question
george howard
What exactly is "homesteading"? I see it mentioned
but don't know what it means. Also, what does LOL stand for?
-Allison, new to
emailing
Amy Spang
Hello, my name is Amy and I am a beginning homeschooler with my 6 year
old son. We live in New York state and the first few months of this year
I have followed a curriculum which I invented for Brandon, but we have
crossed over into more of an unschooling approach as the weeks go by.
He seems to be more motivated this way, and my ultimate goal is to raise
an independent, self motivated learner. My only question seems to be how
to get around the state laws that require testing in certain years in my
state, and how one would prepare for such tests using an unschooling
approach. I am a former fifth grade teacher who is finding it difficult
to ignore schedules and educational guidelines, even though I know that
ultimately they are not relevant for the learner. Is there anyone out
there who lives in New York who has had experience with this, or knows
someone who has? Thank you! Amy
________________________________________________________________
GET INTERNET ACCESS FROM JUNO!
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old son. We live in New York state and the first few months of this year
I have followed a curriculum which I invented for Brandon, but we have
crossed over into more of an unschooling approach as the weeks go by.
He seems to be more motivated this way, and my ultimate goal is to raise
an independent, self motivated learner. My only question seems to be how
to get around the state laws that require testing in certain years in my
state, and how one would prepare for such tests using an unschooling
approach. I am a former fifth grade teacher who is finding it difficult
to ignore schedules and educational guidelines, even though I know that
ultimately they are not relevant for the learner. Is there anyone out
there who lives in New York who has had experience with this, or knows
someone who has? Thank you! Amy
________________________________________________________________
GET INTERNET ACCESS FROM JUNO!
Juno offers FREE or PREMIUM Internet access for less!
Join Juno today! For your FREE software, visit:
http://dl.www.juno.com/get/tagj.
[email protected]
Amy,
I cannot answer specifically for New York, but in OR, most
unschooling families that I know do not even register their kids with
the state. As far as the state knows, they don't even exist (other
than a birth certificate). In OR, if one registers as a homeschooler,
they must be tested every couple of years. I have also noted that
the homeschool assessments in OR are so easy that all of our
unschoolers who have had to take them pass. There are two
recommendations:
1) Pull your son out of the system completely (or as far as you
can).
2) Check out the state laws requiring testing and see if they are
easy enough to get around. I was recently informed that in OR
(and someone please correct me if I have been misinformed),
homeschoolers need to take a subject based test of their choice
and score in the 26th percentile. Most unschoolers score at least
in the 75th when they can choose the test in their favourite subject.
Hope this offers some help.
Seamus
Cascade Valley School
http://www.casval.org/
PS - I used to be a public school teacher myself. I empathize.
---------------------------------------------------------
Seamus Mulryan
smulryan@...
Inborn processes recreate institutions to meet the
developing needs of the individual. As things now stand,
the institutions are remaking individuals to meet the
needs of the developing institutions.
-Robert, a Sudbury-model school staff member
----------------------------------------------------------
I cannot answer specifically for New York, but in OR, most
unschooling families that I know do not even register their kids with
the state. As far as the state knows, they don't even exist (other
than a birth certificate). In OR, if one registers as a homeschooler,
they must be tested every couple of years. I have also noted that
the homeschool assessments in OR are so easy that all of our
unschoolers who have had to take them pass. There are two
recommendations:
1) Pull your son out of the system completely (or as far as you
can).
2) Check out the state laws requiring testing and see if they are
easy enough to get around. I was recently informed that in OR
(and someone please correct me if I have been misinformed),
homeschoolers need to take a subject based test of their choice
and score in the 26th percentile. Most unschoolers score at least
in the 75th when they can choose the test in their favourite subject.
Hope this offers some help.
Seamus
Cascade Valley School
http://www.casval.org/
PS - I used to be a public school teacher myself. I empathize.
---------------------------------------------------------
Seamus Mulryan
smulryan@...
Inborn processes recreate institutions to meet the
developing needs of the individual. As things now stand,
the institutions are remaking individuals to meet the
needs of the developing institutions.
-Robert, a Sudbury-model school staff member
----------------------------------------------------------
[email protected]
In a message dated 12/04/2000 7:02:33 PM !!!First Boot!!!,
smulryan@... writes:
<< I was recently informed that in OR
(and someone please correct me if I have been misinformed),
homeschoolers need to take a subject based test of their choice
and score in the 26th percentile. >>
I think this is something that people tend to forget. They hear "test" and
think their child has to do great on the test. I would find out what the
passing grade is -- 26% or whatever -- and aim at that and teach the kids
that it's just paperwork for the bureaucrats if we had that requirement here.
But we don't. So what do I know. :) I just wouldn't stress about doing
terribly well on them or having the kids take them too seriously.
IMO
Nance
smulryan@... writes:
<< I was recently informed that in OR
(and someone please correct me if I have been misinformed),
homeschoolers need to take a subject based test of their choice
and score in the 26th percentile. >>
I think this is something that people tend to forget. They hear "test" and
think their child has to do great on the test. I would find out what the
passing grade is -- 26% or whatever -- and aim at that and teach the kids
that it's just paperwork for the bureaucrats if we had that requirement here.
But we don't. So what do I know. :) I just wouldn't stress about doing
terribly well on them or having the kids take them too seriously.
IMO
Nance
Judie C. Rall
> I got an email addressed to me from myself. It said something about a freeUH OH.....I got the same thing!!! I tried to reply to the message,
> digital voice recorder. How did I get this if I did not send it?
and my reply came back to me. It was too weird.
Judie
kathy lorentz
I got an email addressed to me from myself. It said something about a free
digital voice recorder. How did I get this if I did not send it?
_________________________________________________________________
Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com
digital voice recorder. How did I get this if I did not send it?
_________________________________________________________________
Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com
Annette Yunker
Could be a virus/worm - is there an attachment?
Annette
How did I get this if I did not send it?
_________________________________________________________________
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Annette
How did I get this if I did not send it?
_________________________________________________________________
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
kathy lorentz
There was no attachment. After the last virus mess I wouldn't have opened
it anyway. There was a place to click if I wanted to claim my free prize.
It didn't have an email address from the sender, just my name. I thought
maybe someone had had this happen.
Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com
it anyway. There was a place to click if I wanted to claim my free prize.
It didn't have an email address from the sender, just my name. I thought
maybe someone had had this happen.
>From: "Annette Yunker" <amyunker@...>_________________________________________________________________
>Reply-To: [email protected]
>To: <[email protected]>
>Subject: Re: [Unschooling-dotcom] question
>Date: Wed, 9 May 2001 23:17:45 -0400
>
>Could be a virus/worm - is there an attachment?
>
>Annette
>
>
> How did I get this if I did not send it?
>
>
> _________________________________________________________________
>
>
>
>[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com
Tanya
I've received something like this but only on my hotmail address. I know
it's not a virus because hotmail is scanned.
Tanya
it's not a virus because hotmail is scanned.
