
keyboard and guitar, take weekly private lessons, and have at least 2 weekly
one hour bands, plus practice everyday. I know that they are learning, and I
know that this is my perception problem, but I am just in brain freeze here
to know what is actually happening, I need a private tutor of my own!! LOL
Teresa

Jeff & Diane Gwirtz

> From: RRAINENJ@...
> We are big game players in our house and the kids love them! It invariably
> leads to lessons about some of the wars, mythology, midieval times, etc...
> For other games try: Risk, Axis & Allies, Stratego and good old-fashioned
> chess.
>
Yup - he plays all of these - some on the computer - some as board or
role-playing games. He also really enjoys Star Wars role-playing.
Once I saw all the dice he accumulated, I knew there was plenty of
math involved. And the reading.........unbelievable technical
reading. Still, the thing that surprised me the most is that it's
the one time he's willing to write.

Diane from KS
jagwirtz@...

Lisa Bugg

Let's define progress. Just what is progress and what does it look like?
What does progressing in learning look like?
----- Original Message -----
From: <Hsmotgo@...>
To: <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, September 04, 1999 8:06 PM
Subject: [Unschooling-dotcom] Need Unschooling Tutor for myself!


> From: Hsmotgo@...
>
> In a message dated 9/4/99 12:45:45 PM EST, jagwirtz@... writes:
>
> << ragon Ball Z - Ds was really into that for awhile. He and his
> friends wrote all kinds of role-playing scenarios around it.
> >>
> Diane,
> Thanks for your response. The boys have always been homeschooled, at
first
> school at home, then, after 6 years, we have progressed to eclectic. The
> thing is, what they do, ie, DBZ doesn't' progress a lot, what it did
progress
> to, is long ago, and we are not moving on that I can see. They both play
> keyboard and guitar, take weekly private lessons, and have at least 2
weekly
> one hour bands, plus practice everyday. I know that they are learning,
and I
> know that this is my perception problem, but I am just in brain freeze
here
> to know what is actually happening, I need a private tutor of my own!! LOL
> Teresa
>
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[email protected]

In a message dated 9/4/99 8:06:33 PM EST, Hsmotgo@... writes:

<< He and his
friends wrote all kinds of role-playing scenarios around it.
>> >>
I am all for role-playing games!! There is a great use of math, reasoning,
and depending on the game, history. You may want to check your local gaming
store, there are many role-playing games based on history. Even a game like
Dungeons and Dragons has a lot of history with the weapons, ways of life and
the monsters are truly the stuff of legends!
We are big game players in our house and the kids love them! It invariably
leads to lessons about some of the wars, mythology, midieval times, etc...
For other games try: Risk, Axis & Allies, Stratego and good old-fashioned
chess.
Blessings, Lori in TX (with much to say this morn!)

Jeff & Diane Gwirtz

Teresa -

Now I'm jealous. How I wish ds would still draw. I think he reached
the age where if he couldn't do it perfect, he didn't want to do it.
When he was drawing, we found a really neat book. There was a guy -
Mark Kistler, I think - who used to do a drawing show on PBS. Maybe
he still does. I think it was called something like Imagination
Station. Anyway, he has done a couple of books teaching 3-D drawing
- includes a lot of cartoon, castles, etc. It might be right up you
son's alley.

Diane from KS
jagwirtz@...

Jeff & Diane Gwirtz

> Ok! duh here, see, when my guys play these things, they just play with each
> other, I keep seeing responses about writing for the role playing, but where
> does that come from?
>
I can't remember how old your boys are. This may come later. They
probably make up stories now, but don't write them down. My son had
done some Star Wars role-playing before he discovered DBZ. Then he
looked for some role-playing books for DBZ, but couldn't find any.
He and his friends just made up some rules, etc. and were off.
Some role-playing makes me a little nervous being the pacifist that I
am, but ds is more into the strategy than the violence.

Diane from KS
jagwirtz@...

