You may be unschooling if.....
Julie Stauffer
every day has the potential to be a "summer afternoon when you were 17".
you find yourself biting your tongue through most Mom's night outs.
your kids' friends say they wish they could live at your house.
other moms in your hs support group talk complain about how their kids have
fun with you.
you can make a solid argument for why Spongebob is educational.
Others? Anyone?
Julie
you find yourself biting your tongue through most Mom's night outs.
your kids' friends say they wish they could live at your house.
other moms in your hs support group talk complain about how their kids have
fun with you.
you can make a solid argument for why Spongebob is educational.
Others? Anyone?
Julie
Samantha M. Stopple
find snow balls in the freezer next to the ice cream and popsicles ;)
at the end of the day your house is a shambles and you breath and SMILE
wow a lot of learning happened to day.
when the other homeschoolers ask you how you get your kids to do their
school work you say we don't have school work we unschool
Very sad actually. On my first visit to the local homeschool group one
of the moms said she threatens her kids to send them to school
sometimes when they balk at doing their school work.
Samantha
at the end of the day your house is a shambles and you breath and SMILE
wow a lot of learning happened to day.
when the other homeschoolers ask you how you get your kids to do their
school work you say we don't have school work we unschool
Very sad actually. On my first visit to the local homeschool group one
of the moms said she threatens her kids to send them to school
sometimes when they balk at doing their school work.
Samantha
[email protected]
In a message dated 1/30/2003 2:38:19 PM Eastern Standard Time,
jnjstau@... writes:
the talking because everyone wants to know how MY kids are doing! We do all
the COOL things---and all the MOMs wish they could do it too. I keep
reassuring them. But I can't think of ONE MNO that unschooling wasn't
dicussed at length---and I've TRIED not to bring it up. Doesn't work---they
have SO many questions.
~Kelly
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
jnjstau@... writes:
> you find yourself biting your tongue through most Mom's night outs.Julie, I'll agree on all but THIS one! <G> I find that I'M the one doing all
>
the talking because everyone wants to know how MY kids are doing! We do all
the COOL things---and all the MOMs wish they could do it too. I keep
reassuring them. But I can't think of ONE MNO that unschooling wasn't
dicussed at length---and I've TRIED not to bring it up. Doesn't work---they
have SO many questions.
~Kelly
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Kelli Traaseth
Julie Stauffer <jnjstau@...> wrote:
** you find yourself biting your tongue through most Mom's night outs.**
Julie, this is classic!
Kelli
every day has the potential to be a "summer afternoon when you were 17".
you find yourself biting your tongue through most Mom's night outs.
your kids' friends say they wish they could live at your house.
other moms in your hs support group talk complain about how their kids have
fun with you.
you can make a solid argument for why Spongebob is educational.
Others? Anyone?
Julie
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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
** you find yourself biting your tongue through most Mom's night outs.**
Julie, this is classic!
Kelli
every day has the potential to be a "summer afternoon when you were 17".
you find yourself biting your tongue through most Mom's night outs.
your kids' friends say they wish they could live at your house.
other moms in your hs support group talk complain about how their kids have
fun with you.
you can make a solid argument for why Spongebob is educational.
Others? Anyone?
Julie
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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Kelli Traaseth
Kelly, you must have some really cool friends!
When I try and talk to people about it they either 1) look at me like I'm from outer space or 2) look at me like I'm from outer space. After I say we don't use curriculum they will eventually say, "well I guess as long as they are being taught what they need," by then I'm usually just kind-of nodding my head and saying, "yeah".
Its especially hard to talk to people when even the thought of homeschooling, let alone unschooling, is foreign.
Kelli
kbcdlovejo@... wrote:In a message dated 1/30/2003 2:38:19 PM Eastern Standard Time,
jnjstau@... writes:
the talking because everyone wants to know how MY kids are doing!
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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
When I try and talk to people about it they either 1) look at me like I'm from outer space or 2) look at me like I'm from outer space. After I say we don't use curriculum they will eventually say, "well I guess as long as they are being taught what they need," by then I'm usually just kind-of nodding my head and saying, "yeah".
Its especially hard to talk to people when even the thought of homeschooling, let alone unschooling, is foreign.
Kelli
kbcdlovejo@... wrote:In a message dated 1/30/2003 2:38:19 PM Eastern Standard Time,
jnjstau@... writes:
> you find yourself biting your tongue through most Mom's night outs.Julie, I'll agree on all but THIS one! <G> I find that I'M the one doing all
>
the talking because everyone wants to know how MY kids are doing!
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[email protected]
LOL,
I can think of a few.
Unschooling if:
LEGOs mean much more to you now than just toys on the floor.
you don't know how to pronounce or spell some of the home
school books.
or you have never seen hs books
You are getting to know the staff of ladies at the public
library too well.