Tanya
> I got an email addressed to me from myself. It said something about afree
> digital voice recorder. How did I get this if I did not send it?
>
>
>
Lynda
Virus!
----- Original Message -----
From: "kathy lorentz" <kathyflorentz@...>
To: <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, May 10, 2001 3:10 AM
Subject: [Unschooling-dotcom] question
> I got an email addressed to me from myself. It said something about a
free
> digital voice recorder. How did I get this if I did not send it?
>
>
> _________________________________________________________________
> Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com
>
>
> Message boards, timely articles, a free newsletter and more!
> Check it all out at: http://www.unschooling.com
>
> To unsubscribe, set preferences, or read archives:
> http://www.egroups.com/group/Unschooling-dotcom
>
> Another great list sponsored by Home Education Magazine!
> http://www.home-ed-magazine.com
>
>
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
>
>
Lynda
Do NOT trust that! I have a friend who was hacked. The hacker sent
viruses, messed with her hard drive, etc., etc., etc. He got past all the
virus/Norton/firewalls, etc.! Microsoft just nailed him yesterday!!! But
it took a month. There are a bunch of these creeps out there doing this for
kicks!
Lynda
viruses, messed with her hard drive, etc., etc., etc. He got past all the
virus/Norton/firewalls, etc.! Microsoft just nailed him yesterday!!! But
it took a month. There are a bunch of these creeps out there doing this for
kicks!
Lynda
----- Original Message -----
From: "Tanya" <tanyab2@...>
To: <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, May 09, 2001 8:28 PM
Subject: Re: [Unschooling-dotcom] question
> I've received something like this but only on my hotmail address. I know
> it's not a virus because hotmail is scanned.
> Tanya
>
>
>
>
> > I got an email addressed to me from myself. It said something about a
> free
> > digital voice recorder. How did I get this if I did not send it?
> >
> >
> >
>
>
> Message boards, timely articles, a free newsletter and more!
> Check it all out at: http://www.unschooling.com
>
> To unsubscribe, set preferences, or read archives:
> http://www.egroups.com/group/Unschooling-dotcom
>
> Another great list sponsored by Home Education Magazine!
> http://www.home-ed-magazine.com
>
>
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
>
>
Lynda
Sounds like a worm!
Lynda
Lynda
----- Original Message -----
From: "Judie C. Rall" <adonai@...>
To: <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, May 09, 2001 4:50 PM
Subject: Re: [Unschooling-dotcom] question
>
>
> > I got an email addressed to me from myself. It said something about a
free
> > digital voice recorder. How did I get this if I did not send it?
>
> UH OH.....I got the same thing!!! I tried to reply to the message,
> and my reply came back to me. It was too weird.
>
> Judie
>
> Message boards, timely articles, a free newsletter and more!
> Check it all out at: http://www.unschooling.com
>
> To unsubscribe, set preferences, or read archives:
> http://www.egroups.com/group/Unschooling-dotcom
>
> Another great list sponsored by Home Education Magazine!
> http://www.home-ed-magazine.com
>
>
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
>
>
[email protected]
This may sound foolish, but as one who is relatively new to puters and the
www, why do some of the posts have the letters " " interspersed
throughout? ....Just a weird question :o) ~Nancy
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
www, why do some of the posts have the letters " " interspersed
throughout? ....Just a weird question :o) ~Nancy
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Sharon Rudd
Dear Nance.......I found that the spell-check with yahoo is adding that and some other gobledy goop after I mash "send".....so now I just send the typos and ingorant misspellings as is. Dunno why it sarted doing that......or I perhaps mashed a function key (or someone else did) and don't which one to use to undo it. Irritating. And I'm sorry I cluttered up the list with all that hard to read stuff. My language style is hard enough to interpret. It seems to be rlated to the space bar and and "enter". Anyway, I think I'm the guilty party. And I don't know what I did. Sorry. I never did read the "how to" books or the manuals, or learn the appropriate jargon. Not a wierd question at all.......I'm baffled. I even sent posts to myself with and without spell check to see what would happen or if "forward" was doing it or "font" or what. Again, I'm sorry.
Sharon
OZMOM504@... wrote: This may sound foolish, but as one who is relatively new to puters and the
www, why do some of the posts have the letters " " interspersed
throughout? ....Just a weird question :o) ~Nancy
---------------------------------
Do You Yahoo!?
Yahoo! Mail Personal Address - Get email at your own domain with Yahoo! Mail.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Sharon
OZMOM504@... wrote: This may sound foolish, but as one who is relatively new to puters and the
www, why do some of the posts have the letters " " interspersed
throughout? ....Just a weird question :o) ~Nancy
---------------------------------
Do You Yahoo!?
Yahoo! Mail Personal Address - Get email at your own domain with Yahoo! Mail.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[email protected]
In a message dated 6/10/01 2:03:30 AM, OZMOM504@... writes:
<< why do some of the posts have the letters " " interspersed >>
It's html code for "non-breaking space."
Different mailers and mail programs will show html-coded mail different ways,
so you might be seeing those and others on this list won't (or will,
variously).
Sandra
<< why do some of the posts have the letters " " interspersed >>
It's html code for "non-breaking space."
Different mailers and mail programs will show html-coded mail different ways,
so you might be seeing those and others on this list won't (or will,
variously).
Sandra
[email protected]
Hi Nancy,
is a code used in writing webpages that forces spaces to appear.
When the actual words appear instead of a space it is often because of
some formatting problem either via the person writing the code, the computer
that generated it, or a browser now being able to view it.
In the case of e-mail, it might be that your receiving e-mail that is delivered
in html but from an e-mail program that is only reading it as text. You can
try a couple of different functions under Edit My Membership to see if it
makes the e-mails appear differently. But for the most part as long as I
can figure out what a person is meaning I often don't worry about the formatting
unless someone asks (like you did).
Regards,
Monica
P.S. I've been on the Internet so long (1989) that some people call me "Grandma".
Weird to realise that I was on the Internet before the World Wide Web even existed.
is a code used in writing webpages that forces spaces to appear.
When the actual words appear instead of a space it is often because of
some formatting problem either via the person writing the code, the computer
that generated it, or a browser now being able to view it.
In the case of e-mail, it might be that your receiving e-mail that is delivered
in html but from an e-mail program that is only reading it as text. You can
try a couple of different functions under Edit My Membership to see if it
makes the e-mails appear differently. But for the most part as long as I
can figure out what a person is meaning I often don't worry about the formatting
unless someone asks (like you did).
Regards,
Monica
P.S. I've been on the Internet so long (1989) that some people call me "Grandma".
Weird to realise that I was on the Internet before the World Wide Web even existed.
--- In Unschooling-dotcom@y..., OZMOM504@A... wrote:
> This may sound foolish, but as one who is relatively new to puters and the
> www, why do some of the posts have the letters " " interspersed
> throughout? ....Just a weird question :o) ~Nancy
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[email protected]
Does anyone know anything about Kwanaaza? (Is this spelling correct?)
