[email protected]

Hello all,
I am writing with a situation currently occuring in my home, hoping for
some reassurance or ideas (or both!!).
Both of my kids (ages 8 & 6) have spent the last week just playing,
usually with legos. They lack interest in much else. They are certainly
involved in their play but it worries me that they have no other interests.
We took our weekly trip to the library but after that, they have no interest
in the books (aside from the one I am reading to them nightly, "Ramona The
Pest").
Has anyone else experienced this kind of lull? Do I just wait it out??
This unschooling thing is all new to me and I want to jump in and take
control!!! Somebody stop me quick!!!
Thanks to all, Lori in TX

Joel Hawthorne

It is so easy to say just relax. I believe it. When my children are fighting
like cats and dogs and seem to just dig in keep on doing it I long for days of
just playing with legos.

I really do think that children come to the things they need in their own good
time.

Playing with legos is great and involves planning, focus, concentration,
persistence, and all sorts of other very desirable qualities which are much more
important than any "content". Being engaged fully in something is what is
important. Those qualities will be used for whatever the person needs as they
grow older. They will be the best judge of that.

Good luck and .....relax.
RRAINENJ@... wrote:

> From: RRAINENJ@...
>
> Hello all,
> I am writing with a situation currently occuring in my home, hoping for
> some reassurance or ideas (or both!!).
> Both of my kids (ages 8 & 6) have spent the last week just playing,
> usually with legos. They lack interest in much else. They are certainly
> involved in their play but it worries me that they have no other interests.
> We took our weekly trip to the library but after that, they have no interest
> in the books (aside from the one I am reading to them nightly, "Ramona The
> Pest").
> Has anyone else experienced this kind of lull? Do I just wait it out??
> This unschooling thing is all new to me and I want to jump in and take
> control!!! Somebody stop me quick!!!
> Thanks to all, Lori in TX
>
> > Check it out!
> http://www.unschooling.com

--
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 9/22/99 3:07:51 PM EST, jhawthorne@... writes:

<< Good luck and .....relax. >>
Joel, It is good to hear from you! I wasn't sure if you were still on the
list or not. Okay, I am taking deep, relaxing breaths!!! LOL
Thanks for the advice, Lori in TX

Monica L. Molinar

Hi Lori!

Good News!!! Your kids aren't "in a lull", they're hard at work -- it's just
a challenge for you to be able to see it that way right now. For you and
everyone else who finds LEGO to be play instead of work (also read:
learning), may I suggest a visit to http://www.weirdrichard.com/zero.htm ,
where you will discover many interesting things, not the least of which is
the "educationese" behind what LEGOs offer your children.

Best wishes,

Monica, HSPT (mom of three avid LEGOMANIACS!!) :-)
Universal Minds Learning Center
http://www.universalminds.com

From: <RRAINENJ@...>
To: <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, September 22, 1999 10:10 AM
Subject: [Unschooling-dotcom] Uncshooling Worries


> From: RRAINENJ@...
>
> Hello all,
> I am writing with a situation currently occuring in my home, hoping
for
> some reassurance or ideas (or both!!).
> Both of my kids (ages 8 & 6) have spent the last week just playing,
> usually with legos. They lack interest in much else. They are certainly
> involved in their play but it worries me that they have no other
interests.
> We took our weekly trip to the library but after that, they have no
interest
> in the books (aside from the one I am reading to them nightly, "Ramona The
> Pest").
> Has anyone else experienced this kind of lull? Do I just wait it out??
> This unschooling thing is all new to me and I want to jump in and take
> control!!! Somebody stop me quick!!!
> Thanks to all, Lori in TX
>
> > Check it out!
> http://www.unschooling.com
>

Joseph A. & Susan D. Fuerst

Lori,
I don't have any answers for you, but I understand.....I get concerned
about my 7.5 yo. She still seems to get on 'boredom' kicks....wants to do
things only if I'll do them with her...wants to have a playmate with her(the
neighborhood gang is in school). I'd feel better if she had some interest,
like legos, but she piddles and watches TV. We do limit TV some if I think
the youngsters are watching too much....but not as a punishment - I just
tsake it as my 'wake up' call to plan more outings or things to do.
Susan
-----Original Message-----
From: RRAINENJ@... <RRAINENJ@...>
To: [email protected] <[email protected]>
Date: Wednesday, September 22, 1999 2:10 PM
Subject: [Unschooling-dotcom] Uncshooling Worries


