Intro
Cathy Howard
I have been on this list for about a week now and thought it was time I
introduced myself. My name is Cathy. We have been homeschooling for 5
years now. My son is 10 years old and loves the freedom of homeschool.
We do not totally unschool but are working our way there. Up until this
year we have had a lot of structure and it was not working. He answered
the questions then promptly forgot because it was not anything he was
interested in. We had been working on verbs, nouns, adverbs, ect. for
several years now, starting over every year because he would forget what he
knew. This year we got a computer and several games for him to play
including several educational game. One of the games required that he know
the several parts of speech in order to beat the game. He learned them in
two days and beat the game. Now as we are riding in the car he wants me to
make up sentences so he can tell me the direct object or adverb or other
parts of speech.
Anyway that is what really sold me on unshooling. Thanks for all the good
advise and tips in the messages. It has really help me to put things in to
perspective.
God Bless You
Cathy
introduced myself. My name is Cathy. We have been homeschooling for 5
years now. My son is 10 years old and loves the freedom of homeschool.
We do not totally unschool but are working our way there. Up until this
year we have had a lot of structure and it was not working. He answered
the questions then promptly forgot because it was not anything he was
interested in. We had been working on verbs, nouns, adverbs, ect. for
several years now, starting over every year because he would forget what he
knew. This year we got a computer and several games for him to play
including several educational game. One of the games required that he know
the several parts of speech in order to beat the game. He learned them in
two days and beat the game. Now as we are riding in the car he wants me to
make up sentences so he can tell me the direct object or adverb or other
parts of speech.
Anyway that is what really sold me on unshooling. Thanks for all the good
advise and tips in the messages. It has really help me to put things in to
perspective.
God Bless You
Cathy
[email protected]
Cathy,
HI, and welcome to the list. My 10 year old sounds just like yours! and so
does our hs experience. I also have an 8 1/2 year old. We are in South
Fla. where are you all?
Teresa
HI, and welcome to the list. My 10 year old sounds just like yours! and so
does our hs experience. I also have an 8 1/2 year old. We are in South
Fla. where are you all?
Teresa
Cathy Howard
Teresa,
We live in central GA, way back in the country. We are surrounded on 3
sides by wooded areas and the other by a large open field. My son can get
out and play, whoop and holler all he wants and no one but his parents know
or care. We have 3 dogs, several chickens and we raise quail. We all love
the country life. Just walking to our mail box and back is a nature walk.
God Bless You
Cathy
At 11:17 AM 09/09/1999 -0400, you wrote:
We live in central GA, way back in the country. We are surrounded on 3
sides by wooded areas and the other by a large open field. My son can get
out and play, whoop and holler all he wants and no one but his parents know
or care. We have 3 dogs, several chickens and we raise quail. We all love
the country life. Just walking to our mail box and back is a nature walk.
God Bless You
Cathy
At 11:17 AM 09/09/1999 -0400, you wrote:
>From: Hsmotgo@...
>
>Cathy,
>HI, and welcome to the list. My 10 year old sounds just like yours! and so
>does our hs experience. I also have an 8 1/2 year old. We are in South
>Fla. where are you all?
>Teresa
>
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>http://www.unschooling.com
>
>
Thomas and Nanci Kuykendall
At 01:29 PM 09/09/1999 -0400, you wrote:
Actually I have been moving further and further from city life since I got
on my own. I now live in a town of about 50,000 pop, which is a far cry
from where I grew up in a metropolitan area of a million+
Nanci K. in Idaho
>From: Cathy Howard <cathyhoward@...>I'm so jealous! Someday.....
>
>Teresa,
>We live in central GA, way back in the country. We are surrounded on 3
>sides by wooded areas and the other by a large open field. My son can get
>out and play, whoop and holler all he wants and no one but his parents know
>or care. We have 3 dogs, several chickens and we raise quail. We all love
>the country life. Just walking to our mail box and back is a nature walk.
>God Bless You
>Cathy
Actually I have been moving further and further from city life since I got
on my own. I now live in a town of about 50,000 pop, which is a far cry
from where I grew up in a metropolitan area of a million+
Nanci K. in Idaho
[email protected]
In a message dated 9/9/99 9:41:30 PM EST, tn-k4of5@... writes:
<< Teresa,
absolutely loved to go to the country for Thanksgiving, my uncle lived on a
huge farm, with horses to ride, and a stream running thru, then up a slight
hill into the woods. Heaven on earth! I miss it and am so sorry that my
boys have to miss it too!
Teresa
<< Teresa,
>We live in central GA, way back in the country. We are surrounded on 3Wow! You are soooo lucky! I love the country. Used to live in Tenn.
