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# Unschooling Ruminations

A journey in natural learning

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://www.unschoolingblog.com/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [Joy in the Pursuit of Proficiency](https://www.unschoolingblog.com/?p=306) - Our family began our Sudbury education three years ago with no small amount of trepidation. From what I understood at the time, Sudbury children did not concern themselves with learning, they simply followed their interests. What I did not know then, but fully understand now, is that by "simply" following their interests, they unceasingly pursue proficiency.
- [Switching It On](https://www.unschoolingblog.com/?p=303) - It's hard to wrap our schooled brains around the idea that, actually, words are everywhere and reading can and does happen naturally.
- [The Dangers of MineCraft and the one thing you should do to prevent problems](https://www.unschoolingblog.com/?p=299) - My kids have been enjoying playing and exploring in the MineCraft world for months, and they are very passionate about it. I always had a listening ear to when they shared with me their stories, and always looked at their newest creations they were showing me. But that isn’t enough. It wouldn’t be enough in the real world either.
- [The Power of Puppets](https://www.unschoolingblog.com/?p=296) - Now, it's not fool proof, but using a "puppet" to do your talking for you, can be magical. First, your child will perceive that you are playing with them. In fact, I recommend that you do start out by playing with them, not just pick up a toy and start barking orders. Unless he's not in a good mood, he will likely be smiling and conversing back with his new friend. Second, you will find yourself being livelier and more creative when you are speaking to your child through another character. This character is not your child's mother, but his friend.
- [It's Not all Academic](https://www.unschoolingblog.com/?p=294) - The Open School won't just be a place where kids can pursue their own interests. It's not just about democratic votes or personal responsibility. It will be a place of relationship; of community. Every individual, regardless of age, will be respected, valued, and known. That is the only way our school will be able to respond to the needs and interests of the kids. And the only way the kids will be empowered to truly learn.
- [Be the Coach, not the Referee](https://www.unschoolingblog.com/?p=290) - If you think of yourself as a coach for your child, instead of their referee, you may find yourself being more empathetic and effective. The coach comes along side the player; the referee blows a whistle in their face. The coach demonstrates how the game is played, giving them tips on the best way to dunk or pitch; the referee points out the fouls and has no room for mercy. The best coaches were players themselves, and so they speak from a place of experience and empathy. They don't just hand out punishments for poor playing, they admonish and then show the correct way. In fact, they may have to do this multiple times for the same mistakes.
- [The Tortoise and the Hare](https://www.unschoolingblog.com/?p=282) - But in building a school, the tortoise always wins. The hare won't even finish. This is the first time in my life where I am doing something I believe in so much, that I am still committed to it after so many years. I have been in love with life-learning for 7 years now, and I am still passionate about it. But my hare tendencies keep sneaking in. I want things to get done now, I want to open the school as soon as possible. I get frustrated at the length of time things are taking, and I have to remind myself to be a tortoise. Slow and steady, Cassi. Slow and steady.
- [How to Create a Tattletale](https://www.unschoolingblog.com/?p=285) - Most parents tell their kids not to tattle, but then they reward tattling by getting involved in the situation. I've realized that my son, though he has other faults, does not tattle. The reason, as far as I can see, is that I don't punish. When something happens, and someone does something "wrong," I (usually) problem-solve. This gives the kids a model for how to deal with their own problems, instead of having to bring in an adult to solve the problem for them
- [Is Unschooling Lazy?](https://www.unschoolingblog.com/?p=274) - It would seem that unschooling would be a lazy option of education, but upon further inspection, it's quite the opposite. Unschoolers are, perhaps, some of the hardest working folks in education.
- [Creating Creativity](https://www.unschoolingblog.com/?p=269) - We want our kids to be creative. But how do we make it happen? Mostly, by getting out of the way.
- [A Math Story](https://www.unschoolingblog.com/?p=264) - Before I launch into my next post series, I wanted to share a quick story. I was at the park the other day with a friend who is not an unschooler. But her youngest son is 4, so for all intents and purposes, he's unschooled (by happy chance of his age). He came over to
- [What kinds of adults do we want to create?](https://www.unschoolingblog.com/?p=258) - I am planning a new blog-post series addressing the end result of all of our hard work: What characteristics do we want to see in our kids once they reach adulthood? What is the endgame? So, I would like your help. What is your answer to this question? What type of people do you want
- [Consequences or Punishment?](https://www.unschoolingblog.com/?p=250) - I have recently engaged in a Facebook conversation about punishment and consequences. I personally prefer to eschew the use of either word because, generally, the second is just a euphemism for the first. If we call it a "consequence" we don't feel as bad as if we call it by it's real name. What's curious
- [How can we be sure?](https://www.unschoolingblog.com/?p=251) - Final post in my series answering a reader's questions. How are unschoolers held accountable?
- [The Great Fear: Television](https://www.unschoolingblog.com/?p=246) - Parents fear that, given complete freedom, children will choose to spend their time watching TV all day.