>From: RRAINENJ@...
>
>Hello all,
> I am writing with a situation currently occuring in my home, hoping for
>some reassurance or ideas (or both!!).
> Both of my kids (ages 8 & 6) have spent the last week just playing,
>usually with legos. They lack interest in much else. They are certainly
>involved in their play but it worries me that they have no other interests.
>We took our weekly trip to the library but after that, they have no
interest
>in the books (aside from the one I am reading to them nightly, "Ramona The
>Pest").
> Has anyone else experienced this kind of lull? Do I just wait it out??
>This unschooling thing is all new to me and I want to jump in and take
>control!!! Somebody stop me quick!!!
> Thanks to all, Lori in TX
>
>>Check it out!
>http://www.unschooling.com
>

dawn

> Both of my kids (ages 8 & 6) have spent the last week just playing,
> usually with legos. They lack interest in much else. They are certainly
> involved in their play but it worries me that they have no other interests.
> We took our weekly trip to the library but after that, they have no interest
> in the books (aside from the one I am reading to them nightly, "Ramona The
> Pest").
> Has anyone else experienced this kind of lull? Do I just wait it out??
my 6 yo is like this a lot of the time. in fact, we are in such a stage
right now. it usually precedes either a change in the weather (he is a
natural barometer) or a big developmental surge. i just try to relax and
sit on my hands.

dawn h-s

Sandy Kent

I have my doubts also. Sure, Lego is educational but isn't it stretching is a bit too far? The world is much richer than even the most elaborate structures built from those blocks. There are stars, books, DNAs, clouds, fish in the ocean, do I need to go on? How will a day after day after day of playing (OK, lets call it learning) through Lego introduce a child to the wonders of the world? If unschooling means child led education a child has to know what paths there are. Sitting at only one thing (whatever that would be at this age) does not seem to be a very natural way to learn about the world. If it were so I do not think our spices would be able to survive. I thought one needs to know her/his options before choosing.
Sandy
----- Original Message -----
From: Monica L. Molinar
To: [email protected]
Sent: Wednesday, September 22, 1999 2:10 PM
Subject: Re: [Unschooling-dotcom] Uncshooling Worries


From: "Monica L. Molinar" <Monica@...>

Hi Lori!

Good News!!! Your kids aren't "in a lull", they're hard at work -- it's just
a challenge for you to be able to see it that way right now. For you and
everyone else who finds LEGO to be play instead of work (also read:
learning), may I suggest a visit to http://www.weirdrichard.com/zero.htm ,
where you will discover many interesting things, not the least of which is
the "educationese" behind what LEGOs offer your children.

Best wishes,

Monica, HSPT (mom of three avid LEGOMANIACS!!) :-)
Universal Minds Learning Center
http://www.universalminds.com

From: <RRAINENJ@...>
To: <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, September 22, 1999 10:10 AM
Subject: [Unschooling-dotcom] Uncshooling Worries


> From: RRAINENJ@...
>
> Hello all,
> I am writing with a situation currently occuring in my home, hoping
for
> some reassurance or ideas (or both!!).
> Both of my kids (ages 8 & 6) have spent the last week just playing,
> usually with legos. They lack interest in much else. They are certainly
> involved in their play but it worries me that they have no other
interests.
> We took our weekly trip to the library but after that, they have no
interest
> in the books (aside from the one I am reading to them nightly, "Ramona The
> Pest").
> Has anyone else experienced this kind of lull? Do I just wait it out??
> This unschooling thing is all new to me and I want to jump in and take
> control!!! Somebody stop me quick!!!
> Thanks to all, Lori in TX
>
> > Check it out!
> http://www.unschooling.com
>


--------------------------- ONElist Sponsor ----------------------------

Share your special moments with family and friends- send PHOTO Greetings
at Zing.com! Use your own photos or choose from a variety of funny,
cute, cool and animated cards.
<a href=" http://clickme.onelist.com/ad/zing9 ">Click Here</a>

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Check it out!
http://www.unschooling.com

Olivia

At 03:16 PM 09/22/1999 -0700, you wrote:
>From: dawn <dawn@...>
> Has anyone else experienced this kind of lull? Do I just wait it out??
> my 6 yo is like this a lot of the time. in fact, we are in such a stage
>right now. it usually precedes either a change in the weather (he is a
>natural barometer) or a big developmental surge. i just try to relax and
>sit on my hands.