>sides by wooded areas and the other by a large open field. >>
absolutely loved to go to the country for Thanksgiving, my uncle lived on a
huge farm, with horses to ride, and a stream running thru, then up a slight
hill into the woods. Heaven on earth! I miss it and am so sorry that my
boys have to miss it too!
Teresa
Carolyn Talarr
Hi,
O.K., after that intense first post, I've collected myself a bit and I'll
write a general quick intro :)
I'm Carolyn, mother to Annabel Hope, who is just 2, and wife to Erik. We're
living in NC since February, when we moved from West Philadelphia to give
our daughter a better life.
My background before I decided to stay home with Annie is in adult basic ed
(and before that, theatre and dramatic literature) and I've fairly much
decided to offer Annie the best education I know how, which is IMO
learner-centered, participatory, and community-based. Unschooling as I'm
understanding it is very similar to what we did, in a group setting, at the
very progressive learning center I worked in in NYC before moving to Phila
to return to grad school. I really doubt I'll change my mind and send her
to a school--public school is fairly much out of the question and the only
other philosophy I connect with, and not at all entirely, is Waldorf, and we
simply don't have the $$$$$ for that. Of course Annie's interests and
passions will inform these decisions as the years go by, too.
Well, more later--I'm enjoying so much reading the posts and my first
research into the actual nuts and bolts of unschooling with kids. I really
admire y'all's (getting a little Southern) commitment and the depth of some
of the discussions. I hope you don't think I'm a raving wild-eyed nut
because of my first post. I'm really capable of calm rational discussion!
Thanks, and I look forward to reading more,
Carolyn
O.K., after that intense first post, I've collected myself a bit and I'll
write a general quick intro :)
I'm Carolyn, mother to Annabel Hope, who is just 2, and wife to Erik. We're
living in NC since February, when we moved from West Philadelphia to give
our daughter a better life.
My background before I decided to stay home with Annie is in adult basic ed
(and before that, theatre and dramatic literature) and I've fairly much
decided to offer Annie the best education I know how, which is IMO
learner-centered, participatory, and community-based. Unschooling as I'm
understanding it is very similar to what we did, in a group setting, at the
very progressive learning center I worked in in NYC before moving to Phila
to return to grad school. I really doubt I'll change my mind and send her
to a school--public school is fairly much out of the question and the only
other philosophy I connect with, and not at all entirely, is Waldorf, and we
simply don't have the $$$$$ for that. Of course Annie's interests and
passions will inform these decisions as the years go by, too.
Well, more later--I'm enjoying so much reading the posts and my first
research into the actual nuts and bolts of unschooling with kids. I really
admire y'all's (getting a little Southern) commitment and the depth of some
of the discussions. I hope you don't think I'm a raving wild-eyed nut
because of my first post. I'm really capable of calm rational discussion!
Thanks, and I look forward to reading more,
Carolyn
[email protected]
In a message dated 10/04/1999 12:40:39 AM !!!First Boot!!!,
talarr@... writes:
<< I'm Carolyn, mother to Annabel Hope, who is just 2, and wife to Erik.
We're
living in NC since February, when we moved from West Philadelphia to give
our daughter a better life.
Hello and Welcome! I am originally from Phila. too. Where abouts did you
live? I lived in Colwyn, and my Grandmother is in Aldan (moving from
Lansdowne)
And What is Ezzo?
Blessings,
Stephanie
Teacher and Mommy of 4 homeschooling fanatics, wife to the best principal,
protector of many pets and wild ones, and unpublished writer.
Believe in others, and be a part; believe in yourself, and be the lead.
s.
***Life's Learnings Academy - Protecting Our Children***
IT'S GREAT TO LEARN WHERE THE PRINCIPAL LOVES YOU
talarr@... writes:
<< I'm Carolyn, mother to Annabel Hope, who is just 2, and wife to Erik.
We're
living in NC since February, when we moved from West Philadelphia to give
our daughter a better life.
>>Carolyn-
Hello and Welcome! I am originally from Phila. too. Where abouts did you
live? I lived in Colwyn, and my Grandmother is in Aldan (moving from
Lansdowne)
And What is Ezzo?
Blessings,
Stephanie
Teacher and Mommy of 4 homeschooling fanatics, wife to the best principal,
protector of many pets and wild ones, and unpublished writer.
Believe in others, and be a part; believe in yourself, and be the lead.
s.