Linda
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
I can think of a few.
Unschooling if:
LEGOs mean much more to you now than just toys on the floor.
you don't know how to pronounce or spell some of the home
school books.
or you have never seen hs books
You are getting to know the staff of ladies at the public
library too well.
Linda
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[email protected]
In a message dated 1/30/2003 4:34:53 PM Eastern Standard Time,
kellitraas@... writes:
MARTIAN----and they have SO MANY questions about our atmosphere, our flying
saucers, and our methods of breathing here on earth ! <G> I guess we're JUST
TOO fascinating! Like a train wreck! <g>
~Kelly
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
kellitraas@... writes:
> Kelly, you must have some really cool friends!Yeah, it was originally difficult, but I've become KNOWN around here as the
>
> When I try and talk to people about it they either 1) look at me like I'm
> from outer space or 2) look at me like I'm from outer space.
> After I say we don't use curriculum they will eventually say, "well I guess
> as long as they are being taught what they need," by then I'm usually just
> kind-of nodding my head and saying, "yeah".
>
> Its especially hard to talk to people when even the thought of
> homeschooling, let alone unschooling, is foreign.
>
MARTIAN----and they have SO MANY questions about our atmosphere, our flying
saucers, and our methods of breathing here on earth ! <G> I guess we're JUST
TOO fascinating! Like a train wreck! <g>
~Kelly
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
the_clevengers <[email protected]>
--- In [email protected], kbcdlovejo@a... wrote:
our homeschool group range from relaxed homeschooling to radical
unschooling. I can't imagine it even being a topic of conversation
at a MNO, it's just how most of us live on a daily basis. Viggo
Mortensen or David Duchovny is a much more likely MNO topic of
conversation... ;-)
Blue Skies,
-Robin-
> In a message dated 1/30/2003 2:38:19 PM Eastern Standard Time,outs.
> jnjstau@g... writes:
>
> > you find yourself biting your tongue through most Mom's night
> >doing all
> Julie, I'll agree on all but THIS one! <G> I find that I'M the one
> the talking because everyone wants to know how MY kids are doing!We do all
> the COOL things---and all the MOMs wish they could do it too. Ikeep
> reassuring them. But I can't think of ONE MNO that unschoolingwasn't
> dicussed at length---and I've TRIED not to bring it up. Doesn'twork---they
> have SO many questions.Wow, I must have it so lucky. I'd say that most of the families in
our homeschool group range from relaxed homeschooling to radical
unschooling. I can't imagine it even being a topic of conversation
at a MNO, it's just how most of us live on a daily basis. Viggo
Mortensen or David Duchovny is a much more likely MNO topic of
conversation... ;-)
Blue Skies,
-Robin-
Kelli Traaseth
Maybe with time I'll be more secure and confident in my answers so I won't feel like just sitting there and saying, "uhhh, yeah". I guess as time goes by I'm getting better versed, this will probably help.
Kelli
kbcdlovejo@... wrote:In a message dated 1/30/2003 4:34:53 PM Eastern Standard Time,
kellitraas@... writes:
MARTIAN----and they have SO MANY questions about our atmosphere, our flying
saucers, and our methods of breathing here on earth ! <G> I guess we're JUST
TOO fascinating! Like a train wreck! <g>
~Kelly
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Kelli
kbcdlovejo@... wrote:In a message dated 1/30/2003 4:34:53 PM Eastern Standard Time,
kellitraas@... writes:
> Kelly, you must have some really cool friends!Yeah, it was originally difficult, but I've become KNOWN around here as the
>
> When I try and talk to people about it they either 1) look at me like I'm
> from outer space or 2) look at me like I'm from outer space.
> After I say we don't use curriculum they will eventually say, "well I guess
> as long as they are being taught what they need," by then I'm usually just
> kind-of nodding my head and saying, "yeah".
>
> Its especially hard to talk to people when even the thought of
> homeschooling, let alone unschooling, is foreign.
>
MARTIAN----and they have SO MANY questions about our atmosphere, our flying
saucers, and our methods of breathing here on earth ! <G> I guess we're JUST
TOO fascinating! Like a train wreck! <g>
~Kelly
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Kelli Traaseth
"the_clevengers <diamondair@...>" <diamondair@...> wrote:
"Viggo
Mortensen or David Duchovny is a much more likely MNO topic of
conversation... ;-)"
This would be great, I know alot of people around me don't know who Viggo Mortensen is (or Aragorn for that matter) and probably know who David Duchovny is, but havn't watched him alot because they would probably think X-files is too 'out-there'.
Yes, I am a Martian in my area! Maybe its time to move!
