This is why I joined this list!
kenyonbook
Schooling is artificial. UNschooling is real life...it's everything
that
school isn't.
Ned Vare
Let us know how it goes. . . once a week at least. Consider this
UNschool-anon for former school addicts. We're listening.<
This is why I joined this list, for comments like this from people
like Ned. I need the affirmation that I am doing the right thing
for my children.
I have wonderful children. They are creative and funny and
interesting and when they are allowed to learn on their own terms,
it is awesome to see how they delve deeply into a subject that
interests them. That said, I was scared when my 8-year-old still
did not know how to read. (he has since learned,mostly on his own,
with Pathway readers of all things) I worry when my 13-year old
would rather be with her animals than her cousins. I am still
nervous when one of my sisters asks "How's school going?" I don't
think others would understand what we do here, how we live. We live
out in the country and are fairly isolated. I like it that way, but
when other unschoolers mention keeping in touch with friends, making
sure your children play with others, etc. I get nervous again. We
lived in town, my kids DID have friends they played with, but the
last thing I want is those kids around. Lets see, the neighbor boy
pointed a gun at my son once since he wouldn't play with him, he
invited him over to look at his Dad's "magazine collection", the
neighbor girl wanted the kids to sneak in her clubhouse and smoke,
and there was a little boy who often said the "F" word, and this is
in small-town America, a decent neighborhood.... I took my children
out of school precisely because of this type of "socialization"!
They have each other (five at home now, two on thier own) and they
play together, from the 2-year-old to the almost 16-year-old. Yep,
together! They would much rather stay home and build rock forts and
play with their animals than visit cousins, though I still force the
cousin visits once inawhile. The few homeschoolers we have met are
very rigid in their homeschooling or just down-right "wierd"
according to my kids (Though I remind them gently that we are weird
too) Their cousins talk about boys and clothes and my Rachel (13)
just could care less about that stuff. We tried 4-H, but honestly,
my children would much rather just stay home! They get jobs around
age 16, handle them fine, can talk to others their age when put in
that environment, but am I harming them having them home every day
(well, okay, we go places and do things together but they really
aren't around children their age much at all)
Insight on this?
Mary from IA (Dyersville area, Field of Dreams country!)
that
school isn't.
Ned Vare
Let us know how it goes. . . once a week at least. Consider this
UNschool-anon for former school addicts. We're listening.<
This is why I joined this list, for comments like this from people
like Ned. I need the affirmation that I am doing the right thing
for my children.
I have wonderful children. They are creative and funny and
interesting and when they are allowed to learn on their own terms,
it is awesome to see how they delve deeply into a subject that
interests them. That said, I was scared when my 8-year-old still
did not know how to read. (he has since learned,mostly on his own,
with Pathway readers of all things) I worry when my 13-year old
would rather be with her animals than her cousins. I am still
nervous when one of my sisters asks "How's school going?" I don't
think others would understand what we do here, how we live. We live
out in the country and are fairly isolated. I like it that way, but
when other unschoolers mention keeping in touch with friends, making
sure your children play with others, etc. I get nervous again. We
lived in town, my kids DID have friends they played with, but the
last thing I want is those kids around. Lets see, the neighbor boy
pointed a gun at my son once since he wouldn't play with him, he
invited him over to look at his Dad's "magazine collection", the
neighbor girl wanted the kids to sneak in her clubhouse and smoke,
and there was a little boy who often said the "F" word, and this is
in small-town America, a decent neighborhood.... I took my children
out of school precisely because of this type of "socialization"!
They have each other (five at home now, two on thier own) and they
play together, from the 2-year-old to the almost 16-year-old. Yep,
together! They would much rather stay home and build rock forts and
play with their animals than visit cousins, though I still force the
cousin visits once inawhile. The few homeschoolers we have met are
very rigid in their homeschooling or just down-right "wierd"
according to my kids (Though I remind them gently that we are weird
too) Their cousins talk about boys and clothes and my Rachel (13)
just could care less about that stuff. We tried 4-H, but honestly,
my children would much rather just stay home! They get jobs around
age 16, handle them fine, can talk to others their age when put in
that environment, but am I harming them having them home every day
(well, okay, we go places and do things together but they really
aren't around children their age much at all)
Insight on this?
