Inching Our Way In to Unschooling

I've been trying to unschool, as opposed to homeschool, for the last year and a half.   I've had times we did nothing but play.  Times when we did workbooks.   And times I honestly didn't know WHAT we were doing.

I purchased (finally) Sandra Dodd's "Big Book of Unschooling".   (which is totally awesome, and I cannot recommend it enough.  It is worth every penny)   So, I'm reading it, and I've watched some of her videos on YouTube.. and I've even watched some of Dayna Martin, and read up on her.    I'm sad to say I've read some not-so-nice things about Dayna Martin... I don't know if they're true or not, but I did glean some inspiration from both these ladies, (more-so from Sandra Dodd), so there it is. :)

Strewing.  I started this out by telling my family, "Let's go buy toys!"   We went out to some thrift stores and we did buy things... a funky cute vintage blouse for my eldest, some baking sets, a scientific game, and books of course.   This was a good start.   I'm now trying to see through different eyes...  I had bought a bag of mixed nuts at the grocery store (Robyn was begging for these), and we ended up making a candy and nut display on the table, shelling and tasting some, and reading all about what everything is called, where it is from, and how they grow.  Freaking, Cool!   Mom is learning right along with her is the funny part. :)

Last night she pipes up out of the blue, asking me about the Boston Tea Party, which led to Minute Men, which leads to today we're going to watch a 3 and a half hour movie on the Revolution.   This morning she wanted to know about Congress.   I don't know what made her ask, but as she is asking me, I'm googling.

Two weeks ago she used a word I didn't know.  "Prefigurement".  I had to ask her what it meant, and she explained. :)   I don't know where this kid picks this stuff up.  Actually, that's not true.  Yes, I do know.  She gets it from everywhere.  She's like a little sponge, and she's soaking up info from everywhere like she's soaking up sunshine.  And she's having FUN.  

Last week she started cutting up cardboard and started construction on a stable in her bedroom for her toy horses.  I know constructing something from cardboard sounds like no big deal to anyone else, but since Robyn is autistic, she has NEVER done this before in her life.  I am tickled to death that she is creating, on her own.   Using her imagination, and growing and learning. :)

Saturday we went to the Midnight Sun.  (coolest store in the entire city)  Robyn checked out different rocks and crystals and pillows and blankets.... and drums!!   ...and I bought tea.   It amazed her to learn that tea is medicinal.  That it can come from leaves and petals and flowers and roots and bark.  Whereas NyQuil helps with the flu but not cramps, and how aspirin is good for headache but not for hay-fever, she is learning there too.  Honey for allergies, elderberries for colds, and the list goes on.  

Living and learning.  Did we finally catch on?   We've got all kinds of fun things planned.  A trip.  A ride on a carousel.  Thanksgiving and Christmas cooking and baking.  Gift making.  And a million other things that will be unplanned, every day things that just present themselves.. more opportunities to grow.