Homeschool Chat Part III

[graygables]

I'm rambling a bit, I know...but I'm just needing some advice as to how to manage our homeschooling day. I know my husband is really thinking that I'm doing our son a great disservice, because I really have no proof that he's learning anything. Can someone help me with ideas to organize our days?

Thank you so much! And again, I'm thrilled to have found this place!

As a former school teacher and now homeschooler, in my opinion, it is important to give a child several weeks to decompress when removed from a PS. There is a certain amount of de-programming that needs to take place and a period of unschooling works well (we also use lapbooks as an unschooling "tool"; we get ours from http://www.handsofachild.com/index....art&page=shop.browse&category_id=206&Itemid=2)

Give him a chance to adjust to the new normal and let him follow his passions for a bit. Once he has had a chance to acclimate, then you can introduce a formal curriculum, if you decide to go that route. Your husband also apparently needs to learn a thing or two about "learning" and how it happens naturally and organically with or without a curriculum or a "teacher". Children are natural learners, only the PS has forgotten that little detail (and programs parents to forget it as well as convincing them that only a "professional" can teach anything). Relax. Take a breath and give yourself a chance to acclimate to the new normal as well.

In my opinion (again), 11yo is also an age where your DS could have some say in his curriculum. Have him look at the curriculum sites with you and give his opinion. He's old enough to take some ownership of his own education which gives a sense of power that he may not have had in PS.

 

[LegoMom3]

Any unschoolers in this group?....fans of John Holt? I'm not seeking to start a "how to" debate, just wondering if I have any who are like-minded in their approach! (graygables, your middle paragraph above here is spot-on to my philosophy!)



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[bellebud]

Any unschoolers in this group?....fans of John Holt? I'm not seeking to start a "how to" debate, just wondering if I have any who are like-minded in their approach! (graygables, your middle paragraph above here is spot-on to my philosophy!)



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I wouldn't put myself in the 'official' category of unschooling... but we do a lot of it from time to time - LOL!

We've been hsing for 2 years now (pulled kids when they were in 4th and 2nd)... and the longer we hs, the more we realize how much they learn when they are not 'forced' to learn. My dh was SO against hsing, and what totally turned him around was John Taylor Gatto's books. I've read a little about John Holt too, and I very much agree with their philosophies. DH said a few months ago "Wow! I would have never believed it, but they're really learning, without you *doing school* like I thought you would have had to".

Let me ask you, you being an unschooler - do you find variations of unschoolers too, just like there are so many variations of hsers? Or does "unschooling" really mean one thing. Can you, for my curiosity and learning, describe what you guys do and don't do?

I'd love to hear about your kids and days.

 

[bcbmommy]

Graygables, thank you!!! I love the way you look at homeschooling! I wholeheartedly agree that we've all been programmed to believe that everyone should learn the same. I'm going to take your advice and let my son help me choose some of his schoolwork. Bless you!

 

[LegoMom3]

I wouldn't put myself in the 'official' category of unschooling... but we do a lot of it from time to time - LOL!

We've been hsing for 2 years now (pulled kids when they were in 4th and 2nd)... and the longer we hs, the more we realize how much they learn when they are not 'forced' to learn. My dh was SO against hsing, and what totally turned him around was John Taylor Gatto's books. I've read a little about John Holt too, and I very much agree with their philosophies. DH said a few months ago "Wow! I would have never believed it, but they're really learning, without you *doing school* like I thought you would have had to".

Let me ask you, you being an unschooler - do you find variations of unschoolers too, just like there are so many variations of hsers? Or does "unschooling" really mean one thing. Can you, for my curiosity and learning, describe what you guys do and don't do?

I'd love to hear about your kids and days.