Kelli
"Viggo
Mortensen or David Duchovny is a much more likely MNO topic of
conversation... ;-)"
This would be great, I know alot of people around me don't know who Viggo Mortensen is (or Aragorn for that matter) and probably know who David Duchovny is, but havn't watched him alot because they would probably think X-files is too 'out-there'.
Yes, I am a Martian in my area! Maybe its time to move!
Kelli
--- In [email protected], kbcdlovejo@a... wrote:
> In a message dated 1/30/2003 2:38:19 PM Eastern Standard Time,
> jnjstau@g... writes:
>
> > you find yourself biting your tongue through most Mom's night
outs.
> >
> Julie, I'll agree on all but THIS one! <G> I find that I'M the one
doing all
> the talking because everyone wants to know how MY kids are doing!
We do all
> the COOL things---and all the MOMs wish they could do it too. I
keep
> reassuring them. But I can't think of ONE MNO that unschooling
wasn't
> dicussed at length---and I've TRIED not to bring it up. Doesn't
work---they
> have SO many questions.
Wow, I must have it so lucky. I'd say that most of the families in
our homeschool group range from relaxed homeschooling to radical
unschooling. I can't imagine it even being a topic of conversation
at a MNO, it's just how most of us live on a daily basis. Viggo
Mortensen or David Duchovny is a much more likely MNO topic of
conversation... ;-)
Blue Skies,
-Robin-
~~~~ Don't forget! If you change topics, change the subject line! ~~~~
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Come forth into the light of things, let Nature be your teacher.
William Wordsworth
---------------------------------
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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[email protected]
In a message dated 1/30/03 8:57:22 PM Eastern Standard Time,
diamondair@... writes:
only unschoolers there. I can only name one other unschooler at one group.
The others are soooooooo school at home. But the topic usually ends up with
me and what I do and how our days look. And the mothers are always telling
me how great my kids are. Asking me how I get them interested in things, how
they learn "what they need to learn". Have yet to have an answer from any of
them as to what "they NEED to learn" and for what. But anyway I agree with
Kelly, I am the Martian and they want to know everything about this alien
creature and how it works. LOL
Pam G.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
diamondair@... writes:
> Wow, I must have it so lucky. I'd say that most of the families inI am in two homeschool groups, for the play group mostly, but I am one of the
> our homeschool group range from relaxed homeschooling to radical
> unschooling. I can't imagine it even being a topic of conversation
> at a MNO,
only unschoolers there. I can only name one other unschooler at one group.
The others are soooooooo school at home. But the topic usually ends up with
me and what I do and how our days look. And the mothers are always telling
me how great my kids are. Asking me how I get them interested in things, how
they learn "what they need to learn". Have yet to have an answer from any of
them as to what "they NEED to learn" and for what. But anyway I agree with
Kelly, I am the Martian and they want to know everything about this alien
creature and how it works. LOL
Pam G.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Heidi <[email protected]>
Mom's Night Out...wow, what a concept. We live in an area where
homeschooling is majorly frowned upon by the dominant religion
(Mormonism) and we are the only ones at our church who homeschool,
AND people at our church are totally non-supportive of homeschooling.
The nearest town with a homeschool group is an hour away, so we gave
up on regular meetings with them in our first year.
I've never gone on a mom's night out with a bunch of homeschooling
moms.
wow. Consider yourselves blessed to have a group that does that!
Heidi
homeschooling is majorly frowned upon by the dominant religion
(Mormonism) and we are the only ones at our church who homeschool,
AND people at our church are totally non-supportive of homeschooling.
The nearest town with a homeschool group is an hour away, so we gave
up on regular meetings with them in our first year.
I've never gone on a mom's night out with a bunch of homeschooling
moms.
wow. Consider yourselves blessed to have a group that does that!
Heidi
--- In [email protected], genant2@a... wrote:
> In a message dated 1/30/03 8:57:22 PM Eastern Standard Time,
> diamondair@e... writes:
>
> > Wow, I must have it so lucky. I'd say that most of the families
in
> > our homeschool group range from relaxed homeschooling to radical
> > unschooling. I can't imagine it even being a topic of
conversation
> > at a MNO,
>
> I am in two homeschool groups, for the play group mostly, but I am
one of the
> only unschoolers there. I can only name one other unschooler at
one group.
> The others are soooooooo school at home. But the topic usually
ends up with
> me and what I do and how our days look. And the mothers are always
telling
> me how great my kids are. Asking me how I get them interested in
things, how
> they learn "what they need to learn". Have yet to have an answer
from any of
> them as to what "they NEED to learn" and for what. But anyway I
agree with
> Kelly, I am the Martian and they want to know everything about this
alien
> creature and how it works. LOL
> Pam G.
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Shyrley
"Heidi " wrote:
there were some nice fun people there.
