Grown-up home schooler tells her story in Vancouver March 30
Astra Taylor
Other families start off right away with home schooling or “unschooling” – defined in Wikipedia as: “…a range of educational philosophies and practices centered on allowing children to learn through their natural life experiences, including child directed play, game play, household responsibilities, and social interaction, rather than through the confines of a conventional school.”
If I had to define our approach, I’d say it’s mostly unschooling but we also have a portion of each morning devoted to what I call “old school academic stuff” (spelling, writing, math, and silent reading). My instincts tell me this is the way to go – but I sometimes wonder if I am doing the right thing. How will this home school experience affect him as an adult?
Because that question is so big in my mind, I’m always glad to hear stories from adults who grew up with untraditional schooling experiences – people like Astra Taylor, a documentary filmmaker who is speaking at East Vancouver’s Purple Thistle Centre on Tuesday, March 30 from 4:30 to 6 p.m.
Helen Hughes, founder of Windsor House Learning Community in North Vancouver, announced this opportunity via email: “… we will be inviting the local community to come hear Astra talk about her story, how it was for her going to high school, what she thinks about un/homeschooling, what her childhood was like, etc. and more importantly to have a group dialogue about unschooling and alternative education in general.”
The event is free, but donations are welcomed and will be used by the Thistle’s unschooling youth program, Youngunz.
looks interesting. I’m assuming you are going?
Yes I am. Wanna come with me?
I might have to go and check that out, provided it’s kosher for Zoë to come with me! I’m a little hell-bent on trying to get her into Windsor House.
hey Susan!
thanks for posting. Astra is fantastic!
here is the original invite for your interested readers
Speaking event: Astra Taylor
Date: Tuesday, March 30th at 4:30-6:00 PM
Place: Purple Thistle Centre
http://www.purplethistle.ca
FREE*
The Purple Thistle is thrilled to be hosting Astra Taylor for a few
days at the end of March. Most of the collective are excited to spend
time with her to discuss film making… but she also has lots of
personal insight about unschooling/homeschooling/alt ed, etc.
A fantastic speaker!
here is her website: http://www.hiddendriver.com/
On Tuesday, March 30th at 4:30 we will be inviting the local community
to come hear Astra talk
about her story, how it was for her going to high school, what she
thinks about un/homeschooling, what her childhood was like, etc.
and more importantly to have a group dialogue about unschooling and
alternative education in general.
*this event is free… but donations are welcomed for the thistle
unschooling group (the youngunz).
At least four unschooling teens will be going of to New York this June
to present at the AERO conference.
Here is a talk of Astra Taylor: Unschooling:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LwIyy1Fi-4Q
Be wonderful to have you there.
best,
carla, matt, the Collective and the Youngunz
Thanks for posting the original invite Carla!
Zoeyjane – there will be lots of Windsor House folks there too, so it will be a good chance to connect with them. WH is an excellent option! I know quite a few adults who went there as kids.
I’m sure your girl will be welcome to go with you, right Carla?
i was home schooled and it is quite satisfactory when providing basic education”~”
i was home schooled when i was still very young and i have to stay that it is also a great way to educate your kids ‘”.