Sherry Hagen

Re: Unschooling and homebased businesses

I unschool my 6 year old son and have had a homebased business for over four
years. I'm with a 15 year old solid, reputable company. It's a risk free
business that I started with $29. I don't stock, inventory, ship or deliver.
It's a catalog shopping company that I set up accounts for. I have several new
families that are shopping with the catalog because the product line makes
sense. Feel free to e-mail me directly if you want more info and I'll give you
the websight.

Sherry Hagen, oilmagic@...

[email protected] wrote:

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> There are 25 messages in this issue.
>
> Topics in this digest:
>
> 1. Re: New Member Here
> From: marbleface@...
> 2. Re: unused crib
> From: "Holly Atchison" <HollyAtch@...>
> 3. Re: unused crib
> From: "Tracy Oldfield" <tracy.oldfield@...>
> 4. Re: unschooling and home business
> From: "Holly Atchison" <HollyAtch@...>
> 5. Re: Re:unschooling Fill in the blanks
> From: Whyner@...
> 6. Re: nicknames
> From: HPaulson5@...
> 7. Re: unschooling and home business
> From: "Tracy Oldfield" <tracy.oldfield@...>
> 8. Re: unschooling and home business
> From: NumoAstro@...
> 9. Re: Welcome Dawn
> From: HPaulson5@...
> 10. Re: Not ready for many solids yet
> From: HPaulson5@...
> 11. Catholic unschoolers?
> From: Renee Lester <rlester@...>
> 12. Re: unschooling and home business
> From: CA Nelson <acnelson@...>
> 13. Re: unschooling and home business
> From: "Holly Atchison" <HollyAtch@...>
> 14. Re: Welcome Dawn
> From: NumoAstro@...
> 15. Re: Welcome Dawn
> From: cen46624@...
> 16. Re: Catholic unschoolers?
> From: JodyeB1@...
> 17. Re: unschooling and home business
> From: "Holly Atchison" <HollyAtch@...>
> 18. Re: unschooling and home business
> From: CA Nelson <acnelson@...>
> 19. Re: unschooling and home business
> From: Debra Caruso <mama@...>
> 20. India House Building Update
> From: David Albert <shantinik@...>
> 21. India House Building Update
> From: David Albert <shantinik@...>
> 22. Re: Catholic unschoolers?
> From: burkfamily@...
> 23. Re: Catholic unschoolers?
> From: burkfamily@...
> 24. Re: Re:unschooling Fill in the blanks
> From: "Lisa Bugg" <LisaBugg@...>
> 25. Japan's ODA in the schools
> From: Covert <covert@...-net.ne.jp>
>
> ________________________________________________________________________
> ________________________________________________________________________
>
> Message: 1
> Date: Tue, 20 Jun 2000 12:43:30 EDT
> From: marbleface@...
> Subject: Re: New Member Here
>
> In a message dated 06/20/2000 12:47:48 PM !!!First Boot!!!, NumoAstro@...
> writes:
>
> << Since I wrote this last
> night hubbie and I had a long talk way into the early hours and Zak is not
> going back to pre-school. Last night Zak told me a story about monsters and
> I asked him if he'd like to go to the library today t >>
>
> There you go!!
>
> Have fun!!
>
> Nance
>
> ________________________________________________________________________
> ________________________________________________________________________
>
> Message: 2
> Date: Tue, 20 Jun 2000 11:04:04 AKDT
> From: "Holly Atchison" <HollyAtch@...>
> Subject: Re: unused crib
>
> Oh! LOL got it!
> Holly
>
> >From: "Tracy Oldfield" <tracy.oldfield@...>
> >Reply-To: [email protected]
> >To: [email protected]
> >Subject: Re: [Unschooling-dotcom] unused crib
> >Date: Tue, 20 Jun 2000 12:54:55 +0100
> >
> >Not once her legs got long enough to...never mind, I'm sure you
> >get the idea...
> >
> ><g>
> >Tracy
> >
> >On 17 Jun 2000, at 11:35, Holly Atchison wrote:
> >
> >That is so cute!!!
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >------------------------------------------------------------------------
> >Old school buds here:
> >http://click.egroups.com/1/5536/7/_/448294/_/961502055/
> >------------------------------------------------------------------------
> >
> >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
>
> ________________________________________________________________________
> ________________________________________________________________________
>
> Message: 3
> Date: Tue, 20 Jun 2000 20:09:33 +0100
> From: "Tracy Oldfield" <tracy.oldfield@...>
> Subject: Re: unused crib
>
> She had VERY prehensile toes... <big grin> (and scratchy
> toenails) She still reaches with her feet if she needs to know I'm
> there.