***Life's Learnings Academy - Protecting Our Children***
IT'S GREAT TO LEARN WHERE THE PRINCIPAL LOVES YOU
A. Yates
Hey Carolyn, Guess what, my husbands name is Eric too. (just spelled different)
:) :) :)
Ann
:) :) :)
Ann
Carolyn Talarr
Hi Ann--
Erik (c) *is* a beautiful, noble name, don't you think? :)
Carolyn
-----Original Message-----
From: A. Yates <hooperck@...>
To: [email protected] <[email protected]>
Date: Sunday, October 03, 1999 8:43 PM
Subject: Re: [Unschooling-dotcom] Intro
Erik (c) *is* a beautiful, noble name, don't you think? :)
Carolyn
-----Original Message-----
From: A. Yates <hooperck@...>
To: [email protected] <[email protected]>
Date: Sunday, October 03, 1999 8:43 PM
Subject: Re: [Unschooling-dotcom] Intro
>From: "A. Yates" <hooperck@...>different)
>
>Hey Carolyn, Guess what, my husbands name is Eric too. (just spelled
>
>:) :) :)
>Ann
>
>>Check it out!
>http://www.unschooling.com
>
[email protected]
Welcome Caroline,
I didn't think your first post was raving, just someone who has dealt
personally with something devastating and wanting to warn others.
Teresa
I didn't think your first post was raving, just someone who has dealt
personally with something devastating and wanting to warn others.
Teresa
Carolyn Talarr
>Welcome Caroline,Thanks, Teresa--yes, among other connections with it, my next door neighbor
>I didn't think your first post was raving, just someone who has dealt
>personally with something devastating and wanting to warn others.
>Teresa
is doing it with her two children, and she is totally against hearing any
information at all other than what her church feeds her. We hear *much*
crying from their house often. It's so hard to take. I just want to run
and hug their older little boy whenever I see him.
Anyway, I guess I'm not a lurker on the list anymore!
Carolyn
[email protected]
In a message dated 10/4/99 1:07:28 PM EST, talarr@... writes:
<< Anyway, I guess I'm not a lurker on the list anymore!
Carolyn >>
Carolyn,
Nope, guess your not! But welcome, I am sure you will have fun and learn a
lot. And teach and share a lot too.
It must be hard to live next door to that, very sad. Thank goodness my guys
are older and I don't have to be tempted, naw, I have to much backbone to let
anyone tell me how to raise my kids, church or grandparents, especially when
it means beat your kids into submission. I have, and I will give them a
smack on the bottom if I think it necessary, but that rarely happens, and, as
with their stubborn mom, taking away privileges hurts worse and gets the
point across. Especially take away Dragon Ball Z! LOL. Anyway my point is,
even if my church told me this was wonderful and all my friends were doing
it, I may look into it, but once I saw what was being done, no way. Sortta
like "all my friends think sending their kids to school is wonderful and they
all do it" LOL LOL ,
Teresa
<< Anyway, I guess I'm not a lurker on the list anymore!
Carolyn >>
Carolyn,
Nope, guess your not! But welcome, I am sure you will have fun and learn a
lot. And teach and share a lot too.
It must be hard to live next door to that, very sad. Thank goodness my guys
are older and I don't have to be tempted, naw, I have to much backbone to let
anyone tell me how to raise my kids, church or grandparents, especially when
it means beat your kids into submission. I have, and I will give them a
smack on the bottom if I think it necessary, but that rarely happens, and, as
with their stubborn mom, taking away privileges hurts worse and gets the
point across. Especially take away Dragon Ball Z! LOL. Anyway my point is,
even if my church told me this was wonderful and all my friends were doing
it, I may look into it, but once I saw what was being done, no way. Sortta
like "all my friends think sending their kids to school is wonderful and they
all do it" LOL LOL ,
Teresa
[email protected]
In a message dated 10/4/99 1:07:28 PM EST, talarr@... writes:
<< Anyway, I guess I'm not a lurker on the list anymore!
Carolyn >>
Carolyn,
Nope, guess your not! But welcome, I am sure you will have fun and learn a
lot. And teach and share a lot too.
It must be hard to live next door to that, very sad. Thank goodness my guys
are older and I don't have to be tempted, naw, I have to much backbone to let
anyone tell me how to raise my kids, church or grandparents, especially when
it means beat your kids into submission. I have, and I will give them a
smack on the bottom if I think it necessary, but that rarely happens, and, as
with their stubborn mom, taking away privileges hurts worse and gets the
point across. Especially take away Dragon Ball Z! LOL. Anyway my point is,
even if my church told me this was wonderful and all my friends were doing
it, I may look into it, but once I saw what was being done, no way. Sortta
like "all my friends think sending their kids to school is wonderful and they
all do it" LOL LOL ,
Teresa
<< Anyway, I guess I'm not a lurker on the list anymore!
Carolyn >>
Carolyn,
Nope, guess your not! But welcome, I am sure you will have fun and learn a
lot. And teach and share a lot too.
