What is unschooling homeschooling?
Research from the National Home Education Research Institute (NHERI) shows that homeschooled students typically score 15 to 25 percentile points higher than public school students on standardized academic achievement tests. A survey of 232 unschooling families by Boston College researcher Peter Gray found that 83% of grown unschoolers pursued higher education, and the majority reported that the self-direction they developed as children was a significant advantage in college and careers (Gray & Riley, 2015).
Unschooling homeschooling is an approach that allows children to learn through their own interests and experiences rather than following a traditional curriculum. Coined by educator John Holt in the 1970s, unschooling emphasizes that learning happens naturally in everyday life, whether through cooking, playing, reading, or exploring. The idea is to provide an environment rich in resources and opportunities, while parents act as facilitators rather than instructors.
Core principles
Unschooling is rooted in several key principles that guide how families approach education. Here are a few to consider:
1. Child-Led Learning
At the heart of unschooling is the belief that children learn best when they are free to follow their own interests. This means they can explore subjects that excite them, whether it's art, science, or history. For example, if your child is fascinated by dinosaurs, you can encourage them to read books, watch documentaries, or even visit a museum.
2. Natural Learning
Unschooling embraces natural learning, which occurs through everyday activities. Cooking a meal can teach math and science, while playing with friends can enhance social skills. You don’t need to set formal lessons; learning happens organically as kids engage with the world around them. This approach aligns well with Natural Learning.
3. Deschooling
Deschooling is the transition period when families move away from traditional schooling methods. It typically lasts about one month for every year a child spent in school. During this time, children can decompress from the structured environment of a classroom, allowing them to rediscover their interests and passions. For more details on this phase, check out our article on Deschooling.
4. Facilitator Role of Parents
In unschooling, parents take on the role of facilitators. This means providing resources, encouragement, and support rather than direct instruction. You might help your child find a book on a topic they’re curious about or set up playdates that stimulate social learning. Your involvement is crucial, but it should be more about guidance than teaching.
5. Learning Through Experience
Unschooling emphasizes experiential learning. This means that real-world experiences are valued as highly as traditional academic knowledge. Traveling, volunteering, or even tackling household projects can be educational opportunities. For instance, planning a family trip could incorporate geography, history, and budgeting skills.
How to get started
Starting your unschooling journey can feel overwhelming, but breaking it down into manageable steps can help:
Step 1: Research and Understand
Begin by reading books and articles about unschooling. Familiarize yourself with key figures like John Holt, Sandra Dodd, and Peter Gray. This foundational knowledge will help you feel more confident in your choice.
Step 2: Assess Your Child's Interests
Take some time to observe your child and identify their interests. What grabs their attention? What do they love to talk about? Keep a journal to note these observations. This will guide your unschooling approach.
Step 3: Create a Resource-Rich Environment
Set up your home to encourage exploration. Stock up on books, art supplies, science kits, and educational games. Consider creating a dedicated learning space that feels inviting and stimulating.
Step 4: Embrace the Deschooling Period
If your child has been in a traditional school setting, allow for a deschooling phase. Give them time to unwind and explore their interests without pressure. This can be a month or longer, depending on your child's needs.
Step 5: Engage and Support
As a facilitator, your role is to engage with your child’s interests. Ask questions, provide resources, and connect them with others who share similar passions. This could involve joining local groups or online communities.
Step 6: Be Flexible and Adapt
Remember that unschooling is not a rigid system. Be open to changing your approach based on what works best for your family. If something isn’t resonating, try a different method or resource.
A typical day / What it looks like
A day in an unschooling household can look vastly different from one in a traditional school setting. Here’s an example of what a typical day might involve:
Morning
Your child wakes up and decides they want to learn about marine biology. After breakfast, you take a trip to the local aquarium. They explore various exhibits, ask questions, and take notes on their favorite sea creatures.
Afternoon
Back home, your child feels inspired to create a poster about dolphins. You provide art supplies and let them take the lead on how they want to design it. They might research facts online, read books, or watch videos to gather information.
Evening
Later, you gather as a family for dinner. Your child presents their poster and shares what they’ve learned. This sparks a discussion about ocean conservation, leading to a decision to volunteer for a local cleanup event next weekend.
Pros and cons
Just like any educational method, unschooling has its benefits and challenges. Here’s a balanced look at both sides:
Pros
- Fosters Independence: Children learn to take charge of their own education, cultivating a sense of responsibility.
- Encourages Deep Learning: Kids can dive deeply into subjects they are passionate about, leading to a richer understanding.
- Reduces Stress: Without grades and tests, children often experience less anxiety around learning.
- Flexible Schedule: Families can tailor their days to fit their own rhythms and schedules.
- Real-World Skills: Learning through experiences often leads to practical skills that are useful in everyday life.
Cons
- Lack of Structure: Some children may struggle without a set schedule or goals, leading to feelings of aimlessness.
- Parental Involvement Required: Parents must be actively engaged, which can be challenging for busy families.
- Socialization Concerns: Finding opportunities for social interaction can require extra effort.
- Varied Learning Paces: Children may progress at different rates, which can cause concerns about readiness for higher education.
- Misunderstanding from Others: Friends and family may not understand the unschooling approach, leading to potential criticism.
Resources and curriculum
While unschooling doesn't rely on traditional curricula, there are plenty of resources to support your journey. Here are some recommendations:
- Books: "How Children Learn" by John Holt is a classic that explores the philosophy behind unschooling. Sandra Dodd’s "Big Book of Unschooling" is another great resource filled with insights and practical tips.
- Online Communities: Join forums or Facebook groups for unschooling families. These can be invaluable for sharing experiences, resources, and advice.
- Websites: Check out sites like the Alliance for Self-Directed Education for articles, resources, and community support.
- Curriculum-Free Kits: Companies like "Life of Fred" offer math resources that can be fun and engaging without formal instruction.
For a full list of homeschool methods, visit our methods page.
Next steps
As you embark on your unschooling journey, remember that it's about discovering what works best for your family. Explore the ideas of Child-Led Learning and continue your understanding of Deschooling to help ease the transition. Embrace the adventure of learning together, and enjoy the unique path your family will take!
