Defining, describing unschooling
Alicia Knight
Someone on a local unschoolers list posted the following statement:
"Unschooling can be very structured or not at all. It really is
following a childs interests." There's something about it that doesn't
sound right to me, but I'm still a newbie. So I'm looking for input
here. What do you all think of this statement as it pertains to
unschooling? Is there a definition of unschooling anywhere that would
help us newbies explain to even newer newbies what it is?
TIA!
Alicia
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
"Unschooling can be very structured or not at all. It really is
following a childs interests." There's something about it that doesn't
sound right to me, but I'm still a newbie. So I'm looking for input
here. What do you all think of this statement as it pertains to
unschooling? Is there a definition of unschooling anywhere that would
help us newbies explain to even newer newbies what it is?
TIA!
Alicia
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Julie Bogart <[email protected]>
--- In [email protected], Alicia Knight
<superdiva@a...> wrote:
I realize now that the emphasis on "strutured" or "unstructured"
learning shows a bias right away. There isn't almost any child
who says, "Can I please do my spelling book at nine and my
math book at ten and then read about planets and stars and take
notes in my notebook?"
But that's what the wquestion conjures up in a mother's head.
To allow a child to totally direct their own learning is so radical
that I think for most moms, it never occurs to them as an option.
So it isn't even on the radar screen of the discussions about
unschooling.
In fact, I used to think of "radical unschooling" as a label for lazy
momsmoms who didn't want to bother even being engaged in
their kids' interests.
Since being on this list, I'm learning differently.
The key difference in my mind is philosophical and has to do
with how we see our children. It isn't a matter of a child's
academic preferences, his learning interests or how he absorbs
information. Those observations will often lead moms toward
unschooling or at least, relaxed homeschooling.
But this idea of radical unschooling is something else. It's a
fundamental trust that persons of all ages can and do make
wise decisions about their needs and will be able to grow and
develop at their own pace with support and nurturing of caring
parents. There isn't a single word about interests, structure or
education in that definition... but it's the only definition that helps
me to release my kids to follow their interests, to support their
choices and to even help them create a structure that they initiate
and want, if they want it.
I have two kids who set down goals and wanted help creating
steps to get there. That is totally different than me saying, "I can
tell you prefer structure so let's set up a daily schedule for you."
If I look at unschooling as a technique, I've already missed it. I
have to see it as a way of life.
Otherwise I start with the wrong premise.
Julie B
<superdiva@a...> wrote:
> Someone on a local unschoolers list posted the followingstatement:
> "Unschooling can be very structured or not at all. It really isI could have written that last year. That's what I thought.
> following a childs interests."
I realize now that the emphasis on "strutured" or "unstructured"
learning shows a bias right away. There isn't almost any child
who says, "Can I please do my spelling book at nine and my
math book at ten and then read about planets and stars and take
notes in my notebook?"
But that's what the wquestion conjures up in a mother's head.
To allow a child to totally direct their own learning is so radical
that I think for most moms, it never occurs to them as an option.
So it isn't even on the radar screen of the discussions about
unschooling.
In fact, I used to think of "radical unschooling" as a label for lazy
momsmoms who didn't want to bother even being engaged in
their kids' interests.
Since being on this list, I'm learning differently.
The key difference in my mind is philosophical and has to do
with how we see our children. It isn't a matter of a child's
academic preferences, his learning interests or how he absorbs
information. Those observations will often lead moms toward
unschooling or at least, relaxed homeschooling.
But this idea of radical unschooling is something else. It's a
fundamental trust that persons of all ages can and do make
wise decisions about their needs and will be able to grow and
develop at their own pace with support and nurturing of caring
parents. There isn't a single word about interests, structure or
education in that definition... but it's the only definition that helps
me to release my kids to follow their interests, to support their
choices and to even help them create a structure that they initiate
and want, if they want it.
I have two kids who set down goals and wanted help creating
steps to get there. That is totally different than me saying, "I can
tell you prefer structure so let's set up a daily schedule for you."