I would say that yes, there are absolutely variations of unschoolers, within the larger home schooler name. I don't think it means one, very specific thing. To me, it means pretty much as you described, allowing the child to follow his/her interests and acting as a facilitator for them, rather than just feeding info to them. We sort of morphed into this, after trying the school-at-home approach, which just did not work for us. This does. We don't happen to be using ANY text books or workbooks or other type of "curriculum" right now. We go to the library a LOT, and use the Internet extensively. I know other unschoolers who use some curriculum, on somewhat of a schedule, and others still who have it in the home, if/when the child wants to use it. My oldest is currently learning about photography and film-making, my middle son is pouring his heart and soul into music and he's VERY good at it! He plays guitar and bass. My youngest is all about baseball, and more recently, wants to know all about the Titanic. He has learned a ton about history just through that one topic (his favorite TV show is "American Pickers" on The History Channel!...he loves old stuff and artifacts. Matter of fact, The History Channel gets the most air-time of any in our household!). And that is just the very surface of their pursuits and how they spend a day, but I can say we are very relaxed in our approach.

We are probably in a stage of what could be considered "radical unschooling" right now. Our day doesn't look like "school" at all. But my kids are definitely learning!! Next year I plan to introduce a bit more "structure", but still staying flexible within their interests. Two years ago my oldest son was in what turned out to be his last year in ps, and spent night after night after night literally in tears over math. He's a very bright kid, but couldn't grasp the problems as they were required to be worked out. He could get the right answer, but not like the teacher wanted. He hasn't touched "formal" math since then. He has REALLY needed the break. However, just the other day, we were talking about the fact that he will be starting high school next year, and he mentioned that he wants to start "catching up" on math. It's HIS initiative, and he's now at the point where he's ready to tackle it. Voila!

We also love John Taylor Gatto. I read him first, and more recently started finding some John Holt books. He is my hero!!!

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[graygables]

Any unschoolers in this group?....fans of John Holt? I'm not seeking to start a "how to" debate, just wondering if I have any who are like-minded in their approach! (graygables, your middle paragraph above here is spot-on to my philosophy!)



.

I would classify us as unschoolers, although we do use a curriculum (Teaching Textbooks) for math. We use lapbooks a lot and have used general curriculum in the past when we felt we needed more of a "backbone" to things. I'm basically a single mom now (I live in FL, hubby lives in OH) and I'm working full-time, so my DDs take a lot of ownership for their education, but in 7th & 9th grades, that's a bit easier than for younger students.

Part of my educational philosophy is based on personal contentment. Some people, like my 22yo, are simply not cut out for college, so attending university has never been the "end-all" in my house. She is perfectly content with her life the way it is right now (she has had a job since she was 15yo). If she ever wants something different, she knows she has to make the choices to make it happen. 14yo has no idea what she wants to be when she grows up, but is leaning heavily toward photography, so we encourage her wherever that takes her. 12yo has already got her sights on culinary school and makes beautiful pastries and delicious Alfredo sauce (among other dishes). She just asked me to email the Culinary Institute of America to see what she needs admission-wise as a homeschooler.

My children also understand where a college education can take them and have lived it the last 2 years. I had a BA in English/Education, but had been out of the work force for years. I decided I wanted to follow my dream of working at WDW, so returned to grad school to qualify for WDW's student programs. I did the College Program, followed by a management internship, which became a management role. They watched it all unfold before their eyes, so they see how a dream can become a reality at any time of life, and they witnessed first-hand the work that it took and the success of the pay-off. They also saw what stick-to-it-iveness can do when I graduated this past September.

When I am asked for a "school name", I often say, "The Academy of Hard Work and Dreams".

P.S. Tomorrow begins a new stage in my journey at WDW: I'm the new duty manager for the Pop/CBR resorts!

 

[LegoMom3]

I would classify us as unschoolers, although we do use a curriculum (Teaching Textbooks) for math. We use lapbooks a lot and have used general curriculum in the past when we felt we needed more of a "backbone" to things. I'm basically a single mom now (I live in FL, hubby lives in OH) and I'm working full-time, so my DDs take a lot of ownership for their education, but in 7th & 9th grades, that's a bit easier than for younger students.

