Some thoughts about free range chickens in a factory chicken world. Our society rewards discipline, conformity, academic intelligence and specialization. We remember who won the 100 meter dash but forget the name of the decathlon winner. Unschooling is a unique way of approaching human growth and development. It might be right for you and your children, then again it might not. A facilitated group discussion open to all curious minds and hearts. Also B-6.

An overview of the concepts of unschooling and the reasons it works. Examples of how unschooling works. Ways parents provide support while allowing children time and space to explore their interests. Why unschooling does not mean unparenting. This workshop is primarily for people new to unschooling.

Some thoughts about free range chickens in a factory chicken world. Our society rewards discipline, conformity, academic intelligence and specialization. We remember who won the 100 meter dash but forget the name of the decathlon winner. Unschooling is a unique way of approaching human growth and development. It might be right for you and your children, then again it might not. A facilitated group discussion open to all curious minds and hearts. Also F-5.

How do kids learn academic subjects from non-academic activities like play, sports, etc.? How do we know if our kids are learning enough of the right things? How do we set priorities and balance academics with non-academic life learning such as developing social skills, moral and religious values, a sense of beauty, etc.? How do we recognize, encourage, and celebrate ways of learning that are different from those used in conventional schools?

Discover how to use the garden as part of your year round homeschooling experience. Incorporating science, math, reading and writing. Discovering new, fun foods. Encouraging kids to participate and have a sense of ownership. Celebrating the harvest.

For established unschooling families with at least one year’s experience. (For an introduction to unschooling, see “Exploring the Basic Ideas of Unschooling.”) How do parental guidance and direction continue to show themselves and allow for a peaceful coexistence with our kids? How might we as parents react when our children pursue topics we feel negatively about or did not expect? What can parents do to maintain a balance between the fear of external academic goals and the internal joy of unschooling? What about all that time the kids spend doing “nothing?”