Hey there, followers.

It's been a while. Let me update you.

Kat is on hiatus right now, and has been for a little while.  I (Renee) am elbows-deep in higher education. That means it's been kind of quiet around here--sorry about that.

It also means there's plenty of space for new writers and contributors!

If you're a self-educating young person, please submit it for publication.  Nothing fancy: if you tell the story, I'll polish it up.

Want to try your hand at graphic design?  Make us some original graphics.

Got a fascinating story to tell or some solid advice for rabid learners?  Please, message me or use the submit function.

I can't wait to hear from you all!

~Renee

Five Resources for Online, Interactive Learning

1) View scans of hundred of ancient books with Rare Book Room's massive collection.  The website is easy to navigate and will leave you wandering from classics like A Midsummer Night's Dream to drawings of Renaissance naturalists.

2) Google Earth is a rich resource for exploring foreign streets.  Virtually visit the Great Pyramid at Giza, Stonehenge, and the Statue of Liberty in panoramic glory.

3) From Occupy protests to the Great wall of China, Panoramas.dk hosts stunning panoramas.  The immersive photos are the best alternative to visiting historical sites yourself.

4) Quizlet allows you to explore and create learning tools for free.  The online tool will help you create flashcards, quizzes, and drill games, while giving you access to materials other learners have already compiled.

5) Education Portal helps you learn basic highschool and college level courses through short animated videos, transcripts, and quizzes.

~Kirsten Hubbard, Wanderlove

“Study without desire spoils the memory, and it retains nothing that it takes in.”~Leonardo da Vinci

Educational Philosophies: Charlotte Mason Education

Over the next few weeks we'll take a look at several different educational philosophies and some suggestions for working them into your education. This week we're starting off with the theories of British teacher and educational reformer Charlotte Mason.

Charlotte is considered by some to be the founder of modern home education.  She advocated gentle learning through literature and the arts and encouraged daily nature walks, oral summaries, sketching, and quality literature. Unfortunately, Charlotte’s writings mostly focus on younger learners.  If her philosophy appeals to you, it’s simple to work her ideas into a self-made education.

-Read living Books.  Ditch the textbooks and instead look for engaging books written by experts.  On the Origins of Species (Science/History), How to Read Literature Like a Professor (English), and The Poisoner’s Handbook (Chemistry/History) are all living books. -Get outside.  Charlotte understood that fresh air is invigorating for body and soul.  Take advantage of the next sunny day and head out for a walk, sketch some flowers, or bring your books outside. -Enjoy the arts.  The arts thrive outside of classrooms!  Join a ballet class, start violin lessons, or sign up for drawing 101 at the community college.  If in-depth study of one particular form isn’t your style, why not spend a rainy day wandering through an art museum? Learn to embrace beauty whenever and wherever you see it. For more information about a Charlotte Mason education, visit: www.simplycharlottemason.com www.amblesideonline.org

By Renee

Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself.

-John Dewey

Unschool Stories: Taylor Quit School, Got His GED and Travled Across America (For Free)

I dropped out of high school in 09' due to constant anti-gay hate. Five close friends of mine also left- it was an intolerant environment and a negative start.

I joined job corps to get my GED. My professor was a retired Johnson and Wales teacher, so it was like getting the college experience in 5 months.  The entire process was free: the GED, the courses and the room&board. 

After graduating from job corps, I applied online to Americorps NCCC and spent 10 months travelling around the US working on community service projects. As a ten person team we worked in state parks, helped build homes with habitat for humanity and did environmental work. 

I absorbed more than I ever did sitting at a desk. The sense of community is what's missing in the world- It needs attention and care. Dropping out of school turned out to be the best 'start' of my life.

-Taylor

If anyone has questions feel free to ask

Check Out Taylor's Blog Submit your unschooling story!

Homeschooling For Excellence

A Quick Word On The SAT.

The vast majority of questions i get concern the SAT- how can an unschooler, or any self-educated individual, hope to pass the most mythologized test?

It's simple: learn the material.

The SAT publishes a static list of topics that appear on the test. You don't need to sit in school for years to prepare- you just have to review the topics you're familiar with and learn the ones you don't know.

These concepts are not hard. Math goes no higher than Algebra 2. Writing dosen't test High School topics. You read that correctly, the writing multiple choice questions are at a middle school level.

Then practice. Buy the infamous blue book and take every test. Time yourself, prepare and get used to the layout. The hardest part of the SAT is not the material but the stamina.  Build the skills to sit through a three hour and forty five minute test and you'll be golden.

This test can be beat. Learn the material, practice and relax. 

"Self-education is, I firmly believe, the only kind of education there is." -Issac Asimov

Jim Rohn