Cindy Gaddis' Collaborative Learning Process

A few years ago I made acquaintances with Cindy Gaddis's blog Applestars.  I really liked the method she has developed in homeschooling her children.  You might enjoy reading it too!

Pat Farenga

Pat Farenga is cool!  Check out his blog!

The Importance of Journaling

The best advice I ever got from other unschooling moms was to journal all the learning that was going on in our home.  Unschooling does lend itself to a particular type of anxiety because it is such a different approach to the way we've been brought up.  One does tend to feel very insecure and out of step with the norm.  Second guessing oneself is a very common problem (of course the school at home approach can also be rife with doubt, as can sending your child to school or, heck, just plain motherhood!).

But a wonderful way to prove to yourself that learning is happening is to journal.  It can really open your eyes.  In fact, I have found that it is impossible to record every moment of learning that goes on each day.  I'm always leaving something out inadvertently!

The other thing that journaling does is keep you more aware of what is going on with your kids.  Unschooling can feel very scattershot because it is not systematic in an institutional way.   But if you are consciously observing your kids, you are better equipped to respond to their needs and interests.

How you journal is up to you.  You can keep a pretty diary.  You can scribble down notes on stray pieces of paper as you move through the day and then collect them in a file when you think of it!  You can blog every day.  I tend to type up very cryptic notes on my computer at lunch time and then again after dinner/before bed.  Sometimes I blog my notes.  Whatever works for you!  I don't journal as religiously as I used to.  I go through phases.  Keeping a journal can help you comply with your state laws especially if you need to submit records or attendance.