My laptop, which has been with me for over four years, has finally split and fried to an outdated child’s toy. I think we should all take a moment and reflect on his, it was a he, great and wonderful existence.
My internet life will not be as prolific since my direct access is torn from me. My email’s will slime like snails and I will probably not be updating as frequently.
The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn and relearn.
- Alvin Toffer (via howtodropoutofschool)
To admit authorities, however heavily furred and gowned, into our libraries and let them tell us how to read, what to read, what value to place upon what we read, is to destroy the spirit of freedom which is the breath of those sanctuaries.
- Virginia Woolf, “How One Should Read a Book” (via howtodropoutofschool)
I really think you can’t progress as a writer unless you read, and the ideal time to read is when you can read generously. It didn’t even occur to me that I could have a book of my own in the library someday. That’s how you should read.
- David Sedaris
I am learning all the time. The tombstone will be my diploma.
- Eartha Kitt (via howtodropoutofschool)
So, you’ve taken the plunge. You’ve dropped out of school, sidestepped highschool, or decided it’s time for your textbooks to go. You’re a full-blown unschooler—and you’re bored. Perhaps you miss the mental stimulation of that one class you enjoyed last semester, or maybe you feel guilty because you don’t know what to do with your time.
Those new to unschooling can quickly fall into stagnation. Don’t let this be you! Here are five ways to stimulate your mind and imagination.
1) Obsess. Once you find something you enjoy, immerse yourself in it. Study every aspect of it. Embrace your phases. When I was six or seven, I had Chinese phase. I made a model of the Great Wall of China, learned about the Chinese zodiac, and set up an “exhibit” in my bedroom, which I made my mother film me explaining. Obsessions are catalysts to deeper understanding of the world as a whole.
2) Set open-ended goals. Instead of setting yourself goals like “finish my history textbook by May”, set goals that encourage exploration. Resolve to read a biography a month, or watch one Ted Talk a day, or watch a documentary every week.
3) Conquer a list. Interested in movie making? Make it a goal to watch all of Time’s best 100 films. Liberal arts? Read through a Great Books list.
4) Take an nontraditional class. Within a few miles of my house there are lessons on belly dancing, drawing, basket weaving, photography, rock climbing, and dozens of other non-academic classes. You won’t be graded, you can drop out of any class you don’t like, and the timing is much more flexible than in your typical high school.
And whatever you choose, remember—You’re not a conventional student—don’t compare yourself to one. You don’t have to work eight hours a day; you don’t have to write essays and constantly scribble equations. Trust yourself. You know when you’re learning. You don’t need numbers and letters to prove progress.By Renee
The mind is not a vessel to be filled but a fire to be kindled.
- Plutarch (via howtodropoutofschool)
it’s just amazing how school is advertised as this place where you grow and learn and better yourself and your future but really it’s just a place that makes you feel like shit and lowers your self esteem and then puts you into the world with a piece of paper and severe anxiety
(Source: jamescarstair)
It is absolutely ridiculous for me, on a holiday weekend, to be hunched over my phone hacking out a response instead of spending time with my Grand Parents. However, I feel I can no longer avoid this controversy.
I’ll keep this short.
1. I thought, the tumblr editors would be well aware of this project. Otherwise, i would’ve been clearer. It also clearly states the purpose of this project on every edzedomega site, including the teens blog. This project is HUGE- bigger than tumblr. I’m honestly shocked the editors haven’t heard of it.
2. Real students, myself included, often ask the listed teens questions and use this innovative medium to discuss education. This brilliant social experiment has gotten teens involved in a way the #education tag hasn’t been able to. (And yes, we’re well aware this is an experiment) My hope, in including those blogs, was that the editors would see this discussion and feature them- thus encouraging more teens to participate.
3. The purpose of that list, and this whole controversy was to widen and deepen the tumblr #education tag. Edzedomega, and the blogs listed, have deepened this discussion regardless of method.
You guys know I love these debates, but I really can’t participate until the end of the holiday weekend. I’ll pop up a video Monday.
I’m sorry if i offended everyone, this wasn’t my intent :)
About Life in the Woods.
