RE:Worried and full of self doubt
Aymee Thomas
I am new to the group. My son is only 3, but I taught him the majority
of stuff he knows online at safe kid sites and through books and
television. We had to teach him the alphabet and phonics through
singing and reading so he could talk, he has never done a work sheet but
is learning how to print letters and read small words already.
We do all this through games and just having fun. I set no specific
time for it and when he gets tired of what we are doing he gets breaks
until he is ready for more.
I also made folders in my favorite file and bookmarked fun sites for
each thing like math and science and others. When he wants to play with
the sites I just open one that is appropriate for him and let him have
fun.
You could set a time period and let the method prove itself to your dh,
kids learn better when they aren't forced to do something they don't
want to.
Hope it helps.
Aymee
of stuff he knows online at safe kid sites and through books and
television. We had to teach him the alphabet and phonics through
singing and reading so he could talk, he has never done a work sheet but
is learning how to print letters and read small words already.
We do all this through games and just having fun. I set no specific
time for it and when he gets tired of what we are doing he gets breaks
until he is ready for more.
I also made folders in my favorite file and bookmarked fun sites for
each thing like math and science and others. When he wants to play with
the sites I just open one that is appropriate for him and let him have
fun.
You could set a time period and let the method prove itself to your dh,
kids learn better when they aren't forced to do something they don't
want to.
Hope it helps.
Aymee
Natural Simplicity Momma
We are new to HSing. This is our first year. My children spent a few years in a private Christian school. I have 4 babies <grin> ranging from 12-3. We started out this year buying about 1,000 in school supplies (Alpha Omega). Ya know the boxed curric. This did ok for a few weeks but I could see the kids crying, struggling, and hating school. So we switched to a more CM approach with the Simply Series from Shoebox Publications. These seem to do ok but I still had tears. On Tuesday I decided to put away the books and try unschooling. I am worried that I am failing them by doing this. It definatly feels like I am being a lazy momma and they are having a ball playing. They do read books ALOT. I asked them whet they wanted to learn about and got 4 diff answers so we went to the library yesterday and they all picked out books. Some are picture books BUT they are still books. My 6yo and 8yo are fluent readers. My 12 you is not and really does not like to read. He checks out magic books, and books with pictures mainly so I worry about him. I am just scared. My family does not accept HSing at all and when my mom calls mid morning and asks if school is over for the day I get the "hmmmm" when I tell her we are. DH is very supportive of HSing. However I printed out a few articles about unschooling and he does not get it and is not too excited that we won't be teaching lessons per say. Maybe it is his doubt of
this that is making me get so scared. I know noone else that unschools. I am in a local HSing group but I believe most use a boxed curric or unit studies.
So my ? is. Is it possible that my kids will suffer from this type of NON schooling? This all seems to easy for me and DH says it is just a name I am using to condone my lack of drive to do lessons. He is VERY supportive of HSing and is super supportive (HSing was HIS idea). I don't want anyone thinking he is not. He is just in the school mind that lessons, books, drills, worksheets, memorizing are all key to learning.
Sherry
Unschooling Soap Diva WAHM to 4 :o)
naturalsimplicity.ewahm.com
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
this that is making me get so scared. I know noone else that unschools. I am in a local HSing group but I believe most use a boxed curric or unit studies.
So my ? is. Is it possible that my kids will suffer from this type of NON schooling? This all seems to easy for me and DH says it is just a name I am using to condone my lack of drive to do lessons. He is VERY supportive of HSing and is super supportive (HSing was HIS idea). I don't want anyone thinking he is not. He is just in the school mind that lessons, books, drills, worksheets, memorizing are all key to learning.
Sherry
Unschooling Soap Diva WAHM to 4 :o)
naturalsimplicity.ewahm.com
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Myranda
Would your DH be willing to hop on the computer one evening and chat? My DH would (and has before) be happy to answer questions, concerns, and give a dad's perspective of unschooling. It will take you and him some months to deschool yourselves, but as the weeks go by and you see your children learning, it will all start to make sense!
