zenmomma *

>>I do have a question though...my children are all into the computer and
>>electronic games. I don't drive (soon though) so how do I get them away
>>from the computer games and the electronic stuff? I know that there is
>>learning in everything, but can you help me find it? >>

I would start by playing the computer and electronic games *with* them. Find
out what they are getting out of it. Talk to them about the characters,
strategies and such. Get into their world and be truly interested. Then they
may be more willing to get into your world and see what's interesting there.
:o)

There are so many opportunities for things to do and learn together. What do
you like to do? Invite the kids to join you while you garden or bake or
build something or shop or take a walk. Talk to them about what you're doing
and why it interests you. Take time to notice the changes of spring. Wonder
out loud about why things happen the way they do. Look things up when you
don't know. Share your experiences with them. Visits to new places, museums,
old buildings, new shopping malls...they can all spark a new discussion. A
different observation. A meaningful connection for their internal model of
the universe.

>>Are my children going to get what they need?>>

Yes! If you are with them and engaged and learning and asking and wondering
right along with them, they'll get what they need.

>>Will they score high, even at grade level on standardized tests?>>

Maybe. Maybe not. I try not to pay attention to what everyone else's kid is
learning or doing at any one particular moment. I try to get my kids what
*they* need to know at any particluar moment. That's not going to match all
the other kids in the world. FWIW I know my kids are ahead in some areas of
those standardized tests and behind in others. Just like they'd be if they
were in school.

>>How will I explain this one to my sister who is always wondering what I am
>>doing next?>>

Give her some books to read on the subject. Or send her here. We'll explain
it to her. ;-) Truth be told, the longer you do this, the more comfortable
you'll be in explaining it to others. In the beginning, you may want to
point them to the same books, papers and websites that have led you in this
direction.

>>Should I run out and purchase books or something?>>

It's not necessary. But my family LOVES to read books. We go to the library
a lot. I get books on every topic and just strew them around to see if it
piques anyone's interest. There are books on crafts and science experiments
and animals. There are also cool videos and books on tape.

>>I don't see where the learning is coming in when we are sitting around the
>>house all day long and there is basically nothing in our neighborhood but
>>the cars that pass our street.>>

How about those cars? What kind are they? What year? What else happened in
that year, what was life like then? Where were they manufactured? Where in
the world is that? What else is in that city? How does a car move anyway?
What's a combustible engine? Who thought it up? How do people think up such
cool ideas? Who were some of the great inventors of our time? Of all time?

Now I'm not saying you should actually try to create a unit study on cars or
the questions I just threw out here. I am trying to point out, though, that
a big part of unschooling is getting yourself to think about the world in a
different light. Think about what is, how it got there, what it's connected
to and share those thoughts with your children. When they ask those
connecting kinds of questions, help them to find as much of the answer as
they need at that moment. Let them jump around from topic to topic. Let them
observe and be a part of everyday life. There's really so much to learn out
there. Enjoy it all.

Life is good.
~Mary

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Great input honey! I really appreciate this board and all that it has to
offer. I will be telling my friend about this board as she to is interested
in homeschooling/unschooling her son.

My 2 oldest boys were attending the community college, my 13 year old still
is. My 12 year old decided that it is just not what he wanted to do. So, of
course I am not going to force him to do anything that he doesn't want to do.


The reason why I am asking about the standard, as far as testing is
concerned, is because my 13 year old has already decided that he wants to
have an associates degree in computers before he turns 16. At first I thought
this was going to be very hard for him. I started off by letting him take a
piano class, which he loved...and a math class, basic...and he did really
well. I saw him dive into the math books and practice the piano and do what
he needed to do to get the job done. His motivated by his aunt who is
graduating today from the community college with 5 AA degrees. she has
transferred to Sac State as a senior. This has motivated my oldest so much.
He wants to be a doctor just like her. The good thing is that he puts his
mind to doing something and there is no turning back. My problem is, I don't
want him to be overwhelmed in this college thing. So, I am letting him decide
if it is too much. Of course I am looking at the changes that he is going
through, just to monitor everything myself.

Do you think that this is too much for him? Of course the ultimate decision
is mine and his to make, I am just looking for some advice.


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