Re: [Unschooling-dotcom] Typical unschooling day
Debra Bures
Our day so far: kids got up e-a-r-l-y!!! 11 1/2 y.o.dd got up at 6:30(the
birds woke her) 8 yo dd got up at 7:00.
Older dd ate, read newspaper, walked dogs (all 3 or them), stopped at
grandparents house(they live over the stream and through the woods), then
she spent quite a bit of time doing Carmen SanDiego's Great chase through
Time CD-ROM. then more food, then worked on Body Language in Horses project
she decided to do. Now is grooming one of the dogs--said she's going to play
her fiddle for a while and then do some geometry. Has a 4H meeting tonight.
8 yo got dressed, drank juice (not a breakfast eater). Dressed her doll.
Then we went outside to look for signs of fairies, being careful not to step
on them!!!. Then put laundry in dryer, went to store to get matchbox car
for physics experiment she wants to do, came home, did inertia experiments,
ate something, read stories, watched video on Alexander Calder while eating
lunch. Then she put her doll down for a nap, and just made herself hot
cocoa. Next we fold laundry and I want to clean up a bit.
it has been nice not to have to go anywhere today!!
Debra
birds woke her) 8 yo dd got up at 7:00.
Older dd ate, read newspaper, walked dogs (all 3 or them), stopped at
grandparents house(they live over the stream and through the woods), then
she spent quite a bit of time doing Carmen SanDiego's Great chase through
Time CD-ROM. then more food, then worked on Body Language in Horses project
she decided to do. Now is grooming one of the dogs--said she's going to play
her fiddle for a while and then do some geometry. Has a 4H meeting tonight.
8 yo got dressed, drank juice (not a breakfast eater). Dressed her doll.
Then we went outside to look for signs of fairies, being careful not to step
on them!!!. Then put laundry in dryer, went to store to get matchbox car
for physics experiment she wants to do, came home, did inertia experiments,
ate something, read stories, watched video on Alexander Calder while eating
lunch. Then she put her doll down for a nap, and just made herself hot
cocoa. Next we fold laundry and I want to clean up a bit.
it has been nice not to have to go anywhere today!!
Debra
----- Original Message -----
From: <hartshape2@...>
To: <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 27, 2000 10:19 PM
Subject: [Unschooling-dotcom] Typical unschooling day
> From: hartshape2@...
>
> In a message dated 03/27/2000 5:26:58 PM Central Standard Time,
> HPaulson5@... writes:
>
> > I would love to hear
> > how other families "do it"-- what kinds of things do you do on any
given
> day,
> >
> > and how you engage your kids.
>
> Oh I would also LOVE to hear what about everyones "unschooling days", I
> realize all days are different, but just pick one out and tell us about
it.
> :O)
>
> -Tracy-
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
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[email protected]
Hi all, I am enjoying reading how many of your families fill the average,
or not so average day. One question comes to mind if you have kids 5 and
older-- Do you recall about the age your child began really persuing things
independently? For me right now, my oldest is 5. There are some things he
will do on his own, but for the most part he really needs my assistance when
working on something. The difficulty for me is that my kids often compete
for my attention ( my other two are 3yo, and 6 mos). I get somewhat
concerned that my oldest gets slighted because I get so distracted by having
to keep up with the other two, as well; and my 3 yo 's skill level is not up
to that of his bro's, so they cannot do the same things very often. As it
is, the baby does not take long naps, which would otherwise open up more time
for the boys. In fact, neither of the older kids nap, either. I guess I am
finding it hard to balance things out. But, I must add, that there are some
very good days, or even better times within a given day, and it is not all
negative. It is easier when my hubby is home to help with the baby, and I'm
sure it will get easier as the kids get a bit older. So, while I do cherish
this time in their lives, I can say that I do look forward to my kids being
able to do a little more for themselves, too. Thanks for "listening"!