It must be hard to live next door to that, very sad. Thank goodness my guys
are older and I don't have to be tempted, naw, I have to much backbone to let
anyone tell me how to raise my kids, church or grandparents, especially when
it means beat your kids into submission. I have, and I will give them a
smack on the bottom if I think it necessary, but that rarely happens, and, as
with their stubborn mom, taking away privileges hurts worse and gets the
point across. Especially take away Dragon Ball Z! LOL. Anyway my point is,
even if my church told me this was wonderful and all my friends were doing
it, I may look into it, but once I saw what was being done, no way. Sortta
like "all my friends think sending their kids to school is wonderful and they
all do it" LOL LOL ,
Teresa
Carol D. Wickwire
Hi, my name is Carol, and I am new to the list. It was so pleasant seeing
everyone be so supportive of the Mom with the daughter who had "friend
problems." That's really great to see!
We have homeschooled for two years now. We love it! Our oldest daughter
is involved in the college hsing/dual enrollment program, but the other
three are home with us. I think I can honestly say my 16 year old FINALLY
understands the concept of unschooling. She is doing her own thing, and
knows what she needs to work on to be responsible for her own education.
We are probably closer to being eclectic or relaxed homeschoolers with
the other two. We use a wide range of resources with the kids. Anything
and everything. The library is well used, as is the internet and anything
not nailed down.
I look forward to hearing more about the members of this list. I am still
having trouble diving completely into unschooling as my youngest son is
obsessive about his sport of choice (surfing). If I didn't give him a
framework to work within, he would only come in for food and sleep. And
I'm not kidding either.
Carol Wickwire <*)))><
Angeli 17, Amber 16, Amanda 14 and Adam 11
Homeschooling For the Glory of God at Oceanside Academy
http://www.onelist.com/subscribe/Florida-homeschool
"Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the
world, love for the Father is not in him." 1 John 15
___________________________________________________________________
Why pay more to get Web access?
Try Juno for FREE -- then it's just $9.95/month if you act NOW!
Get your free software today: http://dl.www.juno.com/dynoget/tagj.
everyone be so supportive of the Mom with the daughter who had "friend
problems." That's really great to see!
We have homeschooled for two years now. We love it! Our oldest daughter
is involved in the college hsing/dual enrollment program, but the other
three are home with us. I think I can honestly say my 16 year old FINALLY
understands the concept of unschooling. She is doing her own thing, and
knows what she needs to work on to be responsible for her own education.
We are probably closer to being eclectic or relaxed homeschoolers with
the other two. We use a wide range of resources with the kids. Anything
and everything. The library is well used, as is the internet and anything
not nailed down.
I look forward to hearing more about the members of this list. I am still
having trouble diving completely into unschooling as my youngest son is
obsessive about his sport of choice (surfing). If I didn't give him a
framework to work within, he would only come in for food and sleep. And
I'm not kidding either.
Carol Wickwire <*)))><
Angeli 17, Amber 16, Amanda 14 and Adam 11
Homeschooling For the Glory of God at Oceanside Academy
http://www.onelist.com/subscribe/Florida-homeschool
"Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the
world, love for the Father is not in him." 1 John 15
___________________________________________________________________
Why pay more to get Web access?
Try Juno for FREE -- then it's just $9.95/month if you act NOW!
Get your free software today: http://dl.www.juno.com/dynoget/tagj.
Thad Martin
hi,
i remember something about a college in england (?) where you could major
in surfing. i believe it was in the science dept. i saw something on tv
about and thought it was very interesting. they had to study climate,
physics, marine biology, i really wish i could remember more about it.
-susan
megates@... wrote:
i remember something about a college in england (?) where you could major
in surfing. i believe it was in the science dept. i saw something on tv
about and thought it was very interesting. they had to study climate,
physics, marine biology, i really wish i could remember more about it.
-susan
megates@... wrote:
> From: megates@...
>
> >>>I am still having trouble diving completely into unschooling as my
> youngest son is
> obsessive about his sport of choice (surfing). If I didn't give him a
> framework to work within, he would only come in for food and sleep. >>>>
>
> Well, Cafi Cohen's son was able to get college scholarships for
> fly-fishing!
> It must be so much harder when a child's interest is not obviously
> related to something that has a "future" in it. There must be some who
> make their living off of surfing though, in some way? Good luck!
> Mary Ellen
> Seek joy in what you give, not in what you get.
>
> ___________________________________________________________________
> Why pay more to get Web access?
> Try Juno for FREE -- then it's just $9.95/month if you act NOW!
> Get your free software today: http://dl.www.juno.com/dynoget/tagj.
