Sue is a veteran Home Educator with 3 grown kids. All of her children were Unschooled, and Sue is a wealth of information on many aspects of alternative education.
From transitioning away from the curriculum mindset and into a learning partnership with your kids, to Unschooling through the teen years and supporting young adults as they transition into college or work, Sue’s perspective is invaluable.
If you are struggling with an aspect of Home Eduction or Partnership Parenting, Sue’s wisdom and experience can help reassure and guide you through the moments of doubt.
If you are simply curious about what Unschooling family life is like, she can share a comprehensive look based on her own experience and what she’s learned from her extensive network of Home Ed families.
Here are some of the sessions Sue will be leading at the Retreat. We will hit the ground running on Friday morning with workshop sessions and circle discussions, so getting there Thursday to set up your bunks, tents and campers will ensure you don’t miss any of the action!
Learning All the Time: Unschooling 101
Friday Morning (Oct. 24)
Life Learning, Whole Life Learning, Self-Directed Learning, Organic Learning, Natural Learning, Interest-Led Learning. There are so many different names for this type of alternative education and almost as many definitions.
Come discover the core principles behind this method of education.
Gain clarity on what Unschooling IS and is NOT.
Is there a “right” or “wrong” way to Unschool? Is it still Unschooling if we require a few math or phonics worksheets here and there? What is “Strewing?” What is “Deschooling?” What is “Radical Unschooling?” What are the benefits and drawbacks to Unschooling? How can we be sure our kids will turn out OK educationally and otherwise? What if I give my children freedom and all they do is play video games all day? What if my child HAS to or WANTS to return to school in the future? How do I comply with Homeschooling laws as an Unschooler? Can I do it as a single parent, or when both parents must be earners?
We’ll tackle these questions and help newbies, spouses, grandparents and in-laws understand this complex and rich form of education and help you discover tools to move forward with Unschooling in confidence.
To read more from Sue on this topic click here.
When Your Unschooler Chooses School
After being radically unschooled her whole life, Sue’s youngest daughter decided she wanted to go to the local public high school. While Sue supported her daughter’s choice, they “did high school” on their own terms. After a year and half, Sue’s daughter had enough and returned to the freedom of unschooling.
We will explore the ways that Unschoolers use mainstream schools, alternative schools and “schooly” classes and lessons to achieve their goals. Can this still be considered “Unschooling?” How can we support our children when they choose methods of education and institutions that we as parents are ideologically opposed to – or just feel are not the best “place” for our kids? How can we allow our children to be exposed to the negative aspects of school that we have tried to shield them from all their lives? Can a school truly be a place of Unschooling freedom?
Unschooling Teens
Are you worried about unschooling your teen? Are you afraid that your choices may close doors instead of opening them? Sue’s three grown unschoolers took completely different paths through the teenage years. Come hear how they navigated these years and rest assured that it does NOT have to be as scary as society makes it sound! Sue also wrote a book, Homeschooled Teens that will be available in October. She interviewed 75 teens and young adults who homeschooled/unschooled as teenagers. She will share their responses to her questions about what life was like for them: finding friends, learning opportunities, hobbies, sports, work, travel, advantages they feel they have now, advice for worried parents, and more!!
Join us for a fun and informative weekend that will give you more confidence as you navigate a different approach to Home Education and Parenting.
Can’t wait for the Retreat?
Hear what Sue has to say on her Unschooling Blog:
We’re so excited to announce the Young Adult Unschoolers’ Panel. We have 5 unique individuals who will answer your questions and share their experience growing up Unschooled! (Well 4 were Unschooled and one was a “very relaxed Homeschooler using many Unschooling principles”)
