Re: [Unschooling-dotcom] Digest Number 3015
Pam Hartley
----------
them, they're there. He might mention something about a rock and you could
look it up in the book, or on the internet, and tell him what it is.
Buy some cool flat bins, or make a nice planter area outside, where he can
display his rocks. Offer him paint in case he'd like to paint some, for
himself or as gifts or to decorate the yard.
See if there are geology videos for rent and watch them so you learn more
about rocks yourself (if he wants to watch them with you, great! If not, at
least you're a little more "up" on his interest).
Don't do all this in one afternoon. <g> And if he isn't clamoring for rock
experiments, drop the idea like a hot rock. ;)
Don't try to make rocks into school, or learning, or his life's mission. If
he likes rocks, pay attention while he talks about them, admire how he
displays them, tell him what you like about them and let him tell you.
Suggest any or all of the above ideas and be ready to be told, "nah, not
interested".
Be respectful of the fact that it's his thing, not yours, and while you are
willing and able to help, you are also willing and able to NOT help, or take
it over and make it yours.
Pam
>From: [email protected]Buy some books on rocks and put them on the shelves so that if he wants
>To: [email protected]
>Subject: [Unschooling-dotcom] Digest Number 3015
>Date: Sun, Feb 9, 2003, 2:19 PM
>
> So my kids have interests...let's take my 9 year old son for example. He
> likes rocks. He has collected them since he was little. Since this is
> something he is interested in, what exactly do I do now? I am waiting for
> our library to get a book about experiments with rocks (it is checked out
> at the time). He doesn't seem interested in reading books about rocks
> really because most of these are too encyclopedia-like to catch his
> interest. When it warms up, I plan on taking him rock hunting. Is this
> along the lines of what I am supposed to be "doing" as an unschooling parent?
them, they're there. He might mention something about a rock and you could
look it up in the book, or on the internet, and tell him what it is.
Buy some cool flat bins, or make a nice planter area outside, where he can
display his rocks. Offer him paint in case he'd like to paint some, for
himself or as gifts or to decorate the yard.
See if there are geology videos for rent and watch them so you learn more
about rocks yourself (if he wants to watch them with you, great! If not, at
least you're a little more "up" on his interest).
Don't do all this in one afternoon. <g> And if he isn't clamoring for rock
experiments, drop the idea like a hot rock. ;)
Don't try to make rocks into school, or learning, or his life's mission. If
he likes rocks, pay attention while he talks about them, admire how he
displays them, tell him what you like about them and let him tell you.
Suggest any or all of the above ideas and be ready to be told, "nah, not
interested".
Be respectful of the fact that it's his thing, not yours, and while you are
willing and able to help, you are also willing and able to NOT help, or take
it over and make it yours.
Pam