- [In Defense of: Video Games](https://www.unschoolingblog.com/?p=183) - I can't remember, I may have written about video games already, but I just read an amazing post I want to, no NEED to, share. After the whole hullabaloo recently, many people are pointing to unschoolers as lazy, tv-watching, video-game-playing hoodlums. And, we unschoolers become very accustomed to defending our non-traditional concept of the world
- [Rules above Dignity](https://www.unschoolingblog.com/?p=236) - A child's dignity was robbed by a teacher's adherence to strict no bathroom rules during standardized testing. I explore the backwards priorities of our educational system that allows something like this to happen.
- [The Myth of Forced Determination](https://www.unschoolingblog.com/?p=200) - We think we must force kids to do things they hate in order to better them. But, is this true?
- [Can kids go to school AND follow their interests?](https://www.unschoolingblog.com/?p=233) - Thanks for sticking with me on my prolonged post series answering questions from a reader: Zoemaster. Sorry it's taking me a little longer to get through them than I intended. I'm also in the process of starting a new school, so blog writing is often lower on my list of priorities. If you want to
- [Are Public Schools REALLY that bad?](https://www.unschoolingblog.com/?p=230) - I answer the question about how horrible traditional schools really are.
- [Meeting the Need to Learn](https://www.unschoolingblog.com/?p=227) - This is the second in my series answering questions from a reader. The first post is here. 2) If in fact, the child does decide that s/he would like to study physics, I’d venture to guess that the majority of unschooling parents don’t know enough about physics to do it justice. I know I certainly
- [How do you know what you don't know?](https://www.unschoolingblog.com/?p=219) - I start addressing a series of questions from a reader by tackling a concern about exposure.
- [The Measure of Success](https://www.unschoolingblog.com/?p=215) - How do we measure success in unschooling?
- [Nesting Season ](https://www.unschoolingblog.com/?p=212) - A couple of years ago, our family discovered live feed of a nesting barn owl. The sitting, hatching and raising of the little owlets was followed closely by about 6000 viewers, among them our 14 month old son. This year, there are a lot of nesting cams to choose from. I love these cameras for
- [It's all about Respect](https://www.unschoolingblog.com/?p=209) - Unschooling and free schooling are respectful philosophies. Children only learn true respect by being respected.
- [School Informational Meeting](https://www.unschoolingblog.com/?p=205) - I'm holding the next school informational meeting on April 19th at 7pm at the El Toro Library. Go to the Events page to find out more.
- [A New Venture](https://www.unschoolingblog.com/?p=203) - My unschooling life has taken a turn - towards opening my own free school!
- [Prodigies](https://www.unschoolingblog.com/?p=198) - But, here's the thing: every child is amazing at something. Okay, maybe we can't place every child on the prodigy pedestal because that's really reserved for kids who are better at something than most adults will ever be. But, isn't it possible that we are hindering every child in his pursuit of his gift by forcing him to go to school? We are trying to make all of our kids mediocre in everything, instead of excellent in one thing.
- [Happy Memorial Day - Muppets Style](https://www.unschoolingblog.com/?p=194) - Memorial day
- [Mindful Parenting](https://www.unschoolingblog.com/?p=190) - Too many parents don't question their own actions.
- [Calvin and Hobbes](https://www.unschoolingblog.com/?p=187) - I like to think that Bill Watterson is an unschooler at heart.
- [The Discipline Question](https://www.unschoolingblog.com/?p=185) - I've been thinking a lot about a truism. Every parent knows, in their head anyway, that kids learn by modeling them. We hear our kids use the same words and phrases we use. We see them make the same gestures we make. We watch, sometimes in horror, as they react to someone in a similar way that we might. Kids model adults. This isn't news.
- [Concrete Details](https://www.unschoolingblog.com/?p=180) - One unschool mom describes her children's activities.
- [A New FAQ](https://www.unschoolingblog.com/?p=178) - A faq about unschooling to answer all of your burning questions
- [Listen](https://www.unschoolingblog.com/?p=170) - trust kids, listen to children, adora svitak, TED conference
- [A Shameless Plug](https://www.unschoolingblog.com/?p=168) - My reasons for supporting and using the public library
- [We know they hate it](https://www.unschoolingblog.com/?p=165) - Kids hate school. It's a well-known fact. So, why don't we do something about it?
- [Easter Eggs](https://www.unschoolingblog.com/?p=152) - Two great easter egg dying projects.
- [Happy Easter!](https://www.unschoolingblog.com/?p=158) - Easter ideas
- [The Myth of High Expectations](https://www.unschoolingblog.com/?p=141) - We say we're supposed to have high expectations for our children, but is that true? Our only expectation should be that they follow their passions.
- [On the Love of Reading](https://www.unschoolingblog.com/?p=139) - Unschoolers don't feel the same pressure to love reading as schooled children, and thus more of them actually do love it.
- [More thoughts on reading](https://www.unschoolingblog.com/?p=128) - My son said his first word yesterday. No, it wasn't "mommy." It was "doggy." In fact, he has been saying "dadoo" for weeks now, and we assumed he was talking about my husband. But, now it seems he's always been referring to the dog. The reason I mention this is that it caused me to
- [A Gentle Grip](https://www.unschoolingblog.com/?p=130) - Hold your child lightly, allowing him exploration and freedom, but there to protect and provide.
- [Schooling is 'not like making motorcars'](https://www.unschoolingblog.com/?p=133) - Link to a great video in the mainstream press about the detriments of factory-like school systems.
- [Fighting the Temptation to Retreat](https://www.unschoolingblog.com/?p=136) - How do unschoolers affect change in such a schooled society?
- [Hot Topic: Reading](https://www.unschoolingblog.com/?p=123) - For some reason, there has lately been a buzz about teaching/learning reading. My unschooling Yahoo group had a long discussion about it (i.e. "don't worry - they all learn to read"), Peter Gray wrote an insightful blog post about it, Idzie blogged about her journey into reading, and, on the other side of the issue,
