[email protected]

In a message dated 05/17/2000 5:43:00 PM !!!First Boot!!!, Momandmore@...
writes:

<<
Now I don't know what I am suppose to do. My son likes not having a
structued lesson every day but I don't feel like he's learning
anything. I know I can teach him through everyday life but I am now
very confused as to what I should be teaching him at this age or how
to go about it. I always felt that reading was the most important
thing. He knows how to read but not very well. I can't seem to find
an approach to further his skills. One way I can get him to read is
having a treasure hunt however, I can not supply him with a new toy
every day so he will read.

Any suggestions as to where to start or how to proceed would be
appreciated. >>


Well, what we do . . . so take it with a large grain of salt . . . is a mix
of things.

You think reading is important (who doesn't?) -- get him a library card. Let
him pick out whatever he likes. Don't insist that he finish everything (do
you finish everything you check out? I don't.). Talk about what he reads.
If he wants to.

I went on line and got the standards for what the ps is suppose to teach the
kids in each grade here (not impressive but it gave me a mental health check
and guide). I have these vaguely in the back of my mind as a rough overall
guide. But day to day -- we do a lot of things on the computer -- from
grammar to math to games. It all counts and it all adds to his store of
knowledge.

Also, my 7 yo is learning (still with a lot of help) how to look things up --
in the disctionary and computer encyclopedia and on line (his favorites so
far -- Ask Jeeves). That way he can investigate when he has a question.

And there are outside lessons for things he has an interest in -- it doesn't
all have to come from me -- and thank goodness. For example, he takes Tae
Kwon Do and piano lessons. If you saw me (typical Mom -- no athlete) you
would realize I'm not going to be teaching any martial arts any time soon.
And he passed me by on the piano end of things a long time ago! So he needs
people who know more than I do in certain areas. And my daughter takes dance
-- she's younger so it's sort of a social thing too because I don't know how
much she's really getting out of it but she enjoys it.

Anyway, you and yours will discover things you like and include what you like
and think you'd like to learn about and (it's OK) what you think he should
learn about.

Unschooling doesn't in any way mean, at least to me, that there is any sort
of anti-academic atmosphere that is supposed to be happening. Just that you
get to choose what the content should be.

But day to day structure -- what little we had -- is about to go out the
window anyway as summer quickly approaches.

Good luck. I'm sure you will get it all sorted out.

Nance

[email protected]

HI all,
I have been lurking in the shadows for weeks now, but I thought I would step
out and say "Thanks" for all the post and encouragments. Nance: I enjoyed
your post!

I have a 3yr and 1yr old, and plan to unschool (which are already REALLY
doing just by living). It is nice to know how others live and incorporate
education in their children's lives.

I thought if I hang around other unschoolers, by the time my kids are
"official" unschoolers, I may feel confident. hee hee hee.

Thanks again.
Happy Mothering,
Julie
Mommy to Ali and Matthew, Wife to a Great Man, Adam
Please check out a few of my favorite sites:
http://www.mothering.com
http://www.AttachmentParenting.org
http://www.LaLecheLeague.org
http://www.naturalchild.org
"It helps me to remember that people are more important than ideas and that
being kind is more important than being right."
-Peggy O'Mara, Publisher of Mothering Magazine.

Karen Judson

Hi and welcome Lorrie

My approach to the reading is to read aloud to the children rather than be
trying to jolly them along into doing it for themselves.

I try to read all sorts of stuff to them (newspaper articles, picture books,
chapter books, National Geographics, reference books, poetry). I find they
can handle books way beyond their "reading age" or own reading ability but
to stop it getting too heavy I intersperse with lighter stuff. Sometimes we
read two or three chapter books at the same time, it keeps me from flagging
and keeps up the interest better (we have five kids aged 3 to 10). If they
are around when I read the newspaper and start asking questions about photos
or headlines I read bits aloud to them. I want them to know by experience
that reading is both fun and a way to find out things.

As much as possible I let them choose what we read and because there are
five of them we cover a lot of different ground. We also have quite a lot of
books and stories on tape which are great in the car or for quiet times or
for when I'm not available to read to them.

My 10 year old daughter is an avid reader but still enjoys being read to,
also she is starting to share the reading aloud job. My eight year old
daughter has the phonics basics and can sound out words but it doesn't
"flow" for her yet. She is starting to bring things to me more now to show
me that she can read the title or whatever. Our attitude is that it will
happen for her and not to stress about it. I am noticing differences between
the two girls in that the first is very interested in stories, the second is
more interested in finding out information that she needs for a particular
reason.

I am looking forward to hearing what others on this list will have to say in
answer to your questions.

All the best,
Karen



----- Original Message -----
From: "(Lorrie Pimentel)" <Momandmore@...>
To: <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, May 18, 2000 5:40 AM
Subject: [Unschooling-dotcom] Intro


> Hello. My name is Lorrie. I am new to the list and to unschooling.
> I have three kids. 17 yo girl, 7 yo boy and a 10 month old boy. My
> daughter is unfortunately a victim of the system. After one year of
> ps for my 7 yo I finally had enough.
>
> So this is my first year of homeschooling. I gathered all kinds of
> information and read and read. I got the scope and sequence for
> first grade and set out to meet those goals. Well it did not take
> long to see that my son hates learning from a book and doing
> worksheets. After many days of fighting I almost gave up. Then I
> remembered reading about unschooling. So here I am.
>
> Now I don't know what I am suppose to do. My son likes not having a
> structued lesson every day but I don't feel like he's learning
> anything. I know I can teach him through everyday life but I am now
> very confused as to what I should be teaching him at this age or how
> to go about it. I always felt that reading was the most important
> thing. He knows how to read but not very well. I can't seem to find
> an approach to further his skills. One way I can get him to read is
> having a treasure hunt however, I can not supply him with a new toy
> every day so he will read.
>
> Any suggestions as to where to start or how to proceed would be
> appreciated.
>

Anita Bower

Another thouoght.

I used to think, and periodically still think, that my son isn't learning
anything.

Here is the cure: Keep a daily journal or log or notes of what he does and
learns for a week or two. That should show you how much learning is going on.

Anita


Homeschooling Mom
Nottingham, PA

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate,
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure."
Nelson Mandela Inaugural Speech, 1994

Renee Lester

Hi everyone. I just subbed to this list yesterday. I am very
new to homeschooling, and don't really feel like I have a "niche".
I probably have come to this in a different way from a lot of
people. We have a son, almost 7, with a unique combination of
challenges and gifts. We have tried to find the right placement for
him in school. There isn't one. He learns best on his own, in his own
time and way--which often involves climbing all over the place while
he is learning. Whenever he is under stress he acts out behaviorally,
and at school he does that a lot.

We were having so many problems that we met with the school and had
him officially switched to half days. Things seemed to be better for
a while, and then he couldn't make the transition back to school
after spring break. So actually we are not even officially homeschooling
yet, we are on "home instruction".

My head is spinning! I went from thinking about maybe homeschooling him
next year, to having him home full time *now* without having time to
get my bearings, develop a support network, etc. I have found out
where the groups are and have attended a couple of meetings. The
thing is, when my son was starting school, it was somebody's *job*
to help me out, show me the ropes, etc. Homeschooling by nature is
a lot of people doing their own thing for their own reasons, and they
get together and form friendships, plan activities, etc. But there
doesn't seem to be a "welcoming committee" I am not saying that people
haven't been nice, it is just a rough transition into uncharted territories,
and I am really feeling "on my own".

So anyway, there are lots of issues. I was not *planning* to do this,
but it became apparent to me that it was the only choice. I need to
find a way to do this and still get my own needs for solitude and self-
determination met. And I need a peer group. Or something. I also
feel like an "outsider" among homeschoolers because I *do* hope that
my other child can go to school, as I hoped that my son would. It's
just that I knew when it was time to take him out for the benefit
of everyone involved.

Rambling, I guess, but also hoping that someone can relate...

Renee

The Gernerts

On 17 May 2000, at 22:38, Renee Lester wrote:

Renee,

I am new here too and this is my first year homeschooling. My advice
to you is to relax. You don't have to do this perfectly, or even
anyway that someone else thinks you should. I just got done reading
the book the Relaxed Homeschool by Mary Hood. It is excellent and
will help you not to panic. Since it is so close to the end of the year, I
would jsut take the rest of the time to relax, read, play, read, and have
fun. The part I like best about hs my girls is having gotten to know
them so much better than when they were in school. Just spend time
together. You might want to check out eh libraries and playgrounds
during the day to casually meet others who might be hsing. You might
start seeing school age kids more than you realized.

