Carol C Ferguson

This list has been the very support group I have been looking for as an
unschooler! I enjoy listening to the lively debate about the essence of
unschooling and hows and whys of doing it. My own experience in learning
to unschool has been a mix of highs and lows. The lows include being
badmouthed around the extended family for my steely conviction to
unschool and the highs include the personal discoveries of how wonderful
a person I am and what I have to offer my children as they grow up. One
of the defining moments of discovery was to read a book (reviewed in Home
Education Magazine, I believe) about the vicious effects of our
behaviorism-driven society. It's called "Punished By Rewards" by Alfie
Kohn. The subtitle reads "the trouble with gold stars, incentive plans,
A's, praise, and other bribes." After reading that book, curriculum
couldn't possibly be an option for me!
That said, I can appreciate that some homeschoolers do stand in a
nether world between structured learning and child-led learning. It is
difficult to find that support which you desire when neither "group" is
matching your interests fully. Unschooling has traditionally been
understood to mean "without curriculum" so that is why the passionate
words to keep this list "curriculum free". I take what I need from the
dialog and respect that which I don't need. If this list becomes a
definitive outpost for all those seeking support and information on
unschooling, all the better!

Carol
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