We hardly ever see anyone now. Just one other Mum will let her kids play with mine. I'm pretty lonely and fed up but I'm not going to pretend to be something I'm not just to have company. I'll just keep
taking Prozac and counting the days till we leave :-)
Shyrley
> Mom's Night Out...wow, what a concept. We live in an area whereI used to go to one round here but got fed up with the curriculum talk. Then I managed to upset a few people who claimed to be unschoolers but weren't. So its easier not too go. Which is a pity cos
> homeschooling is majorly frowned upon by the dominant religion
> (Mormonism) and we are the only ones at our church who homeschool,
> AND people at our church are totally non-supportive of homeschooling.
> The nearest town with a homeschool group is an hour away, so we gave
> up on regular meetings with them in our first year.
>
> I've never gone on a mom's night out with a bunch of homeschooling
> moms.
>
> wow. Consider yourselves blessed to have a group that does that!
>
> Heidi
there were some nice fun people there.
We hardly ever see anyone now. Just one other Mum will let her kids play with mine. I'm pretty lonely and fed up but I'm not going to pretend to be something I'm not just to have company. I'll just keep
taking Prozac and counting the days till we leave :-)
Shyrley
ed hodgins
----- Original Message -----
From: <genant2@...>
To: <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, January 31, 2003 10:14 AM
Subject: Re: [Unschooling-dotcom] Re: You may be unschooling if.....
> In a message dated 1/30/03 8:57:22 PM Eastern Standard Time,
> diamondair@... writes:
>
> > Wow, I must have it so lucky. I'd say that most of the families in
> > our homeschool group range from relaxed homeschooling to radical
> > unschooling. I can't imagine it even being a topic of conversation
> > at a MNO,
>
> I am in two homeschool groups, for the play group mostly, but I am one of
the
> only unschoolers there. I can only name one other unschooler at one
group.
> The others are soooooooo school at home. But the topic usually ends up
with
> me and what I do and how our days look. And the mothers are always
telling
> me how great my kids are. Asking me how I get them interested in things,
how
> they learn "what they need to learn". Have yet to have an answer from any
of
> them as to what "they NEED to learn" and for what. But anyway I agree
with
> Kelly, I am the Martian and they want to know everything about this alien
> creature and how it works. LOL
> Pam G.
>
>
> [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 http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
>
>
> How do you start? How do you find what there intrests are? I keep
gathering books on things my daughter is intrested, puzzles, and art
supplies. She is 2 and will be 3 in may. She counts to ten, abc's, shapes
colors, loves art airplanes and vehicle bugs, all the normal things. Lately
though she wants plants and things instead of toys. I find this a little
strange. However I did buy the plant! Flowers are great and she helps water
the plants now.
Jim Selvage
Heidi,
I am in about the same situation you are, and I decided that making that
drive to the MNO was really important (just this year, and I have been
homeschooling for eight years, just started unschooling). I really, really
think this is worth it. It helps you stay sane and feel a little less
lonely. I also have a town and church who don't agree with homeschooling
(and I'm not even telling them we are unschooling!), so I know what it likes
to be the lone ranger. It really is worth the drive for me!
blessings,
erin
I am in about the same situation you are, and I decided that making that
drive to the MNO was really important (just this year, and I have been
homeschooling for eight years, just started unschooling). I really, really
think this is worth it. It helps you stay sane and feel a little less
lonely. I also have a town and church who don't agree with homeschooling
(and I'm not even telling them we are unschooling!), so I know what it likes
to be the lone ranger. It really is worth the drive for me!
blessings,
erin
> Mom's Night Out...wow, what a concept. We live in an area where
> homeschooling is majorly frowned upon by the dominant religion
> (Mormonism) and we are the only ones at our church who homeschool,
> AND people at our church are totally non-supportive of homeschooling.
> The nearest town with a homeschool group is an hour away, so we gave
> up on regular meetings with them in our first year.
>
> I've never gone on a mom's night out with a bunch of homeschooling
> moms.
>
> wow. Consider yourselves blessed to have a group that does that!
>
> Heidi
[email protected]
In a message dated 1/31/03 9:53:42 PM Eastern Standard Time,
ed.hodgins@... writes:
always loved plants. I do to. They love to help me pick out flowering
plants for the flower garden adn seeds for the veggies and love to get dirty
and plant. Spring is coming. Maybe you 2 coudl start some seedlings
indoors. Do you enjoy plants. She may not stay interested in all the
details like watching you look up how to set up a growing light but she is
watching you involved in something and she is learning a lot about life.