If I look at unschooling as a technique, I've already missed it. I
have to see it as a way of life.
Otherwise I start with the wrong premise.
Julie B
Fetteroll
on 1/29/03 4:26 PM, Alicia Knight at superdiva@... wrote:
child's life or a child's way of learning may be structured, but unschooling
itself isn't. Saying unschooling can be structured sounds like the parent is
imposing a structured following of interests.
Joyce
> "Unschooling can be very structured or not at all. It really isMaybe because it says unschooling can be structured. A family's life or a
> following a childs interests."
child's life or a child's way of learning may be structured, but unschooling
itself isn't. Saying unschooling can be structured sounds like the parent is
imposing a structured following of interests.
Joyce
Kelli Traaseth
By George! I think she's got it!!
Kelli
"Julie Bogart <julie@...>" <julie@...> wrote:--- In [email protected], Alicia Knight
<superdiva@a...> wrote:
I realize now that the emphasis on "strutured" or "unstructured"
learning shows a bias right away. There isn't almost any child
who says, "Can I please do my spelling book at nine and my
math book at ten and then read about planets and stars and take
notes in my notebook?"
But that's what the wquestion conjures up in a mother's head.
To allow a child to totally direct their own learning is so radical
that I think for most moms, it never occurs to them as an option.
So it isn't even on the radar screen of the discussions about
unschooling.
In fact, I used to think of "radical unschooling" as a label for lazy
moms�moms who didn't want to bother even being engaged in
their kids' interests.
Since being on this list, I'm learning differently.
The key difference in my mind is philosophical and has to do
with how we see our children. It isn't a matter of a child's
academic preferences, his learning interests or how he absorbs
information. Those observations will often lead moms toward
unschooling or at least, relaxed homeschooling.
But this idea of radical unschooling is something else. It's a
fundamental trust that persons of all ages can and do make
wise decisions about their needs and will be able to grow and
develop at their own pace with support and nurturing of caring
parents. There isn't a single word about interests, structure or
education in that definition... but it's the only definition that helps
me to release my kids to follow their interests, to support their
choices and to even help them create a structure that they initiate
and want, if they want it.
I have two kids who set down goals and wanted help creating
steps to get there. That is totally different than me saying, "I can
tell you prefer structure so let's set up a daily schedule for you."
If I look at unschooling as a technique, I've already missed it. I
have to see it as a way of life.
Otherwise I start with the wrong premise.
Julie B
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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Kelli
"Julie Bogart <julie@...>" <julie@...> wrote:--- In [email protected], Alicia Knight
<superdiva@a...> wrote:
> Someone on a local unschoolers list posted the followingstatement:
> "Unschooling can be very structured or not at all. It really isI could have written that last year. That's what I thought.
> following a childs interests."
I realize now that the emphasis on "strutured" or "unstructured"
learning shows a bias right away. There isn't almost any child
who says, "Can I please do my spelling book at nine and my
math book at ten and then read about planets and stars and take
notes in my notebook?"
But that's what the wquestion conjures up in a mother's head.
To allow a child to totally direct their own learning is so radical
that I think for most moms, it never occurs to them as an option.
So it isn't even on the radar screen of the discussions about
unschooling.
In fact, I used to think of "radical unschooling" as a label for lazy
moms�moms who didn't want to bother even being engaged in
their kids' interests.
Since being on this list, I'm learning differently.
The key difference in my mind is philosophical and has to do
with how we see our children. It isn't a matter of a child's
academic preferences, his learning interests or how he absorbs
information. Those observations will often lead moms toward
unschooling or at least, relaxed homeschooling.
But this idea of radical unschooling is something else. It's a
fundamental trust that persons of all ages can and do make
wise decisions about their needs and will be able to grow and
develop at their own pace with support and nurturing of caring
parents. There isn't a single word about interests, structure or
education in that definition... but it's the only definition that helps
me to release my kids to follow their interests, to support their
choices and to even help them create a structure that they initiate
and want, if they want it.