Karen
or not so average day. One question comes to mind if you have kids 5 and
older-- Do you recall about the age your child began really persuing things
independently? For me right now, my oldest is 5. There are some things he
will do on his own, but for the most part he really needs my assistance when
working on something. The difficulty for me is that my kids often compete
for my attention ( my other two are 3yo, and 6 mos). I get somewhat
concerned that my oldest gets slighted because I get so distracted by having
to keep up with the other two, as well; and my 3 yo 's skill level is not up
to that of his bro's, so they cannot do the same things very often. As it
is, the baby does not take long naps, which would otherwise open up more time
for the boys. In fact, neither of the older kids nap, either. I guess I am
finding it hard to balance things out. But, I must add, that there are some
very good days, or even better times within a given day, and it is not all
negative. It is easier when my hubby is home to help with the baby, and I'm
sure it will get easier as the kids get a bit older. So, while I do cherish
this time in their lives, I can say that I do look forward to my kids being
able to do a little more for themselves, too. Thanks for "listening"!
Karen
[email protected]
In a message dated 3/28/00 1:45:26 PM Central Standard Time,
HPaulson5@... writes:
<< So, while I do cherish
this time in their lives, I can say that I do look forward to my kids being
able to do a little more for themselves, too. >>
Karen,
I'm right there with ya on that! My eldest is 8 and he can work pretty well
independently. My 6 yo prefers to have me help him, even on the things that
he CAN do alone. He just still needs that security. The baby, of course,
needs constant cuddles and caring. By the end of the day I often feel that I
have been putting fires out all day long. It will be easier when the 6 yo
learns to read. I'm trying to treasure this short, precious time but I'm
sooooo tired. I know these years will be gone before I know it.
*** KiM ***
runs with scissors
HPaulson5@... writes:
<< So, while I do cherish
this time in their lives, I can say that I do look forward to my kids being
able to do a little more for themselves, too. >>
Karen,
I'm right there with ya on that! My eldest is 8 and he can work pretty well
independently. My 6 yo prefers to have me help him, even on the things that
he CAN do alone. He just still needs that security. The baby, of course,
needs constant cuddles and caring. By the end of the day I often feel that I
have been putting fires out all day long. It will be easier when the 6 yo
learns to read. I'm trying to treasure this short, precious time but I'm
sooooo tired. I know these years will be gone before I know it.
*** KiM ***
runs with scissors
[email protected]
Thanks, Kim, I needed to hear that !! By the way, what is this "runs with
scissors" ? :) What ao
scissors" ? :) What ao
[email protected]
OOps-- my baby hit the mouse, and sent my note-- Any way, thanks for letting
me know that we are in the same boat! Karen
me know that we are in the same boat! Karen
[email protected]
In a message dated 03/28/2000 7:45:25 PM !!!First Boot!!!, HPaulson5@...
writes:
<< One question comes to mind if you have kids 5 and
older-- Do you recall about the age your child began really persuing things
independently? For me right now, my oldest is 5. There are some things he
will do on his own, but for the most part he really needs my assistance when
working on something. >>
Depends on what the project is but both of mine will do a lot of things on
their own -- they are 6 3/4 and 5.
<<The difficulty for me is that my kids often compete
for my attention ( my other two are 3yo, and 6 mos). >>
Happens all the time. I tell them to cut it out! Really. They know what
they are doing and they know I am doing my best and they have to take turns.
Sometimes I am nice about it and sometimes I am not so nice -- hey, they're
bugging me! Usually it's a lot of fun but sometimes . . .
<< I get somewhat
concerned that my oldest gets slighted because I get so distracted by
having
to keep up with the other two, as well;>>
Happens all the time. They both claim that "you never do anything with me."
Of course, first one says it and then the other. They are kids! Then they
find something to do before I have a chance to get to whatever urgent thing
it was I was supposed to be doing with them in the 1st place. :) Or they
end up doing something together if I have to take a phone call or something
(we have abiz out of the hosue). Somehow they manage quite nicely!
<< and my 3 yo 's skill level is not up
to that of his bro's, so they cannot do the same things very often. As it
is, the baby does not take long naps, which would otherwise open up more
time
for the boys. In fact, neither of the older kids nap, either. I guess I am
finding it hard to balance things out. >>
That's exactly what it is -- balancing!