I guess I let my boys find what they are interested in. I find it so amazing
to watch and follow them on their journey. And I learn a lot myself. I just
let my boys do what they want to do. Sometimes that is playing for hours on
the computer. Sometimes that is playing for hours outside. sometimes it is
more specific. Like if they have a certain question. I don't feel it is my
job to find their interests. I answer questions and I also ask and answer my
own questions out loud. So they can hear the thought process. I try to help
them if they need help. And find answers to questions. We do lots of things
together. Like planting the garden, or swimming, or drawing. I also try to
follow my passion. My passions is quilting and I think they learn a lot
about life by watching me involved in something I love. And they ask
questions about that too. I know I love to talk about my passion so if they
are interested in something I ask questions of them as well and give them a
chance to talk.
Waaaay to long.
Pam G.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
ed.hodgins@... writes:
> >How do you start? How do you find what there intrests are? I keepIt isn't necessarily what she can do but what she wants to do. My boys have
> gathering books on things my daughter is intrested, puzzles, and art
> supplies. She is 2 and will be 3 in may. She counts to ten, abc's, shapes
> colors, loves art airplanes and vehicle bugs, all the normal things. Lately
> though she wants plants and things instead of toys. I find this a little
> strange. However I did buy the plant! Flowers are great and she helps water
> the plants now.
>
>
>
>
always loved plants. I do to. They love to help me pick out flowering
plants for the flower garden adn seeds for the veggies and love to get dirty
and plant. Spring is coming. Maybe you 2 coudl start some seedlings
indoors. Do you enjoy plants. She may not stay interested in all the
details like watching you look up how to set up a growing light but she is
watching you involved in something and she is learning a lot about life.
I guess I let my boys find what they are interested in. I find it so amazing
to watch and follow them on their journey. And I learn a lot myself. I just
let my boys do what they want to do. Sometimes that is playing for hours on
the computer. Sometimes that is playing for hours outside. sometimes it is
more specific. Like if they have a certain question. I don't feel it is my
job to find their interests. I answer questions and I also ask and answer my
own questions out loud. So they can hear the thought process. I try to help
them if they need help. And find answers to questions. We do lots of things
together. Like planting the garden, or swimming, or drawing. I also try to
follow my passion. My passions is quilting and I think they learn a lot
about life by watching me involved in something I love. And they ask
questions about that too. I know I love to talk about my passion so if they
are interested in something I ask questions of them as well and give them a
chance to talk.
Waaaay to long.
Pam G.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Heidi <[email protected]>
Hi Erin
Well, my best friend also homeschools, and we get together several
times a month, either the families together, or just her and me. I
get time away, although not necessarily with a group of moms. I'll
have to check with the nearest group and see if they have anything
like that. Now, a question:
You said:
be capturing my imagination, and I'd like to have some input about
experienced homeschoolers making the decision to loosen the reins and
let the kids go for it. What authors have been influential? Did any
experience with some set curriculum turn you off of "doing school at
home"? What about anxiety? Did/do you worry that the kids might never
learn to (fill in the blank), if you left them alone?
Were you one who already answered my post on this topic? LOL If so,
I'll go back into the archives.
anyways.
thanks for the input!
peace, Heidi
Well, my best friend also homeschools, and we get together several
times a month, either the families together, or just her and me. I
get time away, although not necessarily with a group of moms. I'll
have to check with the nearest group and see if they have anything
like that. Now, a question:
You said:
>and I have beencould you describe your journey to unschooling? This concept seems to
> homeschooling for eight years, just started unschooling)
be capturing my imagination, and I'd like to have some input about
experienced homeschoolers making the decision to loosen the reins and
let the kids go for it. What authors have been influential? Did any
experience with some set curriculum turn you off of "doing school at
home"? What about anxiety? Did/do you worry that the kids might never
learn to (fill in the blank), if you left them alone?
Were you one who already answered my post on this topic? LOL If so,
I'll go back into the archives.
anyways.
thanks for the input!
peace, Heidi
[email protected]
In a message dated 2/1/03 8:41:27 AM, bunsofaluminum60@... writes:
<< This concept seems to
be capturing my imagination, and I'd like to have some input about
experienced homeschoolers making the decision to loosen the reins and
let the kids go for it. What authors have been influential? Did any
experience with some set curriculum turn you off of "doing school at
home"? What about anxiety? Did/do you worry that the kids might never
learn to (fill in the blank), if you left them alone? >>
I don't qualify as a former homeschooler who loosened reins since I always
homeschooled, but I'm interested, too, in how people switch out.
I'm especially interested in this:
It seems when somone takes a kid out of school, or switches from
school-at-home after a child is nine or so, they still credit "school" with
the fact that the child can read and add and multiply.
Those being the first pass of bug-a-boos, I wonder if it's harder for THAT
set of unschoolers to believe that algebra (for the second set of bug-a-boos)
and grammar and "just come."
