UNSCHOOLING.COM ONLINE NEWS Mid April 2002
[email protected]
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
UNSCHOOLING.COM ONLINE NEWS
Mid-April 2002
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
In this Issue:
John Holt on Questioning Children
An Unschooling Day
Web Resources for Skeleton Finders
More Skeletons
Unschooling-dotcom Email Discussion List
Borders Bookstore Educators Days
Dizzy
Now What?
:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:
"Jerome Brunner once said, very aptly, that much of what we do and say in
school only makes children feel that they do not know things that, in fact,
they knew perfectly well before we began to talk about them. I have often
seen this in mathematics, where fifth-graders, confused and frightened by
rules and magic recipes, are unable to use either rules or common sense to do
problems that they could easily have done a few years before . And what is
true of school, is often true of home. A child's understanding of the world
is uncertain and tentative. If we question him too much or too sharply, we
are more likely to weaken that understanding than strengthen it. His
understanding will grow faster if we can make ourselves have faith in it and
leave it alone."
John Holt, from "How Children Learn"
:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:
An Unschooling Day
"My 8y.o. son and 4y.o. daughter found a skeletonized squirrel in the yard
which really excited them. They came barreling in the house exclaiming "this
is really cool Mom you HAVE to come see this". They weren't sure what it was
but because some fur and skin were still holding it together they soon
figured it out. I came out and helped them salvage some of the skeleton for
observation. Now, I could have said "oooh, that thing is disgusting. Get it
off the driveway"
Or something to that effect.
But because I didn't here's what it led to.....
We picked out some bones and glued them to a piece of cardboard...they made
guesses at what bone it was. Online they reconstructed an entire skeleton,
the website led us to owl pellets, then the Oakland zoo, green monkeys,
Muntjacks (don't even ask how long we spent on the various species of
Muntjacks), somehow in between all this we got hungry and made Potato Latkes
which we ate with chopsticks that the kids were fascinated with at the
grocery store. Later, they read a book and watched a movie in which
chopsticks were used (no, this was not planned...just serendipity).
I can't tell you the things we learned or it would take up way too much room
here.
One thing just naturally led to another. One of my children popped in
occasionally to see what we were up to and absorbed only a few tidbits while
happily roller blading the rest of the time.
So the moral of the story is it's us, the parents that must change.
Unschooling works. It always works. But only if we can be as excited and
interested as our children.
Or at least offer an avenue for them. Not everyone would be able to not get
squeamish at a dead squirrel...but "hey, here are some gloves and a jar"
would at least not slam the door of opportunity in their face.
I don't worry anymore that my children won't learn everything they need to
for this life. I also see that joyful learning can only happen if we are open
and totally willing to see every moment, every interest, everything as
opportunity. We never know what a tidbit of information, or an experience
might lead to...and not knowing can bring a sense of mystery to this whole
Unschooling life. If we keep that sense of mystery, that feeling that this
COULD lead to big things, (but if it doesn't that's ok too) we will so much
better be able to serve our children well when supporting and encouraging
their unique interests and pursuits. That's what it's all about for me.
Being an avenue instead of a closed door.
Ren"
From the Unschooling-dotcom Email list
:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:
Should you too happen to find an animal skeleton, here are a couple of great
web resources.
http://www.d91.k12.id.us/www/skyline/teachers/robertsd/skulls.htm
This site contains over 200 photos of an animal skull collection maintained
by a high school science teacher in Idaho
http://www-adm.pdx.edu/user/bio/articula/home.html
The Articulation page - how to mount a complete animal skeleton.
http://www.geocities.com/CapeCanaveral/Galaxy/8152/photolist.html
Photos of fossil skeletons. You probably won't be putting one together
yourself, but they sure are fun to look at!
:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:
More Skeletons
"Speaking of road kill, unschooling led us down a path that sure wouldn't
have happened if we weren't an unschooling family!