>
> Tracy
>
> On 20 Jun 2000, at 11:04, Holly Atchison wrote:
>
> Oh! LOL got it!
> Holly
> 
> 
> >From: "Tracy Oldfield" <tracy.oldfield@...>
> >
> >Not once her legs got long enough to...never mind, I'm
> sure you
> >get the idea...
>
> ________________________________________________________________________
> ________________________________________________________________________
>
> Message: 4
> Date: Tue, 20 Jun 2000 11:19:07 AKDT
> From: "Holly Atchison" <HollyAtch@...>
> Subject: Re: unschooling and home business
>
> Everyone on this list seems to understand everyone elses reasons not to put
> the kids into Public School, so I need some help. My husband and I are not
> getting along. (For about 5 years now) and I want to get out of the
> marriage. I took me a long time to come to this conclusion because I really
> believe that kids need a daddy too. But I think they would be better off
> without one in this case. Anyhow, I am really worried about their
> education should I actually make the leap. I homeschooled Lili for
> Preschool this year and loved it. She also did very well and does not like
> going to school. (We tried it for a while)
> I do not want her to go into a public school and a private school is also
> something I dont want and could not afford anyway. If I leave him I will
> have zero support from my family and I will have to work full time to
> support my two kids. Does anyone know any stay at home work opportunities
> that could actually support two kids? Any help or suggestions would be
> greatly appreciated.
>
> Holly Atchison
> >From: NumoAstro@...
> >Reply-To: [email protected]
> >To: [email protected]
> >Subject: [Unschooling-dotcom] unschooling and home business
> >Date: Tue, 20 Jun 2000 09:20:10 EDT
> >
> >Hi everyone:
> >
> >I like to hear from people who have their own business at home and
> >unschool.
> >How does that work for you. The logistics? My husband works outside the
> >home and I have my own business which I work around the kids. However,
> >anyone who has a business knows, the phone rings when it wants to and
> >people
> >want to talk to me when they want to. Do you schedule everything at night?
> >Do you work when the other is home and available for the kids? Do you work
> >only weekends? Does it only work if you both work out of the home? Do
> >you
> >involve the kids in the business? I've been thinking that these are also
> >some concerns I have about how to balance both and not to hurt either.
> >
> >Dawn F
> >
> >------------------------------------------------------------------------
> >1 out of 3 have it and they don't know it.
> >ARE YOU AT RISK?
> >Find out and win $1500!
> >http://click.egroups.com/1/5602/7/_/448294/_/961507276/
> >------------------------------------------------------------------------
> >
> >Message boards, timely articles, a free newsletter and more!
> >Check it all out at: http://www.unschooling.com
> >
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> >
> >
>
> ________________________________________________________________________
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> ________________________________________________________________________
>
> Message: 5
> Date: Tue, 20 Jun 2000 15:36:31 EDT
> From: Whyner@...
> Subject: Re: Re:unschooling Fill in the blanks
>
> In a message dated 6/18/00 11:18:14 PM Eastern Daylight Time, dawn@...
> writes:
>
> << we weren't even able to use the wonderful all-in-one diapers somoene gave
> us. the day he was born none of the clothes we had ready for him were big
> enough:( I had also sewn 4 dozen newborn size prefolds that stopped
> fitting last week....too small for the size wrap he's in and too small to
> be pinned on (they don't fit across his belly). >>
>
> hello, i'm jeanne... new to the group... i'm 47, married, 2 children, ted 14
> and abby 11...almost 12... i homeschooled ted in 1st and 2nd grade... and am
> homeschooling abby next year for 7th grade... so that's why i joined this
> list... so far i haven't really read any home schooling e-mails... not that i
> mind at all... i know how lists go and i enjoy sidetracks... i just had to
> respond to the above, cuz i sure know what you mean... ted was 11lb 14oz and
> 24" long at birth... he never fit in newborn clothes... we had to cut the
> bottoms out of those cute little terry after bath thingies cuz he was so
> constricted in them... lol... he was in medium diapers by his 3rd week...
> thank gad for diaper service... it saved me from having to buy all different
> sizes... all i ever got was the big ones... always preferred pre-folds...
> good for you for sewing your own!
>
> jeanne
>
> ________________________________________________________________________
> ________________________________________________________________________
>
> Message: 6
> Date: Tue, 20 Jun 2000 15:54:23 EDT
> From: HPaulson5@...
