That's why I wrote a chapter for a book about Catholic unschooling. Because I'm a walking set of contradictions. The Planning Unschooler. The Unschooler Who Plans.
As Whitman said, "Do I contradict myself? Very well, then, I contradict myself; (I am large -- I contain multitudes.)"
The largeness could have something to do with extended amounts of chocolate in my life, but let's not go there right now. We're talking about school, right? Or about the absence of school. Actually, what we're really talking about is an education: what that is, what it means, how one acquires such a thing.
But before I say anything more about that, let me say a few things about the book that Suzie Andres recently put together on Catholic unschooling. (A Little Way of Homeschooling is actually Suzie's second book and is a great follow-up to her Homeschooling With Gentleness.)
First, I want to point you to CatholicMom.com and Lisa Hendey's recent interview with Suzie. If you want to get a feel for what Suzie is all about, and find out more about why the book is focused on a "little way", Lisa's interview is the place to go.
Second, for some lovely reviews, which have delighted me to no end, visit the book's Amazon page.
Third, for a couple of other lovely reviews, visit Sue Elvis at Stories of an Unschooling Family, and Annaberri at Read the Other Day.
Fourth, for a chance to win a copy of the book, visit Homeschool Faith and Family Life for details on a contest they're running.
And now that I have spent so much time gathering links for this post, I'm out of my computer allotment for the afternoon. Ramona is waiting for me, and brownies are waiting to be made by the two of us (I told you there's a lot of chocolate in my life.) The crux of this post ("an education: what that is, what it means, how one acquires such a thing") will have to wait for another post.
In the meantime, go win a book!
7 comments:
Karen,
I don't know which is most endearing:
1. the comment you added after Lisa's interview with me? Although how could you think I am laughing at your split personality? Perhaps I mean "hilarious" in a sad and pitiful sort of way - but I doubt it!
2. your post here? I will be waiting eagerly for the sequel with more of your thoughts on education. I always learn from you; the Whitman quote (new to me) is priceless.
3. or possibly the most endearing of all: your Poetry Friday entry just below this post. I love that Richard Wilbur poem.
Hmmm, today's post just might win. I think it's the chocolate references that tip the scale. I can't stay to say more - must go find some brownies now...enjoy yours!
p.s. To your dear readers: I do hope you click on the last link Karen provided and enter to win our book. Then go reward yourself for a job well done (with chocolate, of course).
I got this book a couple of months ago but haven't read it yet, because we've been unpacking after a recent move. I didn't realize you were in it! I'm looking forward to reading it. We sort of "unschooled by default" due to a chaotic year, but I am now headed back in the direction of a bit more structure. I think we're still pretty loosey-goosey, though.
Dorian, we're so in and out of planning/structure/relaxed/unschooly that if Lissa Wiley hadn't already made her "Tidal Homeschooling" label famous, I'd totally steal it. :)
And, Suzie, speaking of totally, you know that I was TOTALLY kidding in my comment at Lisa's! I meant for my big smiley face to convey that. :D Actually, *I* laugh at my split personality, so in reality, I would never be offended by anyone else laughing at it. :)
I for one am looking forward to that next post, still trying to figure out "what it all means" myself. AND I just may have to steal that quote and use it as my motto on my blog. Perhaps even paint it on my living room wall.
I love this post! Naturally, waiting impatiently for the next installment... ;)
The first few chapters were great. I haven't got to your chapter yet. Or Lissa's. I'm sort of holding off and savoring the anticipation. Like the wonderful feeling of knowing there is chocolate but waiting to eat it because the anticipation is almost as good as the chocolate itself. (Or is that just me?) Plus I keep putting the book down and forgetting where I left it and then picking up other books. Oh so many other books. Like the new Billy Collins. And Rumer Godden. And Sigrid Undset's biography of Catherine of Siena. See? I'm so blessed with family who feed my book addiction!
I do love the Whitman quote. It is one of my favorites. But I never, ever contradict myself. Ever. Except when I do.
Karen,
I received an excited email from Suzie this morning about your post and hopped over and discovered you have been so kind to me too. Thank you for linking up my Little Way post! It will all help spread the word about THE BOOK!
I wanted to visit and say hello. Suzie has mentioned you a few times and I thought maybe she will share her friends with me! I enjoyed reading your homeschooling story. And reading your blog. I love your blog name! So very clever.
God bless.
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