Choosing Roots
How do we know whether Roots, or unschooling in general, is for our family?
This is a highly individual choice, and we believe that for the most meaningful experience of education -- and life in general -- taking the time to understand what you value and then living congruently with it is paramount.
Here are reasons some choose to participate:
- Educational and artistic resources
- Belonging to the greater community
- Social opportunities
- Multi-age interaction rather than age-based segregation
- Flexible structure that allows youth to be responsible for his/her own learning, yet able to request and help create a certain amount of structure in their learning day.
- Educational opportunities and apprenticeships
- Democratic process -- all youth participate in the general aspects of how the school is run. youth and staff together define the rules of conduct and behavior, as well as create and amend school laws.
- Focus on sustainable living/ecologically and economically viable alternatives.
Is Roots right for my family?
The decision to begin self-directed learning is not easy. It requires a deep commitment to the personal abilities and responsibilities of the individual. At ROOTS, we understand how difficult the transition can be. We offer advice and planning skills to help your family mold this experience into a positive and productive one. We believe that a few basic understandings will allow your child to really flourish, academically and personally.
1. A person who guides his own educational process is much more likely to retain the information.
When the individual has a personal stake in what she is learning, education feels more like living!
2. Everyone has their own learning style.
It’s important to expand the idea of “educational” beyond the typical teacher/lecture setting. ROOTS facilitators are available to explore learning with emphasis in all of the multiple intelligences.
3. The most important aspect of learning is knowing how to attain a goal.
In this age of technology, young people have the ability to access information very quickly and with great ease. We encourage young people to find out how they can help themselves by developing their critical thinking skills. When one knows how to acknowledge her goals and find the tools to achieve them, she has truly begun the learning process.
Parent & Youth Perspectives
From Charlie, Roots Mom
Our son Tyler had gone thru 8 years of public school. We had known for years it wasn't working for him. He has learning problems and his needs weren't being met at school. In fact he was being shut out more and more.
Tyler became angry and put up this front to protect himself. And then one day Jerry and I went to a garage sale to raise money for Roots. We had no idea what that was. But the people running it (turned out to be Liz and some parents) were super nice and explained about their school and how the kids were free to chose to learn what they wanted. They explained how the kids made the rules and worked out problems. Jerry and I just looked at each and said "This is what we have been looking for!"
We knew from the first moment that Roots was what Tyler needed. But I was still caught up in the whole "your child NEEDS to be in public school" thing. I tried to keep Tyler in public school but he wanted to go to Roots and we knew in our hearts it was right for him. So within a couple of month of learning about Roots we were applying for one of the open spots.
How is it working for you? Do you experience meeting your main needs & objectives through your participation with Roots? If not, are you proactively meeting your needs in other ways?
Better that we even hoped for!!!!! Tyler has turned his life around. He is happy again and fun to be around. I give full credit to Liz, the other staff, volunteers, the students and even the pets. Tyler has developed an interest in so many things. He's excited about going to Roots every day.
Are there any areas you'd like to see Roots expand or grow beyond its current manifestation?
Year around program!!!!! Just kidding.
Is there anything you'd like to recommend to someone who is considering Roots, to support them in their discernment process?
Check out the school, talk to us parents and the kids.