We are also in that 6yo lull. My son has always loved race cars, but some
days (weeks) it's nothing but racing games, building Hot Wheels tracks,
making car board games, talking about races, etc., etc. I suggest other
things and he declines. Yesterday he said "school is over now" when I
suggested playing something other than a car-related game. LOL Really, it
was only a casual suggestion on my part! Our days are very far from
anything related to structure (much to his grandparents' dismay.) Then
there are the days when he just lays around watching TV or puttering with
nothing in particular. I'm nervous that we won't have anything to put in
his portfolio by May to show to the superintendent. I guess I'm not good at
waiting for those "developmental surges".

Olivia

Joel Hawthorne

Don't let the superintendent's agenda be yours. Remember this: all of that car
stuff can be translated into educationalese and teacher-speak which will satisfy
the most brainwashed "standards" fanatic. The cult of educators can be appeased
with a little bit of this and a little bit of that, a dash of jargon, a pinch of
hyperbole and a long-winded convoluted way of putting things. You tell I've
done time in school myself.

As for grandparents ......argh! give it up. They are for the most part, beyond
our reach... their sons and their daughters are beyond their command .....their
old road is rapidly fading..... There I knew Bob Dylan would be there when I
needed him.

Play is what kids (who are fortunate) get to do to sort out the world.

Hang in there. Revisit the GWS site and refresh yourself.

Olivia wrote:

> From: Olivia <liv2learn@...>
>
> At 03:16 PM 09/22/1999 -0700, you wrote:
> >From: dawn <dawn@...>
> > Has anyone else experienced this kind of lull? Do I just wait it out??
> > my 6 yo is like this a lot of the time. in fact, we are in such a stage
> >right now. it usually precedes either a change in the weather (he is a
> >natural barometer) or a big developmental surge. i just try to relax and
> >sit on my hands.
>
> We are also in that 6yo lull. My son has always loved race cars, but some
> days (weeks) it's nothing but racing games, building Hot Wheels tracks,
> making car board games, talking about races, etc., etc. I suggest other
> things and he declines. Yesterday he said "school is over now" when I
> suggested playing something other than a car-related game. LOL Really, it
> was only a casual suggestion on my part! Our days are very far from
> anything related to structure (much to his grandparents' dismay.) Then
> there are the days when he just lays around watching TV or puttering with
> nothing in particular. I'm nervous that we won't have anything to put in
> his portfolio by May to show to the superintendent. I guess I'm not good at
> waiting for those "developmental surges".
>
> Olivia

--
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

dawn

On Wed, 22 Sep 1999, Sandy Kent wrote:

> I have my doubts also. Sure, Lego is educational but isn't it stretching is a bit too far? The world is much richer than even the most elaborate structures built from those blocks. There are stars, books, DNAs, clouds, fish in the ocean, do I need to go on? How will a day after day after day of playing (OK, lets call it learning) through Lego introduce a child to the wonders of the world? If unschooling means child led education a child has to know what paths there are. Sitting at only one thing (whatever that would be at this age) does not seem to be a very natural way to learn about the world. If it were so I do not think our spices would be able to survive. I thought one needs to know her/his options before choosing.

as i was telling a freind of mine today, "they don't have to learn it
*all* this year. save some for the future."

it sounds like you need to work on deschooling your expectations (as we
all do at times). I know I do when my sons spend hours digging in dirt,
day after day afer day...we go to the park, and my younger son spends over
an hour, lying on his stomach, under a bridge, patiently scraping away
tiny bits of soil. I sit there and thint that there are at least 8
varieties of oak trees surrounding us.....let's do something
educational......and then he points out to me that there are tiny
variations in the dirt....some is from rock, some is from decaying matter,
some is more clay......uh....to me, dirt is dirt, and only means a bigger
ring arouund the tub, grit in my bed, and more laundry.....but someone has
to know about the different kinds......even if it is a 3 yo.

dawn h-s

dawn

> nothing in particular. I'm nervous that we won't have anything to put in
> his portfolio by May to show to the superintendent. I guess I'm not good at
> waiting for those "developmental surges".
l
Let's see.....building and racing hotwheels=physics; developing boad
games=reading, writing, art, logic; doing whatever it is they do with
those tons of little cars=math/sorting/classifying; looking at books about
cars-reading and more science (combustion engines and stuff); history fits
in there somewhere, I'm sure; making engine noises=music and literature
(onomonopeia or however that is spelled)....

