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JennGM
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| Posted: Sept 13 2005 at 11:52am | IP Logged
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WJFR wrote:
I'd love to see a classical education board on here  |
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I would, too!!  I'm reading closely your questions and ponderings about unschooling and such. You put into words what I'm struggling to understand and incorporate.
I would love to see classical education in the home discussed more thoroughly here and perhaps see HOW one could "unschool" classically.
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Jennifer G. Miller
Wife to  & ds1  '03 & ds2  '07
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Meredith
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| Posted: Sept 13 2005 at 11:54am | IP Logged
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Karen E. wrote:
WJFR wrote:
| This is way more than you wanted to hear, probably! I hesitate to hit "post" but here goes... |
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Willa,
I'll not hesitate to say that you should never hesitate to hit "post."
I think as long as we keep the questions of WHY? and WHAT FOR? at the forefront of all that we do, then we can rest a little easier about how our methods, systems, ideologies and transformations are all coming together.
In our homeschool, I've always hesitated to put a label on what we do.
Sigh. What was I? It used to bother me a bit to not have a clear answer or a label.... But these days, I confidently answer the question with, "I design our curriculum myself." ... The point is that I have to keep asking myself, each year and with each child (and taking into account my season of life -- am I pregnant? Sick? Sleep deprived?) "WHY?" and "WHAT FOR?"
Okay, I've got to go and I'll hit "post" even though I haven't reread this and I'm afraid it's too rambling and incoherent .... |
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Never be afraid to hit post, someone will always appreciate what you have to say as I did 
I love all of this! And isn't this sort of what unschooling is attempting to be, NO LABLES, no boxes with XYZ curriculum stamped on them in our cupboards.
My epiphany came after reading ( and re-reading again and again) Elizabeth's book, it gave ME the confidence to go ahead and do what I'd always wanted to do and create our own curriculum from the sources we wanted to use, and then to be able to let the children's desires for learning and their interest help lead me in our choices for materials.
I know THAT part is NOT pure unschooling, but it's a step towards the *guidance* factor I think that Leonie pointed out. And through this process I've become more contemplative about what my children need, and in my searches for books and resources. I am also trying more to stay out of the way of the children's desire to retrace and backtrack into something more meaningful for them.
I believe that if we didn't keep bringing up the WHY? and WHAT FORS? we'd be stagnant and NOT contemplative in our processes to keep the windows of learning open for a clear view of what's ahead.
OK, I'm hitting POST...this is such a great thread, thank you so much for all the insightfulness.
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Meredith
Mom of 4 Sweeties
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Leonie
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Richelle, I agree with you, that knowing ourselves and our dc makes a world of difference in homeschooling. We each bring certain traits to our homeschooling - and that is why it is real learning and not necessarily a one size fits all methodology. don't you think?
Cindy, I think your post would be very helpful in a new thread - for easier reference and discussion. Would you move it?
Leonie in Sydney
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Cindy
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| Posted: Sept 13 2005 at 5:59pm | IP Logged
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Leonie wrote:
Cindy, I think your post would be very helpful in a new thread - for easier reference and discussion. Would you move it?
Leonie in Sydney |
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I would love to!
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Cindy in Texas
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chicken lady
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| Posted: Sept 13 2005 at 7:00pm | IP Logged
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Thanks ladies you all have really helped me, we are "unschoolers", and I really love to hear your deeper thoughts that have gone into this approach. So much of what I do is instinctual, not really thought out and you ladies have given me much encouragement.
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Leonie
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| Posted: Sept 13 2005 at 7:28pm | IP Logged
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Molly,
I'd love to hear more of your "instincutal" unschooling. 
Leonie in Sydney
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Cindy
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Leonie wrote:
Molly,
I'd love to hear more of your "instincutal" unschooling.
Leonie in Sydney |
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Me too!
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Cindy in Texas
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chicken lady
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What do I mean....I suppose I meant you ladies have more experince and you have thought out reasoning behind unschooling, where I have from the onset set out to use real lfe to educate, and went with it when I saw my dc learning! Not to say you have not done this I just meant I flew by the seat of my pants prior to realizing that there was a name for this type of educating.
For example when my dd wanted to sew at age 5 I just taught her, and realized that she was learning so much, measuring, money (ie going to the store) textile history, geography as we discuss and look up where cotton, wool, etc is made, and on ans on! I am amazed at what children learn in this type of natural conversations, that their counterparts never get the chance to. So it is'nt that I set out to do anything I really follow their guide, and seize opporuntunties to rabitt trail. Luckily my dh is really fond of this and is by nature a lover of knowledge, so he really picks up where I drop the ball. Hope this is clear!
