Keeping records, etc.
mollygivens
I was just wondering if there is a good 'unschooling way' of keeping
records of kids activities that would be considered 'educational'?
Not that I'm worried about the legal aspect of it, because we live in
a very 'homeschool friendly' area. But some of my friends and family
(three are teachers)think we just play all the time, and that
they 'CAN'T be really LEARNING anything. It seems everyone wants to
see something 'official looking' I guess....like a report card, a
progress report, a schedule, etc. In other words 'school' at home.
I've done pretty well at avoiding their questions, because so far,
their questions have all been of a negative nature.
I understand their concerns, because I would have been right there
along with them at one time, questioning someone who I thought was
neglecting their child's education.
I think my problem in satisfying their questions is that I can become
VERY adamant in DEFENDING my choices, and can't be 'reasonable'
enough to come across as having any brains at all:) So I end up just
avoiding their questions.
I don't think it's anybody's business, really, but I do want to keep
my friends:)
Any suggestions?
Molly
records of kids activities that would be considered 'educational'?
Not that I'm worried about the legal aspect of it, because we live in
a very 'homeschool friendly' area. But some of my friends and family
(three are teachers)think we just play all the time, and that
they 'CAN'T be really LEARNING anything. It seems everyone wants to
see something 'official looking' I guess....like a report card, a
progress report, a schedule, etc. In other words 'school' at home.
I've done pretty well at avoiding their questions, because so far,
their questions have all been of a negative nature.
I understand their concerns, because I would have been right there
along with them at one time, questioning someone who I thought was
neglecting their child's education.
I think my problem in satisfying their questions is that I can become
VERY adamant in DEFENDING my choices, and can't be 'reasonable'
enough to come across as having any brains at all:) So I end up just
avoiding their questions.
I don't think it's anybody's business, really, but I do want to keep
my friends:)
Any suggestions?
Molly
tnk53207
--- In Unschooling-dotcom@y..., "mollygivens" <mollygivens@y...>
wrote:
date on each picture. We also get doubles each time we develop the
pictures, so one set goes into a ring binder which has "The Adventures
of Katie Peterson" boldly in place on the front. This in itself was a
lesson in computer usage, as she played around with many fonts before
choosing the one displayed. In addition to pictures of "real"
adventures (the zoo, vacations, a tour of the local TV weather set)
there are pictures of Kate making pancakes, holiday cards, finding
caterpillars, caring for her nieces and other day to day learning
experiences. When someone starts on me at all about her education, I
hand over the ring binder. It may not convince them, but it's a great
distraction and it proves that we've spent a lot more time together
than parents who send their kids to school do.
Hope this helps, Terese
wrote:
> I was just wondering if there is a good 'unschooling way' of keepingWe take lots of snaps shots, keeping the camera handy. Ours shows the
> records of kids activities that would be considered 'educational'?
>
date on each picture. We also get doubles each time we develop the
pictures, so one set goes into a ring binder which has "The Adventures
of Katie Peterson" boldly in place on the front. This in itself was a
lesson in computer usage, as she played around with many fonts before
choosing the one displayed. In addition to pictures of "real"
adventures (the zoo, vacations, a tour of the local TV weather set)
there are pictures of Kate making pancakes, holiday cards, finding
caterpillars, caring for her nieces and other day to day learning
experiences. When someone starts on me at all about her education, I
hand over the ring binder. It may not convince them, but it's a great
distraction and it proves that we've spent a lot more time together
than parents who send their kids to school do.
Hope this helps, Terese
[email protected]
We have a three ring binder for each child (have since they were babies, so
it's not a homeschooling thing) and occasionally something goes in
there--something they've drawn or written, a photo of something they've done,
programs of things they've been in, stuff like that.
IF I needed documentation of homeschooling, I would just try to put more of
that same sort of stuff. Then when a book's too full it goes in the xerox
box of baby-souvenirs and such that I have for each kid in the hall closet.
Another idea might be to do something like a Christmas letter three or four
times a year, with updates on not just kid-projects, but the yard, the pets,
whatever. It would be a cool longterm diary sort of thing the kids could
have when they're grown, and would serve to show relatives what's up without
separating education from life.
Sandra
it's not a homeschooling thing) and occasionally something goes in
there--something they've drawn or written, a photo of something they've done,
programs of things they've been in, stuff like that.
IF I needed documentation of homeschooling, I would just try to put more of
that same sort of stuff. Then when a book's too full it goes in the xerox
box of baby-souvenirs and such that I have for each kid in the hall closet.
Another idea might be to do something like a Christmas letter three or four
times a year, with updates on not just kid-projects, but the yard, the pets,
whatever. It would be a cool longterm diary sort of thing the kids could
have when they're grown, and would serve to show relatives what's up without
separating education from life.