Part of my educational philosophy is based on personal contentment. Some people, like my 22yo, are simply not cut out for college, so attending university has never been the "end-all" in my house. She is perfectly content with her life the way it is right now (she has had a job since she was 15yo). If she ever wants something different, she knows she has to make the choices to make it happen. 14yo has no idea what she wants to be when she grows up, but is leaning heavily toward photography, so we encourage her wherever that takes her. 12yo has already got her sights on culinary school and makes beautiful pastries and delicious Alfredo sauce (among other dishes). She just asked me to email the Culinary Institute of America to see what she needs admission-wise as a homeschooler.

My children also understand where a college education can take them and have lived it the last 2 years. I had a BA in English/Education, but had been out of the work force for years. I decided I wanted to follow my dream of working at WDW, so returned to grad school to qualify for WDW's student programs. I did the College Program, followed by a management internship, which became a management role. They watched it all unfold before their eyes, so they see how a dream can become a reality at any time of life, and they witnessed first-hand the work that it took and the success of the pay-off. They also saw what stick-to-it-iveness can do when I graduated this past September.

When I am asked for a "school name", I often say, "The Academy of Hard Work and Dreams".

P.S. Tomorrow begins a new stage in my journey at WDW: I'm the new duty manager for the Pop/CBR resorts!

That is AWESOME!!! Wow, congratulations! What a great story, and how wonderful for your kids to see that come to completion. Our family isn't college-driven either. It's an option, but not a requirement "just because." I love your description of your daughter being "very content" with her life as it is now.

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[bellebud]

Part of my educational philosophy is based on personal contentment.

She just asked me to email the Culinary Institute of America to see what she needs admission-wise as a homeschooler.

when I graduated this past September.

P.S. Tomorrow begins a new stage in my journey at WDW: I'm the new duty manager for the Pop/CBR resorts!

I agree w/ your educational philosophy... my main goal for my children is to help them find a passion in life, and figure out a way to make a living out of it. My dh is a business owner, and has hardly ever had a 'real' paycheck type job - here and there in his teens, but also did his own businesses in his teens. I always tell my kids "this is America, the land of opportunity, people risk their lives to come live here, there is nothing you cannot do if you really put your mind to it! There are educational opportunities everywhere, for everyone (and yes, college in the traditional way is not the only thing out there for successful people).

The Culinary Institute - we're about 45 minutes from the one in NY. We took a group HS field trip there last year, and we'll do another this year. My dd11 has talked about possibly going there too. It's one of my fav field trips!! They have summer weekend programs for teens - I was looking for my dd, but I think you have to be a bit older. What fun that would be!!!

Congratulations on graduating this past summer!!! AND congrats on your new job!!!! How exciting!!!

 

[nrpofp]

I am new to these boards. I am in the process of planning first wdw trip. I am also a homeschooler. I am glad I found this thread. I am having a very difficult time with my 1st grader. I think I have become a unschooler and not by choice. Where can I find more information on this method of teaching or not teaching as some would say. My third grader is easy. I just throw him some workbooks and he does them. Such an easy kid. Not sure where he gets if from. My first grader taught himself to read playing wii games and reading the instructions. He reads at a 2nd grade level. He figured out how to add and subtract by playing board games, math games on the computer, and the wii. I really have taught him very little. He seems to figure things out for himself. I know he needs to learn how to write sentences and do math problems on paper. He hates any kind of book work or anything that involves a peice of paper. He's very smart, just not in the traditional way. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[LegoMom3]

I am new to these boards. I am in the process of planning first wdw trip. I am also a homeschooler. I am glad I found this thread. I am having a very difficult time with my 1st grader. I think I have become a unschooler and not by choice. Where can I find more information on this method of teaching or not teaching as some would say. My third grader is easy. I just throw him some workbooks and he does them. Such an easy kid. Not sure where he gets if from. My first grader taught himself to read playing wii games and reading the instructions. He reads at a 2nd grade level. He figured out how to add and subtract by playing board games, math games on the computer, and the wii. I really have taught him very little. He seems to figure things out for himself. I know he needs to learn how to write sentences and do math problems on paper. He hates any kind of book work or anything that involves a peice of paper. He's very smart, just not in the traditional way. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Do some research on John Holt. He died in 1985 I believe it was but he's considered the pioneer of unschooling, and wrote extensively on children's natural curiosity and ability to learn in what we would now consider non-traditional ways (sounds like your youngest there is already figuring that out!). I just got two books from my library by John Holt -- How Children Learn, and Learning All the Time. If you can find those, I would highly recommend them. They can also be purchased through Amazon.com. If you want more immediate results, you can start by Googling him....there are articles and info on the 'Net that introduce you to his philosophy on natural learning.

