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should a Charlotte Mason homeschool be completely unplugged?
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“Yes – Missing the Shire is my name partly because of LOTR but mostly because I actually come from the Shires, Warwickshire to be exact and I miss it terribly and always will.”
Of course you must! What a treasure that you were able to grow up there!
We kept parental controls on until they hit 16, and by then I knew that they would be ok with just the regular safe buttons on the various search engines…occasionally even now something gross pops up, but they ignore it and carry on – we have talked over all this stuff. Earlier on we watched and observed closely, but they have always had careful natures and so were not keen to delve into the social media/online community gaming/or darker side of the internet. Communication between us has always been huge, we have always talked about everything and anything, no subject has ever been off the table and they were warned early what was out there. For their last reseatch papers a lot of their research was either first person or online. My one daughter likes making little movies and likes to add music to movies, so they use it for that kind of thing. Your situation was different to mine, your children are young in the computer age, mine had no access at that age at all, neither did I – so you are walking a different path to me anyway. Linda
I have this struggle myself… My husband is a techie person. He’s a software engineer and likes all the newest electronis toys. (you don’t want to know how many computers we have in this house–some of which are hand-me-downs when he upgraded his.
) So my kids have grown up with more technology than I’d llike. I, on the other hand would to be less plugged-in, but I do appreciate DVDs and stuff to help me teach subjects that aren’t as easy to teach myself (upper level math for example.) So, I do use technology, but don’t depend on it entirely. I think in this day and age where it’s so prevelant, it’s a good balance so they can function well with both techology and the “old fashioned” way of doing things educationally. lol I’d MUCH rather use it for educational purposes than watching junk on t.v., tons of videos games, etc. Hello again!
I know this thread has been buried for a while, but, on the off-chance that anyone else has had the same question/concern about Math U See, I wanted to give a little update to say that I have taught all of Alpha and Beta now without using the DVDs. I’ve started into Gamma this year, and am finding it totally do-able to teach using the Instruction Manual alone. I actually just sold all our DVDs last week.
Anyway, might be useful to anyone wondering if they can do this program unplugged and/or to anyone who has an opportunity to buy the Instruction Manuals off of someone who only uses the DVDs.
Not wanting to re-hash any of this. Just leaving this tip here for anyone else who might be helped by it.
September
My husband is a computer programmer, my oldest son is technologically-savvy, and all of my kids use technology amply in their school. We read lots of books, we spend lots of time together working on school, and I love that they are able to get a quality math education with Teaching Textbooks, or practice their math drills independently with XtraMath. When we get done reading a story about the Golden Gate Bridge, we look forward to finding an interesting video about it on YouTube. Technology enhances our learning, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
We do use technology in our house for learning we have a YR1 student so I am still in charge and haven’t gotten to the point of, “You may NOT go to this site or that site.” We do let them play games, more learning rather than mindless pop the bubble type of games. Their favorite on the iPad right now is a couple of games that only speak in french. Honestly in the world we are in it think it hinders a child if not taught how and when to use it, it is not an all day thing but can be a great help. For now with littles I am in charge of what their eyes will see through the internet and on TV (which they are losing interest in right now) when they are older I will teach them the rules and they will know their responsibilities with such privileges. What technology will be when they get that age, I can only guess and I am sure we will have to adjust multiple times.
on a personal note- My family did not have a computer when I was in middle and High school and I was VERY uncomfortable using them at school because I didn’t know what to do, and then when I learned more I was still very unsure and constantly needed someone to help me even with simple tasks. I don’t want to purposely hinder my children in the future for the world that exists outside of our little home of bliss. I don’t want them to go to a job and be clueless and timid of a computer or some other technology based item. But like many others have said what I teach my kids is what I teach my kids and what you teach yours is what your teach yours and both are just fine, best part of homeschool is that you make it work for you and your family
I just read thru the discussion — and I know the intent is to NOT re-hash it. I just wanted to say that it’s a good discussion to have with ourselves every once in a while. I think it’s good to take inventory and question ourselves as to whether our ideals concerning technology are matching our lives concerning technology.
🙂 Where we live, the Amish, who don’t have electricity or rubber tires, have access to the internet via their iPhones (which they’re allowed to have to do business)…….. And that is filed under “Things that Make You Say Hmmmmmmm.”
Love how the Amish, who do not have electricity have iPhones. They must use them very sparingly since they don’t have plug ins to charge them back up and likely have to wait until getting to a shop someplace
This kind of steered me away from Waldorf – the completely unplugged stuff. My 7 year old LOVES Wild Kratts and when we went to the zoo last week, so she recognized animals and reptiles I had no idea about and could spout of so many facts about them. She’s a very auditory learner, and if she’s learning some things from TV, why not? Some days I guess my kids probably do watch too much TV, but most days we’re doing fine. We’re active, spend time outside, keep up with our school work, so I feel that it’s OK to unwind and be entertained. I know that sometimes I need some “thoughtless” time myself. I think, as with everything else, balance is key.
) So my kids have grown up with more technology than I’d llike. I, on the other hand would to be less plugged-in, but I do appreciate DVDs and stuff to help me teach subjects that aren’t as easy to teach myself (upper level math for example.) So, I do use technology, but don’t depend on it entirely. I think in this day and age where it’s so prevelant, it’s a good balance so they can function well with both techology and the “old fashioned” way of doing things educationally. lol I’d MUCH rather use it for educational purposes than watching junk on t.v., tons of videos games, etc. 
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