(mind map art by Adam Sicinski)
In understanding and establishing our Unschooling style I discovered it should be either Independent or Guided - this is one of those times that guidance is needed. Because continuing emotional health is a large part of our learning, our unschooling style will have some differences to the usual description of Unschooling.
After a few weeks with excitement, thrills, fun, happiness, visitors and heaps of activity over Christmas the doldrums are looking to set in...so it's time for an intervention through guidance.
While the intention was to discuss feelings and how we
choose how we feel, while also understanding useful, and not so useful feelings, it could be a good time to discuss E's expectations of this year. Generally the expectations are limited to past experiences. So it's an opportunity to also talk about what we expect of ourselves and others now, this year and/or in the future.
This may seem too deep and meaningful for a 10yo however there is always a level at which we can introduce these concepts to children. Just by simplifying the process for a start.
So the process I will follow is to have discussion/s about...
VALUES
We introduced Values a couple of years ago. It was a simplified and guided exercise and the outcome was fantastic. I prompted E to the first two values and he picked the third.
which lead to.....
GOALS
Here you can 'choose' to show your child the standard curriculum for the year and discuss their desire or not to undertake certain subjects.
What would you like to achieve or do this year?
which lead to....
ACTIONS, ATTITUDES AND EXPECTATIONS
What attitudes are useful and what are not useful?
What actions do you think you might have to undertake to achieve a particular goal? (projects, excursions, other sources, etc)
What might you expect from these actions and how will you feel once you have achieved your goal. How will you feel if you don't achieve your goal? (this is intended to show learning from trying rather than failure from not achieving)
which lead to....
OUTCOMES
When you get to the end of the year what do you think you will see if you look back on this year?
Hints & Tips
- All of this work should be based around feelings especially if the child has any difficulties to overcome. Understanding our feelings at a young age can help us overcome emotional difficulties later.
- If you are struggling with these concepts let your child guide you by asking lots of questions. Chances are they will have a totally different idea that could be very useful.
- Get the child's interaction - scribing while you chat, recording in their own terms once completed, finding a place for this work that is easily seen on a daily basis.
- Use a timeline if necessary
- Don't put unnecessary pressure on your child just because of your own (or anyone else's) expectations. I want E to finish Grade 7 Math but I don't really need to voice this since he is keen to 'complete more books' on the subject.
- Keep these workings/outcomes in plain site for the year.
- Everything changes......why can't this body of work?? Let it change throughout the year if need be, don't fight it.
