Unschooling Update
06:52 Oct 26 2009
Times Read: 694
We have been doing something that we are, at the present time, calling "de-schooling"
De-schooling is giving the kids a little break from "lessons and worksheets" to get them out of that "schoolroom mentality."
This helps them to understand that they're not under pressure or extreme expectations when it finally is time to sit down and work at the table. I've found this to be helpful in the extreme. It helps us all get out of that mentality really.
My older son asked me today when he was going to have to start doing work. I asked him if he was ready and he said he'd like just a few more days LOL! But then he agreed to "Sit at the table and do math problems if you want me to.." So, now I'm encouraging him to find his OWN reasons to want to do it. Giving him examples of how math can be helpful out there in the big old world. It helps him to understand that even though math is tedious and often boring, it is something we see and do every day. He's coming around....THANK GOODNESS! Did I mention that he HATES math? LOL!
The kid loves to learn. He's a great reader. We just need to work on his handwriting skills. This requires me to make him do it again and again and again until it's right. If he gets frustrated, he's allowed to take a break, not sit there with me standing over him forcing him to do it. This works wonderfully. He takes his break and either goes to play some video games, or outside to play, then he's refreshed and can practice a bit more.
I honestly believe that public schools tend to put too much pressure on our youngsters. Even as adults we struggle to work well under pressure. I'm sure that you, the reader, can think of plenty of times that you were under pressure and your work just wasn't the quality that it would have been if that pressure didn't exist.
I realize that in life, we do have moments where "time is of the essence," but at this point, he's young and I'm teaching him the basics....the know-how, then when he's ready, I will give him time limits here and there, just to prepare him for that sort of thing.
My youngest son is only 4 years old, so he's pretty much allowed to just be a kid as long as he can. He's very inquisitive too, like his brother. So if opportunities present themselves, we dive right in there. He wanted to learn to write, so I printed him a page with the letter "A"...a type of practice sheet...and he did it! Every one of them! But...when I tried to get him to do a second page, he wasn't too keen on it, so I let him go back to playing, but it was a start! And a good one!
So, all in all, it's going well. I'm going to start some worksheets with my oldest son this week and see how it goes. I'll keep you guys informed of the progress.
Many blessings!!!
Unschooling
06:08 Oct 16 2009
Times Read: 724
Well, today I decided to unschool my boys. It's a way of homeschooling, but it lets the child lead in what they naturally want to learn.
While there will be some structure, my boys will let me know what it is that they wish to learn about.
Children have a natural curiosity and there are countless moments in a day that can be turned to a lesson!
For instance...
You're boiling pasta on the stove, your little one notices the steam rising from the water and says, "Look Mommy/Daddy, it's smoke!"
Take this opportunity to teach the child about water and it's different forms...explain how the water turns to steam and is like a little cloud hovering above the pot, then show them an ice cube and a glass of water from the tap...and Voila! Learning Science all before the linguine is done!
I personally feel that today's schools are too rigid and hard on children. Especially children with learning disabilities like my son, who has ADHD.
I refuse to medicate him as the side effects are worse than the symptoms of ADHD. I've had teachers, principals and others try to tell me that my son is going to turn out to be a delinquent, be left behind and all sorts of other threats, if I do not medicate him.
So, rather than put my kids through that kind of environmental stress...I'll be their teacher with them leading the way.
I'll keep you all posted on how it goes.
*NOTE: I edited this entry and my comments disappeared, so I'll explain a bit more...
Virtuoso posted a comment with very legitimate concerns regarding Unschooling.
"Will they be prepared for the future, college and the work force?"
"Won't they have to take a yearly test showing that they've learned the curriculum for their age/grade level?"
"Will Unschooling/Homeschooling prepare them for life?"
In answer to the first question, as I said above, there will be some structure...I'll not allow them to just muck about and learn ONLY those things that attract them, otherwise, I'd never get them from front of the television lol. I do plan on incorporating daily lessons on math and such, but it will be in a more loving and peaceful setting...there will be no time limits placed on them and very little pressure....for now...that will come later when we teach them about getting things done in a timely manner. My outlook on that, is that you cannot throw a kid or adult into something and expect them to have it done in little time if they don't first know how to achieve those results.
In answer to the second question, each state has different laws regarding homeschooling. Missouri is one of the more lenient ones, requiring only that they get 1000 hours of lessons in and maintaining records of progress. There are no standardized tests and no qualifications needed.
And in answer to the third..Unschooling is all about life learning. Along with academic lessons, the children learn from life lessons, out in the real world, not closed up in a classroom for 8 hours a day. I believe this prepares them more readily for LIFE than public schooling.
I'd be happy to answer any other questions and respond to more comments!
Thanks Virtuoso for your input and concern! *smiles*
A week of beautiful weather!04:39 Oct 06 2009
Times Read: 747
I have to say, the weather for the past week has been absolutely gorgeous! The crisp chill in the air, the smell of decaying leaves, the brightly mantled trees and the sense of mischief all have me intoxicated.
I love the Fall...it's my favorite time of year. It's a time of preparation and self reflection. Everyone should take some time to just sit outside, close their eyes and search inside...not searching for anything in particular, just a self search, a sort of caressing of your own spirit. It's renewing and almost magical.
Take a few moments to look around you...
Love and Light,
Sarah
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