How to handle new homeschooler situation
[email protected]
We were at play group today and one of the moms had just taken her oldest out
of school (oldest being 6 yo) and was asking about how to keep records and
curriculums etc. She knows that I unschool. I sat for a while and listened
as a few of the other moms told her how to juggle the different curriculums
of different grade levels of children. How to keep records, how to record
tests and grade. They talked about report cards etc etc and mentioned that
at 7 you have to send in you notice of intent to homeschool to the state etc.
I wasn't sure how to offer alternative ideas without sounding pushy. She
does know we unschool and that we are the only ones there.
I just kind of butted in when they were talking about record keeping for the
state and said the only record you need to keep on a daily basis is
attendance record. Also immunization record or statement of faith exclusion.
I wasn't sure how to say anything without being pushy myself. Thought I
might lend her my copy of The Unschooling Handbook and just explain that I
know she intends to use a curriculum (she did say that) but that I thought it
might help to read about another option just to get some perspective on
homeschooling.
I hate to have someone start out so overwhelmed with curriculum and tests and
grades and report cards. None of it is state required.
Just not sure how to handle these situations without being confrontational.
Maybe I did enough. Some women are so "school at home" and get kind of pushy
when they feel they really know "how to work it." Any other thoughts?
Pam G.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
of school (oldest being 6 yo) and was asking about how to keep records and
curriculums etc. She knows that I unschool. I sat for a while and listened
as a few of the other moms told her how to juggle the different curriculums
of different grade levels of children. How to keep records, how to record
tests and grade. They talked about report cards etc etc and mentioned that
at 7 you have to send in you notice of intent to homeschool to the state etc.
I wasn't sure how to offer alternative ideas without sounding pushy. She
does know we unschool and that we are the only ones there.
I just kind of butted in when they were talking about record keeping for the
state and said the only record you need to keep on a daily basis is
attendance record. Also immunization record or statement of faith exclusion.
I wasn't sure how to say anything without being pushy myself. Thought I
might lend her my copy of The Unschooling Handbook and just explain that I
know she intends to use a curriculum (she did say that) but that I thought it
might help to read about another option just to get some perspective on
homeschooling.
I hate to have someone start out so overwhelmed with curriculum and tests and
grades and report cards. None of it is state required.
Just not sure how to handle these situations without being confrontational.
Maybe I did enough. Some women are so "school at home" and get kind of pushy
when they feel they really know "how to work it." Any other thoughts?
Pam G.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Angela
Pam,
You planted the seed. If she is interested in unschooling she will seek to
learn more. I think it would be nice of you to offer to lend her your
book. If she reads it at least she will be making an informed decision and
it might stay in her head as an alternative should the school at home not
work out. I never seem to get back books I lend out. I am getting better
at suggesting titles rather than offering to lend my favorite books out.
Live and learn!
Angela in Maine-unschooling@...
http://userpages.prexar.com/rickshaw/
"What you are shouts so loudly in my ears I cannot hear what you say."
Emerson
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
You planted the seed. If she is interested in unschooling she will seek to
learn more. I think it would be nice of you to offer to lend her your
book. If she reads it at least she will be making an informed decision and
it might stay in her head as an alternative should the school at home not
work out. I never seem to get back books I lend out. I am getting better
at suggesting titles rather than offering to lend my favorite books out.
Live and learn!
Angela in Maine-unschooling@...
http://userpages.prexar.com/rickshaw/
"What you are shouts so loudly in my ears I cannot hear what you say."
Emerson
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Blaine
What is the Unschooling Handbook? I am new to homeschooling and want to learn more about unschooling.
Thank you!
Anne
Thank you!
Anne
----- Original Message -----
From: genant2@...
To: [email protected]
Sent: Tuesday, February 04, 2003 6:10 PM
Subject: [Unschooling-dotcom] How to handle new homeschooler situation
We were at play group today and one of the moms had just taken her oldest out
of school (oldest being 6 yo) and was asking about how to keep records and
curriculums etc. She knows that I unschool. I sat for a while and listened
as a few of the other moms told her how to juggle the different curriculums
of different grade levels of children. How to keep records, how to record
tests and grade. They talked about report cards etc etc and mentioned that
at 7 you have to send in you notice of intent to homeschool to the state etc.
I wasn't sure how to offer alternative ideas without sounding pushy. She
does know we unschool and that we are the only ones there.
