[email protected]

In a message dated 4/21/02 4:33:07 PM Central Daylight Time,
[email protected] writes:

<< Could someone give examples of "offering" information in a non-lesson-y
way?
>>

I think that this is a great question. And something I really struggled with
at first because my kids were so used to me trying to "teach" something
,instead of just offering, that they initially resisted. So part of this
equation, and undoubtedly the most important one, is the issue of trust
between parent and child.
If the child knows that you trust them and they can trust you not to push
something they don't want, they will be MUCH more willing to try.

The other part of this equation is something that Sandra has dubbed
"strewing". I love the picture of a parent liberally strewing a path before a
child, rather than following along behind prodding and poking.
What does strewing consist of in this house?
Here are a few ideas......If one of my children chooses not to check anything
out at the library, I might just grab (without saying anything) a few books,
cassettes or movies I think they'd like....or maybe just ones that interest
ME. I leave these in obvious places at home and quite often they get picked
up and used. I don't prod, I don't say demeaning things about they "should"
check something out. I just make things available.
If it's something really interesting, I may bring it to their attention and
leave it at that.
So there's one example of "strewing".
Another is to leave interesting books you have at home, lying in an unusual
place where it might get noticed. The bathroom is ideal, as people are
sometimes "hanging out' in there for a while. LOL
Strewing can be casual, inviting. That's what you're doing...inviting. It may
be totally ignored, that's fine. It might be picked up....the point is you're
offering.

Another thing I enjoy, is to pick up the listing of local events. I will
peruse the paper for interesting events and activities and mention them. I
also give them the paper and ask them to tell me if anything catches their
eye.

I think part of the key for me, is to offer the information in a respectful
method...just as I would to dh. "Hey, this sounds really cool, why don't we
go try this" is a lot more inviting than "you should really try this class, I
think you'd learn a lot".
Although the wording is a very individual thing, I think the idea is to
offer, but respect a "NO".....or a "maybe" as much as a "yes".

Another part of this equation in my opinion is the level of interest for the
parent.
If you get excited about something, it is very likely to spill over to other
individuals in the house....just as their excitement hopefully gets you going.
If you have varied interests that you're willing to explore, this really sets
the tone for the children.
Show them the wide world of opportunities, offer up many options, but be
respectful of them as individuals. Look at them as your companions in
learning instead of a person that needs knowledge imparted to them and you'll
be well on your way to this concept of strewing!!
If you'd like to read more about how other people "strew their paths" there
is a thread titled just that at unschooling.com message board, full of
wonderful ideas.
Ren