Child-led learning leads to school

  I've never liked the term "unschooling" because although it indicates an absence of school, the impression is that there's an absence of learning. Some people use the term child-led learning, which sounds a little p.c. to me, but the label does a good job to explain the mindset of an unschooling parent.
  So, what do you do if for nine years, you've been letting your children lead the way, and then they say what they want to learn about is school? Sign them up for school, I guess, which is what I did on Monday.
  Gameboy will start sixth grade, and Princess will start third grade after the winter break. The change started with Gameboy, really, and I knew — absolutely knew it — that if he went to school, she'd want to go, too. It's not that they'll be at the same school; it's just that if he goes, she'll want to.
  My homeschooling friends are really surprised by the decision. Some are probably closer to shocked, some pretty negative. But I can't imagine just telling the kids, "Trust me guys, I've been to school, and you don't want to go there." They can see for themselves; maybe they'll like it. If they don't, they don't have to stay. I'll probably encourage them to finish out the year, though. You can't really give something a try unless you commit to it for awhile.
  My guess is that they will like it. They both seem quite social, more so than me. Whenever they're cast in a play, they feed off the energy of the crowd. They pose for photos with arms around their cast-mates, goofing around and enjoying the collaboration.
  They're both worried that they won't know enough stuff to do well on tests. I told them, "Oh, there is no way you're going to be the dumbest one in the class." I immediately took back that indelicate statement. "Just because you're doing poorly in school doesn't make you dumb. I was just trying to be funny saying it that way — and don't call people dumb!" (Good grief. But you know what I mean, right?)
  Gameboy had to choose either band, orchestra or choir. He quickly chose choir and the counselor said, "Oh, good, they're always looking for male voices." I later told him, "You know what she's really saying, right? Most of the boys don't want to be in choir." He said he understood and that he's fine with that. I think it's a smart move, too, because I suspect what got us into this in the first place is that school is where they have girls.