> Subject: Re: nicknames
>
> Bridget, She sounds so precious! I thought of those cute Boyd's Bears when I
> read her nickname! :) ~Karen
>
> ________________________________________________________________________
> ________________________________________________________________________
>
> Message: 7
> Date: Tue, 20 Jun 2000 20:42:24 +0100
> From: "Tracy Oldfield" <tracy.oldfield@...>
> Subject: Re: unschooling and home business
>
> Oh, Holly what a tough situation! I just can't imagine trying to
> support a family by myself (though on occasion, I guess like most
> folks, I've tried...) We work from home as accountants, but that
> involves visiting clients, not practical with kids in tow. I'm
> contemplating a nappy laundry and delivery business, but that
> would mean a lot of time in the car and doing laundry for the kids,
> if my mum didn't live down the road and dh work 'odd' hours. I
> don't know where your expertise lies, but I know folk who are
> writing or running web-businesses from home. Apart from that, I
> don't know what to say, except that whatever happens, it'll work
> out.
>
> {{{{{{{{{HUG}}}}}}}}}
> Tracy
>
> On 20 Jun 2000, at 11:19, Holly Atchison wrote:
>
> Everyone on this list seems to understand everyone
> elses reasons not to put 
> the kids into Public School, so I need some help. My
> husband and I are not 
> getting along. (For about 5 years now) and I want to
> get out of the 
> marriage. I took me a long time to come to this
> conclusion because I really 
> believe that kids need a daddy too. But I think they
> would be better off 
> without one in this case. Anyhow, I am really worried
> about their 
> education should I actually make the leap. I
> homeschooled Lili for 
> Preschool this year and loved it. She also did very
> well and does not like 
> going to school. (We tried it for a while)
> I do not want her to go into a public school and a
> private school is also 
> something I dont want and could not afford anyway. If
> I leave him I will 
> have zero support from my family and I will have to
> work full time to 
> support my two kids. Does anyone know any stay at home
> work opportunities 
> that could actually support two kids? Any help or
> suggestions would be 
> greatly appreciated.
> 
> Holly Atchison
>
> ________________________________________________________________________
> ________________________________________________________________________
>
> Message: 8
> Date: Tue, 20 Jun 2000 16:40:40 EDT
> From: NumoAstro@...
> Subject: Re: unschooling and home business
>
> Holly:
>
> That does seem a horrible situation for you...When I had kids I took
> everything that I knew how to do and made it into a business. My suggestion,
> if you are up for one, is to get something started before you leave so that
> you can continue to do the other things that are important in your life, such
> as your unschooling. Make a list of all the things you are good at and have
> experience at and love doing and find something that you can apply that too.
>
> Hope this is helpful.
> Dawn F
>
> ________________________________________________________________________
> ________________________________________________________________________
>
> Message: 9
> Date: Tue, 20 Jun 2000 16:41:35 EDT
> From: HPaulson5@...
> Subject: Re: Welcome Dawn
>
> Hi Dawn, and welcome... My oldest will be 6 in Sept. When he was 4 we
> tried the preschool route, too. It lasted from Aug- the end of Nov. My son
> began wanting me to be there all of the time, because I often helped out. On
> days that I was not going, he did not want to go either. Also, he did not
> like the idea of having to conform to the group, and do things like sing and
> march around the room with al of the other kids. He just never liked the
> idea of doing something just because the group was doing it. They had a
> Thanksgiving program in Nov, where the kids were to wear Pilgrim hats and
> sing songs. When the time came, John would NOT have anything to do with it
> at all. He absolutely had no interest in taking part. All the while, I was
> considering homeschooling for my kids, and this helped confirm the decision
> to do so. There was not anything specifically "wrong" with the preschool
> program; it just did not match the needs that my child had. He requires
> more freedom, and less conformity than traditional schooling offers. Forcing
> him to go to school would not be in his best interest. Who knows down the
> road how things will go; but for now, this is the best decision for him. We
> have 2 more children that are younger than John, and at this time, we plan to
> homeschool them, too. Your question about would you be neglecting your
> child if he was not initiating an area of learning... Your child is always
> learning, even if it does not look like it. Unschooling is something that
> takes a "leap of faith". It takes trusting your child. It takes knowing
> that your child wants to learn innately, and as you go along, you will find
> there are highs and lows. Times of busy, explosive learning, and times where
> you wonder if your kid is a slug! Take time to read as muchas you can on
> home/unschooling. There are a lot of great books and web sites available.
