Showing posts with label unschooling. Show all posts
Showing posts with label unschooling. Show all posts

Thursday, September 13, 2012

When it all comes together

Despite suffering from some kind of respiratory illness that has affected a large part of our fair city, our family is taking it in stride. We've learned not to panick and to change our diet to increase our immune systems. The final step of that process logically is going vegan. We're not quite there yet...

I ran around this morning gathering items for our recovery.  When I arrived home, I was greeted by children working diligently on the workbooks that I bought at Target last weekend for .30 cents.

D9 showed me the Division workbook that he had figured out all by himself! I was so impressed that in less than two hours, he had been presented with a concept and had figured out the basics without any assistance!!! They were all working independently and asking each other questions as needed. So cool when it all starts to makes sense to them (and to us).

Friday, April 27, 2012

9 weeks in and we are still unpacking and finding our rhythm.  It's the perfect time to try different approaches to suit the needs of each of the boys.  I have been working on some Charlotte Mason techniques with D9 and E7 while suggesting different websites for W10. J6 has been busy with his own DS3, so when he pokes his head up, I'll see what he wants to pursue.

One of D9's goals has been to learn Spanish and I found out there is a great free resource through our local library. Can't wait to check out that information!

Enjoy the day wherever you are!

Peace.

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Down to business

So we are about a month in to the new city/new house. There is still a lot to be unpacked and put away, but most importantly, there is a feeling of peace of mind. Our house...in the middle of our street...our house. Feels great to know that we can paint a wall, put a nail in the wall and that no one is going to say anything!!! As far as other homeschoolers/unschoolers, we have found that Victoria has hundreds (!) of families in the area who live outside the public school system. Amazing and they are very friendly. DH has been asked about possible music lessons for some of the kiddos and there are co-ops and classes available for the older guys. We are looking forward to getting to know more people and create some meaningful experiences for the boys. I think we are going to try something a bit different for W10 and D9, where they use the morning to work on a particular subject and then have time to field trip or socialize in the afternoon. We went to the library yesterday and signed up for cards, so I can only imagine that the librarians will get to know my family quickly! D9 has been less critical of his reading skills, so I am hoping he will take advantage of library resources. Croquet has been the sport of choice over the past couple of evenings and the boys have learned that it is a game of skill and chance. Too funny to watch them as they have donned British accents when they play! "Pip, Pip, old chap" and "Oy!" I have no idea where they got the impression that you must be British to play croquet!!! Our science experiment of growing crystals has been successful. I'll try and add photos this evening. Enjoy the week!!!

Monday, November 15, 2010

The cost of unschooling

Those of us that unschool our children do so because we love them. It is not to cloister them or keep them from the real world, but to have them LIVE in the world. We for the most part, do not have a lot of money and seek out those opportunities for our children that are free or at a low cost. Some folks are lucky enough to have a support system where you can barter and trade for services with other like-minded folk.

My husband and I live in an urban apartment setting with our sons (even though we dream of a house w/yard) contrary to the idea most people have of homeschooling families. As if only rural settings are conducive to allowing one the freedom to school your children yourself. I work during the day while my husband and the boys seek adventure and then in the evening, my husband ventures out to play his music. It is difficult for him sometimes as the artist in him wants to roam about freely and our sons are still at ages that require attention.

We have suffered some personal setbacks this year, but as a family we try to be honest about each situation and work together without pointing fingers at one another. Our boys are amazing people and have adjusted through all these situations. They have learned a great deal about money during these financially difficult times and have come up with hilarious and surprisingly well thought out ways to make money themselves.

One thing that we have all learned from these experiences is that it is not the amount of money that you have or that you spend, but the amount of love and effort that you put forth that shapes our children into the people they need to become. They are each unique and intelligent. It is our responsibility to give them the keys to the world, teach them respect for themselves and for their fellow beings, and let them know they are loved!

They will find their path...

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Unschooling in the News

Well, whether we unschoolers were content with staying out of the limelight or not, the past 2 days of reporting on Good Morning America has put us all out there. The show yesterday of the Biegler family was so slanted it was scandalous! And did Juju yell at the son when she questioned his judgement at 7? There was enough controversy to invite the family back on this morning's show where the attitude was a bit more subdued. It was nice that the family was able to answer some of the questions posted on the ABC website, but it was still such a tiny view of the vastness of unschooling.

Swiss Army Wife has written a wonderful post on the subject that I recommend. http://www.swissarmywife.net/2010/04/unschooling-stephanopoulos-good-morning-america-fail/ and another must read from Lee Stranahan "Unschooling : How "Good Morning, America" Got It All Wrong" http://ow.ly/1AA8H

I confess that I was compelled to leave a comment on the GMA website as well (kjrp68).

I am just happy that was not my family under the microscope as life has been difficult enough. I do take strength from the fact that the judge made it clear to the folks living in the house we are planning on buying that they must be out by tomorrow...or else. Our unschooling lifestyle has been under major scrutiny by all our relatives that we have stayed with (on both sides of our families). It is always hard to "pretend" to fit into the boxes others live in. BUT not much longer!!! We will be able to have our OWN HOME BASE with which to learn and live and love life! Can't wait!!!

Monday, March 1, 2010

Unschoolers Unite!

Rethinking Everything is an annual gathering of unschoolers from around the world. It is an amazing sight to see youth empowered and parents getting a chance to share with other like-minded folks. I highly recommend getting your registration in early and check their website at http://www.rethinkingeverything.net/

It is an experience that will change your life!

Thursday, August 6, 2009

Looking to the future and a note regarding the past

Since dh and I decided way back before the birth of son #1 that we would always homeschool, we have had one heck of a journey to find that we are really unschoolers. With 4 boys ages 7, 6, 5 and 3, we have experienced a lot of growth and as parents have renewed our love of knowledge.

Currently #1 & #2 are enjoying math and reading using some workbooks and through exploring calculator functions. All 4 boys have recently asked about taking different classes including martial arts, dance, gymnastics...the list grows by the hour.

Being artists who are activists has made parenting a truly interesting experience and has solidified our resolve to making the world a better place. Hopefully this blog will help to find and share with other like minded parents in the Houston area and throughout Texas.

Here's to the future and a life long path of learning.

Peace & Blessings.