Sandra
<< This concept seems to
be capturing my imagination, and I'd like to have some input about
experienced homeschoolers making the decision to loosen the reins and
let the kids go for it. What authors have been influential? Did any
experience with some set curriculum turn you off of "doing school at
home"? What about anxiety? Did/do you worry that the kids might never
learn to (fill in the blank), if you left them alone? >>
I don't qualify as a former homeschooler who loosened reins since I always
homeschooled, but I'm interested, too, in how people switch out.
I'm especially interested in this:
It seems when somone takes a kid out of school, or switches from
school-at-home after a child is nine or so, they still credit "school" with
the fact that the child can read and add and multiply.
Those being the first pass of bug-a-boos, I wonder if it's harder for THAT
set of unschoolers to believe that algebra (for the second set of bug-a-boos)
and grammar and "just come."
Sandra
[email protected]
In a message dated 2/1/03 1:26:12 PM Eastern Standard Time,
SandraDodd@... writes:
??? anything but helpful.
I DONT credit "school" with much at all that my kids have learned.. Not
reading, not math.. maybe some history and science that they wouldnt have
read on thier "own" but they have only retained what they found interesting
in those subjects.. When I hear folks talk about phonics and teaching
kids to read.. ..even with my kids going to school, that seems like a foreign
concept to "teach" a kid how to read. I read to my kids since they day
they were born. Landon loved it.. from an infant he was entralled with books
and being read to.. He would sit for hours and let us ( ask us) to read to
him . He started talking when he was 9 mos old.. ( NO KIDDING) He could carry
on a converstaion with an adult when he was two.. I mean a REAL conversation.
He started reading pretty much on his own when he was about 5.. I will
never forget.. We had a Richard Scarry story book. . . my first reading book
or something.. The first story was.. See See, I see a bee! Oh Oh.. the bee
sees me! I see the bee and the bee sees me.. ect ect.. You get the idea.
I read the story to him. then , he read to me. He didnt memorize it. he read
it.. He learned the word "see" and then just went from there.. It was easy as
pie for him.
Anna was pretty much the same way.. She was reading easily in
kindergarten.. I know she had "phonics lessons" but.. I really dont think
they had anything to do with her learning to read.
Ethan.. I read to him just like the other.. He HATED it.. wouldnt sit
still.. squirmed.. wandered off.. Even if Landon and Anna tried to read to
him. no go.. I continued to read to them. they read to themselves and to each
other.. Ethan sometimes joined in for few minutes.. but usually not. He
never liked books.. Wasnt interested in reading. He was tested at 5 (
because of some behavioral concerns at preschool) I was already pretty sure
that he was ADHD. They said he was about 18 mos behind developmentally... I
could buy that.. he did 'act" like he was bout 3 and half a lot of the time.
They more or less told me.. "He will fail in school, he may not read til he's
older ( than 'average") he will struggle.. etc etc.. OH GEE THANKS.. what a
wonderful label for my child. Anyway, when he went to school, he couldnt
recognize all of his letters.. But, by the end of kindergarten, he could
read. Was it the phonics? The "lessons"? "school" in general? I dont
think so. Although, the phonics program that the charter school they
attended had a WONDERFUL approach to learning to read. ( which, I am
sure.helped a lot, rather than hindered his reading) .. I think he just
learned to read when he was ready. I never "worked" with him. .Other than to
continue to read to him. They didnt have homework at all .. They did send
books home and we read them together. He had a teacher sent straight from
heaven. I DO credit a lot of his success to her.. as a person, a loving,
caring, intelligent individual... she was wonderful for Ethan. Basically,
we got lucky. He was also fortunate to have her in 1st grade too. ( I
single handedly "saved": my kids school from the sole motivation of Ethan
having Mrs Douglas again for 1st grade. . another , long story) Now, Ethan
resists reading.. He still doesnt care for books.. He may pick one up and
read a few pages, but hes never finished a chapter book. Books as gifts, he
rolls his eyes.. Library.. hates it.. But, he CAN read.. he just doenst like
to.
JP learned to read much like Anna and Landon. he just did it.. ( he had a
teacher from HELL in Kindergarten... I KNOW he didnt learn anything from her)
Hes almost 8 now. and he reads like a typical 8 year old.. He would still
rather me read to him aloud. but he will read to me if he really likes a
book.
I think kids are either "wired" for reading and math .. Some "get it".. some
dont. None of my kids are proficient in math.. Im not either. Landon didnt
learn his times tables til he was ??? later than 5th grade.. He had the great
fortune of skipping the 6th grade. . went straight on in to pre algebra.. and
got to use a calculator.. .. I asked him one day.. Landon, how did you learn
your times tables ? He said.. I dont know.. over time I guess I just
memorized them. some of them I still dont know. And, yeah, hes failed in
math. He failed Algebra 1, part A as a freshmen, and he failed Geometry this
year. Shrug.. I hate it for him.. mostly because I KNOW he could have passed
it if he really tried.(honestly, he didnt do his homework or study,,I never
made my kids do homework). and because its just time "wasted" that he has to
repeat the classes... but it was his choice to fail.