[email protected]

One of the gifts we share as homeschoolers is the gift of time--we can look
at the long term without having to focus on achieving externally and
artificially imposed standards. We can read all day long in our jammies if we
want to(until our voices give out). When my mother and grandmother were both
terminally ill about a year and a half ago, we all shared the process(they
died within a month of each other) --we learned lessons of the heart.
The Universe will continue if our kids don't do long division today or
tomorrow or even the next day.we are raising happy, healthy individuals whose
light continues to glow.
play is the work of children(and adults, too, only the kids know it and
we've forgotten). Your kids are doing exactly what they need to do. So be
gentle with yourself--
relax and enjoy,
Debra

[email protected]

In a message dated 9/22/99 8:01:36 PM EST, jhawthorne@... writes:

<< There I knew Bob Dylan would be there when I
needed him. >>
ROTFL!!!!! Thank you, Joel, for this encouragement!! There is hope for
all the little tidbits we have picked up in our lives to be put to good use,
yet!!! Lori in TX

David Albert

I have a cousin -- my age (49) and sharing the same first name. We were
always being compared -- I being the academic one. He didn't read until
he was 10. Was considered learning disabled, and stuck in the "dumb
kids" class (I don't even remember hearing the term "learning disabled"
in the late 50s!) Couldn't do math. Couldn't spell. Couldn't sing.
Couldn't draw.

He played with blocks. Endlessly. Always the same thing. Making
tunnels. Little ones, big ones, short one, curvy ones, straight ones.
Always tunnels. Drove his mom (who was not particularly supportive)
crazy. When he got to be 12, he started to ride the New York City
subway system. Days at a time. Played hookey from school. Truant.
Where was he? On the subway. Befriended some of the drivers.

Barely graduated high school (still could barely read).

Today, he is not only an engineer, but designed and built the 3rd
largest underground railway system in the United States. He is called
to consult around the world.

Still doesn't read much. Never addresses a large public audience.
Still goes to new towns in faraway countries, and instead of seeing the
sights, rides their underground railways, making friends with all the
conductors. For him, these are the sights. Married, 3 wonderful
children. Has legos in his office.

David



Joel Hawthorne wrote:

