In the following quote I don't like some of the terms used eg 'trained' 'meaningful' to name a few. I don't like the idea of 'manipulating' or 'tricking' children's interest. But I was wondering whether the actual process she describes is something that an unschooler would do naturally and probably unconsciously when interacting with their child. And this is maybe where I am going wrong. I also feel maybe I have not nurtured my child's enthusiasm for learning which is why my dd does just plop down in front of the television.
The quote is from a book I am reading:
'Homeschooling- Take a Deep breath- You Can Do This!' (Terrie Bittner):
Unschooling:
Unschooling is also known as natural learning, child led learning and various other names people think up to describe this popular homeschooling method. Unschooling means the children learn what they want, when they want and the way they want. They might spend all day playing in the mud or they might spend hours on a workbook. It's their choice.
Despite what an unschooler may tell you, most of them really aren't all that casual about it. Many homeschoolers structure the math and most also structure reading instruction until the child reads well. The other subjects are unstructured. But even in these areas, many parents sneak in more structure than might be apparent.
Suppose you wanted your child to study astronomy but you knew they would rebel if you just said you were going to study it. You want them to think it is their idea, How would you go about it?
I might begin by taking them to a planetarium. Then I might follow up with a movie about space or astronauts. A few days later, I would read some books to them about the stars and perhaps buy a telescope. Soon the children have the night sky on their minds and are beginning to learn about it on their own. The better they've been trained to be curious about the world, the more likely this is to work. Technically you are following their lead when you help them track down materials, crafts and field trips related to the new topic of study because they've now shown an interest in the subject. Unofficially, you, well we don't want to say tricked them into it or manipulated them into it....perhaps you sparked an interest? That's it! Through good parenting techniques, you sparked an interest in astronomy.
...........As the parent you must work to be sure your children are involved in meaningful activities. If they haven't learned to have an enthusiastic love for learning and exploration, they may plop down in front of the television all day and do nothing. Unschooling parents pay close attention to what their children are doing and guide them to quality activities.
What do you think?
The quote is from a book I am reading:
'Homeschooling- Take a Deep breath- You Can Do This!' (Terrie Bittner):
Unschooling:
Unschooling is also known as natural learning, child led learning and various other names people think up to describe this popular homeschooling method. Unschooling means the children learn what they want, when they want and the way they want. They might spend all day playing in the mud or they might spend hours on a workbook. It's their choice.
Despite what an unschooler may tell you, most of them really aren't all that casual about it. Many homeschoolers structure the math and most also structure reading instruction until the child reads well. The other subjects are unstructured. But even in these areas, many parents sneak in more structure than might be apparent.
Suppose you wanted your child to study astronomy but you knew they would rebel if you just said you were going to study it. You want them to think it is their idea, How would you go about it?
I might begin by taking them to a planetarium. Then I might follow up with a movie about space or astronauts. A few days later, I would read some books to them about the stars and perhaps buy a telescope. Soon the children have the night sky on their minds and are beginning to learn about it on their own. The better they've been trained to be curious about the world, the more likely this is to work. Technically you are following their lead when you help them track down materials, crafts and field trips related to the new topic of study because they've now shown an interest in the subject. Unofficially, you, well we don't want to say tricked them into it or manipulated them into it....perhaps you sparked an interest? That's it! Through good parenting techniques, you sparked an interest in astronomy.
...........As the parent you must work to be sure your children are involved in meaningful activities. If they haven't learned to have an enthusiastic love for learning and exploration, they may plop down in front of the television all day and do nothing. Unschooling parents pay close attention to what their children are doing and guide them to quality activities.
What do you think?
. I do pay close attention to his interests because he is young enough that he doesn't know what is available in the big wide world. If he isn't interested in something, nothing will change that. He'd probably cover his ears and shout LA LA LA if I tried to tell him about something he wasn't interested in.
: as it has been hashed out many times in the archives of this board.
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