Unschooled kids get to explore their interests at their leisure—and sometimes, to the benefit of all!
How a Dumb Game Taught my Kid Math by Accident
This week my seven year old learned numbers. At least, numbers into the hundreds. She can identify any number up to 999 and say it correctly. I don't know how or when my three older kids learned to do this, but I do know how my seven year old did it: through a stupid video... Continue Reading →
The Unschooled Springtime—[mostly] peaceful
At a time of year when some parents are overwhelmed with the push to the finish line, I feel particular gratitude for our unschool lifestyle—even with that pesky Alberta spring homeschool visit.
Is School Math a Waste of Time?
How long does it take a ten year old who’s done almost no curriculum to “catch up” with her schooled peers? Turns out: not long.
Lemonade
Let's get schooly for a moment. Not that I think spending your life comparing yourself to others is a great plan, but when you're living alternatively, occasionally getting schooly has its benefits. It can help to validate one's own choices, and help others to understand said choices, by speaking their language. I come in peace.... Continue Reading →
Strewing
Today I got the first Life of Fred math book, "Apples", back from a friend who'd borrowed it, because five-year-old L had asked to start reading them together. I haven't read them at all since November when I finally noticed I was killing the joy of math in E by pushing it. I think the... Continue Reading →
Everything is Going to be Alright
In all of my love for the unschooling philosophy and lifestyle, I will admit that I have harboured one main anxiety: math. If I’m being honest, it stems from the classic problem of parents wanting to share all their greatest passions with their children—the same root, I’m sure, as my need for my children to know... Continue Reading →