>
>
> If one does in fact not have faith that eventually these kids will be
> interested in something more than lego it could be a challenge to
> one's world view. The world is infinitely rich and if we as adults
> show a vital interest in it our children will pick up on it. One
> cannot usefully be forced to be interested in things. You can force
> children to expand their horizons but to me it is at the expense of
> the most important values. Self-determination, self-direction, and
> the validation of one's own feelings about the world. Children in my
> opinion grow best in a rich environment, with "interested in the
> world" parents, a varied community of adults, a varied community of
> children of different ages, with maximum freedom of choice within the
> real confines of their particular families.
>
> Sitting at one thing for a long time is in fact the road to mastery.
> The ability to be absorbed in one thing completely bodes well for
> whatever interests these children will have in the future. The fact
> of the matter is that different people have very different learning
> styles. Some flit from thing to thing. Some sit zen- like for what
> seems like ages on a little corner of the world which fascinates
> them. Some are orderly, sequential, logical. Others are given to
> wild enthusiasms which bring chaos with them. A loving supportive
> environment allows each flower to blossom as best befits its nature.
> No one escapes the nurturing cauldron of their family. It shapes us,
> as do our communities but the recognition of individual nuance is the
> best aspect of unschooling imho.
>
> Sandy Kent wrote:
>
>> I have my doubts also. Sure, Lego is educational but isn't it
>> stretching is a bit too far? The world is much richer than even the
>> most elaborate structures built from those blocks. There are stars,
>> books, DNAs, clouds, fish in the ocean, do I need to go on? How will
>> a day after day after day of playing (OK, lets call it learning)
>> through Lego introduce a child to the wonders of the world? If
>> unschooling means child led education a child has to know what paths
>> there are. Sitting at only one thing (whatever that would be at this
>> age) does not seem to be a very natural way to learn about the
>> world. If it were so I do not think our spices would be able to
>> survive. I thought one needs to know her/his options before
>> choosing.Sandy
>>
>> ----- Original Message -----
>> From: Monica L. Molinar
>> To: [email protected]
>> Sent: Wednesday, September 22, 1999 2:10 PM
>> Subject: Re: [Unschooling-dotcom] Uncshooling Worries
>> From: "Monica L. Molinar" <Monica@...>
>>
>> Hi Lori!
>>
>> Good News!!! Your kids aren't "in a lull", they're hard at
>> work -- it's just
>> a challenge for you to be able to see it that way right
>> now. For you and
>> everyone else who finds LEGO to be play instead of work
>> (also read:
>> learning), may I suggest a visit to
>> http://www.weirdrichard.com/zero.htm ,
>> where you will discover many interesting things, not the
>> least of which is
>> the "educationese" behind what LEGOs offer your children.
>>
>> Best wishes,
>>
>> Monica, HSPT (mom of three avid LEGOMANIACS!!) :-)
>> Universal Minds Learning Center
>> http://www.universalminds.com
>>
>> From: <RRAINENJ@...>
>> To: <[email protected]>
>> Sent: Wednesday, September 22, 1999 10:10 AM
>> Subject: [Unschooling-dotcom] Uncshooling Worries
>>
>>
>> > From: RRAINENJ@...
>> >
>> > Hello all,
>> > I am writing with a situation currently occuring in
>> my home, hoping
>> for
>> > some reassurance or ideas (or both!!).
>> > Both of my kids (ages 8 & 6) have spent the last
>> week just playing,
>> > usually with legos. They lack interest in much else.
>> They are certainly
>> > involved in their play but it worries me that they have
>> no other
>> interests.
>> > We took our weekly trip to the library but after that,
>> they have no
>> interest
>> > in the books (aside from the one I am reading to them
>> nightly, "Ramona The
>> > Pest").
>> > Has anyone else experienced this kind of lull? Do I
>> just wait it out??
>> > This unschooling thing is all new to me and I want to
>> jump in and take
>> > control!!! Somebody stop me quick!!!
>> > Thanks to all, Lori in TX
>> >
>> > > Check it out!
>> > http://www.unschooling.com
>> >
>>
>>
>>
>> Check it out!
>> http://www.unschooling.com
>>
> --
> 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
>



--
My book "And the Skylark Sings with Me: Adventures in Homeschooling and
Community-Based Education" will be off the press around September 30.
To read a sample chapter, reviewers' comments, or the foreword, visit my
website at http://www.skylarksings.com

Joel Hawthorne

If one does in fact not have faith that eventually these kids will be
interested in something more than lego it could be a challenge to one's
world view. The world is infinitely rich and if we as adults show a
vital interest in it our children will pick up on it. One cannot
usefully be forced to be interested in things. You can force children
to expand their horizons but to me it is at the expense of the most
important values. Self-determination, self-direction, and the
validation of one's own feelings about the world. Children in my
opinion grow best in a rich environment, with "interested in the world"
parents, a varied community of adults, a varied community of children of
different ages, with maximum freedom of choice within the real confines
of their particular families.

Sitting at one thing for a long time is in fact the road to mastery.
The ability to be absorbed in one thing completely bodes well for
whatever interests these children will have in the future. The fact of
the matter is that different people have very different learning
styles. Some flit from thing to thing. Some sit zen- like for what
seems like ages on a little corner of the world which fascinates them.
Some are orderly, sequential, logical. Others are given to wild
enthusiasms which bring chaos with them. A loving supportive
environment allows each flower to blossom as best befits its nature. No
one escapes the nurturing cauldron of their family. It shapes us, as do
our communities but the recognition of individual nuance is the best
aspect of unschooling imho.