.

 

[bellebud]

I am new to these boards. I am in the process of planning first wdw trip. I am also a homeschooler. I am glad I found this thread. I am having a very difficult time with my 1st grader. I think I have become a unschooler and not by choice. Where can I find more information on this method of teaching or not teaching as some would say. My third grader is easy. I just throw him some workbooks and he does them. Such an easy kid. Not sure where he gets if from. My first grader taught himself to read playing wii games and reading the instructions. He reads at a 2nd grade level. He figured out how to add and subtract by playing board games, math games on the computer, and the wii. I really have taught him very little. He seems to figure things out for himself. I know he needs to learn how to write sentences and do math problems on paper. He hates any kind of book work or anything that involves a peice of paper. He's very smart, just not in the traditional way. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

HI and Welcome!

go a couple of posts back - I answered someone else and was talking about learning styles, and especially my ds9, and his math. Your 1st grader sounds a lot like my ds.

My dd11 is the kid I could throw a workbook at... but the longer we've been hsing (we've been at it 2 years now), the more she's also enjoying more "non-traditional" ways.

But my ds is the kid who can't/won't learn on paper - I'm convinced the actual "writing" of his math work was totally getting in the way of his "learning" the math work. I pulled them when he was in 2nd grade. I put away all paper/pencil work for him and found many, many different ways for him to learn. Even now, the ONLY paper/pencil work I have him do is his "sentence notebook" - which is for penmanship purposes and constructing proper sentences and proper punctuation. This is taken from the Charlotte Mason method (google it - lots of good ideas for little kids). I write about 3 - 5 sentences that he simply copies to the best of his ability (his penmanship is like his dads - messy!) The sentences are always about him, or what we as a family did that day, or our recent vacation, etc. I make them funny, or gross (which is funny to him), etc. I even was doing the days of the week and months of the year for a few weeks when I realized he didn't know them "cold". I also throw in a "Today is Tuesday, March 14, 2011, since homeschoolers don't have to write the date and such as "headings" on paperwork like they do in school, just so he sees it and writes it on a semi regular basis. This method for my ds works wonderfully. If I tried to "teach" him to capitalize the first letter of each sentence, he'd get annoyed. Now he's just "doing" it and it will simply become habit, then I can point it out to him AFTER he's already learned it (without him getting annoyed and turned off from the learning). My dd11 on the other hand, is totally open to me "teaching" her to do something. Different kids, different temperments, and different learning styles.

 

[robinsegg]

I'm so glad to have found this forum, as I know no other mom who homeschool in my area.

Hi bcbmommy!
A suggestion for finding other hsers is to go to your local library (if there's a specific one with a kids area, go there) and ask the people there to give your contact information to hs'ers in your area. Believe me, people who work at the libraries *know* who homeschools

 

[robinsegg]

I am new to these boards. I am in the process of planning first wdw trip. I am also a homeschooler. I am glad I found this thread. I am having a very difficult time with my 1st grader. I think I have become a unschooler and not by choice. Where can I find more information on this method of teaching or not teaching as some would say. My third grader is easy. I just throw him some workbooks and he does them. Such an easy kid. Not sure where he gets if from. My first grader taught himself to read playing wii games and reading the instructions. He reads at a 2nd grade level. He figured out how to add and subtract by playing board games, math games on the computer, and the wii. I really have taught him very little. He seems to figure things out for himself. I know he needs to learn how to write sentences and do math problems on paper. He hates any kind of book work or anything that involves a peice of paper. He's very smart, just not in the traditional way. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Have you thought about making magnets with lots of different words on them and letting him put them in order to "write" the sentences . . . maybe on the fridge? You could do the same with numbers and math signs.

