Beth Becomes One of Us
[email protected]
I have this wonderful story to tell about my partner.
Beth is a Director of a Regional Office of a Girl Scout Council, and part of
her job entails working with other community organizations that serve youth.
Last night she was meeting at a nearby library with a bunch of people from
the library, local schools, and other youth organizations to discuss
developing programs for youth who aren't using the current programs.
The meeting started out badly for Beth, as one librarian was discussing how
wonderful it was that she could call a local principal to discuss a kid she
was having behavioral problems and that the principal was able to identify
the kid. Beth's thought was that all this meant was the principal was able to
list "troublemakers."
As they discussed program, Beth kept asking, "Why aren't you asking these
youth what they want?" Turned out they DO plan to ask some youth: They have
an event for feedback planned where they'll ask Student Council president,
Key Club president, etc.... In short, Mid- to upper-class white kids who are
already involved.
The meeting continued like this, with one guy complaining about a group of
kids skateboarding outside the library rather than using the Skate Park.
("Have there been any problems?" No. "Any complaints from library patrons?"
No. "Anyone asked them why they prefer to skate here?" Nope.)
Then they talked about how to "authoritatively communicate with parents about
how to discipline and set parameters." At this point Beth (who is a very
mellow, sweet person) told them that the parents knew their kids better than
any of them do. Etc.
She suspects she won't be invited back. :)
She came home and said, "I think unschooling has ruined me for that stuff."
Beth was totally on board with taking Julian out of school. Over time she's
rid herself of her urges to make Julian do dioramas (she has a degree in
Education) and other "educational activities." She's even stopped being
concerned entirely that he might not be learning.
But I think last night she became an Unschooler. LOL
Kathryn
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Beth is a Director of a Regional Office of a Girl Scout Council, and part of
her job entails working with other community organizations that serve youth.
Last night she was meeting at a nearby library with a bunch of people from
the library, local schools, and other youth organizations to discuss
developing programs for youth who aren't using the current programs.
The meeting started out badly for Beth, as one librarian was discussing how
wonderful it was that she could call a local principal to discuss a kid she
was having behavioral problems and that the principal was able to identify
the kid. Beth's thought was that all this meant was the principal was able to
list "troublemakers."
As they discussed program, Beth kept asking, "Why aren't you asking these
youth what they want?" Turned out they DO plan to ask some youth: They have
an event for feedback planned where they'll ask Student Council president,
Key Club president, etc.... In short, Mid- to upper-class white kids who are
already involved.
The meeting continued like this, with one guy complaining about a group of
kids skateboarding outside the library rather than using the Skate Park.
("Have there been any problems?" No. "Any complaints from library patrons?"
No. "Anyone asked them why they prefer to skate here?" Nope.)
Then they talked about how to "authoritatively communicate with parents about
how to discipline and set parameters." At this point Beth (who is a very
mellow, sweet person) told them that the parents knew their kids better than
any of them do. Etc.
She suspects she won't be invited back. :)
She came home and said, "I think unschooling has ruined me for that stuff."
Beth was totally on board with taking Julian out of school. Over time she's
rid herself of her urges to make Julian do dioramas (she has a degree in
Education) and other "educational activities." She's even stopped being
concerned entirely that he might not be learning.
But I think last night she became an Unschooler. LOL
Kathryn
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Kelli Traaseth
----- Original Message -----
From: <KathrynJB@...>
**But I think last night she became an Unschooler. LOL**
Isn't it wonderful, watching the transformation!
This is happening with my husband, he'll call me from the road and make
some comments about main stream this or that. I'll have to say, "honey,
you're sounding like me!" Reluctance steps aside to proof and reason!
<g>
Kelli