Thanks,
Julie
Thanks,
Julie
Sarah Carothers
http://dent.edmonds.wednet.edu/IMD/christmaspage.html
----- Original Message -----
From: Jaam1224@...
To: [email protected]
Sent: Sunday, December 30, 2001 10:33 AM
Subject: Re: [Unschooling-dotcom] question
Does anyone know anything about Kwanaaza? (Is this spelling correct?)
Thanks,
Julie
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
vivrh
I dont have any specific questions. I just would like everyone to comment on how they feel their children stay motivated. I have only been "un" schooling since December but I have been home schooling since October 2000.
With our "unschooling" now, I dont require them to do anything but occasionally write in their journals. I also read to them daily and they have a daily quiet time. But I guess what I am asking is what are your days like? And while I have seen some progress, I worry a little about wether or not they will progress overall.
God bless
Vivian
Mom to three Happy little Monkeys
Austin 10/31/93 Sarah 8/28/95 Emmalee 8/15/00
And loving wife to Randy
**If fifty million people say a foolish thing, it is still a foolish thing.
-Anatole France***
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
With our "unschooling" now, I dont require them to do anything but occasionally write in their journals. I also read to them daily and they have a daily quiet time. But I guess what I am asking is what are your days like? And while I have seen some progress, I worry a little about wether or not they will progress overall.
God bless
Vivian
Mom to three Happy little Monkeys
Austin 10/31/93 Sarah 8/28/95 Emmalee 8/15/00
And loving wife to Randy
**If fifty million people say a foolish thing, it is still a foolish thing.
-Anatole France***
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
rumpleteasermom
Hi Vivian,
I have a couple of thoughts about motivation.
The first and most important is that what looks like unmotivated
wasting of time, might not be so. For years, I thought my girls
weren't learning anything. I worried but for various reasons didn't
push them into more structure. Looking back on it, that was just a
combination of luck and following my heart. My head was worrying, but
in my heart I was sure they were fine.
And now, I have an even better reason to be confident in the girls.
I've seen the other side and know that it is recognizable if you watch
the right signs. My son was not so much unmotivated but incapable of
learning on his own. He was becoming unhappier and unhealthy by the
day. To say I was becoming concerned is an understatement.
Fortunately, at just about the time I started really worrying, my mom
move into the other house on this property. SHe is a retired school
teacher and was quite capable of figuring out exactly what he needed
to learn. He goes to her house daily for "school" and is quite happy
about it. His unhappiness was frustration at the fact that he needed
more than I could give him. He needs structure. In fact, his daily
schedule is being disrupted this week. He goes back to grandma's in
the afternoon to watch his TV shows in the quiet house and she took a
tutoring job and won't be home so he'll have to watch here now. I'm
not looking forward to the adjustment period.
But the difference was that while the girls were looking unmotivated,
they were never particularly unhappy. And now, the amount of
knowledge they have crammed in their heads amazes even me. Rachel
knows more about plants and gardening than I ever thought possible.
They both know tons of science. In fact the chem class they go to is
really not teaching them a lot that they didn't already know. They
just go to play with the lab equipment.
I really believe that if you are in touch with your children and truly
listen to their needs, you will know if they are getting what they
need. Just make sure that you are listening to them and not to what
some outside cultural influence is telling you they should be doing.
Bridget
I have a couple of thoughts about motivation.
The first and most important is that what looks like unmotivated
wasting of time, might not be so. For years, I thought my girls
weren't learning anything. I worried but for various reasons didn't
push them into more structure. Looking back on it, that was just a
combination of luck and following my heart. My head was worrying, but
in my heart I was sure they were fine.
And now, I have an even better reason to be confident in the girls.
I've seen the other side and know that it is recognizable if you watch
the right signs. My son was not so much unmotivated but incapable of
learning on his own. He was becoming unhappier and unhealthy by the
day. To say I was becoming concerned is an understatement.
Fortunately, at just about the time I started really worrying, my mom
move into the other house on this property. SHe is a retired school
teacher and was quite capable of figuring out exactly what he needed
to learn. He goes to her house daily for "school" and is quite happy
about it. His unhappiness was frustration at the fact that he needed
more than I could give him. He needs structure. In fact, his daily
schedule is being disrupted this week. He goes back to grandma's in
the afternoon to watch his TV shows in the quiet house and she took a
tutoring job and won't be home so he'll have to watch here now. I'm
not looking forward to the adjustment period.
But the difference was that while the girls were looking unmotivated,
they were never particularly unhappy. And now, the amount of
knowledge they have crammed in their heads amazes even me. Rachel
knows more about plants and gardening than I ever thought possible.
They both know tons of science. In fact the chem class they go to is
really not teaching them a lot that they didn't already know. They
just go to play with the lab equipment.
I really believe that if you are in touch with your children and truly
listen to their needs, you will know if they are getting what they
need. Just make sure that you are listening to them and not to what
some outside cultural influence is telling you they should be doing.
Bridget
--- In Unschooling-dotcom@y..., "vivrh" <vivrh@m...> wrote:
> I dont have any specific questions. I just would like everyone to
comment on how they feel their children stay motivated. I have only
been "un" schooling since December but I have been home schooling
since October 2000.
> With our "unschooling" now, I dont require them to do anything but
occasionally write in their journals. I also read to them daily and
they have a daily quiet time. But I guess what I am asking is what are
your days like? And while I have seen some progress, I worry a little
about wether or not they will progress overall.
> God bless
> Vivian
[email protected]
If you are requiring them to write in their journals and have quiet time
then you are not unschooling. That's okay to do, it's just not unschooling.
So, if you want to really reap the benefits of unschooling, let them pick up
books for the joy of it. Let them write for fun. While you are doing this
for them, spend some time watching them , noticing what they ARE doing, not
just what you expect them to do. It takes a while for those of us who have
been through the system to shed the thinking. Real learning doesn't look
remotely like school.
Unschooling doesn't mean sit back and stop teaching, eventually they will
pick up a math text and start doing problems. It means moving away from
school in all it's forms, the expectations, the grade levels, the what your
Nth grader needs to know.
If your child has an interest in, say, Chimpanzees. eventually picture books
of primates won't be enough. They may want to know about what chimps eat, or
how they communicate, eventually this desire to know more will push them to
read, in order to gain more info. You will help along the way by continuing
to read out loud, scouring the papers and local web sites for cool things to
offer them, help them find answers to their questions but there will be
times when they want an answer and you are in the bathroom, or on the phone
or not home. It will push them to search the net, again reading. They will
start to do "research" which may involve looking in the library catalog
system for more books and videos. They may hear of Jane Goodall giving a
seminar on chimps and ask to go to that. Because they are interested, they
won't NEED to take notes (but they may want to - there's the writing) they
will remember because they are interested.
That's unschooling. Now replace chimps and all related words with whatever
your kids are interested in. Robotics, music, pokemon, nascar, wrestling,
astronomy, anything.
