We are still experimenting with fully autonomous learning, natural learning or unschooling, depending on who you are. I can see the children are happy and enjoying the freedom. I am always on hand to help or guide and enjoy the children leading the conversations, here there and everywhere. They never cease to amaze me. Things like evaporation , jujitsu, swimming, times tables , guitar practice, games like twister , looking at our compass...the list goes on.
So this week we have visited the park more than once for a raucous time running our legs off, worked with Shadow our puppy, had friends round to visit us , went to visit friends, the library, talked to the physio therapist, GP and ASD team (sigh). I also had more bloods tests at the hospital and this is made enormously funny because the children lean over and go 'cor' as the needle goes in.
'Does it hurt Mum?'
'Why do they put your blood in different coloured containers'
Everything is an adventure these days.
Sam went geocaching with a friend of mine whilst Owen played with her son. Today we took the boys to our local woods, walked the dogs, the boys stopping and talking to everyone they met, collected chestnuts then went home to roast them on the fire. Yeah there is a song brewing, can you tell?
Am expanding my knowledge by reading more about John Holt and his philosophy about child lead learning.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Legacy-John-Holt-Understood/dp/1483905489
I realise it's more about me being confident enough to trust that children will learn, as long as they are interested and happy. Often it's hard to step back and allow them to follow their own path but I am getting there. Part of my reticence is down to being under constant scrutiny from professional bodies due to the children's previous medical issues and the ASD side of things. It would appear that very few of these people trust the child or parent they are dealing with. They certainly feel they need to train both, till we behave ourselves and fit in that little, very restrictive box.
Looking at those around me that have taken this path is such a wonderful experience. The children are allowed to explore, learn and develop their interests in a stimulating environment that encompasses their whole lives. Therefore, this means they are functioning in the adult world (let's face it that's what you want in the long run) , making critical judgements, becoming independant learners and living a full life in the heart of their community. I fail to see how helpful it is shutting them away in schools, away from life, society, the only community they are mixing with is peers of the same age and the odd teacher. Why is this seen as normal ? We don't have rushed 15 mins of play now, we have full days with our friends, out doors, indoors, with people who have the time to support them as they need. We also have times of quiet contemplation, without interruption , where they can explore their ideas and be creative thinkers. I cannot emphase how important I believe this is.
If there is anyone reading this who is contemplating home educating their children please, please look at your options. I thought and thought about this, leaving the boys in school way too long when they were clearly unhappy. I doubted myself, was told I wasn't up to the job and generally undermined at every turn. Yes it's tiring but that is far out weighed by the sheer wonder of watching your child blossom into an interested, interesting individual with a mind of their own. Meal times will never be the same again.
Believe in yourself, believe in your children..all will be well. In the meantime look at these happy faces.
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