>
> > Message boards, timely articles, a free newsletter and more!
> Check it all out at: http://www.unschooling.com
Thad Martin
what i remember (and my memory is not so great) is that they were trying to
contect up with some california college/university. i'm sorry i can't
remember more:(
-susan
austin,tx
"Carol D. Wickwire" wrote:
contect up with some california college/university. i'm sorry i can't
remember more:(
-susan
austin,tx
"Carol D. Wickwire" wrote:
> From: "Carol D. Wickwire" <poki4@...>
>
> > i remember something about a college in england (?) where you could
> > major
> > in surfing. i believe it was in the science dept. i saw something
> > on tv
> > about and thought it was very interesting. they had to study
> > climate,
> > physics, marine biology,
>
> Wow! That sounds very neat... I wonder if there is something like that
> over here!
>
> Carol Wickwire <*)))><
> Angeli 17, Amber 16, Amanda 14 and Adam 11
> Homeschooling For the Glory of God at Oceanside Academy
> http://www.onelist.com/subscribe/Florida-homeschool
> "Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the
> world, love for the Father is not in him." 1 John 15
>
> ___________________________________________________________________
> Why pay more to get Web access?
> Try Juno for FREE -- then it's just $9.95/month if you act NOW!
> Get your free software today: http://dl.www.juno.com/dynoget/tagj.
>
> > Message boards, timely articles, a free newsletter and more!
> Check it all out at: http://www.unschooling.com
[email protected]
>>>I am still having trouble diving completely into unschooling as myyoungest son is
obsessive about his sport of choice (surfing). If I didn't give him a
framework to work within, he would only come in for food and sleep. >>>>
Well, Cafi Cohen's son was able to get college scholarships for
fly-fishing!
It must be so much harder when a child's interest is not obviously
related to something that has a "future" in it. There must be some who
make their living off of surfing though, in some way? Good luck!
Mary Ellen
Seek joy in what you give, not in what you get.
___________________________________________________________________
Why pay more to get Web access?
Try Juno for FREE -- then it's just $9.95/month if you act NOW!
Get your free software today: http://dl.www.juno.com/dynoget/tagj.
Carol D. Wickwire
> i remember something about a college in england (?) where you couldWow! That sounds very neat... I wonder if there is something like that
> major
> in surfing. i believe it was in the science dept. i saw something
> on tv
> about and thought it was very interesting. they had to study
> climate,
> physics, marine biology,
over here!
Carol Wickwire <*)))><
Angeli 17, Amber 16, Amanda 14 and Adam 11
Homeschooling For the Glory of God at Oceanside Academy
http://www.onelist.com/subscribe/Florida-homeschool
"Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the
world, love for the Father is not in him." 1 John 15
___________________________________________________________________
Why pay more to get Web access?
Try Juno for FREE -- then it's just $9.95/month if you act NOW!
Get your free software today: http://dl.www.juno.com/dynoget/tagj.
[email protected]
Hi, Carol!
Welcome - it's great to see you here! I'm usually buried in email, so I
don't post much, but I'm always here LOL
Linda in FL :)
Welcome - it's great to see you here! I'm usually buried in email, so I
don't post much, but I'm always here LOL
Linda in FL :)
Carol D. Wickwire
Hey Linda!
We just keep bumping into each other don't we? Hope all is well with you
down south!
Carol Wickwire <*)))><
Angeli 17, Amber 16, Amanda 14 and Adam 11
Homeschooling For the Glory of God at Oceanside Academy
http://www.onelist.com/subscribe/Florida-homeschool
"Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the
world, love for the Father is not in him." 1 John 15
___________________________________________________________________
Why pay more to get Web access?
Try Juno for FREE -- then it's just $9.95/month if you act NOW!
Get your free software today: http://dl.www.juno.com/dynoget/tagj.
We just keep bumping into each other don't we? Hope all is well with you
down south!
Carol Wickwire <*)))><
Angeli 17, Amber 16, Amanda 14 and Adam 11
Homeschooling For the Glory of God at Oceanside Academy
http://www.onelist.com/subscribe/Florida-homeschool
"Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the
world, love for the Father is not in him." 1 John 15
___________________________________________________________________
Why pay more to get Web access?
Try Juno for FREE -- then it's just $9.95/month if you act NOW!
Get your free software today: http://dl.www.juno.com/dynoget/tagj.
[email protected]
Hi,
I have been lurking for the past week and thought I should introduce myself
and family. My name is Karen and I am married to David. We have two dd,
Britney 10 and Brooke 8. We have been homeschooling for about Two years and
have slowly slid in to unschooling. We live in Southern California.