<<But, I must add, that there are some
very good days, or even better times within a given day, and it is not all
negative. It is easier when my hubby is home to help with the baby, and I'm
sure it will get easier as the kids get a bit older. >>
Yeah, right!! I'm not holding my breath!
<< So, while I do cherish
this time in their lives, I can say that I do look forward to my kids being
able to do a little more for themselves, too. Thanks for "listening"!
Karen >>
It is a wonderful way to live but it's not easy! Keep on juggling!!
Nance
writes:
<< One question comes to mind if you have kids 5 and
older-- Do you recall about the age your child began really persuing things
independently? For me right now, my oldest is 5. There are some things he
will do on his own, but for the most part he really needs my assistance when
working on something. >>
Depends on what the project is but both of mine will do a lot of things on
their own -- they are 6 3/4 and 5.
<<The difficulty for me is that my kids often compete
for my attention ( my other two are 3yo, and 6 mos). >>
Happens all the time. I tell them to cut it out! Really. They know what
they are doing and they know I am doing my best and they have to take turns.
Sometimes I am nice about it and sometimes I am not so nice -- hey, they're
bugging me! Usually it's a lot of fun but sometimes . . .
<< I get somewhat
concerned that my oldest gets slighted because I get so distracted by
having
to keep up with the other two, as well;>>
Happens all the time. They both claim that "you never do anything with me."
Of course, first one says it and then the other. They are kids! Then they
find something to do before I have a chance to get to whatever urgent thing
it was I was supposed to be doing with them in the 1st place. :) Or they
end up doing something together if I have to take a phone call or something
(we have abiz out of the hosue). Somehow they manage quite nicely!
<< and my 3 yo 's skill level is not up
to that of his bro's, so they cannot do the same things very often. As it
is, the baby does not take long naps, which would otherwise open up more
time
for the boys. In fact, neither of the older kids nap, either. I guess I am
finding it hard to balance things out. >>
That's exactly what it is -- balancing!
<<But, I must add, that there are some
very good days, or even better times within a given day, and it is not all
negative. It is easier when my hubby is home to help with the baby, and I'm
sure it will get easier as the kids get a bit older. >>
Yeah, right!! I'm not holding my breath!
<< So, while I do cherish
this time in their lives, I can say that I do look forward to my kids being
able to do a little more for themselves, too. Thanks for "listening"!
Karen >>
It is a wonderful way to live but it's not easy! Keep on juggling!!
Nance
[email protected]
Nance, thanks for your thoughts. Karen
[email protected]
Hi Karen-
I enjoyed your post, and boy do I know what you're talking about. With kids
of any age, life is a continuous balancing act.
You wrote:
<< Do you recall about the age your child began really persuing things
independently? >>
I think this differs so much from child to child. My 2yo now is very
independent and will sit and draw with markers in her high chair or play peg
board or doll house for an hour or so without any assistance. My 4 1/2 yo,
otoh, needs constant assistance from me to pursue his interests. I think one
key is to really watch them and find out what they are interested in and then
use these interests to build on things. Sometimes my kids under 6 are all
together-but all doing different things. For instance, my 6 yo loves to play
imaginary games outside. My 4 yo loves more work-oriented things. So, I
might let the 6 yo play, get the 4yo started raking leaves, put the 2 yo in
the sand box and then carry the baby around in the sling while I hang wash on
the line.
You also wrote:
<< I get somewhat
concerned that my oldest gets slighted because I get so distracted by
having
to keep up with the other two, as well; and my 3 yo 's skill level is not up
to that of his bro's, so they cannot do the same things very often. As it
is, the baby does not take long naps, which would otherwise open up more
time
for the boys. In fact, neither of the older kids nap, either. I guess I am
finding it hard to balance things out. >>
One bit of advice I took away from a h/sing conference I attended once was
this: Take a look at how much time you think you have each week or each day
to spend one on one with each child and then cut that in half and then set up
a time with that child and honor it. They get to do anything they want (you
can set limits like monetary ones, of course!) with you and they have you
entirely to themselves. You can do a separate time with Dad too.