Myranda
From: Natural Simplicity Momma
We are new to HSing. This is our first year. My children spent a few years in a private Christian school. I have 4 babies <grin> ranging from 12-3. We started out this year buying about 1,000 in school supplies (Alpha Omega). Ya know the boxed curric. This did ok for a few weeks but I could see the kids crying, struggling, and hating school. So we switched to a more CM approach with the Simply Series from Shoebox Publications. These seem to do ok but I still had tears. On Tuesday I decided to put away the books and try unschooling. I am worried that I am failing them by doing this. It definatly feels like I am being a lazy momma and they are having a ball playing. They do read books ALOT. I asked them whet they wanted to learn about and got 4 diff answers so we went to the library yesterday and they all picked out books. Some are picture books BUT they are still books. My 6yo and 8yo are fluent readers. My 12 you is not and really does not like to read. He checks out magic books, and books with pictures mainly so I worry about him. I am just scared. My family does not accept HSing at all and when my mom calls mid morning and asks if school is over for the day I get the "hmmmm" when I tell her we are. DH is very supportive of HSing. However I printed out a few articles about unschooling and he does not get it and is not too excited that we won't be teaching lessons per say. Maybe it is his doubt of
this that is making me get so scared. I know noone else that unschools. I am in a local HSing group but I believe most use a boxed curric or unit studies.
So my ? is. Is it possible that my kids will suffer from this type of NON schooling? This all seems to easy for me and DH says it is just a name I am using to condone my lack of drive to do lessons. He is VERY supportive of HSing and is super supportive (HSing was HIS idea). I don't want anyone thinking he is not. He is just in the school mind that lessons, books, drills, worksheets, memorizing are all key to learning.
Sherry
Unschooling Soap Diva WAHM to 4 :o)
naturalsimplicity.ewahm.com
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
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Myranda
From: Natural Simplicity Momma
We are new to HSing. This is our first year. My children spent a few years in a private Christian school. I have 4 babies <grin> ranging from 12-3. We started out this year buying about 1,000 in school supplies (Alpha Omega). Ya know the boxed curric. This did ok for a few weeks but I could see the kids crying, struggling, and hating school. So we switched to a more CM approach with the Simply Series from Shoebox Publications. These seem to do ok but I still had tears. On Tuesday I decided to put away the books and try unschooling. I am worried that I am failing them by doing this. It definatly feels like I am being a lazy momma and they are having a ball playing. They do read books ALOT. I asked them whet they wanted to learn about and got 4 diff answers so we went to the library yesterday and they all picked out books. Some are picture books BUT they are still books. My 6yo and 8yo are fluent readers. My 12 you is not and really does not like to read. He checks out magic books, and books with pictures mainly so I worry about him. I am just scared. My family does not accept HSing at all and when my mom calls mid morning and asks if school is over for the day I get the "hmmmm" when I tell her we are. DH is very supportive of HSing. However I printed out a few articles about unschooling and he does not get it and is not too excited that we won't be teaching lessons per say. Maybe it is his doubt of
this that is making me get so scared. I know noone else that unschools. I am in a local HSing group but I believe most use a boxed curric or unit studies.
So my ? is. Is it possible that my kids will suffer from this type of NON schooling? This all seems to easy for me and DH says it is just a name I am using to condone my lack of drive to do lessons. He is VERY supportive of HSing and is super supportive (HSing was HIS idea). I don't want anyone thinking he is not. He is just in the school mind that lessons, books, drills, worksheets, memorizing are all key to learning.
Sherry
Unschooling Soap Diva WAHM to 4 :o)
naturalsimplicity.ewahm.com
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Natural Simplicity Momma
Would your DH be willing to hop on the computer one evening and chat? My DH would (and has before) be happy to answer questions, concerns, and give a dad's perspective of unschooling. It will take you and him some months to deschool yourselves, but as the weeks go by and you see your children learning, it will all start to make sense!
Myranda
Sherry
Unschooling Soap Diva WAHM to 4 :o)
naturalsimplicity.ewahm.com
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Myranda
>>>>>..Possible. He does not use the computer much, lol. I will see though. Is this uncertain feeling normal? I mean right now the kids are all playing (oldest and youngest with cars, and my girls with dolls) Is this OK??