Karen
I have been lurking for the past week and thought I should introduce myself
and family. My name is Karen and I am married to David. We have two dd,
Britney 10 and Brooke 8. We have been homeschooling for about Two years and
have slowly slid in to unschooling. We live in Southern California.
Karen
Shira
Hello! I am new to the list. I thought I would wait for a few more days to
introduce myself but, after reading several of Sharon's posts, I decided to
jump in now. Like Sharon, I have a large family. We have nine surviving of
ten children, consisting of his, mine, ours and more of ours (this last grop
being our adopted children). Needless to say, they are ALL ours. We each
brought a boy and a girl into this marriage. Those "children" are now 29,
29, 26, and 25. The two girls are married and one has a 2 year old son, with
a new baby daughter on the way. We have two girls from this marriage, aged
14 and 12. We were foster parents for quite some time, having 40 foster
children, over the years. Of those forty, we adopted four, although,
tragically, our first adopted son died from a surgical error. The ages of
the youngest set of children is 10, 6, and 5. Our two oldest "still at home"
daughters are dyslexic and the youngest three have a number of special
needs. We homeschool four of our five children who are still at home. We
hope to someday be able to homeschool our 10 yo boy, too. His needs are
numerous and I haven't been able to figure out how to be able to meet his
needs, plus the other four. Also, I am caring for my dad, who is terminally
ill. This is our ninth year of homeschooling. Like many, we began with a
more formal approach than we have now. We are basically unschoolers now
although, I still find myself worrying that, especially the oldest, are not
getting enough. Old habits die hard.
Although I won't go heavily into the religious discussion that has been going
on, I will say that I especially liked Sharon's response, as well as several
of the others. As I've grown older, I have seen, more and more, the need for
tolerance. We all walk different paths and have come from different places.
What is appropriate and meaningful to one person may not be at all right for
another, IMHO.
Enough rambling. I'm looking forward to the sharing on this list.
Jill (also known as Shira)
kickaboo@... wrote:
introduce myself but, after reading several of Sharon's posts, I decided to
jump in now. Like Sharon, I have a large family. We have nine surviving of
ten children, consisting of his, mine, ours and more of ours (this last grop
being our adopted children). Needless to say, they are ALL ours. We each
brought a boy and a girl into this marriage. Those "children" are now 29,
29, 26, and 25. The two girls are married and one has a 2 year old son, with
a new baby daughter on the way. We have two girls from this marriage, aged
14 and 12. We were foster parents for quite some time, having 40 foster
children, over the years. Of those forty, we adopted four, although,
tragically, our first adopted son died from a surgical error. The ages of
the youngest set of children is 10, 6, and 5. Our two oldest "still at home"
daughters are dyslexic and the youngest three have a number of special
needs. We homeschool four of our five children who are still at home. We
hope to someday be able to homeschool our 10 yo boy, too. His needs are
numerous and I haven't been able to figure out how to be able to meet his
needs, plus the other four. Also, I am caring for my dad, who is terminally
ill. This is our ninth year of homeschooling. Like many, we began with a
more formal approach than we have now. We are basically unschoolers now
although, I still find myself worrying that, especially the oldest, are not
getting enough. Old habits die hard.
Although I won't go heavily into the religious discussion that has been going
on, I will say that I especially liked Sharon's response, as well as several
of the others. As I've grown older, I have seen, more and more, the need for
tolerance. We all walk different paths and have come from different places.
What is appropriate and meaningful to one person may not be at all right for
another, IMHO.
Enough rambling. I'm looking forward to the sharing on this list.
Jill (also known as Shira)
kickaboo@... wrote:
> From: kickaboo@...
>
> Thea, I have 8 kids, 3 girls, age 27, 24, and 20 and 5 boys age 22, 18,
> 15, 11 and 8. The 15, 11 and 8 yo are the ones we are schooling at home.
> We took the boys out of public school last spring because all of the boys
> are dyslexic
[email protected]
Jill, you sure have you hands full! How neat. welcome to the list.
I have two boys, 11 and 9, and they are a handfull in themselves!
having big families must be so much fun, as well as so much work! LOL, but
sounds like more on the fun side.
Teresa
I have two boys, 11 and 9, and they are a handfull in themselves!
having big families must be so much fun, as well as so much work! LOL, but
sounds like more on the fun side.
Teresa
(Lorrie Pimentel)
Hello. My name is Lorrie. I am new to the list and to unschooling.
I have three kids. 17 yo girl, 7 yo boy and a 10 month old boy. My
daughter is unfortunately a victim of the system. After one year of
ps for my 7 yo I finally had enough.
