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In a message dated 01/20/2004 8:03:22 AM Eastern Standard Time,
Wishbone@... writes:


> Rose writes:
> >I also do not allow 'witchcraft' play. There is a difference between
> play
> >magic, super heroes,etc... and witch craft where spirits and potions are
> >used.
>
> What about Doctor Strange, Scarlet Witch and Zattana? All practitioners
> and of magic AND superheros? :)
> Dawn (comc book nerd from waaaay back)
>



I would be more worried about the "do not allow . . ." rather than
what particular kind of play or stories goes in the blank, be it witchcraft or
anything else.

Thinking of ANY kind of play or stories as something to be *allowed*
or not could be a stumbling block to abundant unschooling imo.

The phrase reminded me of how I used to hate the universal imperative
for outdoor play -- for my own good of course! -- rather than what I lived
for, which was reading and writing in quiet indoor places surrounded by books and
knowledge and ideas. My parents and teachers and the whole culture conspired
to demand this of me, for years and years. The irony was that I was strong and
fast and quite liked physical play if given an opportunity to choose, rather
than them dictate it to get my nose out of the books.

(Also I recall vividly how much I loved the cool, crisp
air-conditioning and dreaded the outdoor heat/humidity of central Florida. I resented that
the teachers got to stay inside with the books; more than anything, I think my
driving desire for THAT privilege shaped my career in education. <eg>)

DH catches himself doing this now, pronouncing that the children
"need" more or less of this or that, when it's really just echoes in his head of
the old grown-up imperative to control and standardize, and to seem to be
"doing" something to, or for, or about, the children, no matter which direction (on
very rare occasions I've caught myself doing this too <g>) JJ


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