Sherry
Unschooling Soap Diva WAHM to 4 :o)
naturalsimplicity.ewahm.com
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
The Brandons
I think that uncertainty is a part of the unschooling/home education process. A little bit helps to keep you alert, but too much can stop you in your tracks. Balance that uncertainty with trust in yourself and especially your children.
Best of Luck!
Joyce Brandon
***Sherry Wrote***
Is this uncertain feeling normal? I mean right now the kids are all playing (oldest and youngest with cars, and my girls with dolls) Is this OK??
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Best of Luck!
Joyce Brandon
***Sherry Wrote***
Is this uncertain feeling normal? I mean right now the kids are all playing (oldest and youngest with cars, and my girls with dolls) Is this OK??
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Myranda
Well, drop me an e-mail if he wants to. DH will be home Sunday, and every evening. Yes, no matter what, when it comes to doing new things with our children, uncertainy and nervousness are perfectly natural! We wouldn't be moms otherwise. <g> Playing is wonderful!!! Watch them carefully, and see what they're learning. Sharing, probably. Compromise maybe? Fine motor skills, definitely. Perhaps some math skills as they keep up with the number of cars they have? Go drag out some wooden blocks and sit down with them.... make some bridges and jumps and mazes/obstical courses for the cars, tables and chairs for the dolls. They'll probably join in and get some geometry and thinking and problem-solving practice. If they don't join in, no biggie, they'll remember it for sometime in the future. Unschooling isn't just about leaving them alone to do what they want to do, it's about doing things together and learning together. When lunchtime comes, ask who wants to help you cook. Use a recipe, and have your readers tell your non-readers what to get and how much of it you need. There's more math, and home ec - not to mention a big feeling of accomplishment they'll have. Eventually, you'll get to where you won't look for the educational value in things at all, but to begin with, it really helps to realize that they're learning no matter what they're doing.
Myranda
Possible. He does not use the computer much, lol. I will see though. Is this uncertain feeling normal? I mean right now the kids are all playing (oldest and youngest with cars, and my girls with dolls) Is this OK??
Sherry
Unschooling Soap Diva WAHM to 4 :o)
naturalsimplicity.ewahm.com
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Myranda
Possible. He does not use the computer much, lol. I will see though. Is this uncertain feeling normal? I mean right now the kids are all playing (oldest and youngest with cars, and my girls with dolls) Is this OK??
Sherry
Unschooling Soap Diva WAHM to 4 :o)
naturalsimplicity.ewahm.com
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Natural Simplicity Momma
I think that uncertainty is a part of the unschooling/home education process. A little bit helps to keep you alert, but too much can stop you in your tracks. Balance that uncertainty with trust in yourself and especially your children.
Best of Luck!
Joyce Brandon
Sherry
Unschooling Soap Diva WAHM to 4 :o)
naturalsimplicity.ewahm.com
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Best of Luck!
Joyce Brandon
>>>>>>>>>.Thanks.
Sherry
Unschooling Soap Diva WAHM to 4 :o)
naturalsimplicity.ewahm.com
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[email protected]
In a message dated 11/15/02 7:22:38 AM, craun@... writes:
<< On Tuesday I decided to put away the books and try unschooling. I am
worried that I am failing them by doing this. >>
Well, you failed them by doing the other, right? At least you're moving to
something cheaper!!! <bwg>
<<It definatly feels like I am being a lazy momma and they are having a ball
playing.>>
They are having a ball LEARNING. When you yourself change your view of what
learning looks like, you can be a happy unschooler!
Save a copy of the post you made to begin this thread so you can look at it
again in a year and in five years. Honestly. You'll amaze yourself.
<<I asked them whet they wanted to learn about and got 4 diff answers so we
went to the library yesterday and they all picked out books. Some are
picture books BUT they are still books. >>
I think you said that in way of it being GOOD that they got books. But did
you consider videos? Kits? A day trip to a nearby town with a supply shop,
museum, or something which could have given one of your kids an opportunity
to see their interest live and hands-on?
<<My 12 you is not and really does not like to read. He checks out magic
books, and books with pictures mainly so I worry about him. >>
Please consider looking into Howard Gardner's writings on multiple
intelligences. You can find stuff to read online to give you an idea. Go to
www.google.com and put in "multiple intelligences" and read!
