Dreams and Blessings

May. 22, 2009

unschool

I have really been feeling frustrated and overwhelmed lately about homeschooling. I am tired of putting off activities and plans for the kids, to the point where they never get done at all, because the time doesn't seem "perfect" for this or that activity. I have been looking into "unschooling" and think it may be a better route for us because it will loosen the reins, so to speak, and make me feel able to do any craft or experiment at any time. they will still be learning , right? Does it really matter if the experiment doesn't have anything to do with the book you are readig together? I have been asking myself these questions for years and I have finally decided it is time to find the answers to them.
You see, my problem is that I am stuck in the "school" mindset. Isn't that the beauty of homeschooling your children, getting to get away from that? I just am having a hard time being that relaxed, but I know it is just because it is not the way I was programmed going to public school, but I am determined to change my mindset about school.
Any advice would be helpful--
Thank you and God Bless--Jessica

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Comments

Sep. 4, 2009 - Unschool/CM Method

Posted by heathercalma

reading through your blog has reminded me of my roller coaster emotions I have had about homeschooling. My first year I had the school system mindset and now that were in our 3rd year I have become much more lax. We are very ecletic , I enjoy charlotte mason and some days we only do actual school for an hour. I did the notice of intent but our law requires us to keep detailed records of what we do so I opted for an umbrella school. Its still up to me but I dont have the school board down my back.
Anyways, I became much more lax and its going great.We do our quick lessons, sometimes I just have them answer orally just so I know they get it and then we move on to something else or spend time doing an activity.
You dont have to be structured everyday- Homeschooling should be an enjoyable experience, not a stressful one. Take it easy and do what makes you happy : )
My middle child returned to school this year and tested above grade level on everything, I must have done something right.
Take a look at our blog and go back to about 1 1/2 years ago, we dissected fish, sharks, made a living mummy, ect. These are teh things they remember and we had so much fun doing them.
Good Luck!
Oh and for language, check out www.queenhomeschool.com language lesson books. you get 180 quick lessons and my kids learned alot from them.

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About Me

I am first and foremost a child of God, next a mother to two wonderful little people and a lifelong student of learning about healthy living