New page in the tabs above

I've included a page on the focus of the event, following a kind and reasonable request for a description.

http://allunschoolingminnesota2013.blogspot.com/p/focus.html (or if you're reading at the blog, click the "focus" tab above)

My intention isn't to provide an introduction for people who don't know anything about unschooling. It will be easiest and most peaceful if there are no raw beginners, but it's a symposium for unschoolers, rather than an introductory event.

If someone is already registered, though, or really wants to attend, and unschooling IS new, the "help" link on the page above will help. The best current intro is Pam Laricchia's, and if you sign up now, you'll have time to receive most of it before the symposium! It's a timed series of introductory e-mails, elegantly designed. I really like it. http://www.livingjoyfully.ca
And there's more about Pam Laricchia in an interview I did for the California HomeSchool Network's magazine:http://sandradodd.com/hsc/interviews/paml

questions, and a photo

I've added a photo to the Fender Family introduction.

Between now and our gathering, please consider very brief answers to these questions. I'd like to do a couple of intro rounds on Friday, alternating with some introductory (fairly basic) unschooling ideas from the speakers. No participant will be required to speak. "Pass" is fine. :-) You can just gesture us away if someone asks you a question, but I will be inviting those who are willing to share something personal.

I will probably ask for people to name a person or two who helped them move toward being a better parent, or understanding unschooling better. Sometimes a friend who didn't even go on to become an unschooler can have said something that helped us substantially. For me, two La Leche League Leaders and a friend who didn't end up unschooling said things that were very short, but that caused me to think very differently. I will name them, there, in that round. We can fill the room with simple gratitude.

Another question I think would be helpful in a go-around-the-room way (and you can pass) is "What do you wish you had known sooner?" Think of something if you can, and of a way to word it succinctly so that others in the room then Have It. :-) We can fill the room with wisdom.

And on Friday I'll collect questions in writing for the Saturday sessions, and share them out with Jill and Alex. One or two of us can address each question any participant might have.

Reminder and *sorry*!

Remember to send a bio and photos if you want (more photos can be added, too): Send them to me at Sandra @ SandraDodd dot com

We're not allowed any snacks in the public areas of the hotel, so please remember to have snacks in your rooms or (if you're not staying in the hotel) in your car, in case kids get hungry. Food can help keep the peace. :-)

I've changed the settings for comments, because of some spam, so if you leave a comment please allow for a few hours (half a day at nighttime) for me or to see it and let it through. Sorry some of you got copies of the spam posts.

I'll thank her again, but I wanted to say how grateful I am to Alex Polikowsky for finding the water park for us, and helping to organize things, and to Jill Parmer for going with me to inspire you all and share stories of older unschoolers'experiences!