How to Incorporate Math and Writing into Unschooling | Homeschool Chats with Beth

[@tuathadesidhe1530]

We are in FNQ Australia - I've been unschooling along with my 5 kids aged 26 to 9 yrs old. I was actually illiterate when I was unceremoniously kicked out of school at 15, getting pregnant at 17 inspired me to learn how to read so that I could read to my baby = he was reading by 3, and reading car manuals and encyclopedias by 5 - we have learned so much together, and I'm still learning new things every day right along side them.

[@BethPavlik]

Thanks for sharing your story and for being here, Tuatha!

[@candacecabral6488]

That’s beautiful!!!

[@kr6484]

That's amazing 👏

[@Poochiepoochie54321]

I was completely illiterate in math by the time I graduated from formal highschool. Had to teach myself, get a tutor and go to professors' office hours but eventually was able to get an A in math classes even grad level statistics.

[@adam6806]

Cooking and Baking: When adjusting a recipe to accommodate a different number of servings, you may need to divide one fraction by another to determine the correct quantity of each ingredient. For example, if a recipe calls for 3/4 cup of sugar for 8 servings but you want to make only 4 servings, you would divide 3/4 by 1/2 (representing half the original servings) to determine the new amount of sugar needed. Home Improvement: When measuring and cutting materials, you may need to divide fractions to determine the right dimensions. For instance, if a wooden plank is 3/4 inch thick and you need to cut it into equal 1/8-inch-thick pieces, you would divide 3/4 by 1/8 to find out how many pieces you can cut. Sewing and Fashion Design: When creating clothing or other textiles, you might need to divide fractions to determine the amount of fabric needed or the correct measurements for a pattern. For example, if you have 5/8 yard of fabric and each pattern piece requires 1/4 yard, you would divide 5/8 by 1/4 to find out how many pattern pieces you can cut from the available fabric. Finance and Budgeting: When dividing expenses or profits among a group of people or determining the percentage of your budget allocated to different categories, you may need to divide fractions. For example, if your monthly budget is 3/5 of your income and you want to allocate 2/5 of your budget to housing costs, you would divide 3/5 by 2/5 to find the proportion of your income that should be spent on housing. Carpentry and Woodworking: In woodworking projects, you might need to divide fractions to calculate measurements for cutting or joining wood pieces. For example, if you need to create a gap that is 1/3 the width of a 3/4-inch-wide board, you would divide 3/4 by 3 to determine the size of the gap. Landscaping and Gardening: When planning a garden, you may need to divide fractions to determine the spacing between plants or the amount of fertilizer needed. For example, if a plant needs to be spaced 2/3 foot apart and you have a 5-foot-long garden bed, you would divide 5 by 2/3 to find out how many plants can be placed in the bed.

[@theplanelife4097]

These are good examples. As a small child I learned "math" from playing with money, as my family had a country store and cash register that I was allowed to operate. I was mentally able to calculate things in my head without even knowing how to express or write it on paper in the form of an equation. My father was the same way. He could measure the square footage of something and know how many 2x4's, tiles, sheetrock, etc. in his head without doing any type of written math or picking up a pencil or calculator. I think we must first learn mentally how to figure this out then learn how to express it on paper so that when we need to figure out a more complicated problem, we have the understanding of a way to do it.

[@RedScareClair]

Thank you. People make me cringe so hard when they fail to apply certain things and then say it's useless

[@Poochiepoochie54321]

I have a friend who was unschooled in the 80s. He and his siblings never set foot in a school ever. He now runs his own solar company. Got involved in solar way ahead of his time "before it was cool" just because it interested him so much. More importantly he's just a good, nice person. Really opened my mind about unschooling.

[@doggoneit8341]

From Louisiana. This is our first year of homeschooling. I tend to lean more towards unschooling. I am excited about helping my children learn in a variety of ways and making it fun for them! I’m enjoying your videos. ❤

[@hananfadel7224]

I never comment on KZbin videos but I had to comment on this one…thank you so much for your videos. Anytime I watch other homeschool mom videos I get overwhelmed and honestly feel awful about myself because it feels like I’m not doing enough. Your videos completely put my at ease and in a good mood and reinforce my “why.” I know you recently quit KZbin (I don’t blame you!!) but I will be going through all your old videos and I’m sure they will continue to benefit many other moms out there! I also had an online business and I constantly struggle between going back online because it is SO much time and effort even if it allows me to work from home. Thank you again!! ☺️🙏🏻

[@BethPavlik]

Thank you for taking the time to write this comment. Good luck on your journey!

