~ June Unschooling Support! ~ - Page 3

[Ruthla]

Yesterday we did a lot of decluttering, so today was a very quiet day. I did go food shopping, and went to the lab to have blood taken this morning (I wasn't fasting when I went to the dr on thursday so I put off the blood test til today.) That sparked a discussion on health, weight, BMI, how innacurate BMI can be, etc.

I do need to lose about 50 lbs, but my "healthy goal weight" is actually considered "overweight" by BMI, and what the charts state is my "healthy weight" is actually underweight and unhealthy for me. I just have very big bone structure, and she inherited it from me.

We also talked about how I'm now at an unhealthy weight and I actually do need to lose weight to be healthy, while DD2 might be at the upper end of "normal weight" but is perfectly healthy!

Originally Posted by MamaNosBest

Hi, ladies, I hope I can ask a very quick question.

Do your children have to, like homeschooled kids, take periodic "tests" to show the state that they are not just truant?

In NYS, I have some paperwork to send them; first a letter of intent (telling the school district that I'm HSing this year.) Then I submit an IHIP (individual home instruction plan) that outlines the major courses of study for the year, then quarterly reports showing how much of the IHIP has actually been covered, and then an end-of-year evaluation.

The paperwork takes about 10-15 minutes of my time (so maybe an hour total for the year) and it doesn't impact the day-to-day learning at all. It's just "my homework", putting what we've actually done into educationese.

Every other year between 4th and 8th grades, I need to submit results from a standardized test as the end-of-year evaluation. That will cost me maybe $25. Alternate years I just evaluate her myself (ie, write a paragraph stating that she's learning.) I'll do the standardized test next year since I just started the middle of this year. If we're still HSing by high school, I'll look more deeply into the laws regarding it then.

Originally Posted by MBFoley

I am subbing even though I not a mom yet. My fiance and I are planning to ttc in a year or two, meanwhile we hav talked about homeschooling and a little about unschooling, both of us want to know more about it.

Welcome!!!

[UnschoolnMa]

Originally Posted by mama in the forest

My kids found two abandoned kittens about a week ago behind a store, and we brought them home. They were SO small! They've been having a wonderful time mixing up the kitten drink (first time formula's ever been in this house ) and feeding them. They've been researching kitten development and taking them for rides in Barbie cars. Though I'm doubtful the sources of research recommended that.

Awww, they are so super cute! How cool of you guys to help them out. We've done that often over the years too. They just make your heart their home, don't they? :

I also got some anatomy coloring books. They're pretty cheap - only $3. I wonder who's going to color in them, the kids or me?

Oooh a friend of mine gave us one of those after her college term ended last year. Very interesting!

[SagMom]

Originally Posted by MamaNosBest

Do your children have to, like homeschooled kids, take periodic "tests" to show the state that they are not just truant?

As others have said, it depends on where you are, BUT the laws don't distinguish between homeschoolers and unschoolers--the requirements will be the same for both.

[QUOTE=RasJane;8296642]" Can we make a real atom?"

LOVE it!

[QUOTE=Earth Angel;8297760]This is probably so off topic, and I'm not sure if this is helpful for you or not....

Thanks for your story. I've heard of others doing this as well--telling pets (and other humans) that it was "okay" to go.

So, my house is clean(er) now. We ran a bunch of errands, went to the library, ds2 bought some Pokemon cards because he's having a friend over tomorrow and wants to learn to play. Ds1 has a bow-making class tonight that he's really pysched about. I have a book to finish reading for my book club. Had a heavy conversation with dd today about beliefs after she read an article in "Discover Magazine." She so wants things to be concrete -- I sometimes try to imagine her in philosophy class She's now writing, and the boys are having a rubber band battle, which makes the dog nuts, for some reason.

[MamaWindmill]

Originally Posted by MamaNosBest

Hi, ladies, I hope I can ask a very quick question.

Do your children have to, like homeschooled kids, take periodic "tests" to show the state that they are not just truant?

Truant and advancing in knowledge are different issues. Some states require proof of educational advancement in the form of testing. Many have several options available to homeschoolers. It depends on the state, but as someone else mentioned, the law doesn't differentiate between different "flavors" of homeschooling. Additionally, most states require that parents notify their local school district that their child is being homeschooled, so there should be no reason that a child would be considered truant as long as the parent/guardian understands and follows the law. Not all states require notification. Personally, I follow the law of my state in regard to notifying the district that we are not using their services, and once those papers are filed, I have no further dealings with them. My children have never taken standardized tests.