Kids learn best by example. If they see you interested in a subject (not
because you think it's something they ought to learn but becasue you are
really interested) They see you doing all that I said above, and you are
enjoying yourself. They will want to do that too.
You mentioned seeing progress. My children are progressing every day. So am
I. What type of progress are you looking for? Progress through the school
curriculums? That's not going to happen, they are learning naturally and
school learning is unnatural.
Are they interested in things? anything? even if it is TV, video games,
aggressive skating or other non-schooly things, that's ok. They need time to
deschool. They were in PS for a while, then school-at-home, then relaxed
homeschooling until now. They themselves need to learn that they will learn
outside of school, but they won't until you truly truly believe it your
self. And by requiring reading & writing you are giving them the message
that you don't believe.
There are many experienced unschoolers here and on the unschooling.com
message boards. You will find alot of stories there that inspire to let go
of "old thinking" and unschool. Ask the parents of the unschooled teens if
it really works.
I does if you stop trying to work it.
~Elissa Cleaveland
"It is nothing short of a miracle that the modern methods of instruction
have
not yet entirely strangled the holy curiosity of inquiry." A. Einstein
then you are not unschooling. That's okay to do, it's just not unschooling.
So, if you want to really reap the benefits of unschooling, let them pick up
books for the joy of it. Let them write for fun. While you are doing this
for them, spend some time watching them , noticing what they ARE doing, not
just what you expect them to do. It takes a while for those of us who have
been through the system to shed the thinking. Real learning doesn't look
remotely like school.
Unschooling doesn't mean sit back and stop teaching, eventually they will
pick up a math text and start doing problems. It means moving away from
school in all it's forms, the expectations, the grade levels, the what your
Nth grader needs to know.
If your child has an interest in, say, Chimpanzees. eventually picture books
of primates won't be enough. They may want to know about what chimps eat, or
how they communicate, eventually this desire to know more will push them to
read, in order to gain more info. You will help along the way by continuing
to read out loud, scouring the papers and local web sites for cool things to
offer them, help them find answers to their questions but there will be
times when they want an answer and you are in the bathroom, or on the phone
or not home. It will push them to search the net, again reading. They will
start to do "research" which may involve looking in the library catalog
system for more books and videos. They may hear of Jane Goodall giving a
seminar on chimps and ask to go to that. Because they are interested, they
won't NEED to take notes (but they may want to - there's the writing) they
will remember because they are interested.
That's unschooling. Now replace chimps and all related words with whatever
your kids are interested in. Robotics, music, pokemon, nascar, wrestling,
astronomy, anything.
Kids learn best by example. If they see you interested in a subject (not
because you think it's something they ought to learn but becasue you are
really interested) They see you doing all that I said above, and you are
enjoying yourself. They will want to do that too.
You mentioned seeing progress. My children are progressing every day. So am
I. What type of progress are you looking for? Progress through the school
curriculums? That's not going to happen, they are learning naturally and
school learning is unnatural.
Are they interested in things? anything? even if it is TV, video games,
aggressive skating or other non-schooly things, that's ok. They need time to
deschool. They were in PS for a while, then school-at-home, then relaxed
homeschooling until now. They themselves need to learn that they will learn
outside of school, but they won't until you truly truly believe it your
self. And by requiring reading & writing you are giving them the message
that you don't believe.
There are many experienced unschoolers here and on the unschooling.com
message boards. You will find alot of stories there that inspire to let go
of "old thinking" and unschool. Ask the parents of the unschooled teens if
it really works.
I does if you stop trying to work it.
~Elissa Cleaveland
"It is nothing short of a miracle that the modern methods of instruction
have
not yet entirely strangled the holy curiosity of inquiry." A. Einstein
vivrh
Thanks Bridgett, definitely food for thought. I do have a son who probably will benefit from school like activities at some point. Thanks again,
God bless
Vivian
Mom to three Happy little Monkeys
Austin 10/31/93 Sarah 8/28/95 Emmalee 8/15/00
And loving wife to Randy
**If fifty million people say a foolish thing, it is still a foolish thing.
-Anatole France***
God bless
Vivian
Mom to three Happy little Monkeys
Austin 10/31/93 Sarah 8/28/95 Emmalee 8/15/00
And loving wife to Randy
**If fifty million people say a foolish thing, it is still a foolish thing.
-Anatole France***
----- Original Message -----
From: rumpleteasermom
To: [email protected]
Sent: Monday, March 11, 2002 9:36 AM
Subject: [Unschooling-dotcom] Re: question
Hi Vivian,
I have a couple of thoughts about motivation.
The first and most important is that what looks like unmotivated
wasting of time, might not be so. For years, I thought my girls
weren't learning anything. I worried but for various reasons didn't
push them into more structure. Looking back on it, that was just a
combination of luck and following my heart. My head was worrying, but
in my heart I was sure they were fine.
And now, I have an even better reason to be confident in the girls.
I've seen the other side and know that it is recognizable if you watch
the right signs. My son was not so much unmotivated but incapable of
learning on his own. He was becoming unhappier and unhealthy by the
day. To say I was becoming concerned is an understatement.
Fortunately, at just about the time I started really worrying, my mom
move into the other house on this property. SHe is a retired school
teacher and was quite capable of figuring out exactly what he needed
to learn. He goes to her house daily for "school" and is quite happy
about it. His unhappiness was frustration at the fact that he needed
more than I could give him. He needs structure. In fact, his daily
schedule is being disrupted this week. He goes back to grandma's in
the afternoon to watch his TV shows in the quiet house and she took a
tutoring job and won't be home so he'll have to watch here now. I'm
not looking forward to the adjustment period.
But the difference was that while the girls were looking unmotivated,
they were never particularly unhappy. And now, the amount of
knowledge they have crammed in their heads amazes even me. Rachel
knows more about plants and gardening than I ever thought possible.
They both know tons of science. In fact the chem class they go to is
really not teaching them a lot that they didn't already know. They
just go to play with the lab equipment.
I really believe that if you are in touch with your children and truly
listen to their needs, you will know if they are getting what they
need. Just make sure that you are listening to them and not to what
some outside cultural influence is telling you they should be doing.
Bridget
--- In Unschooling-dotcom@y..., "vivrh" <vivrh@m...> wrote:
> I dont have any specific questions. I just would like everyone to
comment on how they feel their children stay motivated. I have only
been "un" schooling since December but I have been home schooling
since October 2000.
> With our "unschooling" now, I dont require them to do anything but
occasionally write in their journals. I also read to them daily and
they have a daily quiet time. But I guess what I am asking is what are
your days like? And while I have seen some progress, I worry a little
about wether or not they will progress overall.
> God bless
> Vivian
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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
vivrh
First off - the journaling is for them. they have requested it and I just am a reminder that they do it. I dont read, or correct or ask them to write any thing specific. The second thing is that I read to them again because they request it. And as for quiet time, it is a time for them to rest or sleep (as my 18 month old needs too as does my 6 year old) and my 8 year old builds tracks for his cars and plays quietly in his room. I see nothing even remotely school like about any of these things.
