Helen Martiniuk

Hi Lisa,

Thanks for responding. I've been thinking about the diploma thing lately, and
was wondering what those who are on this loop have decided to do about it, if
anything.

Helen

Lisa Bugg wrote:

> From: "Lisa Bugg" <LisaBugg@...>
>
> Hi Helen,
> I have a child who is 17. It's hard for me to believe, but that's what
> she tells me anyway. :) What can we help with?
>
> Lisa
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Helen Martiniuk <plumplus@...>
> To: <[email protected]>
> Sent: Sunday, October 24, 1999 5:34 PM
> Subject: [Unschooling-dotcom] highschool
>
> > Hi,
> >
> > Is there anyone out there whose kids are highschool age? My girls are 13
> and
> > 15.
> >
> > Helen
> >
> > >
> >
>
> > Check it out!
> http://www.unschooling.com

[email protected]

In a message dated 10/24/99 6:56:16 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
plumplus@... writes:

<< Thanks for responding. I've been thinking about the diploma thing lately,
and
was wondering what those who are on this loop have decided to do about it, if
anything. >>

My two older boys took and passed the Ged this past summer but they
wanted out of high school. They were past the age where they wanted to hs.
They just wanted out.

Laura

Helen Martiniuk

Thanks Laura,

I'm trying to examine all the options. My main concern is how to deal with
inlaws, friends and other curious people who all seem to need answers. As I said,
my girls are 13 and 15, and I'm starting to feel the pressure.

The way it looks, our only options are public school (NOT), correspondence(WAY to
much paperwork--I could go on and on about this one), and GED, or-- nothing.

Did you do anything special to prepare your boys for the GED?

Helen

>

> My two older boys took and passed the Ged this past summer but they
> wanted out of high school. They were past the age where they wanted to hs.
> They just wanted out.
>
> Laura

Jael Williams

Hi Helen,

My daughter is 11, and we are in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. I plan
to allow her to pursue her interests (by unschooling) through her teen
years. If she decides on a career direction that requires university
training, then the high school Grade 11 and 12 subjects are available by
correspondence in a few learning centres in this city, so she would have
support from teachers as well. Otherwise, she may find a niche in
work that doesn't require a diploma. In British Columbia, any adult may
attend Community College Programs, many of which are career-driven.

Hope this helps,

Jael

>Hi Lisa,
>
>Thanks for responding. I've been thinking about the diploma thing lately,
>and
>was wondering what those who are on this loop have decided to do about it,
>if
>anything.
>
>Helen
>

rick and deborah farrington

my son is planning on taking the GED next year about this time, as he turns 15
tommorrow, next year in november he can take the test.
i bought a GED prep book and it looks fairly easy. he has a year to study. (btw,
thanks to all of you who helped me on that one, i bought a princeton review one)
then he want s to go to pilot school.

Helen Martiniuk wrote:

> From: Helen Martiniuk <plumplus@...>
>
> Hi Lisa,
>
> Thanks for responding. I've been thinking about the diploma thing lately, and
> was wondering what those who are on this loop have decided to do about it, if
> anything.
>
> Helen
>
> Lisa Bugg wrote:
>
> > From: "Lisa Bugg" <LisaBugg@...>
> >
> > Hi Helen,
> > I have a child who is 17. It's hard for me to believe, but that's what
> > she tells me anyway. :) What can we help with?
> >
> > Lisa
> > ----- Original Message -----
> > From: Helen Martiniuk <plumplus@...>
> > To: <[email protected]>
> > Sent: Sunday, October 24, 1999 5:34 PM
> > Subject: [Unschooling-dotcom] highschool
> >
> > > Hi,
> > >
> > > Is there anyone out there whose kids are highschool age? My girls are 13
> > and
> > > 15.
> > >
> > > Helen
> > >
> > > >
> > >
> >
> > > Check it out!
> > http://www.unschooling.com
>
> > Check it out!
> http://www.unschooling.com

rick and deborah farrington

oh and in this GED book they said in the year 2001 in feb. the test will change.
mt dh wont be able to use the book i bought.

