it's all new to me
Marcy Ellis
Just wanted to say I've really enjoyed all the information and advice you've
been giving one another these last few days. Unschooling is new to me; but
I am very interested and believe this is the direction we're to go in. I've
been homeschooling for two years now. The first year was rough, as I
imagine the first year is for anyone. This year has been much more relaxed
and more enjoyable. We used the Five In a Row unit studies.
My daughter has been an unschooler. We just didn't know it. :) She's been
able to read since she was 3. I began teaching my son Kindergarten lessons
and she insisted on joining. So, she's learned a lot in these past two
years, not being "made to" do ANYTHING. She's learned just by her own
desire to know and not be left out of anything.
My son on the other hand, I feel, has been squashed a bit by the pressure
that I've put on him from time to time (Bad Mommy!!!) to swallow all the
info. I was giving him. He's doing well. But, from what I've been reading
in your e-mails and on a few different websites; he would do much better if
we just relaxed and allowed things to progress at a more natural pace.
I really like the idea of letting the kids pursue their own interests.
Many times in the last couple of years they have interrupted me to ask more
detailed questions and desiring to pursue another subject that tied into the
one we had been discussing. Sometimes I was too uptight to allow this
natural progression to run its course. (Doggone, me!) But, when I have
lightened up and gone with the flow, it's always been a great delight to me
and the kids. They never cease to amaze me...some of the things they think
of. :)
By the way...Gus, I really enjoyed what you wrote about your own educational
experiences in free-schooling. Very interesting!
Well, my little natives are getting restless. So, I'd better hit the road.
You all have a wonderful day Friday!!! :) :) :)
~Marcy~
________________________________________________________________________
Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at http://www.hotmail.com
been giving one another these last few days. Unschooling is new to me; but
I am very interested and believe this is the direction we're to go in. I've
been homeschooling for two years now. The first year was rough, as I
imagine the first year is for anyone. This year has been much more relaxed
and more enjoyable. We used the Five In a Row unit studies.
My daughter has been an unschooler. We just didn't know it. :) She's been
able to read since she was 3. I began teaching my son Kindergarten lessons
and she insisted on joining. So, she's learned a lot in these past two
years, not being "made to" do ANYTHING. She's learned just by her own
desire to know and not be left out of anything.
My son on the other hand, I feel, has been squashed a bit by the pressure
that I've put on him from time to time (Bad Mommy!!!) to swallow all the
info. I was giving him. He's doing well. But, from what I've been reading
in your e-mails and on a few different websites; he would do much better if
we just relaxed and allowed things to progress at a more natural pace.
I really like the idea of letting the kids pursue their own interests.
Many times in the last couple of years they have interrupted me to ask more
detailed questions and desiring to pursue another subject that tied into the
one we had been discussing. Sometimes I was too uptight to allow this
natural progression to run its course. (Doggone, me!) But, when I have
lightened up and gone with the flow, it's always been a great delight to me
and the kids. They never cease to amaze me...some of the things they think
of. :)
By the way...Gus, I really enjoyed what you wrote about your own educational
experiences in free-schooling. Very interesting!
Well, my little natives are getting restless. So, I'd better hit the road.
You all have a wonderful day Friday!!! :) :) :)
~Marcy~
________________________________________________________________________
Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at http://www.hotmail.com