Northeast Unschooling Conference - In Pictures...

Rockin' Interviews

This week I have been Interviewed 3 times about Radical Unschooling and my book. One was for the Baltimore Sun, which should be published this week.

The other two are here.

Holistic Family Radical Unschooling with Author, Speaker, and Mother Dayna Martin 25/08/2009 20:00 - 1hr30min Unschooling philosophy holds that children are natural learners, they learn all the time, and they learn most effectively through inner motivation. Unschooling children may use a variety of methods, including the use of conventional educational materials, to accomplish their learning goals. The key is that it is child-directed learning, or natural learning. The role of an unschooling parent is to support their children's interests, trust their children to make decisions for themselves, and help their children accomplish their goals, which may include answering questions, finding answers, giving instruction or guidance, and locating apprenticeship opportunities or other sources of knowledge and experience. "Radical Unschooling is an evolution of our understanding about learning and the rights and respect of children. We are on the cusp of change and many people are looking for alternatives to the traditional schooling model. With Unschooling, we are reprioritizing. We are taking back our freedom and putting happiness, connection and family first!" Dayna Martin.

Listen to this Interview here.

LeadingEdgeParenting
Radical Unschooling: Dayna Martin leads a Revolution
19/08/2009 19:00 - 1 hr
Just back from the first ever Unschooling Conference in London, Dayna shares the radical concepts based on the belief that children learn best when internally motivated. As keynote speaker of the conference Dayna is an expert on a movement that trusts children's ability to learn through their passions. What? No more tests? What a concept! Join us as we learn the connection between The Law of Attraction and Radical Unschooling.

Listen to this Interview here.

Rockin' the Log!

Last week was Madison Old Home Week. On Sunday there was a beach party with Dj and several different competitions and contests. Devin really wanted to compete in the log rolling competition this year. He never has before.

Before he competed he meditated. He really wanted to win, so I spent some time with him talking about his feelings and reminded him that he could *feel* what it already felt like to win and go into it with that feeling.

He also spent some time Segment Intending, which is is taking the time to pre-think certain segments of your day. Most people solely focusing on their big goals and dreams. Segment intending tells you to mentally walk through tasks that you have a certain goal with. This is exactly what many Olympic athletes do before they compete, although they may call it something different.

When it came time for the log roll, Devin was steady and relaxed and very Zen in his approach which was a stark contrast to the other boys his age with an aggressive, competitive attitude toward competing. My long-haired, sweet, smiling boy was so cute up there with all of the other boys. It was a day I will never forget.

Devin one 1st place and received his first trophy. He was so proud of himself, as you can see!

The Next Design Star!

Tiff has had an interest in fashion and clothes for as long as I can remember. She usually adds things to her clothes to make them more like *Her*. She adds yarn and ribbons and cuts things to fit a vision she creates in her mind. She loves hats, is crazy about shoes, and has a huge selection of hair accessories, make-up and jewelery.

I nurture this passion of hers in many ways. I bought her a professional style make-up and accessory kit. She keeps it so organized. We shop thrift stores for clothes and fabrics that spark her creativity.

I recently bought her something she just loved... A Doll Design Kit. The kit came with cardboard dolls, tons of fabrics, glue, beads and feathers among many other fabulous tools for her passion.

She spent hours designing the perfect clothing for each doll. I loved to watch her Sparkle when she measured, cut and glued the fabric to dolls.

One of my passions is to come up with new ways to nurture my children's interests. I love how their passions are always evolving, flowing and growing.

Three of My Favorite Childhood Toys

I remember so many toys from my childhood! I thought it would be fun to share some of my favorites.

I remember the Christmas when I received my Strawberry Shortcake, "Berry Happy Home". I spent hours a day playing with this awesome doll house. I loved the porch swing!



This Barbie motorhome is set up almost exactly like our motorhome! (well the one we had before we hit the deer a few months ago). I can remember bringing it outside and playing with it for hours. One summer I wanted some money for something, so I had a little yard sale. I sold this for $5 to a girl next door. When my yard sale was over I regretted selling this so much that I knocked on the girls door and offered her $10 to buy it back. It was all the money I made that day. I SO loved this thing!



My sweet Holly Hobby Easy Bake Oven. My favorite thing to make in this was Saltine crackers with melted American cheese. I has this for years and I remember using it as a play kitchen too.


It's so interesting that one of my favorite toys as a child was my play kitchen and now that is what we have for a home business!

My dream home, RV and toy kitchen... I hadn't realized until now how so much of what I played with as a child helped to form who I am today!

The Sandcastle Contest

Devin and Tiff entered the yearly sandcastle contest at our local beach.

Joe helped Devin create a fortress and Joe's Mom assisted Tiff in her creation of an alligator.

They weren't upset when they didn't win. In fact, they were so happy for the winners that Devin went over to congratulate them!

Something Joe and I have lived for years and something we are seeing emerge in our children is that we..... Celebrate other's accomplishments as if they were your own.

The kids took just as much Joy and appreciation for someone else winning than they would if they won themselves. (Of course, I thought they should have won!) ;)

The Martin's Rock the UK!

London Unschooling Conference

One of the main reasons that we went to London was that I was invited to be the Keynote Speaker at the London Unschooling Conference. It was a fabulous experience and it was so amazing to meet so many families from all over the world.

There were Unschooling families from Germany, Italy, Hungary, India and the UK. Speaking in such a forum was so different and interesting. I was honored to be a voice and advocate of Unschooling at such a monumental, historical event.

European Transport

Experiencing British transportation was so different than what we are used to. We do not even have city buses where we live out in the country in New Hampshire.

From riding the rails of the trains to the hustle and bustle of the British Underground, our family experienced it all. The kids were in awe of the speed of the trains and the people crammed on the subway. We took in all in with great joy and enthusiasm.

Visiting Grandparent's English Garden Home

I will never forget when we stepped through the gate to my Mothers home in England. It was magical! I've heard so much about English Garden homes, but it wasn't until we arrived in Quadring, Lincolnshire that I experienced how amazing her home and back yard was.

The kids were in awe of their Grammy's home, gardens and fish ponds. I am so grateful for the time my children got to spend at their grandparents house enjoying yummy food and relaxing times together.

The Sparkling Martin's European Vacation

Traveling to Europe with four kids was easier than one would think. Where are together all day, everyday so, traveling was actually easy and fun.

We just returned from two weeks overseas. It was a very special time together because we got to see my Moms house in the UK and spend tons of time with her and my step-Dad. I was also honored to be the Keynote Speaker at the first ever Unschooling Conference in Europe on July 25th.

Here we are on the flight over to England. We were on the plane for almost 8 hours and the kids did great! We flew Virgin Airlines. The food was awesome and there were TV screens on the back of every seat, so the kids could choose from 50 movies and video games. It was luxury!