> Hope this is not too long! Take care~Karen in Ind
>
> ________________________________________________________________________
> ________________________________________________________________________
>
> Message: 10
> Date: Tue, 20 Jun 2000 16:48:18 EDT
> From: HPaulson5@...
> Subject: Re: Not ready for many solids yet
>
> In a message dated 6/20/00 7:10:08 AM Central Daylight Time,
> tracy.oldfield@... writes:
>
> << A neighbour of mine told me that her daughter (who's 9mo) isn't all
> that interested in food. But she's stll being weaned off the breast >>
> My daughter, who is also 9 mos, is not very interested in solids either.
> She nurses very often, and will eat some baby foods- mostly applesauce and
> bananas, but that's about it. She's not crazy about cereals, but does like
> dry cheerios. When the time is right, she will be ready, so I am not trying
> to push her too much. She is also teething a lot now, so it is more
> comforting to her to nurse, and that's ok with me. ~Karen
>
> ________________________________________________________________________
> ________________________________________________________________________
>
> Message: 11
> Date: Tue, 20 Jun 2000 16:56:46 -0400 (EDT)
> From: Renee Lester <rlester@...>
> Subject: Catholic unschoolers?
>
> Is anyone here a practicing Catholic, or know of some resources
> for Catholic unschoolers? In addition to taking my son out
> of school, it looks like he will be unable to return to his
> religious education class. Long story. I definitely believe in
> philosophy of child led learning, but I also want to raise
> my child in my faith. That seems to be a pretty daunting task
> at the moment with no family help, no religious ed help, and
> a child with a very skeptical mind.
>
> Renee
>
> ________________________________________________________________________
> ________________________________________________________________________
>
> Message: 12
> Date: Tue, 20 Jun 2000 16:04:51 -0500
> From: CA Nelson <acnelson@...>
> Subject: Re: unschooling and home business
>
> Holly-
> I'm so sorry to hear about your marriage falling apart. It's so difficult
> to balance your needs with your children's needs, isn't it? I don't know if
> these sites will help you out at all, but maybe you can find some leads at
> www.apbiz.com or www.wahm.com. Wish I could help more!
>
> --
> Amy Nelson
> Mama to Accalia (6/14/99)
> "The hardest to learn was the least complicated." - The Indigo Girls
>
> Everyone on this list seems to understand everyone elses reasons not to put
> the kids into Public School, so I need some help. My husband and I are not
> getting along. (For about 5 years now) and I want to get out of the
> marriage. I took me a long time to come to this conclusion because I really
> believe that kids need a daddy too. But I think they would be better off
> without one in this case. Anyhow, I am really worried about their
> education should I actually make the leap. I homeschooled Lili for
> Preschool this year and loved it. She also did very well and does not like
> going to school. (We tried it for a while)
> I do not want her to go into a public school and a private school is also
> something I dont want and could not afford anyway. If I leave him I will
> have zero support from my family and I will have to work full time to
> support my two kids. Does anyone know any stay at home work opportunities
> that could actually support two kids? Any help or suggestions would be
> greatly appreciated.
>
> [This message contained attachments]
>
> ________________________________________________________________________
> ________________________________________________________________________
>
> Message: 13
> Date: Tue, 20 Jun 2000 13:10:41 AKDT
> From: "Holly Atchison" <HollyAtch@...>
> Subject: Re: unschooling and home business
>
> Dawn,
>
> Thats some good advice I'll do that. Thanks!
>
> Holly
>
> Thanks for the hugs too Tracey! =)
>
> >From: NumoAstro@...
> >Reply-To: [email protected]
> >To: [email protected]
> >Subject: Re: [Unschooling-dotcom] unschooling and home business
> >Date: Tue, 20 Jun 2000 16:40:40 EDT
> >
> >Holly:
> >
> >That does seem a horrible situation for you...When I had kids I took
> >everything that I knew how to do and made it into a business. My
> >suggestion,
> >if you are up for one, is to get something started before you leave so that
> >you can continue to do the other things that are important in your life,
> >such
> >as your unschooling. Make a list of all the things you are good at and
> >have
> >experience at and love doing and find something that you can apply that
> >too.
> >
> >Hope this is helpful.
> >Dawn F
> >
> >------------------------------------------------------------------------
> >Failed tests, classes skipped, forgotten locker combinations.
