If so, what did you think?
I thought it mostly presented unschooling in a positive light. The Bentley family was a great example of how unschooling works. They showed the girls engaged in learning, instead of trying to make it look as though they do nothing all day. You got a clear sense that the girls knew their passions, had goals, and were actively working to achieve them.
I did not like some of the comments made by the so-called experts, or the host. One comment in particular really started my blood boiling. "If they are never tested, how do we judge them, and compare them to other kids their own age?"
This mentality is what I believe is wrong with the school systems today. Why must kids constantly be judged and compared? How is that conducive to learning? Why is it so hard for others to see how testing and assessment does not accurately judge learning?
What are your thoughts on this?
You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees & the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. ------from Desiderata Written by Max Ehrmann in 1927
Hehe... Matt says it must be for people who are wealthy too funny
I was amazed that it was such a positive presentation. Usually unschooling is presented as wacky. Although I too laughed when he said you had to be wealthy to do it! I understand your frustration with their 'expert' but he was a teaching 'expert' and there are few who would support HS.
It was such a great story and the family they showed really help putting unschooling in a good light. My kids love learning IFF they choose what they study. Each of my children are very motivated by their own favorite subjects and would be bored my their siblings favorite area. Here is what was shown on the Today show....
I really wished they would have mentioned the Presidents and other GREATS that made their way through life without the limitations of a building. And those ignorant questions--sounds like he didn't do his homework before inviting the speaker.
And I have to add that part about being wealthy.....yeah, so if I am in the lower or middle class I need to just get my babies on the bus, huh?
Some of the things the experts said definitely rubbed me the wrong way. The lady in the purple dress seemed the most informed and positive about unschooling. I think the family was a good representation of unschooling. I wish they'd have more stories like that featured, to show the rest of the world how well unschooling works.
Visit my homeschool blog....HavenWood HomeSchool
One of the better segments on unschooling. Most shows show the families on the extreme end.
The statement that really rubbed me the wrong way is when it was stated that its a PROBLEM that all states dont require standardized testing.
I personally think testing and judging kids in public schools today is way to over-rated! Kids should be taught and not worry about being judged or ridiculed! They should feel safe and happy both socially and academically. These are some reasons mine are homeschooled!
thanks for posting this..i really enjoyed seeing this family's story
Quoting bugfree:It was such a great story and the family they showed really help putting unschooling in a good light. My kids love learning IFF they choose what they study. Each of my children are very motivated by their own favorite subjects and would be bored my their siblings favorite area. Here is what was shown on the Today show....
Unschooling - would love to hear from experienced unschool moms
- my2.5boys
on Oct. 14, 2011 at 1:09 PM