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In a message dated 10/31/02 11:38:18 PM, tcee1@... writes:

<< I believe whole heartedly that my boys(age 5 yrs) can and will learn
without having curriculums to follow, and without me formally teaching them
everything. But, I don't really get how the whole picture goes together. >>

Gradually.
Imperceptibly sometimes.
Lumpily, in fits and starts.

You can think of an unschooling month as a month of Sundays (unless you have
really structured Sundays, in which case substitute a month of Saturdays).
You can think of it as the best summer vacation days you can ever remember,
without end.

<<Do you set up or "stage" things, then see if they get interested in
something, and then find more info and/or activities to relate to that
subject? >>

Sometimes, sort of, but not regularly or intentionally. I might leave
magnets out. But I'm not hoping to trigger anyone to be a physicist or
chemist or electronics engineer. I put the castle blocks out from time to
time, but I don't aim for medieval history or structural engineering.

If I do notice something sparks that sparkle, though, I'll put another
similar thing in the path within a day or a week if it's easy to do and if I
remember.

<<Or, do you just kind of go about your day with your interests and let them
discover things on their own and ask you questions?>>

Sometimes, and sometimes I ask them questions. I go about OUR day with OUR
interests. Sometimes it flows together, and sometimes it granulates apart.

<< but I guess it just doesn't seem like we have enough excitement around
here. I am worried that I somehow need more to spur their curiosity?>>

Not every day has to be exciting. But SOME days should be exciting.
Sometimes it will be something you planned, and sometimes excitement will be
thrust upon you when you least expect it.

Be loose enough that if a wave comes you can ride it.

<<They really seem bored at times. I keep thinking, how can they be bored
already, they are only 5! >>

Why should older people be bored more easily than younger ones? I would
think that the more able to do and be independently, the less need for
boredom.

What I think about boredom (and I thought about it a long time) is here:

http://sandradodd.com/BoredNoMore

When you've read that if you like it any, click on the "other articles" link
at the bottom.
I think lots of that will be helpful.

Sandra

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In a message dated 11/1/02 12:38:19 AM Central Standard Time, tcee1@...
writes:

> I really thought that I had a handle on what unschooling is. The definitions
> I see here totally resonate with me. And everything I have read, I feel
> comfortable with. However, I am struggling on what it "looks" like IRL, if
> that makes any sense. Do you "plan" any learning?

I wouldn't say that I "plan" any learning. But, then again, I do. I do go out
of my way to make sure they have the tools to be able to interact when we go
somewhere. Both my kids like to help cook (Moly is really taking off and is
doing a lot of things on her own.) before we go to the store, I make a list.
Usually the day before we go, I tell the kids. I also remind them if there is
anything they are wanting to fix, they need to look up the recipe, check for
needed ingredients, and add to the list. I also give them their own money. So
right there, they have learned planning, research skills, cooking, nutrition,
money skills, shopping savvy... The thing is, though, I don't think of a trip
to the store like that. I can break it down here, but I don't go about my day
thinking of ways to help my kids learn a specific subject. I think that is
where the hang-ups start. We start thinking too much about what they should
know, right now, and how can we set up a situation to make that happen.
Instead of just letting it happen in its own time. That isn't to say that I
don't plan something's, I said above that I do. I plan things because that is
me, I'm a planner with lists all over. But I don't make set up situations, or
plan a trip to the grocery store just so the kids will learn all the things
above. I don't set up the check out time as a math lesson on money. I don't
set up the produce aisle as a lesson in nutrition.

I believe whole heartedly that my boys(age 5 yrs) can and will learn without
having
> curriculums to follow, and without me formally teaching them everything.
> But, I don't really get how the whole picture goes together. Do you set up
> or "stage" things, then see if they get interested in something, and then
> find more info and/or activities to relate to that subject? Or, do you just
> kind of go about your day with your interests and let them discover things
> on their own and ask you questions?

I do and I don't. When I set Jack up in Karate lessons, my motive wasn't to
get him into karate, or even see if he liked karate. My motive was this, "my
little guy looks bored sometimes, and then he starts running around, picking
on his sister, and this house is too small..." Then the parks and rec.
catalogue came one day and I was looking through it and saw something's I
thought would be fun, so I gave it to the kids and said, "Why don't you guys
pick out something fun to do." Jack picked Karate and Moly picked an acting
class. (which because of low enrollment got canceled and because she wasn't
the right age or right grade she couldn't join the other classes. Is
childhood age discrimination allowed?) So now they are both in Karate and
both love it. I didn't pick the class, they did. I saw a need for a better
outlet for their energy and gave them the tools to do it.

I don't mean that I would just sit around eating bon-bons and not have to be
present
> , but I guess it just doesn't seem like we have enough excitement around
> here. I am worried that I somehow need more to spur their curiosity? They
> really seem bored at times. I keep thinking, how can they be bored already,
> they are only 5! I hope this question is clear.
> Can anyone help me understand?
>
And if you have noticed a need to fill "boredom," (which I do believe is okay
to be and have at times in your life). Then give the kids better things to
work with and play with. Hand them the parks and rec. catalogue, rotate some
new/old toys in and out. Move the crayons and paper to a more accessible
location. Leave the entertainment section of the newspaper out, or read it
out loud to them. Help them be participants in life instead of just tagging
along beside you. Give them money to spend when they are at the store, let
them see you making the grocery list and ask them if there is anything they
need so you can put it on the list. But don't make it fake. Ask them just
like you ask any adult. "Honey, I'm going to the store later, do you need
anything?" Darin usually says deodorant or a new toothbrush and sometimes he
says "Yeah, get me some of those things you got that one time with the...." <
g> My best advice is to not try too hard. Just include them in your life.
Don't make them do a book report. Listen to them when they come to you and
tell you all about this new character who put a kink in the hero's plans.

~Nancy


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