[@GinKatOfficial]

I'm from West Virginia 😁 and have been unschooling my 4 kiddos for the past few months. I've noticed the biggest difference in them. They have learned so much more and are excited to learn again. Thank you for all the tips!

[@BethPavlik]

Thank you for sharing that, Ginny! I’m so happy to know your unschooling is going well. ❤️

[@ggclayallday]

My son is really interested in playing a computer game where he is a fish and has to eat more fish to get bigger, there’s prehistoric fish he can choose to be as well. He was really interested in the prehistoric fish, so we decided to learn more about them. I dropped what we were doing with our curriculum & we dove into dinosaurs, evolution and all things prehistoric! He loves it and wants to listen to Dino books on audible at night. In the morning he wakes up & tells me about all the things he learned while listening to that book. We watch documentaries, read books, listen to them, hands on activities, visit museums, write, and discuss prehistory. He’s having more fun with this than any other unit we’ve done with our curriculum. Follow their interests!! Yes!! And I love John Holt as well, embracing more of an unschooling approach with a touch of Montessori and Charlotte Mason. Thanks for your vids and insight Beth! ♥️📚

[@BethPavlik]

I love to hear stories like this! It sounds like you and your son are doing excellently with homeschooling. ❤️

[@tuathadesidhe1530]

You should check out the computer game *SPORE* it's an evolution game where you start out as something like an amoeba and depending on whether you pick herbivore, omnivore, or carnivore - and then each set of evolutionary traits you pick when you breed determines your outcome - but they evolve onto land, into tribes, have preferences, decide to be friends or enemies with other tribes - eventually evolving to rockets hips in outer space - my 9 year old Loves it

[@gloryinourmercy]

I enjoyed your insight on unschooling! I have 3 children. I've done some unschooling with my older 2. They are amazing storytellers and have only done journaling & creative writting. The 3rd child (7 years old) has been mostly unschooled and picks up concepts faster and without formal "teaching". He loves hunting and real estate (because he wants to buy land to hunt on 😂). He spends hrs going through real estate magazines, reading hunting/nature books, and spends 3-5 hrs outside catching bugs & taking care of his garden. Then, to top it off, he is an amazing artist! So he spends hours creating art. Im learning to navigate his uniqueness as he grows older.

[@BethPavlik]

I love that your 7-year-old is in to real estate! That's so unique. You are doing a fantastic job by letting him pursue his passions and allowing lots of time for him to explore them.

[@kirstenbarbero1099]

I just found your videos and they have helped me out a lot. I honeschool my 8 year old son and we have tried numerous things/curriculum and it is just not working so I came to the conclusion unschooling might be the best approach for him. Like you say about your boys, if they are not interested or don't see the need, they aren't caring.. therefore nor learning what we are forcing them to learn. I'm gonna be binge watching all your videos now! Thank you!!

[@BethPavlik]

Thank you, Kirsten! I’m so glad my videos were helpful to you.

[@doggoneit8341]

How do I use math in real life: 1. Cooking 2. Paying bills 3. Meal planning 4. Organizing 5. Budgeting 6. Business 7. This list! 😂

[@kaizze8777]

I'm a homeschool dad and as a business owner I start with the end in mind. It's a financial goal setting and marketing concept but I want to do this for my kids. What do I want my kids to end up learning in the end? How can I turn these skills into fin bite sized learning experiences that THEY choose? For example I want my kids learning the art of sales and persuasion. 1. Skill sales 2. Convincing someone of benefits Vs features. 3. Pick hobby that might include those principles. 4. Like attending a baking sale, watch how bakeries sell their goods. 5. Home activity, make a goody bakery box that you think people might enjoy. 6. Bake! 7 learn to bake those things 8. Break up all the things they want to learn to bake and do it lesson by lesson. 9. Make a cool poster for it 10. Write an ad( with dad's help) and make a Facebook ad for it see if people buy it.

[@sonisheampinto7384]

I'm homeschooling in Jamaica, thank you for sharing this, this particular topic was a real doozy for me

[@BethPavlik]

Wow, Jamaica! That sounds amazing! I hope I was able to give you some helpful tips on this topic.

