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In a message dated 12/10/2002 12:56:31 PM Eastern Standard Time,
SandraDodd@... writes:
> In a message dated 12/10/02 10:36:03 AM, robin9700@... writes:
>
> <<Just wondering if, regardless of tone and intent, pointing out a fact
> (sound,
> in this case) robs a child of the possibility of self-discovery and pure
> "ownership" of a know... >>
>
> Would that go for everything? Patterns in nature? Geography? Bird
> watching?
> Do you intend to never point out ANYTHING that's interesting? A new tomato
>
> on the vine? The big gross tomato worm? (We finally got one this year,
> and
> Holly had never seen one, but we opted out of keeping it for
> transformation.
> We thought we'd leave it on the vine and watch it. ONE DAY later a whole
> plant was eaten up, so we relocated him into a vacant lot, but didn't stay
> to
> see the birds find him.<<


What about the idea of the moment of silence (like a holy moment..I know I'm
wierd...but to me its a holy opportunity for the child to own that
know!!!)...giving the child the chance to be the discoverer....

I point out all the time...I don't want to be "the Master Guru of Knowledge!"
Maybe my children notice enough and what they want (and that is enoiugh)
without the need for me to point out for them....i am pondering this
idea.....

>
> >>Anyway...
>
> It's interesting figuring out where our threshholds are on different
> things.<<


Yeah.

>
> >>We've always played rhyming games in the car just for fun, and number
> games,
> and had tapes in to sing along and some of those had "educational content"
> and we always managed to enjoy and glean coolness from the most base or
> vile
> or goofy stuff as well.<<


And my children play all kinds of computer games that all loaded with
"educational content." They love them. They are fun! I am just pondering
my role.....well, and just the whole idea of phonics whatever the source....I
get the idea of assisting with the grappling of a word...providing clarity
when souight/truly needed.

>
> >>If a word looks like or sounds like another word, and if the kid is right
>
> there anyway (looking for other words that are a lot like "Holly" and I
> point
> out "jolly") that's not different from "Eeyew! A tomato worm!" or "Look at
>
> the frost patterns on the windshield!" *if* the family is accustomed to
> finding happy joy in little discoveries anyway.<<

I'm thinking that might depend, as well, on the child and how the child
perceives the pointing out....regardless of,or possibly beyond the sharing
joys and individual discoveries, of course...not seeing what that has to do
with it...perhaps I am misinterpreting what you mean here....seems to me that
family is made up of individual beings with individuals ways of wanting to
experience life and learning. I am talking more about giving the child a
chance to discover, unearth, build her own knowledge based on her own
observations. Not saying that no observation should ever be shared with the
child. Not talking that black white...more the fine line. That's what I am
pondering...that fine line.

Robin

>
>


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In a message dated 12/10/02 12:04:36 PM, robin9700@... writes:

<< I'm thinking that might depend, as well, on the child and how the child
perceives the pointing out....regardless of,or possibly beyond the sharing
joys and individual discoveries, of course...not seeing what that has to do
with it...perhaps I am misinterpreting what you mean here....seems to me that
family is made up of individual beings with individuals ways of wanting to
experience life and learning. >>

None of my kids ever went to school, and that could be a factor. They
haven't been "educated." So they see any sort of pointing out of interesting
details the same whether it's about a D&D character or a Jay and Silent Bob
movie or the history of English.

Sandra

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In a message dated 12/10/2002 2:33:48 PM Eastern Standard Time,
SandraDodd@... writes:
> None of my kids ever went to school, and that could be a factor. They
> haven't been "educated." So they see any sort of pointing out of
> interesting
> details the same whether it's about a D&D character or a Jay and Silent Bob
>
> movie or the history of English.
>
My dd (5.5) has never been to school either, nor has my son (2.5). I am
going beyond talking about acceptance of another's observation/my discovery
(mine to my children). My dd lightens up/shines with joy and pride
double/triple when the discovery is hers....I think that maybe some children
are just by nature private learners and like to make their own discoveries.
Again, I am not talking black and white and the fine line may not even be
straight! I am pondering, not challenging. ALso thinking about me (The mom)
not drawing the conclusion for my children, but letting ideas sit in their
heads for them to draw conclusions on as and when they wish, if ever. I am
unschooling myself...helps me to talk abouit it ...so thanks!

Robin


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