I do require them to do their chores, but they live here and must contribute also! They also help me make grocery lists and clip coupons and cook and grocery shop etc etc.
As I said I am not really asking a question as much as I am curious what other unschoolers do all day? I am trying to stimulate some discussion I guess.Am I saying any of this correctly? haha- I feel as though I am rambling on and on.
Sorry if I am
God bless
Vivian
Mom to three Happy little Monkeys
Austin 10/31/93 Sarah 8/28/95 Emmalee 8/15/00
And loving wife to Randy
**If fifty million people say a foolish thing, it is still a foolish thing.
-Anatole France***
I do require them to do their chores, but they live here and must contribute also! They also help me make grocery lists and clip coupons and cook and grocery shop etc etc.
As I said I am not really asking a question as much as I am curious what other unschoolers do all day? I am trying to stimulate some discussion I guess.Am I saying any of this correctly? haha- I feel as though I am rambling on and on.
Sorry if I am
God bless
Vivian
Mom to three Happy little Monkeys
Austin 10/31/93 Sarah 8/28/95 Emmalee 8/15/00
And loving wife to Randy
**If fifty million people say a foolish thing, it is still a foolish thing.
-Anatole France***
----- Original Message -----
From: ElissaJC@...
To: [email protected]
Sent: Monday, March 11, 2002 10:29 AM
Subject: Re: [Unschooling-dotcom] question
If you are requiring them to write in their journals and have quiet time
then you are not unschooling. That's okay to do, it's just not unschooling.
So, if you want to really reap the benefits of unschooling, let them pick up
books for the joy of it. Let them write for fun. While you are doing this
for them, spend some time watching them , noticing what they ARE doing, not
just what you expect them to do. It takes a while for those of us who have
been through the system to shed the thinking. Real learning doesn't look
remotely like school.
Unschooling doesn't mean sit back and stop teaching, eventually they will
pick up a math text and start doing problems. It means moving away from
school in all it's forms, the expectations, the grade levels, the what your
Nth grader needs to know.
If your child has an interest in, say, Chimpanzees. eventually picture books
of primates won't be enough. They may want to know about what chimps eat, or
how they communicate, eventually this desire to know more will push them to
read, in order to gain more info. You will help along the way by continuing
to read out loud, scouring the papers and local web sites for cool things to
offer them, help them find answers to their questions but there will be
times when they want an answer and you are in the bathroom, or on the phone
or not home. It will push them to search the net, again reading. They will
start to do "research" which may involve looking in the library catalog
system for more books and videos. They may hear of Jane Goodall giving a
seminar on chimps and ask to go to that. Because they are interested, they
won't NEED to take notes (but they may want to - there's the writing) they
will remember because they are interested.
That's unschooling. Now replace chimps and all related words with whatever
your kids are interested in. Robotics, music, pokemon, nascar, wrestling,
astronomy, anything.
Kids learn best by example. If they see you interested in a subject (not
because you think it's something they ought to learn but becasue you are
really interested) They see you doing all that I said above, and you are
enjoying yourself. They will want to do that too.
You mentioned seeing progress. My children are progressing every day. So am
I. What type of progress are you looking for? Progress through the school
curriculums? That's not going to happen, they are learning naturally and
school learning is unnatural.
Are they interested in things? anything? even if it is TV, video games,
aggressive skating or other non-schooly things, that's ok. They need time to
deschool. They were in PS for a while, then school-at-home, then relaxed
homeschooling until now. They themselves need to learn that they will learn
outside of school, but they won't until you truly truly believe it your
self. And by requiring reading & writing you are giving them the message
that you don't believe.
There are many experienced unschoolers here and on the unschooling.com
message boards. You will find alot of stories there that inspire to let go
of "old thinking" and unschool. Ask the parents of the unschooled teens if
it really works.
I does if you stop trying to work it.
~Elissa Cleaveland
"It is nothing short of a miracle that the modern methods of instruction
have
not yet entirely strangled the holy curiosity of inquiry." A. Einstein
Yahoo! Groups Sponsor
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Check it all out at: http://www.unschooling.com
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http://www.home-ed-magazine.com
Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[email protected]
Just trying to help. I never said don't read to them. I said the opposite.
It's important to remember that I don't know WHAT you do, I can only
respond to what you wrote.. When you say "I require them to....do X" That is
in my and many other unschoolers opinions, not part of unschooling. I did
make an assumption about the quiet time, the assumption wa that you required
them to read during that time. I am sorry for not asking you if that is what
you meant, I should have done so.
To me, requiring something to be done is very different than reminding
someone of something they want to do. What would happen if they didn't
journal? especially after you reminded them. Is there some sort of
consequence?
I wasn't attempting to answer any questions, I was just responding to what
you wrote. Isn't that what we are here for? I too was trying to stimulate
discussion. ;o)
~Elissa Cleaveland
"It is nothing short of a miracle that the modern methods of instruction
have
not yet entirely strangled the holy curiosity of inquiry." A. Einstein
It's important to remember that I don't know WHAT you do, I can only
respond to what you wrote.. When you say "I require them to....do X" That is
in my and many other unschoolers opinions, not part of unschooling. I did
make an assumption about the quiet time, the assumption wa that you required
them to read during that time. I am sorry for not asking you if that is what
you meant, I should have done so.
To me, requiring something to be done is very different than reminding
someone of something they want to do. What would happen if they didn't
journal? especially after you reminded them. Is there some sort of
consequence?
I wasn't attempting to answer any questions, I was just responding to what
you wrote. Isn't that what we are here for? I too was trying to stimulate
discussion. ;o)
~Elissa Cleaveland
"It is nothing short of a miracle that the modern methods of instruction
have
not yet entirely strangled the holy curiosity of inquiry." A. Einstein
vivrh
Sorry Elissa upon reading my response it sounded a bit - shall we say- SNIPPY??? So I also apologize also.
You asked if there are consequences to not journaling. No there are none. Other than they may not remember what they were so anxious to write down. I try to let them enjoy just real life and all the situations that arise. As I stated, they must have quiet time in their rooms. I do notice with out it they are unbearable by dinner and so I am!
Anyhow thanks for the comments.
God bless
Vivian
Mom to three Happy little Monkeys
Austin 10/31/93 Sarah 8/28/95 Emmalee 8/15/00
And loving wife to Randy
**If fifty million people say a foolish thing, it is still a foolish thing.
-Anatole France***
You asked if there are consequences to not journaling. No there are none. Other than they may not remember what they were so anxious to write down. I try to let them enjoy just real life and all the situations that arise. As I stated, they must have quiet time in their rooms. I do notice with out it they are unbearable by dinner and so I am!
Anyhow thanks for the comments.
