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!
I fail to see why not! I have read articles that speak both pro and con, some con even citing scriptural references!
Here's my deal. Unschooling in my house is NOT UnParenting. See, this is where some differences may lie with "radical unschoolers" . Although I am pretty radical in my educational beliefs, they do not carry over to letting the children do whatever they want whenever with no consequences. THAT would be unbiblical!
I do not see anywhere in the Bible where it dictates that learning should happen in 45 minute increments ONLY .Monday-Friday. 8;30-3:30. Where one must test and match up with their peers throughout the nation, where only one curriculum is used, after being approved by administration, even if it doesn't work. I see NO biblical reason why we should strive to make our homes into miniature schools, and further, I see absolutely no social, economic or moral benefit to striving thusly!
What I do see as biblical is modeling correct behavior. Being diligent in our learning and training. But the word training alone is seen as so "schooly" when truly, we can train EASILY! Use their interests!! If you fall in love with a Japanese woman and really want to communicate with her, don't tell me you wouldnt be easily trained and INTERESTED in learning Japanese! The same can be said for my son when an interest is laid on his heart...the learning comes easily!
That brings us to...GOD LED INTERESTS!! I truly believe God gives us everything..what we do with it is another story! Too often God given interests are stifled in the rush to learn at an appropriate nationwide level. What about the child who watches Gorillas In The Mist and wants to be active in Gorilla preservation? This is about more than giving some extra time to an interest, this is about embracing things laid on our children's hearts, whether it is for 5 minutes or for 5 years. WE don't know God's plans, not for ourselves, and certainly not for our children!
Here's an interesting article...for more thought provoking ideas.. The "Discipleship" Methodology of Homeschooling
I hope the thought that lasts is...devotees of Christ will make their beliefs known to their children not just by scripture, but by life practices! This does not equate to needing to purchase a pre-packaged curriculum, but rather to leading a life with Christ in the center!!
I came across your blog today. Thank you for the encouragement! May the LORD lead you and guide you as you seek HIM.
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not onto your own understanding in all your ways acknowledge HIM and HE will make your paths straight! Proverbs 3:5+6
I was watching In Touch Ministries The Bible teaching ministry of Dr. Charles Stanley, reaching the world through radio, television, shortwave, and the Internet.www.intouch.org. This morning the teaching was titled "Our Trustworthy Guide".
In combination of your blog about letting the LORD lead us and our children along with this message Dr. Stanley was teaching I have been SO encouraged today!
Your post was well stated and very true. I'm not an unschooler, but do not believe there is anything wrong with the concept of unschooling as described in your post (I must admit that I don't know a lot about this approach).
We are to guide our children in Christ's ways, equipping them to live in this world for the glory of Christ. Your approach may be different than mine, but we are both about the business of accomplishing the goal that the Lord has put in our hearts regarding the education of our children. Your approach to teaching children through self directed learning (allowing them to pursue their interests) is just as viable as my approach of using a planned curriculum to lead me as I guide my children to love learning.
I do not prescribe to this theory that we must keep up with the "Jones", or that my kids knowledge and understanding must be measured against kids their age across the nation. What good does comparing our children to other children do? That's like comparing apples to oranges in my opinion. Anyway, I enjoyed reading your post.
I was glad to read your post. We tend toward child led learning, although, sometime I have to tell one of mine that she really wants to learn something! : ) Her dad started a science kit with her this week. She was dragging her heels and didn't have the best attitude. But, we both knew once she got started she would enjoy it. And, she did. The only thing we tend to not unschool, beginning this year, is math. However, it's very laid back, at their pace. I'm so glad to finally find a Christian that can relate.
Letitia
