My older dd went to preschool for a year and we decided to live the unschooling life when it became clear that her sensitive nature didn't thrive in a preschool environment. We have been doing great, somewhat surviving on a single and very unsteady income, and we moved to the countryside about 6 months ago to save money, live closer to the land and give the kids a more real childhood. However here almost all kids are in school, or are homeschoolers who do lots of hours doing school work at home. My dd1 will be 6 in October and is craving more interaction with girls her age. And she loves structure and workbooks, she is self motivated and very outgoing. Allowing her to unschool and to just BE gave her the chance to become a secure, happy and fun young girl. She has changed so much in the last two years, loves learning, is bright and shining.
Now her needs have changed and she really wants to be part of a larger group. Today we went to an open house at a small charter school where kids get grouped in various grades (K-2, 2-4, and so on). This charter school offers a new independent homeschool study program where someone gets assignments which have to be turned in within 20 days and has a meeting with the teacher one a month to check on progress. As far as I can tell there are no tests required, I can opt out.
DD1 is totally loving this idea, NOT having to go to school every day, but to be part of it and getting to participate in some aspects of the school like "Fun Fridays", maybe an art class, Zumba dancing, Field trips, etc. Also, there is a little stipend for art supplies.
Has anyone experience with that? Part of the unschooling path is to allow the child to take charge of their own education, social needs and such, and I am recognizing her need for lots more friends, to fit in, to feel validated, to grow and learn with peers.
Any thoughts?
Now her needs have changed and she really wants to be part of a larger group. Today we went to an open house at a small charter school where kids get grouped in various grades (K-2, 2-4, and so on). This charter school offers a new independent homeschool study program where someone gets assignments which have to be turned in within 20 days and has a meeting with the teacher one a month to check on progress. As far as I can tell there are no tests required, I can opt out.
DD1 is totally loving this idea, NOT having to go to school every day, but to be part of it and getting to participate in some aspects of the school like "Fun Fridays", maybe an art class, Zumba dancing, Field trips, etc. Also, there is a little stipend for art supplies.
Has anyone experience with that? Part of the unschooling path is to allow the child to take charge of their own education, social needs and such, and I am recognizing her need for lots more friends, to fit in, to feel validated, to grow and learn with peers.
Any thoughts?
