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Hello, I homeschool my two children, but really interested in what unschooling is. My son hates the workbooks especially Math. I have not idea what unschooling is any one that can let me know I would really appreciate it. Any books that you can recommend would be great also. When you unschool what do you do at the end of the year where I live you have to do either a portfolio or a test.Thanks in advance. Andrea

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In a message dated 10/1/99 4:21:16 AM !!!First Boot!!!,
macer@... writes:

<< g is any one that can let me know I would really appreciate it. Any books
that you can recommend would be great also. When you unschool what do you do
at the end of the year where I live you have to do either a portfolio or a
test.Thanks in advance. Andrea
>>


Well, unschooling is in the eye of the beholder. Some will tell you there
are rules; others will say do what works for you and yours. We fall in that
second category.

We live in Fla and have to show a daily log/journal of activites and a
portfolio that shows "appropriate progress." So I keep the juornal and stick
whatever product is produced in the portfolio and end up with a chrono pile
of stuff we did. It's not tooooo neat because some of it is photos and some
is art work and some is math work and some is from the Internet. We do what
works and what is fun and what comes up and (this is the not-so-unschooling
part) we do what mom thinks we should be doing some time this year.

Good luck.

Nance

Jeff & Diane Gwirtz

> > I have not idea what unschooling is any one that can let me know I would really appreciate
> > it. Any books that you can recommend would be great also.
>
My favorite unschooling book for all ages is _The Unschooling
Handbook_ by Mary Griffith. She also wrote _The Homeschooling
Handbook_ which has a section detailing different styles of
homeschooling.

As far as what unschooling is - this is something I wrote awhile back
to answer just that question.

Unschooling is about contining to do the things with your children
that you have done since birth. Read to them, play with them, sing
with them, go on walks, visit the zoo and hands on museums where they
can experience things they can't at home. Let them help you cook,
shop, clean, etc. Continue to live your lives the way you always have
without the interruption of school. Unschooling isn't about trying to
teach your children something - it's about helping them to learn. You
read to them, and then one day they begin to read on their own. They
begin to be able to seek out information on their own. They ask a lot
of questions about space so you help them search the net, look at the
NASA sights, get out the telescope. They ask about dinosaurs so you
go to the library and help them find the section with the dinosaur
books. You help them write letters to Grandma and when she writes
back you help them to read them. As they get older, we expect it to
change, but it really doesn't. They ask more complicated questions,
but you still help them find the answers. You might need more help
finding answers, even a mentor, or a teacher here and there. You talk
about the future and what paths their lives might take. Sometimes
that means that they'll tackle some formal training or education. You
help them investigate this. What's the ACT or SAT? How do you
prepare? What do I have to do to get into this college or technical
school. How do I start my own business? How do I become a nurse?
How do I know if I want to become a nurse ( excellent opportunity for
a volunteer project). You encourage and facilitate. You provide
tools, books, tapes, software, but most of all support. You
continually remind yourself that this will work and seek out other
unschoolers for support. You trust, trust, and trust some more that
your child was born with all the curiousity they need to lead them
through their education. Most of all you enjoy the path you've
chosen. Celebrate everyday that you don't have to follow the crowd.


Diane from KS
jagwirtz@...

A. Yates

Hi Andrea, Welcome!


> My son hates the workbooks especially Math.

I don't blame him. :)

> I have not idea what unschooling is any one that can let me know I would really appreciate it. Any books that you can recommend would be great also.

My favorite unschooling book is by Grace Llewellyn. "Teenage Liberation Handbook". It was wonderful. I wished I had been unschooled.
Try the unschooling web site http://www.unschooling.com They have a books section. Just start reading everything you can find.

> When you unschool what do you do at the end of the year where I live you have to do either a portfolio or a test.

Sorry, I can't help you with this one. I don't have to do anything like that in NC, but I know others on the list can help you. There are some great, helpful people on this list.
Ann

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diane,
i liked your unschooling explanation, simple but true!
erin