Or, maybe take shaving cream and have him "write" in it with his finger, or let him do it with fingerpaints on butcher block paper taped to the wall (you can get a "butt roll" from the newspaper, often for free)?

Or maybe he could use sidewalk chalk outside when the weather is fine?

 

[nrpofp]

Do some research on John Holt. He died in 1985 I believe it was but he's considered the pioneer of unschooling, and wrote extensively on children's natural curiosity and ability to learn in what we would now consider non-traditional ways (sounds like your youngest there is already figuring that out!). I just got two books from my library by John Holt -- How Children Learn, and Learning All the Time. If you can find those, I would highly recommend them. They can also be purchased through Amazon.com. If you want more immediate results, you can start by Googling him....there are articles and info on the 'Net that introduce you to his philosophy on natural learning.

.

Thanks I will buy that book immediately.

 

[nrpofp]

I'm so glad I found this thread. I was getting really frustrated and ready to send him to school. If he was in public school he would have to be in Kindergarden because his birthday missed the cut off. He is way beyond Kindergarden. People always ask me how much time I spend each day homeschooling. I'm always embarrassed to say about "an hour". Both my kids are ahead of the public school system by about a grade. We are very flexible and don't have a real schedule. I probably am more of a modified unschooler. I also work part-time so that cuts into my school time, but my dh picks up the slack. Somehow my kids are learning. I am excited to read the unschooling books. I am glad there is a name for the way I teach or don't teach.

 

[nrpofp]

Have you thought about making magnets with lots of different words on them and letting him put them in order to "write" the sentences . . . maybe on the fridge? You could do the same with numbers and math signs.

Or, maybe take shaving cream and have him "write" in it with his finger, or let him do it with fingerpaints on butcher block paper taped to the wall (you can get a "butt roll" from the newspaper, often for free)?

Or maybe he could use sidewalk chalk outside when the weather is fine?

All great ideas. I think I nead to revolve his school work around the Mario bros and all the characters. You have given me some ideas.

 

[robinsegg]

All great ideas. I think I nead to revolve his school work around the Mario bros and all the characters. You have given me some ideas.

If these ideas appeal to you, you may want to look at your local library or websites about Montessori method schooling. It's a very sensory-integrated way to learn

 

[Mouseketeer67]

DD #1 was homeschooled from K-12. She'll graduate from college this spring--bio major w/ honors!

DS #2 is a junior in high school. Going strong! He's very self motivated and easy to homeschool. We'll try to make use of some dual enrollment with the community college next year.

DS #3 is in 4th grade.

DS #4 is still in diapers. He likes to sit at the table when I'm homeschooling DS #3 and draw pictures and throw out numbers during math.

Congratulations to your daughter! Thats awesome!!!

 

[bcbmommy]

The more I think about just letting ds work at his own pace, and with what he's interested in, the more I like the idea. The funny thing is, the UPS man just delivered our new Math u see program in the mail. I am anxious to see if ds likes it, though.
Yesterday we were at Barnes & Noble (2 hours from here), and ds picked up a teacher planning notebook and said, "Here mom, you need this....it has a place to record my grades." I explained to him that I really didn't see the need for "grades", but for some reason, he wants me to grade him. I think maybe because he's spent 6 + years in public school, combined with the fact that he could show dad how he's doing. Hmmm.....

 

[Nicolepa]

I explained to him that I really didn't see the need for "grades", but for some reason, he wants me to grade him. I think maybe because he's spent 6 + years in public school, combined with the fact that he could show dad how he's doing. Hmmm.....

Rather than grade him do a show and tell for Dad. Whenever my son does something I want him to feel proud of I have him show his dad. I'll even tell him, you are doing such a good job I want you to show this too your dad tonight. His dad praises him and tells him how good he did. My son lights up like you wouldn't believe. He just finished memorizing Psalm 27. I am going to have him recite it for his Dad tonight.