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msclavel
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| Posted: March 06 2007 at 10:41pm | IP Logged
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I've read through a couple threads now, just out of curiosity, especially the ones on what your unschooling homes/days look like and God help me, I think I'm an unschooler!
I have suspected this for some time. I really thought about it the other day as I went to gather my children for "school" (the only thing I had really planned was a little math and reading) and I couldn't bring myself to break up the incredibly creative and fun games they were playing. I think there was a beanie baby talent show on one floor and an amazing duplo town being built on another. This happens a lot.
My other "aha" moment came today. My 11 yo dd has been begging, BEGGING me to let her use Microsoft Publisher on my computer so she could write her own newsletter. I was reluctant to because, well I didn't want to have to go the computer every 5 seconds to help her figure out how to do something  . But I relented and don't you know, she sat down and has figured out how to do EVERYTHING all by herself.
Almost all of my planned lessons lately have all been focused on the liturgical calendar in some way. This seems the only thing I can muster up the "spark" to plan for KWIM? And it is the most fun we have ever had.
My other big step so far is chucking the history textbook with my oldest girls and deciding we will read through all the Little House books, starting with the Martha Years by Melissa and see where that leads us.
So, my name is Maria (maybe-check out my identity crisis here.)
and I'm an unschooler.
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JodieLyn
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| Posted: March 07 2007 at 1:01am | IP Logged
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oh Maria.. welcome.. just think.. next you'll be wondering why you have to have a set time to do math.. because the kids will get out their workbooks here and there just "for fun"  
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Jodie, wife to Dave
G-18, B-17, G-15, G-14, B-13, B-11, G-9, B-7, B-5, B-4
All men who have turned out worth anything have had the chief hand in their own education.
-Sir Walter Scott
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Mary G
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| Posted: March 07 2007 at 7:24am | IP Logged
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Maria -- I'm coming to that conclusion too...I notice that the days go smoother when they're child-directed but overseen by me; I'm finding that they learn so much more when they're "into it"....I'm finding that CM's "masterly inactivity" suits my young ones much better than when I'm hovering over them giving them "advice" ....
But I think this is a great group to hang with and chat with....all these fine ladies are so welcoming, it got me over my "fear" of admitting unschooling may be more like me than anything else!
Welcome to this ship of fools, Maria! My name's Mary, and I just might be an unschooler!
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MaryG
3 boys (22, 12, 8)2 girls (20, 11)
my website that combines my schooling, hand-knits work, writing and everything else in one spot!
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Leonie
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| Posted: March 07 2007 at 7:11pm | IP Logged
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Welcome, Maria!
Like you, I see so much learning in the little things that I am sometimes reluctant to enforce other learning activities.
Like the other day. Ds Thomas ( 14) was reading a TimeLife book on Machines and Inventions. He was telling me how interesting it was - so, who could stop him reading that in order to do some Science work? Not me.
Of course, other days we just do what has to be done simply because it's on the overall plan for our time and its important. 
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Leonie in Sydney
Living Without School
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SuzanneG
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| Posted: March 07 2007 at 11:49pm | IP Logged
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Mary G wrote:
| I'm finding that CM's "masterly inactivity" suits my young ones much better than when I'm hovering over them giving them "advice" .... |
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Yes! The masterly inactivity and just being with them for conversation. They learn so much from just talking! I only have young'uns......so "unschooling" is what CM advocated at this age, but I see so much value and can picture all of your above scenarios in our home in the future.
I love all your stories!
And, I keep rememembering Mary's slogan from the "it is what it is" thread: "Living, Loving and Learning" You and your quote are forever etched into my mind, Mary!
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Suzanne in ID
Wife to Pete
Mom of 7 (Girls - 14, 12, 11, 9, 7 and Boys - 4, 1)
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4Real Forums : Living Learning
Topic: True Confession
