"Birds fly, fish swim, man thinks and learns. Therefore, we do not need to motivate children into learning by wheedling, bribing or bullying. We do not need to keep picking away at their minds to make sure they are learning. What we need to do, and all we need to do, is bring as much of the world as we can into their lives; give children as much help and guidance as they ask for; listen respectfully when they feel like talking; and then get out of the way. We can trust them to do the rest." John Holt in How Children Learn
It's hard to explain what the Northeast Unschooling Conference is like. There's joy and there's chaos, laughter and tears, lots of silliness, hugs all over the place, play, learning, fun, and struggle.
There are wise speakers and explorers all over the place. There are fun things to do. There are unschooled teens who will take your breath away.
There's the Talent Show, where performers from professional musicians to two year olds doing somersaults to well, interesting acts, are equally admired. There's the picnic, where everyone relaxes and chats and plays.
Check out the pictures and videos, and read some of the words of past attendees, but the best thing is to experience it yourself.
"It was my first conference, although we have been unschooling 7 years and my kids have never been to school, and I felt ENERGIZED and RENEWED that we are soo on the right path..and it made me *want* to go to more conferences throughout the whole country, if possible. It was so great to see other mindful happy parents and confident and HAPPY young people."