[@moniquesabinasainzmccommon8582]

So incredibly helpful, thank you so so much, truly!

[@HealedandThriving]

My kids knew parts of speech before they could read because of playing MadLibs lol They also loved reading and started using punctuation on their own.

[@smcb2202]

I’m homeschooling in Ontario Canada. I’m looking to moving towards the unschooling method.

[@elizabethhenriott-raising5boys]

I’m homeschooling in Baton Rouge, LA. Love your videos!

[@BethPavlik]

Love it! Thanks for being here. ❤️

[@clairelastdays6158]

Hi thank you for your time in helping others get to grips with unschooling since covid l decided to not put my children bk in to school and felt this was best for us all ! I enjoy my children being home 24/7 and learning as we go about our daily business! Much appreciated x

[@BethPavlik]

Wonderful!

[@lewisluckyseven]

Very helpful! First year homeschooler to 5 great kids 1st-6th grade. I'm currently reading Dumbing Us Down by John Taylor Gatto and it's eye opening to say the least! Thank you for this helpful video!

[@BethPavlik]

You're welcome! Good luck in your first year!

[@TVwriter23]

John Holt is another good one.

[@newmamaful]

Also check out The Underground History of American Education.

[@gloryinourmercy]

Dumbing us Down is an awesome book. The Heart of Homeschooling is another good one.

[@verleejenkins]

Math...cooking, shopping, gardening ...just off the top of my head ❤

[@wmgardner87]

Here because I just started homeschooling and so far I’ve noticed my son likes just about everything except WRITING!! He is 7 so naturally I worry! Thanks for the advice!!

[@BethPavlik]

You’re welcome!

[@3stefani3senke3]

Thank you for this video! I am trying so hard to find ways/curriculum that my children love to learn with, I feel like I would drop a majority of "book work" but I'm so nervous as to how they will pass their end of the school state test that is required in our state, every other year 😓 they are meant to know all of these "non sense" math skills and into depth knowledge of literature, grammar etc.

[@BethPavlik]

I understand the frustration with the required tests. :( I would make sure they can pass those tests by seeing what is needed but then for the rest of the time, definitely choose resources that will help your children love learning.

[@3stefani3senke3]

Thank you for your feedback!😁

[@BethPavlik]

Of course!

[@cmmrris1]

This eases my stress level. Thank you

[@BethPavlik]

I'm so happy to hear that. You're welcome. :)

[@alliesmith695]

28 year old momma homeschooling my 11 (almost 12) y/o kiddo in Texas. 👋🏻

[@BethPavlik]

Nice to meet you! Thanks for watching.

[@aprilmendoza4638]

Thank you for this because I feel like my twins who are almost 6 don't write they are just now wanting to read. I am panicking because they don't how and "at this age they should know how"

[@BethPavlik]

You’re welcome, April!

[@handsfullofgoodthings]

I like what you're saying about math and I don't disagree. But how do you navigate the state requirements for math in your state?

[@janaciachambers6122]

How do I unschool in Texas & do I have to unschool every time I move?

[@wonderscall6486]

Great video, thanks so much 😊

[@BethPavlik]

You’re welcome!

[@kanizabbas2172]

So nice of you that you care about our comments. One question; with this unconventional approach what have you thought about their high school (or as they call it O level and A level in Cambridge system). Will you make them take these exams and go to college? If yes, then these exams still require at least a number of subjects, including maths and language skill. How will you or us make our child do that ( assuming that the child was not interested in some of these compulsory subjects)

[@BethPavlik]

Hi, Kaniz! I’m always thinking of my kids’ futures and what they will need to be successful in adulthood. As far as exams for high school graduation, I will probably have them take the ACT or SAT whatever else is required by the state. I will not *make* them go to college. That will be a decision my husband and I will make with our kids’ input. My children are still learning all of the subject areas, just not in the way school teaches them. Math and language skills come into play in real life all day, everyday. Thank you for your great questions!

[@jennyquezada9644]

How they would be ready for high school or college math if they would like to attend then? Wouldn’t they be so behind?

[@BethPavlik]

Why would they be behind?