Sandra
mollygivens
That's a wonderful idea!:)
Since I always get double prints, I already have tons I can use for
such a project:)
Since I always get double prints, I already have tons I can use for
such a project:)
--- In Unschooling-dotcom@y..., "tnk53207" <tpeterson@w...> wrote:
> --- In Unschooling-dotcom@y..., "mollygivens" <mollygivens@y...>
> wrote:
> > I was just wondering if there is a good 'unschooling way' of
keeping
> > records of kids activities that would be considered 'educational'?
>
>
> We take lots of snaps shots, keeping the camera handy. Ours shows
the
> date on each picture. We also get doubles each time we develop the
> pictures, so one set goes into a ring binder which has "The
Adventures
> of Katie Peterson" boldly in place on the front. This in itself
was a
> lesson in computer usage, as she played around with many fonts
before
> choosing the one displayed. In addition to pictures of "real"
> adventures (the zoo, vacations, a tour of the local TV weather set)
> there are pictures of Kate making pancakes, holiday cards, finding
> caterpillars, caring for her nieces and other day to day learning
> experiences. When someone starts on me at all about her education,
I
> hand over the ring binder. It may not convince them, but it's a
great
> distraction and it proves that we've spent a lot more time together
> than parents who send their kids to school
do.
>
> Hope this helps, Terese
mollygivens
Another great idea!:)
I already have notebooks, but somehow it doesn't satisfy
their 'grade' mentality, but the idea of a quarterly newsletter type
email to send to the whole family, and friends, is a wonderful idea!
I like the fact that it would be sort of a 'journal' of their
learning experiences.
Once, (can't remember where, though) I saw where someone had compiled
a list of activities that would 'qualify' as 'educational', and a
sort of a 'daily log' sort of form, where the activities could be
filled in as they're done. I wish I could find it again! But I
think I'll just come up with my own, and go from there.
I basically just want to be able to hand them something 'they' would
call 'adequate'....LOL.
Molly
I already have notebooks, but somehow it doesn't satisfy
their 'grade' mentality, but the idea of a quarterly newsletter type
email to send to the whole family, and friends, is a wonderful idea!
I like the fact that it would be sort of a 'journal' of their
learning experiences.
Once, (can't remember where, though) I saw where someone had compiled
a list of activities that would 'qualify' as 'educational', and a
sort of a 'daily log' sort of form, where the activities could be
filled in as they're done. I wish I could find it again! But I
think I'll just come up with my own, and go from there.
I basically just want to be able to hand them something 'they' would
call 'adequate'....LOL.
Molly
--- In Unschooling-dotcom@y..., SandraDodd@a... wrote:
> We have a three ring binder for each child (have since they were
babies, so
> it's not a homeschooling thing) and occasionally something goes in
> there--something they've drawn or written, a photo of something
they've done,
> programs of things they've been in, stuff like that.
>
> IF I needed documentation of homeschooling, I would just try to put
more of
> that same sort of stuff. Then when a book's too full it goes in
the xerox
> box of baby-souvenirs and such that I have for each kid in the hall
closet.
>
> Another idea might be to do something like a Christmas letter three
or four
> times a year, with updates on not just kid-projects, but the yard,
the pets,
> whatever. It would be a cool longterm diary sort of thing the kids
could
> have when they're grown, and would serve to show relatives what's
up without
> separating education from life.
>
> Sandra
[email protected]
In a message dated 5/14/02 11:08:17 AM, mollygivens@... writes:
<< I basically just want to be able to hand them something 'they' would
call 'adequate'....LOL. >>
If you cater to their "need" too much, they'll think they were right, though.
If you cater too much I hope you don't start to think they're right too!
If there's something to be gained from this (substantial peace and quiet,
impressive holiday gifts, a big inheritance), go for it, but if the same
amount of time could be better spent just being with your kids... give the
relatives a book on unschooling with a big red ribbon around it!!
Sandra
<< I basically just want to be able to hand them something 'they' would
call 'adequate'....LOL. >>
If you cater to their "need" too much, they'll think they were right, though.
If you cater too much I hope you don't start to think they're right too!
If there's something to be gained from this (substantial peace and quiet,
impressive holiday gifts, a big inheritance), go for it, but if the same
amount of time could be better spent just being with your kids... give the
relatives a book on unschooling with a big red ribbon around it!!
Sandra
[email protected]
Keep records but keep track by what is REAL, not by school subject areas.
That is a very very different mindset.
For example, have a record sheet - but have the categories be:
listening, watching, talking, going, doing, making, etc.
--pamS
That is a very very different mindset.
For example, have a record sheet - but have the categories be:
listening, watching, talking, going, doing, making, etc.
--pamS
[email protected]
In a message dated 5/14/2002 10:08:21 AM Pacific Daylight Time,
mollygivens@... writes:
later today or tomorrow, go and try to dig it out and email it here.