I just kind of butted in when they were talking about record keeping for the
state and said the only record you need to keep on a daily basis is
attendance record. Also immunization record or statement of faith exclusion.
I wasn't sure how to say anything without being pushy myself. Thought I
might lend her my copy of The Unschooling Handbook and just explain that I
know she intends to use a curriculum (she did say that) but that I thought it
might help to read about another option just to get some perspective on
homeschooling.
I hate to have someone start out so overwhelmed with curriculum and tests and
grades and report cards. None of it is state required.
Just not sure how to handle these situations without being confrontational.
Maybe I did enough. Some women are so "school at home" and get kind of pushy
when they feel they really know "how to work it." Any other thoughts?
Pam G.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Angela
Anne,
"The Unschooling Handbook" is by Mary Griffith and it is a great book for
any new unschooler to read. She also wrote "The Homeschooling Handbook."
Here is a link to the book at Amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0761512764/qid=1044403082/sr=8
-1/ref=sr_8_1/103-6476884-5863005?v=glance
<http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0761512764/qid=1044403082/sr=
8-1/ref=sr_8_1/103-6476884-5863005?v=glance&s=books&n=507846>
&s=books&n=507846
Angela in Maine-unschooling@...
http://userpages.prexar.com/rickshaw/
"What you are shouts so loudly in my ears I cannot hear what you say."
Emerson
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
"The Unschooling Handbook" is by Mary Griffith and it is a great book for
any new unschooler to read. She also wrote "The Homeschooling Handbook."
Here is a link to the book at Amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0761512764/qid=1044403082/sr=8
-1/ref=sr_8_1/103-6476884-5863005?v=glance
<http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0761512764/qid=1044403082/sr=
8-1/ref=sr_8_1/103-6476884-5863005?v=glance&s=books&n=507846>
&s=books&n=507846
Angela in Maine-unschooling@...
http://userpages.prexar.com/rickshaw/
"What you are shouts so loudly in my ears I cannot hear what you say."
Emerson
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[email protected]
In a message dated 2/4/2003 6:46:44 PM Eastern Standard Time,
adblaine@... writes:
carries it (after I requested it), and the local bookstores have it for sale
as well. Rather required reading around here! <G>
~Kelly
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
adblaine@... writes:
> What is the Unschooling Handbook? I am new to homeschooling and want toBy Mary Griffith. An excellent resource for new unschoolers. Our library
> learn more about unschooling
carries it (after I requested it), and the local bookstores have it for sale
as well. Rather required reading around here! <G>
~Kelly
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[email protected]
On Tue, 4 Feb 2003 18:10:09 EST genant2@... writes:
variety of opinions they get on how it *should* be done. What I will do,
when in a group of people who are all offering up their advice, is just
give the person my phone number and an open invite to call me if they
have any questions, or to come see how our days go. A lot of times seeing
is believing. I have lent out books before, but I have too often asked
the people what they thought of them only to be told that after having
the books for months, they were never read. I do like to keep a list of
favorite books (of which the Unschooling Handbook is number one) and if
anybody asks, I offer up the list. That way, if they are really
interested, they will take the initiative to search them out.
A couple of weeks ago I got a call from my 60 year old aunt. She has a
ten year old daughter who they adopted from somewhere in South America at
3. The child has a lot of issues caused by her mental and physical abuse
as a toddler, and these issues are causing her problems in school. My
aunt wanted advice on homeschooling, but apparently had spoke to some
other school-at-homers before contacting me. She wanted to know things
like curriculum, how we set up "school", schedules, etc.etc. I told her
we don't, on all accounts. I suggested that maybe "school" itself was
part of her daughter's problem, and that maybe if she could just do lots
of fun things and just start to enjoy life , it would help her mental and
physical being. My aunt just said, yea, but that isn't teaching her
anything. I said, neither is school (maybe I shouldn't have). She was
polite, but you could just tell she wasn't interested, and didn't want
any book recommendations. We'll see how it pans out.
Wende
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> I hate to have someone start out so overwhelmed with curriculum andI think a lot of times what overwhelms people new to homeschooling is the
> tests and grades and report cards. None of it is state required.
> Just not sure how to handle these situations without being
> confrontational.