> >Remember the good 'ol days
> >http://click.egroups.com/1/5531/7/_/448294/_/961533679/
> >------------------------------------------------------------------------
> >
> >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
>
> ________________________________________________________________________
> ________________________________________________________________________
>
> Message: 14
> Date: Tue, 20 Jun 2000 17:19:16 EDT
> From: NumoAstro@...
> Subject: Re: Welcome Dawn
>
> Thanks Karen:
>
> This morning I've already contacted the Sonoran Desert Homeschoolers which is
> an organization of about 90 families in Tucson that homeschool and unschool.
> We seem to be lucky because there is also a group called TELEO as well, that
> I haven't had time to reach. There are also several Christian based groups
> if I had wanted to have religion as a prominent part of our lives. I've
> talked to a couple of mothers already and feeling a lot better about my
> decision. I know logically that it makes sense. Something one of them told
> me was that I would probably end up changing all my friends as the ones I
> have now, who don't homeschool or unschool, will probably feel threatened by
> what I'm doing and to expect a backlash. However she also said there is tons
> of support for what we want to do as well... We've had the same experience
> with Zak and the preschool. He always wants us to be there with him all the
> time and so therefore what would the point be.
>
> Thanks again.
>
> Dawn F (to distinguish myself from the other Dawn LOL)
>
> ________________________________________________________________________
> ________________________________________________________________________
>
> Message: 15
> Date: Tue, 20 Jun 2000 18:30:44 EDT
> From: cen46624@...
> Subject: Re: Welcome Dawn
>
> Hey! That's MY group! I must have missed something. I didn't realize you were
> in Tucson! My kids are 2 1/2 and 6 mo.
>
> :-) Diane
>
> > This morning I've already contacted the Sonoran Desert Homeschoolers
>
> ________________________________________________________________________
> ________________________________________________________________________
>
> Message: 16
> Date: Tue, 20 Jun 2000 18:35:57 EDT
> From: JodyeB1@...
> Subject: Re: Catholic unschoolers?
>
> Renee,
> We're a Catholic unschooling family. Well, we're beginning unschoolers
> anyway. There's an egroup list for Catholic unschoolers, appropriately
> called CatholicUnschoolers. E-mail me if you'd like to chat.
>
> Jodye
>
> ________________________________________________________________________
> ________________________________________________________________________
>
> Message: 17
> Date: Tue, 20 Jun 2000 15:31:23 AKDT
> From: "Holly Atchison" <HollyAtch@...>
> Subject: Re: unschooling and home business
>
> Thanks for these websites they are great. Im sure they will help a lot.
>
> Holly
>
> >From: CA Nelson <acnelson@...>
> >Reply-To: [email protected]
> >To: <[email protected]>
> >Subject: Re: [Unschooling-dotcom] unschooling and home business
> >Date: Tue, 20 Jun 2000 16:04:51 -0500
> >
> >Holly-
> > I'm so sorry to hear about your marriage falling apart. It's so
> >difficult
> >to balance your needs with your children's needs, isn't it? I don't know if
> >these sites will help you out at all, but maybe you can find some leads at
> >www.apbiz.com or www.wahm.com. Wish I could help more!
> >
> >--
> >Amy Nelson
> >Mama to Accalia (6/14/99)
> >"The hardest to learn was the least complicated." - The Indigo Girls
> >
> >Everyone on this list seems to understand everyone elses reasons not to put
> >the kids into Public School, so I need some help. My husband and I are
> >not
> >getting along. (For about 5 years now) and I want to get out of the
> >marriage. I took me a long time to come to this conclusion because I
> >really
> >believe that kids need a daddy too. But I think they would be better off
> >without one in this case. Anyhow, I am really worried about their
> >education should I actually make the leap. I homeschooled Lili for
> >Preschool this year and loved it. She also did very well and does not like
> >going to school. (We tried it for a while)
> >I do not want her to go into a public school and a private school is also
> >something I dont want and could not afford anyway. If I leave him I will
> >have zero support from my family and I will have to work full time to
> >support my two kids. Does anyone know any stay at home work opportunities
> >that could actually support two kids? Any help or suggestions would be
> >greatly appreciated.
> >
>
> ________________________________________________________________________
> Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at http://www.hotmail.com
>
> ________________________________________________________________________
> ________________________________________________________________________
>
> Message: 18
> Date: Tue, 20 Jun 2000 19:28:31 -0500
> From: CA Nelson <acnelson@...>
> Subject: Re: unschooling and home business
>
> Glad to hear it. I'm trying to find a telecommuting job myself. Let me know
> if you find anything promising <g>.