God bless
Vivian
Mom to three Happy little Monkeys
Austin 10/31/93 Sarah 8/28/95 Emmalee 8/15/00
And loving wife to Randy
**If fifty million people say a foolish thing, it is still a foolish thing.
-Anatole France***
----- Original Message -----
From: ElissaJC@...
To: [email protected]
Sent: Monday, March 11, 2002 2:31 PM
Subject: Re: [Unschooling-dotcom] question
Just trying to help. I never said don't read to them. I said the opposite.
It's important to remember that I don't know WHAT you do, I can only
respond to what you wrote.. When you say "I require them to....do X" That is
in my and many other unschoolers opinions, not part of unschooling. I did
make an assumption about the quiet time, the assumption wa that you required
them to read during that time. I am sorry for not asking you if that is what
you meant, I should have done so.
To me, requiring something to be done is very different than reminding
someone of something they want to do. What would happen if they didn't
journal? especially after you reminded them. Is there some sort of
consequence?
I wasn't attempting to answer any questions, I was just responding to what
you wrote. Isn't that what we are here for? I too was trying to stimulate
discussion. ;o)
~Elissa Cleaveland
"It is nothing short of a miracle that the modern methods of instruction
have
not yet entirely strangled the holy curiosity of inquiry." A. Einstein
Yahoo! Groups Sponsor
ADVERTISEMENT
Message boards, timely articles, a free newsletter and more!
Check it all out at: http://www.unschooling.com
To unsubscribe, set preferences, or read archives:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Unschooling-dotcom
Another great list sponsored by Home Education Magazine!
http://www.home-ed-magazine.com
Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[email protected]
I wish my kids liked to journal because then I would have something to show
the "authorities" . <beg> Emily hates to write. She has been helping me do
the grocery lists, I'l send that in for our review next month.
OK, I hereby decree that you ARE unschooling. LOL
just kidding.
~Elissa Cleaveland
"It is nothing short of a miracle that the modern methods of instruction
have
not yet entirely strangled the holy curiosity of inquiry." A. Einstein
the "authorities" . <beg> Emily hates to write. She has been helping me do
the grocery lists, I'l send that in for our review next month.
OK, I hereby decree that you ARE unschooling. LOL
just kidding.
~Elissa Cleaveland
"It is nothing short of a miracle that the modern methods of instruction
have
not yet entirely strangled the holy curiosity of inquiry." A. Einstein
Karin
Hi Vivian,
Completely off topic, but have you read The Divine Secrets of the Ya Ya Sisterhood? One of the main characters is named Vivian (Vivi for short) and seeing your name reminded me of that book. If you haven't read it, consider it! I really enjoyed it.
Anyway, just thought I'd share how we are unschooling in our family.
I have 2 boys, 9 & 10 (soon to be 11) and we've been unschooling since September. I homeschooled them for 5 years previously.
Since we started, we have changed almost every aspect of our lives. Unschooling applies to EVERYTHING around here. After learning as much as I could about unschooling and how it works best, I figured if I wanted unschooling to work like it was supposed to, I needed to go "all the way".
Since unschooling I have dropped any and all expectations required of my boys. The only thing I expect from them is to treat others and themselves respectfully and not to hurt each other.
So, that means that I don't make them do any schoolwork anymore, like math, spelling, grammar, science, history, etc...
They have unlimited tv viewing access all day long. I have removed the rules of when they can or can't watch tv and how long.
They have unlimited computer and/or gameboy playing time all day long, as long as they want.
I used to require that they do chores around the house, but I stopped that too. They even had to take turn's doing dishes every night, but that too is stopped.
What have all these changes done to our household? Brought chaos and confusion and spoiled kids you might wonder?
No, in fact, compared to before unschooling, we have much more peace and joy and most importantly, more love. I've found that since I've dropped all expectations of my boys, I no longer get dissapointed in them (for something they didn't complete or accomplish). They are simply allowed to "be", to do whatever they want to do. I love them and appreciate them more now than every before. My whole perception of them has changed for the better.
About chores, I have a lot of prior experiences with all different chore systems. It always ended up the same - me nagging at them to do their chores (even if they were getting paid for it) and me and them feeling terrible.
I've gone back to doing all the sweeping, vacuuming, laundry, bathroom cleaning, cooking, etc. all by myself. But you know what I found out? That when I don't require them to do chores, after a while they will spontaneously do odd cleaning jobs around the house without me telling them to do so. They really do have their own desire to help out around the house, but don't appreciate being told to do so. Imagine how you would feel if your dh TOLD you it was time to clean the toilet, wash the windows, vacuum the floors, etc. I don't know about you, but I would get pretty upset! So that's why I felt it was best to change the way we handled chores around here.
Now, I'm not telling ANYBODY to change their lives and live the way that we do. That would be CRAZY! :-) But I am so happy since unschooling and it has fit our family like a glove. Sorry this turned out to be so long, but I got on a roll! Just sharing.....
Karin
vivrh wrote:
I dont have any specific questions. I just would like everyone to comment on how they feel their children stay motivated. I have only been "un" schooling since December but I have been home schooling since October 2000.
With our "unschooling" now, I dont require them to do anything but occasionally write in their journals. I also read to them daily and they have a daily quiet time. But I guess what I am asking is what are your days like? And while I have seen some progress, I worry a little about wether or not they will progress overall.
God bless
Vivian
Mom to three Happy little Monkeys
Austin 10/31/93 Sarah 8/28/95 Emmalee 8/15/00
And loving wife to Randy
**If fifty million people say a foolish thing, it is still a foolish thing.
-Anatole France***
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Completely off topic, but have you read The Divine Secrets of the Ya Ya Sisterhood? One of the main characters is named Vivian (Vivi for short) and seeing your name reminded me of that book. If you haven't read it, consider it! I really enjoyed it.
Anyway, just thought I'd share how we are unschooling in our family.
I have 2 boys, 9 & 10 (soon to be 11) and we've been unschooling since September. I homeschooled them for 5 years previously.
Since we started, we have changed almost every aspect of our lives. Unschooling applies to EVERYTHING around here. After learning as much as I could about unschooling and how it works best, I figured if I wanted unschooling to work like it was supposed to, I needed to go "all the way".
Since unschooling I have dropped any and all expectations required of my boys. The only thing I expect from them is to treat others and themselves respectfully and not to hurt each other.
So, that means that I don't make them do any schoolwork anymore, like math, spelling, grammar, science, history, etc...
They have unlimited tv viewing access all day long. I have removed the rules of when they can or can't watch tv and how long.
They have unlimited computer and/or gameboy playing time all day long, as long as they want.
I used to require that they do chores around the house, but I stopped that too. They even had to take turn's doing dishes every night, but that too is stopped.
What have all these changes done to our household? Brought chaos and confusion and spoiled kids you might wonder?
No, in fact, compared to before unschooling, we have much more peace and joy and most importantly, more love. I've found that since I've dropped all expectations of my boys, I no longer get dissapointed in them (for something they didn't complete or accomplish). They are simply allowed to "be", to do whatever they want to do. I love them and appreciate them more now than every before. My whole perception of them has changed for the better.
