If you were a teacher and you homeschool your kids...

[Juvysen]

I was a preschool teacher for a while and then got an education degree just before my DD was born. I never went to work after I got my degree, but I'm finding that I need sort of a paradigm change. My head is stuck in teaching via group activities, etc. i'm not homeschooling yet, but I'd like to nip this in the bud before we start.

Sooo... if you were/are a teacher, how do you "deschool" yourself in preparation for homeschooling?

[Stacey B]

Read read read (about homeschooling). Learn something new for the pleasure of it, wander the isles of the library and just pick up books that interest you. Go wandering alone and with your kids and follow some sunlight, or shadows, or imaginary dragons..... Basically what we did, we are both ex-teachers, is learn how to learn ourselves with out the constructs of school and use that as inspiration.

[Juvysen]

I'm a learning addict, so I do do a lot of learning outside the constructs of school, so at least I'm on to that part...

[Lillian J]

Here's a thread that has some good discussion - How many of you are (were) teachers?

You might be interested in a book by researcher, Frank Smith - The Book of Learning and Forgetting Contrasts the "official theory" that learning is work with a view that learning is a social process that can occur naturally and continually through collaborative activities.

And there are lots of thought provoking articles on Alfie Kohn's site that would be helpful.

Here's a wonderful article: The things we steal from children.

And here's a thread that has links to lots of articles on deschooling.

There are lots and lots of great resources that can help - I'm sure you'll have great suggestions coming here. Lillian

[Juvysen]

Thanks, I do love Alfie Kohn. I'll look into those links!

[EmmalinesMom]

I really like the "Things We Steal from Children" post. It makes sense for kids of many ages.

I taught in the public school system before I had kids, and I actually think I was a pretty good teacher. We had dedicated time each day to learning expeditions that were of the students' choosing and design, in addition to the curriculum the state chose for us. Of course, this was just before some big changes came down the pipe, so I had more flexibility than many teachers now would.

Anyway...I'd read about a few different philosophies of homeschooling...read some Gatto, Mason, Holt and whatever else you can get your hands on, just to see what you feel would work for your family, and your situation. There are websites like THIS that can offer some information, too.

Good luck! I hope you enjoy the adventure.

[zebra15]

I do both right now.
I am a permanent sub and I've been HS my DS 10 officially for the past 5 years. I guess I just manage to do both with out a problem DS unschools and we have a good rhythm and with subbing I dont have too much to plan or organize.

Since I am in a variety of schools I have a pretty good idea what goes on in them and I will do everything I can do make sure DS never sets foot in them!