March
One of the most difficult undertakings for all people, is that of critical self analysis. As April approaches and we near our first official meeting with the school board to justify our learning philosophy, I'm both excited and terrified. I still struggle very much with my own feelings of self-doubt, especially as it relates to my intellectual abilities, but I'm getting a little better every day. This year has been an amazing experience for all of us, trying at times, but overall very beneficial for our little family. So what are my perceptions on what were the highlights?
Mental Health: We now have 3 happy kids who feel confident, loved, valuable, and respected as people with their own agency. Before we began this process we had one very depressed child, one incredibly angry child, and one overwhelmed and confused child. What I've realized is that traditional schooling was inhibiting their ability to form personal boundaries: physical, intellectual, social, and emotional boundaries were being drawn for them or worse, they were forming boundaries and having them completely disrespected or crossed in the name of "that's just how it is". Well, that doesn't mean it's right.
May
I was so sure the portfolio review process was going to be awful. I had convinced myself the whole education system was against me and was going to interrogate me under a critical spotlight. My own insecurities activated that saboteur side of me that was going to basically show up as a suicide bomber and destroy myself and everything around me. Thankfully, I spoke to reasonable and knowledgeable people ahead of time to calm myself down and just get ready like a normal person. If you're wondering how to do a review as an unschooling family, here's what I did.
I went back and looked at my photos, and made an album specifically for all our field trips accompanied by a printed out list of them and what subjects(s) they were focused on. I did a write-up for all three of the boys in each subject of what they have been up to during this time and how they have shown their learning in each area. I also made a watch list of what they have all seen and what subject(s) were covered and a little write-up of what we learned from each.
Next review I am going to bring more examples of writing or art (if they actually have done any) and bring a reading list of the books they have looked into.
The reviewers were so kind and accepting of alternative ideas. They didn't judge me at all. They wanted the assessment to go well and for everything to be approved. They were incredibly helpful and positive. I will not be nervous again for sure. I'm annoyed with myself that I go to that place of expecting criticism when I'm feeling vulnerable. However, I know I'm not alone! It's just how humans are. Getting to know ourselves is paramount to being able to work within our limits.
May
I was so sure the portfolio review process was going to be awful. I had convinced myself the whole education system was against me and was going to interrogate me under a critical spotlight. My own insecurities activated that saboteur side of me that was going to basically show up as a suicide bomber and destroy myself and everything around me. Thankfully, I spoke to reasonable and knowledgeable people ahead of time to calm myself down and just get ready like a normal person. If you're wondering how to do a review as an unschooling family, here's what I did.
I went back and looked at my photos, and made an album specifically for all our field trips accompanied by a printed out list of them and what subjects(s) they were focused on. I did a write-up for all three of the boys in each subject of what they have been up to during this time and how they have shown their learning in each area. I also made a watch list of what they have all seen and what subject(s) were covered and a little write-up of what we learned from each.
Next review I am going to bring more examples of writing or art (if they actually have done any) and bring a reading list of the books they have looked into.
The reviewers were so kind and accepting of alternative ideas. They didn't judge me at all. They wanted the assessment to go well and for everything to be approved. They were incredibly helpful and positive. I will not be nervous again for sure. I'm annoyed with myself that I go to that place of expecting criticism when I'm feeling vulnerable. However, I know I'm not alone! It's just how humans are. Getting to know ourselves is paramount to being able to work within our limits.
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