Eldest son read some books about tanning hides and how early civilizations
and First Nations didn't waste anything and would skin and tan the hides of
animals found dead. He then read about a man that collected ridicule and
tanned the hides.
YUCK!!! But, unless it is truly dangerous, in our family, there is no "no."
We (mom, dad and kidlet) talked to our family doctor and our vet about
potential problems. We went shopping and got him some masks which he
sprinkled with cologne, some surgical gloves, disinfectant and gave him a
corner of the shed farthest from the house.
He knew more about anatomy and dissecting by the time he was ten than most
college students that come out of a biology class with a lab! And he learned
all kinds of tanning methods. And he did skeleton cards of each species he
found.
All in all, it was kewl!
Lynda"
From the Unschooling-dotcom Email list
:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:
Unschooling-dotcom Email Discussion List
"It is a whole lot harder to talk about what unschooling looks like in
practice, because it is totally absolutely and completely different for every
family. And it isn't easily described by a list like schooling is - it isn't
an alternative method of schooling like doing unit studies is, for example.
It takes time to read about unschooling and really "grok" it - it takes
reading LOTS of people's anecdotes and reading their philosophies and how
they apply it in their lives and thinking about how that philosophy might
apply in your own family's life while understanding that it will LOOK really
different in your family, even if the underlying principles are the same."
Pam Sorooshian in a conversation on the Unschooling-dotcom Email list.
The Unschooling-dotcom Email list is affiliated with the Unschooling.com
site, and a source of lively discussion about unschooling. If the group
description (below) intrigues you, come join the conversation! To subscribe
send a blank Email to:
[email protected]
Or visit the Email list website at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Unschooling-dotcom/
:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:
Unschooling-dotcom Email List Welcome and Group Description
Unschooling is the confidence to trust that young people will learn what they
need from living their lives in freedom and joy. An unschooling parent is a
facilitator and cheerleader who embraces life and learning with curiosity and
enthusiasm. An unschooled child is free to choose the what, when, where and
how of their learning -- from mud puddles to Shakespeare to Spongebob
Squarepants! If this sounds like it's for you or you'd like to find out more
about how video games and life in general are filled with learning, come join
us!
As discussed on this list and at the Unschooling.com website, unschooling is
*not* defined as the free learning kids do outside of parent-directed
learning nor is it done on a part time basis. We advise reading for a week or
two before posting to get a "feel" for the list and its members, since many
listmembers love a lively debate and questioning beliefs to their
foundations. If you have questions about this list please feel free to
contact: Mary Broussard (livinginabundance@...) or Joyce Fetteroll
(jfetteroll@...)
The website this list developed from is an excellent source of information
about unschooling: http://www.unschooling.com
This list and the Unschooling.com site were created and are still supported
by Home Education Magazine: http://www.home-ed-magazine.com; Helen Hegener
(HEM-Editor@...) is the list owner.
Thanks for joining us and enjoy the list!!!
Mary, Joyce, and Helen
:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:
From the Borders Bookstores newsletter:
"Borders would like to acknowledge the gifts, talents, and dedication of our
nation's educators with special Educator Appreciation events. We invite all
current and retired teachers, librarians, college faculty, educational
administrators, and home-schoolers to attend these great in-store happenings
and to enjoy savings of 25% on almost everything in the store!
Educators who visit their neighborhood Borders stores April 19-25 will find
special discounts, door prizes, entertainment, and refreshments waiting. It's
sure to be fun -- and educational."
Visit the Store Locator at http://www.bordersstores.com/locator/locator.jsp
or call your local store for details.
:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:
This moment of childish wonder comes from my friend Jennifer:
"Eric has had an earache and hasn't been feeling that well until today. He
was also nauseous over the weekend. Mike told him how the inner ear affects
balance, and I suppose Jacy was listening. Just a few minutes ago she was
spinning around in the kitchen, making herself dizzy. I could see a light
bulb had just gone off in her head and she said, "Mom! I bet I know why you
get dizzy when you spin. The fluid in your ear moves around and when you
stop it's still sloshing around and that makes you feel dizzy." I told her I
had never thought about it, but she was probably right. We went to the
internet and found this site:
http://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/bigear.html
So, she was absolutely right. Funny how I never even wondered why that
happened."
:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:
Now What?
By now we all know that yes, unschooled kids can get into college. But what
about those kids who don't want to go to college, or maybe just don't want to
go "yet"? How can we as parents support them in their entry into the adult
world? How can help them find the best path toward their own goals?
Many families have found Herbert Kohl's book "The Question is College" to be
a valuable tool to help their teens define their goals and develop a guide
for their futures. It differs from other interest and talent inventory and
mapping tools by not assuming that college is a necessary step in the process.
Are your teens considering college, apprenticeship, full time work, travel,
or something else? Come to the Unschooling.com message boards and share your
stories! Let's talk about all the ways unschooled kids transition into the
adult world.
:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:
For information on purchasing unclassified advertising space in this
newsletter, please contact the editor at:
newsletter@...
:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:
Final Thoughts
"Do rewards motivate people? Absolutely. They motivate people to get rewards."
Alfie Kohn in "Punished by Rewards"
:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:
Thanks for reading the Unschooling.com newsletter! Permission is herewith
granted to forward this newsletter to all your friends, your local support
group, and your mother-in-law!
To subscribe, visit our web site at http://www.unschooling.com or send an
email to majordomo@... with the words subscribe
unschooling-newsletter followed by your name@your address.com in the body of
the email. (e.g. subscribe unschooling-newsletter youremailaddress). To
unsubscribe, send an email to
majordomo@... with the words unsubscribe unschooling-newsletter
followed by your name@your address.com in the body of the email. (e.g.
unsubscribe unschooling-newsletter youremailaddress). To change the address
at which you receive the newsletter, unsubscribe your old address and then
subscribe with your new one.
See you in May!
Deborah A Cunefare, Newsletter Editor
newsletter@...
Unschooling.com is a service of Home Education Magazine
UNSCHOOLING.COM ONLINE NEWS
Mid-April 2002
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
In this Issue:
John Holt on Questioning Children
An Unschooling Day
Web Resources for Skeleton Finders
More Skeletons
Unschooling-dotcom Email Discussion List
Borders Bookstore Educators Days
Dizzy
Now What?
:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:
"Jerome Brunner once said, very aptly, that much of what we do and say in
school only makes children feel that they do not know things that, in fact,
they knew perfectly well before we began to talk about them. I have often
seen this in mathematics, where fifth-graders, confused and frightened by
rules and magic recipes, are unable to use either rules or common sense to do
problems that they could easily have done a few years before . And what is
true of school, is often true of home. A child's understanding of the world
is uncertain and tentative. If we question him too much or too sharply, we
are more likely to weaken that understanding than strengthen it. His
understanding will grow faster if we can make ourselves have faith in it and
leave it alone."
John Holt, from "How Children Learn"
:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:
An Unschooling Day
"My 8y.o. son and 4y.o. daughter found a skeletonized squirrel in the yard
which really excited them. They came barreling in the house exclaiming "this
is really cool Mom you HAVE to come see this". They weren't sure what it was
but because some fur and skin were still holding it together they soon
figured it out. I came out and helped them salvage some of the skeleton for
observation. Now, I could have said "oooh, that thing is disgusting. Get it
off the driveway"
Or something to that effect.
But because I didn't here's what it led to.....
We picked out some bones and glued them to a piece of cardboard...they made
guesses at what bone it was. Online they reconstructed an entire skeleton,
the website led us to owl pellets, then the Oakland zoo, green monkeys,
Muntjacks (don't even ask how long we spent on the various species of
Muntjacks), somehow in between all this we got hungry and made Potato Latkes
which we ate with chopsticks that the kids were fascinated with at the
grocery store. Later, they read a book and watched a movie in which
chopsticks were used (no, this was not planned...just serendipity).