Sandy Kent wrote:

> I have my doubts also. Sure, Lego is educational but isn't it
> stretching is a bit too far? The world is much richer than even the
> most elaborate structures built from those blocks. There are stars,
> books, DNAs, clouds, fish in the ocean, do I need to go on? How will a
> day after day after day of playing (OK, lets call it learning) through
> Lego introduce a child to the wonders of the world? If unschooling
> means child led education a child has to know what paths there are.
> Sitting at only one thing (whatever that would be at this age) does
> not seem to be a very natural way to learn about the world. If it were
> so I do not think our spices would be able to survive. I thought one
> needs to know her/his options before choosing.Sandy
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Monica L. Molinar
> To: [email protected]
> Sent: Wednesday, September 22, 1999 2:10 PM
> Subject: Re: [Unschooling-dotcom] Uncshooling Worries
> From: "Monica L. Molinar" <Monica@...>
>
> Hi Lori!
>
> Good News!!! Your kids aren't "in a lull", they're hard at
> work -- it's just
> a challenge for you to be able to see it that way right
> now. For you and
> everyone else who finds LEGO to be play instead of work
> (also read:
> learning), may I suggest a visit to
> http://www.weirdrichard.com/zero.htm ,
> where you will discover many interesting things, not the
> least of which is
> the "educationese" behind what LEGOs offer your children.
>
> Best wishes,
>
> Monica, HSPT (mom of three avid LEGOMANIACS!!) :-)
> Universal Minds Learning Center
> http://www.universalminds.com
>
> From: <RRAINENJ@...>
> To: <[email protected]>
> Sent: Wednesday, September 22, 1999 10:10 AM
> Subject: [Unschooling-dotcom] Uncshooling Worries
>
>
> > From: RRAINENJ@...
> >
> > Hello all,
> > I am writing with a situation currently occuring in my
> home, hoping
> for
> > some reassurance or ideas (or both!!).
> > Both of my kids (ages 8 & 6) have spent the last week
> just playing,
> > usually with legos. They lack interest in much else. They
> are certainly
> > involved in their play but it worries me that they have no
> other
> interests.
> > We took our weekly trip to the library but after that,
> they have no
> interest
> > in the books (aside from the one I am reading to them
> nightly, "Ramona The
> > Pest").
> > Has anyone else experienced this kind of lull? Do I
> just wait it out??
> > This unschooling thing is all new to me and I want to jump
> in and take
> > control!!! Somebody stop me quick!!!
> > Thanks to all, Lori in TX
> >
> > > Check it out!
> > http://www.unschooling.com
> >
>
>
> --------------------------- ONElist Sponsor
> ----------------------------
>
> Share your special moments with family and friends- send
> PHOTO Greetings
> at Zing.com! Use your own photos or choose from a variety of
> funny,
> cute, cool and animated cards.
> <a href=" http://clickme.onelist.com/ad/zing9 ">Click
> Here</a>
>
> --------
> ---------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Check it out!
> http://www.unschooling.com
>
--
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 9/22/99 10:12:51 PM EST, shantinik@... writes:

<< Has legos in his office.
>>

David, I can't thank you enough for sharing this story!!! This is the best
thing I have ever heard, and I am sure my kids will appreciate it too!!!
Lori in TX

David Albert

RRAINENJ@... wrote:

> From: RRAINENJ@...
>
> In a message dated 9/22/99 10:12:51 PM EST, shantinik@...
> writes:
>
> << Has legos in his office.
> >>
>
> David, I can't thank you enough for sharing this story!!! This is the
> best
> thing I have ever heard, and I am sure my kids will appreciate it
> too!!!
> Lori in TX

You're welcome! (then, -- and this is NOT an ad -- you'll love my book)

> David



>
>
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>
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> cute, cool and animated cards.
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> Check it out!
> http://www.unschooling.com



--
My book "And the Skylark Sings with Me: Adventures in Homeschooling and
Community-Based Education" will be off the press around September 30.
To read a sample chapter, reviewers' comments, or the foreword, visit my
website at http://www.skylarksings.com

Olivia

At 08:02 PM 09/22/1999 -0700, you wrote:
>From: David Albert <shantinik@...>
>>Today, he is not only an engineer, but designed and built the 3rd
>largest underground railway system in the United States. He is called
>to consult around the world.
>
>Still doesn't read much. Never addresses a large public audience.
>Still goes to new towns in faraway countries, and instead of seeing the
>sights, rides their underground railways, making friends with all the
>conductors. For him, these are the sights. Married, 3 wonderful
>children. Has legos in his office.
>


Thanks...I love this story!!

Olivia

Olivia

At 07:15 PM 09/22/1999 -0700, you wrote:
>From: dawn <dawn@...>
>Let's see.....building and racing hotwheels=physics; developing boad
>games=reading, writing, art, logic; doing whatever it is they do with
>those tons of little cars=math/sorting/classifying; looking at books about
>cars-reading and more science (combustion engines and stuff); history fits
>in there somewhere, I'm sure; making engine noises=music and literature
>(onomonopeia or however that is spelled)....