> Maybe I did enough. Some women are so "school at home" and get kind
> of pushy when they feel they really know "how to work it." Any other
> thoughts?
variety of opinions they get on how it *should* be done. What I will do,
when in a group of people who are all offering up their advice, is just
give the person my phone number and an open invite to call me if they
have any questions, or to come see how our days go. A lot of times seeing
is believing. I have lent out books before, but I have too often asked
the people what they thought of them only to be told that after having
the books for months, they were never read. I do like to keep a list of
favorite books (of which the Unschooling Handbook is number one) and if
anybody asks, I offer up the list. That way, if they are really
interested, they will take the initiative to search them out.
A couple of weeks ago I got a call from my 60 year old aunt. She has a
ten year old daughter who they adopted from somewhere in South America at
3. The child has a lot of issues caused by her mental and physical abuse
as a toddler, and these issues are causing her problems in school. My
aunt wanted advice on homeschooling, but apparently had spoke to some
other school-at-homers before contacting me. She wanted to know things
like curriculum, how we set up "school", schedules, etc.etc. I told her
we don't, on all accounts. I suggested that maybe "school" itself was
part of her daughter's problem, and that maybe if she could just do lots
of fun things and just start to enjoy life , it would help her mental and
physical being. My aunt just said, yea, but that isn't teaching her
anything. I said, neither is school (maybe I shouldn't have). She was
polite, but you could just tell she wasn't interested, and didn't want
any book recommendations. We'll see how it pans out.
Wende
________________________________________________________________
Sign Up for Juno Platinum Internet Access Today
Only $9.95 per month!
Visit www.juno.com
Olif VanPelt
"Thought I might lend her my copy of The Unschooling Handbook and just explain that I
know she intends to use a curriculum "
Being in the situation of this lady quite recently, I think it is a good idea for you to recommend this book (which is what finally made me commit to unschooling) or any book by Holt. When I first thought about homeschooling, it was just second nature for me to think "school at home" and dive into an overwhelming amount of curricula choices. The first book I read was "The Well Trained Mind". This gave me the structure/plan that I needed at the time, but I wish I would have explored other philosophies first. I was always curious about unschooling, and I couldn't comprehend what exactly it was. I finally looked more into it when the curriculum just wasn't working.
To make a short story long:)...maybe you can nicely try to stress to her to explore several education philosophies before settling with one or even with a curriculum. For me though, I think I almost needed to start with the curriculum to see proof that that isn't where we belonged.
-Olif
Hopefully I am not repeating what has already been said...I am pretty behind...Get more from the Web. FREE MSN Explorer download : http://explorer.msn.com
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
know she intends to use a curriculum "
Being in the situation of this lady quite recently, I think it is a good idea for you to recommend this book (which is what finally made me commit to unschooling) or any book by Holt. When I first thought about homeschooling, it was just second nature for me to think "school at home" and dive into an overwhelming amount of curricula choices. The first book I read was "The Well Trained Mind". This gave me the structure/plan that I needed at the time, but I wish I would have explored other philosophies first. I was always curious about unschooling, and I couldn't comprehend what exactly it was. I finally looked more into it when the curriculum just wasn't working.
To make a short story long:)...maybe you can nicely try to stress to her to explore several education philosophies before settling with one or even with a curriculum. For me though, I think I almost needed to start with the curriculum to see proof that that isn't where we belonged.
-Olif
Hopefully I am not repeating what has already been said...I am pretty behind...Get more from the Web. FREE MSN Explorer download : http://explorer.msn.com
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Fetteroll
on 2/4/03 7:02 PM, kbcdlovejo@... at kbcdlovejo@... wrote:
well, okay, 6 -- years ago :-)
Joyce
> By Mary Griffith. An excellent resource for new unschoolers. Our libraryAnd some of the people on the list are in the book. From many many many --
> carries it (after I requested it), and the local bookstores have it for sale
> as well. Rather required reading around here! <G>
well, okay, 6 -- years ago :-)
Joyce
Robyn Coburn
You know the Unschooling Handbook is a great resource - unless you are
already on this list with access to the archives. Then it's just
portable. I happily bought it used, and found I had heard all the
information right here.
That being said, it would certainly be a non-intimidating introduction
for an "unconverted" homeschooler.
Does anyone want mine? To pass on, or keep themselves?
Robyn Coburn
<<By Mary Griffith. An excellent resource for new unschoolers. Our
library
carries it (after I requested it), and the local bookstores have it for
sale
as well. Rather required reading around here! >>
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
already on this list with access to the archives. Then it's just
portable. I happily bought it used, and found I had heard all the
information right here.