I can't tell you the things we learned or it would take up way too much room
here.
One thing just naturally led to another. One of my children popped in
occasionally to see what we were up to and absorbed only a few tidbits while
happily roller blading the rest of the time.
So the moral of the story is it's us, the parents that must change.
Unschooling works. It always works. But only if we can be as excited and
interested as our children.
Or at least offer an avenue for them. Not everyone would be able to not get
squeamish at a dead squirrel...but "hey, here are some gloves and a jar"
would at least not slam the door of opportunity in their face.
I don't worry anymore that my children won't learn everything they need to
for this life. I also see that joyful learning can only happen if we are open
and totally willing to see every moment, every interest, everything as
opportunity. We never know what a tidbit of information, or an experience
might lead to...and not knowing can bring a sense of mystery to this whole
Unschooling life. If we keep that sense of mystery, that feeling that this
COULD lead to big things, (but if it doesn't that's ok too) we will so much
better be able to serve our children well when supporting and encouraging
their unique interests and pursuits. That's what it's all about for me.
Being an avenue instead of a closed door.
Ren"
From the Unschooling-dotcom Email list
:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:
Should you too happen to find an animal skeleton, here are a couple of great
web resources.
http://www.d91.k12.id.us/www/skyline/teachers/robertsd/skulls.htm
This site contains over 200 photos of an animal skull collection maintained
by a high school science teacher in Idaho
http://www-adm.pdx.edu/user/bio/articula/home.html
The Articulation page - how to mount a complete animal skeleton.
http://www.geocities.com/CapeCanaveral/Galaxy/8152/photolist.html
Photos of fossil skeletons. You probably won't be putting one together
yourself, but they sure are fun to look at!
:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:
More Skeletons
"Speaking of road kill, unschooling led us down a path that sure wouldn't
have happened if we weren't an unschooling family!
Eldest son read some books about tanning hides and how early civilizations
and First Nations didn't waste anything and would skin and tan the hides of
animals found dead. He then read about a man that collected ridicule and
tanned the hides.
YUCK!!! But, unless it is truly dangerous, in our family, there is no "no."
We (mom, dad and kidlet) talked to our family doctor and our vet about
potential problems. We went shopping and got him some masks which he
sprinkled with cologne, some surgical gloves, disinfectant and gave him a
corner of the shed farthest from the house.
He knew more about anatomy and dissecting by the time he was ten than most
college students that come out of a biology class with a lab! And he learned
all kinds of tanning methods. And he did skeleton cards of each species he
found.
All in all, it was kewl!
Lynda"
From the Unschooling-dotcom Email list
:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:
Unschooling-dotcom Email Discussion List
"It is a whole lot harder to talk about what unschooling looks like in
practice, because it is totally absolutely and completely different for every
family. And it isn't easily described by a list like schooling is - it isn't
an alternative method of schooling like doing unit studies is, for example.
It takes time to read about unschooling and really "grok" it - it takes
reading LOTS of people's anecdotes and reading their philosophies and how
they apply it in their lives and thinking about how that philosophy might
apply in your own family's life while understanding that it will LOOK really
different in your family, even if the underlying principles are the same."
Pam Sorooshian in a conversation on the Unschooling-dotcom Email list.
The Unschooling-dotcom Email list is affiliated with the Unschooling.com
site, and a source of lively discussion about unschooling. If the group
description (below) intrigues you, come join the conversation! To subscribe
send a blank Email to:
[email protected]
Or visit the Email list website at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Unschooling-dotcom/
:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:
Unschooling-dotcom Email List Welcome and Group Description
Unschooling is the confidence to trust that young people will learn what they
need from living their lives in freedom and joy. An unschooling parent is a
facilitator and cheerleader who embraces life and learning with curiosity and
enthusiasm. An unschooled child is free to choose the what, when, where and
how of their learning -- from mud puddles to Shakespeare to Spongebob
Squarepants! If this sounds like it's for you or you'd like to find out more
about how video games and life in general are filled with learning, come join
us!