Yes, I've learned to look at cars in the most unique ways. I guess it is me
who is getting tired of them. But I know it doesn't matter if I am bored
with them and ready to move on; it is really up to him.

Olivia

Olivia

At 06:07 PM 09/22/1999 -0700, you wrote:
>From: Joel Hawthorne <jhawthorne@...>
>
>As for grandparents ......argh! give it up. They are for the most part,
beyond
>our reach... their sons and their daughters are beyond their command
.....their
>old road is rapidly fading..... There I knew Bob Dylan would be there when I
>needed him.
>
>Play is what kids (who are fortunate) get to do to sort out the world.
>
>Hang in there. Revisit the GWS site and refresh yourself.



Joel:

I guess I am growing toward adulthood when my mom says I am "not behaving
the way I was raised" and I think that's a good thing! <g> No, really, my
parents are wonderful, loving people who have different views now than I
do. I suppose I can only hope that my son develops a strong sense of
himself as well someday. (He is already pretty opinionated!)

I have a friend who is going to the GWS conference this weekend. (We were
supposed to go to but had to back out.) I'll have her pick up some
inspirational tapes for me!

Olivia

Thomas and Nanci Kuykendall

How will a day after day
>after day of playing (OK, lets call it learning) through Lego introduce a
>child to the wonders of the world? If unschooling means child led
>education a child has to know what paths there are. Sitting at only one
>thing (whatever that would be at this age) does not seem to be a very
>natural way to learn about the world.

I think (my idea here) that in many instances when children become fixated
on one past-time, it is a healthy part of development. There is a lot
going on behind those eyes, a lot more than figuring out how to build the
next structure out of leggos. Sometimes some down time is necessary to
absorb a new idea, progress to a new level, process physical changes, grasp
new thought pathways, etc. This may take place as conscious introspective
meditation and growth (most likely for adults) or as a totally unconscious
and sometimes never consciously realized process (most likely for
children.) Perhaps that is why periods of "inactivity or fixation" are
often followed by period of "growth" (or physical manifestation of the new
skills/undertanding gained.)
.....???

Nanci K. in Idaho

[email protected]

lori,
sounds wonderful! i wonder what you are expecting of them? play is their
work, remember? they are immersed in learning and expanding their brains--
my kids did the same thing... only it was dress up play. i loved it...
when they were so into it and then we would read togther, too-- that'd be
about my perfect homeschool kinda day! enjoy!
erin

[email protected]

In a message dated 9/22/99 7:59:24 PM, liv2learn@... writes:

<<Yes, I've learned to look at cars in the most unique ways. I guess it is me
who is getting tired of them. But I know it doesn't matter if I am bored
with them and ready to move on; it is really up to him.>>

I encourage you to cut back on the amount of time *you* spend playing with
the cars, or looking at the cars, and find something that you enjoy more to
do with your time. (I know many moms don't have a lot of free time, but
grabbing some of it and persuing your OWN interests is part of the whole
unschooling experience. You get to count it ask constructive work, no matter
how much fun you have doing it!!!)

Best wishes,
Betsy

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In a message dated 9/22/99 9:15:21 PM, tn-k4of5@... writes:

Nanci -

Yes! Yes! Thank you for putting this into words.

Betsy


<<I think (my idea here) that in many instances when children become fixated
on one past-time, it is a healthy part of development. There is a lot
going on behind those eyes, a lot more than figuring out how to build the
next structure out of leggos. Sometimes some down time is necessary to
absorb a new idea, progress to a new level, process physical changes, grasp
new thought pathways, etc. This may take place as conscious introspective
meditation and growth (most likely for adults) or as a totally unconscious
and sometimes never consciously realized process (most likely for
children.) Perhaps that is why periods of "inactivity or fixation" are
often followed by period of "growth" (or physical manifestation of the new
skills/undertanding gained.)>>

[email protected]

In a message dated 09/23/1999 3:12:46 AM !!!First Boot!!!,
shantinik@... writes:

<< Still doesn't read much. Never addresses a large public audience.
Still goes to new towns in faraway countries, and instead of seeing the
sights, rides their underground railways, making friends with all the
conductors. For him, these are the sights. Married, 3 wonderful
children. Has legos in his office. >>
David-
This is wonderful ( though, I would love to see children read...)
Stephanie

Olivia

At 11:23 AM 09/23/1999 -0400, you wrote:
>From: ECSamHill@...