I have two kids who set down goals and wanted help creating
steps to get there. That is totally different than me saying, "I can
tell you prefer structure so let's set up a daily schedule for you."
If I look at unschooling as a technique, I've already missed it. I
have to see it as a way of life.
Otherwise I start with the wrong premise.
Julie B
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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Have a Nice Day!
I think the only way it would be "structured" is if the child imposes the structure or asks the parent to impose the structure.
Kristen
Kristen
----- Original Message -----
From: Alicia Knight
To: [email protected]
Sent: Wednesday, January 29, 2003 4:26 PM
Subject: [Unschooling-dotcom] Defining, describing unschooling
Someone on a local unschoolers list posted the following statement:
"Unschooling can be very structured or not at all. It really is
following a childs interests." There's something about it that doesn't
sound right to me, but I'm still a newbie. So I'm looking for input
here. What do you all think of this statement as it pertains to
unschooling? Is there a definition of unschooling anywhere that would
help us newbies explain to even newer newbies what it is?
TIA!
Alicia
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Yahoo! Groups Sponsor
ADVERTISEMENT
~~~~ Don't forget! If you change topics, change the subject line! ~~~~
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To unsubscribe from this group, click on the following link or address an email to:
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Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Have a Nice Day!
I think this needs to go on unschooling.com's articles or something.
I think it really captures it.
Kristen
I think it really captures it.
Kristen
----- Original Message -----
From: Julie Bogart <julie@...>
To: [email protected]
Sent: Thursday, January 30, 2003 12:21 AM
Subject: [Unschooling-dotcom] Re: Defining, describing unschooling
--- In [email protected], Alicia Knight
<superdiva@a...> wrote:
> Someone on a local unschoolers list posted the following
statement:
> "Unschooling can be very structured or not at all. It really is
> following a childs interests."
I could have written that last year. That's what I thought.
I realize now that the emphasis on "strutured" or "unstructured"
learning shows a bias right away. There isn't almost any child
who says, "Can I please do my spelling book at nine and my
math book at ten and then read about planets and stars and take
notes in my notebook?"
But that's what the wquestion conjures up in a mother's head.
To allow a child to totally direct their own learning is so radical
that I think for most moms, it never occurs to them as an option.
So it isn't even on the radar screen of the discussions about
unschooling.
In fact, I used to think of "radical unschooling" as a label for lazy
moms-moms who didn't want to bother even being engaged in
their kids' interests.
Since being on this list, I'm learning differently.
The key difference in my mind is philosophical and has to do
with how we see our children. It isn't a matter of a child's
academic preferences, his learning interests or how he absorbs
information. Those observations will often lead moms toward
unschooling or at least, relaxed homeschooling.
But this idea of radical unschooling is something else. It's a
fundamental trust that persons of all ages can and do make
wise decisions about their needs and will be able to grow and
develop at their own pace with support and nurturing of caring
parents. There isn't a single word about interests, structure or
education in that definition... but it's the only definition that helps
me to release my kids to follow their interests, to support their
choices and to even help them create a structure that they initiate
and want, if they want it.
I have two kids who set down goals and wanted help creating
steps to get there. That is totally different than me saying, "I can
tell you prefer structure so let's set up a daily schedule for you."
If I look at unschooling as a technique, I've already missed it. I
have to see it as a way of life.
Otherwise I start with the wrong premise.
Julie B
~~~~ 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@...).
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Visit the Unschooling website: http://www.unschooling.com
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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Have a Nice Day!
Julie,
Can I post your response at pa-unschoolers, in the files or on the description somewhere?? (Can't figure out where yet, but I'd like to do *something* with it).
Kristen
Can I post your response at pa-unschoolers, in the files or on the description somewhere?? (Can't figure out where yet, but I'd like to do *something* with it).