Helen Martiniuk wrote:

> From: Helen Martiniuk <plumplus@...>
>
> Hi Lisa,
>
> Thanks for responding. I've been thinking about the diploma thing lately, and
> was wondering what those who are on this loop have decided to do about it, if
> anything.
>
> Helen
>
> Lisa Bugg wrote:
>
> > From: "Lisa Bugg" <LisaBugg@...>
> >
> > Hi Helen,
> > I have a child who is 17. It's hard for me to believe, but that's what
> > she tells me anyway. :) What can we help with?
> >
> > Lisa
> > ----- Original Message -----
> > From: Helen Martiniuk <plumplus@...>
> > To: <[email protected]>
> > Sent: Sunday, October 24, 1999 5:34 PM
> > Subject: [Unschooling-dotcom] highschool
> >
> > > Hi,
> > >
> > > Is there anyone out there whose kids are highschool age? My girls are 13
> > and
> > > 15.
> > >
> > > Helen
> > >
> > > >
> > >
> >
> > > Check it out!
> > http://www.unschooling.com
>
> > Check it out!
> http://www.unschooling.com

[email protected]

In a message dated 10/24/99 10:12:43 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
plumplus@... writes:

<< Did you do anything special to prepare your boys for the GED?
>>

Sorry,but no. I purchased a practice test book but neither one was
interested.
They did not score in the top 90% but they both passed. One is intending to
go to the local state college. He took the entrance exam amd needs two
remedial type classes but thats it. He wants to go onto auto repair.

Laura

Jeff & Diane Gwirtz

I have two teens - a 13 yob and a 19 yog. My daughter is now in
college. When she started homeschooling, we knew nothing about
unschooling. She ended up getting a diploma from American School -
very dry - very traditional - but she only spent an hour or two a day
on it. My 13 yob has unschooled since he was 10 and isn't interested
in the correspondence route. He does plan to go to college. We
haven't decided yet whether to just create our own transcript and
diploma or whether to use an unschooling friendly cover school to get
a diploma. Either way, we'll continue unschooling and "make it
fit." I've recently purchased two books to help -

And What About College? by Cafi Cohen - an eclectic homeschooler
whose kids got diplomas from American School, but most of their
education elsewhere.

From Homeschool to College and Work, by Alison McKee -an unschooler

Both books explain a lot about how to put together transcripts, etc.

Diane in KS

Helen Martiniuk

Elissa,

Thanks for the site: it's got a lot of useful info.

Helen

Emhenry@... wrote:

> From: Emhenry@...
>
> I have to jump in here...many states consider homeschoolers as private
> schools. As such, you can issue your own diplomas.
>
> Go here and look over the sites for blank diplomas:
>
> <A
> HREF="http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Pines/8049/varioushsinglinks.html">Va
> rious Homeschool Links</A>
>
>
>
> <>< <>< <><
> Elissa
> <A HREF="http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Pines/8049/">Christian
> Unschooling</A>
> <>< <>< <><
>
> > Check it out!
> http://www.unschooling.com

Helen Martiniuk

Hello Jael,

We're on Vancouver Island, as you may have guessed. The correspondence route
would be our last resort. I say this only because I'm aware of the HUGE
workload associated with all of the courses. I know so many people whose kids
don't have a life because all they do is work on papers, and many don't get
summer holidays when the rest of their peers are off enjoying themselves during
the summer. If my kids choose to go this route, I would certainly support them,
but I would hate to see them have to do it just to get a diploma. At the
moment, I'm considering the GED our best option, or as you said, finding work
where a diploma isn't required. I'm actually hoping they'll learn to create
their own employment, working with computers, sales, service, or such.(My
husband has a home business selling and servicing computers, so they are quite
knowledgable in this area.)

What's really bothering me lately is deciding how to respond, when people ask me
how my girls will get their diplomas. The truth is, they may not get one, but
this response leaves people with a blank expression. And, sooner or later we
have to face the moment of truth, when the inlaws will want some answers. Are
any of you out there struggling with this?