>I encourage you to cut back on the amount of time *you* spend playing with
>the cars, or looking at the cars, and find something that you enjoy more to
>do with your time. (I know many moms don't have a lot of free time, but
>grabbing some of it and persuing your OWN interests is part of the whole
>unschooling experience. You get to count it ask constructive work, no matter
>how much fun you have doing it!!!)



Betsy:

This doesn't happen much lately because my son likes to seek me out to talk
about his projects or play with him, or just to watch him play on the
computer! In between I try to tackle some housework. I have been trying to
do something of interest to me on occasion, even if it is rolling pennies
and sorting or organizing things. Sometimes my son will join in and ask
questions. It's hard to even think of what it is I would do with real free
time...hmmm...

Olivia

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In a message dated 9/22/99 5:52:32 PM PST, kentsx3@... writes:

<< I have my doubts also. Sure, Lego is educational but isn't it stretching
is a bit too far? The world is much richer than even the most elaborate
structures built from those blocks. There are stars, books, DNAs, clouds,
fish in the ocean, do I need to go on? How will a day after day after day of
playing (OK, lets call it learning) through Lego introduce a child to the
wonders of the world? >>

Well, generally speaking, when my child is abosorbed in building super
structures with legos, we are also discussing the real-life versions. Legos
can help with and understanding of geometry, engineering, proportion, etc. A
child discovering these things will usually begin to ask questions about
things like how a boat floats, how a building stands up so tall, when the
legos won't. Etc. Don't you talk to your children while they play?

[email protected]

thank you joel, for being so eloquent in your response about the lego doubts!
you said what i would have wanted to...
erin

Joel Hawthorne

I talk with my kids while they play if I am invited. Otherwise I keep my
didactic little self right out of it. The temptation to turn play into
"educational moments" while an understandable impulse, is, I think, problematic.
Maybe it works well with your kids but mine find it meddlesome and invasive.
Maybe I just don't have the touch or maybe they just can tell that Papa is just
being pedantic which they sense is really my not so hidden agenda of what I think
they need to know. If it is truly my observation of something that I find
genuinely fascinating they are much more tolerant of it.

LammiesX6@... wrote:

> From: LammiesX6@...
>
> In a message dated 9/22/99 5:52:32 PM PST, kentsx3@... writes:
>
> << I have my doubts also. Sure, Lego is educational but isn't it stretching
> is a bit too far? The world is much richer than even the most elaborate
> structures built from those blocks. There are stars, books, DNAs, clouds,
> fish in the ocean, do I need to go on? How will a day after day after day of
> playing (OK, lets call it learning) through Lego introduce a child to the
> wonders of the world? >>
>
> Well, generally speaking, when my child is abosorbed in building super
> structures with legos, we are also discussing the real-life versions. Legos
> can help with and understanding of geometry, engineering, proportion, etc. A
> child discovering these things will usually begin to ask questions about
> things like how a boat floats, how a building stands up so tall, when the
> legos won't. Etc. Don't you talk to your children while they play?
>
> > Check it out!
> http://www.unschooling.com

--
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 9/24/99 10:23:13 AM PST, jhawthorne@... writes:

<<
I talk with my kids while they play if I am invited. Otherwise I keep my
didactic little self right out of it. The temptation to turn play into
"educational moments" while an understandable impulse, is, I think,
problematic.
Maybe it works well with your kids but mine find it meddlesome and invasive.
Maybe I just don't have the touch or maybe they just can tell that Papa is
just
being pedantic which they sense is really my not so hidden agenda of what I
think
they need to know. If it is truly my observation of something that I find
genuinely fascinating they are much more tolerant of it.
>>

Maybe it's all in the approach. Or, maybe my kids just ask a lot of
questions? The key for us is that I don't try to TEACH them anything, we
just discuss possibilities when they ask questions. We have a variety of
books that help answer a variety of questions, of course. Sometimes they
want to know more than I can give with my limited knowledge, sometimes they
don't. For me, the key is helping them keep their natural curiosity - asking
questions and being able to search out answers.

Mary