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Our first featured interview is with Jordan, unschooler, author, dog trainer, and blogger at Reel Dogs.
So Jordan, could you tell us just a little bit about your homeschool experience, such as how long you were homeschooled and via what method or curriculum?
For me, homeschooling stretched from preschool through 12th grade. I have never attended public school, though I did attend a private preschool for about two weeks. My brother and I were both unschooled.
When you were being homeschooled, did you think of yourself as a "secular" homeschooler? Why or why not?
No. It did not occur to me until I was in my teens that anyone homeschooled for religious reasons. It just wasn’t something I thought about.
Having the freedom and time to develop interests and build knowledge and skills I cared about. I started down the path to becoming a dog trainer when I was 11 years old. I began research for my now published book, Wonder Dogs: 101 German Shepherd Dog Films, when I was 13, though I didn’t know I was researching a book at the time. All I knew was that I wanted to learn everything I could about dogs in movies, from the first dog movie star in 1905 to modern films. I had endless support and encouragement from my mom, both for becoming a trainer and for working on the book.
Absolutely not. I’m now 23 and have never had a single regret or misgiving about my education. When it comes to school, I am one of the most fortunate people in the world.
My homeschooling experience encompassed the world at large. There was no need to prepare for it. How kids who spend 12+ years in public schools can be prepared for the world at large escapes me.
My mom encouraged me to learn about what I cared about. Even if she could see no point in it, even if it was as silly as teaching a cat to do a trick, she helped me study whatever it was: filling my life with resources and tools to follow my passions. Whether they seemed practical or not.
virtual academy
Hi,
A question came up about the k-12 charter virtual academy in our local secular homeschoolers group. The question is whether you HAVE to teach the whole curriculum, or can you sign up for parts
Group Michigan
Started By taichimom 09-09-2010 12:18 PM