Helen

[email protected]

In a message dated 10/25/99 3:16:15 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
plumplus@... writes:

<< What's really bothering me lately is deciding how to respond, when people
ask me
how my girls will get their diplomas. The truth is, they may not get one,
but
this response leaves people with a blank expression. And, sooner or later we
have to face the moment of truth, when the inlaws will want some answers.
Are
any of you out there struggling with this? >>

Although my boys left high school to Ged it is still a dilemma when
people ask about school. The 17 yro would not have grad. until next yr. I've
considered just saying he graduated early to avoid the sad looks people give
me. My boys were sick of school and I was sick of dealing with the school. So
we're very happy it's over for them.
Make your own diploma and develop a transcript to show them. If they
didn't except you hsing not much else will impress them. Time will be the
biggest factor in
proving your children's success. Of course one mans success is another's
failure.
I would suggest you find people who validate you so you can feel good about
whatever you decide.

Laura Just my two cents worth

Brown

Helen,

you asked:

> What's really bothering me lately is deciding how to respond, when people ask me
> how my girls will get their diplomas. The truth is, they may not get one, but
> this response leaves people with a blank expression. And, sooner or later we
> have to face the moment of truth, when the inlaws will want some answers. Are
> any of you out there struggling with this?

We don't have high school diplomas (I'm in New Zealand), but do have other things,
so I have often faced this question. My oldest is 18, joined the work force a year
ago. People still ask how I managed to get him his 'qualifictions', and look aghast
when I say we didn't bother because he didn't need them! He is working for a
beekeeper and learning that way. Of course with three more sons coming along (16,
12, 9) I'm going to face that question for a lot longer!

What I try to do, nicely, is to try to get them to answer for themselves. First, I
ask them in what circumstances my child would need such a thing. Which brings to
their notice, often for the first time I think, that you don't need these bits of
paper to breathe, eat or even work. The we examine alternatives to the ones that
supposedly need them - and I haven't found much that doesn't have an alternative.
Then, finally, we get on to how you can get the bits of paper if you really really
want / need them. (correspondence schools, community classes......)

Usually, with a bit of guidance they end up seeing things in a new light, and
answering their own questions.

Carol

Lisa Bugg

. The truth is, they may not get one, but
> this response leaves people with a blank expression. And, sooner or later
we
> have to face the moment of truth, when the inlaws will want some answers.
Are
> any of you out there struggling with this?
>
> Helen
>

Sort of, But I have a b'day party for my new 6 year old, so I'm going to
put off answering until after the party.

I've signed on for these last 15 minutes before things start hopping in
hopes of staying out said 6 year olds hair. She's a tad anxious. ;)

Mom's a bit frazzled. <G>

Lisa

Helen Martiniuk

Diane,

Thanks for the titles. I'm grateful for the helpful feedback everyone is
giving me.

Helen



Jeff & Diane Gwirtz wrote:

> From: "Jeff & Diane Gwirtz" <jagwirtz@...>
>
> I have two teens - a 13 yob and a 19 yog.

Helen Martiniuk

Carol,

Thanks for taking time to respond. You've given me some things to think about.

Helen

Brown wrote:

> From: Brown <mjcmbrwn@...>
>
> Helen,
>
> you asked:
>
> > What's really bothering me lately is deciding how to respond, when people ask me
> > how my girls will get their diplomas. The truth is, they may not get one, but
> > this response leaves people with a blank expression. And, sooner or later we
> > have to face the moment of truth, when the inlaws will want some answers. Are
> > any of you out there struggling with this?
>
> We don't have high school diplomas (I'm in New Zealand), but do have other things,
> so I have often faced this question. My oldest is 18, joined the work force a year
> ago. People still ask how I managed to get him his 'qualifictions', and look aghast
> when I say we didn't bother because he didn't need them! He is working for a
> beekeeper and learning that way. Of course with three more sons coming along (16,
> 12, 9) I'm going to face that question for a lot longer!
>
> What I try to do, nicely, is to try to get them to answer for themselves. First, I
> ask them in what circumstances my child would need such a thing. Which brings to
> their notice, often for the first time I think, that you don't need these bits of
> paper to breathe, eat or even work. The we examine alternatives to the ones that
> supposedly need them - and I haven't found much that doesn't have an alternative.
> Then, finally, we get on to how you can get the bits of paper if you really really
> want / need them. (correspondence schools, community classes......)
>
> Usually, with a bit of guidance they end up seeing things in a new light, and
> answering their own questions.
>
> Carol
>
> > Check it out!
> http://www.unschooling.com

Helen Martiniuk

Laura,

Thank-you for the encouraging words. This is what I needed to hear.