Mary from IA (Dyersville area, Field of Dreams country!)
inmdcrew
--- In Unschooling-dotcom@y..., "kenyonbook" <kenyonbook@y...> wrote:
As a one new unschooler to another, you have certainly hit a cord.
My children would rather stay home also than go to 4-H or other
activities. And honestly, there is only one boy in the neighborhood
that is decent to play with. And that opinion has nothing to do with
the fact that I consider myself a non-church going Christian. That
is; what I consider decent has nothing to do with what you might
consider religious beliefs. So, having said that I think that home is
the greatest place my kids can be in this world. And I am thrilled
that they would rather be with each other and their mom. We too
do "field trips" but mainly hang around the back yard. So-- go for
it. After all they won't live with ya forever.
Tina
> Schooling is artificial. UNschooling is real life...it's everythinglive
> that
> school isn't.
>
> Ned Vare
>
> Let us know how it goes. . . once a week at least. Consider this
> UNschool-anon for former school addicts. We're listening.<
>
> This is why I joined this list, for comments like this from people
> like Ned. I need the affirmation that I am doing the right thing
> for my children.
> I have wonderful children. They are creative and funny and
> interesting and when they are allowed to learn on their own terms,
> it is awesome to see how they delve deeply into a subject that
> interests them. That said, I was scared when my 8-year-old still
> did not know how to read. (he has since learned,mostly on his own,
> with Pathway readers of all things) I worry when my 13-year old
> would rather be with her animals than her cousins. I am still
> nervous when one of my sisters asks "How's school going?" I don't
> think others would understand what we do here, how we live. We
> out in the country and are fairly isolated. I like it that way,but
> when other unschoolers mention keeping in touch with friends,making
> sure your children play with others, etc. I get nervous again.We
> lived in town, my kids DID have friends they played with, but thechildren
> last thing I want is those kids around. Lets see, the neighbor boy
> pointed a gun at my son once since he wouldn't play with him, he
> invited him over to look at his Dad's "magazine collection", the
> neighbor girl wanted the kids to sneak in her clubhouse and smoke,
> and there was a little boy who often said the "F" word, and this is
> in small-town America, a decent neighborhood.... I took my
> out of school precisely because of this type of "socialization"!and
> They have each other (five at home now, two on thier own) and they
> play together, from the 2-year-old to the almost 16-year-old. Yep,
> together! They would much rather stay home and build rock forts
> play with their animals than visit cousins, though I still forcethe
> cousin visits once inawhile. The few homeschoolers we have met areMary,
> very rigid in their homeschooling or just down-right "wierd"
> according to my kids (Though I remind them gently that we are weird
> too) Their cousins talk about boys and clothes and my Rachel (13)
> just could care less about that stuff. We tried 4-H, but honestly,
> my children would much rather just stay home! They get jobs around
> age 16, handle them fine, can talk to others their age when put in
> that environment, but am I harming them having them home every day
> (well, okay, we go places and do things together but they really
> aren't around children their age much at all)
> Insight on this?
> Mary from IA (Dyersville area, Field of Dreams country!)
As a one new unschooler to another, you have certainly hit a cord.
My children would rather stay home also than go to 4-H or other
activities. And honestly, there is only one boy in the neighborhood
that is decent to play with. And that opinion has nothing to do with
the fact that I consider myself a non-church going Christian. That
is; what I consider decent has nothing to do with what you might
consider religious beliefs. So, having said that I think that home is
the greatest place my kids can be in this world. And I am thrilled
that they would rather be with each other and their mom. We too
do "field trips" but mainly hang around the back yard. So-- go for
it. After all they won't live with ya forever.
