A Little on Unschooling

I see daily that “unschooling” or child-led learning works! For example, I recently introduced Madison and Morgan to the old Oregon Trail computer game that I was so fond of as a child. They absolutely LOVED it and kept saying they were hooked on it. One weekend, they were going through a bunch of books that I keep out for them and they found a ton of information about traveling west in a covered wagon and info about the Oregon Trail. They were so excited to find information relating to the game that they loved and were reading all about it together. Wow, reading and learning something that they weren’t asked or “forced” to read – and on a weekend at that! ;)

They are constantly doing things like that
– picking up books or magazines on what many people would consider “school” or “educational” topics and learning about them
– playing “educational” board games and computer games
– drawing and writing journal-type entries in notebooks
– creating their own artwork
– playing library and organizing the books by theme or alphabetically
– counting and keeping track of their money and occasionally saving it – lol
– writing poems or songs

I could go on and on. I bought Madison a book about the body – something she was interested in. We got it in the mail this past Saturday and she couldn’t put it down all weekend. A few more pages and she will have it finished. There are so many times when the girls will answer a question or point out something that they know and I will know that “I” didn’t teach it to them. You see, they remembered it because it was something that they wanted to learn themselves. So, I have evidence right in front of me that the concept of unschooling works. Now, if I could just let go and give in even more. It is really hard for me having been a public school teacher in the past. I guess for now baby-steps will have to do…

Trick or Treat!!!

The kids had a great time on Halloween night going trick-or-treating in our neighborhood. We went with a Toy Story 2 theme this year. We still think the Toy Story movies are some of the best animated movies ever made. :) Matt took the three oldest kids and braved the hilly terrain of our neighborhood streets. He pulled Matthew in the wagon, who fell asleep after awhile...wish I would have taken a picture of that! They brought back tons of candy, which Matt and I grudgingly helped consume! ;) I stayed home with Mason to hand out candy. Last year, we had over 40 kids come. This year I was prepared and put out extra effort to make special bags with candy, toys, and other goodies. Unfortunately, all of that work was in vain because we had only 2 trick-or-treaters the entire night! What a bummer! Oh well, just more candy for us to eat....

Here the kids are ready to go - sugar-high, here we come!

Little Mason in the background...too cute.

Here is Madison's jack-o-lantern that she created.

Missouri Botanical Garden

Okay, so I am so far behind in posting. I don't know what I was thinking when I started this blog. I mean, do I really have tons of extra time? LOL I do have a few things to share, so I will be posting some more pictures with probably very little text. :)

The Underwoods took a trip to the Missouri Botanical Gardens in later October. It took a little bit of persuasion from me, but eventually everyone caved. The kids just didn't have any idea what to expect. Matt was pretty skeptical too thinking that it didn't sound too exciting. Before we left, Morgan kept telling him we were going to the "mechanical" garden which made it so much more appealing to him! LOL After arriving and seeing what it involved, everyone was glad that we went and a great time was had by all! We are planning on going back in the Spring or Summer when everything is in bloom, as I am sure it will be gorgeous at that time! Anyway, here are a few pictures of our outing...

Madison feeding the Koi fish at the Japanese Garden - she is definitely in her element here.

All of the kids on the bridge looking at the Koi fish. Mason

was ready to dive in.

The kids enjoying the "artwork" of the featured artist. :)

Prisoners at the Children's Garden - don't they look pitiful?

Madison and Mason ready to begin the maze - the kids had a ball in it, especially the boys since they couldn't see over the bushes!

Daddy and the kids in the tropical climate of the conservatory.

Field Trip to the Pumpkin Patch(no pun intended) :)

It is that time of the year again - the leaves are changing color, the air is getting brisk, and we get to pull out our comfy jeans and warm sweatshirts. Ahh - it is bittersweet really with the cold winter being right around the corner. We recently visited the pumpkin patch with our homeschool group and had a great time! The kids especially loved riding the camel. I always love the pig races and cheering on those cute little pigs with their clever names: "Ham"ma Montana, Kevin "Bacon", Sarah Jessica "Pork"er, etc... Here are some pictures of the big outing. :)

Am I really doing this?

Am I really attempting to create a blog? What am I getting myself into? Okay, so I felt a little left out since "everybody" was doing it - ahh the pressure. LOL Now, what to write and where to start. Be patient with this newbie!