About chores, I have a lot of prior experiences with all different chore systems. It always ended up the same - me nagging at them to do their chores (even if they were getting paid for it) and me and them feeling terrible.
I've gone back to doing all the sweeping, vacuuming, laundry, bathroom cleaning, cooking, etc. all by myself. But you know what I found out? That when I don't require them to do chores, after a while they will spontaneously do odd cleaning jobs around the house without me telling them to do so. They really do have their own desire to help out around the house, but don't appreciate being told to do so. Imagine how you would feel if your dh TOLD you it was time to clean the toilet, wash the windows, vacuum the floors, etc. I don't know about you, but I would get pretty upset! So that's why I felt it was best to change the way we handled chores around here.
Now, I'm not telling ANYBODY to change their lives and live the way that we do. That would be CRAZY! :-) But I am so happy since unschooling and it has fit our family like a glove. Sorry this turned out to be so long, but I got on a roll! Just sharing.....
Karin
vivrh wrote:
I dont have any specific questions. I just would like everyone to comment on how they feel their children stay motivated. I have only been "un" schooling since December but I have been home schooling since October 2000.
With our "unschooling" now, I dont require them to do anything but occasionally write in their journals. I also read to them daily and they have a daily quiet time. But I guess what I am asking is what are your days like? And while I have seen some progress, I worry a little about wether or not they will progress overall.
God bless
Vivian
Mom to three Happy little Monkeys
Austin 10/31/93 Sarah 8/28/95 Emmalee 8/15/00
And loving wife to Randy
**If fifty million people say a foolish thing, it is still a foolish thing.
-Anatole France***
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
vivrh
Thank you and decree NOTED!
haha
God bless
Vivian
Mom to three Happy little Monkeys
Austin 10/31/93 Sarah 8/28/95 Emmalee 8/15/00
And loving wife to Randy
**If fifty million people say a foolish thing, it is still a foolish thing.
-Anatole France***
haha
God bless
Vivian
Mom to three Happy little Monkeys
Austin 10/31/93 Sarah 8/28/95 Emmalee 8/15/00
And loving wife to Randy
**If fifty million people say a foolish thing, it is still a foolish thing.
-Anatole France***
----- Original Message -----
From: ElissaJC@...
To: [email protected]
Sent: Monday, March 11, 2002 3:21 PM
Subject: Re: [Unschooling-dotcom] question
I wish my kids liked to journal because then I would have something to show
the "authorities" . <beg> Emily hates to write. She has been helping me do
the grocery lists, I'l send that in for our review next month.
OK, I hereby decree that you ARE unschooling. LOL
just kidding.
~Elissa Cleaveland
"It is nothing short of a miracle that the modern methods of instruction
have
not yet entirely strangled the holy curiosity of inquiry." A. Einstein
Message boards, timely articles, a free newsletter and more!
Check it all out at: http://www.unschooling.com
To unsubscribe, set preferences, or read archives:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Unschooling-dotcom
Another great list sponsored by Home Education Magazine!
http://www.home-ed-magazine.com
Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
vivrh
Karin- I havent read the book but will look for it at the library on Wednesday when we go. Thanks for the recommendation.
God bless
Vivian
Mom to three Happy little Monkeys
Austin 10/31/93 Sarah 8/28/95 Emmalee 8/15/00
And loving wife to Randy
**If fifty million people say a foolish thing, it is still a foolish thing.
-Anatole France***
God bless
Vivian
Mom to three Happy little Monkeys
Austin 10/31/93 Sarah 8/28/95 Emmalee 8/15/00
And loving wife to Randy
**If fifty million people say a foolish thing, it is still a foolish thing.
-Anatole France***
----- Original Message -----
From: Karin
To: [email protected]
Sent: Monday, March 11, 2002 5:17 PM
Subject: Re: [Unschooling-dotcom] question
Hi Vivian,
Completely off topic, but have you read The Divine Secrets of the Ya Ya Sisterhood? One of the main characters is named Vivian (Vivi for short) and seeing your name reminded me of that book. If you haven't read it, consider it! I really enjoyed it.
Anyway, just thought I'd share how we are unschooling in our family.
I have 2 boys, 9 & 10 (soon to be 11) and we've been unschooling since September. I homeschooled them for 5 years previously.
Since we started, we have changed almost every aspect of our lives. Unschooling applies to EVERYTHING around here. After learning as much as I could about unschooling and how it works best, I figured if I wanted unschooling to work like it was supposed to, I needed to go "all the way".
Since unschooling I have dropped any and all expectations required of my boys. The only thing I expect from them is to treat others and themselves respectfully and not to hurt each other.
So, that means that I don't make them do any schoolwork anymore, like math, spelling, grammar, science, history, etc...
They have unlimited tv viewing access all day long. I have removed the rules of when they can or can't watch tv and how long.
They have unlimited computer and/or gameboy playing time all day long, as long as they want.
I used to require that they do chores around the house, but I stopped that too. They even had to take turn's doing dishes every night, but that too is stopped.
What have all these changes done to our household? Brought chaos and confusion and spoiled kids you might wonder?
No, in fact, compared to before unschooling, we have much more peace and joy and most importantly, more love. I've found that since I've dropped all expectations of my boys, I no longer get dissapointed in them (for something they didn't complete or accomplish). They are simply allowed to "be", to do whatever they want to do. I love them and appreciate them more now than every before. My whole perception of them has changed for the better.
About chores, I have a lot of prior experiences with all different chore systems. It always ended up the same - me nagging at them to do their chores (even if they were getting paid for it) and me and them feeling terrible.
I've gone back to doing all the sweeping, vacuuming, laundry, bathroom cleaning, cooking, etc. all by myself. But you know what I found out? That when I don't require them to do chores, after a while they will spontaneously do odd cleaning jobs around the house without me telling them to do so. They really do have their own desire to help out around the house, but don't appreciate being told to do so. Imagine how you would feel if your dh TOLD you it was time to clean the toilet, wash the windows, vacuum the floors, etc. I don't know about you, but I would get pretty upset! So that's why I felt it was best to change the way we handled chores around here.
Now, I'm not telling ANYBODY to change their lives and live the way that we do. That would be CRAZY! :-) But I am so happy since unschooling and it has fit our family like a glove. Sorry this turned out to be so long, but I got on a roll! Just sharing.....
Karin
vivrh wrote:
I dont have any specific questions. I just would like everyone to comment on how they feel their children stay motivated. I have only been "un" schooling since December but I have been home schooling since October 2000.
With our "unschooling" now, I dont require them to do anything but occasionally write in their journals. I also read to them daily and they have a daily quiet time. But I guess what I am asking is what are your days like? And while I have seen some progress, I worry a little about wether or not they will progress overall.