- [A Different Perspective](https://www.unschoolingblog.com/?p=121) - My son has recently begun hating his carseat. In particular, he hates getting into it. I quickly realized that if I just hold him down for enough time, he will soon stop fighting and shortly after will stop crying. This is a very common parental response - make them do what you want until they
- [Dropping off the face of the earth](https://www.unschoolingblog.com/?p=118) - Yes, I have dropped off. In other words, we've bought a house. And now my life is completely revolving around said house - decorating, kitchen renovations, moving, setting up a play area, cleaning carpets - and on and on. Not that I'm just logging on to give excuses, but that's my excuse. I've still been
- [Answering Questions](https://www.unschoolingblog.com/?p=116) - My hubby and I are watching the series "Kyle XY" from the beginning. If you're not familiar with the concept, a boy is found who remembers nothing and knows nothing about the world. He's like a newborn 16 year old. At one point, he goes to the local high school to register (because, that's what's
- [Productivity Slaves](https://www.unschoolingblog.com/?p=111) - My son is now 9 months old. His days consist of waking up, eating, playing, napping, playing more, eating more, bath and bedtime. He's not being very productive, is he? Well, at least that's how many would react if he were, say, 9 years old. And, to be honest, I sometimes feel this way. I
- [False Success](https://www.unschoolingblog.com/?p=108) - A comparison of the school system to an infant walker
- [DIY Life Ezine](https://www.unschoolingblog.com/?p=104) - Idzie's much anticipated e-zine is finally available. Go here to read her post about it, and here to download it in .pdf version. Thanks, Idzie!
- [Resurfacing](https://www.unschoolingblog.com/?p=101) - I started this blog out with a bang. Every day, I couldn't wait to get some of my thoughts typed out and online. I always had about 10 more post ideas waiting to be fleshed out. But, then, the holidays hit and my quest for perfection took me out. I just couldn't seem to muster
- [A Lovely Description](https://www.unschoolingblog.com/?p=99) - A lovely description of unschooling
- [Not so much in defense of teachers](https://www.unschoolingblog.com/?p=95) - Teachers who perpetuate the problem deserve our pity, not our thanks.
- [Teaching and Learning](https://www.unschoolingblog.com/?p=92) - In order for learning to take place, teaching must take place. But not in the way it is traditionally defined. The learner seeks out the teacher, whether it is a book, a parent, or a peer.
- [Unschooling and Food](https://www.unschoolingblog.com/?p=90) - How do you make sure your kids make healthy food choices when you unschool them? Same way you make sure they learn math and reading - by letting them learn it on their own terms.
- [Who Taught My Son to Crawl?](https://www.unschoolingblog.com/?p=88) - When teachers questions parents' ability to teach their own children, many parents point to their kids' ability to walk, talk, crawl, etc. But, did the parent actually teach their child to accomplish these things?
- [The Validity of Being Wrong](https://www.unschoolingblog.com/?p=86) - School doesn't allow for errors or mistakes. It points them out and punishes for them. Life and real learning are about making mistakes and learning from them. That's why Unschooling is real learning.
- [In Defense of... Teachers](https://www.unschoolingblog.com/?p=71) - Are teachers a part of the problem or part of the solution?
- [The Role of Parental Instruction](https://www.unschoolingblog.com/?p=83) - Does unschooling mean letting your kids do whatever they want? How do we raise respectful, involved adults?
- [How Can Teachers Unschool?](https://www.unschoolingblog.com/?p=78) - It seems like unschooling and teachers couldn't be combined, but there are definite ways that teachers can bring unschooling principles into the classroom.
- [Trust the Fall](https://www.unschoolingblog.com/?p=68) - How is falling like unschooling?
- [Grassroots](https://www.unschoolingblog.com/?p=73) - How do we effectively change the school system toward a more unschooled approach?
- [Desperate for a Realization](https://www.unschoolingblog.com/?p=65) - My comment on Desperate Housewives' portrayal of homeschooling.
- [Where is This "Real World" You Speak of?](https://www.unschoolingblog.com/?p=61) - If we live in the "real world" than school must be the fake one. Unschoolers don't need preparation for the real world because that is their permanent residence
- [Mixed Messages](https://www.unschoolingblog.com/?p=57) - A look at the way we tell kids they're unique and then stuff them through an educational system that makes them all the same.
- [My Confessions](https://www.unschoolingblog.com/?p=53) - My philosophical struggles between believing in unschooling and being a former teacher and current tutor.
- [Rules Schmules](https://www.unschoolingblog.com/?p=47) - Discussion of principles vs. rules and Sandra Dodd's comments on Unschooling: The Movie.
- [What Changed?](https://www.unschoolingblog.com/?p=43) - Why do we assume that children under 5 learn through play, but don't give the same right to those over 5?
- [Grown Unschoolers](https://www.unschoolingblog.com/?p=39) - How do unschoolers fit into society once they reach adulthood? How to they learn to respect authority or buckle down and complete a distasteful task?
- [Reading Babies?](https://www.unschoolingblog.com/?p=19) - My view on Your Baby can read and How to Teach your Baby can Read systems.
- [Unschooling and the Reading Program](https://www.unschoolingblog.com/?p=22) - How unschooling and free education overlaps with early reading programs.
- [Can I do this?](https://www.unschoolingblog.com/?p=9) - Do I have the experience to write this blog? Am I allowed to comment one what I have so little experience?
- [Summerhill Visit](https://www.unschoolingblog.com/?p=7) - Detailed account of our visit to Summerhill School founded by A.S. Neill in Suffolk, England, in Spring 2007.
- [Free and Democratic Education](https://www.unschoolingblog.com/?p=5) - Education from birth, experience at Summerhill School founded by A.S. Neill.