<<My family does not accept HSing at all and when my mom calls mid morning
and asks if school is over for the day I get the "hmmmm" when I tell her we
are. >>
Then tell her no, that learning doesn't tell time, and learning doesn't quit
for the day. Learning doesn't have days off.
<<Is it possible that my kids will suffer from this type of NON schooling?>>
If you don't change your views of learning, yes. They will suffer in the
reviews of whether unschooling reproduces using a curriculum. It doesn't.
If you DO change your views, your family will benefit in many ways beyond
learning.
Read these short articles which appeared in Home Education Magazine lately:
http://sandradodd.com/deschooling
http://www.home-ed-magazine.com/HEM/194/jaunschooling.html
Each of those opens in a different forum, with connections to other articles.
Sandra
<< On Tuesday I decided to put away the books and try unschooling. I am
worried that I am failing them by doing this. >>
Well, you failed them by doing the other, right? At least you're moving to
something cheaper!!! <bwg>
<<It definatly feels like I am being a lazy momma and they are having a ball
playing.>>
They are having a ball LEARNING. When you yourself change your view of what
learning looks like, you can be a happy unschooler!
Save a copy of the post you made to begin this thread so you can look at it
again in a year and in five years. Honestly. You'll amaze yourself.
<<I asked them whet they wanted to learn about and got 4 diff answers so we
went to the library yesterday and they all picked out books. Some are
picture books BUT they are still books. >>
I think you said that in way of it being GOOD that they got books. But did
you consider videos? Kits? A day trip to a nearby town with a supply shop,
museum, or something which could have given one of your kids an opportunity
to see their interest live and hands-on?
<<My 12 you is not and really does not like to read. He checks out magic
books, and books with pictures mainly so I worry about him. >>
Please consider looking into Howard Gardner's writings on multiple
intelligences. You can find stuff to read online to give you an idea. Go to
www.google.com and put in "multiple intelligences" and read!
<<My family does not accept HSing at all and when my mom calls mid morning
and asks if school is over for the day I get the "hmmmm" when I tell her we
are. >>
Then tell her no, that learning doesn't tell time, and learning doesn't quit
for the day. Learning doesn't have days off.
<<Is it possible that my kids will suffer from this type of NON schooling?>>
If you don't change your views of learning, yes. They will suffer in the
reviews of whether unschooling reproduces using a curriculum. It doesn't.
If you DO change your views, your family will benefit in many ways beyond
learning.
Read these short articles which appeared in Home Education Magazine lately:
http://sandradodd.com/deschooling
http://www.home-ed-magazine.com/HEM/194/jaunschooling.html
Each of those opens in a different forum, with connections to other articles.
Sandra
[email protected]
In a message dated 11/15/02 7:39:55 AM, craun@... writes:
<< Is this uncertain feeling normal? I mean right now the kids are all
playing (oldest and youngest with cars, and my girls with dolls) Is this
OK?? >>
Yes and yes.
You should do the math to make you feel better. In a "school year," how many
hours are expected to be "learning time"? Probably 180 days, six hours (NOT
six full hours, the middles of the hours aside from the lesson beginning,
getting settled in, putting stuff up, etc.)
Figure out how many hours are LEFT, and those are the hours you should
completely lighten up.
Every time someone is intently learning, or even accidentally, casually
learning, count that one of the "on" hours.
After a few weeks, you'll stop counting. But it will help for you to change
your perspective.
And try to see what can be learned from dolls and trucks.
Sandra
<< Is this uncertain feeling normal? I mean right now the kids are all
playing (oldest and youngest with cars, and my girls with dolls) Is this
OK?? >>
Yes and yes.
You should do the math to make you feel better. In a "school year," how many
hours are expected to be "learning time"? Probably 180 days, six hours (NOT
six full hours, the middles of the hours aside from the lesson beginning,
getting settled in, putting stuff up, etc.)
Figure out how many hours are LEFT, and those are the hours you should
completely lighten up.
Every time someone is intently learning, or even accidentally, casually
learning, count that one of the "on" hours.
After a few weeks, you'll stop counting. But it will help for you to change
your perspective.