Tina
Gerard Westenberg
<but am I harming them having them home every day (well, okay, we go places and do things together but they really
aren't around children their age much at all)
Insight on this?>
Mary, I am new to fully unschooling, but I think the amount of time spent with other children/families depends on each person's needs/wants. If the children seem happy, then all is well, imo. On the other hand, if you or they are feeling uncomfortable twinges, maybe this is something you need to look at - are the twinges from guilt or because of "differentness"? Or are they because you or one of the kids really sense a need for more companionship? In our family, the kids ( and Mum! lol!) like to have time with other kids and families/friends and also time just with us - too much time one way or the other creates a feeling that all is not well, for us...Leonie
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
aren't around children their age much at all)
Insight on this?>
Mary, I am new to fully unschooling, but I think the amount of time spent with other children/families depends on each person's needs/wants. If the children seem happy, then all is well, imo. On the other hand, if you or they are feeling uncomfortable twinges, maybe this is something you need to look at - are the twinges from guilt or because of "differentness"? Or are they because you or one of the kids really sense a need for more companionship? In our family, the kids ( and Mum! lol!) like to have time with other kids and families/friends and also time just with us - too much time one way or the other creates a feeling that all is not well, for us...Leonie
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[email protected]
In a message dated 8/15/02 3:48:47 PM, Hatfield72@... writes:
<< And I am thrilled
that they would rather be with each other and their mom. We too
do "field trips" but mainly hang around the back yard. So-- go for
it. After all they won't live with ya forever. >>
But if they DO decide to live with you forever, hanging around the house now
is the best preparation for their future!! <g>
My kids often say "No let's just go home" if I offer to take them out to
eat!! Honestly, they prefer the comfort of their own stuff and the dog and
our freezer food to being out and about. Today and yesterday I delivered
food to Kirby and Marty at the gaming shop where they were playing. It
doesn't even embarrass them. <g> Today was homemade onion-dill bread made
into grilled cheese sandwiches with some pizza topping inside. And Dr Pepper
(the official drink of Zenmomma hell).
More often than not I just direct them toward the refrigerator, but I was
feeling extra motherly because Holly and I are about to be gone for four
days, leaving just the boys and the dad/husband. (That and the cottage
cheese needed to be used up.)
Things just happen because other things happen. One thing leads to four or
five more and there's no predicting our lives, but the kids are happy to be a
part of it, which makes it happier for all involved.
Sandra
<< And I am thrilled
that they would rather be with each other and their mom. We too
do "field trips" but mainly hang around the back yard. So-- go for
it. After all they won't live with ya forever. >>
But if they DO decide to live with you forever, hanging around the house now
is the best preparation for their future!! <g>
My kids often say "No let's just go home" if I offer to take them out to
eat!! Honestly, they prefer the comfort of their own stuff and the dog and
our freezer food to being out and about. Today and yesterday I delivered
food to Kirby and Marty at the gaming shop where they were playing. It
doesn't even embarrass them. <g> Today was homemade onion-dill bread made
into grilled cheese sandwiches with some pizza topping inside. And Dr Pepper
(the official drink of Zenmomma hell).
More often than not I just direct them toward the refrigerator, but I was
feeling extra motherly because Holly and I are about to be gone for four
days, leaving just the boys and the dad/husband. (That and the cottage
cheese needed to be used up.)
Things just happen because other things happen. One thing leads to four or
five more and there's no predicting our lives, but the kids are happy to be a
part of it, which makes it happier for all involved.
Sandra
[email protected]
I joined this list yesterday, and am blown away by all the wonderful comments
and support, and the vast issues covered. We'll be unschooling our 7 year old
boy this year. We live in NJ and are fortunate to have few restrictions
reguarding homeschooling. We met for the first time today with an area
support group, although they are secular, the majority are unschoolers, and
totally validated my decision to keep Kennedy out of the public school
system, hopefully forever! This meeting and the responses from this site, to
my concerns have really put me at ease.