Just my two cents,
Tarla

> Hi everyone. I just subbed to this list yesterday. I am very
> new to homeschooling, and don't really feel like I have a "niche".
> I probably have come to this in a different way from a lot of
> people. We have a son, almost 7, with a unique combination of
> challenges and gifts. We have tried to find the right placement for
> him in school. There isn't one. He learns best on his own, in his own
> time and way--which often involves climbing all over the place while
> he is learning. Whenever he is under stress he acts out behaviorally,
> and at school he does that a lot.
>
> We were having so many problems that we met with the school and had
> him officially switched to half days. Things seemed to be better for
> a while, and then he couldn't make the transition back to school
> after spring break. So actually we are not even officially homeschooling
> yet, we are on "home instruction".
>
> My head is spinning! I went from thinking about maybe homeschooling him
> next year, to having him home full time *now* without having time to
> get my bearings, develop a support network, etc. I have found out
> where the groups are and have attended a couple of meetings. The
> thing is, when my son was starting school, it was somebody's *job*
> to help me out, show me the ropes, etc. Homeschooling by nature is
> a lot of people doing their own thing for their own reasons, and they
> get together and form friendships, plan activities, etc. But there
> doesn't seem to be a "welcoming committee" I am not saying that people
> haven't been nice, it is just a rough transition into uncharted territories,
> and I am really feeling "on my own".
>
> So anyway, there are lots of issues. I was not *planning* to do this,
> but it became apparent to me that it was the only choice. I need to
> find a way to do this and still get my own needs for solitude and self-
> determination met. And I need a peer group. Or something. I also
> feel like an "outsider" among homeschoolers because I *do* hope that
> my other child can go to school, as I hoped that my son would. It's
> just that I knew when it was time to take him out for the benefit
> of everyone involved.
>
> Rambling, I guess, but also hoping that someone can relate...
>
> Renee
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> Free Music: Take it with you! Diamond Rio MP3 Players
> 2 hours of play-time as low as $205.95 at eGroups' Group Buying
> http://click.egroups.com/1/4186/7/_/448294/_/958618551/
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Message boards, timely articles, a free newsletter and more!
> Check it all out at: http://www.unschooling.com
>
> To Unsubscribe: mailto:[email protected]
>
>


------------
Keith G.

[email protected]

In a message dated 5/17/2000 10:41:17 AM Pacific Daylight Time,
Momandmore@... writes:

<< I got the scope and sequence for
first grade and set out to meet those goals >>


Hi
My name is LeeAnne . I am also new to this list and to HS and Unschooling.
Where do you get the scope and sequence and what are they? I will be starting
this fall with my 5 yr old with Kinderg.

Thanks
LeeAnne

Anita Bower

Renee:

Welcome to homeschooling!

My son never went to school because I thought he would get into trouble for
never being able to sit still. When it was time for him to enter
kindergarten, I looked at our public school and at a private school, but I
could not imagine him fitting in well. I feared he would be labelled and
get into trouble. Plus, he didn't want to go to school.

Unlike you, I was fortunate in that I had known a homeschooling family and
had been impressed with their approach. Hence, the idea of homeschooling
was not foreign to me.

I am not opposed to his going to school. My goal is to give enable him to
learn in the way that works best for him, which also seems to be your goal.

> So actually we are not even officially homeschooling
>yet, we are on "home instruction".

Maybe this "home instruction" can be a transition period for you. Are you
required to do anything?

>
Homeschooling by nature is
>a lot of people doing their own thing for their own reasons, and they
>get together and form friendships, plan activities, etc. But there
>doesn't seem to be a "welcoming committee" I am not saying that people
>haven't been nice, it is just a rough transition into uncharted territories,
>and I am really feeling "on my own".

Yes, this can be difficult. And, you are on your own! It's lot of
responsibility, and at first it can feel overwhelming.

It's great that you have found some support groups. Even if you feel
different, Ihope the groups can help you with homeschooling--support,
ideas, etc.

During the first years of homeschooling I found a support group that was
mostly "school at home" and very Christian. I am an agnostic and and
unschooler, so I felt rather out of place. But, the women were wonderful
to me--they supported me, accepted me, gave me ideas, helped me feel part
of the group. I always felt different, but, I valued the support and love
I received.
It took several years to find a support group that more closely met my
needs. And then, after a few years it dissolved. But, each group served
an important purpose for me.

E-mail lists have also served as a support group.

If you can find one other mom with whom you click, that would be a
wonderful support for you.

>
. I need to
>find a way to do this and still get my own needs for solitude and self-
>determination met.
>

This is a real challenge! I hope others on the list respond to this issue.

The hardest part about being a parent and a homeschool mom is the
diminution of alone time. The main way I have dealt with this is through
my wonderful husband. He teaches at the college level and has a degree of
flexibility in his hours. Since our son was born 11 years ago, he has
given me one day a week free to do as I please. This is a gift I could not
live without. I try to use that time to do my own activities. At the
moment--gardening.

I also take a nap every day and have since my son was 6 years old. It
gives me energy in the evenings when my son is going full steam ahead.

Keep us posted on how things go with you. And, best wishes!

Anita
Homeschooling Mom
Nottingham, PA

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate,
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure."
Nelson Mandela Inaugural Speech, 1994

Anita Bower

I also
>feel like an "outsider" among homeschoolers because I *do* hope that
>my other child can go to school, as I hoped that my son would.

You are not the only person who homeschools one of her kids and sends the
other to school.

Anita
Homeschooling Mom
Nottingham, PA

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate,
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure."
Nelson Mandela Inaugural Speech, 1994

[email protected]

In a message dated 05/18/2000 3:00:28 AM !!!First Boot!!!,
x_t_sipr@... writes:

<<
several wks ago, my sister sent me an newspaper article about an
*unschooling* fm and she thought I might be *intrigued* ... honest to Pete,
I don't know the first thing about unschooling but I found the article to be
like a breath of fresh air; *SUCH A RELIEF*!!! last night I was poking
around the e-groups b/c I wanted to find a good group of unschoolers that I
could *gleam* from ...

happy day ...
Pris
>>


Oh darn it. The secret's out!! :)

Welcome.

Nance

[email protected]

In a message dated 05/18/2000 6:25:07 AM !!!First Boot!!!, la1009@...
writes:

<< << I got the scope and sequence for
first grade and set out to meet those goals >>


Hi
My name is LeeAnne . I am also new to this list and to HS and Unschooling.
Where do you get the scope and sequence and what are they? I will be
starting
this fall with my 5 yr old with Kinderg.

Thanks
LeeAnne >>


Three ways I know of:

Our state (Fla) Dept of Ed has a web page on line that lists by grade and
subject a line-by-line description of what the kids are supposed to be taught.

The books "What You X Grader Should Know" by Hirsch (sp?) -- library or book
stores.

World Book (the encyclopedia people) had a listing on line.

Sometimes these are a good starting point and sanity check -- they were for
me.

Nance

Mara Winders

Hi Pris,

Did you read the article about the Fergeson family?

where in TX are you? I'm out in the West TX boonies - Levelland. can't find any
unschoolers in the area :-(

Mara


[email protected] wrote:

> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> Remember four years of good friends, bad clothes, explosive chemistry
> experiments.
> http://click.egroups.com/1/4051/7/_/448294/_/958643654/
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Message boards, timely articles, a free newsletter and more!
> Check it all out at: http://www.unschooling.com
>
> To Unsubscribe: mailto:[email protected]
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> There are 17 messages in this issue.
>
> Topics in this digest:
>
> 1. Wildlife
> From: Susan Friesen <nfriesen@...>
> 2. Hi Karen
> From: Susan Friesen <nfriesen@...>
> 3. Intro
> From: "(Lorrie Pimentel)" <Momandmore@...>
> 4. I like this one :-)
> From: "Tracy Oldfield" <Tracy@...-online.co.uk>
> 5. Re: Intro
> From: marbleface@...
> 6. Re: Intro
> From: Jaam1224@...
> 7. Re: Hi Karen
> From: "Karen Judson" <Karen@...>
> 8. Re: Intro
> From: "Karen Judson" <Karen@...>
> 9. Re: Intro
> From: Anita Bower <homequaker@...>
> 10. Re: Intro
> From: Anita Bower <homequaker@...>
> 11. New Member
> From: Renee Lester <rlester@...>
> 12. Intro
> From: "Pris" <x_t_sipr@...>
> 13. Re: New Member
> From: "ethomp" <ethomp@...>
> 14. Re: New Member
> From: "The Gernerts" <gernert@...>
> 15. Re: Intro
> From: "The Gernerts" <gernert@...>
> 16. Re: Wildlife
> From: "Lynda" <lurine@...>
> 17. Re: Intro
> From: la1009@...
>
> ________________________________________________________________________
> ________________________________________________________________________
>
> Message: 1
> Date: Wed, 17 May 2000 07:45:58 -0700
> From: Susan Friesen <nfriesen@...>
> Subject: Wildlife
>
> Hi Lynda, I enjoyed reading about all the animal and bird life near you.
> Where do you live? Sounds idyllic. I live in Santa Maria, CA now, but
> used to live in Alaska where I saw lots of wonderful wildlife.
> Take care,
> Susan, new to the unschooling list
>
> >From: "Lynda" <lurine@...>
> >Reply-To: [email protected]
> >To: <[email protected]>
> >Subject: Re: [Unschooling-dotcom]smelly turtle!
> >Date: Mon, 15 May 2000 22:35:50 -0700
> >
> >We have a red-tail hawk that lives in the gully next to us and sits on
> the
> >tippy top of the fir tree next door. Racoons are a given, onery little
>
> >pests that they are. We have bears, deer (mummy and the twins are
> >routinely on the neig
>
> ________________________________________________________________________
> ________________________________________________________________________
>
> Message: 2
> Date: Wed, 17 May 2000 07:48:38 -0700
> From: Susan Friesen <nfriesen@...>
> Subject: Hi Karen
>
> Hi Karen, I read your comments about the "lack" of wildlife in N.Z. Lots
> of Americans have the notion that N.Z. has LOTS of wildlife (including
> me! So you'll have to educate me).
> By the way, I've never seen a skink or hedgehog in the wild, so would
> find that fascinating to observe.... Are rats and mice a problem where
> you live?
> Take care, Susan, busy mom of 5, Santa Maria, CA
>
> From: Karen Judson <Karen@...>
> > > To: [email protected]
> > > Subject: Re: [Unschooling-dotcom]smelly turtle!
> > > Date: Monday, May 15, 2000 3:28 AM
> > >
> > > Hi all
> > >
> > > All this talk of the amazing things you guys can see in the wild
> and/or
> >keep
> > > as pets is making me extremely jealous! In New Zealand we only find
> >rats,
> > > mice, rabbits, hedgehogs, possums, frogs and skinks outside.
> Red-eared
> > > turtles are a pet shop item and very expensive. I remember someone
> on
> >this
>
> ________________________________________________________________________
> ________________________________________________________________________
>
> Message: 3
> Date: Wed, 17 May 2000 17:40:08 -0000
> From: "(Lorrie Pimentel)" <Momandmore@...>
> Subject: Intro
>
> Hello. My name is Lorrie. I am new to the list and to unschooling.
> I have three kids. 17 yo girl, 7 yo boy and a 10 month old boy. My
> daughter is unfortunately a victim of the system. After one year of
> ps for my 7 yo I finally had enough.
>
> So this is my first year of homeschooling. I gathered all kinds of
> information and read and read. I got the scope and sequence for
> first grade and set out to meet those goals. Well it did not take
> long to see that my son hates learning from a book and doing
> worksheets. After many days of fighting I almost gave up. Then I
> remembered reading about unschooling. So here I am.
>
> Now I don't know what I am suppose to do. My son likes not having a
> structued lesson every day but I don't feel like he's learning
> anything. I know I can teach him through everyday life but I am now
> very confused as to what I should be teaching him at this age or how
> to go about it. I always felt that reading was the most important
> thing. He knows how to read but not very well. I can't seem to find
> an approach to further his skills. One way I can get him to read is
> having a treasure hunt however, I can not supply him with a new toy
> every day so he will read.
>
> Any suggestions as to where to start or how to proceed would be
> appreciated.
>
> ________________________________________________________________________
> ________________________________________________________________________
>
> Message: 4
> Date: Wed, 17 May 2000 20:09:37 +0100
> From: "Tracy Oldfield" <Tracy@...-online.co.uk>
> Subject: I like this one :-)
>
> this was sent to another list...
>
> http://www.aleitamento.org.br/ingles/postal.htm
>
> if you like breastfeeding images, enjoy!
>
> Tracy
>
> ________________________________________________________________________
> ________________________________________________________________________
>
> Message: 5
> Date: Wed, 17 May 2000 15:09:55 EDT
> From: marbleface@...
> Subject: Re: Intro
>
> In a message dated 05/17/2000 5:43:00 PM !!!First Boot!!!, Momandmore@...
> writes:
>
> <<
> Now I don't know what I am suppose to do. My son likes not having a
> structued lesson every day but I don't feel like he's learning
> anything. I know I can teach him through everyday life but I am now
> very confused as to what I should be teaching him at this age or how
> to go about it. I always felt that reading was the most important
> thing. He knows how to read but not very well. I can't seem to find
> an approach to further his skills. One way I can get him to read is
> having a treasure hunt however, I can not supply him with a new toy
> every day so he will read.
>
> Any suggestions as to where to start or how to proceed would be
> appreciated. >>
>
> Well, what we do . . . so take it with a large grain of salt . . . is a mix
> of things.
>
> You think reading is important (who doesn't?) -- get him a library card. Let
> him pick out whatever he likes. Don't insist that he finish everything (do
> you finish everything you check out? I don't.). Talk about what he reads.
> If he wants to.
>
> I went on line and got the standards for what the ps is suppose to teach the
> kids in each grade here (not impressive but it gave me a mental health check
> and guide). I have these vaguely in the back of my mind as a rough overall
> guide. But day to day -- we do a lot of things on the computer -- from
> grammar to math to games. It all counts and it all adds to his store of
> knowledge.
>
> Also, my 7 yo is learning (still with a lot of help) how to look things up --
> in the disctionary and computer encyclopedia and on line (his favorites so
> far -- Ask Jeeves). That way he can investigate when he has a question.
>
> And there are outside lessons for things he has an interest in -- it doesn't
> all have to come from me -- and thank goodness. For example, he takes Tae
> Kwon Do and piano lessons. If you saw me (typical Mom -- no athlete) you
> would realize I'm not going to be teaching any martial arts any time soon.
> And he passed me by on the piano end of things a long time ago! So he needs
> people who know more than I do in certain areas. And my daughter takes dance
> -- she's younger so it's sort of a social thing too because I don't know how
> much she's really getting out of it but she enjoys it.
>
> Anyway, you and yours will discover things you like and include what you like
> and think you'd like to learn about and (it's OK) what you think he should
> learn about.
>
> Unschooling doesn't in any way mean, at least to me, that there is any sort
> of anti-academic atmosphere that is supposed to be happening. Just that you
> get to choose what the content should be.
>
> But day to day structure -- what little we had -- is about to go out the
> window anyway as summer quickly approaches.
>
> Good luck. I'm sure you will get it all sorted out.
>
> Nance
>
> ________________________________________________________________________
> ________________________________________________________________________
>
> Message: 6
> Date: Wed, 17 May 2000 15:43:20 EDT
> From: Jaam1224@...
> Subject: Re: Intro
>
> HI all,
> I have been lurking in the shadows for weeks now, but I thought I would step
> out and say "Thanks" for all the post and encouragments. Nance: I enjoyed
> your post!
>
> I have a 3yr and 1yr old, and plan to unschool (which are already REALLY
> doing just by living). It is nice to know how others live and incorporate
> education in their children's lives.
>
> I thought if I hang around other unschoolers, by the time my kids are
> "official" unschoolers, I may feel confident. hee hee hee.
>
> Thanks again.
> Happy Mothering,
> Julie
> Mommy to Ali and Matthew, Wife to a Great Man, Adam
> Please check out a few of my favorite sites:
> http://www.mothering.com
> http://www.AttachmentParenting.org
> http://www.LaLecheLeague.org
> http://www.naturalchild.org
> "It helps me to remember that people are more important than ideas and that
> being kind is more important than being right."
> -Peggy O'Mara, Publisher of Mothering Magazine.
>
> ________________________________________________________________________
> ________________________________________________________________________
>
> Message: 7
> Date: Thu, 18 May 2000 08:47:37 +1200
> From: "Karen Judson" <Karen@...>
> Subject: Re: Hi Karen
>
> Hi Susan
>
> BTW I'm a busy mum of 5 as well!
>
> New Zealand does have beautiful scenery and there is some pretty special
> wildlife, for example the kiwi and tuatara aren't found anywhere else. We
> don't have any native mammals in NZ at all, but we do have deer, pigs and so
> on in the wild, they are usually seen as pests and/or are hunted/farmed.
> Possums are a major pest here.
>
> Rats and mice aren't a particular problem usually. We do have two cats which
> deal with any wild ones that might be around the house. We also keep two pet
> rats which have been a lot of fun. I wasn't keen at all but they've been
> very responsive and interesting and interactive with our girls. We have had
> guineapigs in the past but they are much more timid.
>
> What I had in mind when I posted about the lack of wildlife was the bigger
> animals such as wolves, bears, lions etc as we had been watching so many
> videos about these animals both in the wild and as "pets" or semi-tame (like
> "Born Free"). And I have long liked the idea of keeping turtles but here you
> buy teeny ones from the pet shop and they are *so* expensive.
>
> New Zealand is a beautiful place and I certainly appreciate the lack of
> *dangerous* creatures here!
>
> Regards,
> Karen
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Susan Friesen" <nfriesen@...>
> To: <Karen@...>
> Cc: <[email protected]>
> Sent: Thursday, May 18, 2000 2:48 AM
> Subject: [Unschooling-dotcom] Hi Karen
>
> > Hi Karen, I read your comments about the "lack" of wildlife in N.Z. Lots
> > of Americans have the notion that N.Z. has LOTS of wildlife (including
> > me! So you'll have to educate me).
> > By the way, I've never seen a skink or hedgehog in the wild, so would
> > find that fascinating to observe.... Are rats and mice a problem where
> > you live?
> > Take care, Susan, busy mom of 5, Santa Maria, CA
> >
> > From: Karen Judson <Karen@...>
> > > > To: [email protected]