Helen

Bonknit@... wrote:

[email protected]

Why, thank you, ma'am :::::::blushing::::::::

I've been here all along, reading and.....um....well, reading LOL I must
belong to every list and newsletter on the internet (except for the fact that
I'm always coming upon new ones that pique my interest) and the email keeps
pouring in! That, and the fact that we just never seem to stop around here,
keeps us going and going and going!

And, anyway, there are so many wise and wonderful people on this list, I just
read and learn with awe :)

Thanks, Elissa, for the warm greeting - and if I can help anyone with
anything else, just yell - I'm right here!

Linda in FL :)


In a message dated 10/25/99 6:57:47 PM Eastern Daylight Time, Emhenry@...
writes:

<< The great missing Mamalin surfaces!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I miss ya!! >>

Joel Hawthorne

I thought that great missing mamalin surfaces was some kind of math thing like
fractals or some such. I'd never heard of mamalin surfaces before but the world
is such a big place I'm never surprised. Did you know that a whip cracks because
of a little sonic boom?

I am glad those surfaces have been found.

Mamalin21@... wrote:<< The great missing Mamalin surfaces!!!!!!!!!!!!!

>
> I miss ya!! >>
>
> > Check it out!
> http://www.unschooling.com

--
best wishes
Joel

For a wonderful gift possibility and to support a great cause check out:
http://www.naturalchild.com/calendar_pictures.html

All children behave as well as they are treated. The Natural Child
Project http://naturalchild.com/home/

[email protected]

ROFL I'm definitely not a "math thing", but I've caused an eyebrow or two to
raise in my time...does that count?!

Linda in FL :)

<<
I thought that great missing mamalin surfaces was some kind of math thing
like
fractals or some such. I'd never heard of mamalin surfaces before but the
world
is such a big place I'm never surprised. Did you know that a whip cracks
because
of a little sonic boom? >>

[email protected]

In a message dated 10/25/99 2:33:38 PM, Bonknit@... writes:

<< My boys were sick of school and I was sick of dealing with the school. So
we're very happy it's over for them. >>

laura,
i think this (your words above) would be a good answer for questions about
your choices with your boys! :) wouldn't get sad looks anyway!
but really, it is truthful, reflecting the fact that there are other options
for anyone who may never have realized it.
erin

[email protected]

In a message dated 10/24/99 9:12:38 PM Central Daylight Time,
plumplus@... writes:

<< The way it looks, our only options are public school (NOT),
correspondence(WAY to
much paperwork--I could go on and on about this one), and GED, or-- nothing.

Did you do anything special to prepare your boys for the GED?
>>

Helen,
I think that some states allow your own diploma. I know that ours does,
and that is what I am planning. We unschool, so we don't have records or
grades, but I will make my own diploma (even have it notarized) to go with
his "graduating" our homeschool. He can honestly say that "yes, he has
graduated highschool and has his diploma" when applying for a job. If he
decides to go to college, he and I will sit down and make up a transcript of
the things that he did for school. This has worked for others in this area,
and I haven't seen any problems from it. Hope this gives you another
alternative. :-)
Tami

[email protected]

In a message dated 10/26/99 1:32:13 AM Eastern Daylight Time,
MORELFAM@... writes:

<< laura,
i think this (your words above) would be a good answer for questions about
your choices with your boys! :) wouldn't get sad looks anyway!
but really, it is truthful, reflecting the fact that there are other options
for anyone who may never have realized it. >>

Many people still don't get it. I get tired of explaining what problems
were with school. School is such a different place than it was even a few
years ago. Others refuse to see what I;m saying so I figure the less said the
better.

Laura

[email protected]

In a message dated 10/26/99 9:40:44 AM Pacific Daylight Time, Bonknit@...
writes:

<< Many people still don't get it. I get tired of explaining what
problems
were with school. School is such a different place than it was even a few
years ago. Others refuse to see what I;m saying so I figure the less said
the
better. >>

Yep you hit that stage about a year after you leave the system.

Charlotte