4Real Forums: Unschooling meltdown

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Philosophy of Education
4Real Forums : Philosophy of Education

Topic: Unschooling meltdown

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Leonie
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Posted: May 12 2008 at 6:24pm \| IP Logged

Molly, we have "seasonal unschooling." Times when we do no fomal work ( but learning sure happens, I guess we live a learning lifestyle

). And times when we do a bit of formal work a couple of days a week.

This works for us. A season of grammar ( formal Maths, Chemistry, and so on) until we feel it is enough, then back to our normal programme of unschooling.

I think a focus in parts is what works for us. Maybe for you?

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Leonie in Sydney
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chicken lady
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Posted: May 12 2008 at 8:10pm \| IP Logged

I am very grateful for all the links and words of encouragement. We are attempting some formal studies until I have the baby, then we will re-evaluate.

I feel very confused and tired, this is NOT the time to make a decision. I spent yesterday with wonderful interesting friends who encouraged me to continue what we do

and to not COMPARE!!!!!! Perhaps we are just nopt co-op type people!

SallyT
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Posted: May 12 2008 at 10:15pm \| IP Logged

Co-ops can be very double-edged. We have loved the one my daughter has done this year, and I've taught in it, so I see what things are like. It's very positive in many ways, but it's also next to impossible not to slip into a "school" mode of thinking, if you know what I mean, where suddenly there's a scope and sequence, and children are being measured in a group instead of against themselves.

I love teaching my class, but I also have a hard time reconciling that with the far looser and more kid-directed mode we're in at home, in what I think of as our "real" education. I can see how that could be difficult for anyone, especially with an unschooling mindset.

But you're right: comparisons are odious. From everything you've written here and on your blog, it seems as though your kids are flourishing (and as someone else said, many, many 11-year-olds still have terrible grammar and spelling. My 14yo has really learned formal grammar through Latin this year).

Hang in there!

Sally

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