> > > > Subject: Re: [Unschooling-dotcom]smelly turtle!
> > > > Date: Monday, May 15, 2000 3:28 AM
> > > >
> > > > Hi all
> > > >
> > > > All this talk of the amazing things you guys can see in the wild
> > and/or
> > >keep
> > > > as pets is making me extremely jealous! In New Zealand we only find
> > >rats,
> > > > mice, rabbits, hedgehogs, possums, frogs and skinks outside.
> > Red-eared
> > > > turtles are a pet shop item and very expensive. I remember someone
> > on
> > >this
> >
> >
> > ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> > Would you like to save big on your phone bill -- and keep on saving
> > more each month? Join beMANY! Our huge buying group gives you Long
> Distance
> > rates which fall monthly, plus an extra $60 in FREE calls!
> > http://click.egroups.com/1/2567/7/_/448294/_/958574971/
> > ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> >
> > Message boards, timely articles, a free newsletter and more!
> > Check it all out at: http://www.unschooling.com
> >
> > To Unsubscribe: mailto:[email protected]
> >
> >
>
> ________________________________________________________________________
> ________________________________________________________________________
>
> Message: 8
> Date: Thu, 18 May 2000 09:59:07 +1200
> From: "Karen Judson" <Karen@...>
> Subject: Re: Intro
>
> Hi and welcome Lorrie
>
> My approach to the reading is to read aloud to the children rather than be
> trying to jolly them along into doing it for themselves.
>
> I try to read all sorts of stuff to them (newspaper articles, picture books,
> chapter books, National Geographics, reference books, poetry). I find they
> can handle books way beyond their "reading age" or own reading ability but
> to stop it getting too heavy I intersperse with lighter stuff. Sometimes we
> read two or three chapter books at the same time, it keeps me from flagging
> and keeps up the interest better (we have five kids aged 3 to 10). If they
> are around when I read the newspaper and start asking questions about photos
> or headlines I read bits aloud to them. I want them to know by experience
> that reading is both fun and a way to find out things.
>
> As much as possible I let them choose what we read and because there are
> five of them we cover a lot of different ground. We also have quite a lot of
> books and stories on tape which are great in the car or for quiet times or
> for when I'm not available to read to them.
>
> My 10 year old daughter is an avid reader but still enjoys being read to,
> also she is starting to share the reading aloud job. My eight year old
> daughter has the phonics basics and can sound out words but it doesn't
> "flow" for her yet. She is starting to bring things to me more now to show
> me that she can read the title or whatever. Our attitude is that it will
> happen for her and not to stress about it. I am noticing differences between
> the two girls in that the first is very interested in stories, the second is
> more interested in finding out information that she needs for a particular
> reason.
>
> I am looking forward to hearing what others on this list will have to say in
> answer to your questions.
>
> All the best,
> Karen
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "(Lorrie Pimentel)" <Momandmore@...>
> To: <[email protected]>
> Sent: Thursday, May 18, 2000 5:40 AM
> Subject: [Unschooling-dotcom] Intro
>
> > Hello. My name is Lorrie. I am new to the list and to unschooling.
> > I have three kids. 17 yo girl, 7 yo boy and a 10 month old boy. My
> > daughter is unfortunately a victim of the system. After one year of
> > ps for my 7 yo I finally had enough.
> >
> > So this is my first year of homeschooling. I gathered all kinds of
> > information and read and read. I got the scope and sequence for
> > first grade and set out to meet those goals. Well it did not take
> > long to see that my son hates learning from a book and doing
> > worksheets. After many days of fighting I almost gave up. Then I
> > remembered reading about unschooling. So here I am.
> >
> > Now I don't know what I am suppose to do. My son likes not having a
> > structued lesson every day but I don't feel like he's learning
> > anything. I know I can teach him through everyday life but I am now
> > very confused as to what I should be teaching him at this age or how
> > to go about it. I always felt that reading was the most important
> > thing. He knows how to read but not very well. I can't seem to find
> > an approach to further his skills. One way I can get him to read is
> > having a treasure hunt however, I can not supply him with a new toy
> > every day so he will read.
> >
> > Any suggestions as to where to start or how to proceed would be
> > appreciated.
> >
>
> ________________________________________________________________________
> ________________________________________________________________________
>
> Message: 9
> Date: Wed, 17 May 2000 21:50:08 -0400
> From: Anita Bower <homequaker@...>
> Subject: Re: Intro
>
> Welcome to unschooling, Lorrie!
>
> You will find your way as you go along. Trial and error is a great teacher.
>
> My son didn't do much reading until age 9. But, we read to him constantly!
> MOrning, noon and night, and in between. Fiction, non-fiction, science
> fiction, fantasy, etc. He is now 11, and we still read to him, morning and
> night. We all love it! Usually my husband reads him one book, and I read
> him another, and, now that he reads regularly, he reads another. Sometimes
> we even have a fourth book going for family reading aloud time.
>
> We always read books on topics my son was interested in. We use the
> library heavily.
>
> As a result of listening to all this reading aloud, his vocabulary is
> fabulous and he has a great sense of proper grammar.
>
> My son started reading for pleasure by reading "Calvin and Hobbes" and
> "Garfield" collections. We have them all. (I never anticipated spending
> money on comic collections!) He still likes to re-read them repeatedly at
> bedtime.
>
> How does you son learn? Observe him and find out.
>
> My son absorbs info from PBS specials like NOVA. Tonight he watched a
> special on the Hindenbergh disaster, then came in and explained the whole
> thing to us in detail. I was impressed.
>
> At age 7 my son loved to build with Legos, loved to pretend and tell me
> stories about his pretend characters. I think developing the imagination
> is most important.
>
> This is a start. Feel free to ask questions. I look forward tocomments
> from others.
>
> Anita
>
> Homeschooling Mom
> Nottingham, PA
>
> "Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate,
> Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure."
> Nelson Mandela Inaugural Speech, 1994
>
> ________________________________________________________________________
> ________________________________________________________________________
>
> Message: 10
> Date: Wed, 17 May 2000 21:54:27 -0400
> From: Anita Bower <homequaker@...>
> Subject: Re: Intro
>
> Another thouoght.
>
> I used to think, and periodically still think, that my son isn't learning
> anything.
>
> Here is the cure: Keep a daily journal or log or notes of what he does and
> learns for a week or two. That should show you how much learning is going on.
>
> Anita
>
> Homeschooling Mom
> Nottingham, PA
>
> "Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate,
> Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure."
> Nelson Mandela Inaugural Speech, 1994
>
> ________________________________________________________________________
> ________________________________________________________________________
>
> Message: 11
> Date: Wed, 17 May 2000 22:38:47 -0400 (EDT)
> From: Renee Lester <rlester@...>
> Subject: New Member
>
> Hi everyone. I just subbed to this list yesterday. I am very
> new to homeschooling, and don't really feel like I have a "niche".
> I probably have come to this in a different way from a lot of
> people. We have a son, almost 7, with a unique combination of
> challenges and gifts. We have tried to find the right placement for
> him in school. There isn't one. He learns best on his own, in his own
> time and way--which often involves climbing all over the place while
> he is learning. Whenever he is under stress he acts out behaviorally,
> and at school he does that a lot.
>
> We were having so many problems that we met with the school and had
> him officially switched to half days. Things seemed to be better for
> a while, and then he couldn't make the transition back to school
> after spring break. So actually we are not even officially homeschooling
> yet, we are on "home instruction".
>
> My head is spinning! I went from thinking about maybe homeschooling him
> next year, to having him home full time *now* without having time to
> get my bearings, develop a support network, etc. I have found out
> where the groups are and have attended a couple of meetings. The
> thing is, when my son was starting school, it was somebody's *job*
> to help me out, show me the ropes, etc. Homeschooling by nature is
> a lot of people doing their own thing for their own reasons, and they
> get together and form friendships, plan activities, etc. But there
> doesn't seem to be a "welcoming committee" I am not saying that people
> haven't been nice, it is just a rough transition into uncharted territories,
> and I am really feeling "on my own".
>
> So anyway, there are lots of issues. I was not *planning* to do this,
> but it became apparent to me that it was the only choice. I need to
> find a way to do this and still get my own needs for solitude and self-
> determination met. And I need a peer group. Or something. I also
> feel like an "outsider" among homeschoolers because I *do* hope that
> my other child can go to school, as I hoped that my son would. It's
> just that I knew when it was time to take him out for the benefit
> of everyone involved.
>
> Rambling, I guess, but also hoping that someone can relate...
>
> Renee
>
> ________________________________________________________________________
> ________________________________________________________________________
>
> Message: 12
> Date: Wed, 17 May 2000 22:01:34 -0500
> From: "Pris" <x_t_sipr@...>
> Subject: Intro
>
> Hi everyone ...
>
> I'm a SAHM from TX and I've h-s'd my dss (11/9) for 3 yrs ... we've had a
> *wonderful* experience, that is, until recently, the natives are getting
> R~E~S~T~L~E~S~S ... I've noticed lately we're all complaining about the same
> basic points; we're all *SICK* of workbooks, sick of replicating school @
> home, and I'm sick of hovering over the boys while they work @ their desks
> ~> *there's just gotta be a better way*!!!
>
> several wks ago, my sister sent me an newspaper article about an
> *unschooling* fm and she thought I might be *intrigued* ... honest to Pete,
> I don't know the first thing about unschooling but I found the article to be
> like a breath of fresh air; *SUCH A RELIEF*!!! last night I was poking
> around the e-groups b/c I wanted to find a good group of unschoolers that I
> could *gleam* from ...
>
> happy day ...
> Pris
>
> ________________________________________________________________________
> ________________________________________________________________________
>
> Message: 13
> Date: Wed, 17 May 2000 23:03:23 -0500
> From: "ethomp" <ethomp@...>
> Subject: Re: New Member
>
> Hi Renee!
>
> Welcome to the list, and to homeschooling. My name is Liz, and I just
> started this myself as well. I haven't even started teaching my kids yet,
> that will take place next beginning in the fall. However, I can fully
> relate to you. When a person decides to take that step to homeschool, they
> ARE stepping into uncharted territory (at least for themselves). I also
> thought the same thing, that there was no "welcoming" committee....it would
> have helped to have someone take me by the hand and "show" me what to do.
> But, of course, there's no such thing. However, I have found this email
> list to be very beneficial, and things seem to be falling into place. I get