>
> --
> Amy Nelson
> Mama to Accalia (6/14/99)
> "The hardest to learn was the least complicated." - The Indigo Girls
>
> Thanks for these websites they are great. Im sure they will help a lot.
>
> Holly
>
> [This message contained attachments]
>
> ________________________________________________________________________
> ________________________________________________________________________
>
> Message: 19
> Date: Tue, 20 Jun 2000 21:32:26 -0400
> From: Debra Caruso <mama@...>
> Subject: Re: unschooling and home business
>
> HI everyone!I sell plus size clothing on ebay,and make about 200 dollars
> or more a week.Sometimes much more!I can fit it into my schedule,and I
> get my sons to help.I started out selling stuff I already had,than would
> buy at yard sales and consignment shops and on clearance racks,and
> resell at a profit.Its a lot of fun,and I really enjoy it!Debra in Va
>
> CA Nelson wrote:
> >
> > Glad to hear it. I'm trying to find a telecommuting job myself. Let me
> > know if you find anything promising <g>.
> >
> > --
> > Amy Nelson
> > Mama to Accalia (6/14/99)
> > "The hardest to learn was the least complicated." - The Indigo Girls
> >
> > Thanks for these websites they are great. Im sure they will
> > help a lot.
> >
> > Holly
> >
> > ----------------------------------------------------------------------
> >
> > ----------------------------------------------------------------------
> > Message boards, timely articles, a free newsletter and more!
> > Check it all out at: http://www.unschooling.com
> >
> > To Unsubscribe: mailto:[email protected]
>
> ________________________________________________________________________
> ________________________________________________________________________
>
> Message: 20
> Date: Tue, 20 Jun 2000 19:26:14 -0700
> From: David Albert <shantinik@...>
> Subject: India House Building Update
>
> Dear friends –
>
> Please forgive this form letter, but I wanted to communicate with you as
> quickly as possible. Some of the families on this list (and others of
> you as well) have contributed to a small fund I formed with the proceeds
> from my homeschooling book "And the Skylark Sings with Me"
> (www.skylarksings.com) to help build 10,000 cyclone-proof houses in the
> coastal areas of southeast India. The funds were to be used to purchase
> two cinder block-making machines. These houses – which people in the
> villages are being trained to build themselves – are replacing homes
> made of mud and straw, with thatched roofs that rot easily, which are
> wet inside (with children sleeping on the floor) during the entire
> monsoon season, and which are often destroyed in seasonal flooding.
>
> I am pleased to report that the machines were purchased in February and
> building is now under well underway. Each house requires 600 blocks and
> contains 352 square feet of living space (this can be a little more than
> double an average poor family’s current living space, if you can believe
> it!), plus a veranda, with space for a kitchen garden and cattle shed at
> the back. These villages are made up of 11,000 families whose ancestors
> had been landless laborers for up to 700 years, but now have regained
> land peacefully through the efforts of my Indian mother’s organization,
> “Land for the Tillers Freedom” (LAFTI). As a result of her work in land
> reform, she has now been formally nominated for the “International Right
> Livelihood Award”, which is the alternative Nobel Prize awarded by the
> Swedish Parliament, and given to individuals or groups who making a
> lasting difference in the lives of communities through dedication to
> human rights, social justice, community development, and environmental
> restoration.
>
> I now have pictures of the blocks being made through a joint effort of
> men, women, and children, and the pride in the faces of the people is
> impossible to describe. I will try to find a way to post the pictures
> on the web sometime soon. My mother takes special pleasure in reporting
> that in her previous housebuilding efforts, trees (which are very scarce
> in coastal South India) had to be cut down to fuel the firing of
> bricks. Cinder blocks, which provide excellent insulation against the
> heat, can be made from all locally-available materials and require only
> sun and water (both of which they have aplenty) for curing.
>
> Meanwhile, my father’s struggle against multinational-based prawn
> companies that continue to cut down mangroves and salinate the soil in
> violation of Indian law, continues apace. In one village, when people
> went out to protest the destruction of their livelihood (the rice
> fields), the corporation hired goon squads to sit fire to all 35 homes.
> I am grateful to announce that the people have now completely rebuilt
> their village – in cinder block – with your help (and that of a small
> Italian aid agency.)
>
> For those of you who are homeschooling children who might be able to
> appreciate all of this (and how we homeschooling families have managed
> to make a difference in such a far off place), I invite you to have them
> write to me with any questions they might have – about India, about life
> in a village, or about how we can all make difference in working to make
> the world a better place for all of us. I promise to answer all
> questions as best I can.
