Unschooling Ruminations

I am sorry that I have neglected this blog for so long. But, you should know that I have not neglected my passion for learner-centered education.

First, an update. My son is now almost three, and the prospect of him becoming “school age” is looming. I have been very vocal about my intention to homeschool/unschool him and have even converted a few of my friends into doing the same for their children. We live in an area where people are searching for an alternative to traditional schooling. Homeschooling seems to be much more acceptable and main streamed, and charter schools are catering to homeschoolers. It’s a hopeful direction.

I also now have a daughter. She was born last July and has been a complete delight. I love seeing the relationship between my children develop, even if it’s rocky at times.

As my son entered toddler-hood, and now is considered a “pre-schooler” (hmm, are unschooled children technically ever “pre-school” children), I had to take a hard look at my parenting decisions. My husband and I had decided against spanking, but then what? Much reading and searching led me to positive parenting, and I have been soaking up the information at AhaParenting.com. This isn’t necessarily unschooling (though, it is related), but you should know my parenting approach as I start to write more on the blog, since I will likely talk about this.

But, the big news is this: I have decided to start a free school here in Orange County, California. I love unschooling, but I love free schooling even more.  If you’re unfamiliar with the concept, it’s essentially unschooling in community. The students are completely free to explore their own interests and passions, be bored, talk, play games, etcetera. The school is run democratically (these types of schools are often called “democratic schools”) via an all-school meeting. This is the forum for creating and changing rules, hiring (actually, it’s electing) staff, admitting and expelling students, discussing events, making financial decisions, and more.

I don’t have time or space to go into the school structure in detail, but if you want to know more you can go to my website at www.ocdemocraticschool.com. You can also learn a lot at Sudbury Valley School’s website (sudval.org). This is the school that we will be based on.

If you’re interested in helping out or getting on the mailing list, email me at info@ocdemocraticschool.com and I will you add you to the list. And, if you know anyone in the Orange County area, please send this to them.  A new school is a huge undertaking and the more support, the faster and better it will be.

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