So this is my first year of homeschooling. I gathered all kinds of
information and read and read. I got the scope and sequence for
first grade and set out to meet those goals. Well it did not take
long to see that my son hates learning from a book and doing
worksheets. After many days of fighting I almost gave up. Then I
remembered reading about unschooling. So here I am.
Now I don't know what I am suppose to do. My son likes not having a
structued lesson every day but I don't feel like he's learning
anything. I know I can teach him through everyday life but I am now
very confused as to what I should be teaching him at this age or how
to go about it. I always felt that reading was the most important
thing. He knows how to read but not very well. I can't seem to find
an approach to further his skills. One way I can get him to read is
having a treasure hunt however, I can not supply him with a new toy
every day so he will read.
Any suggestions as to where to start or how to proceed would be
appreciated.
I have three kids. 17 yo girl, 7 yo boy and a 10 month old boy. My
daughter is unfortunately a victim of the system. After one year of
ps for my 7 yo I finally had enough.
So this is my first year of homeschooling. I gathered all kinds of
information and read and read. I got the scope and sequence for
first grade and set out to meet those goals. Well it did not take
long to see that my son hates learning from a book and doing
worksheets. After many days of fighting I almost gave up. Then I
remembered reading about unschooling. So here I am.
Now I don't know what I am suppose to do. My son likes not having a
structued lesson every day but I don't feel like he's learning
anything. I know I can teach him through everyday life but I am now
very confused as to what I should be teaching him at this age or how
to go about it. I always felt that reading was the most important
thing. He knows how to read but not very well. I can't seem to find
an approach to further his skills. One way I can get him to read is
having a treasure hunt however, I can not supply him with a new toy
every day so he will read.
Any suggestions as to where to start or how to proceed would be
appreciated.
Anita Bower
Welcome to unschooling, Lorrie!
You will find your way as you go along. Trial and error is a great teacher.
My son didn't do much reading until age 9. But, we read to him constantly!
MOrning, noon and night, and in between. Fiction, non-fiction, science
fiction, fantasy, etc. He is now 11, and we still read to him, morning and
night. We all love it! Usually my husband reads him one book, and I read
him another, and, now that he reads regularly, he reads another. Sometimes
we even have a fourth book going for family reading aloud time.
We always read books on topics my son was interested in. We use the
library heavily.
As a result of listening to all this reading aloud, his vocabulary is
fabulous and he has a great sense of proper grammar.
My son started reading for pleasure by reading "Calvin and Hobbes" and
"Garfield" collections. We have them all. (I never anticipated spending
money on comic collections!) He still likes to re-read them repeatedly at
bedtime.
How does you son learn? Observe him and find out.
My son absorbs info from PBS specials like NOVA. Tonight he watched a
special on the Hindenbergh disaster, then came in and explained the whole
thing to us in detail. I was impressed.
At age 7 my son loved to build with Legos, loved to pretend and tell me
stories about his pretend characters. I think developing the imagination
is most important.
This is a start. Feel free to ask questions. I look forward tocomments
from others.
Anita
Homeschooling Mom
Nottingham, PA
"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate,
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure."
Nelson Mandela Inaugural Speech, 1994
You will find your way as you go along. Trial and error is a great teacher.
My son didn't do much reading until age 9. But, we read to him constantly!
MOrning, noon and night, and in between. Fiction, non-fiction, science
fiction, fantasy, etc. He is now 11, and we still read to him, morning and
night. We all love it! Usually my husband reads him one book, and I read
him another, and, now that he reads regularly, he reads another. Sometimes
we even have a fourth book going for family reading aloud time.
We always read books on topics my son was interested in. We use the
library heavily.
As a result of listening to all this reading aloud, his vocabulary is
fabulous and he has a great sense of proper grammar.
My son started reading for pleasure by reading "Calvin and Hobbes" and
"Garfield" collections. We have them all. (I never anticipated spending
money on comic collections!) He still likes to re-read them repeatedly at
bedtime.
How does you son learn? Observe him and find out.
My son absorbs info from PBS specials like NOVA. Tonight he watched a
special on the Hindenbergh disaster, then came in and explained the whole
thing to us in detail. I was impressed.
At age 7 my son loved to build with Legos, loved to pretend and tell me
stories about his pretend characters. I think developing the imagination
is most important.
This is a start. Feel free to ask questions. I look forward tocomments
from others.
Anita
Homeschooling Mom
Nottingham, PA
"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate,
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure."
Nelson Mandela Inaugural Speech, 1994
Pris
Hi everyone ...
