Teens, and Unschooling

[Melissa Grimes]

I've been unschooling my boys for over a year now, and I'm having  concerns that I'm missing something in their education in the areas of Math and English.

They've never had much of an interest in writing, even if I asked them to write about something they loved using the computer they wouldn't have an interest in writing about it. Is this something that I should just let go, or should I be encouraging them more in this area?

And when it comes to Math they have a good foundation on the basics, but when it comes to pre-alegbra they struggle and again have zero interest in learning more.

Sometimes I think by now I should really have a handle on our new way of learning, yet I can't help but feel as though I'm messing my kids up. When it comes to unschooling should everything be child led?

I don't want to, and won't go back to "doing school" the way we did before where it's like pulling teeth just to get them to finish their work before dinner.

Thank you for any advice or encouragement you can offer me.

Melissa :)

[Sherry Ruetschi]

You're not alone, but I don't have any advice for you, only encouragement....  I have these same struggles with my own children.  We have some DVD's from "Standard Deviants School" they have a variety of short segmants on different subjects.   I have my kids watch those at least when they want nothing else to do with schooling.  The videos are very engaging and fun.  I found mine on ebay for cheap too. 

Good Luck!

Sherry

[BetteAnne]

Melissa~if you are going to unschool, then unschool and rest that they know what they want to know now. Who says what the should know? Or what they Need to know? When they hunger for information, it will be because they want to know about it. I think you may need to deschool yourself .  Just relax and let them seek what is in their heart. Tomorrow they may want to know about something different then what they want to know today.  Everyday is an adventure, everyday they are learning just by living and living while learning. Unschooling is a lifestyle of child led learning. You may want to getr a book by Grace Llewellyn~ How to quit school and get a real life and education. Also as your children get older, they need time to THINK. They need time to ponder. They do not always have to be doing something.

[BetteAnne]

oh and if you just started unschooling about a year ago~ they need to deschool for  a long time if they have been IN school or school at home situation for any length of time. :o).

[Melissa Grimes]

I've either been traditionally homeschooling or cyber schooling my 15 and 17 since they started "school". I've always wanted to unschool, but fear of not meeting the Pa homeschool requirements scared me away. I feel I'm ready to go all in, but I'm still concerned again with "the law".

I want to unschool my youngest son, who's five all the way through this journey, and I don't want to be fretting about these same things when he's a teen. I think you're right I do need to "deschool" myself and just relax. :)

I'll throw this question out to you or anyone else who has advice, how do you put your portfolio together without a bunch of worksheets?

BetteAnne said:

oh and if you just started unschooling about a year ago~ they need to deschool for  a long time if they have been IN school or school at home situation for any length of time. :o).

[Sherry Ruetschi]

I am so glad I found this site... I have been wanting to homeschool for so long and thought that cyber schooling was going to be the answer and it isn't what we want to do either.  I had never heard of unschooling before and so glad to find others that have our same desires for life learning.  I too have need of portfolio sugestions, we have never done one. Thanks so much for all the great ideas and I'm so glad to know that we're not alone through this journey.

[BetteAnne]

Lisa Hayes is an Unschool evaluator~ in PA.  
Everything is a learning experience. Example for your 180 days at the end of the day~ Journal what you did~
Baking~ math and fractions
watched Pawn Stars~ History
 Wrote a thank you note to Grandmom~ language arts
reading~ even if it is the back of the cereal box, or a comic book, or teen beat magazine....etc.....
Bible~ shared GOD'S WORD about LOVE.
Science ~ woods exploration or kitchen chemistry~ it is all leaning
health and nutrition ~ food store
Fire safety~ *escape route*
go visit the firehouse. :o) 
etc.... i will get Lisa's info :o)
 

[BetteAnne]

I am an unschooler and an evaluator. I have tried every method there is from Cyber, very structured and even public school for 2 months. I charge $35 per child and yes I do distance evals. I think it might be too far for you to drive for an in person. LOL I live in Easton Pa.  If you would like to email me offlist I would be happy to help you.

 

Lisa Hays
Mom of NINE!!! eight beautiful princesses and one little prince: Emily Rose 14.5, Mishaela Jane 13, Abigail Susan 11, Elizabeth Nancy 9 , Katherine Doris 6.5, Cassiel Virginia 5, Eric Bromley 3, Crystal Juletta our 9 yr. old Liberian Princess, Braelyn Ann 10 months and one terribly handsome supportive and loving king Eric of 17.5 years!!!

[BetteAnne]

In a message dated 4/28/2011 10:29:11 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, [e-mail] writes:

 

You are welcome to call me  610-252-5533 ( Lisa Hayes)

[Sherry Ruetschi]

Thank you so much! Great info I'll be in touch.

 

[Kaki]

Thank you for this-I am in Bucks co, so I don't think it would be that far to see Lisa.  I have been looking for a more unschooling-friendly evaluator!

BetteAnne said:

In a message dated 4/28/2011 10:29:11 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, [e-mail] writes:

 

You are welcome to call me  610-252-5533 ( Lisa Hayes)