Well, it's Back to School Time. That is, of course, perfect timing for our Not Back to School Day for the unschooling group. I've also been having some interesting discussions about curriculum choices or lack thereof with friends. Some of my friends, this year, are choosing to use virtual schools. I have no problem with public school at home, if that is what people choose. What worries me is when it is put in the same category as homeschooling. I hope they always remain separate to distinguish the two. Homeschooling, in general - whether unschooling or school-at-home - has always wanted to remain free of public school interference. I know that this is important to me, as a homeschooler/unschooler. I do not want there to be more government interference in homeschools because of the rising popularity of virtual schools.
That said, all of this curriculum discussion has been making me think all the more about unschooling. I love unschooling. I hope my sons never request to go to a more school-at-home approach to learning. If they do, of course, I will allow them that choice. We will search for the private curriculum that they are comfortable with. If they should ever choose to go to a regular school, I would probably take an extra job for them to go to a private school. I think the only thing I would not allow would be public schooling in any way. I do not feel public schooling is right for our family. That is not to say I look down on someone else for making the opposite decision, it's just not right for us. But my preference is to remain life-long unschoolers. I love seeing what ideas generate in my sons' minds. I love following them on their unschooling adventures and allowing their creativity to lead. I love watching their imaginary play. I love watching them do what they love - Taliesin doing art, Nathanael playing with bugs and animals. I love watching them make up dances while we're listening to CDs. I even love watching them do more traditional learning stuff when that's what they're in the mood for. I love unschooling....
Kandy
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
4 comments:
It truly is Child led learning. I love the fact that they don't even know they are learning something. It is just life for them. And life is one big interesting place. The teddy bear bed sounds really cute.
I totally agree! I love chid-directed, delight-driven learning! The teddy bear bed is cute. Taliesin is downstairs working on his pillow again as we speak. :^)
Kandy
I love unschooling too!
I know I've already said this but it's not just *child led learning*
It's so much more, it's a partnership of trust and respect, living and learning in freedom is priceless.
I'm not trying to be difficult:)
Anyway have you seen this blog post? It's from an unschooler who tried school it's pretty good.
http://fivefreebirds.blogspot.com/2008/07/unschool-v-school.html
No, you are right. It is about respect. I appreciate you pointing that out!
Thank you for the blog link! I can't wait to read it.
Kandy
P.S. I need to forward you something my homeschooling neighbor sent to me. If it's okay, I will forward it to your e-mail address.
Post a Comment