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juliecinci
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molly wrote:
For example when my dd wanted to sew at age 5 I just taught her, and realized that she was learning so much, measuring, money (ie going to the store) textile history, geography as we discuss and look up where cotton, wool, etc is made, and on ans on! I am amazed at what children learn in this type of natural conversations, that their counterparts never get the chance to. |
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So well said.
molly wrote:
| So it is'nt that I set out to do anything I really follow their guide, and seize opporuntunties to rabitt trail. Luckily my dh is really fond of this and is by nature a lover of knowledge, so he really picks up where I drop the ball. Hope this is clear! |
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Clear as a bell. Thanks for sharing. I love the way you expressed it.
Julie
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Julie
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Cindy
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Molly wrote:
I am amazed at what children learn in this type of natural conversations>>
Hi Molly!
Yes, I agree... unlike you I did not have that instinct at the beginning. I found that I began to realize what the potential of 'unschooling' was when various crisis/distractions came in our life and I could not keep doing my schedule. We did 'nothing' for months and the kids kept learning....! And when I started to read about unschooling and learned more about what my changed role might be I came to love it more.
It is neat you saw it from the beginning.. I had to be convinced and let go of all my preconceptions. Not a pretty picture.. but a rich journey...  Thanks for sharing- it is encouraging to me.
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Cindy in Texas
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chicken lady
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Cindy, and all, perhaps those distractions are the real motivations behind my approach. I had 5 children in 6 yrs,( baby no6 due in Dec), and I could not possibly pull off school at home! We do tons of read alouds, many way advanced for my dc ages, yet they love it. My girls favorite author is Jane Austen, and this from age 6. This taught me that real living and good literature appeals to everyone. This year I'm reading lots of Shakespeare to them, we went to Shakespeare in the park several times over the summer, and even my 3.5 yr son was enthralled!
Many times I thought I was being selffish, reading to them that which I enjoyed, or having them join my life, as opposed to so many other moms joining our cultures children lives, now however I'm seeing that perhaps it is what was best for my dc after all. I really dislike dumb down kids books and movies, even toys, it seems that my dc enjoy doing what we do, and they are learning!! It makes me realize that each family is given a certain role in this life, as part of the body of Christ and we need not follow others, but rather be open and accepting of our own callings!
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Willa
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molly wrote:
| It makes me realize that each family is given a certain role in this life, as part of the body of Christ and we need not follow others, but rather be open and accepting of our own callings! |
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Molly --  lots to think about -- thanks so much!
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Willa
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ladybugs
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molly wrote:
| I had 5 children in 6 yrs,( baby no6 due in Dec), and I could not possibly pull off school at home! We do tons of read alouds, many way advanced for my dc ages, yet they love it. My girls favorite author is Jane Austen, and this from age 6. This taught me that real living and good literature appeals to everyone. |
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Hi Ladies,
As usual, I'm late on the conversation...my dh has been at the computer lots trying to find work - still....but he's out this am and I'm computer hungry!
I found unschooling largely in part to my children being born in such close proximity to one another as well. With 4 children born less than 4 years apart, there's no way I could do school at home. Thankfully, that is when I found the CCM eloop and had a very wise friend near me who suggested just READ, READ, READ! I also was very inspired by Leonie's posts. Often, like you Molly, I think we read books that would be considered "above" their level, too. It's so nice to have read, Molly, what has been our experience as well.
Congratulations on your impending arrival!
God Bless,
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Maria P
My etsy store - all proceeds go to help my fencing daughters!
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ladybugs
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I am actually going to respond to my own post because there is nothing like talking to oneself!
I meant to add in my post above that I often find it amazing what the children are interested in learning about. And I find that when I really listen to them instead of impose upon them, the "retaining factor" is greater.
God Bless,
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Love and God Bless,
Maria P
My etsy store - all proceeds go to help my fencing daughters!
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Leonie
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Oh, Maria, I agree with you - it s often amazing to see waht our children are interested in learning about.
Right now, I have one writing a novel in the style of Star Wars - he is doing this collaboratively, with a long distance friend. He is 12 - and we are having lots of discussions on anti heroes, hooks, the writing process.
Who knew?
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Leonie in Sydney
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chicken lady
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I love learning what interest my dc! It is simply amazing to me. Tonight I came back from a local play house where my 9 yr dd is becoming quite active, although she is the only child, and I am so delighted that this is HER doing, her interest, she is not in the least bit afraid or intimidated by the fact that she is 30 yrs younger than the rest of the group. In fact she acts like one of the gang, and what is she learning, my the list is so long. She even has the acting coach helping her to write her own play. I shutter to think of her missing this opportunity because I was so busy planning her interest and days. Whne I see days like these I'm so grateful for this time of HS and child directed learning!
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Leonie
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Oh, Molly, I love hearing about children like your dd - pursuing their interests.
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Leonie in Sydney
Living Without School
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4Real Forums : Living Learning
Topic: Unschooling and Self-Direction
