I'm an Unschooling mom in Las Vegas, NV. I have all boys! A 14 yr old, a 7 yr old, a 1 yr old and 2 teenage stepsons.
4 of the 5 have some special need or another, and the 5th would be termed "gifted" if he was in school. They all have their own interests and abilities.
Join me as I blog about our Christ-led learning approach...things that work, things that don't, and the antics of family life!
Oct. 24, 2007 - Unschooling, Before I Knew What It Was Called!!! How We Started...
The story of how I started unschooling! When Brian was 3 we went to the beach. The plan for that day was 1/2 day visiting the lighthouse, then lunch, then the other half frolicking in the water. When we got there Brian had me read the plaque to him outside the lighthouse and it explained that the ORIGINAL lighthouse had fallen into the water. This was the 2nd lighthouse, but still very old. Brian at 3 was very bright, but I was also very involved in him and his needs. He got it in his little head he wanted to see a picture of the original one.
So, we "deviated" from the plan a bit and went to the local museum. Spent quite a while there, explaining his desire and researching. To no avail. Now, I had decisions to make..this kid is REALLY into this! But, I had PLANS! Man..the beach!!!! My plans...guess what I let win? It's about our kids and their education. It's not always easy. I had plans!!!! But I truly believe he had an interest laid on his heart and it was my duty to follow through. I did not squash his love of learning that day.
We then went to the local library and got the librarians help, but also to no avail. Finally we went to the historical society and met with some of their old timers, and signed up for their newsletter. The best we came to the original was an old brick that had been saved.
But, that one day sparked an interest in lighthouses that lasted for over 4 years! We ended up planning family vacations around lighthouses. We went to see Cape Hatteras while it was being moved. We watched the webcam of it being moved on a daily basis! ALL because I said "screw my plans" and let a 3 yr olds interests reign.
The end :) no , not really...the beginning! It's a change in our minds, in our ways..a BIG change from traditional school thinking!