Kristen
----- Original Message -----
From: Julie Bogart <julie@...>
To: [email protected]
Sent: Thursday, January 30, 2003 12:21 AM
Subject: [Unschooling-dotcom] Re: Defining, describing unschooling
--- In [email protected], Alicia Knight
<superdiva@a...> wrote:
> Someone on a local unschoolers list posted the following
statement:
> "Unschooling can be very structured or not at all. It really is
> following a childs interests."
I could have written that last year. That's what I thought.
I realize now that the emphasis on "strutured" or "unstructured"
learning shows a bias right away. There isn't almost any child
who says, "Can I please do my spelling book at nine and my
math book at ten and then read about planets and stars and take
notes in my notebook?"
But that's what the wquestion conjures up in a mother's head.
To allow a child to totally direct their own learning is so radical
that I think for most moms, it never occurs to them as an option.
So it isn't even on the radar screen of the discussions about
unschooling.
In fact, I used to think of "radical unschooling" as a label for lazy
moms-moms who didn't want to bother even being engaged in
their kids' interests.
Since being on this list, I'm learning differently.
The key difference in my mind is philosophical and has to do
with how we see our children. It isn't a matter of a child's
academic preferences, his learning interests or how he absorbs
information. Those observations will often lead moms toward
unschooling or at least, relaxed homeschooling.
But this idea of radical unschooling is something else. It's a
fundamental trust that persons of all ages can and do make
wise decisions about their needs and will be able to grow and
develop at their own pace with support and nurturing of caring
parents. There isn't a single word about interests, structure or
education in that definition... but it's the only definition that helps
me to release my kids to follow their interests, to support their
choices and to even help them create a structure that they initiate
and want, if they want it.
I have two kids who set down goals and wanted help creating
steps to get there. That is totally different than me saying, "I can
tell you prefer structure so let's set up a daily schedule for you."
If I look at unschooling as a technique, I've already missed it. I
have to see it as a way of life.
Otherwise I start with the wrong premise.
Julie B
~~~~ 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:
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Visit the Unschooling website: http://www.unschooling.com
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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Julie Bogart <[email protected]>
--- In [email protected], Have a Nice Day!
<litlrooh@c...> wrote:
like to do *something* with it).
Thanks for the affirmation.
Julie Bogart
<litlrooh@c...> wrote:
> Julie,the description somewhere?? (Can't figure out where yet, but I'd
>
> Can I post your response at pa-unschoolers, in the files or on
like to do *something* with it).
>Sure Kristen!
> Kristen
Thanks for the affirmation.
Julie Bogart
Kelly Lenhart
And I thought of it more as "I could learn something through trial and error
and stumbling on interesting information or I could decide I wanted to learn
about X and plan out a course to do so."
That would apply to anyone--me, my kid, etc. I learn so much by just
listening and being open. That's unstructured. I also learn by chosing a
book or two, or an expert to ask. That's more structured.
But so long as it is my (or my child's) choice, then it would still be
unschooling--right?
Kelly L.
and stumbling on interesting information or I could decide I wanted to learn
about X and plan out a course to do so."
That would apply to anyone--me, my kid, etc. I learn so much by just
listening and being open. That's unstructured. I also learn by chosing a
book or two, or an expert to ask. That's more structured.
But so long as it is my (or my child's) choice, then it would still be
unschooling--right?
Kelly L.
Jim Selvage
Hey Julie, that was a great post! I appreciate your thoughts on this, and
know your "newbie" thoughts will help to expand my "newbie" thoughts.
thanks,
erin
know your "newbie" thoughts will help to expand my "newbie" thoughts.
thanks,
erin
> I could have written that last year. That's what I thought.
>
> I realize now that the emphasis on "strutured" or "unstructured"
> learning shows a bias right away. There isn't almost any child
> who says, "Can I please do my spelling book at nine and my
> math book at ten and then read about planets and stars and take
> notes in my notebook?"