And try to see what can be learned from dolls and trucks.
Sandra
Kelli Traaseth
Sherry,
Just keep reading and reading, to learn more about the unschooling part. Unschooling.com message boards are great, as far as your dh, it probably will take more time for him to understand because if he's like mine, he's out working, not reading and researching.
I am always printing out articles and ideas for mine, I started with books, but that was too much for him. Just nice little articles work for him. That way he can read them before heading off for his work day. Also, as I am reading I will often read him a passage that addresses his questions.
So many people have and have had all the same questions and frustrations that you are facing. Very normal. And for me, about the time I think I'm feeling really comfortable with the whole thing, something else pops up. Back to reading and researching I go.
Heck, if your children are excited to go to the library and check out interesting books, that's great! I've had to even step back from that, I think my son has somewhat ODed on reading, don't know if that's possible, but he's not interested in that right now. He first read all Harry Potter books at age 6, he is now 9. Right now he is the official video game expert in residence, I think for him its all part of deschooling or whatever you want to call in.
I can also relate to the isolated feeling, I'm having a hard time finding unschoolers around me too, but I havn't posted anything yet either, so that's my next step.
Just relax your worries, start each day with peace and enjoy it. You will love your new life and your kids will amaze you each day!
Take Care,
Kelli
Natural Simplicity Momma <craun@...> wrote:We are new to HSing. This is our first year. My children spent a few years in a private Christian school. I have 4 babies <grin> ranging from 12-3. We started out this year buying about 1,000 in school supplies (Alpha Omega). Ya know the boxed curric. This did ok for a few weeks but I could see the kids crying, struggling, and hating school. So we switched to a more CM approach with the Simply Series from Shoebox Publications. These seem to do ok but I still had tears. On Tuesday I decided to put away the books and try unschooling. I am worried that I am failing them by doing this. It definatly feels like I am being a lazy momma and they are having a ball playing. They do read books ALOT. I asked them whet they wanted to learn about and got 4 diff answers so we went to the library yesterday and they all picked out books. Some are picture books BUT they are still books. My 6yo and 8yo are fluent readers. My 12 you is not and really does not like to read. He checks out magic books, and books with pictures mainly so I worry about him. I am just scared. My family does not accept HSing at all and when my mom calls mid morning and asks if school is over for the day I get the "hmmmm" when I tell her we are. DH is very supportive of HSing. However I printed out a few articles about unschooling and he does not get it and is not too excited that we won't be teaching lessons per say. Maybe it is his doubt of
this that is making me get so scared. I know noone else that unschools. I am in a local HSing group but I believe most use a boxed curric or unit studies.
So my ? is. Is it possible that my kids will suffer from this type of NON schooling? This all seems to easy for me and DH says it is just a name I am using to condone my lack of drive to do lessons. He is VERY supportive of HSing and is super supportive (HSing was HIS idea). I don't want anyone thinking he is not. He is just in the school mind that lessons, books, drills, worksheets, memorizing are all key to learning.
Sherry
Unschooling Soap Diva WAHM to 4 :o)
naturalsimplicity.ewahm.com
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
~~~~ Don't forget! If you change topics, change the subject line! ~~~~
If you have questions, concerns or problems with this list, please email the moderator, Joyce Fetteroll (fetteroll@...), or the list owner, Helen Hegener (HEM-Editor@...).
To unsubscribe from this group, click on the following link or address an email to:
[email protected]
Visit the Unschooling website: http://www.unschooling.com
Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.
---------------------------------
Do you Yahoo!?
Yahoo! Web Hosting - Let the expert host your site
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Just keep reading and reading, to learn more about the unschooling part. Unschooling.com message boards are great, as far as your dh, it probably will take more time for him to understand because if he's like mine, he's out working, not reading and researching.
I am always printing out articles and ideas for mine, I started with books, but that was too much for him. Just nice little articles work for him. That way he can read them before heading off for his work day. Also, as I am reading I will often read him a passage that addresses his questions.
So many people have and have had all the same questions and frustrations that you are facing. Very normal. And for me, about the time I think I'm feeling really comfortable with the whole thing, something else pops up. Back to reading and researching I go.