[email protected]

In a message dated 9/5/99 1:27:43 PM EST, LisaBugg@... writes:

<< Let's define progress. >>
Lisa,
regarding the progress with learning from Dragon Ball Z. There is no role
play writing, there is only playing. I have suggested writing a "script" no
go, They do play the characters, and can quote each program by heart. My
youngest will draw for hours, his favorite characters from the show. I was
excited, enrolled him in art class. The teacher had a pear for them to draw
the first week. He drew a 4inch pear, and then filled the page with dbz
characters. It didn't get a lot better the rest of the course. He only
wants to draw one thing. So, I let him. Pokemon, they have the gameboy,
game, guide and cards. Again, the guide taught them map, maze reading, hand
eye co ordination, logic, reasoning. This is all good, I see the benefit,
but, now what? That is what I am trying to figure out for myself,

Teresa

[email protected]

In a message dated 9/5/99 3:01:37 PM EST, jagwirtz@... writes:

<< Still, the thing that surprised me the most is that it's
the one time he's willing to write. >>
Ok! duh here, see, when my guys play these things, they just play with each
other, I keep seeing responses about writing for the role playing, but where
does that come from?
Teresa, waaaay in the dark!

[email protected]

In a message dated 9/5/99 11:22:54 PM EST, jagwirtz@... writes:

<< Anyway, he has done a couple of books teaching 3-D drawing
- includes a lot of cartoon, castles, etc. It might be right up you
son's alley. >>
Diane,
Thanks for the info. I have gotten them lots of books from the library, and
we were having a ball with cartooning site on line, It is really good. He
just stopped after we went to the art class, lost all interest for about 3
months, thank goodness he has recently picked it back up, but, it is still
dbz characters. He is VERY creative, and I think something in the arts is
where he will be, I just keep checking things out of the library and looking
on the net. Don't think I will try another art class for a LOOONG time! LOL
Teresa

Thomas and Nanci Kuykendall

>I am all for role-playing games!! There is a great use of math, reasoning,
and depending on the game, history. It invariably
>leads to lessons about some of the wars, mythology, midieval times, etc...
>For other games try: Risk, Axis & Allies, Stratego and good old-fashioned
>chess.
>Blessings, Lori in TX

How about teaching improvisation, quick thinking, theatrics, empathy,
tolerance and understanding for "other races," team cohesiveness,
compromise, decision making, cooperation, etc, etc....?? <vbg> Mommy and
Daddy are role players here!

Nanci K. in Idaho

[email protected]

In a message dated 9/5/99 11:25:52 PM EST, jagwirtz@... writes:

<< e and his friends just made up some rules, etc. and were off.
Some role-playing makes me a little nervous being the pacifist that I
am, but ds is more into the strategy than the violence. >>
Diane,
I guess I need to find something that has role-playing books, where would I
find that? The boys are 8 1/2 and 10 1/2. They "play movies" They can
really go at it, but, when I suggested they write a script and we use the
camcorder to film it, they just froze up! Weston, the youngest can play with
all his action figures for hours, in his room, alone, and you would swear
there was at least one other person with him. He supplies all the sound
affects and dialogue. He is really talented, maybe I should just put a tape
recorder in the room! But I try to tell them that they need to learn to put
down on paper what they do, sot they can keep it, or share it, no go so far!
I know they are smart, and are learning, but it just seems that we are stuck
here on play, and the same play everyday.
Teresa

[email protected]

In a message dated 9/6/99 0:00:36 AM EST, Hsmotgo@... writes:

<< I guess I need to find something that has role-playing books, where would
I
find that? >>
Look in your phone book under gaming stores, or any B. Dalton should have
several different role playing systems. Depending on your children's age:
GURPS is a good system where anything is possible, but rather complex. I am a
die-hard Advanced Dungeons and Dragons person myself, and it is more
simplistic. All you should need is a players handbook and some creativity!
There are a lot of sites on the web as well. Have fun! Lori in TX

[email protected]

In a message dated 9/6/99 0:11:08 AM EST, tn-k4of5@... writes:

<< How about teaching improvisation, quick thinking, theatrics, empathy,
tolerance and understanding for "other races," team cohesiveness,
compromise, decision making, cooperation, etc, etc....?? <vbg> Mommy and
Daddy are role players here!
>>
Absolutely!!! I think they're great!! Lori in TX

Joel Hawthorne

Teresa,

Have you heard of resistance? It is what happens when people attempt to "get"
other people to do things that they might not want to do. They resist. It takes
many forms. One of the finest ways to get into power struggles is to insist on
an "educational " angle on otherwise enjoyable activities. They'll put stuff down
on paper when it makes sense to them to put stuff down on paper. Deep breath
in. Long exhalation. Again. Relax. Your kids are sharp as tacks and will do
fine give them room, lots of room and stay close very close. I know it sounds
Zenish and it is rather. Have faith.


