In the News

Sue Patterson

We're all bombarded with news and information through the internet. I say "bombarded" because sometimes it feels like that, right? Especially if we have kids running in and out of the room and we're trying to get a million things done at once! (No, I'm not spying, I've just been where you are right now!)

But as an unschooling mama, it's good for us to stay informed.  It helps us with our own foundation as well as when we run up against someone who is questioning our choices.

I share links to interesting articles in a variety of FB pages/groups - usually  here  and  here. But in case you missed these, you can subscribe here , to receive In the News by email.

So what's been  In the News  these last couple of weeks?

Benefits of Play Revealed in Research on Video Gaming

Just when you think Peter Gray has said all he has to say about play and video games, he comes up with something brilliant!

This well-documented article identifies all the areas people worry about when it comes to gaming and kids - and shows how these are actually advantages for our game-loving kids!

Google finds STEM skills aren’t the most important skills

"The seven top characteristics of success at Google are all soft skills: being a good coach; communicating and listening well; possessing insights into others (including others different values and points of view); having empathy toward and being supportive of one’s colleagues; being a good critical thinker and problem solver; and being able to make connections across complex ideas."

Why Dropping Out of School Could Actually Help Your Kid, According to One Education Expert

Sir Ken Robinson (you probably know him from his TED talks!) has spoken positively about unschooling for years - and now has chosen this for his own teen!

"He allowed his daughter to leave high school at age 16 to pursue a self-designed curriculum. And he wants other parents to consider that a nontraditional education — even dropping out — might be what’s best for their children.

'I just think it’s a lovely thing when a parent wakes up to who their child is rather than who they’re hoping they’re going to be. And it’s not always easy,' he said. 'Parents naturally want to do the best for their kids, and they often assume the best thing is to drive them through the system as it is.'

'Keep an eye on your kids, and see what it is that interests them,' he added. 'And if you’re constantly pushing them down a path that they’re resisting, rethink that.'”

In Defense Of Skipping College And Enrolling In The Real World

This Forbes article by Carolyn Howard says,

"We have many lessons to learn from successful people who have done poorly, dropped out, never went, or just hated school. A common thread strings them together -- a serious commitment to lifelong learning and a desire to screw with the status quo. Here, five secrets of the great 'uneducated.'"

No, Smartphones are not Destroying an Entire Generation

Sarah Rose Cavanagh Ph.D. at  Psychology Today  writes a rebuttal to the proliferation of articles out there blaming smartphones and social media for all the woes of modern day adolescents.

It’s Time to Tell Your Kids It Doesn’t Matter Where They Go To Colleg e

"So if you want your kids to succeed in life, don’t perpetuate a fear-based understanding of success. Start with the assumption that your children want their lives to work."

"Children are much more energized when they envision a future that is in line with their own values than when they dutifully do whatever they believe they have to do to live up to their parents’ or teachers’ or college admissions boards' expectations. "

Is your kid a hitter, kicker, or biter? Read this.

Ten tips on how to get through this phase in the most loving way.

Until next time - happy unschooling! 

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By Sue Patterson 13 Apr, 2024
If you're looking into unschooling, it's not unusal to wonder, "How DO unschoolers learn school subjects?" or "How will they learn what they need to be successful adults if you don't go out a buy all the curriculum in all the typical subjects." The word, "successful," is going to mean different things to different people. Maybe it's about getting into college, or finding a good career. Maybe it's more about personal happiness - and the ability to fund that themselves. Last week, I hosted a free webinar for about a hundred people wondering this same thing. It's up at the Unschooling Mom2Mom YouTube channel now - please subscribe! We talked about the actual subjects that weave into a variety of everyday activities for kids. I have visuals and handouts - all the things to help you get more comfortable with this concept when you hop over to the description at the YouTube channel. (If you registered for the webinar, check you email inbox for the links.)
By Sue Patterson 02 Apr, 2024
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By Sue Patterson 19 Mar, 2024
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By Sue Patterson 09 Mar, 2024
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By Sue Patterson 14 Feb, 2024
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5 Signs that it may be time for you to start unschooling! Whether you've been homeschooling and it's not working out as planned, or you're looking for alternatives to public schools, here are 5 Signs it may be time to start homeschooling from an unschooling perspective.
By Sue Patterson 23 Jan, 2024
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By Sue Patterson 21 Jan, 2024
While no unschooling family would be considered "typical," a few characteristics are common for those who successfully unschool. Sue Patterson solves the mystery and shares what a few of these traits are. Perfect for those who are trying to figure out how to unschool or are looking for how to create a homeschooling routine.
Create a Reverse Bucket List - brainstorming on paper with Post-its
By Guest Blogger 04 Jan, 2024
Spend a little time with family creating your own "reverse bucket list" - identifying and celebrating accomplishments from this past year!
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