Comments on: Unschooling Interview

By: Wendy

Wendy — Sat, 25 Jun 2011 08:48:46 +0000

Two of my foster children were home from school sick this week. One of them, Daniel (9), has been unschooled much of his life and in school for about 8 weeks. The other Ata(10) has been in school since the age of five and been living with me for six months. When she first arrived with her brother they often scoffed at Daniel, telling him school was best and you can’t learn at home, all homeschoolers are dumb and so on. Daniel, a true unschooler and very sure of his educational choice, stood his ground well but Ata and her brother could not understand something so far out of their own experience. Until this week, when Ata had a taste herself.

Today, I overheard Ata telling her brother and his friend how much more learning you do at home compared to school and how much fun it was. To an outsider all they have done all week is play – create with lego, make monkey nests in the tree, build volcanoes, trenches and islands in the sandpit, light fires in different containers and discovered what it needs to burn, art, craft, read books together, learnt why we need the sun to survive, baked, made slime, gone on trips to the library, bank, supermarket, watched videos, listened to music. They have organised a garage sale, made signs, priced everything, discovered the power of advertising, dealt with costumers, given change. With the money they made we went to the hydroslide in the next town and had Mcdonalds for dinner.Daniel tried making a working fireplace, learnt aluminium melts and can’t be soldered to a metal baking dish. He’s planned, measured, cut, made a chimney and realised his idea needs improving and outside help. Throughout the week there has been lots and lots of discussion, debate, questions and googling. I’m not sure what my 12 year old foster son learnt at school this week and I don’t think he does either. He can’t even tell me what his new topic subject is because the teacher wrote it on the board and he doesn’t read very well. I’m now wondering why I even went there with school for Daniel. But oh how the clean house, well planted, weeded gardens, long peaceful walks and hot spas in solitude are tempting me to continue with it just a little while longer.

By: Vicky

Vicky — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 10:57:06 +0000

I have to say that I am not as brave as you in that I do not homeschool my 3 boys. However, I did a teacher training course last year and it really opened up my eyes about education and what my values are. The result surprised me …

In fact, I totally agree with you that learning is not about regurgitating facts and passing exams. I think it is about helping kids have the confidence to question the world around them and find answers for themselves. It is about giving them thinking skills and encouraging them to stretch themselves and push the boundaries. Unfortunately, schools often lose sight of this and the goal becomes more important than the process.

By: HFH

HFH — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 14:57:18 +0000

Habitat for Humanity has newly created lesson plans, assessments, and other resources for children in grades 3-12 to help teach them about housing issues around the world. I hope you and your readers find these tools helpful! You can find them here: http://www.habitat.org/Habitat_Learns/default.aspx

By: Kristy

Kristy — Sun, 21 Nov 2010 06:17:00 +0000

I love what you have to say about unschooling! .-= Kristy´s last blog ..ABC MAGNETS =-.

By: Jana

Jana — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 03:26:59 +0000

I love your unschool blog. I’m putting together an free e-book with home schoolers stories-why you homeschool- to encourage new homeschool families.

And I would love to include your story with a link back to your blog. Please let mw know if that’s okay. I couldn’t find anywhere to contact you.

jana
.-= Jana´s last blog ..How to Teach History With Just One Book =-.

By: Mary Ann Johnson

Mary Ann Johnson — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 03:22:19 +0000

I had the opportunity to home school two of my seven children and today I coach and mentor home school children and parents. I have seen first hand what you have experienced. Education and learning when child driven and not adult driven is a magical thing to watch! Just magical!

By: Tea

Tea — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 03:55:14 +0000

I really enjoyed reading your interview. Your answer on question #1 really reflects the way I felt about my own school experience growing up, and this is why I don't want that for my son. I am hearing more and more about unschooling, and, even though at first the name "unschooling" turned me off, I am seeing that this is something I really need to take the time to learn more about. It seems like such a good way to learn. Thank you for sharing! .-= Tea´s last blog ..ABC Game =-.

By: Home Schooling Expert

Home Schooling Expert — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 04:57:24 +0000

I agree with your answers and home schooling in general. Home schooling in my experience has been very successful, as far as I can see standardized tests mean very little. What actually keeps students learning is curiosity and self motivation not pressure from the "people in authority". I know when I was a kid apart from wanting to spend time with my friends I would have been all for home schooling. .-= Home Schooling Expert´s last blog ..Unschoolers Drawing – How I came to unschooling =-.

By: Julie from Homeschooling-ideas

Julie from Homeschooling-ideas — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 17:30:17 +0000

Good interview. I liked your answers. I think maybe an unexpected benefit of homeschooling for me is that “I” am more curious, more interested in knowing things. Homeschooling has caused a big change in me and the way I see the world!
It really does become a whole way of life, instead of just a ‘method of education’ doesn’t it?
best wishes, Julie.
.-= Julie from Homeschooling-ideas´s last blog ..Jun 15, Home Education Subjects =-.

By: Michelle Breum

Michelle Breum — Sun, 02 May 2010 23:06:09 +0000

I like the way you've expressed your views. I see the drawbacks of traditional schooling. There is a huge amount of my children's time wasted everyday. We learn many things together as a family when they are not in school, and I feel guilty some days sending my children to school. I volunteer at the school and stay involved. My children seem to be doing fine. I'm thankful for summer to spend all day with my three children, but I know I wouldn't have the paitence to teach or be the facilitator of their education everyday. Good for you for taking on the task! You have lucky children! .-= Michelle Breum´s last blog ..Magnetic Letters Can Be Organized And Used To Teach Reading =-.