Unschooling in Westford

[loucook]

Having watched the "GMA" report I too was taken aback with regards to how "Un" schooled these kids appeared. The show depicted them as Video gaming, TV watching Teens who seemed to be taking advantage of their parents. After speaking with a few home schooling parents, I was better able to understand more of the process. I learned that even within this small sect there were many different styles of unschooling methods. Apparently, the parental involvement can range from something close to homeschooling, with schedules and more responsibilities for the kids, all the way to styles in which parents have very little to no rules and appear to be unparenting. With this knowledge, I've come to the realization that each child is unique in how they learn; Whether it be home schooling, unschooling, public schools or some variation. Every child is different and finding the right combination of atmosphere and method is important in allowing that child to learn, grow and prosper to their fullest extent.

[mike]

I learned that even within this small sect there were many different styles of unschooling methods. Apparently, the parental involvement can range from something close to homeschooling, with schedules and more responsibilities for the kids, all the way to styles in which parents have very little to no rules and appear to be unparenting.

That's an excellent point. I've known homeschooling parents who have a weekly agenda setting meeting, where the kids take part in deciding what they're going to learn and how much time they're going to spend on different activities. The kids are active participants in planning their own course of learning (within limits, of course; "Spongebob SquarePants" isn't an approved elective...). It's driven by the specific and individualized interests of the kids -- with some structure -- so that the kids don't wake up at noon, grab a handfull of jelly beans for breakfast, play XBox for a few hours, then read a chapter or two of "Twilight" and call it a day. (That's an exaggeration, I know, but....)

At the other end of the spectrum are folks who give the kids total carte blanche without any limits or structure.

[Amber]

I found an entire unit study based on Lord of the Rings. My son LOVED that - got him engaged more than anything I'd seen then, or since. Some days he'd work only on math, others on another topic. So while one day or week might seem uncharacteristically carte blanche, others might be filled with studious, rigorous, whip-cracking book learnin'.

So you really could take a handful of [organic, GMO-free] jelly beans, read Twilight (gag me) or Harry Potter (more my speed) and absolutely turn it into something the kids love. With a little structure - which some kids need and some don't.

[loucook]

Looks like Massachusetts will be offering another option for our kids in the near future. Virtual schools.


http://www.boston.com/news/education...rtual_schools/


A very interesting time we live in. I'm excited to hear more about the pilot program in Greenfield.

[Legolady]

It is a loving message to me that a family can look at one another, communicate and decide, to support the need of children without jumping on the wagon or fear of stripping away lots of " in process" experiment of others, no matter fifty years old mistake or out dated stuffs and thoughtless standards for measuring the growth and enhancing the capability if a human being in the sense of whole human society.
I wish to hear more supportive messages to all kind of education in this lovely community, cherish what a child can learn within or without curriculum or bring up new stuffs to share to help this families strive to live freely, respectfully, thoughtfully, not under the goal of fame or money only but to bring the best, healthiest way for kids to see the possibility of the collaborative, no discrimination, only utilize the best strength, in community, to overcome the challenges to the unified one human race; with respect of all different talent, intelligence or skills although considered by some not so " educated" by the hats or diplomas; but best hair stylist for healthy and no tearing or fear hair cut, innovators who only focus on his niche, bring life saving solution by time consuming hands on experiences and beyond any standard, artists who can be respected their craving for the nature and color and forms and beautify the community more than a few pots of flowers; poets who can freely read, write, and immerse themselves in the wonder of patterns of cycles of life and mystery, even though, there are still lots of great unknown " field" " occupation" ( suppose whatever occupies a person's passion, heart and time), untitled space for services; some can even bring a family bread and housing, helping others relieve stress or enhance quality of human life...... Question is: does the design of school and all related grade standard gas these in mind, if not, people belong to school can have lots ressour es, what about those who have these in mind but being " squeezed" by the schooling system? Have you met a person who lost a job like losing life? Crushed? What happened this region of the world ( I am joyfully telling you, there are some happy, free, intimate, noble character families in other region not under such laws of " schooling is equal to education" ) has grown millions of men like this? Millions are not sure " what I want to do? Who am I? What I like? Where is the possibility beyond the given ones? Am I created to be hired by a company probably soon face the fate of closing and I actually don't like what I am applying for....?

No answer here, but very thrilled that the family in Westford can live freely openly like it should be, without the Staford Wife community pressure for any type of anything; but we can all give hands to be friends