Heck, if your children are excited to go to the library and check out interesting books, that's great! I've had to even step back from that, I think my son has somewhat ODed on reading, don't know if that's possible, but he's not interested in that right now. He first read all Harry Potter books at age 6, he is now 9. Right now he is the official video game expert in residence, I think for him its all part of deschooling or whatever you want to call in.
I can also relate to the isolated feeling, I'm having a hard time finding unschoolers around me too, but I havn't posted anything yet either, so that's my next step.
Just relax your worries, start each day with peace and enjoy it. You will love your new life and your kids will amaze you each day!
Take Care,
Kelli
Natural Simplicity Momma <craun@...> wrote:We are new to HSing. This is our first year. My children spent a few years in a private Christian school. I have 4 babies <grin> ranging from 12-3. We started out this year buying about 1,000 in school supplies (Alpha Omega). Ya know the boxed curric. This did ok for a few weeks but I could see the kids crying, struggling, and hating school. So we switched to a more CM approach with the Simply Series from Shoebox Publications. These seem to do ok but I still had tears. On Tuesday I decided to put away the books and try unschooling. I am worried that I am failing them by doing this. It definatly feels like I am being a lazy momma and they are having a ball playing. They do read books ALOT. I asked them whet they wanted to learn about and got 4 diff answers so we went to the library yesterday and they all picked out books. Some are picture books BUT they are still books. My 6yo and 8yo are fluent readers. My 12 you is not and really does not like to read. He checks out magic books, and books with pictures mainly so I worry about him. I am just scared. My family does not accept HSing at all and when my mom calls mid morning and asks if school is over for the day I get the "hmmmm" when I tell her we are. DH is very supportive of HSing. However I printed out a few articles about unschooling and he does not get it and is not too excited that we won't be teaching lessons per say. Maybe it is his doubt of
this that is making me get so scared. I know noone else that unschools. I am in a local HSing group but I believe most use a boxed curric or unit studies.
So my ? is. Is it possible that my kids will suffer from this type of NON schooling? This all seems to easy for me and DH says it is just a name I am using to condone my lack of drive to do lessons. He is VERY supportive of HSing and is super supportive (HSing was HIS idea). I don't want anyone thinking he is not. He is just in the school mind that lessons, books, drills, worksheets, memorizing are all key to learning.
Sherry
Unschooling Soap Diva WAHM to 4 :o)
naturalsimplicity.ewahm.com
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
~~~~ Don't forget! If you change topics, change the subject line! ~~~~
If you have questions, concerns or problems with this list, please email the moderator, Joyce Fetteroll (fetteroll@...), or the list owner, Helen Hegener (HEM-Editor@...).
To unsubscribe from this group, click on the following link or address an email to:
[email protected]
Visit the Unschooling website: http://www.unschooling.com
Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.
---------------------------------
Do you Yahoo!?
Yahoo! Web Hosting - Let the expert host your site
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Betsy
**So my ? is. Is it possible that my kids will suffer from this type of
NON schooling? This all seems to easy for me and DH says it is just a
name I am using to condone my lack of drive to do lessons. He is VERY
supportive of HSing and is super supportive (HSing was HIS idea). I
don't want anyone thinking he is not. He is just in the school mind
that lessons, books, drills, worksheets, memorizing are all key to
learning.
**
You might want to see if your library has Franks Smith's book titled The
Book of Learning and Forgetting. Mary Griffith's book, The Unschooling
Handbook is also excellent.
A new homeschooling book, The Fundamentals of Homeschooling, by Ann
Lahrson-Fisher, is also very supportive of unschooling ideas without
being "all about unschooling". Anything by Linda Dobson is also good,
and unschooling-friendly.
A much cheaper and more thorough approach, if you have time, is to read
the message boards at unschooling.com. They are searchable by topic.
Saying "curriculum isn't working" and putting it away is a starting
point for unschooling, but it's far from the whole idea. I believe that
to be successful unschooling and to minimize worrying parents need to
get past a lot of the myths about education that are big in our culture.
