Living Without School: Relaxed homeschooling

Sunday, October 29, 2006

Relaxed homeschooling

I found this article by Mary Hood, on
relaxed homeschooling.

I like most of the article. I disagree with some of Dr Hood's points.

I do, however, agree with the paragraph below -

"The problem with most of these readers { readers quoted in the article} is that they misunderstand what "relaxed homeschooling" is all about. It isn't a method. Relaxed homeschoolers may use all kinds of methods as they tailor things for each individual child. It isn't a curriculum, or the absence of a curriculum. I've used various books and materials over the years, including some textbooks when a child asked for them or when I thought they were a useful resource in the upper grades. It isn't really a philosophy, either, because I don't have the time to create a whole new philosophy, and you don't have time to study one.

It is really just a mindset. It's the idea that you are a family, not a school. You're a mom, not a teacher. You don't have a classroom. You have individual relationships with your children. Your husband isn't a principal, because there isn't really a school. "

6 comments:

Anonymous said...: That quote hits the nail squarely on the head, doesn't it? Thank you for finding these things and sharing them!; 12:37 pm
Leonie said...: Its a pretty good quote, isn't it?; 10:21 pm
Anonymous said...: Thanks for the article... just curious.. which parts do you not agree with? I have not read the whole thing yet.. and love your excerpts. Let me know if you have time to post....; 12:22 am
Leonie said...: Well - you know me - I always agree and disagree with homeschool articles! lol!

I disagree with Dr Hood's take on computer games and TV - she has a virtual ban on these but I think these can be great learning tools, discussion starters, rabbit trail sparkers and plain fun.

She also thinks we should let our kids get bored and then they will find their way - but I think more parental "being there" is neded.

Little things. :-)

And I could be wrong - I often worry if I am ruining my kids...; 7:56 am
Anonymous said...: I think that's a pretty common worry :-/ The quote you posted is the one that struck me also (no surprise *g*) It's that whole philosophy of what's right about learning at home (or out and about) and artificial about school, if that makes any sense to anyone other than Sabine who knows the weirdness of my brain ;-)

Today at Mass, Father was talking about free will...he gave us some weird analogy. Anyway, I think it's not that complicated....if no isn't an option, then yes is meaningless. That's why I think totally banning media is surely going to be counter-productive. Okay, that was one rambling comment...; 1:17 pm
Leonie said...: Beate - thanks for your "rambling" comment.

I agree - we worry about our kids and if we ( or Dr Hood :-)) are runing our kids. Esp when they do soemthing dumb - as one of mine did yesterday.

Maybe I should re-read the article and re-think my parenting? :-)But there are no recipes, are there?; 1:55 pm

Prayer of Consecration of St. Maximilian Kolbe

O Immaculata, Queen of Heaven and earth, refuge of sinners and our most loving Mother, God has willed to entrust the entire order of mercy to thee. I, N___, a repentant sinner, cast myself at thy feet humbly imploring thee to take me with all that I am and have, wholly to thyself as thy possession and property. Please make of me, of all my powers of soul and body, of my whole life, death and eternity, whatever most pleases thee. If it pleases thee, use all that I am and have without reserve, wholly to accomplish what was said of thee: "She will crush your head," and, "Thou alone have destroyed all heresies in the whole world."

Let me be a fit instrument in thine Immaculate and merciful hands for introducing and increasing the maximum in all the many strayed and indifferent souls, and thus help extend as far as possible the blessed Kingdom of the most Sacred Heart of Jesus. For wherever thou enters, one obtains the grace of conversion and growth in holiness, since it is through thy hands that all graces come to us from the most Sacred Heart of Jesus.

V. Allow me to praise thee O Sacred Virgin.
R. Give me strength against thy enemies.

Prayer of St Bonaventure

Pierce, O most Sweet Lord Jesus, my inmost soul with the most joyous and healthful wound of Thy love, with true, serene, and most holy apostolic charity, that my soul may ever languish and melt with love and longing for Thee, that it may yearn for Thee and faint for Thy courts, and long to be dissolved and to be with Thee.Grant that my soul may hunger after Thee, the bread of angels, the refreshment of holy souls, our daily and supersubstantial bread, having all sweetness and savor and every delight of taste; let my heart ever hunger after and feed upon Thee, upon whom the angels desire to look, and may my inmost soul be filled with the sweetness of Thy savor; may it ever thirst after Thee, the fountain of life, the fountain of wisdom and knowledge, the fountain of eternal light, the torrent of pleasure, the richness of the house of God.May it ever compass Thee, seek Thee, find Thee, run to Thee, attain Thee, meditate upon Thee, speak of Thee, and do all things to the praise and glory of Thy name, with humility and discretion, with love and delight, with ease and affection, and with perseverance unto the end.May Thou alone be ever my hope, my entire assurance, my riches, my delight, my pleasure, my joy, my rest and tranquility, my peace, my sweetness, my fragrance, my sweet savor, my food, my refreshment, my refuge, my help, my wisdom, my portion, my possession and my treasure, in whom may my mind and my heart be fixed and firmly rooted immovably henceforth and for ever. Amen.