> bits and pieces of information to put together, but basically it's a "figure
> it out for yourself" thing, because only you know what is best for your
> individual child.
>
> I have 4 children ages 4,5,10 and 12 that I will begin homeschooling next
> year. I have just decided that I've had enough of school violence. Also my
> oldest son is ahead of his grade. In the second grade, he could do algebra
> in his head. He is now in the sixth grade, and after 4 years of talking to
> teachers (and others), I can't get anyone to advance and challenge him. My
> 5 year old is NOT ready for socialization with other kids. She thinks
> EVERYTHING should be her way. So these are my reasons for deciding to
> homeschool, and I'm sure it's the right choice for myself.
>
> Try not to let it over-whelm you. I've been doing the same thing myself,
> and I find it difficult to concentrate and put things together myself when I
> stress out....I lose all focus, and make things worse. And it's not that
> bad at all. If you need someone to talk to, feel free to contact me. I
> wish you all the best!
>
> Liz
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Renee Lester <rlester@...>
> To: <[email protected]>
> Sent: Wednesday, May 17, 2000 9:38 PM
> Subject: [Unschooling-dotcom] New Member
>
> > Hi everyone. I just subbed to this list yesterday. I am very
> > new to homeschooling, and don't really feel like I have a "niche".
> > I probably have come to this in a different way from a lot of
> > people. We have a son, almost 7, with a unique combination of
> > challenges and gifts. We have tried to find the right placement for
> > him in school. There isn't one. He learns best on his own, in his own
> > time and way--which often involves climbing all over the place while
> > he is learning. Whenever he is under stress he acts out behaviorally,
> > and at school he does that a lot.
> >
> > We were having so many problems that we met with the school and had
> > him officially switched to half days. Things seemed to be better for
> > a while, and then he couldn't make the transition back to school
> > after spring break. So actually we are not even officially homeschooling
> > yet, we are on "home instruction".
> >
> > My head is spinning! I went from thinking about maybe homeschooling him
> > next year, to having him home full time *now* without having time to
> > get my bearings, develop a support network, etc. I have found out
> > where the groups are and have attended a couple of meetings. The
> > thing is, when my son was starting school, it was somebody's *job*
> > to help me out, show me the ropes, etc. Homeschooling by nature is
> > a lot of people doing their own thing for their own reasons, and they
> > get together and form friendships, plan activities, etc. But there
> > doesn't seem to be a "welcoming committee" I am not saying that people
> > haven't been nice, it is just a rough transition into uncharted
> territories,
> > and I am really feeling "on my own".
> >
> > So anyway, there are lots of issues. I was not *planning* to do this,
> > but it became apparent to me that it was the only choice. I need to
> > find a way to do this and still get my own needs for solitude and self-
> > determination met. And I need a peer group. Or something. I also
> > feel like an "outsider" among homeschoolers because I *do* hope that
> > my other child can go to school, as I hoped that my son would. It's
> > just that I knew when it was time to take him out for the benefit
> > of everyone involved.
> >
> > Rambling, I guess, but also hoping that someone can relate...
> >
> > Renee
> >
> >
> >
> > ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> > Free Music: Take it with you! Diamond Rio MP3 Players
> > 2 hours of play-time as low as $205.95 at eGroups' Group Buying
> > http://click.egroups.com/1/4186/7/_/448294/_/958618551/
> > ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> >
> > Message boards, timely articles, a free newsletter and more!
> > Check it all out at: http://www.unschooling.com
> >
> > To Unsubscribe: mailto:[email protected]
> >
>
> ________________________________________________________________________
> ________________________________________________________________________
>
> Message: 14
> Date: Thu, 18 May 2000 00:21:07 -0400
> From: "The Gernerts" <gernert@...>
> Subject: Re: New Member
>
> On 17 May 2000, at 22:38, Renee Lester wrote:
>
> Renee,
>
> I am new here too and this is my first year homeschooling. My advice
> to you is to relax. You don't have to do this perfectly, or even
> anyway that someone else thinks you should. I just got done reading
> the book the Relaxed Homeschool by Mary Hood. It is excellent and
> will help you not to panic. Since it is so close to the end of the year, I
> would jsut take the rest of the time to relax, read, play, read, and have
> fun. The part I like best about hs my girls is having gotten to know
> them so much better than when they were in school. Just spend time
> together. You might want to check out eh libraries and playgrounds
> during the day to casually meet others who might be hsing. You might
> start seeing school age kids more than you realized.
>
> Just my two cents,
> Tarla
>
> > Hi everyone. I just subbed to this list yesterday. I am very
> > new to homeschooling, and don't really feel like I have a "niche".
> > I probably have come to this in a different way from a lot of
> > people. We have a son, almost 7, with a unique combination of
> > challenges and gifts. We have tried to find the right placement for
> > him in school. There isn't one. He learns best on his own, in his own
> > time and way--which often involves climbing all over the place while
> > he is learning. Whenever he is under stress he acts out behaviorally,
> > and at school he does that a lot.
> >
> > We were having so many problems that we met with the school and had
> > him officially switched to half days. Things seemed to be better for
> > a while, and then he couldn't make the transition back to school
> > after spring break. So actually we are not even officially homeschooling
> > yet, we are on "home instruction".
> >
> > My head is spinning! I went from thinking about maybe homeschooling him
> > next year, to having him home full time *now* without having time to
> > get my bearings, develop a support network, etc. I have found out
> > where the groups are and have attended a couple of meetings. The
> > thing is, when my son was starting school, it was somebody's *job*
> > to help me out, show me the ropes, etc. Homeschooling by nature is
> > a lot of people doing their own thing for their own reasons, and they
> > get together and form friendships, plan activities, etc. But there
> > doesn't seem to be a "welcoming committee" I am not saying that people
> > haven't been nice, it is just a rough transition into uncharted territories,
> > and I am really feeling "on my own".
> >
> > So anyway, there are lots of issues. I was not *planning* to do this,
> > but it became apparent to me that it was the only choice. I need to
> > find a way to do this and still get my own needs for solitude and self-
> > determination met. And I need a peer group. Or something. I also
> > feel like an "outsider" among homeschoolers because I *do* hope that
> > my other child can go to school, as I hoped that my son would. It's
> > just that I knew when it was time to take him out for the benefit
> > of everyone involved.
> >
> > Rambling, I guess, but also hoping that someone can relate...
> >
> > Renee
> >
> >
> >
> > ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> > Free Music: Take it with you! Diamond Rio MP3 Players
> > 2 hours of play-time as low as $205.95 at eGroups' Group Buying
> > http://click.egroups.com/1/4186/7/_/448294/_/958618551/
> > ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> >
> > Message boards, timely articles, a free newsletter and more!
> > Check it all out at: http://www.unschooling.com
> >
> > To Unsubscribe: mailto:[email protected]
> >
> >
>
> ------------
> Keith G.
>
> ________________________________________________________________________
> ________________________________________________________________________
>
> Message: 15
> Date: Thu, 18 May 2000 00:21:07 -0400
> From: "The Gernerts" <gernert@...>
> Subject: Re: Intro
>
> On 17 May 2000, at 22:01, Pris wrote:
>
> Your experience sounds just like mine. I 'discovered' unschooling
> about two months ago. I have read some great books that have really
> helped. The Relaxed Homeschool by Mary Hood is very easy to
> read and very good. I enjoyed Dumbing us Down by John Gatto, not
> as easy to read, but very eye opening about the wrongness of
> compulsory school and duplicating school-at-home. I am now
> reading books by John Holt and am enjoying them greatly.
>
> I know this is right for my family, I just hope I can resist the
> temptation of going back to the workbooks.
>
> Tarla
>
> > Hi everyone ...
> >
> > I'm a SAHM from TX and I've h-s'd my dss (11/9) for 3 yrs ... we've had a
> > *wonderful* experience, that is, until recently, the natives are getting
> > R~E~S~T~L~E~S~S ... I've noticed lately we're all complaining about the same
> > basic points; we're all *SICK* of workbooks, sick of replicating school @
> > home, and I'm sick of hovering over the boys while they work @ their desks
> > ~> *there's just gotta be a better way*!!!
> >
> > several wks ago, my sister sent me an newspaper article about an
> > *unschooling* fm and she thought I might be *intrigued* ... honest to Pete,
> > I don't know the first thing about unschooling but I found the article to be
> > like a breath of fresh air; *SUCH A RELIEF*!!! last night I was poking
> > around the e-groups b/c I wanted to find a good group of unschoolers that I
> > could *gleam* from ...
> >
> > happy day ...
> > Pris
> >
> >
> > ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> > Miss your friends from college?
> > Join beMANY and pay less each month for long distance.
> > http://click.egroups.com/1/4128/7/_/448294/_/958618748/
> > ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> >
> > Message boards, timely articles, a free newsletter and more!
> > Check it all out at: http://www.unschooling.com
> >
> > To Unsubscribe: mailto:[email protected]
> >
> >
>
> ________________________________________________________________________
> ________________________________________________________________________
>
> Message: 16
> Date: Wed, 17 May 2000 22:53:59 -0700
> From: "Lynda" <lurine@...>
> Subject: Re: Wildlife
>
> Hello, Susan. Welcome to unschooling. We live in Humboldt County, Eureka
> to be exact. Hwy 101 runs right through
> the middle of town. Speaking of wildlife, right now we have about a
> half-dozen gray whales playing tourist in the bay. Sometimes I think we
> should write all the critters "thank-you" notes because of all the
> unschooling adventures they have precipitated.
>
> Lynda
> ----------
>
> > Hi Lynda, I enjoyed reading about all the animal and bird life near you.
> > Where do you live? Sounds idyllic. I live in Santa Maria, CA now, but
> > used to live in Alaska where I saw lots of wonderful wildlife.
> > Take care,
> > Susan, new to the unschooling list
> >
>
> ________________________________________________________________________
> ________________________________________________________________________
>
> Message: 17
> Date: Thu, 18 May 2000 02:24:11 EDT
> From: la1009@...
> Subject: Re: Intro
>
> In a message dated 5/17/2000 10:41:17 AM Pacific Daylight Time,
> Momandmore@... writes:
>
> << I got the scope and sequence for
> first grade and set out to meet those goals >>
>
> Hi
> My name is LeeAnne . I am also new to this list and to HS and Unschooling.
> Where do you get the scope and sequence and what are they? I will be starting
> this fall with my 5 yr old with Kinderg.
>
> Thanks
> LeeAnne
>
> ________________________________________________________________________
> ________________________________________________________________________