Best wishes,
Betsy
NON schooling? This all seems to easy for me and DH says it is just a
name I am using to condone my lack of drive to do lessons. He is VERY
supportive of HSing and is super supportive (HSing was HIS idea). I
don't want anyone thinking he is not. He is just in the school mind
that lessons, books, drills, worksheets, memorizing are all key to
learning.
**
You might want to see if your library has Franks Smith's book titled The
Book of Learning and Forgetting. Mary Griffith's book, The Unschooling
Handbook is also excellent.
A new homeschooling book, The Fundamentals of Homeschooling, by Ann
Lahrson-Fisher, is also very supportive of unschooling ideas without
being "all about unschooling". Anything by Linda Dobson is also good,
and unschooling-friendly.
A much cheaper and more thorough approach, if you have time, is to read
the message boards at unschooling.com. They are searchable by topic.
Saying "curriculum isn't working" and putting it away is a starting
point for unschooling, but it's far from the whole idea. I believe that
to be successful unschooling and to minimize worrying parents need to
get past a lot of the myths about education that are big in our culture.
Best wishes,
Betsy
[email protected]
In a message dated 11/15/02 11:05:33 AM, aymee13@... writes:
<< My son is only 3, but I taught him the majority
of stuff he knows online at safe kid sites and through books and
television. >>
Why don't you think of it as his learning instead of your teaching?
<< We had to teach him the alphabet and phonics through
singing and reading so he could talk>>
How would knowing phonics and the alphabet help anyone speak? They only have
to do with reading.
<<I set no specific time for it and when he gets tired of what we are doing
he gets breaks
until he is ready for more. >>
Can he take his own break, or does it have to be given to him by parents?
Ready for more... being taught? Ready to be taught again?
Sandra
<< My son is only 3, but I taught him the majority
of stuff he knows online at safe kid sites and through books and
television. >>
Why don't you think of it as his learning instead of your teaching?
<< We had to teach him the alphabet and phonics through
singing and reading so he could talk>>
How would knowing phonics and the alphabet help anyone speak? They only have
to do with reading.
<<I set no specific time for it and when he gets tired of what we are doing
he gets breaks
until he is ready for more. >>
Can he take his own break, or does it have to be given to him by parents?
Ready for more... being taught? Ready to be taught again?
Sandra
Cathy Hilde
I have been listening and reading this list for sometime. There have been
some wonderful stories about kids having *ah-ha* moments. I usually wonder
to myself if my kids have ever had one of those. Well today I witnessed one.
A neighbor was having a room added onto their house. A week ago I asked the
construction dudes if we could have any scrap lumber. The kids love to
*make* things. So they have been dropping off pieces here and there. Today
my 7 year old took two long pieces and nailed them together in a *t* shape.
But was frowning because she wanted the top piece to be like an arm that
swung around (to take the beanie babies for a ride at the amusement park)
but it just drug on the ground. So to fix the problem she took two small
blocks and lifted the whole *t* up and put it on the blocks. But then told
me she forgot about the weight of the beanies and wasn't sure still if it
would work. She was right, the beanies weighed it down. Finally she asked me
to take the nail out of the middle of the *t*, she then put a small block
between the bottom and top piece, nailed it together and swung those beanies
happily for at least an hour. I was so surprised at her and it just made me
laugh.
Thanks for letting me share!
Cathy H.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
some wonderful stories about kids having *ah-ha* moments. I usually wonder
to myself if my kids have ever had one of those. Well today I witnessed one.
A neighbor was having a room added onto their house. A week ago I asked the
construction dudes if we could have any scrap lumber. The kids love to
*make* things. So they have been dropping off pieces here and there. Today
my 7 year old took two long pieces and nailed them together in a *t* shape.
But was frowning because she wanted the top piece to be like an arm that
swung around (to take the beanie babies for a ride at the amusement park)
but it just drug on the ground. So to fix the problem she took two small
blocks and lifted the whole *t* up and put it on the blocks. But then told
me she forgot about the weight of the beanies and wasn't sure still if it
would work. She was right, the beanies weighed it down. Finally she asked me
to take the nail out of the middle of the *t*, she then put a small block
between the bottom and top piece, nailed it together and swung those beanies
happily for at least an hour. I was so surprised at her and it just made me
laugh.
Thanks for letting me share!
Cathy H.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]