tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27337216.post6247856465964413662..comments2023-10-18T10:11:15.934-05:00Comments on Adventures in Domesticity: More Steps Toward UnschoolingCatherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05977860195847730169noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27337216.post-19860118314355630732008-10-20T12:20:00.000-05:002008-10-20T12:20:00.000-05:00Another comment (sorry, I kept thinking)---I allow...Another comment (sorry, I kept thinking)---I allow E to "discovery learn" with the unit studies. There are certain things in life our kids need to know---basic life skills (how to read a map), how to read, math, and how to write. Those things I keep structured simply because they MUST be learned. All of the other subjects, I allow for discovery learning. Are my kids ever going to be tested on WWI? Probably not until college and unless they major in history or law, they really don't need to know all of that stuff! C nor I don't even remember the exact date of that war. Does that mean we're not successful or functioning people in our society? Of course not. However, if I didn't know how to read or write, that would be problem. I used to stress when E didn't learn everything we were studying in our unit studies, but I've learned that it doesn't really matter as long as he's having fun. He'll retain what he's interested in and that's where I want him to spend his focus anyway. Exposure to the various studies is necessary though to determine what their interests are, but over time, that will come I have no doubt. I think we all fall into the mindset of "are my kids learning enough" especially when you "unschool". But amazingly, they are learning more than most kids and they're retaining it for the longhaul! The other thing that keeps me focused is the goals C and I have set for the kids. These are longterm goals such as: loving God first, being a critical thinker, being an independent thinker, etc. If you as a parent are constantly showing your child what to do, then how are they going to be a critical thinker and figure things out for themselves? Just some food for thought!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27337216.post-54878401195012075892008-10-20T12:04:00.000-05:002008-10-20T12:04:00.000-05:00Yeah! There is hope for a garden at the Martin hou...Yeah! There is hope for a garden at the Martin house!!! Go Ga Hoole Girl! That's awesome that she's striving to make veggies that you will like. I have a good yellow squash casserole recipe that even your parents like (never mind that it's loaded with cheese, Ritz crackers, and butter). If she wants to try it, let me know and I'll email it to ya'll.<BR/><BR/>Just a quick comment about parenting versus unschooling. Kids are naturally curious about the world and it's great when the parent can guide them with their interests, but as you say to not take over. This "discovery learning" process will allow them to learn more and retain it for the longhaul. I think the hardest part is for us to stay out of it when we see them doing something wrong (as long as it's not dangerous of course) and let them "discover" on their own. But they learn so much more this way. Sounds like the kids are learning lots which is awesome!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com