Pris

thanks for the welcome everyone ... I've learned so much in the past day ...
thank you, thank you, thank you :)

Tarla, it's funny you should mention Mary Hood's book b/c yesterday my
library b/g a search via interlib loan <smiles> ... I sure hope they're
successful in locating this b/c I can't wait to get started reading it,
otherwise, I'll buy it from Barnes/Noble or Borders ...

<Did you read the article about the Fergeson family? where in TX are you?
I'm out in the West TX boonies - Levelland. can't find any unschoolers in
the area :-( Mara >

Mara, we live outside San Antonio, in the *burbs* ... I'm native Txn but
I'm not familiar w/ Levelland??? are you
near Abilene???, Lubbock???, Del Rio???, Marfa??? (naaaaahhhh, there'z
nothing out Marfa way!!! hehe) ... SA has a # of traditional h-s groups
but I'm not familiar w/ any unschoolers, so we're in the same boat as your
fm; going *solo* ... yes, my sis sent me the article about Holly Furgeson
(no relation, we spell our name correctly, haha) ... honestly, this article
*snagged* me (if that makes any sense) ... after reading it, I had such a
sense of *FREEDOM* simliar to the day I realized I could do a better job w/
my dss @ home than the ps system was doing; thanks for *nothing*... yes,
*freedom* is the only way I can describe the feeling ... NOW, to learn
exactly what *that* means is my new goal in life <VBG>

lets see, wild critters??? nothing in south TX except for rattlesnakes!!!
*ACK* thankfully, I've NEVER met up w/ any :}

have a great day everyone ...
Pris




----- Original Message -----
From: The Gernerts <gernert@...>
To: <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, May 17, 2000 11:21 PM
Subject: Re: [Unschooling-dotcom] Intro


> On 17 May 2000, at 22:01, Pris wrote:
>
> Your experience sounds just like mine. I 'discovered' unschooling
> about two months ago. I have read some great books that have really
> helped. The Relaxed Homeschool by Mary Hood is very easy to
> read and very good. I enjoyed Dumbing us Down by John Gatto, not
> as easy to read, but very eye opening about the wrongness of
> compulsory school and duplicating school-at-home. I am now
> reading books by John Holt and am enjoying them greatly.
>
> I know this is right for my family, I just hope I can resist the
> temptation of going back to the workbooks.
>
> Tarla

David Albert

The Gernerts wrote:

> On 17 May 2000, at 22:01, Pris wrote:
>
> Your experience sounds just like mine. I 'discovered' unschooling
> about two months ago. I have read some great books that have really
> helped. The Relaxed Homeschool by Mary Hood is very easy to
> read and very good. I enjoyed Dumbing us Down by John Gatto, not
> as easy to read, but very eye opening about the wrongness of
> compulsory school and duplicating school-at-home. I am now
> reading books by John Holt and am enjoying them greatly.
>
> I know this is right for my family, I just hope I can resist the
> temptation of going back to the workbooks.
>
> Tarla
>
> > Hi everyone ...
> >
> > I'm a SAHM from TX and I've h-s'd my dss (11/9) for 3 yrs ... we've had a
> > *wonderful* experience, that is, until recently, the natives are getting
> > R~E~S~T~L~E~S~S ... I've noticed lately we're all complaining about the same
> > basic points; we're all *SICK* of workbooks, sick of replicating school @
> > home, and I'm sick of hovering over the boys while they work @ their desks
> > ~> *there's just gotta be a better way*!!!

I'd also recommend Nancy Wallace's "Child's Work: Taking Children's Choices
Seriously."

David


--
"And the Skylark Sings with Me" is to homeschooling what Tom Paine's "Common
Sense" was to the American Revolution."--Greg Bates, Common Courage Press. To read
a sample chapter or the foreword, and to get information about ordering a signed
copy, visit www.skylarksings.com or send an e-mail to shantinik@...

Pris

thanks for the book suggestions, David ... I'm taking notes as I read my
e-ms ...

happy evening ...
Pris

> I'd also recommend Nancy Wallace's "Child's Work: Taking Children's
Choices
> Seriously."
>
> David
> --
> "And the Skylark Sings with Me" is to homeschooling what Tom Paine's
"Common
> Sense" was to the American Revolution."--Greg Bates, Common Courage Press.
To read
> a sample chapter or the foreword, and to get information about ordering a
signed
> copy, visit www.skylarksings.com or send an e-mail to
shantinik@...

Sonia Ulan

Hi Lisa,

Another Canadian, eh? Welcome aboard! I'm in Saskatoon, where are you?

Sonia


Lisa wrote:
>
> Hi everyone! I've been lurking for a while, but thought it was time to introduce myself. I am a full time mom, writer and web designer. We have been learning with our kids at home for 6 years, and started unschooling "officially" last year. So far, we love it, though sometimes I worry. It's hard to let go and just trust that they will pursue their interests without me leading them each step of the way. :-)
>
> I wanted to mention a website that some of you might find interesting. It's a women's website, though a lot of men visit there as well. They have lots of great info on just about every topic you can think of, but the best part of the site is the discussion forums. They have several "homeschooling" forums, as well as an unschooling forum.
>
> Links are below:
>
> http://www.mrssurvival.com/
>
> And a direct link to the discussion forums:
> http://www.mrssurvival.com/cgi-bin/ubb/Ultimate.cgi
>
> It's nice to meet you all!
>
> Lisa in Canada
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> Get a NextCard Visa, in 30 seconds!
> 1. Fill in the brief application
> 2. Receive approval decision within 30 seconds
> 3. Get rates as low as 2.9% Intro or 9.9% Fixed APR
> http://click.egroups.com/1/5211/7/_/448294/_/961001759/
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Message boards, timely articles, a free newsletter and more!
> Check it all out at: http://www.unschooling.com
>
> To Unsubscribe: mailto:[email protected]

Debra Caruso

HI lisa :) My name is Deb and I live in Southern Va.I have 4 sons,2 are
grown,and 2 are home.18 year old is doing college and high at the same
time.YOungest has tourettes,and will be doing a very
unstructured,natural learning from now on at home...Deb in Va

Lisa wrote:
>
> Hi everyone! I've been lurking for a while, but thought it was time to introduce myself. I am a full time mom, writer and web designer. We have been learning with our kids at home for 6 years, and started unschooling "officially" last year. So far, we love it, though sometimes I worry. It's hard to let go and just trust that they will pursue their interests without me leading them each step of the way. :-)
>
> I wanted to mention a website that some of you might find interesting. It's a women's website, though a lot of men visit there as well. They have lots of great info on just about every topic you can think of, but the best part of the site is the discussion forums. They have several "homeschooling" forums, as well as an unschooling forum.
>
> Links are below:
>
> http://www.mrssurvival.com/
>
> And a direct link to the discussion forums:
> http://www.mrssurvival.com/cgi-bin/ubb/Ultimate.cgi
>
> It's nice to meet you all!
>
> Lisa in Canada
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> Get a NextCard Visa, in 30 seconds!
> 1. Fill in the brief application
> 2. Receive approval decision within 30 seconds
> 3. Get rates as low as 2.9% Intro or 9.9% Fixed APR
> http://click.egroups.com/1/5211/7/_/448294/_/961001759/
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Message boards, timely articles, a free newsletter and more!
> Check it all out at: http://www.unschooling.com
>
> To Unsubscribe: mailto:[email protected]

. Chandler

hi,

my name is chandler, and am new to this group, is anyone from seattle
washington?


>From: Debra Caruso <mama@...>
>Reply-To: [email protected]
>To: [email protected]
>Subject: Re: [Unschooling-dotcom] Intro
>Date: Wed, 14 Jun 2000 13:22:07 -0400
>
>HI lisa :) My name is Deb and I live in Southern Va.I have 4 sons,2 are
>grown,and 2 are home.18 year old is doing college and high at the same
>time.YOungest has tourettes,and will be doing a very
>unstructured,natural learning from now on at home...Deb in Va
>
>Lisa wrote:
> >
> > Hi everyone! I've been lurking for a while, but thought it was time to
>introduce myself. I am a full time mom, writer and web designer. We have
>been learning with our kids at home for 6 years, and started unschooling
>"officially" last year. So far, we love it, though sometimes I worry. It's
>hard to let go and just trust that they will pursue their interests without
>me leading them each step of the way. :-)
> >
> > I wanted to mention a website that some of you might find interesting.
>It's a women's website, though a lot of men visit there as well. They have
>lots of great info on just about every topic you can think of, but the best
>part of the site is the discussion forums. They have several
>"homeschooling" forums, as well as an unschooling forum.
> >
> > Links are below:
> >
> > http://www.mrssurvival.com/
> >
> > And a direct link to the discussion forums:
> > http://www.mrssurvival.com/cgi-bin/ubb/Ultimate.cgi
> >
> > It's nice to meet you all!
> >
> > Lisa in Canada
> >
> > ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> > Get a NextCard Visa, in 30 seconds!
> > 1. Fill in the brief application
> > 2. Receive approval decision within 30 seconds
> > 3. Get rates as low as 2.9% Intro or 9.9% Fixed APR
> > http://click.egroups.com/1/5211/7/_/448294/_/961001759/
> > ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> >
> > Message boards, timely articles, a free newsletter and more!
> > Check it all out at: http://www.unschooling.com
> >
> > To Unsubscribe: mailto:[email protected]

________________________________________________________________________
Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at http://www.hotmail.com

CA Nelson

Re: [Unschooling-dotcom] Intro Hi Chandler!
   I have a nephew by that name! Sorry, I'm not from the Seattle area. I'm from the Midwest - South Dakota. Just wanted to welcome you.

