I think wii have a virus going around here. Rose is running a fever and everyone is quite sluggish. Matthew's Star Wars: Return of the Jedi birthday party is on Sunday though, so I'm hoping wii are better very quickly.
But, while wii are having fun, I leave you with that horrible H word (homework):
I ran across a really superb article by one of my favorite relaxed-learning-style champions, John Taylor Gatto. His article, The Exhausted School, is located here. It's not a quick read so allow some time or read it in chunks. So many great points in favor of relaxed learning or unschooling or child-led learning or whatever you want to call it. I say we put all these labels into one like, "Life Learning". I'm sure someone who is better at catchy terms could do better than that but there's my five second contribution. ;) But I digress...
An excerpt from that article:
Much daily misery around us is caused by the fact our schools force children to grow up absurd. Any reform in schooling must deal with its absurdi-ties: it is absurd and antilife to be part of a system that compels you to sit in confinement with people exactly the same age and social class. That system effectively cuts you off from information you need to be sane, and cuts you off from your own past and future. It seals you into a continuous present much the same way television does. It is absurd and anti-life to be part of a system compelling you to listen to a stranger read poetry when you ache to learn to construct buildings; it is absurd and anti-life to sit with a stranger discussing the construction of buildings when the rush of language inside you makes you want to write a poem.
Your homework?? Read the article and tell me what you think. My sitemeter tells me that there are routinely 100 readers each week. I only average about one comment per post...so there are LOTS of you lurking...and you don't want to be a lurker, do you?? Tell me honestly (but nicely, please - my kids read my blog) what you think of the article, and if it's your first comment here, tell me why you're interested in my blog. Do you homeschool? Are you looking at options? Maybe you don't homeschool and just want to find out if wii are all as strange as you think. ;) I'm interested in you too!
8 comments:
I tried to do the homework, but a nagging headache was preventing me from concentrating on the essay. And, hey, I'm an unschooler, I don't do homework, LOL!
I don't think I've ever posted here before. I read lots of blogs, but rarely post on any, so please don't take it personally!
I'm a new homeschooling mom of a 10-year old boy. We're trying a sort of unschooling, very relaxed approached and seeing how we like it. Due to the fact that I work nearly full time (he comes to work with me at the family business and spends some time in a room off my office and spends some time with his grandma), it's a bit difficult to allow him just to explore for long periods of time, which seems to be an essential element in unschooling. Therefore, I'm not sure what will happen in the future. For now, though, we're doing some interest-driven activities interspersed with a little bit of external guidance from me and trying to create an environment for him to discover the world.
I, too, didn't get to "do the homework", as I've lost count how many HOURS I've been nursing a fussy baby today. So, my brain is mush right now.
BUT, I do love your blog and wanted to say hello. We're definitely planning on taking an unschool approach to homeschooling as our little ones get older.
well, you know I do not unschool/homeschool...and I did do the homework. I'm not always into homework, but I do see the benefit of it if it is given with the right, if it reinforces a theory or idea taught at an earlier time. I am one who does not always get things the very first time, so homework is/was of great benefit to me. My children also, whether they appreciate it or not, also benefit from homework. It gives them add'l time to learn/practice a concept when they are away from the arena where they learned it...or gives them direction on what they need help with (it is easy to think you undertand something and then later realize that you really don't "get it") My children have wonderful teachers and are in a great school system that fosters all areas of learning as well as teachs to all learning styles.
Whew! Guess I had more to say about that than I thought! LOL
And wii!!!!!!!!!!!!! Can't wait to get my wii fit.
Wow, three comments already? I'll have to have a call for comments more often! LOL
Welcome, Merry! I'm actually envious of you - I think letting my kids apprentice me in my business would be so ideal! It would show them what real life is like. ;) I would stock up on loads of books. Maybe a revolving tub of books that he could read and research through. Ask him what he's interested in learning more about - you might be surprised (as when Matthew responded, "The Presidents" a few months back).
Hi April!
I SOOO totally can relate to a fussy nursing baby! I have surfed and lurked millions of hours with a fussy babe hooked up. ;) I'm glad you're reading along. The best thing I did was stumble across unschooling when my oldest was 4 - gave me good time to really understand the different methods and what I wanted and thought would work for us best.
And hey DJ!! I know you're so fortunate to have a great system you love! :) Thanks for always stopping by anyway. And you will LOVE the Wii Fit - amazing little thing. I *voluntarily* went for a jog today. I haven't done that since....since....ummm...I've never done that. Matthew's great at the tree pose in yoga already and Jade is learning how to bowl. lol Rose is sick with high fever. :(
SO yesterday I was at Borders and almost picked up a book by John Taylor Gatto but spent my money elsewhere so didn't. Then I come home and read this, click over to the article, and realize that I have read EVERYTHING on his website, including the entire book I almost bought. :) Dur. Also noting to self to link to this and that on the site and am going to have the quote as posted by you--just so you know. :) Thank you so much for posting it yesterday--perfect timing. :)
I love everything by John Taylor Gatto! However, it breaks my heart to read some of his writings. Much of what he says I also saw when I was in the public school system and I think until you experience children that are truly "free" to experience life, you don't get it. My children have never been to school, yet each and every morning they wake up with smiles on their faces and goals for the day. They have accomplished what many adults have tried to accomplish, but failed - a balance between work, rest, and play. They know who they are and best of all, they like who they are. Unschooling has given my family the freedom to learn at our own pace, to enjoy the simple things in life and best of all, to have lots of family time! Cathy
Hey, I just started reading your blog. I'm going to read the article later. I'm done with this day and just was poking around on some blogs. I'll be back.
Hi Laurie - How did the Star Wars Party go?
I'm planning one for 11/2 for Derek's birthday.
We are all being SW characters for Halloween and then again at his party. I have a couple games, will make a R2D2 cake and a Death Star pinata.
I'm looking for more ideas.
I came from Christian Unschooling Blog & Leonie's blog.
I'll come visit you again.
Laurie
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