How do You know if your kids are learning anything??

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 5 May 2011 04:03:00 -0700

That is one of the main questions I had for my self when I started doing this. I have only been unschooling/homeschooling for five months, so I am just starting my homeschooling experience. I have noticed a difference in attitude with the my two girls and they seem happier, which is I believe just as important as their education. So how do I know, I interact with them daily and ask questions and they get the answers right and now if we don't know the answerer they suggest getting on the computer and looking it up.

I got into a discussion with my six year old about our bug problem, well she wanted to know if mommy roaches lay eggs or have them in their tummy. You know what I had no idea and was not sure if I cared (I just wanted them all gone) - so we looked it up.... then she decided she would do an art project and make them a house so they wouldn't want to live with us - this went on and on for hours and many animals were talked about and how those mommy had babies and what house would be best for them and their babies.

My eight year old looks stuff up on google and then tells me about it, or will ask me questions and then tell me about it days later. She is doing multiplication and is only in second grade she knows most of her states and capitals and can now read Dr. Seuss books with no problem. This was my child who they told me would need special help with reading because she was so behind and we (yes both of us) would cry every night because he homework was so hard.

So how do I know - just by watching, listening to them, if your get the chance do it - you will love it, enjoy it, and ask yourself why didn't I do this sooner.

What is your story - how do you know if your kids are learning anything?

Why and How did you get started homeschooling or Unschooling?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 04:49:00 -0700

I started homeschooling when we moved to Florida, and I had the great opportunity to work from home. I decided to homeschool or unschool for several reasons. The first was because my oldest daughter was having problems in school, she was being made fun of because of her slow reading - she had problem with her eyes (couldn't focus), but I was told she has a photographic memory or real close, It really upset me because I had so many problems in school ( I am dyslexic) and now she hates to read. It broke my heart and her attitude has rubbed off on my youngest daughter. The second is when we went to the schools they would not let us see in the classrooms meet any teachers or even explain the curriculum. This did not sit well with me.

My Uncle showed me some great articles about unschooling, how you could do it for little or no money. All
you need is a computer or ipad. You could do science in your kitchen or garage- using kitchenscience.com. You can teach the kids to read just my reading to them, reading with them and them reading to you. I have g them read on the ipad, by picking books they want to read. We do lots of math games, we got cards for $1 at Target and practice those while we take the dog for a walk. I have bought lots of books for ideas for teaching. The kids play in there room a lot come up with games, role play, play board games, and just have fun.

The girls ask lots of questions and that is the best way to learn. Most of the time I know the answerer and sometime I don't but we look it up on the computer or in a book and read and find out together.

Tell me your story of how you got started ........

Unschooling Paradise

How do You know if your kids are learning anything??

Why and How did you get started homeschooling or Unschooling?