That being said, it would certainly be a non-intimidating introduction
for an "unconverted" homeschooler.
Does anyone want mine? To pass on, or keep themselves?
Robyn Coburn
<<By Mary Griffith. An excellent resource for new unschoolers. Our
library
carries it (after I requested it), and the local bookstores have it for
sale
as well. Rather required reading around here! >>
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Barb Eaton
Robyn,
Does your library have a copy? I gave it to mine and checked first that
it would go on the shelf and not in a booksale. It could have been sold to
someone that could use it but by being on the shelf it can serve several
people. Just a suggestion. :-)
Barb E
The best preparation for the future is a happy today :-)
-Sandra Dodd
on 2/8/03 3:21 AM, Robyn Coburn at dezigna@... wrote:
Does your library have a copy? I gave it to mine and checked first that
it would go on the shelf and not in a booksale. It could have been sold to
someone that could use it but by being on the shelf it can serve several
people. Just a suggestion. :-)
Barb E
The best preparation for the future is a happy today :-)
-Sandra Dodd
on 2/8/03 3:21 AM, Robyn Coburn at dezigna@... wrote:
> You know the Unschooling Handbook is a great resource - unless you are
> already on this list with access to the archives. Then it's just
> portable. I happily bought it used, and found I had heard all the
> information right here.
>
>
>
> That being said, it would certainly be a non-intimidating introduction
> for an "unconverted" homeschooler.
>
>
>
> Does anyone want mine? To pass on, or keep themselves?
>
>
>
> Robyn Coburn
Robyn Coburn
<<Does your library have a copy? I gave it to mine and checked first
that it would go on the shelf and not in a booksale.. >>
That's a good suggestion, although the Los Angeles Public Library system
is pretty comprehensive. ;)
However, one of the list members has already asked for it. I suggested
that she pass it on when done.
Perhaps I will use the Library more when Jayn is older. For the most
part, I like owning books so that I can write in them if I want to. I do
a lot of buying and selling of used books both on Amazon and E-Bay.
Speaking of books, you can reserve a copy of the next Harry Potter
(something about a Phoenix Feather) on Amazon and receive it immediately
it is released. I can hardly wait to read it.
Robyn Coburn
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
that it would go on the shelf and not in a booksale.. >>
That's a good suggestion, although the Los Angeles Public Library system
is pretty comprehensive. ;)
However, one of the list members has already asked for it. I suggested
that she pass it on when done.
Perhaps I will use the Library more when Jayn is older. For the most
part, I like owning books so that I can write in them if I want to. I do
a lot of buying and selling of used books both on Amazon and E-Bay.
Speaking of books, you can reserve a copy of the next Harry Potter
(something about a Phoenix Feather) on Amazon and receive it immediately
it is released. I can hardly wait to read it.
Robyn Coburn
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Lady Red
-----Original Message-----
From: Barb Eaton [mailto:homemama@...]
Sent: Saturday, February 08, 2003 1:52 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Unschooling-dotcom] How to handle new homeschooler situation
Robyn,
Does your library have a copy? I gave it to mine and checked first
that
it would go on the shelf and not in a booksale. It could have been sold to
someone that could use it but by being on the shelf it can serve several
people. Just a suggestion. :-)
Barb E
The best preparation for the future is a happy today :-)
-Sandra Dodd
on 2/8/03 3:21 AM, Robyn Coburn at dezigna@... wrote:
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.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
From: Barb Eaton [mailto:homemama@...]
Sent: Saturday, February 08, 2003 1:52 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Unschooling-dotcom] How to handle new homeschooler situation
Robyn,
Does your library have a copy? I gave it to mine and checked first
that
it would go on the shelf and not in a booksale. It could have been sold to
someone that could use it but by being on the shelf it can serve several
people. Just a suggestion. :-)
Barb E
The best preparation for the future is a happy today :-)
-Sandra Dodd
on 2/8/03 3:21 AM, Robyn Coburn at dezigna@... wrote:
> You know the Unschooling Handbook is a great resource - unless you are~~~~ Don't forget! If you change topics, change the subject line! ~~~~
> already on this list with access to the archives. Then it's just
> portable. I happily bought it used, and found I had heard all the
> information right here.
>
>
>
> That being said, it would certainly be a non-intimidating introduction
> for an "unconverted" homeschooler.
>
>
>
> Does anyone want mine? To pass on, or keep themselves?
>
>
>
> Robyn Coburn
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.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]