When Unschooling Isnt Really Unschooling

Oh we're unschooling right now.  


I've seen this quite a few times on boards that are rigorous in nature meaning workbooks or textbooks.  The problem is, that's not really what they are doing.  They're taking a vacation and don't want everyone to jump on them so they say we're "unschooling" which is the nebulous term for "I give up right now".   Maybe the kids are watching tons of TV and the mom is doing her thing.  While it's true that could be unschooling, that's generally not what's going on.  Unschooling is sharing life with the kids not separating from them and letting them do "whatever".  It's them watching something and you stopping what you're doing and watching with them.  Or you finding something interesting and saying "hey, does anyone want to watch this with me?  It looks really interesting."

It's not leaving them to their own devices and walking away.  I would venture to say that's unparenting not unschooling.  

Unschooling isn't "doing nothing" or "vacation".  It's the joy of a relationship of being a family and blending together.  Everyone's interests are shared and enjoyed or at the very least respected.  

Record Keeping for Unschoolers

Some states require record keeping and I've seen quite a few questions regarding this so....here's some help!

Record Keeping for Unschoolers  Mom2Mom Site - Lots of options

Educationese for Unschoolers

Make A Game That's Educational

Here's a place where you can set up online games for your kids

Zondle    RIP

Review Game Zone - you'll have to set up a teachers account but then the fun begins

New Article About Christian Unschooling

Here's a new article by Julie Polanco on Old Schoolhouse.  You may not have read Julie's book  Finding Joy: A Christian's Journey to an Unchooled Life but you probably should!

Unschooling And Need Help With Reporting???

Here's a great website that helps translate your daily life into educationese for reporting!

 Educationese for Beginners and Portfolio Review Ideas and Suggestions   by

Joyful Abundance

Daily Strewing Website Idea

I don't remember how I found out about this site but it has been a wonderful way of strewing ideas ever since I found it...go now and discover!

The Kids Should See This!

Kids Learn Math Easily When They Control Their Own Learning

Peter Gray writes about how "Kids Learn Math Easily When They Control Their Own Learning" from Psychology Today.