We have done this in my home for about a year. Each child gets 15 minutes a
day to spend with Mom and 15 minutes a week with Dad. This sounds like
little time, I know, but remember something is better than nothing. And this
is their EXCLUSIVE time. This has helped a lot for me with the younger ones
especially. They have learned to save what they think is important for those
times.
I'm glad you can see the positive, too, because this time when they are
little really does fly! Good luck...
Carol from WI
I enjoyed your post, and boy do I know what you're talking about. With kids
of any age, life is a continuous balancing act.
You wrote:
<< Do you recall about the age your child began really persuing things
independently? >>
I think this differs so much from child to child. My 2yo now is very
independent and will sit and draw with markers in her high chair or play peg
board or doll house for an hour or so without any assistance. My 4 1/2 yo,
otoh, needs constant assistance from me to pursue his interests. I think one
key is to really watch them and find out what they are interested in and then
use these interests to build on things. Sometimes my kids under 6 are all
together-but all doing different things. For instance, my 6 yo loves to play
imaginary games outside. My 4 yo loves more work-oriented things. So, I
might let the 6 yo play, get the 4yo started raking leaves, put the 2 yo in
the sand box and then carry the baby around in the sling while I hang wash on
the line.
You also wrote:
<< I get somewhat
concerned that my oldest gets slighted because I get so distracted by
having
to keep up with the other two, as well; and my 3 yo 's skill level is not up
to that of his bro's, so they cannot do the same things very often. As it
is, the baby does not take long naps, which would otherwise open up more
time
for the boys. In fact, neither of the older kids nap, either. I guess I am
finding it hard to balance things out. >>
One bit of advice I took away from a h/sing conference I attended once was
this: Take a look at how much time you think you have each week or each day
to spend one on one with each child and then cut that in half and then set up
a time with that child and honor it. They get to do anything they want (you
can set limits like monetary ones, of course!) with you and they have you
entirely to themselves. You can do a separate time with Dad too.
We have done this in my home for about a year. Each child gets 15 minutes a
day to spend with Mom and 15 minutes a week with Dad. This sounds like
little time, I know, but remember something is better than nothing. And this
is their EXCLUSIVE time. This has helped a lot for me with the younger ones
especially. They have learned to save what they think is important for those
times.
I'm glad you can see the positive, too, because this time when they are
little really does fly! Good luck...
Carol from WI
[email protected]
In a message dated 3/28/00 2:45:32 PM Eastern Standard Time,
HPaulson5@... writes:
<< Do you recall about the age your child began really persuing things
independently? >>
My daughter is 8, and she's gradually become more independent over the last
two years (which is good since we have a 14 mo boy). She made great leaps in
her independence when she learned how to read last summer - she went from
puzzling out words in March to reading chapter books by the fall. Now she's
*extremely* independent. My oldest is 12 yo. It seems like he's been
independent forever (::::wistful grin::::).
Laura
HPaulson5@... writes:
<< Do you recall about the age your child began really persuing things
independently? >>
My daughter is 8, and she's gradually become more independent over the last
two years (which is good since we have a 14 mo boy). She made great leaps in
her independence when she learned how to read last summer - she went from
puzzling out words in March to reading chapter books by the fall. Now she's
*extremely* independent. My oldest is 12 yo. It seems like he's been
independent forever (::::wistful grin::::).
Laura
Lisa Bugg
>AHA! I finally figured out why I couldn't answer this question about my
> << Do you recall about the age your child began really persuing things
> independently? >>
>
> My daughter is 8, >>
children. There is no magical age for independence...... and nothing ever
stays the same. The 8 year old who may be content to do her own thing will
become a clinging vine at 11. The 14 year old who thinks they are all so
fired independent will sit in your rocking chair at 17 and ask for you to
explain things you thought she knew years ago. I turn 40 this year and I
find myself more needy for company and approval then I have in over a
decade.
Factor in different personalities and there is just no way to say that by
___ the kids will be living and learning self-directed and self-motivated
lives. It's much more of a dance, with partners and music changing and
shifting over a lifetime.
Not losing yourself to everyone's needs is something I've struggled with and
I suspect almost all parents do.
LisaKK