Are you considering unschooling a child?

[papayapetunia]

If you could?

Thanks. :

[UnschoolnMa]

Originally Posted by Joan

I think our culture (or at least my upbringing) left me with the idea that death is something to be avoided at all costs, and then, when it's imminent, to be hurried through and gotten over with. But there must be value in letting nature take it's course, in being patient and trusting that bodies know what to do--not unlike in birth, yk? So, lots of philosophical conversations going on here, as well as practical care-taking.

I think it's wonderful that your being so supportive and available for kitty and your Dd. I hope things go peacefully for all.

Well, we finally got our rain last night. It's about 20 degrees cooler today so I think I'll go clean my house--much as I hate doing that, we've reached the tipping point where leaving it as it is is makes me feel worse than having to clean it.

We are having similar weather here, and I am so happy. I was able to vacuum without thinking Id die of heat exhaustion!

[MamaNosBest]

Originally Posted by Ruthla

In NYS, I have some paperwork to send them; first a letter of intent (telling the school district that I'm HSing this year.) Then I submit an IHIP (individual home instruction plan) that outlines the major courses of study for the year, then quarterly reports showing how much of the IHIP has actually been covered, and then an end-of-year evaluation.

The paperwork takes about 10-15 minutes of my time (so maybe an hour total for the year) and it doesn't impact the day-to-day learning at all. It's just "my homework", putting what we've actually done into educationese.

Every other year between 4th and 8th grades, I need to submit results from a standardized test as the end-of-year evaluation. That will cost me maybe $25. Alternate years I just evaluate her myself (ie, write a paragraph stating that she's learning.) I'll do the standardized test next year since I just started the middle of this year. If we're still HSing by high school, I'll look more deeply into the laws regarding it then.

Welcome!!!

Thanks and thanks for that answer! Are you UNschooling or homeschooling, though? I guess I'm curious about how, if you're unschooling (as I understand it) you prepare for those tests.

I'm not unschooling or homeschooling, but I have lately met a LOT of homeschoolers and have a friend that's considering unschooling, so I'm curious.

[Ruthla]

Originally Posted by MamaNosBest

Thanks and thanks for that answer! Are you UNschooling or homeschooling, though? I guess I'm curious about how, if you're unschooling (as I understand it) you prepare for those tests.

I'm not unschooling or homeschooling, but I have lately met a LOT of homeschoolers and have a friend that's considering unschooling, so I'm curious.

We're relaxed homeschoolers, leaning towards unschooling.

I don't plan to do anything special to prepare DD2 for the test, though if I can find sample or old tests for free we might through one together. I can't see spending more than an hour on test prep though.

She's learning plenty, just by going about things at her own pace and following her interests. I'm not the slightest bit worried about her test scores.

[MamaWindmill]

Originally Posted by MamaNosBest

Thanks and thanks for that answer! Are you UNschooling or homeschooling, though? I guess I'm curious about how, if you're unschooling (as I understand it) you prepare for those tests.

I'm not unschooling or homeschooling, but I have lately met a LOT of homeschoolers and have a friend that's considering unschooling, so I'm curious.

Is your friend considering unschooling in a state where testing is required? If not, then there's no need to ever test.

[naturallyspeaking]

New to actively researching more about unschooling... Subbing.

[papayapetunia]

OMG, you guys. I am doing some research for something I'm writing, so I typed in different searches, like "unschooling is stupid" and "unschooling is crazy," and I actually found so much garbage out there spewed against unschooling parents that I honestly feel like I want to throw up. I mean, I wanted to find this stuff so that I could address it in my article, but there is debate back and forth in the threads I found, and some unschoolers are making great and articulate points that are being ignored. It seems like people just go into it with an opinion they refuse to budge from. It made me feel so sick that I'm trying to raise my children with open minds and hearts, and I try to see the best in people, but this is what I and my kids are up against. People were saying unschooling parents should be thrown in jail, that our kids are going to be stupid and lazy...

I know it's not true, but for some dumb reason, it just stung to read what people think of people like me. thanks for letting me vent.

[SagMom]

Originally Posted by papayapetunia

I actually found so much garbage out there spewed against unschooling parents that I honestly feel like I want to throw up.

Yeah, I just don't look anymore. I used to debate all that, but I've given up. People really DO get stuck in their preconceived notions sometimes.

I know it's not true, but for some dumb reason, it just stung to read what people think of people like me. thanks for letting me vent.

