The first book I read about unschooling was John Holt’s Learning All the Time. That book totally changed the way I looked at the way kids learn best. During my first year as a public school teacher, I had been reading articles and blog posts about how kids were learning without following a teacher-prescribed curriculum….
Tag: connections
How and Why We Monitor Screen Time
A few people have asked me questions in the past few months about our rules about screen time in our family. It’s a tricky subject and one that I’ve had to think about for awhile. It’s been hard for me to come up with a concrete, simple answer because we don’t have any hard and…
Chasing Rabbit Trails…and Finding Wonderland
Alice in Wonderland was one of my favorite books when I was about 8 or 9. I’d sit by myself in the attic, reading it out loud, and acting out the story. I’d line up stuffed animals to be the Mad Hatter and the Door Mouse. I’d push two chairs close together and jump down…
A Year in the Life of an Interest-Led Learner 2011-12 (video)
Each month I share with you the activities and resources our family uses on our interest-led, unschooling journey. But I don’t usually share pictures of my family. It’s not that I don’t want to share. I do. It’s just that I decided the major focus of this site will be to talk about ways we…
My April Unschooling Fun & Resources
It seems like I hardly came up for air this month. My babies turned six this month! Just knowing they will be seven next year leaves me feeling so blessed that I can have so much time with them doing the things we love. My dad also had a heart attack. He’s fine as of…
The Benefits of Boredom
How many times have you heard your kids say, “I’m bored!” I remember cringing the first time I heard that phrase. How could they be bored? There’s a room full of books, toys and other things to do. We have a big backyard to play in. Why, just that morning they were full of ideas…
Transforming & Synthesizing: The Final Two Thinking Tools
Today is the last day in my five part series about the 13 Thinking Tools of the World’s Most Creative People. I’ve been summarizing parts of the book Sparks of Genius as well as sharing some tips and resources that you can use to explore these tools more on your own. Here’s the link to…
My March Unschooling Fun & Resources
As March came to an end, I wondered why I felt so tired. Then I looked at this list! Really, though, it was an incredible month for my family. We learned so many new things, went to so many new places and just enjoyed spending time together. I’m hoping some of the resources or activities…
Dimensional Thinking, Modeling & Playing: Thinking Tools 9-11
This is part four in a five part series about 13 Thinking Tools of the World’s Most Creative People. I’m summarizing parts of the book Sparks of Genius as well as sharing some tips and resources that you can use to explore these tools more on your own. Here’s the link to part 1 –…
10 Out-of-the-Ordinary Easter Activities
Do you celebrate Easter? If so, what images come to mind when you think about Easter? Many people think about rabbits, baskets and chocolate eggs. Our family has a strong faith in God so we also think of new life, resurrection and salvation. You probably have some favorite Easter traditions, too. Maybe it’s hunting for…