--pamS
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
mollygivens@... writes:
> Once, (can't remember where, though) I saw where someone had compiledIt may have been my daily record form. It is on my old computer and I will,
> a list of activities that would 'qualify' as 'educational', and a
> sort of a 'daily log' sort of form, where the activities could be
> filled in as they're done. I wish I could find it again! But I
> think I'll just come up with my own, and go from there.
later today or tomorrow, go and try to dig it out and email it here.
--pamS
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[email protected]
have you ever tried making a scrapebook and letting your children keep the
records for you. this idea struck me at 2am in the craft section of walmart.
they have an entire isle of scrapebook material. i'm planning to do this over
the summer to see how it works out.
tina
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
records for you. this idea struck me at 2am in the craft section of walmart.
they have an entire isle of scrapebook material. i'm planning to do this over
the summer to see how it works out.
tina
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Tia Leschke
>You could probably find your state's curriculum requirements online
>I already have notebooks, but somehow it doesn't satisfy
>their 'grade' mentality, but the idea of a quarterly newsletter type
>email to send to the whole family, and friends, is a wonderful idea!
>I like the fact that it would be sort of a 'journal' of their
>learning experiences.
>
>Once, (can't remember where, though) I saw where someone had compiled
>a list of activities that would 'qualify' as 'educational', and a
>sort of a 'daily log' sort of form, where the activities could be
>filled in as they're done. I wish I could find it again! But I
>think I'll just come up with my own, and go from there.
somewhere. You could always print them out and check off what they
know. As long as you don't let the list make you feel pressured to "cover"
something, it might satisfy the nay-sayers without a big hassle. Of
course, if your kids are anything like my boy, they'll be all over the map
as far as grade level goes.
Tia
No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.
Eleanor Roosevelt
*********************************************
Tia Leschke
leschke@...
On Vancouver Island
[email protected]
I'd have to agree with Sandra. The more I try to "prove" unschooling to
others the more they try to disprove me. I now speak with a confident aire,
not trying to belittle those who do not homeschool or unschool, but that I AM
confident that my choice is right for MY family. I too, will be ready to hand
over a book on unschooling the next time someone questions my judgement. I
find it very upsetting when someone gives an uneducated opinion. If they want
to make a statement or question methods of learning they should at least have
some idea of what they're talking about!!!
others the more they try to disprove me. I now speak with a confident aire,
not trying to belittle those who do not homeschool or unschool, but that I AM
confident that my choice is right for MY family. I too, will be ready to hand
over a book on unschooling the next time someone questions my judgement. I
find it very upsetting when someone gives an uneducated opinion. If they want
to make a statement or question methods of learning they should at least have
some idea of what they're talking about!!!
[email protected]
In a message dated 5/14/02 3:21:54 PM, Kcbigmomma@... writes:
<< I
find it very upsetting when someone gives an uneducated opinion. If they want
to make a statement or question methods of learning they should at least have
some idea of what they're talking about!!! >>
The thing is, I guess, they learned in school that school is necessary for
learning. They learned from teachers and parents that they had learned
because they had paid attention to teachers and because they had "done their
work." So they think they are giving an educated opinion!
It's hard to tell them the news without suggesting (strongly, whether you
want to or not) that they have a lot to learn AND that their education wasn't
so important or necessary as they had hoped. It's a big chasm to bridge,
even with people who really do want to understand.
At least now I can give them a business card with a website on it, and
www.unschooing.com to refer them to!
Sandra
<< I
find it very upsetting when someone gives an uneducated opinion. If they want
to make a statement or question methods of learning they should at least have
some idea of what they're talking about!!! >>
The thing is, I guess, they learned in school that school is necessary for
learning. They learned from teachers and parents that they had learned
because they had paid attention to teachers and because they had "done their
work." So they think they are giving an educated opinion!
It's hard to tell them the news without suggesting (strongly, whether you
want to or not) that they have a lot to learn AND that their education wasn't
so important or necessary as they had hoped. It's a big chasm to bridge,
even with people who really do want to understand.
At least now I can give them a business card with a website on it, and
www.unschooing.com to refer them to!
Sandra
kayb85
I too, will be ready to hand
Which book will you hand them?
Sheila
> over a book on unschooling the next time someone questions myjudgement
Which book will you hand them?
Sheila
[email protected]
<<Which book will you hand them?>>
I would hand them the unschooling handbook and a few back issues of Growing
Without Schooling.
~Elissa Cleaveland
"It is nothing short of a miracle that the modern methods of instruction
have
not yet entirely strangled the holy curiosity of inquiry." A. Einstein
I would hand them the unschooling handbook and a few back issues of Growing
Without Schooling.
~Elissa Cleaveland
"It is nothing short of a miracle that the modern methods of instruction
have
not yet entirely strangled the holy curiosity of inquiry." A. Einstein