>
> I guess I need to find something that has role-playing books, where would I
> find that? The boys are 8 1/2 and 10 1/2. They "play movies" They can
> really go at it, but, when I suggested they write a script and we use the
> camcorder to film it, they just froze up! Weston, the youngest can play with
> all his action figures for hours, in his room, alone, and you would swear
> there was at least one other person with him. He supplies all the sound
> affects and dialogue. He is really talented, maybe I should just put a tape
> recorder in the room! But I try to tell them that they need to learn to put
> down on paper what they do, sot they can keep it, or share it, no go so far!
> I know they are smart, and are learning, but it just seems that we are stuck
> here on play, and the same play everyday.
> Teresa

--
best wishes
Joel

All children behave as well as they are treated. The Natural Child
Project http://naturalchild.com/home/

Work together to reinvent justice using methods that are fair; which conserve,
restore and even create harmony, equity and good will in society i.e. restorative
justice.
We are the prisoners of the prisoners we have taken - J. Clegg
http://www.cerj.org

[email protected]

In a message dated 9/5/99 7:23:07 PM Pacific Daylight Time, Hsmotgo@...
writes:

<< Pokemon, they have the gameboy,
game, guide and cards. Again, the guide taught them map, maze reading, hand
eye co ordination, logic, reasoning. This is all good, I see the benefit,
but, now what? That is what I am trying to figure out for myself, >>

Teresa, you weren't commenting back to me but I tell you I've seen my 7 yo
start to read and all this stuff playing Pokemon. I don't know what's next,
but I'm sure it will be interesting to watch.

Charlotte

Jeff & Diane Gwirtz

> I guess I need to find something that has role-playing books, where would I
> find that? The boys are 8 1/2 and 10 1/2. They "play movies" They can
> really go at it, but, when I suggested they write a script and we use the
>
Most bookstores or gaming stores have them. Ds says Amazon.com has a
few, but if I were you I'd want to look at them in person. Some of
them have rather mature themes and like I mentioned before, lots of
violence. That's why we've enjoyed the star wars ones.
Role-playing games became a source of concern for a lot of families
back in the early Dungeons and Dragons days because some kids
appeared to have gotten way too caught up in it and have difficulty
separating reality from fanatasy. Of course, just as many adults
will now tell you that they played D&D all the time with no problem.
Like everything else, I'm sure it depends on the individual. I just
like to know what and how he's playing.

Diane from KS
jagwirtz@...

Andi Kaufman

>From: Rhiahl@...
> Pokemon, they have the gameboy,
> game, guide and cards. Again, the guide taught them map, maze reading, hand
> eye co ordination, logic, reasoning. This is all good, I see the benefit,
> but, now what? That is what I am trying to figure out for myself, >>

I think besides the learning it is just plain fun for them. i know that my
partner enjoys playing it with our son and my son loves the trading and
making sure things are fair. there is alos alot of stregedy and reading
involved. but most important is that he is being a kid.

Andi...domestic goddess and active volunteer
mom to Isaac
tl2b@...

Never Underestimate the Power of This Woman!

Jeff & Diane Gwirtz

> Thanks, me too, I would even like to play it with them!! I have heard of
> d&d, but didn't know there were other things like that, would it be to old
> for a 10 and 8 1/2 yr old?
>
No, I know ds has been role-playing in one form or another since
then. Especially - if you're willing to play, you could help them
out with anything that was too difficult. Once you see how they
work, you might decide to just make up your own. I've known other
unschoolers that did this to cover certain historic periods, etc.

Diane from KS
jagwirtz@...


[email protected]

In a message dated 9/6/99 9:49:21 AM EST, tl2b@... writes:

<< but most important is that he is being a kid.
>>
yes, there is that!

[email protected]

In a message dated 9/6/99 10:42:34 AM EST, jagwirtz@... writes:

<< I just
like to know what and how he's playing. >>
Diane,
Thanks, me too, I would even like to play it with them!! I have heard of
d&d, but didn't know there were other things like that, would it be to old
for a 10 and 8 1/2 yr old?
Teresa

[email protected]

In a message dated 9/4/99 9:23:48 PM EST, jagwirtz@... writes:

<< Also, do you ever journal their activities? >>
Sorry it took me so long to reply to your post, I left all the posts that I
needed to respond to, for a time when I could think about what I wanted to
say, and then forgot which ones I had responded to !

No, I haven't done this, but, just by posting what my boys do in general, I
see that they do a lot. I will try the notebook and journal .
]
It is true that the boys do have a great advantage of being together, they do
role play, but not write. I have always thought that it would be great to
have 4 or 5 kids in the hs group. You can do those huge Konos projects. I
need to co-op with someone! LOL.
Teresa