Anna is the better than any of the rest of us in math. But she has been a
"model" student in everything.. She loves to do "work" , loves to "excel" ,
loves to please and succeed.. Anna should be the poster child for the
perfect public school student. Smart, popular, polite, caring, concerned,
every body loved her from students to staff.. Honestly, I got the most flack
from everyone for taking Anna out of school.. And, she has hinted several
times that she wishes she hadnt "quit school" She's bored, lonely,
unmotivated, and feels quilty and useless.
Ethan.. not wired for math or reading. .. He did pick up reading, I think
from "exposure" But, math.. not yet. Im not really worried though.. At least
at home hes not being demeaned and berated because he is "behind" or stupid.
Ethan likes to build things.. Move things. Ride things.. He likes speed and
motion. Hes just got his strengths in different areas.. NOT "academics" per
se.. Thats why staying at home, and NOT going to school is wonderful for him
JP.. he more like Anna in his "learning style" he learns pretty easily and
picks up stuff with just a little "guidance" and support.. But, hes got the
little boy peronality that tends more toward playing and having fun than
"working" or showing progress.
Gosh, I think I just basically rambled on more than answering the question..
But, the bottom line is.. Although my kids have been in school.. ( and one
still is) I dont really credit "school" with much they've learned at all.
Anna has had some really good times at school.., so has Landon.. But they
were all social things. not academics.AND, yes, they learned "real life"
stuff about relationships, interacting, and about society in general. . They
also had some really good teachers who enriched thier lives and had positive
influences on them as "really good people" But, all the busy work, tests,
homework, etc.. theyve done.. basically a waste of time and energy, a source
of stress, and nothing but a headache for them and me.
Teresa
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
SandraDodd@... writes:
> they still credit "school" withOH MY.. I really feel good that maybe I can contribute and not be seen as ..
> the fact that the child can read and add and multiply.
>
??? anything but helpful.
I DONT credit "school" with much at all that my kids have learned.. Not
reading, not math.. maybe some history and science that they wouldnt have
read on thier "own" but they have only retained what they found interesting
in those subjects.. When I hear folks talk about phonics and teaching
kids to read.. ..even with my kids going to school, that seems like a foreign
concept to "teach" a kid how to read. I read to my kids since they day
they were born. Landon loved it.. from an infant he was entralled with books
and being read to.. He would sit for hours and let us ( ask us) to read to
him . He started talking when he was 9 mos old.. ( NO KIDDING) He could carry
on a converstaion with an adult when he was two.. I mean a REAL conversation.
He started reading pretty much on his own when he was about 5.. I will
never forget.. We had a Richard Scarry story book. . . my first reading book
or something.. The first story was.. See See, I see a bee! Oh Oh.. the bee
sees me! I see the bee and the bee sees me.. ect ect.. You get the idea.
I read the story to him. then , he read to me. He didnt memorize it. he read
it.. He learned the word "see" and then just went from there.. It was easy as
pie for him.
Anna was pretty much the same way.. She was reading easily in
kindergarten.. I know she had "phonics lessons" but.. I really dont think
they had anything to do with her learning to read.
Ethan.. I read to him just like the other.. He HATED it.. wouldnt sit
still.. squirmed.. wandered off.. Even if Landon and Anna tried to read to
him. no go.. I continued to read to them. they read to themselves and to each
other.. Ethan sometimes joined in for few minutes.. but usually not. He
never liked books.. Wasnt interested in reading. He was tested at 5 (
because of some behavioral concerns at preschool) I was already pretty sure
that he was ADHD. They said he was about 18 mos behind developmentally... I
could buy that.. he did 'act" like he was bout 3 and half a lot of the time.
They more or less told me.. "He will fail in school, he may not read til he's
older ( than 'average") he will struggle.. etc etc.. OH GEE THANKS.. what a
wonderful label for my child. Anyway, when he went to school, he couldnt
recognize all of his letters.. But, by the end of kindergarten, he could
read. Was it the phonics? The "lessons"? "school" in general? I dont
think so. Although, the phonics program that the charter school they
attended had a WONDERFUL approach to learning to read. ( which, I am
sure.helped a lot, rather than hindered his reading) .. I think he just
learned to read when he was ready. I never "worked" with him. .Other than to
continue to read to him. They didnt have homework at all .. They did send
books home and we read them together. He had a teacher sent straight from
heaven. I DO credit a lot of his success to her.. as a person, a loving,
caring, intelligent individual... she was wonderful for Ethan. Basically,
we got lucky. He was also fortunate to have her in 1st grade too. ( I
single handedly "saved": my kids school from the sole motivation of Ethan
having Mrs Douglas again for 1st grade. . another , long story) Now, Ethan
resists reading.. He still doesnt care for books.. He may pick one up and
read a few pages, but hes never finished a chapter book. Books as gifts, he
rolls his eyes.. Library.. hates it.. But, he CAN read.. he just doenst like
to.