God bless
Vivian
Mom to three Happy little Monkeys
Austin 10/31/93 Sarah 8/28/95 Emmalee 8/15/00
And loving wife to Randy
**If fifty million people say a foolish thing, it is still a foolish thing.
-Anatole France***
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Yahoo! Groups Sponsor
ADVERTISEMENT
Message boards, timely articles, a free newsletter and more!
Check it all out at: http://www.unschooling.com
To unsubscribe, set preferences, or read archives:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Unschooling-dotcom
Another great list sponsored by Home Education Magazine!
http://www.home-ed-magazine.com
Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[email protected]
So Karin,
I have a 3 1/2 yr old and an 11 month old. TV seems to be an issue in my house. If I let Shawn watch all he wants and whatever he wants I find that his behavior deteriorates...so do you find that some things need to be controlled until a certain maturity occurs? or am I being too concerned over it? I fully intend and consider myself unschooling. I don't expect Shawn to DO anything other than behave like any normal 3 yr old...and sometimes he truly surprises me and I think I have a 5 yr old in the house! He is very articulate and loves documentaries and movies about mummies. We've had a number of conversations-which he initiated-on why people die and what happens etc, etc. He loves watching Nik jr and Disney and Noggin....and at night he always wants to watch Junkyard Wars on TLC and of course on the weekend he cant get enough of Monster Jam on TNN :) My boy loves monster trucks...well actually all form of motor vehicles. And my 11 month old girl seems to also enjoy playing cars and says vrrooom quite clearly. She also kisses all the stuffed animals and dolls in the house...of her own initiative:) I am continually amazed at the difference between them that seems to be solely due to gender differences as I'm pretty sure I don't parent her much differently than I did him at the same age. Have any of you come across this in your family???
This was a lot longer than I intended...guess I'm no longer lurking:)
Beth- busy mommy to Shawn and Shannon, my precious angels.
oh...today we started intense potty training....I think I'm not using the unschooling method here because I initiated it, but Shawn had NO accidents today and went to bathroom to pee a number of times without telling me! So I'm pretty sure my gut instincts were right and he is ready, but was holding out for the attention due to little sister. What is your experience with this?
I have a 3 1/2 yr old and an 11 month old. TV seems to be an issue in my house. If I let Shawn watch all he wants and whatever he wants I find that his behavior deteriorates...so do you find that some things need to be controlled until a certain maturity occurs? or am I being too concerned over it? I fully intend and consider myself unschooling. I don't expect Shawn to DO anything other than behave like any normal 3 yr old...and sometimes he truly surprises me and I think I have a 5 yr old in the house! He is very articulate and loves documentaries and movies about mummies. We've had a number of conversations-which he initiated-on why people die and what happens etc, etc. He loves watching Nik jr and Disney and Noggin....and at night he always wants to watch Junkyard Wars on TLC and of course on the weekend he cant get enough of Monster Jam on TNN :) My boy loves monster trucks...well actually all form of motor vehicles. And my 11 month old girl seems to also enjoy playing cars and says vrrooom quite clearly. She also kisses all the stuffed animals and dolls in the house...of her own initiative:) I am continually amazed at the difference between them that seems to be solely due to gender differences as I'm pretty sure I don't parent her much differently than I did him at the same age. Have any of you come across this in your family???
This was a lot longer than I intended...guess I'm no longer lurking:)
Beth- busy mommy to Shawn and Shannon, my precious angels.
oh...today we started intense potty training....I think I'm not using the unschooling method here because I initiated it, but Shawn had NO accidents today and went to bathroom to pee a number of times without telling me! So I'm pretty sure my gut instincts were right and he is ready, but was holding out for the attention due to little sister. What is your experience with this?
----- Original Message -----
From: Karin
To: [email protected]
Sent: Monday, March 11, 2002 5:17 PM
Subject: Re: [Unschooling-dotcom] question
Hi Vivian,
Completely off topic, but have you read The Divine Secrets of the Ya Ya Sisterhood? One of the main characters is named Vivian (Vivi for short) and seeing your name reminded me of that book. If you haven't read it, consider it! I really enjoyed it.
Anyway, just thought I'd share how we are unschooling in our family.
I have 2 boys, 9 & 10 (soon to be 11) and we've been unschooling since September. I homeschooled them for 5 years previously.
Since we started, we have changed almost every aspect of our lives. Unschooling applies to EVERYTHING around here. After learning as much as I could about unschooling and how it works best, I figured if I wanted unschooling to work like it was supposed to, I needed to go "all the way".
Since unschooling I have dropped any and all expectations required of my boys. The only thing I expect from them is to treat others and themselves respectfully and not to hurt each other.
So, that means that I don't make them do any schoolwork anymore, like math, spelling, grammar, science, history, etc...
They have unlimited tv viewing access all day long. I have removed the rules of when they can or can't watch tv and how long.
They have unlimited computer and/or gameboy playing time all day long, as long as they want.
I used to require that they do chores around the house, but I stopped that too. They even had to take turn's doing dishes every night, but that too is stopped.
What have all these changes done to our household? Brought chaos and confusion and spoiled kids you might wonder?
No, in fact, compared to before unschooling, we have much more peace and joy and most importantly, more love. I've found that since I've dropped all expectations of my boys, I no longer get dissapointed in them (for something they didn't complete or accomplish). They are simply allowed to "be", to do whatever they want to do. I love them and appreciate them more now than every before. My whole perception of them has changed for the better.
About chores, I have a lot of prior experiences with all different chore systems. It always ended up the same - me nagging at them to do their chores (even if they were getting paid for it) and me and them feeling terrible.
I've gone back to doing all the sweeping, vacuuming, laundry, bathroom cleaning, cooking, etc. all by myself. But you know what I found out? That when I don't require them to do chores, after a while they will spontaneously do odd cleaning jobs around the house without me telling them to do so. They really do have their own desire to help out around the house, but don't appreciate being told to do so. Imagine how you would feel if your dh TOLD you it was time to clean the toilet, wash the windows, vacuum the floors, etc. I don't know about you, but I would get pretty upset! So that's why I felt it was best to change the way we handled chores around here.
Now, I'm not telling ANYBODY to change their lives and live the way that we do. That would be CRAZY! :-) But I am so happy since unschooling and it has fit our family like a glove. Sorry this turned out to be so long, but I got on a roll! Just sharing.....
Karin
vivrh wrote:
I dont have any specific questions. I just would like everyone to comment on how they feel their children stay motivated. I have only been "un" schooling since December but I have been home schooling since October 2000.
With our "unschooling" now, I dont require them to do anything but occasionally write in their journals. I also read to them daily and they have a daily quiet time. But I guess what I am asking is what are your days like? And while I have seen some progress, I worry a little about wether or not they will progress overall.
God bless
Vivian
Mom to three Happy little Monkeys
Austin 10/31/93 Sarah 8/28/95 Emmalee 8/15/00
And loving wife to Randy
**If fifty million people say a foolish thing, it is still a foolish thing.
-Anatole France***
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