>
> David Albert
>
> (P.S. For those of you who would still like to contribute – we can
> still use funds (and it’s tax-deductible!), make a check out to the
> Gandhian Foundation, and send it to me at:
> Skylark Sings
> 1717 18th Court NE
> Olympia, WA 98506
>
> Another way you can contribute is to purchase a copy of Skylark directly
> from me: $16.95 (free shipping, and I’ll even sign it for you!) –
> address as above. Thanks!
>
> --
> "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@...
>
> ________________________________________________________________________
> ________________________________________________________________________
>
> Message: 21
> Date: Tue, 20 Jun 2000 19:26:14 -0700
> From: David Albert <shantinik@...>
> Subject: India House Building Update
>
> Dear friends –
>
> Please forgive this form letter, but I wanted to communicate with you as
> quickly as possible. Some of the families on this list (and others of
> you as well) have contributed to a small fund I formed with the proceeds
> from my homeschooling book "And the Skylark Sings with Me"
> (www.skylarksings.com) to help build 10,000 cyclone-proof houses in the
> coastal areas of southeast India. The funds were to be used to purchase
> two cinder block-making machines. These houses – which people in the
> villages are being trained to build themselves – are replacing homes
> made of mud and straw, with thatched roofs that rot easily, which are
> wet inside (with children sleeping on the floor) during the entire
> monsoon season, and which are often destroyed in seasonal flooding.
>
> I am pleased to report that the machines were purchased in February and
> building is now under well underway. Each house requires 600 blocks and
> contains 352 square feet of living space (this can be a little more than
> double an average poor family’s current living space, if you can believe
> it!), plus a veranda, with space for a kitchen garden and cattle shed at
> the back. These villages are made up of 11,000 families whose ancestors
> had been landless laborers for up to 700 years, but now have regained
> land peacefully through the efforts of my Indian mother’s organization,
> “Land for the Tillers Freedom” (LAFTI). As a result of her work in land
> reform, she has now been formally nominated for the “International Right
> Livelihood Award”, which is the alternative Nobel Prize awarded by the
> Swedish Parliament, and given to individuals or groups who making a
> lasting difference in the lives of communities through dedication to
> human rights, social justice, community development, and environmental
> restoration.
>
> I now have pictures of the blocks being made through a joint effort of
> men, women, and children, and the pride in the faces of the people is
> impossible to describe. I will try to find a way to post the pictures
> on the web sometime soon. My mother takes special pleasure in reporting
> that in her previous housebuilding efforts, trees (which are very scarce
> in coastal South India) had to be cut down to fuel the firing of
> bricks. Cinder blocks, which provide excellent insulation against the
> heat, can be made from all locally-available materials and require only
> sun and water (both of which they have aplenty) for curing.
>
> Meanwhile, my father’s struggle against multinational-based prawn
> companies that continue to cut down mangroves and salinate the soil in
> violation of Indian law, continues apace. In one village, when people
> went out to protest the destruction of their livelihood (the rice
> fields), the corporation hired goon squads to sit fire to all 35 homes.
> I am grateful to announce that the people have now completely rebuilt
> their village – in cinder block – with your help (and that of a small
> Italian aid agency.)
>
> For those of you who are homeschooling children who might be able to
> appreciate all of this (and how we homeschooling families have managed
> to make a difference in such a far off place), I invite you to have them
> write to me with any questions they might have – about India, about life
> in a village, or about how we can all make difference in working to make
> the world a better place for all of us. I promise to answer all
> questions as best I can.
>
> David Albert
>
> (P.S. For those of you who would still like to contribute – we can
> still use funds (and it’s tax-deductible!), make a check out to the
> Gandhian Foundation, and send it to me at:
> Skylark Sings
> 1717 18th Court NE
> Olympia, WA 98506
>
> Another way you can contribute is to purchase a copy of Skylark directly
> from me: $16.95 (free shipping, and I’ll even sign it for you!) –
> address as above. Thanks!
>
> --
> "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@...
>
> ________________________________________________________________________
> ________________________________________________________________________
>
> Message: 22
> Date: Tue, 20 Jun 2000 23:00:05 EDT
> From: burkfamily@...
> Subject: Re: Catholic unschoolers?
>
> Jodye wrote:
>
> << We're a Catholic unschooling family. Well, we're beginning unschoolers
> anyway. There's an egroup list for Catholic unschoolers, appropriately
> called CatholicUnschoolers. E-mail me if you'd like to chat.