--
Amy Nelson
Mama to Accalia (6/14/99)
"The hardest to learn was the least complicated." - The Indigo Girls

hi,

my name is chandler, and am new to this group, is anyone from seattle
washington?

Tanyia Deskins

Hi evryone :)

I wanted to introduce my self, I am a new member not only to this
group, but unschooling as well. I am starting this summer, with a 7
year old, and I also have a 2 year old whom I am sure will be hanging
around. I am very excited about this as is my daughter. We look
forward to any suggestions we may get from this group, or great
ideas, like the rain painting. So hello :)
Tanyia

[email protected]

In a message dated 06/29/2000 12:46:50 AM !!!First Boot!!!,
cathie_98@... writes:

<< I have had alot more fun writing this one than any other I have
ever done!

Bright Blessings
Cathie

>>


I had a lot of fun reading it! What an amazing and full life you have! Good
to meet you!

Nance

Bonnie Painter

Welcome Cathie and I just have one thing to say to you - most of the people
(if not all) on the Leno Jaywalking session probably came from the public
school system :)


>From: "Cathie _" <cathie_98@...>
>Reply-To: [email protected]
>To: [email protected]
>Subject: [Unschooling-dotcom] Intro
>Date: Wed, 28 Jun 2000 17:08:12 PDT
>
>
>
>Hello. My name is Cathie. I've been lurking for almost 36 hours, and heres
>my take on the current topics-quite a diverse and interesting group you
>have
>here!
>
>I cannot stand Dr. Laura-can't defend my postition as I have never been
>able
>to listen to her for more than a few minutes.
>
>I do not spank, tried it when my kids were little, found it to be
>ineffective. I have always gotten much better results from giving them some
>extra individual attention and some hugging.
>
>I have been SAHM, full time working mom, worked part time, worked temporary
>jobs. I have had my kids in public school, day care center(very briefly),
>another womans home day care, and with sitters in my home. For a while my
>husband was SAHD-although he couldn't take it for long! I cannot leave an
>infant with a sitter or daycare, but I do not think it is so bad on a part
>time basis for kids a bit older. Many of the kids like to go to a different
>place to play, and to see the other kids, and with a secure base from us
>attentive, bonded Moms and Dads they are free and confident to go off
>without us for a time. For me, personally, working part time outside my
>home
>gives me time away, a schedule of my own that people have to pay attention
>to, some actual real time adult contact, and money for a few of the things
>I
>need and some of the things I want. Including vices.
>
>I breast fed all 5 of my kids, although I had a rule that I would stop at
>age 1 just so I wouldn't have a 5 year old pulling up my shirt later on. I
>love coffee. And junk food.
>
>After years of alienating people with a know-it-all attitude, I have
>learned
>that most people do not want to hear how I think they should live their
>lives, so I give my opinion when it is asked for, offer my help if they
>want
>it, and leave it up to them. And try not to judge as I think narrow minded
>judgemental people are the pits.
>
>I also unschool 5 kids, ages 15, 13, 11, 9, and 3. I am convinced it is the
>best way to learn, although as a product of public education it is me who
>has had the hardest time de-schooling and I go through regular periods of
>doubt where I think we should do school or they will never learn to spell
>or
>pass Jay Leno's Jaywalking segments. I am getting over these periods much
>more quickly after 2 years, so now when I get the urge, I know to plan some
>schooly type thing that will be done in an hour or two, cause by then I
>will
>be over it.
>
>My dd says this intro sounds angry-hope it doesn't come across that way to
>all of you. I have had alot more fun writing this one than any other I have
>ever done!
>
>Bright Blessings
>Cathie
>
>
>
>
>________________________________________________________________________
>Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at http://www.hotmail.com
>

________________________________________________________________________
Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at http://www.hotmail.com

Lynda

Hi, and welcome. Tell your daughter not to worry. Well, not too much <g>
I thought your intro was, geez, I'm brain dead tonight and descriptive
words have deserted me, kinda reflective of an upbeat personality, maybe???

Lynda

----------
> From: Cathie _ <cathie_98@...>
> To: [email protected]
> Subject: [Unschooling-dotcom] Intro
> Date: Wednesday, June 28, 2000 5:08 PM
>
>
>
> Hello. My name is Cathie. I've been lurking for almost 36 hours, and
heres
> my take on the current topics-quite a diverse and interesting group you
have
> here!
>
> I cannot stand Dr. Laura-can't defend my postition as I have never been
able
> to listen to her for more than a few minutes.
>
> I do not spank, tried it when my kids were little, found it to be
> ineffective. I have always gotten much better results from giving them
some
> extra individual attention and some hugging.
>
> I have been SAHM, full time working mom, worked part time, worked
temporary
> jobs. I have had my kids in public school, day care center(very briefly),

> another womans home day care, and with sitters in my home. For a while my

> husband was SAHD-although he couldn't take it for long! I cannot leave an

> infant with a sitter or daycare, but I do not think it is so bad on a
part
> time basis for kids a bit older. Many of the kids like to go to a
different
> place to play, and to see the other kids, and with a secure base from us
> attentive, bonded Moms and Dads they are free and confident to go off
> without us for a time. For me, personally, working part time outside my
home
> gives me time away, a schedule of my own that people have to pay
attention
> to, some actual real time adult contact, and money for a few of the
things I
> need and some of the things I want. Including vices.
>
> I breast fed all 5 of my kids, although I had a rule that I would stop at

> age 1 just so I wouldn't have a 5 year old pulling up my shirt later on.
I
> love coffee. And junk food.
>
> After years of alienating people with a know-it-all attitude, I have
learned
> that most people do not want to hear how I think they should live their
> lives, so I give my opinion when it is asked for, offer my help if they
want
> it, and leave it up to them. And try not to judge as I think narrow
minded
> judgemental people are the pits.
>
> I also unschool 5 kids, ages 15, 13, 11, 9, and 3. I am convinced it is
the
> best way to learn, although as a product of public education it is me who

> has had the hardest time de-schooling and I go through regular periods of

> doubt where I think we should do school or they will never learn to spell
or
> pass Jay Leno's Jaywalking segments. I am getting over these periods much

> more quickly after 2 years, so now when I get the urge, I know to plan
some
> schooly type thing that will be done in an hour or two, cause by then I
will
> be over it.
>
> My dd says this intro sounds angry-hope it doesn't come across that way
to
> all of you. I have had alot more fun writing this one than any other I
have
> ever done!
>
> Bright Blessings
> Cathie
>
>
>
>
> ________________________________________________________________________
> Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at http://www.hotmail.com
>
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> Want insight into hot IPOs, investing strategies and stocks to watch?
> Red Herring FREE newsletters provide strategic analysis for investors.
> http://click.egroups.com/1/5176/14/_/448294/_/962237293/
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Message boards, timely articles, a free newsletter and more!
> Check it all out at: http://www.unschooling.com
>
> To Unsubscribe: mailto:[email protected]
>

Lynda

Everytime I see one of those segments I think of the Titus show, "a product
of the California public school system" which is a phrase used frequently
to describe some really DUMB behavior!

Lynda

----------
> From: Bonnie Painter <bonniepainter@...>
> To: [email protected]
> Subject: Re: [Unschooling-dotcom] Intro
> Date: Wednesday, June 28, 2000 7:34 PM
>
> Welcome Cathie and I just have one thing to say to you - most of the
people
> (if not all) on the Leno Jaywalking session probably came from the public

