This past year we covered a lot of material. However, my children dislike "school". So, it was with excitement that I purchased the book, Little Way of Homeschooling. It is a collection of essays about how unschooling works in different families. I started to read it then decided to read Suzie Andres first book, Homeschooling with Gentleness: A Catholic Discovers Unschooling.
I'm not finished with it yet but am getting close. I like the philosophy of unschooling. Now, it's considered "not schooling". It's a way of life where the child takes the lead and pursues his/her interest. This is such a great way for my son to learn. We'll be taking his interests and taking off with them. For instance, right now, he wants to learn Spanish. Two very generous great-aunts of his, have purchased the Rosetta Stone for him. So, he'll learn Spanish. He's already been learning words by using the Dummies book. He listens to tapes and has great pronunciation. So, we'll be pursuing the Spanish.
He also has an interest in learning Latin. I'm going to give him the books and let him go at it.
Baseball has captured his interest as well. So, we'll be learning all about the history of the sport, the different teams and locations plus anything else he wants to know. We might even learn about the physics behind pitching the ball so he can learn how to throw better.
We'll take it as far as he'll want to.
So, besides math which I have absolutely no confidence in teaching them in an unschooly way, we'll be taking a break from formal school at home.
We will learn. I know that. It also forces me to focus on my children so I can see where their interests lie. I will spend more time with them and learn with them as well.
I write this because, well, this is a journal of sorts. I don't know how we'll do things. I'm feeling my way around and it's pretty dim still. I know in my heart that this is the way to go. It's been weighing on me for a while now. So, we now take the plunge.
I finished the book a few weeks ago. I see now that we've been leaning in the unschooling direction for awhile. I'm scared to take the final plunge!
Posted by: Paula | May 02, 2011 at 07:37 AM
I'm waiting for the book too. I don't think unschooling would work for me, but I'm curious to see if I can implement some of the concepts 'round here and always willing to learn something new. Let us know how it goes along the way!
Posted by: Jennifer | May 02, 2011 at 08:55 AM
I am not an unschooler - that said.... my oldest was home from 2nd grade through 7th. She went back for 8th (the rest are still home) She did not 'do school' at home. She refused to 'do school'. She read whatever she liked. 40 - 50 books from the library every week. Whatever struck her as interesting she found books to read. She ended up graduating top of her class from middle school. She is graduating from high school next month and will be going to college with a 70% tuition scholarship.
I make this comment with a little trepidition as I do not want to brag so much as to confirm that learning without 'doing school' is possible!
Best wishes as you move onto a different way of looking at things. I am sure Brother will enjoy this tremendously! (and see if you can find the Sleeping Bear Press alphabet book on baseball - he might like the information to be found there, we ended up doing a lapbook and semester project using their soccer book)
sorry this is so long ;-)
God Bless
Karen
Posted by: Karen | May 02, 2011 at 02:52 PM
Just read Jess's post too. I'm so glad to hear of these books. I've already ordered them. I have zero ideas about what I'm doing with Isaiah. He starts 1st grade this fall. I was just going to order CHC's package so that I'm not doing nothing...and then take it from there. I'd love any advice you can give me, K.C., on anything homeschool related. I figure it is a journey and we'll see where it takes us.
Posted by: Elisa | May 03, 2011 at 07:41 PM
PS: HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Posted by: Elisa | May 03, 2011 at 07:44 PM