> >>
>
> We are too! How do you subscribe to that list...I'm very interested. Thanks.
> Carol from Wisconsin
>
> ________________________________________________________________________
> ________________________________________________________________________
>
> Message: 23
> Date: Tue, 20 Jun 2000 23:08:06 EDT
> From: burkfamily@...
> Subject: Re: Catholic unschoolers?
>
> Hi Renee-
>
> We're practicing Catholics and unschool and none of my kids go to CCD
> (religious ed.) We have 7 children...aged 13 down to 6 mos.
> We use all kind of resources to teach our kids the Faith in our home. We
> read lots of stories and the gospels-we go to Mass together. But, I think
> the kids are especially open to the rich traditions that the church offers,
> so we try to implement as many of those as we can in our home...like
> celebrating feast days, lighting candles, singing songs at home. I've always
> liked that about the Catholic Faith-that there are so many "tangible,
> hands-on" ways to celebrate what we believe.
> And really, those skeptical kids are the fun ones...they really cause you to
> have to stop and think about what you believe!
> If you need some catalog resources, let me know.
> You can e-mail me privately.
> Carol from WI
>
> ________________________________________________________________________
> ________________________________________________________________________
>
> Message: 24
> Date: Tue, 20 Jun 2000 23:36:16 -0500
> From: "Lisa Bugg" <LisaBugg@...>
> Subject: Re: Re:unschooling Fill in the blanks
>
> ... and am
> > homeschooling abby next year for 7th grade... so that's why i joined this
> > list... so far i haven't really read any home schooling e-mails... not
> that i
> > mind at all... i know how lists go and i enjoy sidetracks
>
> We'll yak about most anything, but if you ask a question we usually jump in
> it like a duck takes to water. ;)
>
> What made you choose homeschooling now?
>
> LisaKK
>
> ________________________________________________________________________
> ________________________________________________________________________
>
> Message: 25
> Date: Wed, 21 Jun 00 14:18:53 +0900
> From: Covert <covert@...-net.ne.jp>
> Subject: Japan's ODA in the schools
>
> Hi again all,
>
> A Japanese newspaper carried this interesting story yesterday about the
> promotion of "overseas development assistance" in Japanese school
> curriculums.
>
> Sounds nice on the surface, but there is one glaring omission: Japan has
> come under heavy fire in years past for the way its ODA is "distributed"
> to so-called underdeveloped nations around the world.
>
> More often than not, the Japanese government grants this ODA to projects
> that Japanese corporations are involved in overseas. And guess what: Lots
> of those Japanese corporations working in those poorer countries have
> contracts directly or indirectly with the Japanese government. Many
> people in and outside Japan have been blasting the Japanese government
> for this practice for years.
>
> Funny how these kinds of facts conveniently get omitted from news stories
> -- and classroom curriculums as well.
>
> The Japanese Education Ministry's motivation for pushing ahead with this
> dubious curriculum in public schools becomes apparent in the last
> paragraph of the story.
>
> Brian Covert
> (KnoK NEWS)
> in Osaka, Japan
>
> ---------------------------
>
> [Daily Yomiuri - 20 June 2000]
>
> MATERIALS TO TEACH KIDS ABOUT NATION'S ODA
>
> The Foreign Ministry has produced educational materials designed to help
> children better understand the role Japan plays in funding aid programs
> through official development assistance, and has distributed the
> materials to 3,000 primary schools nationwide.
>
> Subtitled "To Make Everyone Smile," the materials are a 22-minute video
> and a teacher's booklet, and is designed for sixth-grade students,
> ministry officials said.
>
> The video discusses Japan's economic recovery after World War II and
> international assistance given to Japan after the Great Hanshin
> Earthquake in Kobe. It also focuses on the difficulties facing developing
> countries, which account for about 80 percent of all the nations of the
> world.
>
> The fact that ODA from Japan, the largest ODA contributor, has been used
> to build bridges and schools in many countries is also explained in the
> video.
>
> Following the advice of schoolteachers, the video also contains a number
> of quizzes. The booklet accompanying the video gives three examples of
> how to use the material in the classroom, the officials said.
>
> With the nation in the grip of a prolonged economic recession, some have
> criticized the giving of massive amounts of ODA. However, one teacher who
> used the materials in class said that, by using the material, students
> came to think of Japan as a good country and could take pride in being
> Japanese.
>
> [Copyright 2000 - The Yomiuri Shimbun]
>
> ________________________________________________________________________
> ________________________________________________________________________