I'm a SAHM from TX and I've h-s'd my dss (11/9) for 3 yrs ... we've had a
*wonderful* experience, that is, until recently, the natives are getting
R~E~S~T~L~E~S~S ... I've noticed lately we're all complaining about the same
basic points; we're all *SICK* of workbooks, sick of replicating school @
home, and I'm sick of hovering over the boys while they work @ their desks
~> *there's just gotta be a better way*!!!
several wks ago, my sister sent me an newspaper article about an
*unschooling* fm and she thought I might be *intrigued* ... honest to Pete,
I don't know the first thing about unschooling but I found the article to be
like a breath of fresh air; *SUCH A RELIEF*!!! last night I was poking
around the e-groups b/c I wanted to find a good group of unschoolers that I
could *gleam* from ...
happy day ...
Pris
I'm a SAHM from TX and I've h-s'd my dss (11/9) for 3 yrs ... we've had a
*wonderful* experience, that is, until recently, the natives are getting
R~E~S~T~L~E~S~S ... I've noticed lately we're all complaining about the same
basic points; we're all *SICK* of workbooks, sick of replicating school @
home, and I'm sick of hovering over the boys while they work @ their desks
~> *there's just gotta be a better way*!!!
several wks ago, my sister sent me an newspaper article about an
*unschooling* fm and she thought I might be *intrigued* ... honest to Pete,
I don't know the first thing about unschooling but I found the article to be
like a breath of fresh air; *SUCH A RELIEF*!!! last night I was poking
around the e-groups b/c I wanted to find a good group of unschoolers that I
could *gleam* from ...
happy day ...
Pris
The Gernerts
On 17 May 2000, at 22:01, Pris wrote:
Your experience sounds just like mine. I 'discovered' unschooling
about two months ago. I have read some great books that have really
helped. The Relaxed Homeschool by Mary Hood is very easy to
read and very good. I enjoyed Dumbing us Down by John Gatto, not
as easy to read, but very eye opening about the wrongness of
compulsory school and duplicating school-at-home. I am now
reading books by John Holt and am enjoying them greatly.
I know this is right for my family, I just hope I can resist the
temptation of going back to the workbooks.
Tarla
> Hi everyone ...
>
> I'm a SAHM from TX and I've h-s'd my dss (11/9) for 3 yrs ... we've had a
> *wonderful* experience, that is, until recently, the natives are getting
> R~E~S~T~L~E~S~S ... I've noticed lately we're all complaining about the same
> basic points; we're all *SICK* of workbooks, sick of replicating school @
> home, and I'm sick of hovering over the boys while they work @ their desks
> ~> *there's just gotta be a better way*!!!
>
> several wks ago, my sister sent me an newspaper article about an
> *unschooling* fm and she thought I might be *intrigued* ... honest to Pete,
> I don't know the first thing about unschooling but I found the article to be
> like a breath of fresh air; *SUCH A RELIEF*!!! last night I was poking
> around the e-groups b/c I wanted to find a good group of unschoolers that I
> could *gleam* from ...
>
> happy day ...
> Pris
>
>
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Anita Bower
Welcome Pris!
Anita
Homeschooling Mom
Nottingham, PA
"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate,
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure."
Nelson Mandela Inaugural Speech, 1994
Anita
Homeschooling Mom
Nottingham, PA
"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate,
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure."
Nelson Mandela Inaugural Speech, 1994
Lisa
Hi everyone! I've been lurking for a while, but thought it was time to introduce myself. I am a full time mom, writer and web designer. We have been learning with our kids at home for 6 years, and started unschooling "officially" last year. So far, we love it, though sometimes I worry. It's hard to let go and just trust that they will pursue their interests without me leading them each step of the way. :-)
I wanted to mention a website that some of you might find interesting. It's a women's website, though a lot of men visit there as well. They have lots of great info on just about every topic you can think of, but the best part of the site is the discussion forums. They have several "homeschooling" forums, as well as an unschooling forum.
Links are below:
http://www.mrssurvival.com/
And a direct link to the discussion forums:
http://www.mrssurvival.com/cgi-bin/ubb/Ultimate.cgi
It's nice to meet you all!
Lisa in Canada
I wanted to mention a website that some of you might find interesting. It's a women's website, though a lot of men visit there as well. They have lots of great info on just about every topic you can think of, but the best part of the site is the discussion forums. They have several "homeschooling" forums, as well as an unschooling forum.
Links are below:
http://www.mrssurvival.com/
And a direct link to the discussion forums:
http://www.mrssurvival.com/cgi-bin/ubb/Ultimate.cgi
It's nice to meet you all!
Lisa in Canada
CA Nelson
Hi! Nice to meet you too. Thanks for the link. Looks quite interesting and informative. What writing do you do?
--
Amy Nelson
Mama to Accalia (6/14/99)
"The hardest to learn was the least complicated." - The Indigo Girls
From: Lisa <lisabeaubien@...>