[@jennyquezada9644]

@@BethPavlik My fifth grader teacher keeps telling me that my son is behind in math. I was planning to withdraw him to unschool but I am afraid that he might get more behind as his teacher says, and not be ready to proceed when Algebra, Geometry or calculus is needed. Please advise as I feel so confused.🤯

[@BethPavlik]

@@jennyquezada9644 if the teacher says he is behind, then what he needs is to take his time to figure out what he’s not getting, and then once he masters that, he can move on. Once he can take the time he needs to understand concepts fully, he’ll be able to go as quickly as he wants. Most of the time, kids just need something explained a different way, and they don’t always get that in school. Once something clicks for them, they can take off. Going at their own pace does not always mean they will go slower. Half the time it means they go faster than traditional school. I hope that helps you. The main goal should not be that he goes at the pace of his peers- the main goal is that he understands it fully and is not held back by anyone saying he can’t move on. I hope that helps you. ❤️

[@tuathadesidhe1530]

It takes you observing how he learns best and placing things in his way, and actively participating in his adventure of learning - board games are great, my kids even invented their own math games, they disco ered decimal points by looking through junk mail catalogue, cooking is great, if you think someone else explaining and showing a concept would be helpful there is Kahn academy, and generation genius. Often just being out of the stressful classroom environment and "deschooling" for a while is all it takes. My kids loved to be given a budget and being put in charge of either lunches, or dinners for the week - they had to plan out the weeks worth of meals, decide if they were shopping at the shopping center or the markets, buy it within budget, and prepare it - that could be a daily shop, or weekly. When kids become really interested in something they find a way, my oldest decided he wanted to learn algebra so he bought a book on it, read it, and learned algebra - I'm not interested in algebra so I don't know much about it. Its important to not buy into the belief that *you* need to know everything to "teach" them too - it doesn't work that way

[@margiegaud1079]

Hello I want to do this with my kids my question is how they get their diploma if they want to go to college or a job that needs a High school diploma That has been what really hold me back on unschooling but I really want to do this

[@BethPavlik]

Hi Margie! All students who are unschooled can still get all of the credits they need to graduate. Keep in mind that unschooling just means they learn in a way that doesn’t look exactly like school. They can still learn from curriculum if they choose, they can take online classes, they can even go to community college starting at 16!

[@margiegaud1079]

@@BethPavlik omg thanku I will research that

[@RedScareClair]

Just found you today and while i find most of what you said to be great, you did make me cringe a bit with the "when are we going to use this in real life" point. It's not you, btw - it's whenever i hear this point. I'm a science and healthcare person and i wanna cry in biology major all the time when i see people do very basic stuff incorrectly. One example, every year a story hits the news about someone clearing out a Walmart or McDonald's because they mixed ammonia or some other chemical with bleach. My mom and my MIL used to do this as well but couldn't figure out why they were coughing and had to run out of the kitchen. It's very easy to make a deadly gas when you mix things with bleach. Yet i hear all the time, when am i going to use chemistry? It's under your kitchen cabinets, it's in your medicines, it's everywhere all the time. Another example is i constantly see people recommend mixing vinegar and baking soda to use as a cleaner. But if you know basic chemistry you know that you've just neutralized those chemicals and from a disinfectant standpoint. But your point is taken - one of the biggest downfalls of education, imo, is that teachers generally fail to teach kids application so that they care to learn the subject.

[@argeliaanchondo9907]

I learn a new word☺️thank you

[@BethPavlik]

You’re welcome 😊

[@TocadoSaber]

Brazil. No Estado do Rio Grande do Sul.

[@owlbookworld5041]

So, what about science and history? Especially when you can’t travel to teach them about the history of things.

[@BethPavlik]

I have a video about history: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fZDQkn2LZ6lpi5I For science I am working on a video about how to unschool that. Thanks for asking!

[@verleejenkins]

We are in Fayetteville, AR! I am a homeschool Nana to 3 of my grandkids age 13, 11 and 10. We homeschooled our 5 children and did mostly unschooling but also used Christian Light. My 3 grands struggle with paperwork, so I have been researching Charlotte Mason again. In doing so, your video popped up on google! I'm watching your video on one's who don't want to leave their device because my 3 play games all day long, if allowed! God bless

[@BethPavlik]

Thanks for saying hi! I hope you find what you’re looking for. 😊

[@cynthiab9229]

So will you be letting go of having your child learn division of fractions by another fraction? 🤔😂

[@ravenevans6268]

This video was awesome, I really liked it. My only question is, isn't there something important to be taught in self discipline when it comes to doing and learning something you are not interested in.

[@BethPavlik]

I think the key is kids knowing that something has purpose behind it.