stancland

My name is Arlee (Arlene) and I have 2 ds's, Eric 10 and Alex 8, dss, Craig 19, and dh
Mitch. We have just moved to Oregon (September '03) and while my two younger
sons have never been "public schooled", I have all too recently found confirmation,
justification and peace with what I instinctively knew was right for us (Unschooling),
but didn't have the self confidence, courage and or support to just "stick with it!" We
moved from Illinois which is a very "hands off" state, i.e., no testing or consultations,
just notification, ONCE, that's it. However, in Oregon, there is testing in 3, 5, 8, and
10th grades. I was nervous and felt threatened and unfortunately, my kids endured
my fear with workbooks and assignments. I found this group and the Unschooling
web site a month ago or so after re-reading through some old Life Learning and GWS
magazines that someone had given me back in Illinois! (I guess I wasn't ready when I
read them the first time) :) I promptly did away with "school work", checked out 5
recommended (by Sandra) books from the library, signed up for Netflix and added the
recommended (by Sandra) movies to the que and had a family meeting at which I
apologized for my behavior and mistakes and explained my renewed resolve as to
their ability to learn the way they want and what they want with our support. My
husband is my best friend (thank goodness) and while he was pensive at first, he is
right there with me every step of the way (with a gentle reminder here and there). :)
Anyway, I want you all to know, (esp. Sandra and Pam), that I will be forever grateful
for your courage and willingness to question the system and activism there of! I
would not be able to do this without the support, insightfulness, spunk and courage
of this group and others like you!

In closing, I would like to ask if anyone in this group is in the Portland area? We live
in Oregon City. It would be so very nice for us to get together with other
"unschoolers". This move has been difficult for us, especially my ds Eric, who is so
very social! We have one homeschooling neighbor with children my boys enjoy
playing with very much, however, they are religious homeschoolers and are not
available very much to play with. They have lots of chores and or school work to do
most every day. They are not allowed in my house without special permission, nor
are my children allowed in their house. They are not allowed to watch many movies
or tv shows, listen to anything other than christian music, etc. I hide the fact that I
smoke (yes, I have issues) because I am afraid if they knew that, they wouldn't allow
their kids to be around me or play with my children which would just devastate my
Eric!

Thanx for being here, all of you!

Still trying to get it right,
Arlee

[email protected]

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

stancland

"--- In [email protected], SandraDodd@a... wrote:
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]"

Sandra,
I was excited to see a response, however, there was nothing there but what you see
above!


Still trying to get it right :)
Arlee

pam sorooshian

<http://www.nettlepatch.net/homeschool/chautauqmenu.html>

The 14th annual Oregon Unschooling Chautauqa
September 13-17, 2004
Monday - Friday

Beach Rambles
• Hiking the Trails
• Workshops
• Crafts and Games
• Campfire Singing
• Friendly Discussions


The Chautauqua is a time for sharing ideas, networking, learning, and
playing together in a supportive and relaxed environment.

Spend five memorable days with other homeschooling families at Westwind
- a beautiful, secluded, north Pacific coastal retreat center. Westwind
is located near the majestic Cascade Head, north of Lincoln City,
Oregon.