Ikwym. That's why I used to get so vested in those debates. I wasn't trying to convert anyone, but I DID want them to understand where I was coming from. I'm not sure it ever happened though. So, I've decided to just focus on what I know is true. We are very happy living this life. I'm enjoying this time with my kids tremendously and they are basking in their freedom to explore the world and who they are.

So, when I hear a negative comment now, I smile to myself and think, "I know better." (So do you. )

[mama in the forest]

There's just so much ignorance isn't there! I actually feel sorry for them, well, for their children. Think of the crap their kids are being put through.

Then think of how fortunate our children are. We're doing an amazing thing for our kids which will impact them in so many incredible ways throughout their entire lives.

[DigitalSuze]

Subbing to read and learn.

[3lilmonsters]

Well, i can understand why some people would think unschoolers suck. When I first heard the term I visited an unschooling board (years ago, I don't know where it was anymore) and it was near the end of the year and there was a rush among the moms to throw together some records. There were conversations like "My ds never went outside to play at all this year and I decided not to even suggest it because I'm sure he will when he's ready. But now I don't know what to do about his PE credit!" "Well, my ds played Mortal Combat for 5 hours a day the last couple of months, so I'm putting that down as his PE (martial arts) and learning about strategy". :

And it didn't stop with Mortal Combat. Ren and Stimpy marathons even found a place in their portfolios (of course they didn't actually spell out that's what it was...I think they said it was fine arts instruction.

Fruit loops :

[MamaNosBest]

Originally Posted by Ruthla

We're relaxed homeschoolers, leaning towards unschooling.

I don't plan to do anything special to prepare DD2 for the test, though if I can find sample or old tests for free we might through one together. I can't see spending more than an hour on test prep though.

She's learning plenty, just by going about things at her own pace and following her interests. I'm not the slightest bit worried about her test scores.

I hope you don't think that I was implying you should be worried! I've just read on this and other boards about some kids that are unschooled not reading until "late," not being interested and therefore not learning algebra at the "right" time, that sort of thing. I think the first state test is at 3rd grade age, so it would be pretty tough for the kid to pass the test if he/she didn't know how to read, and so on throughout the test years.

God knows I never would have taught myself algebra!

[MamaWindmill]

Originally Posted by MamaNosBest

God knows I never would have taught myself algebra!

Well, a child will learn algebra if it becomes necessary in his or her life to know algebra. Additionally, algebra and other math concepts do not have to be "deliberately" learned, but is instead knowledge gained through practical application in the course of completing a task. Learning is not something that has to take place in a black and white way, and information is undoubtedly more meaningful when it is gained in the process of doing something that matters to the person doing the learning.

[dillonandmarasmom]

Originally Posted by papayapetunia

I know it's not true, but for some dumb reason, it just stung to read what people think of people like me. thanks for letting me vent.

((((((hugs))))))
It sucks to feel judged, especially by those who don't know anything about unschooling...

[Ruthla]

Oh, she's already reading way above "reading level" and has been for some time. And we do have a math textbook that we open up and work on when the mood strikes her. It's the only textbook we own, and the only subject in which I find textbooks to be useful.

I stay away from debates unless I'm in a certain kind of mood, feeling very secure about my decisions, etc. The last time I was on a debate board it was to honestly try and understand why somebody would choose to FF and not even try to BF. I didn't go there to be swayed against nursing, just to understand another POV.

I couldn't handle a school/HS debate right now, much less anything debating unschooling. I know why people put their kids in schools, and I'm not knocking their choices. I just want my own choices to be respected as well. I'm dealing with enough stress from my own parents in that regard so I can't handle any online criticism (which is WAY easier to tune out anyway!)

[MamaNosBest]

Originally Posted by MamaWindmill

Well, a child will learn algebra if it becomes necessary in his or her life to know algebra.

Well, you have to have higher maths to get into college, so do the unschooled kids go to school then?

Originally Posted by MamaWindmill

Additionally, algebra and other math concepts do not have to be "deliberately" learned, but is instead knowledge gained through practical application in the course of completing a task.

But calculus/algebra/trigonometry/physics requirements for college or for a job aren't just concepts, when they must be demonstrated on paper they are also skills, specific and discrete. That's where the problem might be, I guess.

Originally Posted by MamaWindmill

Learning is not something that has to take place in a black and white way, and information is undoubtedly more meaningful when it is gained in the process of doing something that matters to the person doing the learning.

I don't disagree with you, and appreciate the school-marmish lesson!

Ruthla, I appreciate your answers, obviously I wasn't talking about your child, but a hypothetical child. Just wondering how that was handled. I'm not trying to get personal at.all.