>
> But that's what the wquestion conjures up in a mother's head.
>
> To allow a child to totally direct their own learning is so radical
> that I think for most moms, it never occurs to them as an option.
> So it isn't even on the radar screen of the discussions about
> unschooling.
>
> In fact, I used to think of "radical unschooling" as a label for lazy
> moms-moms who didn't want to bother even being engaged in
> their kids' interests.
>
> Since being on this list, I'm learning differently.
>
> The key difference in my mind is philosophical and has to do
> with how we see our children. It isn't a matter of a child's
> academic preferences, his learning interests or how he absorbs
> information. Those observations will often lead moms toward
> unschooling or at least, relaxed homeschooling.
>
> But this idea of radical unschooling is something else. It's a
> fundamental trust that persons of all ages can and do make
> wise decisions about their needs and will be able to grow and
> develop at their own pace with support and nurturing of caring
> parents. There isn't a single word about interests, structure or
> education in that definition... but it's the only definition that helps
> me to release my kids to follow their interests, to support their
> choices and to even help them create a structure that they initiate
> and want, if they want it.
>
> I have two kids who set down goals and wanted help creating
> steps to get there. That is totally different than me saying, "I can
> tell you prefer structure so let's set up a daily schedule for you."
>
> If I look at unschooling as a technique, I've already missed it. I
> have to see it as a way of life.
>
> Otherwise I start with the wrong premise.
>
> Julie B
[email protected]
In a message dated 1/30/03 10:20:13 AM, litlrooh@... writes:
<< I think this needs to go on unschooling.com's articles or something.
I think it really captures it. >>
I saved it.
If there's not a chance to get those things updated, I'd be willing to put it
on a webpage, author willing.
I'm planning to make pages with links and quotes on the subjects of
spanking
food
chores
sleep schedules
teens
and something like unschooling as a life change (something vaguely specific
<g>)
Sandra
<< I think this needs to go on unschooling.com's articles or something.
I think it really captures it. >>
I saved it.
If there's not a chance to get those things updated, I'd be willing to put it
on a webpage, author willing.
I'm planning to make pages with links and quotes on the subjects of
spanking
food
chores
sleep schedules
teens
and something like unschooling as a life change (something vaguely specific
<g>)
Sandra
Julie Bogart <[email protected]>
--- In [email protected],
SandraDodd@a... wrote:
Might be too long, but that's what's been the big mind-shift for
me. It impacts everyone from littlest baby right on up to Dad.
Julie B
SandraDodd@a... wrote:
>something.
> In a message dated 1/30/03 10:20:13 AM, litlrooh@c... writes:
>
> << I think this needs to go on unschooling.com's articles or
>willing to put it
> I think it really captures it. >>
>
> I saved it.
> If there's not a chance to get those things updated, I'd be
> on a webpage, author willing.I'm willing. :)
> and something like unschooling as a life change (somethingvaguely specific
> <g>)How about: Unschooling as a way of life for the whole family?
Might be too long, but that's what's been the big mind-shift for
me. It impacts everyone from littlest baby right on up to Dad.
Julie B
ed hodgins
----- Original Message -----
From: <SandraDodd@...>
To: <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, January 31, 2003 10:20 PM
Subject: Re: [Unschooling-dotcom] Re: Defining, describing unschooling
>
> In a message dated 1/30/03 10:20:13 AM, litlrooh@... writes:
>
> << I think this needs to go on unschooling.com's articles or something.
>
> I think it really captures it. >>
>
> I saved it.
> If there's not a chance to get those things updated, I'd be willing to put
it
> on a webpage, author willing.
>
> I'm planning to make pages with links and quotes on the subjects of
> spanking
> food
> chores
> sleep schedules
> teens
> and something like unschooling as a life change (something vaguely
specific
> <g>)
>
> Sandra
>
> ~~~~ 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 http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
>
>
> Sounds like a good idea! Your posting are greatly apreciated .
dawna