## Pages

- [About This Blog](https://www.unschoolingblog.com/?page_id=2) - When and how we started unschooling/homeschooling.
- [The Open School](https://www.unschoolingblog.com/?page_id=224) - In 2004, Cassi learned about Summerhill School - one of the first free schools in the world. She read A.S. Neill and wrote an essay about the school for her Philosophy of Education class during her Masters of Education coursework. There, a fire was lit. In 2006, the C family (then just made up of
- [Book Recommendations](https://www.unschoolingblog.com/?page_id=11) - To learn more about homeschooling, go to the masters. Here's a list.
- [FAQ](https://www.unschoolingblog.com/?page_id=173) - You have questions, I have answers. Here are my answers to frequently asked unschooling questions.

## Categories

- [Uncategorized](https://www.unschoolingblog.com/?cat=1)
- [Free School](https://www.unschoolingblog.com/?cat=3)
- [Musings](https://www.unschoolingblog.com/?cat=9)
- [Unschooling theories](https://www.unschoolingblog.com/?cat=13)
- [In Defense Of](https://www.unschoolingblog.com/?cat=38)
- [In Practice](https://www.unschoolingblog.com/?cat=87)
- [For Fun](https://www.unschoolingblog.com/?cat=97)
- [Traditional Schools](https://www.unschoolingblog.com/?cat=102)
- [Positive Parenting](https://www.unschoolingblog.com/?cat=103)

## Tags

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- [Summerhill](https://www.unschoolingblog.com/?tag=summerhill)
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