> school system :)
>
>
> >From: "Cathie _" <cathie_98@...>
> >Reply-To: [email protected]
> >To: [email protected]
> >Subject: [Unschooling-dotcom] Intro
> >Date: Wed, 28 Jun 2000 17:08:12 PDT
> >
> >
> >
> >Hello. My name is Cathie. I've been lurking for almost 36 hours, and
heres
> >my take on the current topics-quite a diverse and interesting group you
> >have
> >here!
> >
> >I cannot stand Dr. Laura-can't defend my postition as I have never been
> >able
> >to listen to her for more than a few minutes.
> >
> >I do not spank, tried it when my kids were little, found it to be
> >ineffective. I have always gotten much better results from giving them
some
> >extra individual attention and some hugging.
> >
> >I have been SAHM, full time working mom, worked part time, worked
temporary
> >jobs. I have had my kids in public school, day care center(very
briefly),
> >another womans home day care, and with sitters in my home. For a while
my
> >husband was SAHD-although he couldn't take it for long! I cannot leave
an
> >infant with a sitter or daycare, but I do not think it is so bad on a
part
> >time basis for kids a bit older. Many of the kids like to go to a
different
> >place to play, and to see the other kids, and with a secure base from us
> >attentive, bonded Moms and Dads they are free and confident to go off
> >without us for a time. For me, personally, working part time outside my
> >home
> >gives me time away, a schedule of my own that people have to pay
attention
> >to, some actual real time adult contact, and money for a few of the
things
> >I
> >need and some of the things I want. Including vices.
> >
> >I breast fed all 5 of my kids, although I had a rule that I would stop
at
> >age 1 just so I wouldn't have a 5 year old pulling up my shirt later on.
I
> >love coffee. And junk food.
> >
> >After years of alienating people with a know-it-all attitude, I have
> >learned
> >that most people do not want to hear how I think they should live their
> >lives, so I give my opinion when it is asked for, offer my help if they
> >want
> >it, and leave it up to them. And try not to judge as I think narrow
minded
> >judgemental people are the pits.
> >
> >I also unschool 5 kids, ages 15, 13, 11, 9, and 3. I am convinced it is
the
> >best way to learn, although as a product of public education it is me
who
> >has had the hardest time de-schooling and I go through regular periods
of
> >doubt where I think we should do school or they will never learn to
spell
> >or
> >pass Jay Leno's Jaywalking segments. I am getting over these periods
much
> >more quickly after 2 years, so now when I get the urge, I know to plan
some
> >schooly type thing that will be done in an hour or two, cause by then I
> >will
> >be over it.
> >
> >My dd says this intro sounds angry-hope it doesn't come across that way
to
> >all of you. I have had alot more fun writing this one than any other I
have
> >ever done!
> >
> >Bright Blessings
> >Cathie
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >________________________________________________________________________
> >Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at http://www.hotmail.com
> >
>
> ________________________________________________________________________
> Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at http://www.hotmail.com
>
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> Want insight into hot IPOs, investing strategies and stocks to watch?
> Red Herring FREE newsletters provide strategic analysis for investors.
> http://click.egroups.com/1/5176/14/_/448294/_/962246067/
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Message boards, timely articles, a free newsletter and more!
> Check it all out at: http://www.unschooling.com
>
> To Unsubscribe: mailto:[email protected]
>

D Klement

Cathie _ wrote:
>
> Hello. My name is Cathie. I've been lurking for almost 36 hours, and heres
> my take on the current topics-quite a diverse and interesting group you have
> here!

Hi Cathie and welcome!
It's definitely a diverse group here. Lots of thoughtful posts/threads,
some good * valid "philosophical" arguements/heated discussion *
threads and the occasional opinion throwing threads (or flames if you
wish to look at it that way <bg>).

Jump into the fray and enjoy!

Buzz (Debbie in Canada)
--
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Klement Family "Education is what survives when
Darryl, Debbie, what has been learned has been
Kathleen, Nathan & forgotten"
Samantha B.F. Skinner in "New Scientist".
e-mail- klement@...
Canadian homeschool page: http:\\www.flora.org/homeschool-ca/
Ont. Federation of Teaching Parents: http:\\www.flora.org/oftp/
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Holly Atchison

Welcome Cathie! I enjoyed reading your (not angry) well put and honest
introduction! Nice to have you on the list.

Holly
Mom to Lili age 4 and Tacy age 2


>From: "Cathie _" <cathie_98@...>
>Reply-To: [email protected]
>To: [email protected]
>Subject: [Unschooling-dotcom] Intro
>Date: Wed, 28 Jun 2000 17:08:12 PDT
>
>
>
>Hello. My name is Cathie. I've been lurking for almost 36 hours, and heres
>my take on the current topics-quite a diverse and interesting group you
>have
>here!
>
>I cannot stand Dr. Laura-can't defend my postition as I have never been
>able
>to listen to her for more than a few minutes.
>
>I do not spank, tried it when my kids were little, found it to be
>ineffective. I have always gotten much better results from giving them some
>extra individual attention and some hugging.
>
>I have been SAHM, full time working mom, worked part time, worked temporary
>jobs. I have had my kids in public school, day care center(very briefly),
>another womans home day care, and with sitters in my home. For a while my
>husband was SAHD-although he couldn't take it for long! I cannot leave an
>infant with a sitter or daycare, but I do not think it is so bad on a part
>time basis for kids a bit older. Many of the kids like to go to a different
>place to play, and to see the other kids, and with a secure base from us
>attentive, bonded Moms and Dads they are free and confident to go off
>without us for a time. For me, personally, working part time outside my
>home
>gives me time away, a schedule of my own that people have to pay attention
>to, some actual real time adult contact, and money for a few of the things
>I
>need and some of the things I want. Including vices.
>
>I breast fed all 5 of my kids, although I had a rule that I would stop at
>age 1 just so I wouldn't have a 5 year old pulling up my shirt later on. I
>love coffee. And junk food.
>
>After years of alienating people with a know-it-all attitude, I have
>learned
>that most people do not want to hear how I think they should live their
>lives, so I give my opinion when it is asked for, offer my help if they
>want
>it, and leave it up to them. And try not to judge as I think narrow minded
>judgemental people are the pits.
>
>I also unschool 5 kids, ages 15, 13, 11, 9, and 3. I am convinced it is the
>best way to learn, although as a product of public education it is me who
>has had the hardest time de-schooling and I go through regular periods of
>doubt where I think we should do school or they will never learn to spell
>or
>pass Jay Leno's Jaywalking segments. I am getting over these periods much
>more quickly after 2 years, so now when I get the urge, I know to plan some
>schooly type thing that will be done in an hour or two, cause by then I
>will
>be over it.
>
>My dd says this intro sounds angry-hope it doesn't come across that way to
>all of you. I have had alot more fun writing this one than any other I have
>ever done!
>
>Bright Blessings
>Cathie
>
>
>
>
>________________________________________________________________________
>Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at http://www.hotmail.com
>
>
>------------------------------------------------------------------------
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susan wilson

hi cathie,

i enjoyed reading & smiled a lot so thanks. i haven't read the other
responses- yet but i just wanted to tell you that your straight up
honesty makes for nice reading.

-susan,
austin,tx

> Hello. My name is Cathie. I've been lurking for almost 36 hours, and
heres
> my take on the current topics-quite a diverse and interesting group
you have
> here!
>
> I cannot stand Dr. Laura-can't defend my postition as I have never
been able
> to listen to her for more than a few minutes.
>
> I do not spank, tried it when my kids were little, found it to be
> ineffective. I have always gotten much better results from giving
them some
> extra individual attention and some hugging.
>
> I have been SAHM, full time working mom, worked part time, worked
temporary
> jobs. I have had my kids in public school, day care center(very
briefly),
> another womans home day care, and with sitters in my home. For a
while my
> husband was SAHD-although he couldn't take it for long! I cannot
leave an
> infant with a sitter or daycare, but I do not think it is so bad on
a part
> time basis for kids a bit older. Many of the kids like to go to a
different
> place to play, and to see the other kids, and with a secure base
from us
> attentive, bonded Moms and Dads they are free and confident to go
off
> without us for a time. For me, personally, working part time outside
my home
> gives me time away, a schedule of my own that people have to pay
attention
> to, some actual real time adult contact, and money for a few of the
things I
> need and some of the things I want. Including vices.
>
> I breast fed all 5 of my kids, although I had a rule that I would
stop at
> age 1 just so I wouldn't have a 5 year old pulling up my shirt later
on. I
> love coffee. And junk food.
>
> After years of alienating people with a know-it-all attitude, I have
learned
> that most people do not want to hear how I think they should live
their
> lives, so I give my opinion when it is asked for, offer my help if
they want
> it, and leave it up to them. And try not to judge as I think narrow
minded
> judgemental people are the pits.
>
> I also unschool 5 kids, ages 15, 13, 11, 9, and 3. I am convinced it
is the
> best way to learn, although as a product of public education it is
me who
> has had the hardest time de-schooling and I go through regular
periods of
> doubt where I think we should do school or they will never learn to
spell or
> pass Jay Leno's Jaywalking segments. I am getting over these periods
much
> more quickly after 2 years, so now when I get the urge, I know to
plan some
> schooly type thing that will be done in an hour or two, cause by
then I will
> be over it.
>
> My dd says this intro sounds angry-hope it doesn't come across that
way to
> all of you. I have had alot more fun writing this one than any other
I have
> ever done!
>
> Bright Blessings
> Cathie
>
>
>
>
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investors.
> http://click.egroups.com/1/5176/14/_/448294/_/962237293/
> ------------------------------------------------------------------
> ------
>
> Message boards, timely articles, a free newsletter and more!
> Check it all out at: http://www.unschooling.com
>
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Nanci and Thomas Kuykendall

"a product >of the California public school system" which is a phrase used frequently >to describe some really DUMB behavior!
>
>Lynda


That would be me. From Day care, to Preschool, to Kindergarten all the way to my first three years in college. I must say that I mostly unschooled myself, because the education I was supposed to be recieving in PS was not only lacking, but in many ways VERY harmful.

Nanci K.

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Hi Cathie,
I thought I'd add my voice of welcome. I also unschool 5 kids, pretty
similar in age to yours...16, 12, 12, 8, and 3....all boys. Looking forward
to hearing more from you.

Lucy in Calif.

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Lucy: were you trying for a football team (LOL)... I stopped at 2 boys... I
would love to have had a girl and didn't think I could handle more than 2
kids and thought "it's my good fortune that I would have another boy rather
than a girl, so it's time to stop"

Dawn F