are there any unschooling parents?

[bf'ing momma]

i am just wondering if there are any parents here who practice unschooling? I really don't want to follow any set sort of curriculum and would like to chat with others who feel as I do... I would also like just to chat with any homeschoolers for that matter!!! :)

[TXmom]

I'm not a homeschooler, just wondered what your nic stands for.

[RCT]

ROFLMAO, oh Donna.....:biglaugh:

[TXmom]

SHOOT Renee!
I was going to delete this before anyone else saw it!!

Well, dh liked my version!

[MaryL]

:lol: :lol: You've got me smiling, Donna! (I was wondering the same thing!!! LOL)

[TXmom]

See what happens when I double up on the allergy medicine - reckless posting!!! I've probably scared the poor girl off.

[bf'ing momma]

LOL

my name is short for 'breastfeeding momma' I usually frequent breastfeeding support sites and felt it would be easier for me to remember my user name and password if I just kept it consistent.:)

[Mickey]

LOL! Sorry, this was just too funny! I was wondering the same thing, Donna!

Bf'ing momma, I really don't know if I'm an unschooler. I don't call myself one, but from what I've read about it, I guess I sort of am--at least this year.

Ds is 5 1/2. We go with the flow for the most part--take advantage of those "teaching moments" when he's the most receptive to learning something in particular. But we also do workbooks. Not a curriculum per say, but an all-subject workbook and a math workbook. He's learning geography and anatomy on his leap pad (love that thing!) and he has some jumpstart and other educational cd roms for the computer. I try to do most of the sit-down stuff right after breakfast just because he's the most receptive to that kind of work then. We read a lot, belong to a Homeschooling Association, go on field trips, take lessons, belong to a playgroup, etc. But it's not rigid.

So, I'm not really sure...does that sound like unschooling to you?

I intended to purchase an actual curriculum this year, but decided not to after talking to more experienced homeschoolers. I've researched various curricula on line and I'll go to a Curriculum Fair in the summer. Right now, I'm thinking that I'll probably feel more comfortable following something more closely next year--just because I don't want to miss anything. But I'm open to anything, to be honest. I just want whatever's best and what works for ds and me.

[bf'ing momma]

actually Mickey what you do sounds exactly like the things that we do!! lol I do not have the Leap Pad yet - I had considered it for christmas but just wasn't sure if I should offer learning tools as gifts...I am just starting to get involved with a homeschooling group.

I had always planned on homeschooling right from the time i was pg but I panicked this spring when I was pg with dd and enrolled ds in kindergarten - what a serious mistake that was!! So I pulled him in December and we are back on track now...I feel so much better with this descision.

O/T I saw in another thread that your son's bday is first week may - mine too!! His bday is May 7... :)

[MaryL]

Just curious....but what happened to your son while he was in school (Kindergarten)? I'm a Kindergarten teacher...and always saddened when I hear that kids aren't doing well. I think I remember what happened with Mickey's son....but now I'm curious to hear your story.

[arianna]

MM! Wonderful another homeschooler. I homeschool my 2 sons, 6 & 9 . I'm not exactly what style we are....eclectic I'm sure. We use a variety of books and learning materials.
We are part of a really great homeschool group here on the island, consisting of about 30 families. It's a secular group and we meet twice monthly. One meeting is a planned learning activity and the other is our meeting and the childrens time to present their projects for the month. Support is wonderful.
I'd also be interested in hearing about your son's experience with public school. We tried it too. ouch! ßß!