JP learned to read much like Anna and Landon. he just did it.. ( he had a
teacher from HELL in Kindergarten... I KNOW he didnt learn anything from her)
Hes almost 8 now. and he reads like a typical 8 year old.. He would still
rather me read to him aloud. but he will read to me if he really likes a
book.
I think kids are either "wired" for reading and math .. Some "get it".. some
dont. None of my kids are proficient in math.. Im not either. Landon didnt
learn his times tables til he was ??? later than 5th grade.. He had the great
fortune of skipping the 6th grade. . went straight on in to pre algebra.. and
got to use a calculator.. .. I asked him one day.. Landon, how did you learn
your times tables ? He said.. I dont know.. over time I guess I just
memorized them. some of them I still dont know. And, yeah, hes failed in
math. He failed Algebra 1, part A as a freshmen, and he failed Geometry this
year. Shrug.. I hate it for him.. mostly because I KNOW he could have passed
it if he really tried.(honestly, he didnt do his homework or study,,I never
made my kids do homework). and because its just time "wasted" that he has to
repeat the classes... but it was his choice to fail.
Anna is the better than any of the rest of us in math. But she has been a
"model" student in everything.. She loves to do "work" , loves to "excel" ,
loves to please and succeed.. Anna should be the poster child for the
perfect public school student. Smart, popular, polite, caring, concerned,
every body loved her from students to staff.. Honestly, I got the most flack
from everyone for taking Anna out of school.. And, she has hinted several
times that she wishes she hadnt "quit school" She's bored, lonely,
unmotivated, and feels quilty and useless.
Ethan.. not wired for math or reading. .. He did pick up reading, I think
from "exposure" But, math.. not yet. Im not really worried though.. At least
at home hes not being demeaned and berated because he is "behind" or stupid.
Ethan likes to build things.. Move things. Ride things.. He likes speed and
motion. Hes just got his strengths in different areas.. NOT "academics" per
se.. Thats why staying at home, and NOT going to school is wonderful for him
JP.. he more like Anna in his "learning style" he learns pretty easily and
picks up stuff with just a little "guidance" and support.. But, hes got the
little boy peronality that tends more toward playing and having fun than
"working" or showing progress.
Gosh, I think I just basically rambled on more than answering the question..
But, the bottom line is.. Although my kids have been in school.. ( and one
still is) I dont really credit "school" with much they've learned at all.
Anna has had some really good times at school.., so has Landon.. But they
were all social things. not academics.AND, yes, they learned "real life"
stuff about relationships, interacting, and about society in general. . They
also had some really good teachers who enriched thier lives and had positive
influences on them as "really good people" But, all the busy work, tests,
homework, etc.. theyve done.. basically a waste of time and energy, a source
of stress, and nothing but a headache for them and me.
Teresa
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[email protected]
In a message dated 1/31/03 7:53:39 PM, ed.hodgins@... writes:
<< How do you start? How do you find what there intrests are? I keep
gathering books on things my daughter is intrested, puzzles, and art
supplies. She is 2 and will be 3 in may. She counts to ten, abc's, shapes
colors, loves art airplanes and vehicle bugs, all the normal things. Lately
though she wants plants and things instead of toys. I find this a little
strange. However I did buy the plant! Flowers are great and she helps water
the plants now. >>
It might help you to read this on deschooling yourself. When you don't find
her interests strange but you're glad of her differences, it will be a big
step toward natural learning. But she's so young that you have time to stay
several steps ahead of her.
http://sandradodd.com/deschooling
(Paste that into the URL box to go to the article.)
<< How do you start? How do you find what there intrests are? I keep
gathering books on things my daughter is intrested, puzzles, and art
supplies. She is 2 and will be 3 in may. She counts to ten, abc's, shapes
colors, loves art airplanes and vehicle bugs, all the normal things. Lately
though she wants plants and things instead of toys. I find this a little
strange. However I did buy the plant! Flowers are great and she helps water
the plants now. >>
It might help you to read this on deschooling yourself. When you don't find
her interests strange but you're glad of her differences, it will be a big
step toward natural learning. But she's so young that you have time to stay
several steps ahead of her.
http://sandradodd.com/deschooling
(Paste that into the URL box to go to the article.)