THANK YOU,
Kelly
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
and support, and the vast issues covered. We'll be unschooling our 7 year old
boy this year. We live in NJ and are fortunate to have few restrictions
reguarding homeschooling. We met for the first time today with an area
support group, although they are secular, the majority are unschoolers, and
totally validated my decision to keep Kennedy out of the public school
system, hopefully forever! This meeting and the responses from this site, to
my concerns have really put me at ease.
THANK YOU,
Kelly
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[email protected]
In a message dated 08/15/2002 7:38:20 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
SandraDodd@... writes:
Ah, bread making, for all those who need to categorize what they do (to
comfort themselves or others). Science, math, home economics, phys ed (it
takes a lot of work to knead if you do it by hand), reading (a recipe),
history (if you use an old European recipe or one handed down through the
family). Best of all it's just plain fun. Can't wait to get my fall King
Arthur's flour catalog, so that I can order all sorts of delectable flours
and other ingredients. Eric and I enjoy making bread together.
Enjoying the thought of homemade onion-dill bread grilled cheese sandwich and
a diet Dr. Pepper,
Ginny
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
SandraDodd@... writes:
> Today was homemade onion-dill bread madeThis sounds like pure heaven to me, except change mine to a DDP.
> into grilled cheese sandwiches with some pizza topping inside. And Dr
> Pepper
> (the official drink of Zenmomma hell).
>
Ah, bread making, for all those who need to categorize what they do (to
comfort themselves or others). Science, math, home economics, phys ed (it
takes a lot of work to knead if you do it by hand), reading (a recipe),
history (if you use an old European recipe or one handed down through the
family). Best of all it's just plain fun. Can't wait to get my fall King
Arthur's flour catalog, so that I can order all sorts of delectable flours
and other ingredients. Eric and I enjoy making bread together.
Enjoying the thought of homemade onion-dill bread grilled cheese sandwich and
a diet Dr. Pepper,
Ginny
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
zenmomma *
>>Dr. Pepper (the official drink of Zenmomma hell).>>Hey do you think they'd pay me for that tag line?
Life is good.
~Mary
_________________________________________________________________
Chat with friends online, try MSN Messenger: http://messenger.msn.com
Fetteroll
on 8/15/02 4:44 PM, kenyonbook at kenyonbook@... wrote:
need. Are they happy? Ask them if they'd like more contact with other kids.
Make sure they have the opportunities. (It sounds like you are.) And let
them choose.
Joyce
> We tried 4-H, but honestly,I'll chime in with everyone else. Trust that your children know what they
> my children would much rather just stay home! They get jobs around
> age 16, handle them fine, can talk to others their age when put in
> that environment, but am I harming them having them home every day
> (well, okay, we go places and do things together but they really
> aren't around children their age much at all)
> Insight on this?
need. Are they happy? Ask them if they'd like more contact with other kids.
Make sure they have the opportunities. (It sounds like you are.) And let
them choose.
Joyce
Betsy
**I am still nervous when one of my sisters asks "How's school going?" **
I was thinking that you could confound and flabbergast and side-step her
like this:
her: "How's school going?"
you: "We're all really happy?"
It's just a little shift, imagining that her "school" questions are
about "life". Just give her the message that life is great and that you
are very pleased with your choices. (Never let her see you wobble!
Wobbling and wavering is like blood in the water to a shark or a
concerned relative.)
Betsy
I was thinking that you could confound and flabbergast and side-step her
like this:
her: "How's school going?"
you: "We're all really happy?"
It's just a little shift, imagining that her "school" questions are
about "life". Just give her the message that life is great and that you
are very pleased with your choices. (Never let her see you wobble!
Wobbling and wavering is like blood in the water to a shark or a
concerned relative.)
Betsy