As discussed on this list and at the Unschooling.com website, unschooling is
*not* defined as the free learning kids do outside of parent-directed
learning nor is it done on a part time basis. We advise reading for a week or
two before posting to get a "feel" for the list and its members, since many
listmembers love a lively debate and questioning beliefs to their
foundations. If you have questions about this list please feel free to
contact: Mary Broussard (livinginabundance@...) or Joyce Fetteroll
(jfetteroll@...)
The website this list developed from is an excellent source of information
about unschooling: http://www.unschooling.com
This list and the Unschooling.com site were created and are still supported
by Home Education Magazine: http://www.home-ed-magazine.com; Helen Hegener
(HEM-Editor@...) is the list owner.
Thanks for joining us and enjoy the list!!!
Mary, Joyce, and Helen
:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:
From the Borders Bookstores newsletter:
"Borders would like to acknowledge the gifts, talents, and dedication of our
nation's educators with special Educator Appreciation events. We invite all
current and retired teachers, librarians, college faculty, educational
administrators, and home-schoolers to attend these great in-store happenings
and to enjoy savings of 25% on almost everything in the store!
Educators who visit their neighborhood Borders stores April 19-25 will find
special discounts, door prizes, entertainment, and refreshments waiting. It's
sure to be fun -- and educational."
Visit the Store Locator at http://www.bordersstores.com/locator/locator.jsp
or call your local store for details.
:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:
This moment of childish wonder comes from my friend Jennifer:
"Eric has had an earache and hasn't been feeling that well until today. He
was also nauseous over the weekend. Mike told him how the inner ear affects
balance, and I suppose Jacy was listening. Just a few minutes ago she was
spinning around in the kitchen, making herself dizzy. I could see a light
bulb had just gone off in her head and she said, "Mom! I bet I know why you
get dizzy when you spin. The fluid in your ear moves around and when you
stop it's still sloshing around and that makes you feel dizzy." I told her I
had never thought about it, but she was probably right. We went to the
internet and found this site:
http://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/bigear.html
So, she was absolutely right. Funny how I never even wondered why that
happened."
:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:
Now What?
By now we all know that yes, unschooled kids can get into college. But what
about those kids who don't want to go to college, or maybe just don't want to
go "yet"? How can we as parents support them in their entry into the adult
world? How can help them find the best path toward their own goals?
Many families have found Herbert Kohl's book "The Question is College" to be
a valuable tool to help their teens define their goals and develop a guide
for their futures. It differs from other interest and talent inventory and
mapping tools by not assuming that college is a necessary step in the process.
Are your teens considering college, apprenticeship, full time work, travel,
or something else? Come to the Unschooling.com message boards and share your
stories! Let's talk about all the ways unschooled kids transition into the
adult world.
:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:
For information on purchasing unclassified advertising space in this
newsletter, please contact the editor at:
newsletter@...
:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:
Final Thoughts
"Do rewards motivate people? Absolutely. They motivate people to get rewards."
Alfie Kohn in "Punished by Rewards"
:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:
Thanks for reading the Unschooling.com newsletter! Permission is herewith
granted to forward this newsletter to all your friends, your local support
group, and your mother-in-law!
To subscribe, visit our web site at http://www.unschooling.com or send an
email to majordomo@... with the words subscribe
unschooling-newsletter followed by your name@your address.com in the body of
the email. (e.g. subscribe unschooling-newsletter youremailaddress). To
unsubscribe, send an email to
majordomo@... with the words unsubscribe unschooling-newsletter
followed by your name@your address.com in the body of the email. (e.g.
unsubscribe unschooling-newsletter youremailaddress). To change the address
at which you receive the newsletter, unsubscribe your old address and then
subscribe with your new one.
See you in May!
Deborah A Cunefare, Newsletter Editor
newsletter@...
Unschooling.com is a service of Home Education Magazine