[HSList] unstructured learning

[VLJe...@aol.com]

In a message dated 97-06-22 00:52:51 EDT, you write:

<< She said she plans to begin her program with him the day after he
fininshes kindergarten. I feel they are set up for failure and I have tried
to speak to her but she doesn't seem to be listening. Any suggestions? >>

Mimi,

She is reacting out of fear (and perhaps a little bit of compulsive
competition) and it is very hard to deal with that. She may have to learn the
hard way that homeschooling is different than 'bringing home' the type of
schooling most of us were brought home with. Most homeschoolers go through
this stage....unless they've had the foresight and/or opportunity to spend
several years researching various types of schooling and the learning styles
of children. The best I can suggest is to keep channels of communication
open. Encourage her to complain to you and cry on your shoulder.
Maybe, through this process, you can be to gently point her toward relaxing
and shifting her focus away from 'super-academics' and toward creating an
atmosphere where her child can develop into a 'whole' human being.

Tori